The Expat Files #1: Hoe mijn emigratie mijn leven en beeld over Nederland heeft veranderd

The Expat Files #1: Hoe mijn emigratie mijn leven en beeld over Nederland heeft veranderd

On the first Sunday of the month I always write a Dutch-language blog post. // Vandaag de eerste aflevering van de nieuwe blogserie 'The Expat Files'. Hierin deel ik niet alleen mijn eigen ervaringen als een Nederlandse expat, maar ook van andere Nederlanders in het buitenland én ook van immigranten in Nederland. In deze eerste aflevering vertel ik je over hoe mijn emigratie niet alleen mijn leven, maar ook mijn beeld op Nederland(ers) heeft veranderd!

From Kissing to Birthdays: 5 Things I’ve Had to Relearn Being Dutch in the UK

From Kissing to Birthdays: 5 Things I’ve Had to Relearn Being Dutch in the UK

It's already over 7 years ago I dragged three suitcases full of my belongings on a plane from Amsterdam to London. Although I still feel very Dutch and am often baffled by certain British habits, by now I might be more integrated than I realise. From the way I answer the phone to greeting friends, here are 5 things I've had to relearn being Dutch in the UK.

My 10 Favourite Dutch Sayings Featuring Animals

My 10 Favourite Dutch Sayings Featuring Animals

Have you ever wondered what some curious sayings and expressions in your language actually mean? I often treat hubby to some bizarre Dutch sayings, which sound even more curious when translated into English. Because I'm always interested in culture and etymology, I collected 10 of my favourite Dutch sayings, expressions, phrases or words that feature animals, and tried to look up their origins.

Sinterklaas: About a Saint and a Castrated Rooster

Sinterklaas: About a Saint and a Castrated Rooster

I’ve been noticing some freaked out messages on social media these past weeks from friends visiting my mother country and who don’t understand why there are blacked up dolls hanging in the shop windows. They thought the Netherlands was such a sophisticated and tolerant country. What has happened to the country’s social and moral values [...]