So a couple of months ago, I told everyone that I would be discussing places in the Netherlands, and then right away, feature a place like Cologne (Koln) that is not within it. Sometimes I’ll deviate from the script, I guess. Since it is December, I thought it might be fun to feature Christmas events,Continue reading “Köln Kerstmarkten”
Author Archives: Possibly Netherlandish
Where we were – Leeuwarden
Leeuwarden is Manon’s hometown, and we lived there for the first half of 2013. That year was an exciting time for Leeuwarden since it was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2018; its beloved voetbal (soccer) team moved up to the Eredivisie, and DJs took over the town around Christmas for a fundraisingContinue reading “Where we were – Leeuwarden”
A little help
A couple of people have contacted me; both of whom are Americans in the US that would like to move overseas and are exploring their options. I completely understand why someone would seek advice before making the decision to move here like we did. And while I went though the Dutch American Friendship Treaty process,Continue reading “A little help”
Inburgeren
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”
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!”
