paroolNov 14, 2026, 02:00

Englishwoman Gillian Elder (80) moved to Amsterdam in 1970 and watched her neighborhood change: 'People are happy living in a TikTok queue'

Eighty-year-old English expatriate Gillian Elder moved to Amsterdam in 1970 and has witnessed the significant cultural and social evolution of her De Pijp neighborhood. After decades of living in the city, she considers herself well-integrated into the local community despite its ongoing international transformation.

Culture Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

At Soba Ukou, Chef Kura's handmade buckwheat noodles are a hit

Soba Ukou, located in Amsterdam's Oud-Zuid district, offers traditional Japanese cuisine featuring handmade buckwheat noodles prepared by Chef Kura. The restaurant has received positive feedback for the deep, earthy flavors of its signature dishes.

These are the candidates to become the city's new night mayor

Amsterdam is set to hold elections for a new night mayor in late November as current officeholder Freek Wallagh steps down. The candidates include music journalist Fien Bulsing, who focuses on fostering club collaboration, and the brother duo Taj and Diès Kroon, who aim to improve ties with the city government and introduce a night metro service.

Dining out every day for a month: Kawing Tang (42) made the most of the Spaghetteria pasta pass

For their fifteenth anniversary, Spaghetteria launched a 75-euro monthly pass offering a daily pasta meal to customers. Kawing Tang, 42, took advantage of the deal by eating at the restaurant for 28 days straight, eventually finding the repetitive routine a bit awkward.

Culinary journalist Raghenie Bhawanie guides Parool readers through the toko: ‘I’m constantly discovering new things’

Journalist Raghenie Bhawanie has launched a new column in Het Parool focusing on the cultural and culinary significance of local toko shops in Amsterdam. By sharing personal experiences and insights into specialized ingredients, she aims to encourage readers to explore diverse food cultures and connect with their neighbors.

Who will be the new nightlife mayor of Amsterdam? These are the candidates: ‘It’s bizarre to move next to Paradiso and then complain about that iconic queue’

Brothers Dies and Taj Kroon are competing against Fien Bulsing for the position of night mayor of Amsterdam. The candidates presented their visions during a recent debate at Pakhuis de Zwijger, addressing challenges currently facing the city's nightlife culture.