About this experience
- Tour by bike
- 3 hrs
- Group size: 5 – 8
- €110.00
What are the similarities between the Amish people in North America and the Staphorst community in the province of Overijssel? Both are very close knit, pious and some still wear typical traditional costumes. There is no village in the Netherlands about which so many clichés exist as Staphorst. For more than a century, the village has been a magnet for artists, writers, painters, filmmakers and the media. An image has developed both locally and abroad which does represent the real identity of the village and the villagers. During this experience, journalist and filmmaker Geertjan, who was born and raised in Staphorst, is able to present an in-depth and different view about his village and the people who live here, and dispel some of the myths. He will reveal his fascination with the dichotomies of image and identity, and of dark and light, the magic of the village and its contradictions.
Experience description
Staphorst remains a largely orthodox Calvinist village and has one of the highest church attendance rates of the Netherlands. During this experience Geertjan will show the different aspects of his village and the changes that have taken place over the years. He will introduce you to some of the locals who like to share their thoughts about their community. By way of this introduction, Geertjan hopes to present a broad view of Staphorst to his guests. What he wants is for people to look at the reality in a different way, and to overturn those seemingly undisputed images. ‘I am a storyteller, but always with a journalistic foundation.’ So, I am not an PR-agent for Staphorst. I seek to present a realistic picture, and to remove unwarranted prejudices. That is also my mission as journalist and director. I will not gloss over any issues.
For whom?
- Culture lovers
- People working in media-industry, searching for in-depth information
- Students
- Old Dutch tradition seekers
- Curious about a typical religious community
- Gain real insight and knowledge about Staphorst
This tour includes:
- A meeting with an intriguing Dutch reporter/documentary film maker
- Bike rental
What you get
- A meeting with an intriguing Dutch reporter/documentary film maker
- Insights regarding how media reports create unbalanced images
- Visiting stunning and characteristic spots
- Meeting with residents of Staphorst
- Insight into a traditional (Dutch) way of life
- Bike rental
Location
About Geertjan
As a prize winning director and investigative journalist, Geertjan produces documentaries for the Nederlandse Publieke Omroep (NPO) (Netherlands Public Broadcasting). Besides multi-tiered documentaries (Channel NPO2), he creates television stories for a broad public (Channel NPO1), and programs for young people (NPO3). Geertjan has traveled the world for his films. And yet, his roots keep calling. The countryside, the innate culture, about which he has made several films, such as the mini-series Overijssel, about religious beliefs and superstition, and Zwart IJs (Black Ice), the film about old style skating which is rooted in the countryside.
Book this experience
To make sure this experience meets your preferences and expectations, we would like to make a personalized offer. Please contact us to book this exclusive experience. We will set a suitable date in consultation with you and the host.
2 reviews for Behind the clichés of Staphorst
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Mary, Rich and Katrina –
“Beyond the cliches of Staphorst” was exactly what we were hoping for during our time in the Netherlands. A Dutch Experience (Sjoukje) took care of all the local details by suggesting activities before and after our tour, oriented us to the town, helped us rent bikes and accompanied us to the location where our host, Geertjan met us. She was responsive and easy to communicate with during the planning prior to our arrival in the Netherlands. I love that the experiences allow the participant to interact directly with educated and knowledgeable hosts. Which brings me to the second part of the review- Geertjan. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him! He started our tour by asking us what our goals were for the experience and delivered everything we requested. We met and engaged in meaningful conversations with local residents, visited a traditional home, met an artist, were guided (at our request) to vendors for traditional handmade cloth and local cheese, and were kept safe while traveling on bicycles. Most meaningful was learning about the history of the culture, the strengths and gifts of the people, and witnessing their strong connection to the land and their faith. It was a coming home experience since my ancestors were from Staphorst prior to immigrating to America in the 1800s. Geertjan is thoughtful, wise and knowledgeable and I am sure he would be capable of meeting the interests of anyone he guides.
The whole experience was the highlight of our time in the Netherlands. My only regret is that we were not in the Netherlands longer-I would have loved to participate in some of the other experiences! If we ever return, I will be consulting A Dutch Experience again.
Patricia Buurma/Warneke –
This experience was everything it promised and then more. Since my grandmother immigrated to the USA in 1903 from Staphorst, I had heard and read many accounts of what life was like then and there. Geertjan did an awesome job of introducing us to the culture of Staphorst and a number of residents. . . two of them who were familiar with my Great Grandfather’s name. The bike ride on the Main Street of Staphorst was fun and allowed me a taste of the life then and now! Geertjan was very kind and courteous to both of us and the residents of Staphorst whom we were privileged to visit with in their homes. It was an absolute delightful day during which I was able to fully connect with my Dutch/Staphorst roots! I am very very grateful for this experience!