Oh, the Netherlands… land of windmills, tulips and bikes. Yes, but also so much more. As I write this, I am becoming painfully aware that my time to move away (yet again) is getting closer. In exactly nine days’ time, my Dutch life will only be a memory, not a very distant one obviously.
The only constant in life is change and, like so many expats, I have gotten used to packing my bags and waving goodbye to many places. Although, this time it feels different, perhaps because once you become a parent your perspective shifts. It is no longer just about you and your significant other signing off to the next adventure, this time you need to explain to your little one how the world as he knows it is about to be turned upside down.
Nevertheless, I think there is more to it. I happened to land in this country roughly a month before the whole world changed completely. This meant, among other much more important things, that I didn’t get to travel through the low lands as much as I would have liked to. In addition, I didn’t meet as many people and many etcetera’s. However, in the end it didn’t matter, because the life my little family and me built here was wonderful.
Casual strolls in nature? Check. Husband got to see son’s first steps because hello permanent home office? Check. Yet, we did get to visit some beautiful cities, the few people we met were awesome and we truly felt at home. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and these two years in The Hague were perfect for us.
Of course, you cannot leave Holland without seeing Amsterdam canals, getting soaked up on its reach history and, why not? Getting a glimpse of the red district. I mean, we are kind of tourists after all. And how about Rotterdam and all the cool modern architecture? A quick walk through the cubes houses (Kijk-Kubus) and the Market Hall (Markthal) are just a few of the spots you absolutely cannot miss.
The tulip fields need a special place on the to-do list while you are in the Netherlands. Typically, in the middle of nowhere, I can proudly say we succeeded finding them without a car: just a train, our feet and a GPS. Let’s not forget about the pram and the toddler inside it. Yes, there are also tours available but not this year, or last year because… well, you know why.
Other hidden gems include Leiden and its quiet cool city vibe, along with Gouda’s small town charm (and the cheese, duh), Haarlem’s coziness (might I dare to use the term gezellig?) and you know what? Now that I am writing it all down, I think we managed to see a lot of the Dutch landscape. **Sigh of relief**
All traveling aside, the city that received us with open arms and gave us so many treasured moments during our Dutch adventure deserves a special mention. The Hague looks like a fairytale; I mean you can be in the middle of a beautiful forest and 20 minutes later find yourself walking in the sand, looking at the ocean in dreamy Scheveningen (I think I can kind of pronounce it by now). The Peace Palace (Vredespaleis) surroundings are simply breathtaking. This city has all the perks that come with being the government headquarters: the embassies, the expat community and so much more. At the same time, it is super quiet compared to Amsterdam. So, in essence, the perfect combination.
So, thank you Holland. Yes, I am aware the correct name for the country is the Netherlands and that Holland is only part of it, but I lived in said part so I can get away with it. Thank you for the magical sunlight reflected on the endless canals, the swans and the ducks; the wind that kept me on my toes every time I went out; all that stain glass that frame those curtain less windows; the stroopwafels; the sound of the bikes and trams passing by. I will never forget you, but for now, it looks like it is time to say farewell.
*Disclaimer: I wrote this piece back in December 2021, right before moving back to Spain.
