Where do you come from and where do you live in the Netherlands?
My name is Dani (Danielle) Originally I’m from the beautiful, sunny country of Zimbabwe. I moved to the Netherlands to attend university and for better opportunities. I first lived in Eindhoven where I studied my bachelor’s and now I live and work in the beautiful city centre of Amsterdam!
What’s your job/business?
I work in the data world as an analytics engineer (don’t worry, my parents don’t know what that means either).
What was your first time in the Netherlands?
My first time in the Netherlands was when I moved here in 2017! I moved here without ever stepping foot in the country, which was quite scary at first, but it forced me to step out of my comfort zone, have new experiences and make new friends!
What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands?
My favourite thing about the Netherlands is the way Dutch people can really enjoy the small moments in life. I love walking around the city and seeing friends having dinner on the streets when it’s sunny, people having parties and dancing in their windows, cycling around holding hands with their loved ones or with their pets in their bike baskets, or having a biertje on a boat on a Tuesday afternoon. The whole city (or country) can come together for big celebrations like Pride or King’s Day. I think there is a laid-back way about the Dutch that I love to observe and now be a part of.
What’s the worst thing about the Netherlands?
A cliché answer but I would have to say the weather and the lack of nature. Growing up in a sunny country, the only rain I knew came in the form of brief, intense thunderstorms that left the air filled with the rich, earthy smell of freshly wet ground. Here the rain can last for days (sometimes it feels like weeks or even months) and this can get to me. However, I have come to love “rain-suiting-up” as I like to call it, and put on my rain boots, pants, jacket and hat, hop on my bike and go out into the wet, cold world. It makes the warm showers in winter feel even better.
Do you have Dutch friends?
I do have Dutch friends. I struggled to make them in the beginning and especially at university, but being in the working world now I feel that it’s easier to bond with them. I think living here for longer has made me understand the culture more and therefore be able to better connect with them.
What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?
As I already said, I love the laid-back approach to life that Dutch people have and that they can really enjoy the good parts of life. I love that Dutch people bike anywhere no matter the time or weather. Whether it’s to work, a wedding, coming home after the club, or even moving house!
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?
One of my favourite cuisines is Thai food, so I’d have to say Krua Thai is my favourite place to indulge in that!
Where do you prefer to relax in your city?
My favourite place to relax (apart from my own living room) would be along the Amstel. In the summer I love to go for a swim and play some cards with friends in the sun and in the winter I love to sit and look at the lights on the bridges.
What’s your favourite Dutch store?
I’m a huge HEMA fan! I love all things HEMA, from the snacks to the homeware to the fast photo service!
What do you like to do in the weekend?
On the weekend I love to hang out with my friends, play board games, go to a bar for a drink or go dancing. I also love to craft or make things with my hands, like knitting, beading or sewing! There’s always a hobby that fills up my weekend.
Who is your favourite Dutch person?
My favourite Dutch person is my friend Juliette. She’s one of the kindest and most beautiful people I know and she makes me laugh so much! She is always so patient with me when I’m trying to learn Dutch and she teaches me all the most important slang phrases like ‘gezellie frikandellie’.
What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city in the Netherlands?
I think one of the best ways to see Amsterdam is from the canals! I’d say to rent a small boat and go for a tour on the canals with some friends and beers, and soak up all the beautiful architecture and history around you.
What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?
It may be a controversial opinion but my favourite Dutch food would be zuurkoolstamppot met spekjes, delicious! I also love kaassoufflé and the vegetarian chicken burger from FEBO. I’m not a huge fan of the Dutch sweets like pepernoten and stroopwafels though.
Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? What is your favourite?
I only celebrate King’s Day so I’ll have to say that’s my favourite. I love walking around the vrijmarkt in the morning and seeing all the funky and creative things people are selling. And then partying on the streets while the whole country comes together to celebrate! It’s a pretty special feeling to walk around the city on that day and feel the vibe coming from every corner!
Where do you like to go out?
Usually I like to go to a beer bar, a board games bar or somewhere with a sunny terrace in the summer. When I go dancing, I like to go to festivals or to house or disco parties; my favourite are the events at Doka.
What famous Dutch place should you really go and see?
I have still never been to the Anne Frank House even after living here for many years. I think the history and the story behind are is so important and moving, so one day I’d definitely like to go and see that!
Best-kept secret in your city?
I think there are few secrets left in Amsterdam to be honest. But I’d say the best-kept secret is all the small details around the city that you don’t really notice until you slow down and look! I always see fun statues and murals or tiny mosaics hidden in the streets. A few times I’ve stumbled upon a hidden art gallery, a little concert or a thrift store that feels like a museum! So I’d say look beyond the surface and the city has a lot of hidden secrets where you’d least expect them.
Thanks for the interview Dani! 🫶
Interviewed by Caroline Spraakman