Dutch Americano: A Blog about Living in the Netherlands
Struggling with Dutch culture one day at a time.
Over two weeks ago, right before the government suggested stricter regulations for curbing the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, I made another trip to Amsterdam from Utrecht. Since March, this short train ride of 20 mins has become a true mental barrier. And I can imagine that this isn't just me, but many others must... Continue Reading →
Okay, so I moved to the Netherlands to experience the Dutch way of life. The typical Dutch lifestyle with "gezelligheid" (coziness). And the Netherlands is still a very cozy country, but will Dutch culture withstand the changes brought on by the infamous coronavirus? I know you're thinking the same thing about where you live right... Continue Reading →
You may have heard the saying, "when in Rome, do as Romans do." I'm a big believer in that. My family is multicultural, and I am an American from New York. But I also lived in India for many years and my family is Persian. My extended family is spread out all over the world,... Continue Reading →
Lately, people have been asking me how my recent-ish move to the Netherlands has been treating me. The question comes from both friends and strangers alike, and it makes sense! I'm from New York, the concrete jungle. I'm also very American in many ways. I like everything to be biiiiggg. Small European toilets? I can't... Continue Reading →
A guide for Americans moving to the Netherlands. 1. Get a burgerservicenummer (BSN)! The first thing you need to do right after you've moved to the Netherlands is get a BSN number. Without it, you can't get a bank account. And without a bank account, you're pretty much fucked. You can't pay for many things... Continue Reading →
It's been 3 months since I moved to the Netherlands. Even though I've visited here several times before, my primary social network is through my partner, who is Dutch. Now, granted, I'm much luckier than many other expats who complain that they never talk to Dutch people EVER, but getting to know people here has... Continue Reading →
We have now officially signed the contract to live in an apartment in the center of Utrecht-- yay! Living in an apartment in the city center in a building made centuries ago, I'm excited to live that dream! BUT, of course there's a "but", why wouldn't there be a "but", life would be so totally... Continue Reading →
Dutch Americano: A Blog about Living in the Netherlands 