If you don’t already know, I’ve moved to Amsterdam! As I’m writing this post, I’m sitting in a hotel lobby after just returning from a morning stroll. This is my second full day in the city (since arriving on Monday night), and I’m loving every minute of it.
Why did I move?
A lot of people are asking me: ‘Why Amsterdam?” Why not! Actually, the main reason is this: after my husband and I returned from a trip to the USA in January 2016, we really wanted to move to Boston. Our hearts were set on the States, but it’s really difficult to get an H1B visa. After applying for literally hundreds and hundreds of jobs, only getting a few call backs, we set our sights on Europe.
The Netherlands was our first choice. When it comes to agile practices in the workplace, the Netherlands is one of the leading countries in the world. After 4 job applications, 3 call backs, numerous interviews and 2 job offers, here we are! We both want to be experts in our respective fields (engineering and travel blogging) and Amsterdam is a great place for us to grow.
What’s also great about moving to the Netherlands is the ease of bringing your pet along with you. No quarantine time (if the vaccinations are up to date), just a rabies test and a 90-day waiting period. Our beloved husky will be joining us at the end of March.
How do I feel about the move?
Honestly, I’m super excited! I realise that everything won’t be easy and fun all the time. There will be challenges and an adjustment period (the experts say it takes about three months). Luckily for me, I’m very adaptable. I’ve lived in England for six months and Germany for four. So bring it on – I’m ready for this new chapter in my life! I’m ready to spread my travel wings!
How long am I staying?
For at least one year. This depends entirely on my husband’s work situation. The initial contract is for one year. If they like what he does (and I hope they do), his contract will be extended indefinitely. We hope to purchase property in Amsterdam and call it our home for the next couple of years!
What’s next?
Well, my husband and I still have to find a house/apartment! We are going on a housing tour on Friday. Hopefully, we find a place we can call home, something we love. The area we are looking at is Southeast Amsterdam, mainly due to the proximity to my husband’s place of work. Also, the housing prices drop as you move away from the city centre of Amsterdam. Then we have to purchase all the goodies for our new home!
I also really want to learn the local langue. Dutch is very similar to Afrikaans, my first language, so hopefully, that gives me an advantage. (See, I can already read the sign below!)
Living in Amsterdam is a dream for a travel blogger like myself! Europe is so central with great flight deals to North America and Asia. I’m very excited about the next phase of my life and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for me. Time to go now and explore my new home!
