nieuw nederlanders: 2011

Friday, November 4, 2011

Fall Over Amsterdam

It's been lovely walking home to our new abode these past few weeks. The leaves in the park are vibrant and I love crunching and kicking them under my feet. Not to mention, Amsterdam is experiencing a warm spell and it's just all too pleasant. Now if only the dog and the baby were here to enjoy the fun...

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Here, There, Everywhere.

It's not that I don't want to be at home in Amsterdam. It's more that I want to be so very many different places at once.

I wish I could hold a party for places and have them all at the table.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Dutch Programs for Pregnant Women

Everywhere requires adjustment from the place before. Even though I find Amsterdam to be a pretty close ideological match to San Francisco there have obviously been several areas where I've gone from confusion, to learning, adjusting, and finally understanding; of course the Dutch method of dealing with Pregnancy is no exception.

First off, there is a huge push here for home births. Everyone is assigned a midwife, and I've heard of people having to switch midwifes simply because they were being overtly pressured away from their choice of hospital birth. As with many arguments, there is scientific evidence on both sides; but in this case, most people recognize the mothers comfort should override others ideals. Second off you have the government required home inspection and post care nurse. This sounds much more fascist than it is, it's actually quite wonderful and shows the level of importance put on the safety of the child. Some people think that this could be invasive, the government should be less involved, smaller, etc; but I think there is also evidence that people just can't always be trusted, whether it be due to ignorance or negligence having a nurse come to your house and inspect your preparedness isn't such a bad thing. After the birth another nurse (Kraamzorg) will be at the house for 8 days to help with light cleaning, cooking, teaching you how to bath and breastfeed, etc. Historically these tasks were cared to by family, but times have changed and many find their families further and further away.

The one thing that has made me feel the most at home (and at ease) was Pregnancy Yoga with Lillith Turk at the the Active Health Center. I'm a bit biased because I LOVE YOGA. The class I've been taking is in English and just lovely. It is the one thing that feels like home. The studio could be in California, Vermont, Venezuela, or Amsterdam. In the studio there is no discussion of which birth method is best, no pressure to adapt to a new system, no need to explain why you have chosen a different system; just neutral discussions, stretching, and relaxation.

I highly recommend this class/series to any English speaking expectant Mother in Amsterdam. Our class was full of women from all nationalities and Lillith welcomes new students to come for a free trial class :)

Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Amsterdam Charm

I took this recently with Hipstamatic on my iPhone. Fun! Charming!!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Monday, July 4, 2011

A Paradox

On the one hand, I love vintage. Antiques. Classic styles and beauty that was built to last. Sturdy wood. It will last the ages. It's heavy. Oh, it's so heavy. And it doesn't fit in a suitcase. That is the paradox. I love Vintage style, but I live a mobile lifestyle. Maybe one day I'll have the means (calling all creative partners) to design some lovely vintage inspired pieces that also fold into your pocket; in the meantime I'm going practical and have been looking at baby gear that is great for creating a baby space, any place.

Here are two of my favorites, first the Mawok Baby 'Hammock':

The Mawok Baby 'Hammock' from Sweden can be attached to any door to create a sleeping space that allows for gentle rocking. It's portable and looks amazing. If only there were a folding 'stand' that would allow it to sit on the floor, where you could rock it with your foot while eating (for example)....still, a great product.

Secondly, the Graco Element Pack n' Play with Bassinet attachment:

This product has great reviews as a portable playpen and sleeper. The Bassinet function allows for newborns to be safe and easy to reach, while it can also be used up to 2 years (30 lbs) as a crib. A flexible, versatile, mobile win.

Maybe not the most romantic items, but a bit exciting...yes?

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Spring in a Nutshell

I've let the blog fall wayside, and I'll keep this recap short and simple.

Immigration takes strength and can be quite a rollercoaster. The first 6 months can be likened to any other major life struggle. I'm coming out of it with the same feeling that I had around 6 months after a devastating house fire. I lost everything, my past, my comforts; all in one night. Immigration felt a bit like that. And now, as I move further and further from the moment of change; growth and learning are coming into site. I could probably write a book about this form of loss and growth. I know I'm not the first one to experience it, and it can come through so many different ways....

We took a famously long Dutch vacation for the better part of the Spring. It was lovely and exhausting, as just before embarking we found out I'm pregnant. Needless to say the pregnancy has kept me busy enough and I can't complain about not working right now :) Having said that, expect to see a lot more 'having a baby in a foreign country' and 'being a pregnant expat' type of entries. I'll still try and keep them loaded with links and info.

So in a nutshell: I'm pregnant, we had a wonderful long holiday while the man and I are still but two, the days are long, and the sun is plentiful <3

Thursday, March 17, 2011

BEWARE: Import Tax and Shipping

Heed this warning! Whatever price is put on your incoming package for 'Insurance', will be the amount you are taxed on; about 19% import tax.

Example:

My Father recently shipped me my Ski Boots along with several 'Mr. Clean Magic Erasers' (which are amazing and unavailable in Holland). The boots are a few seasons old, well worn; the Magic Erasers were new and valued at about $8.00 total. The total value for Insurance was $300. We were taxed 54€. Even though the boots were not new and such, doesn't matter; they tax off of the insurance value on the package. This is on top of already paying $60.00 shipping, and will probably be the last time I receive items in this manner. Oddly we were not charged like this tax when I received my Christmas package, which had a higher value...Christmas items were sent via FedEx as gifts, and the recent items were sent via USPS as just a normal package. I'm still a bit confused by the whole thing.

When my man called to discuss this with the Postmaster, they said the worst is when people just blindly say the value is 1000€ and get charged exorbitantly, having only a couple hundred worth of items in the package. The tax can exceed the actual value of the package in this case, but there is no compromising. Whatever is listed as the Insurance value is taxed.

You have been warned!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Dutch "Discussion" Style

A large part of being homesick is missing familiarity. I'm finding this exasperated recently as many (most? all?) of my discussions with Dutch people feel like battlezones. I suppose it doesn't help that I'm American and everyone thinks they know everything about America. Which bring me to my biggest frustration with Dutch "discussions": too many statements, not enough questions.

I think it would be nice sometime, if someone, asked me about where I'm from. What was my town like? Did I ride bikes there, too? This has yet to happen...though many people have told me about America. False experts abound. There seems to be an emphasis on making direct statements at a raised volume. I find this rather unnerving. Another affect of these "discussions" is I constantly feel like I'm having to defend myself. Since hardly any questions are asked, I feel like a sound board (punching bag?) for peoples already set opinions and I'm constantly trying to share the notion that experiences other than their own are possible. It's tiring. Even when I mentioned to someone that I'd found this fun thing called "Meet-Up's" (see previous post) and that there were a lot of activities, I was told "that's the problem with expats, they just end up hanging out with themselves, blah blah". Well you know what, I have hardly spent anytime with other expats in my 4 months here, but it is sure looking tempting.

My complaints come from social experiences, but I guess it translates to the Business World, as well. I found this little blurb (below) about Dutch Communication Style from WorldBusinessCulture.com, it (slightly more objectively) highlights the same characteristics that I mention above....

"Dutch Communication Styles

Respect is shown through speaking one's mind and being direct. Little respect is given to those who appear devious or underhand in what they are saying. This directness of approach can sometimes be misconstrued as aggression or even rudeness - but is, rather, a useful tool for enabling the meeting to reach an agreed solution.

Paradoxically, due to the consensual nature of decision making in the Netherlands it can be sometimes difficult to get a straight 'yes' or 'no'. This seeming unwillingness is more a sign of no decision having been yet reached than any subtle politicking.

It is important to appear unpretentious. Whatever you are, do not think of yourself as something special. Therefore self-promotion of the type that might be found in the USA is seen as being distasteful and will probably be thought of as arrogant.

Although humour is often used in business situations, it is not all-pervasive and discussions are often very serious with irony or sarcasm being interpreted as lack of commitment. Remember that even though the Dutch speak very good English, much humour is culturally-based and unintelligible to other cultures."

As we would say in America, 'I was raised with manners'. I went to etiquette school. I'm generally polite (minus throwing shade with the inner circle) and those are traits I value.

In conclusion, it looks like I might be in for the long haul of 'the rude' vs 'the arrogant'. Otherwise known as the opposite of fun. I'm not stoked on this, can you tell? This is my first post with the label 'homesick', and probably not my last.

Enjoy!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Jokes inspired by Holland: "Lock Block"

Riding home tonight in the freezing temperatures was a bit of a challenge, not to be overshadowed by getting home and having another bike cumbersomilly (<---not really a word) blocking 'my' space. Hmm. Hmm! As I was trying desperately to get my lock on the bike, and get myself out of the cold; a little voice in my head said, 'screw this other bike. it's totally effing LOCK BLOCKING me!'.

Good, huh??

Upon further discussion with the man, it was revealed that a true 'Lock Block' is when someone accidentally attaches their bike to yours. Regardless, I like my joke.

Feel free to plagiarize this one ;)

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Keeping Busy!

So I've just reached my 4 month and 1 week Dutchiversary and it seems like I've barely grazed the surface of the wide range of activities that Amsterdam must have to offer. I've searched through the usual ways I would back home, hoping to find like minded people who want to share activities. For some reason for the first four months my Google searches for 'running partners Amsterdam', 'creative people Amsterdam', etc; were coming up short handed. But everything changed this week.

I found two AMAZING sites this week that have quickly filled up my calendar with exciting upcoming events.

First off, Meet-up. I had tried Meet-up in San Francisco years before with less than ideal results (even though I have a friend there who swears by it), so it didn't immediately come to mind. It was buried deep in my mental database. Anyway! I have joined about 15 Meet-up groups. It's a mixed bunch of Dutch locals and Expats, which I find wonderful. There are groups for cultural activities, fitness, cooking, language; just about everything you could want. VERY HAPPY.

Secondly I found a site called Creative Amsterdam. Truly though, it's so much more than a website...it's what I've been looking for ever since I came here. Luckily years ago I registered with one of the affiliates so I was able to join easily. I'd imagine that you can almost instantaneously join an affiliate and then join Creative Amsterdam, I don't think the sign up process is meaning to be exclusive. Rather they seem very inclusive and I'm excited to have found such an amazing source and access point to Amsterdam's amazing creative minds.

Fun fact: Amsterdam is the 5th largest creative hub in the world.

Good luck!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Lost in translation: What does it all mean??

While looking on the job boards for Holland-Noord (using the keyword 'media') I came across an interesting sounding job. Interesting enough for me to look at it, at least. Then, this picture. What? What kind of job is this? I can eat a pepper (slowly) and I'm pretty good with chopsticks, but while smiling? Smiling a creepy creepy smile that says 'I wish this pepper was your finger'...I don't know. I don't know if I can do that. I'm not applying for this job.

p.s. I stole this post from my personal blog because I like it just that much ;)

Missing the Homeland: Ranch Dressing

Hello,

So life has been rather busy lately and I haven't had much time to update de blog. Apologies.

After four months in Holland I really started to miss Pizza's favorite accessory, Ranch Dressing. I did a quick internet search and found a fast/easy recipe that is BETTER than anything I've ever bought. I really should have been doing this in the States, too....I'm not really one for exact measurements and such, and when cooking I rely heavily on taking a taste here and there as the ingredients come together. Having said that, here is a simple Ranch Dressing recipe:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

This is meant to make 12 servings and the Nutritional Information is:

Amount Per Serving Calories: 153 | Total Fat: 16.6g | Cholesterol: 11mg

*I also added about a half cup of Buttermilk (Karnemelk) and would recommend adding more Buttermilk and less Mayonnaise if you wanted a thinner dressing. Ours was delicious and great for dipping (pizza, veggies, etc.) and could be tossed well with a salad. I'm not a huge mayo fan, and love sour cream; so keep that in mind...everyone's palate is different :)

Enjoy!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

UPDATE: car commercials

I have come to the conclusion that these sexxxy car commercials are made strictly for the 1am audience. Upon further television viewing (ew), I have witnessed more 'American' style commercials; with the music and the families and the overall whimsey. Alas. I'm glad I didn't do anything exploitative with this theory, like potentially sharing it with the World ;)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

just an observation: car commercials

i'll keep this short and sweet.

in the US, car commercials are marketed towards women; as consumer insights have proven that women are the 'decision makers' in the average US household. que the 30 second spot of women coming out of grocery stores, leaving the office, or picking up the kids; looking empowered, energized, and (most importantly) complimented by their largest accessory, their shiny automobile.

if you cross the atlantic and happen to be watching the National Geographic channel in Holland at 1am you will get back-to-back car commercials (3 in a row!), but the vision of the empowered woman is different. this woman doesn't care about the groceries, her office dress code is much more liberal, and kids? who needs kids. car commercials in The Netherlands are all about sex. and who needs 30 seconds to describe how much sex you'll get from this car? these were more like 10 seconds, quick and to the point. tho sadly, don't ask me the brand names (and i'm usually really good with that!), by the time we got to the 3rd commercial in a row (all with the same look/feel), i was just hoping there wouldn't be a 4th of these high production/low concept ad's.

that's all :)

Monday, January 17, 2011

timing is many things

this young blog took a two week break as i hosted several friends who came to visit from the homeland. what fun. what sleep deprivation. luckily, even though i wasn't doing much by way of accomplishing the still pending goals, there was still forward progression; much due to work and mailings i did in november and december, that is just now being seen by the formerly vacationing recipient. we're officially two weeks into the new year and it seems people are back at work again; working, responding to emails, etc. definitely more time-out than i'm used to for the holidays, but i'm not complaining.

recently i've been getting more and more attention for my materials and i'm becoming particularly fond of two recruitment firms; New People and O'Connell. both are organized (more so than many of the others), they have big clients, and they were honest about needing explanations regarding my past experience having been with american roles and american companies, that are not immediately understood here in holland. i'm a big fan of honesty in these matters, as finding the proper role/company is very important to me and i'm never fond of false hope.

i recommend checking out both New People and O'Connell if you are in the field of Sales/Marketing, which is their specialty.

Cheers!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

oh those things...an introduction to the basics

as an expat in holland, the three most challenging things i've found are finding housing, employment, and learning the language. i find the other cultural differences, navigating everyday life, and basic shopping more enjoyable; rather than points of contention. also, i don't have children; so my basics are very much about me, me, me, me...and my partner :)

in my last post i mentioned how i initially tackled the language. the basics are quirky, but with proper attention i should be conversation ready in about six months. having said that, i know that mastering Dutch is a challenge i will be facing for many years to come. i'm very glad i got started as soon as possible. i didn't mention in my last post, but there was a guy in my beginners class who had been living here for 14 years and was just now taking a basic class (?!). tsk tsk.

i consider language one of the three basics. my other basic necessities are housing and employment. i'm sure i'm not alone here. at first i was tackling all of these in one day. a bit of housing search here, a job board there, rewriting/reviewing language class notes...i was so on edge that the smallest disappointment became a breaking point.

housing in Amsterdam is a funny thing. it's limited. the city council wants to keep it that way, which i like, to be honest. the fact that squatting was only outlawed (sort of) around june 2010 makes for an interesting variety of interiors throughout holland. most vacancies (te huur) seem to be rented quite quickly, even if they are substandard. the phrasing 'furnished' can mean anything from a heel gezellig home to a place filled with things that were definitely discarded by the neighbors.

the process of becoming employed has allowed for many learnings. my wonderful american resume that still attracts offers in san francisco was treated like a digital leper. initially my online applications would be swiftly returned and rejected, i doubt people ever read past the first line. they didn't know how to read it. a dutch cv looks nothing like an american resume. it took me awhile to accept that i'd have to rewrite my american resume, but once i did it there was an amazing weight lifted off my shoulders. i sent the new (expanded) dutch cv out as an re: to all those rejection emails and have had wonderful feedback. really really great. very happy.

beyond becoming employed, dutch work contracts are much different than those in america...and by different, i mean better. vacation days start at five weeks, and there is much more job security. the overall feeling is that the company is investing in you, and you in them. it's a good feeling.

in future posts i will get deeper into the details of these subjects, and will solicit other expats to share their stories.

all in. step one, the Dutch language...

i'm writing this one week away from my three month Dutchiversary. very exciting. the information i've gathered along the way, up to the three month mark, will be much more useful in retrospect. if i had written this 'live' it would have been more emotionally charged and perhaps discouraging.

the first two months were very rough. i made some challenging choices, have no regrets, but it did take me a few breakdowns to realize that tackling a new country, culture, and language should be broken down. don't try and do it all at once.

in late october, five days after i arrived in holland, i began my Dutch language course at the Direct Dutch Institute in Den Haag (www.directdutch.com). I chose to go with a beginners intensive course because i prefer the structure of a simulated work week. classes are from 9:30-17:00 monday thru friday. i was very much impressed that in two days i was formulating sentences in a foreign language. we were given massive amounts of information, too much to fully absorb in two weeks, but plenty to keep you busy and to help one navigate through the streets, public transport, grocery store, etc. they also offer these intensive courses for the intermediate and (i believe) advanced. the alternative night class meets for three months once a week for a few hours, and then privately you manage about 5-6 hours of homework (huiswerk) per week. the night classes seem like the obvious choice for people balancing work and school, though i've heard that people will often use some vacation time to commit to the intensive course.

i was lucky enough to have some amazing women in my language class and we have been able to continue studies together, review material, etc. not to mention we can share our expat experiences, tour the land, check out museums, etc....at least until we join the workforce ;)

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

accidental expat

hi.

i really do love my home country, america. well, parts of it; but this is not a place for politics. i'm starting this blog because i've suddenly found myself in the role of expat and i'm finding the immersion process more challenging than i originally imagined.

for a former san franciscan, holland is not the most foreign place in the world; but below the surface there are enough differences that i think a guide is very helpful. i've read several (out of date) blogs from other women who went through this process, so i'm just trying to share some up to date information :)

i hope it helps and i'd love to hear about others experiences, too. i'd imagine a few other of my friends (also recent expat females from other parts of the world) will be contributing, too. we want to share as much helpful information as possible.

i hope that other expats who find this blog, will also find holland to be absolutely wonderful and worth all of the 'transition time' woes.

nieuw nederlanders