Where do you live in the Netherlands? What is one of your favourite things about where you live?
My name is Ebru, and I am from Türkiye. My favourite thing about The Netherlands is riding a bicycle.
What’s your job or business?
I am a Business Development Manager for a Dutch company.
When was your first time in the Netherlands? What were your first impressions or what was special about that first trip?
I visited Amsterdam as a tourist in 2013. I like the canals and houses of Amsterdam. The vibrant style and the museums were also very attractive.
What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands? How does this compare to your country?
Again, being able to bike anywhere safely. I am from Istanbul; you cannot do that there. It is hilly and the traffic is not safe for bikers.
Besides the weather, what is your biggest pet peeve about the Netherlands?
Haha, I like the question already including the weather. Sometimes there is too much bureaucracy, and we still need to send and receive snail mail. Also the health system.
Do you have Dutch friends? How do you meet Dutch people?
I have a few that I met through the expat community. They are the partners of the expats.
What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?
I like that they are kind, smiling at strangers, and they help people in need. Sometimes their directness can be rude, and they lack flexibility.
What’s your best advice for new expats to make friends?
Facebook – although old-fashioned – still is a good tool to become a member of communities. That is how I made expat friends, by being a part of Facebook groups.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?
De Stroper in Dordrecht has a good seafood menu.
What’s your favourite Dutch store?
Xenos, and of course Douglas 🙂
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Nature walks, going out for dinner, bike rides.
Who is your favourite Dutch historical, cultural or famous person?
There is a lot of great Dutch artists, but I don’t have a favourite really.
What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city and in general in the Netherlands?
Go to a national park, rent a kayak, enjoy nature. I would also recommend to go to Kinderdijk, Delft, and of course Amsterdam.
What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?
To be honest, I don’t have any favourite Dutch food (Mediterranean person arrogance, haha). I dislike erwtensoep.
Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? Which one is your favourite?
I celebrate King’s Day. I think it’s a great party everywhere and I like the atmosphere.
Best kept secret in your city?
The narrow river branches of the Biesbosch National Park.
Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to the Netherlands?
The difficulties of the healthcare system.
What are a few things you recommend to new expat here in the Netherlands?
Get connected to other expats, and get ready for the bureaucracy. Once you are through that, it is a good country to live.n
Thanks for the interview Ebru!
Interview by Rossella Davè / Going Expat