Where do you live in the Netherlands?
My name is Hana and I come from Czeck republic.
What is one of your favourite things about where you live?
I’ve lived in Rotterdam for six and a half years already. I love that it’s big and lively enough to have everything available – shops, restaurants, museums, gyms, and plenty of other activities – but small enough to have everything within biking distance. Also, Rotterdam was heavily bombed during World War Two, which means that most of the streets are newly built: they’re wide enough to accommodate cars, bikers and pedestrians, all in separate lanes. You don’t see that very often in other cities. And because it’s a newer city, the architecture is different from the rest of the country. At night, Rotterdam feels like a small version of New York.
What’s your job or business?
I’ve been working in sales for a while, and the Netherlands offers plenty of opportunities to do international business. However, lately I’ve been focused on empowering women. It started with coaching women back in my home country, but now I’m also active here in the Netherlands. Next week I’m organizing a workshop about anger – very excited about that.
When was your first time in the Netherlands? What were your first impressions or what was special about that first trip?
It was in February 2019. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was cold, dark and windy, and I wasn’t prepared for that – the weather was described as “mild”. But I immediately noticed people smiling, helping with directions, and even offering help with my luggage. I hadn’t experienced that before.
What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands? How does this compare to your country?
Open-minded people, especially in big cities, both on a personal and professional level. During my business career, I was treated differently by customers and colleagues just because I’m a woman. Here, I’m treated equally.
Besides the weather, what is your biggest pet peeve about the Netherlands?
It’s the healthcare system. I come from a country where complaints are taken seriously, even small ones, and it’s relatively easy to be seen by a specialist; preventive check-ups are common. Here, everything needs to go through a GP, it takes a lot of time, and often you hear: ‘Take a paracetamol and get some rest.’ It filters out unnecessary complaints, which makes it easier for doctors – and sometimes all you need to do is indeed rest 😊 So it has its advantages as well.
Do you have Dutch friends? How do you meet Dutch people?
I do, but I always meet them through international groups. I love when they share more about Dutch culture, history or something about the country which I didn’t know before.
What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?
I like that Dutch people are open-minded, practical, and straightforward. You always know where you stand with them, and I really appreciate that. They also love to plan and organize things well in advance, which I actually enjoy too. But sometimes there’s little room for flexibility or doing something spontaneous or last minute — and I miss that a bit.
What’s your best advice for new expats to make friends?
Go out and get out of your comfort zone. There are many platforms like Meetup or Internations where you can find people with common interests. That’s how I found my friends.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?
I love variety, and Rotterdam has it all, which is amazing! I love to go to By Jarmusch for brunch, Iron Lady is really good for steaks, and Gastrobar Hartig is great for sharing food.
What’s your favourite Dutch store?
Dille & Kamille. It’s a pleasure just to go there to check new collections, buy things for my plants or kitchen. I also get gifts for some of my friends there.
What do you like to do on the weekends?
The weekend is time to do sports and connect with my friends. I go to yoga or for a run and then drink coffee with my friends. I spend at least one evening doing swing dancing, and on Saturday mornings I have a ritual – going to the markets.
Who is your favourite Dutch historical, cultural or famous person?
I don’t have a favourite person per se, but I’m fascinated by the life stories of Dutch painters like Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. It’s not only about the pieces they created, but also about their lives and how that impacted their art.
What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city and in general in the Netherlands?
In Rotterdam, there are a few highlights like the Cube Houses, Markthal and Euromast. I’d recommend seeing them, but also taking a tour of the harbour – it’s really interesting to see and realize: wow, most of what I buy in shops came to Europe through this place!
In the Netherlands, there are many pretty places, but for people who come from an inland country like I do, I’d recommend visiting the north or the Wadden islands and trying wadlopen. It’s really cool knowing you’re walking through the sea.
What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?
When you come here, everyone talks about bitterballen and stamppot. I like bitterballen, but I can easily live without the latter. What I really love is Dutch cheese. If I’m not in the Netherlands, that’s the food I miss the most.
Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? Which one is your favourite?
I’ve learned that Dutch people aren’t very big on traditions or celebrations. But when it comes to King’s Day, the whole country goes crazy. I enjoy it too – it’s usually nice weather, and we can go to a park and even have a barbecue.
Best-kept secret in your city?
My favourite place to chill is Vroesenpark. It’s very close to the central station, but you feel like you’re in real nature there. In autumn, it’s full of beautiful colours, and it’s the perfect spot to relax and forget you’re in the middle of the city.
Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to the Netherlands?
Honestly, I loved the process of learning things on the go. There were surprises like the different tax and social systems, penalties for putting your garbage next to a container even when it’s full, and many more. But learning to navigate it is a great way to connect with Dutch people, because in the end they understand this is all new for you. So if I did it again, I’d come with just a little research and let life happen.
What are a few things you recommend to new expat here in the Netherlands?
Find your group. Go out and meet people, start a new hobby if you don’t have one yet. Because your social circle and friends is what matter the most, and you need someone to have a laugh with when it’s rainy and dark outside.
Thanks for the interview Hana!
Interview held by Rossella Davì