The first year we were here was tough on me. For the first time in my adult life, I was not working and was entirely financially dependent on another person. I hated it. I wasn’t ready for the feelings it would create. I looked for appropriate roles here, but without being fluent in Dutch, working … More New Chapters
Today I went on another “mommy field trip,” after a long hiatus, to the Corrie ten Boom Museum in Haarlem. When I first visited Haarlem last fall, we passed the museum and a friend recommended visiting. It took me a bit to get back, but it was worth it. Prior to moving here, I had … More Corrie ten Boom Museum
We are recovering after an epic European adventure, hence the reason for the recent quietness. 14 – number of days 5 – countries visited (U.K., Switzerland, France, Germany, The Netherlands) 6 – teenaged Girl Scouts 3 – leaders 9 – people who stayed at our small Dutch house 14 – number of loads of laundry … More Vacation by the numbers – 14, 5, 6, 3, 9, 14, 1233
Here is not a subject line you would expect to get from your local government in the U.S., “Gemeente publiceert bommenkaart.” Translation – Municipality publishes bomb map. It is not something I thought about before, but The Netherlands was home to a number of minefields. Of course not all of these ordinances exploded. It is … More Uniquely European Dangers
One year ago today we landed in The Netherlands. Since then it has been a year of ups and downs. For me, I think not working has been a big part of an adjustment, whereas the husband and daughter have a place to be every day and get to interact with people, I don’t. So … More First Year Reflections
I am sorry to be extra quiet here lately. Lots has been going on, but I am also back to feeling pretty terrible most of the time. Interestingly, as I have started to be me open about it with my friends here, a surprising number have told me that they too were never sicker than … More The Hague Plague
April 27 – King’s Day (Koningsdag) is a national holiday that celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. This year, the King turned 56. Celebrations begin the evening of April 26, King’s Night. Many towns have outdoor stages and live music DJs. Or you can go to a local bar, pub or club. In some areas … More Kings’s Day (Koningsdag)
After our fabulous time on Santorini, we returned to the mainland and spent a few days in Athens. I couldn’t get over the history of the city or the hills. I had no idea it was so hilly. Walking around definitely increases your heart rate, especially with the heat and humidity. We stayed at the … More Greece – Historic Athens
For spring break, which occurs here around Easter, we set off for a week in Greece. None of us had been before and it was our must see list. My husband’s request was that we roast a lamb. Our daughter wanted to see all the beautiful whitewashed buildings. Come on, did you really go somewhere … More Greece – Beautiful Santorini
