Tue, 29 May 2012
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Indian expat Nandini would like to see a little disorder in the Dutch way of life, and wants to know why it should be so hard to form friendships with Muslims here.Name: Nandini Bedi
Nationality: Dutch, of Indian origin
City of residence: Amsterdam
Date of birth: 24-05-1962
Civil status: Married with 7-year-old twin boys
Occupation: Documentary maker and writer
Reason for moving to the Netherlands: Partner
Lived in the Netherlands for: eight years
What was your first impression of the Netherlands?
That people are very self-sufficient. That asking for the way rather than looking it up on a map is not how its usually done. That the Dutch know all about cheese, and when they have eaten it, they then work very, very hard.
What do you think of the food?
I love food; stamppot and zuurkool and every type of kool included. I love potatoes too so that helps!
What do you think of the shopping in the Netherlands?
I shop in Amsterdam and here I get coriander and curry leaves and drumsticks and fresh green chillies and coconuts. I also get a pickle from the Moroccan grocer that tastes like my grandmother in India made it. I get to shop whenever I want in an open air market. In general, I can’t and won’t complain about shopping in Amsterdam.
What do you appreciate about living in the Netherlands?
My bicycle. And that public transport is there and it works and one can depend on it. I feel it’s a safe place and I have never felt discriminated against. I like the fact that my taxes work for other people’s benefit when it’s necessary and that their tax money helps me when it’s necessary. Money seems to go around here.
I find most people accept me for what I am. They are not very curious but that’s okay. Acceptability is good enough to start with. I think its great that gay people can marry, have children and choose to live family lives like I can.
Would you like to add anything that we haven’t addressed in the questionnaire?
I’d like to add that although I have friends form different backgrounds in the Netherlands, I don’t have any of Turkish or Moroccan descent, and that I find it a pity. It’s something I am not comfortable with. After eight years and with two children born here, I begin to feel like I have a stake in this place.
What’s worse, I can’t seem to figure out why. In India some of my closest friends were of Islamic backgrounds. And here, the divide seems to be so real and difficult to bridge. I feel responsible for this.
All photos © Nandini Bedi
Joining Expat Voices
If you would like to share your perspective about life in the Netherlands, please send an email to editorNL@expatica.com with 'Please send me an Expat Voices questionnaire' in the subject line.
Dear All
I am a little surprised by this articles´ lack of tact. The introduction claims that it is difficult to make Muslim friends here in the Netherlands. Ms. Bedi then goes on to say she has difficulty with Turkish and Moroccan people too.
I would like to balance this by adding that I have had no such difficulty, I have befriended many Muslim, Turkish, Morrocan, Algerian, Arican and the list goes on. It just seem such an odd thing to hear that it is difficult to make Muslim friends.
I have been in the Netherlands as equally as long as Ms. Bedi and in that time I once saw some Indain gentlemen being rude. Should I on this example determine that all Indian men are difficult too?
I will happily offer to introduce Ms.Bedi to any number of Muslim people, but I wonder how the Muslims will take to her? That was just a whimsical comment, I am sure the Muslim community will take just fine to Ms. Bedi and welcome her to their very friendly arms.
For the rest of the article was a pleasant enough and I am sure many expats could relate to Ms. Bedi´s points, but again I am not sure about the difficulty with Muslims bit.
BR
Salman
With a great interest and pleasure I went through Mrs. Nadini Bedi's interview. She and I share the same history,culture and perhaps even blood..
Looking forward to have the possibility to meet and share our experiences!
The Hague,
"Nandini would like to see a little disorder in the Dutch way of life" - I'd like it if all the trees weren't planted in perfectly straight lines! my 'trees' grow wild and all over the place, this is the fundamental difference I have with NLer's. I'm able to act and think spontaneously and 'think outside the box'. This also allows me to accept other cultures and their differences much easier of course.
Hi Nandeni,
Nice to read your comments on Dutch life, all the way from Berkeley where I am now. yes indeed appointments long ahead is tough and a pity!
warm regards,
carla risseeuw
Dear Kuzz,
Could you please point out to me where in my interview I say I have 'difficulties with Turkish and Moroccon people too"?
Also did you understand what I meant by 'I feel responsible".
Thanks in advance,
Nandini
Assalamualiqum
Dear Sister
I am From Bangladesh. Is it possible for me to visit Netherlands.
Here I am Working As A high school Teacher (Head Teacher).
88 01715 218227
Mamun
Dear Mr. / Ms
Bye this way, I would like to have some information, I will first introduce my self my name is anand poeran living in the Netherlands
recently I was reading the book Amar Chitra Katha ,
I'm very intrested hit, would like to bye the books in Dutch, is that possible?
my English is not so good, here I apologize, I hope I can get this one answered, wish you good day.
Regards,
Anand Poeran
This article was really informative and I have learn t so much after reading this. I wonder some day I would be able to share such valuable information on my own blog.
Dear All
I am a little surprised by this articles´ lack of tact. The introduction claims that it is difficult to make Muslim friends here in the Netherlands. Ms. Bedi then goes on to say she has difficulty with Turkish and Moroccan people too.
I would like to balance this by adding that I have had no such difficulty, I have befriended many Muslim, Turkish, Morrocan, Algerian, Arican and the list goes on. It just seem such an odd thing to hear that it is difficult to make Muslim friends.
I have been in the Netherlands as equally as long as Ms. Bedi and in that time I once saw some Indain gentlemen being rude. Should I on this example determine that all Indian men are difficult too?
I will happily offer to introduce Ms.Bedi to any number of Muslim people, but I wonder how the Muslims will take to her? That was just a whimsical comment, I am sure the Muslim community will take just fine to Ms. Bedi and welcome her to their very friendly arms.
For the rest of the article was a pleasant enough and I am sure many expats could relate to Ms. Bedi´s points, but again I am not sure about the difficulty with Muslims bit.
BR
Salman
With a great interest and pleasure I went through Mrs. Nadini Bedi's interview. She and I share the same history,culture and perhaps even blood..
Looking forward to have the possibility to meet and share our experiences!
The Hague,
"Nandini would like to see a little disorder in the Dutch way of life" - I'd like it if all the trees weren't planted in perfectly straight lines! my 'trees' grow wild and all over the place, this is the fundamental difference I have with NLer's. I'm able to act and think spontaneously and 'think outside the box'. This also allows me to accept other cultures and their differences much easier of course.
Hi Nandeni,
Nice to read your comments on Dutch life, all the way from Berkeley where I am now. yes indeed appointments long ahead is tough and a pity!
warm regards,
carla risseeuw
Dear Kuzz,
Could you please point out to me where in my interview I say I have 'difficulties with Turkish and Moroccon people too"?
Also did you understand what I meant by 'I feel responsible".
Thanks in advance,
Nandini
Assalamualiqum
Dear Sister
I am From Bangladesh. Is it possible for me to visit Netherlands.
Here I am Working As A high school Teacher (Head Teacher).
88 01715 218227
Mamun
Dear Mr. / Ms
Bye this way, I would like to have some information, I will first introduce my self my name is anand poeran living in the Netherlands
recently I was reading the book Amar Chitra Katha ,
I'm very intrested hit, would like to bye the books in Dutch, is that possible?
my English is not so good, here I apologize, I hope I can get this one answered, wish you good day.
Regards,
Anand Poeran
This article was really informative and I have learn t so much after reading this. I wonder some day I would be able to share such valuable information on my own blog.
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