Name:  Lisa Wildeman   
Nationality:  USA
City of residence: Leiden   
Date of birth:  2 February
Civil status:  Residency Card
Occupation:  Telecommunications
Reason for moving to the Netherlands:  My husband’s job
Lived in the Netherlands since:  May 2008

What was your first impression of the Netherlands?  
How beautiful the architecture and canals are.

What do you think of the food?  
Haven’t tried a lot of the local cuisine, but what I have tried I like so far, except for the herring!

What do you think of the shopping in the Netherlands? 
I find the markets to be somewhat under stocked.  However, I am comparing that to American standards.  I really enjoy going to the open air markets on market day.  It’s a very cultural experience!

What do you appreciate about living in the Netherlands? 
I really like how well the public transportation works.  It is very efficient.  I also like all of the fresh produce.  I also appreciate the simpler life style.  There isn’t as much stress (other than trying to figure things out), as there is in the States.

What do you find most frustrating about living in the Netherlands? 

The (high) taxation, the fact that I have to pay to talk to a customer service representative,  the lack of modesty in the doctors’ offices and the immense amount of bureaucracy that you have to go through to settle here.

At the Delta Lloyd Regatta

What puzzles you about Dutch culture and what do you miss since you’ve moved here? 
I find the Dutch to be very helpful when asked.  However, they don’t seem to want to be friends with you.  I miss meeting new people and having friendly conversations with them. Of course there are always exceptions to that rule.

Expats are friendly! Lisa with Paul Brown, presenter for new Expat TV series on TV West at the programme''s opening event.

How does the quality of life in the Netherlands compare to the quality of life in other countries that you’ve lived in?
I think that overall, the quality of life is excellent here.  However, the cost of living is extensively higher than what I was used to in the United States.

If you could change anything about the Netherlands, what would it be? 
That people wouldn’t drop litter and graffiti everything in public areas.

What advice would you give to a newcomer?
Patience.  Seek out as much information as possible about assimilating here.  The information exists but it is in a variety of different locations.  Use the Expat desks – they are very helpful!  Or buy a book on life in the Netherlands. The new addition of  At Home in Holland  -- from the American Women’s Club -- will help you get to grips with Dutch culture.

 Is there anything that you like to add?
Expats should make an effort to get involved in different social and philanthropic groups.  This will help you assimilate quicker, provide you with a base of friends and give back to the community.  Ride your bike, see the sights.  Hop on a train, tram or bus and see the city that you live in.  Make an effort to learn and understand what happened here in WWII.  Seek out the help you need.  It’s out there.

 

If you would like to share your perspective about life in the Netherlands and contribute to Expat Voices, send an email to editorNL@expatica.com with 'Please send me an Expat Voices questionnaire' in the subject line.