Moving to The Netherlands
After many years of living in Asia, Latin America, and the USA, my family and I finally settled in the country we’ve always dreamed of living in: The Netherlands. I found myself in a unique situation getting here. Having US and Dutch citizenship, my move to the Netherlands felt like a long awaited homecoming. However, it is also a new adventure because regardless of being a Dutchie, I have never lived here and have only visited the country two times in my life. So, please join me on my first impressions of the "homeland" I know little of.
Travel
Unsurprisingly, traveling within the Netherlands is very easy. Taking the train from major cities using the NS travel app allows quick and accessible exploration. However, it is pretty expensive compared to when I lived in South Korea, which also has good inner-city transportation, though you can save money through subscriptions. I use the NS Flex, which gives me 40% off on weekends and during off-peak hours for only a few euros a month. The Netherlands is also a small nation, making it easy to traverse from one part of the country to another.
Being only a 30-minute train ride from Schipol Airport also helps as it is a significant hub for air travel in Europe. In the first six months of living here, I have traveled to Scotland twice, Germany once, and I have a trip planned to Italy next month. Because of Schipol's location, most European flights take only around an hour, another perk of its location.
Lifestyle
Doe Normaal, meaning act normally, can best describe my lifestyle in the Netherlands. But, what is "normal." For me, it's balance. It is 'normaal' to bike to work and back regardless of the weather. It is 'normaal' to take lunch breaks at work and not burn yourself out. It is 'normaal' to eat cheese and brootje (breads) in small portions. Lastly, is it 'normal' to take vacations regularly. So, for me, the Dutch lifestyle shows balance in both mental and physical health.
Dutch Culture
The one thing I have noticed since living in the Netherlands is that it has many regions and sub-cultures. Limberg, Friesland, and Holland have different aesthetics and histories, which is shown through various interactions. I live in Noord-Holland, so my example will come from my experiences working and living in this region.
Dutch culture is, in fact, direct. But why? Well, the historical significance comes from its merchant past. During the golden age of trading, merchants from the port cities of Holland traversed the globe, trading in spices, mercantile, and more. When dealing with different cultures and languages, one must be straightforward in what one wants to give and take. This tradition has continued to this day. So, when the Dutch are direct, don't be offended; understand that it connects to their historical past.
Other small things that I have noticed are food and gestures. When someone wants to express their enjoyment of their meal, they wave back and forth near their ear to show it is tasty. This happens often when my baby is eating, and kind Dutch people walk up waving their ears at her, saying, "Lekker." I love this gesture and use it frequently now in a comedic fashion. Food here, however, is not that 'lekker.' Having moved here from Latin America as well as South Korea, I am used to intense flavors in my food. A piece of cheese and bread is a typical lunch I see at work. The simplicity of the meals, nevertheless, needs to be remembered with the quality of the ingredients. Fresh bread and cheese have become quite 'lekker' (as I wave my hand near my ear). But, if you do get sick of simplicity, the Netherlands also has wonderful food from around the world. My favorite is Indonesian cuisine, which is common and tastes like home to me (my grandparents are from the East Indies).
Closing Thoughts
I close my first impressions about moving to the Netherlands with excitement. I am keen to live in a land where my life can feel balanced as well as explore the country, culture, and nature within my "kleine land." I hope that anyone will also visit the Netherlands and look further than what you would typically see when visiting this nation. And as always, when doing so, explore responsibly.
By: Rainier Lee
