If you know some simple things about this non-complex Dutch society, life in the Netherlands becomes pretty easy even if you are an expat. Some simple things caught my attention in my integration journey which I believe my readers should know to help them get the real feel of the “what and how” of the Netherlands. The birthday tradition- Age 1 year or 101 years, you are a celebrity for that one day. Show pride that you were born and celebrate in whatever way possible with friends/family outside or at home. To tell you the fact, if you are at job, you bring lots of food and cake to serve…

‘Ajax’ a name that needs no introduction. Any household that has a football fan at home would know about Amsterdam’s legendary football club- Ajax. This football club became world-famous because of the “Total Football” concept which they introduced to the world. To the southeast of Amsterdam, one can spot this club as it is a marvel in itself. Its stunning architecture is a matter of pride for the Dutch. A football fan has undoubtedly missed a big part of the Netherlands if he has not visited or taken a tour of this Arena Stadium. Prior to coming to the Netherlands, I had experienced the look and feel of professional football…

One of the most talked-about places amongst the tourists is Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Being an Indian woman, I am not happy with the fact of legal prostitution, the cultural gap I guess! The setup of the prostitution windows in Amsterdam’s Red Light District gives me a very uncomfortable feeling, yet I wanted to explore the lives in the so-called sex capital of Europe. The law in the Netherlands happens to regulate prostitution and aims at protecting minors so as to eliminate forced prostitution. Some intel about the area made me aware that the sex workers are required to obtain a license from the municipality to conduct sex business. They…

The Netherlands has gained fame not just for its bikes, tulips, and cheese but also for its legalized drug policy. I was very keen to see how are drugs sold openly in this country. Lucky me, a Dutch friend took me for an insider trip to these discreet streets of Amsterdam. To my surprise, at every other corner, a “coffee shop” seemed to be selling soft drugs. I witnessed numerous young tourists from different countries enjoying the soft drugs. They seemed like globe-trotters wanting to just indulge themselves in the nightlife of the Netherlands. Another set of tourists were simply attracted to Amsterdam’s relaxed and free atmosphere. I was enjoying…

Who vouches for being a museum fan? I bet you have still not seen many museums that exist in this small country. The Netherlands is a land of museums. Do you know, this country has a little more than 1000 museums. Almost 3 times the number of days in a year. You can easily spend a few hours visiting one new museum daily and still, there will be a lot to choose from. Well for me the journey into the museums started from the Rijksmuseum. It is located at the Museumplein, a place that stands out all on its own. A picturesque enclosure where children could play on the swings…

Knowing the Dutch is an amazing experience and trying things the Dutch way is another fun. Ten years ago when I first sat in the metro, I could not stop being amazed at the height of the people. I could not believe people could be so tall that they have to bend to stand in the metro. Being an Indian, I could not relate to girls being as tall as men touching the roof of a train. I was overawed by them. My mother’s words started ringing in my ears-” whenever you come across an elevated soul –try look up to them”. But here in the Netherlands, I think the…

When I came to the Netherlands, I experienced people being very accommodating and compassionate. They did not make me feel like an expat but within a few days, I realized it is not going to be that rosy every time. I got my children enrolled in a Dutch school. The teachers and the school director were remarkable. They welcomed the foreign community very well. My children were smoothly introduced with the fellow kids and teachers ensured that they integrated well with the school system.  Time passed by, and my children kept going to school, but I could not help with their schoolwork. In fact, I could not even understand what…