What’s your name and where do you come from? Can you tell us something about your hometown/country?
Hi, my name is Rossella and I am from Italy. I was born and raised in Messina, a city on the coast in the island of Sicily. I lived there for my first 26 years with the idea I wouldn’t ever leave. I was already interested in traveling but living abroad was not in my mind, until it was!
Where do you live in the Netherlands? What is one of your favourite things about where you live?
I live in Rotterdam and I love everything about the city. One of my favourite things is that, even though I live in a very modern and urbanized city, there is so much green and simple things like cycling around and going to a park are highlights of the day for everyone
What’s your job or business?
I work full-time in an international company, in the sales department. And I own a small business, Going Expat, which aims to help and support people who want to move abroad, specifically in the Netherlands. I am not only the founder and blogger for it, but also the social media manager and content creator, since I do everything on my own.
When was your first time in the Netherlands? What were your first impressions or what was special about that first trip?
My first time in the Netherlands was in 2013 and I had no idea what to expect to be honest. Rotterdam was weird to me, everything looked different and I wasn’t sure I liked it. But it was fascinating to me and once I started to have my life here, to learn about the history of the city and the country a bit more, I started to like it more and more. I love making trips in the country to learn more and visit more places.
What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands? How does this compare to your country?
I would not compare it to Italy. What would be the point of comparing two so different countries? I like the amount of green, the directness of the culture, the respect of private life and the work-life balance, the brick houses and the coast which, even though is very different than the Mediterranean, re-connects me with my element: the sea.
Besides the weather, what is your biggest pet peeve about the Netherlands?
Shops close to early! I cannot get used to that. But the real and only thing that I really dislike about the Netherlands is the health system. I am a supporter of the public health system. Also, there is a big gap in prevention in my opinion, and this also scares me a bit.
Do you have Dutch friends? How do you meet Dutch people?
I have Dutch friends who I met mainly thanks to my Dutch boyfriend. Some I met at work or via other friends. Very old-fashioned I would say, but let me tell you that it still works.
What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?
I like that they are direct and mainly real and realistic. Generally speaking, they tell you what they think, if they disagree and why; they listen to you and then the conversation is over and you go back to what was before. It is very different from my culture, where people tend to go around and don’t clearly say when they disagree or are disappointed. It of course often leads to misunderstandings and bigger issues.
I find it a bit difficult to adapt to the fact that even though they are there for you, you have to be the one to check on them if you need them, in a moment of difficulty for example. And, of course, I am not a huge fan of the ‘agenda’; sometimes I prefer spontaneously meetings but it’s quite hard here.
What’s your best advice for new expats to make friends?
First of all, leave the stereotypes home. I have heard too many times, that people complain a lot about everything in the Netherlands. Definitely that is not the approach you want to have if you are looking to socialize with people who are from here, live here and maybe are happy to be here. Try to blend in, don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues if they are busy next weekend and what to hang out for a coffee. Go to meetups, subscribe to a course or go to a book club if you like it. This way you’ll meet people who already have something in common with you and making conversation is going to be easier, also for the introverted ones. But you need to get out there, explore and ask for it. Making friendships as an adult is difficult, and in another country even more.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?
I have many! In fact on my blog I have dedicated an article to it. Let me tell you a few names:
Little V for Vietnamese food; By Hami for a cool fancy shared dinner; Old Scuola for pizza; and The Iron Lady for burger and steak.
What’s your favourite Dutch store?
I can spend a lot of time (and money) in Dille & Kamille and Sostrene Grene. But recently I found myself walking with a friend along Oude Binnenweg and there are so many cute independent clothes shops, I couldn’t chose one.
What do you like to do on the weekends?
I like to diversify, so you can find me in a park or at the beach if the weather is good, with my dog, my partner and/or friends. But I also like chilling at home and enjoying a nice meal outside. In winter (but not only then), I mainly go to museums. Cultural activities are always important for me, of any kind. For example, every last Sunday of the month I have a book club appointment and I try to not miss it. It is also a way to socialize.
Who is your favourite Dutch historical, cultural or famous person?
I have to admit I am quite ignorant, so I don’t know much. Of course all the famous painters are such an inspiration and I enjoy visiting their museums and diving into their arts. But probably my favourite cultural person is Erasmus. In fact he was strong enough to say no to Luther, when he felt obliged to take part in something he helped to create but that didn’t fully develop the way he thought. The importance of free will was for him more important than anything else, and I find it so brave and relevant even today.
What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city and in general in the Netherlands?
I would need a full article only dedicated to this topic (I have some on my blog). I would visit everything that is mentioned in the guides about Rotterdam, and I would also move a bit around the city and not focus only on the city center. In fact Rotterdam has so many different areas. You must take a walk in Delfshaven, and go on Saturday to the market at Noordplein for example. In the Netherlands in general I would say get out of Amsterdam; it is beautiful but is not the only pretty place. Explore smaller cities like Haarlem, Dordrecht, Schiedam or Breda. Maybe take a car and go explore the islands, Texel or Terschelling. This country is full of beauty, so limiting your visit to only one city really is a pity.
What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?
My favourite Dutch food is without any doubts bitterballen. I love these small crunchy meatballs. I also like to have some homemade stamppot in winter. What I really cannot stand is the raw herring. I don’t know how people can eat it.
Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? Which one is your favourite?
Sinterklaas! Because it is something I don’t have in my country and I like all the ideas of the Saint coming and bringing the presents, the carrots in the shoes etc… In fact, with my partner, we use to exchange a small present for that day and to write a letter which rhymes.
What famous Dutch place should new visitors or expat definitely go see?
Kinderdijk. I have seen it many times and I am never tired of doing so. The 19 windmills are so fascinating and the scenes around change so much based on the season. I think it is way better than Zaanse Schans, for example, because it is more authentic.
Best-kept secret in your city?
I don’t think Delfshaven is very well known, so it might be one area, but certainly the garden inside the city hall in the Coolhaven. Now that I think about it, it has been a while since the last time I visited it. I must go!
Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to the Netherlands?
I wish I knew that moving here without speaking Dutch is very limiting. It would have made me learn the language way earlier and find many more job opportunities. I would have better understood the culture much earlier.
What are a few things you recommend to new expat here in the Netherlands?
I would take a step back when they decide to move. And: inform yourself well. The Netherlands gives opportunities and it is a great place to live, but it also requires a lot from expats. Invest in learning at least a high level of English and then start with Dutch as soon as possible. Don’t compare everything to your native country, it won’t help you understand the culture and feel at home.
Thanks for the interview Rossella!
Interview held by Marla Thomson