Where do you live in the Netherlands? What is one of your favourite things about where you live?
My name is Manali Desai and I live in Tilburg. One of my favourite things about this city is that despite having spent almost 6 years here now, there are still aspects of it that take me by surprise; a pretty nook, a cute café, a nice restaurant, or simply an unexplored nature area.
What’s your job or business?
I’m an author and a freelance writer and editor. I write books and I help other people write their stories and books.
When was your first time in the Netherlands? What were your first impressions or what was special about that first trip?
My first visit to the Netherlands was in 2018. I joined my husband on a work trip. The first thing that struck me about the country was the natural beauty. In retrospect I think this was also because I happened to be here in Spring, famously the best time to visit the country. The most special thing about that first trip was getting hooked on solo travels and explorations. Since my husband had work commitments, I had entire days to myself and I would just walk out of my hotel room exploring the city and eventually the country all on my own.
What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands? How does this compare to your country?
I still remember the popular spots I visited during my first visit. The one that really stands out here is a day trip to Kinderdijk. As a first-time visitor I wasn’t aware that cash is not an accepted mode of payment on the buses and I didn’t have a card with me at the time. The bus driver, understanding my position, was kind enough to allow me a free ride. That was my first experience of the kind Dutch hospitality and its always going to be a special memory. From there on the Dutch have only gone on to prove how open and accepting they are of immigrants. Another thing I very well find worth appreciating is the work-life balance. This compares very differently to India, because we tend to work overtime often. Here, signing off at 5 pm means literally all comms down and if it happens to be a Friday evening, however pressing the matter may be, it will be addressed on Monday morning. I find this very refreshing and something the entire world can take a leaf out of.
Besides the weather, what is your biggest pet peeve about the Netherlands?
I’m a vegetarian and I think one of my biggest struggles even after 5 years in the country is finding food options that cater to my appetite and food palette.
Do you have Dutch friends? How do you meet Dutch people?
My neighbours would come on top here. As to how I meet more Dutch people outside of my neighbourhood, that’s mostly through my habit of solo explorations. I enjoy talking to those around me during these outings, even if it is a simple hello or asking how they are doing.
What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?
The warmth that they exude while passing you on the streets or in supermarkets like a smile or saying hello. As to what I don’t like, that’s a tough one, but maybe just the fact that some of them aren’t well-versed in English. My Dutch is very rough, so that always create a communication barrier for me.
What’s your best advice for new expats to make friends?
Participating in local clubs is highly effective. Join hobby or cultural groups (reading, cooking, photography, music), international expat communities, or travel and exploration groups.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?
There are a few, but they might sound a bit unusual. I like them simply because they have good vegetarian options. Eazie would definitely be the top choice. I really enjoy the sandwiches of The Tosti Club (Spar) and Bakker Bart. Another one is Taco Mundo because of their Tortilla Chips veggie salad.
What’s your favourite Dutch store?
Zeeman. Again, there’s a story here. I moved to the Netherlands as an expat in 2020. As expected, my wardrobe wasn’t suited to the climate here because I come from India, which is a tropical country. This was the store that came to my rescue at the time because they not only had a good collection, but they also didn’t burn a whole in my pocket. Dresses, blouses, jackets, coats – I stocked it all from here. My affinity with the store continues even five years down the line and I shop here at least once every seasonal change.
What do you like to do on the weekends?
My husband and I both love travelling and one weekend almost every month is blocked for exploring a new city or country, or revisiting a city we already have explored but is offering something new which we have not done before, like an event or a market. Besides that, the other weekends are for stocking up on groceries or going shopping for home essentials like linen, crockery, home décor or furniture. We also like utilizing the days off work on home cleaning.
Who is your favourite Dutch historical, cultural or famous person?
This might actually be a very unusual answer. Though I enjoy art, I don’t understand it enough to appreciate it highly, so you have to forgive me if my answer isn’t the likes of Rembrandt van Rijn or Vincent van Gogh. The person I’m going to name might not even be famous. My admiration for him came through a Netflix drama show where his character was played by an actor. The real-life contributions he made were nothing short of inspiring. I’m referring to former diplomat Herman Knippenberg, who helped unmasked a notorious serial killer. The Netflix show where I first came across his name and contributions was The Serpent. As someone who loves cricket, I also find Roelof van der Merwe an inspiration for his fitness, long career and contributions to the sport overall.
What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city and in general in the Netherlands?
The first thing I would recommend is picking the right season to visit or choosing a sunny day by keeping constant tabs on the weather forecast, because a rainy or overcast day really can be a dampener (quite literally!) on your experience. If you’re a reader or book lover, in Tilburg I’d recommend visiting the LocHal library which is one-of-a-kind architectural marvel – an abandoned train shed that’s been repurposed into a library and co-working space. In the Netherlands in general, I’d recommend either Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans because these really take you back to an era which still defines the country. And since time travel isn’t possible, these are just the right substitutes for experiencing the years gone by and to understand Dutch history and culture.
What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?
I love potatoes in almost any version, so it really isn’t surprising that I love stamppot (the veggie version of course). The different kinds of Dutch cheese also still fascinate me and I love trying out different varieties that every city or food outlet has to offer. Bitterballen is another dish I enjoy. In desserts, I quite like the occasional poffertjes. Despite the popularity associated with it, I find stroopwafels overrated.
Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? Which one is your favourite?
One holiday we’ve really latched onto is Christmas. Despite having catholic friends, studying in a convent school, and growing up in a secular country, I never got into the spirit of the festival the way I do now. Putting up and decorating the Christmas tree, visiting Christmas markets across Europe, enjoying the festive food and drinks – all of it started once we purchased a home of our own in a country that knows how to celebrate Christmas the right way.
Best-kept secret in your city?
There’s a tiny little park in the heart of the city and not many people know that it’s one of the best spots in the country to enjoy the cherry blossoms. I guess this is more so because it doesn’t have the throngs of crowds we see at Bloesempark and other places which have gotten way too popular over the past few years and have somehow taken away the charm of the season’s best time. I’m not going to reveal the name of this park because of this reason.
Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to the Netherlands?
That the weather would be so unpredictable that my entire schedules would revolve around it. If I’d known this beforehand, I’d have prepared better to focus on my productivity better.
What are a few things you recommend to new expat here in the Netherlands?
Buy your clothes and other wearables from here and not from the country you’re moving from (especially the tropical ones). Adapt yourself to cold foods and dishes – in India we are used to having our food hot off the stove.
Thanks for the interview Manali!
Interviewed by Rossella Davì