I have met a plethora of fellow Expats. One group I got connected to through the Brazilian fight dance Capoeira. Since meeting we created a WhatsApp group that is fittingly named “Happy Amsterdam”. Its original idea was to make a video using the song Happy by Pharrell… But the video was never created. The group has morphed into an amazing network that continues to grow when new friends visit or move to Amsterdam. Now it is for helping each other out and making weekend plans, going to events or just out for drinks and always having company. Write it in the group and you are never alone. We have gone indoor rock climbing, taken cycle trips to Haarlem, enjoyed BBQ’s at the park, gone to festivals such as Madness, and 30+ of us journeyed to the seaside.
One group I got connected to through the Brazilian fight dance Capoeira…
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The Dutch have faith in the human capacity; you aren’t encouraged to outsource as much of your life here. This applies to lots of areas, from DIY home maintenance to low-intervention childbirth. Their culture involves being more self-sufficient, repairing things and recycling, not being wasteful – it’s a nice approach.
My mom was the caretaker for all of us, she set the rules, gave us advice (laughs), and she still does. “I am your mother,” my mom always says, “I won’t stop advising you, even when you are an old man.”
I have been lucky that mutual friends have connected us with friends that live here so we have been able to settle in quickly. Being in the same situation fosters relationships.