In this issue:

Places

Baarle, one of the strangest topographical anomalies in the world. Urk, always an island at heart. The Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam, the Dutch botanical garden that changed the world. Fifty years of Ruigoord, the squatters' village that became a symbol of artistic freedom in the Netherlands.

People

The extraordinary feats of Léo Major, the French-Canadian war hero who helped liberate the Netherlands, Joke Folmer, member of the Dutch resistance. We talk to golfer Christel Boeljon.

History & Society

Bellema of Hallum from Frisian village bakery to international exporter. 

Cooking

Cooking with Mustard: Chunky Broccolisoup with 'Limburgse mosterd'; Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds; Chicken in Creamy Groningen Mustard Sauce; Mustardy Corn Fritters.

Books and Art

The royal portraits of Michiel Janszoon van Mierevelt. The Ghost of Haarlem, by Billy Eric. Novelist Mina Weijers's The Consequences.  Spotlight on Vermeer: Johannes Vermeer, Faith, Light and Reflection by Gregor J.M. Weber and Vermeer's Delft by David de Haan, Arthur K. Wheelock Jr., Babs van Eijk and Ingrid van der Wils. Singer songwriter Danny Vera's The New Now.

Columns and Cartoons

Editor's Letter; Third Culture Kid; the Dutch Dished Up; Accidentally Dutch; the Dutch Judge, Community Page.

Contributors

Melissa Adams, Edina Bijvoet, Piers Bijvoet, Tom Bijvoet, Stuart Billinghurst, Betsy Brossman, Eric Bryan, Billy Eric, Gerrit Jan Groothedde, Sonia Motisca, Alison Netsel, Bas Opdenkelder, Jesse van Muylwijck, Gerard van Wilgen, Paola Westbeek.