Inburgeren basically means assimilation, and for me, it’s not just a goal, it’s now a requirement. When we initially came over, I applied to stay by invoking the Dutch American Friendship Treaty – a visa that allows me to live and work in the country for two years. But a lot has happened since thatContinue reading “Inburgeren”
Author Archives: Possibly Netherlandish
DAFT Update
In March 2013, I came here with a business plan, financial documents, and not much else in hopes that I would be able to invoke the Dutch American Friendship Treaty and start a sole-proprietorship in the Netherlands. My visa was granted a couple of weeks ago (until May 2015!) – and while I am stillContinue reading “DAFT Update”
It’s getting better
(Front page of a newspaper in Leeuwarden in March 2013. The article was just existing quotes from celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Madonna and Betty White in support of gay marriage.) When I wrote this yesterday, I was a little excited. I realize now that the rulings are a mixed blessing; they didn’t change muchContinue reading “It’s getting better”
Ik ben trots op y’all
Yesterday made a hero of Wendy Davis (and rightfully so), but I wanted to give some props to the folks in Austin to stayed until 2 or 3 in the morning to back her up. I’m extremely proud of my friends who volunteered their time at a moment’s notice to stand up for what theyContinue reading “Ik ben trots op y’all”
Busted Dutch
I stole that phrase from a New York Times article about Megan Rapinoe, a US soccer player that is currently playing in France. I say that I speak a “klein beetje Nederlands”, but that really doesn’t capture what I do the way “busted Dutch” does. Here are some of my favorite words so far: EchtContinue reading “Busted Dutch”
It’s not so DAFT – the Dutch American Friendship Treaty
Some of you may wonder how I am able to stay here – generally it’s not that easy to immigrate to another country. The two most common ways to enter: as a student, or as a knowledge worker, weren’t the best options for me. I’m not going to be a student – I need someContinue reading “It’s not so DAFT – the Dutch American Friendship Treaty”
Koninginnedag!
When I moved here in March, I wanted to have this blog up and running by Koninginnedag. That was yesterday. Koninginnedag (pronunciation: cone ing in a da – it’s actually super fun to say), means Queen’s Day, and it’s a national holiday here – schools and businesses are closed. This year is remarkable because QueenContinue reading “Koninginnedag!”
