Thoughts, tips and random advice about living in the Netherlands
It’s now been 18 months since COVID appeared in The Netherlands leading to the first lockdown here in March 2020. Even people like me who were never infected have seen changes to their lives. So here’s a summary of some of the more noticeable impacts of the pandemic on my day-to-day … Working from home…
Below a link to my second post for PerchPeek about some of the best things about relocating to The Netherlands https://www.help.perchpeek.com/post/an-introductory-guide-to-enjoy-the-netherlands
Have you heard about PerchPeek? They’re a UK- based relocation company helping thr world decide where to live. PerchPeek recently expanded their operations to The Netherlands and asked me for some essential tips for new arrivals. So here they are! https://www.help.perchpeek.com/post/7-essentials-to-know-before-relocating-to-the-netherlands
One of the recommendations many new arrivals in Amsterdam ask is for gym memberships. Many people who first arrive do not yet have a long-term address and are therefore looking for a flexible membership in order to work out close to both their temporary apartment, their office and wherever they eventually live. Or else be…
Future Cities is an photography-based exhibition running until 25th August at OBA (Amsterdam Public Library). Because it is located in the library entrance is free of charge. In Future Cities, 2 photographers look at 5 cities with rapidly growing populations. The focus is not on the usual cities we hear about but instead ones which…
This week I placed my first order with ‘Too Good To Go’. Too Good To Go is an app created by Danish entrepreneurs working towards reducing food waste. it is currently available in 12 countries including The Netherlands. Items which a restaurant, supermarket or other store can no longer sell are offered instead to users…
Parking in Amsterdam can be a challenge especially for visitors or those who have recently arrived. Street parking may be available but the meter rates are expensive and permits are only available for registered residents. If you are only in the city a few weeks or months the costs can add up. Here therefore are…
Someone recently asked on Facebook where to buy organic strawberries without plastic packaging. The last few years I avoided fresh strawberries because of the chemicals sprayed on them and the excessive plastic, so what better opportunity to investigate and maybe find them organic and plastic-free. All Dutch supermarkets stock frozen strawberries. They are sold in…
There are several necessary tasks to be undertaken when you move to a new country. But as once you have these in-hand then everything else can follow more slowly. One of the first tasks to undertake is obtaining a Dutch Tax number which is very important for everyday administrative life. Everyone living in The Netherlands…
As the temperatures supposedly reach above 30 degrees the coming days, cyclists should be prepared for sudden big puddles and wet legs. The reason for this is ‘bridge cooling’ whereby the bridge authorities have set up a hose system and are actively watering any drawbridges. This may seem a little strange to foreigners but it…