Where do you come from and where do you live in the Netherlands?
My name is Alisa, and I’m from Ukraine. I was born and raised in Dnipro, a big industrial city in the center of the country, and later moved to the capital, Kyiv, for my studies. I loved my life there and never thought of leaving, until the day Russia started the full-scale war.
I was lucky to have relocation opportunities, and my job took me to Barcelona. Almost three years ago I moved from there to the Netherlands, and now I live in the cosiest capital in the world: Amsterdam.
What’s your job/business?
I’m a Data Science Manager at ADC, a consultancy that helps organisations make data and AI work in practice. I mostly work with the airline industry, helping airlines turn data into better decisions. The company has a great mix of Dutch and international colleagues, and our office in the Havengebouw has an amazing view over the city.
What was your first time in the Netherlands?
I first visited the Netherlands in 2021 as a tourist. I stayed in the centre of Amsterdam and took a day trip to Rotterdam. Amsterdam was extremely pretty, but I was sure I could never live there because it felt too busy. Rotterdam is still a city I love to visit. It gives me hope, because it shows how a city can come back stronger after the hardest times.
What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands?
For me it’s the quality of life. The economy is strong, and most people can afford a good life. That makes cities safer and gives people a strong sense of dignity. There are exceptions, of course, and not everyone has it easy, but the overall picture is impressive.
What stands out to me most is how retired people live here. They are active and independent: out cycling, traveling, meeting friends, and living life to the fullest. In many parts of the world, a comfortable and active retirement is something people can only aspire to, and I’m happy to see the Netherlands as an example of it.
What’s the worst thing about the Netherlands?
I’ll give the most popular answer, but hear me out! I moved to the Netherlands from Barcelona in November, and I had to switch from taking a swimsuit everywhere to taking a rain jacket everywhere. For the first few days I sat inside in complete denial, waiting for the rain to stop, which is exactly what I’d do in Barcelona, where rain is rare and a perfect excuse to cancel plans. My first winter was quite rainy and sad, and I thought about going back far too often. Then summer came, I fell in love with the city, made amazing friends, and discovered that vitamin D also comes in pills. I’m still not a fan of the weather, but last weekend I got soaked three times and enjoyed being outside anyway!
Do you have Dutch friends?
I have many Dutch acquaintances, but my close friends here are mostly expats from around the world. The Ukrainian community is also very strong across the whole country, and it has been wonderful to see so much support from Dutch people. For anyone who wants to help, United24 (u24.gov.ua), Ukraine’s official fundraising platform, is a good place to start.
What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?
I like that Dutch people are direct. You don’t have to second-guess what they mean: a yes is a yes, and a no is a no. I also love the flat hierarchies. People treat each other well no matter their title or background. Success isn’t pursued at any cost, and people manage to build great lives while respecting others.
What I find harder is that people are not very spontaneous, and perhaps because of that they can feel a bit closed off to me. In Ukraine, if I’m passing by a friend’s home, it’s completely normal to call, check if they’re in, and stop by for tea. Often you meet friends just to be together, with no activity attached. Here, planning is much more appreciated: you book a meeting in advance, put it in the calendar, and do something specific together. I sometimes miss spontaneity, but luckily I’ve built relationships here that allow for it!
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?
It’s hard to pick just one! My go-to list for casual bites: the Lebanese Salatheria, Pizza Project, Camino Taqueria, A Beautiful Mess, and Eetsalon Van Dobben for a classic Dutch vibe. For the best matcha in the city, you can’t beat Taigu in De Pijp, and my favourite gelato is at Miuz Gelato & Coffee. Something I discovered in Amsterdam and have loved ever since is cinnamon buns. And of course Ukrainian food, which always feels like home: vareniki from Vesela Pani, cheesecakes from One More Slice, and pastries from Almond Bakery!
Where do you prefer to relax in your city?
My favourite spot ever is Kuuma Sauna at Marineterrein, where you can cool down in the canal right afterwards. In summer, the Marineterrein is also great for swimming and picnics.
I also love cycling out of the city, along the Amstel, the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal, or somewhere north. And all the parks are amazing. My highlights are Flevopark and the Amsterdamse Bos.
What’s your favourite Dutch store?
Albert Heijn is by far the store I visit most! Then there are the bookshops around the Spui, and Rituals for a little self-care.
What do you like to do in the weekend?
I love weekends that mix people, sport, and some rest. I meet friends for anything really: a coffee, a walk, a party. I often go to a running club or on a small bike adventure outside the city. I also like local events, festivals, and celebrations, because there’s always something happening in the city. And I enjoy slowing down with a good book, or a film at a small cinema like LAB111 or Studio/K, especially when it’s rainy outside.
Who is your favourite Dutch person?
My neighbour Hanne! She helps me learn Dutch, and to me she’s the perfect example of a Dutch person: kind, fun, and extremely direct.
What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city in the
Netherlands?
First things first: rent a bike and see the city the way locals do (but only if you’re confident enough in your skills). Then see Amsterdam from the water: join a tourist boat, rent your own small one, try a kayak or SUP, or at least cross the IJ by the free ferry. The view from the water is amazing!
Visit a museum or two, but choose carefully, so you still have time to enjoy the city outside. My favourites are the Van Gogh Museum, the Canal Museum, and the STRAAT street art museum. The Stedelijk often has great exhibitions, and NEMO has a fantastic rooftop view.
Leave time for good coffee, spend an evening in one of the historic brown bars, and take a trip to the countryside to see how pretty it is. Don’t forget a rain jacket, and try to step off the busiest streets!
What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?
I’m a big fan of haring and kibbeling from the street stands. I also love stamppot, such a cozy dish! Pannenkoeken, poffertjes, and stroopwafels are great, and Dutch cheese is amazing, with so much variety.
I’m not really into liquorice or hagelslag, the chocolate sprinkles people put on bread for breakfast.
Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? What is your favourite?
King’s Day is the most distinctive one for me. The whole country turns orange, the streets and canals fill with people, and everybody sells stuff, dances, and celebrates. Besides the official holidays, I love Dutch festival culture: the Pride Canal Parade, the flower parades, Sail Amsterdam, the Bosch Parade, and running events like the Dam tot Damloop.
Where do you like to go out?
For live music, I love Paradiso, a concert hall in a former church, and Jazz Café Alto, a small, cozy jazz bar where you can sit close to the musicians. And when I want to sing myself, Duke of Tokyo is the place for karaoke. I even learned a Dutch classic, “Het is een nacht”, to blend in!
What famous Dutch place should you really go and see?
The tulip fields in bloom. It may sound like a tourist trap, but it’s one for a good reason! In spring, the fields near Lisse and Alkmaar turn into endless stripes of red, yellow, pink, and purple. Standing in front of them feels like stepping into a painting. You can cycle along the roads between the fields, but please respect the signs and keep out of the fields themselves. If you want photos among the tulips, there are special gardens for that, such as De Tulperij, where you can wander through the flowers and even pick your own bouquet.
Best kept secret in your city?
Exploring Amsterdam from the canals! Last summer I bought a SUP board, and it opened the city from a completely new angle.
Thanks for the interview Alisa!
Interviewed by Caroline Spraakman