Tue, 29 May 2012
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Catherine Aiking came back to her Dutch roots seven years ago, and finds the Dutch "educated and knowledgeable," but feels that "people are not happy but have everything."Name: Catherine Aiking
Nationality: Canadian
Country of residence: Netherlands
Lived in the Netherlands: Seven years
City/town of residence: Zutphen
Date of birth: 29-08-1964
Civil status: Divorced
Occupation: Self-employed massage therapist
Reason for moving to your new country of residence: Family
What was your first impression of your new country of residence?
I felt at home with the culture because my parents were born in Amsterdam so my blood is 100 percent Dutch!
What do you think of the food?
Tasty and healthy! The food is basic-- meat, potatoesand vegetables every day but it tastes great if it's home-cooked and Dutch restaurants are also tasty with their one-pot meals like stampot (carrots and potatoes mashed together with smoked sausage) or boerenkool (kale and potatoes mashed together with smoked sausage. For lunch, the Dutch eat whole wheat bread sandwiches, which is healthy for your digestion!
What do you think of the shopping?
Shopping in Holland is very easy. Each downtown of a town has almost exactly the same stores so you can always find the practical household items or clothing that you need. Instead of going to a big shopping mall like in North
America, all the specialty stores are very close by, so it takes very little time to shop.
What puzzles you the most and what do you miss the most since you've moved here?
People are not happy but have everything. They depend on their money instead of God. They are also very bored because they have a lot of free time. I miss my friends in Canada and the US who helped each other instead of only for themselves like many of the Dutch because of their wealth.
How does the quality of life here compare to the quality of life in other countries that you've lived in? 
Very high compared to Canada or the States where I've lived. People have far more time off work; for example, some people can even play a game of tennis right in the middle of their work day without even being missed in the office! The Dutch enjoy their jobs more than in North America because there is less pressure to perform. They are allowed to enjoy their work instead of it being drudgery.
If you could change anything about your new country of residence, what would it be?
The climate! There isn't enough sun!
What advice would you give to a newcomer?
Network with a Dutch person to have them show you the ropes. Find a mentor who can explain daily life to you.
Would you like to add anything that we haven't addressed in the questionnaire?
Expatica is great!
Joining Expat Voices
We'd love to hear what you have to say about life in the Netherlands. To add your voice and receive the questionnaire, click on one of our links below to the questionnaire of your choice. We also invite you to share images and a video which you feel conveys more about your life abroad. Click below now!
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