What’s your name and where do you come from? Can you tell us something about your hometown/country?
My name is Natalia Shevchenko and I am Russian. In short, I came from the Soviet Union. I was born in the Far East of Russia – Khabarovsk city – and when I was 2 years old my family moved to Uzbekistan, Samarkand city. I lived in Uzbekistan until I was 18 years old, and then moved back to Russia – Siberia – where I studied at university and got a diploma as a Geoinformational Systems Analyst. After my graduation I was invited to the Far East of Russia (so I can say I returned to my roots) to Sakhalin Island to work at an oil and gas company famously known as Shell, where I met my future husband who turned out to be Dutch. That’s how I came to live in the Netherlands.
Where do you live in the Netherlands? What is one of your favourite things about where you live?
My family and I live currently in Hendrik Ido Ambacht, it’s a village in the Drechtsteden area, with Dordrecht as its capital. I like Dordrecht as it is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands; the first constitution was signed there. It’s a very beautiful city with a lot of the authentic Dutch elements, like small streets and old ‘chocolate’ resembling houses. It’s particularly nice to take long walks there. And personally I think you could even call it the central point of the Netherlands, as its equal distance from both Brussels and Amsterdam.
What’s your job or business?
As of one year ago I have changed the direction of my career. I currently work as a mechanical engineer at Bureau Veritas and have begun obtaining a second Bachelor’s degree. Aside from this, I have a small business where I make items such as crochet bags and home décor, as well as toys and baby boxes, which can be found at Swan Market in Breda.
When was your first time in the Netherlands? What were your first impressions or what was special about that first trip?
My first trip to the Netherlands was about 13 years ago. It was a business trip and I was mostly exploring The Hague. I was really surprised at how beautiful the Netherlands is, in aspects of its nature, architecture and cleanliness.
What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands? How does this compare to your country?
After living here for so long, I can definitely confirm that the Netherlands is my place. I love everything about it, even the heavy taxes don’t bother me. I love how wonderful the people are, as they always smile and are willing to help. Also the process of shopping, both in-store and online, is extremely easy. In addition, the environment is always taken care of both physically and on a cultural level, allowing for multinationalism and tolerance amongst the population. Particularly this you don’t see a lot in my country.
Besides the weather, what is your biggest pet peeve about the Netherlands?
Unlike most people I don’t believe that the weather is all that bad here. I love rain and if anything, I think there is too much sun during the summer. However, in terms of pet peeves, I would say my biggest one is – seeing how I live in a small town – the idea that essential stores are closed on Sundays.
Do you have Dutch friends? How do you meet Dutch people?
Unfortunately I have no close Dutch friends. I do have colleagues and relatives and neighbours, but I think our mentalities are quite different to be close friends.
What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?
Like I previously mentioned, I like that the Dutch are always smiling and willing to help. They are very tolerant and they respect you. They also think about nature and the environment. The thing I do not like about them is that a lot of the time, Dutch kids are quite spoiled and because of that act quite rowdy in public, which can be irritating. But nothing about the Dutch is so insufferable that you can’t live with it.
What’s your best advice for new expats to make friends?
The best suggestion I can give is to find a job – as easy as that. I am just kidding of course, personally I am not a great adviser for this question, but perhaps, making friends with your neighbours could be quite helpful.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?
Personally, I’d have to say Zomerlust in Zwijndrecht. The restaurant is situated next to the Oude Maas river, from which you can see the Grote Kerk in Dordrecht. And in terms of food, they have amazing oysters and tartar; and bonus point, their service is outstanding.
What’s your favourite Dutch store?
In terms of grocery stores I’d have to say Albert Heijn. You can find everything you need there, even from foreign cuisines, and the quality of products is quite exceptional. Makro is also quite nice; however, they only sell to companies and/or brands who obtain a client card. But if we’re talking about regular stores, I’d say my favourite one is Intratuin – a great store for décor, plants and so on.
What do you like to do on the weekends?
I am very much a homebody: I prefer to spend my time indoors, mostly crocheting. Sometimes though, my daughter and I go for a walk exploring small streets here and there in Dordrecht. And as an office tradition, my friends and I like to go out almost every Friday, to have some drinks and food, sometimes indulging in karaoke and dancing.
Who is your favourite Dutch historical, cultural or famous person?
For sure Vincent Van Gogh. I am a big fan of Gauguin, so I am aware of the passion that Vincent felt and it’s always striking to see how emotional Van Gogh was to cut off his own ear. His paintings are really phenomenal and are something everyone should see.
What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city and in general in the Netherlands?
Seeing how Dordrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, I would say it’s a must-visit location for any tourist. The small streets and authentic Dutch buildings are something you can’t miss. And of course the atmosphere of a small Dutch town, which is not known to many tourists.
What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?
Living here for 9 years, I’ve grown to like all the small Dutch snacks like croquettes, frikandellen, kibbeling and fries. I have also taken up cooking some of the Dutch dishes for my husband like ossenstaartsoep (ox tail soup) and erwtensoep (snert). I think one of the greatest things about Dutch cuisine is that it mostly consists of meat and fish with side dishes like steamed vegetables, which is quite healthy.
Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? Which one is your favourite?
Yes, definitely. We celebrate both Kerst and Pasen. I myself am Orthodox Christian and we also have Christmas and Easter, but the dates for the celebrations are on completely different days, so it’s always a joy to celebrate everything twice. I also enjoy Sinterklaas, but having no young children, we don’t celebrate it as vigorously. However, we still buy all the chocolate letters and pepernoten. Personally, I’d say my favourite is Kerst, as I love cooking all the dishes during this period and watching all the movies.
What famous Dutch place should new visitors or expats definitely go see?
Definitely old castles, I think they are quite beautiful and have a lot of history to them. Therefore, I’d undeniably recommend everyone to visit at least one castle in the Netherlands, for example Kasteel de Haar.
Best-kept secret in your city?
I fear if I say the secret, then it won’t be one anymore; therefore, people will have to find it on their own.
Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to the Netherlands?
Unlike most people, I’d say that I knew what I was getting myself into when choosing to move to the Netherlands. I was studying both the language and the history of the country long before we decided to move.
What are a few things you recommend to new expat here in the Netherlands?
Well, let’s see, definitely try to be positive about the weather. You cannot change it, so just try adapting to it. If you’re trying to learn Dutch, perhaps go to your local library for language classes. And as a local, make sure to understand all the differences between paper, plastic and regular trash (it will save you a lot of money and get you on good terms with your neighbours). Lastly, make sure to have enough orange attire for Koningsdag as it will come in very handy!
Thanks for the interview Natalia!
Interview held by Marla Thomson