DISCOVERING THE NETHERLANDS.

My name is Katarina. I came to the Netherlands with my husband and my son one year ago because my husband got a job offer. Before moving to the Netherlands, we did not know quite much about this country. When I became aware of the fact that we are going to live in the Netherlands, I tried urgently to find out as much information about this country as I was able to find.

My knowledge before the move was quite limited to popular clichés associated with the Netherlands: picturesque windmill landscapes, gorgeous farm cheeses, tulips blooming, free light drugs and free love, Amsterdam canals with cozy houses along them, etc. Standard set of expectation of foreigner.

There are clichés about every country. Sometimes these clichés are relevant to what country has to offer but sometimes not. For instance, taking Russian clichés (at least old ones), you will never see a bear walking in the city and/or people playing balalaika, drinking vodka, and eating caviar 24/7.

As for the more practical matters, after exploring web forums I noticed some other things that were not so pleasant: a lot of expats claimed that it was very hard to make friends with locals, although everyone is very polite, claims on disgusting weather, etc.

After the move, all things I knew about Netherlands beforehand appeared to be, more or less, as I expected them to be. I mean there were no failed expectations. We tried to focus on positive things and ignore minor negative things.

What impressed me first was so many cyclists on the streets (40% of all transportation in Netherlands made by bike, as I became to know later) and almost everyone speaking English.

In Russia, you will find only few brave cyclists on the road during the day. “Brave”, as there are almost no cycle paths in the cities and cyclists has no priority on the road. English language is also not so widely spoken. However, every year you will find more cyclists and more English-speaking people in Russia, so things are changing in the right direction.

Netherlands apart of popular clichés has so many things to offer. For instance, museums. There are so many excellent museums here. I mean really a lot. Almost every weekend we can choose a new museum to go to and it will be a pearl. Classic art, modern art, science, crafts, historical museums – everything you can find here. Museums here have very good collections, very well organized, family-friendly and care of English speakers. Considering that quite often weather is not so good to walk outside, museums are also a perfect solution.

Speaking of weather, I miss of course hot summer and sunny days one can enjoy in the south of Russia (region we came from), but for me, weather is something that I can try to get used to. Moreover, climate here is definitely not the worst. Mild winter (but regretfully no snow), very nice autumn season – these seasons are quite good here.

There is also history through which I feel connected to Russia here: Anna Paulowna – queen consort of the Netherlands in 19^th century; Czar Peter the Great, who admired the Netherlands and invited many specialists from here to Russia; Hermitage museum (branch of St. Petersburg Hermitage) in Amsterdam, etc.

I also like Dutch people. They are very polite although sometimes quite straightforward. Very interesting combination that gives you an idea of person’s character quite fast. Dutch people are very social. Nevertheless, I think that it would be hard for me to make any real friends here without Dutch language and being a foreigner. However, I really appreciate Dutch people’s friendly attitude to foreigners, especially in The Hague, one of the most international city of the Netherlands.

In conclusion, I would like to say that it is always better to focus on positive things of place you live in instead of comparing it with something else, because every place is unique. Especially the Netherlands! This country has so many things to offer. So, if you will have an opportunity to live in Netherlands (or at least visit it) – do not miss a chance!

Date: 2016-04-22; view: 936