Where do you live in the Netherlands? What is one of your favourite things about where you live?
My name is Ell from India and I live in Dordrecht. It is a beautiful, historic town, very close to Rotterdam. What I love about Dordrecht is miles of cobblestone streets that are perfect for winter runs, especially when it is foggy. I love Grote Kerk and the area around; it’s just magical.
What’s your job or business?
I have two jobs: during the day I work as a Global Program Manager with a logistics MNC, and after the sun sets, I write thrillers and horror books.
When was your first time in the Netherlands? What were your first impressions or what was special about that first trip?
I visited the Netherlands first in 2021. My partner had just moved here from India and I had come for a visit, to spend Christmas and New Year. It was during the fag end of the pandemic, and pretty much the entire country was on lockdown. No retail outlets or restaurants were open, but it was still beautiful. At that point, he was living in Rotterdam, and we would go for these long walks, exploring places with barely any crowds around us. Honestly, I was just happy to be with him.
What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands? How does this compare to your country?
There are many nice things about Netherlands, I can’t really point out one single thing. However, I did find it adorable when my 17-year-old received letters from the government telling him about what his higher study options are after he turns 18 and how he can pursue them. They also informed him about the various support options available for him. A nation that cares about the future and education of its youth is a good nation.
We come from India, so the sheer population of the country doesn’t allow for such tracking and communication. You just rely on relatives, friends and teachers for information about higher education.
Besides the weather, what is your biggest pet peeve about the Netherlands?
It has been two years, so we have adjusted to the weather here. My biggest pet peeve is NS and the sheer number of delays and cancelations during commutes. It is often quite annoying to reach the station only to realize the train was cancelled five minutes ago and all subsequent trains are too (I often refer to NS as my toxic boyfriend). Especially when you have an important appointment or need to get to work, it is hard.
Do you have Dutch friends? How do you meet Dutch people?
I have a couple of Dutch folks who are friends, and a few acquaintances. Most of the time it is through networking events on meetup; also I run the Rotterdam Writer’s Circle for people who are passionate about writing and would like to meet like-minded writers every Sunday, and I have met a few folks there.
Plus, I must mention the Dordrecht expat book club, where we have some Dutch members who I have become familiar with. My Dutch neighbours are absolutely fantastic as well.
What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?
I like their sense of humour, a lot. They are not easily offended and can definitely take a joke. There is nothing really to not like; I am sure individuals have some quirks, but Dutch folks as a whole are pretty good, I think.
What’s your best advice for new expats to make friends?
Don’t wait for people to come to you; you have to be the architect of your own social life. Join clubs or groups centred around your hobbies, whether it’s running, writing or reading. It gives you a ‘pre-approved’ topic of conversation and breaks the ice much faster than a random bar encounter.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?
Since I live in Dordrecht, I have to mention De Klander Muellen and Magazijn. Primarily because they are right next to where we live and the food is amazing, with just the right, cozy atmosphere. In Magazijn, I recommend you go try their kleine ontbijt (small breakfast) and cappuccino; at De Klander Muellen, their loaded fries and Pornstar Martinis are on point.
What’s your favourite Dutch store?
I have a soft spot for Dille & Kamille. Every time I walk in, I feel a sense of calm. It’s full of natural materials, beautiful kitchenware and gardening supplies. It feels like the physical embodiment of the Dutch concept of gezelligheid.
What do you like to do on the weekends?
My weekends are a mix of movement and creativity. I usually spend Saturdays on a long run or the gym, followed by a mandatory trip to the farmers’ market; and Sunday mornings are with the Rotterdam Writer’s Circle, which is incredibly energizing. I also love taking long walks or runs through Dordrecht to clear my head for my next thriller plot.
Who is your favourite Dutch historical, cultural or famous person?
As a writer of thrillers and horror, I’m fascinated by Hieronymus Bosch. Though he lived centuries ago, his surreal and macabre paintings are legendary – just my kind of weird. His ability to capture the ‘monsters’ of the human imagination is a huge inspiration for anyone working in the darker genres of fiction.
What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city and in general in the Netherlands?
In Dordrecht, you must see the Hof van Nederland to understand the birth of the Dutch Republic, and then just get lost in the historic harbours. Generally, in the Netherlands, I tell people to skip the tourist traps in Amsterdam and take a train to the smaller ‘monument cities’ like Delft or Leiden.
What is your favorite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?
I am a fan of oliebollen only if it is stuffed with Nutella from the street markets. As for what I dislike? Peanut butter sauce in everything.
Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? Which one is your favourite?
We do! My favourite has to be King’s Day. The energy is infectious, and the vrijmarkt (flea market) culture is fascinating. Seeing the whole country turn bright orange and celebrate together is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Best-kept secret in your city?
The hidden gardens and courtyards (hofjes) in Dordrecht. If you peek behind the right unassuming doors in the old city centre, you find these silent, beautiful oases that feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to the Netherlands?
I wish I had known how crucial it is to start learning the language earlier. I knew for two years that I was going to move here; I could have started much earlier. Even though pretty much the entire country knows English, it is hard to integrate without knowing the language. And considering we love living here, I would like to integrate better.
What are a few things you recommend to new expats here in the Netherlands?
First, get cracking on learning the language, it’s your ticket to integrating better. Second, embrace the community. Whether it’s a book club or a local running group, finding your tribe will make the transition from living here to feeling at home much faster.
Thanks for the interview Ell!
Interviewed by Rossella Davì