Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Dutchies DO live in windmills





Sometimes cliches are true: my cousin lives with here family in a great windmill in 'the Dutch polder'. Her brave daughter has shared ins-and outs about living in a windmill on national television!!

The windmill still works which makes them have to stick to some safety rules, to make sure no kids or dogs fly high up into the sky. But have a look at the view, it is amazing!!!!

http://jeugdjournaal.nl/item/372877-renate-9-woont-in-molen.html


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Experience the Expat life




Dutch Habits & Traditions is 'on the go' for a while, to experience different life styles.

Starting my trip with an expat taster in Sao Paulo was definitely a great kick-off! I stayed with Dutch friends who moved out there almost a year ago. Of course thanks to internet you can easily stay in contact on a regular basis ( skype, viber, etc). In fact, a tour through the appartement was hardly needed after the virtual one. But of course physical introduction remains the winner.
The first day already I had the pleasure to experience the full expat package: delicious lunch, shopping, manicure (my first time) and incredible dinner. I could get used to these lovely luxurous activities. I met some expat friends on a samba party another night. They were all very friendly and open (yeap, still talking about Dutchies). They are used to questions like: when have you arrived, for how long will you stay, is it your- or husbands' work that has given you this opportunity.

It wasn't my first Expat experience though - a couple of years ago I spent 2 weeks in Singapore at my cousin's in a very nice appartement comparable to the penthouse in Sao Paulo. Different continent, therefor different lifestyles. In Singapore they know 'maids' (hate that word) who do really everything for you (Ok almost everything - except for whiping your bud. But for the rest....). In Sao Paulo this phenomenon is not common and life and food are more western alike. But in general daily activities are similar.

To me the Expat life seems like a long nice holiday. What appeals to me is the experience, the discovery of a new environment, different culture, different food, meet new people and talking a different language.
Of course this life knows her down sights as well - everything seems to be arranged for you, but what if you move to a country where the magic word is 'manana', you don't speak the language (and they don't speak English). Making new friends with people who come and go. I've respect for all expats who still know where their roots are and who stay in contact with home base. But it is all about the experience and challenge!

Sanne & Ronald, thank you very much for the warm welcome - I enjoyed every bit of my stay with you. New country, new visit ;-)