7 April 2015
| Last updated on 8 April 2015
One Foot in Both Worlds
We’re living in:
Hello, I’m Lee V., and I blog as DutchInLaw. I live with my husband and baby in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
A bit about us:
We’re a relaxed family that enjoys adventures, good coffee, and photography. I’m a freelance writer.
How long have you lived there?
My husband is Dutch (hence the blog name). I’ve lived in the Netherlands for 8 years.
Why did you move?
True love! I also had lived in the Netherlands as a teenager, so it was like coming home.
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Why we like living here:
The freedom and history. I can hop on a train and visit Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, or Berlin with my camera. I also love all the opportunities for our family to be independent and eco-friendly. Recycling bins and organic products are common; children bike to school and adults to work.
Accommodation Options:
Depending on your budget and preferred location, there are modern apartments, sprawling villas, or suburban duplexes. As a warning, living expenses are fairly high! I’d advise getting a job lined up before moving, since the work force is very competitive.
What do you enjoy doing with your time:
In the summer, we like biking to a park for a picnic; in the winter, we spend more time at the library. I also enjoy meeting up for lunch or shopping with girl friends in the city. We visit family often for birthdays and holidays.
What top tips do you have for anyone considering a move?
Do your research; do you prefer city or village life? Will you study the language? Also, try to find a support network of people who can offer advice and a listening ear. For us, that was our church and an expat Facebook group.
What do you wish you’d known before you moved?
That life as a married expat with kids is full of questions – should I get dual nationality? What about baby checkups and language exams?
SEE ALSO: Read our full ExpatWoman Guide to The Netherlands
What’s the best thing about being an expat?
Having “one foot in both worlds.” Being able to bring my own favorite traditions and recipes (Christmas stockings, Mexican burritos) and also adopt new ones (King’s Day celebrations, Dutch stampot).
Anything else you’d like to share with us about your expat experience?
One of the best things I did after moving here was to start a blog. It helped me to record the challenges and fun moments of living here, as well as to share stories and photos with friends and family. Try it!
