What’s your name and where do you come from? Can you tell us something about your hometown/country?
Hi, I’m Dawn van Seijst. I was born in Milton Keynes, a city in England, and spent the first half of my life growing up in the south of England.
Where do you live in the Netherlands? What is one of your favourite things about where you live?
I live in a small village called Hillegom. I love it because it feels safe, and I’m very involved in village life. My kids enjoy their small, close-knit school, and when we want a change of pace, we’re just a short trip away from Haarlem and Leiden.
What’s your job or business?
I run a business called Tiny Expat, born from my passion for supporting families and helping them create the best start for their little ones while living in the Netherlands.
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 back in 2006, to attend the funeral of my now husband’s mother. We had only been dating for a few months at the time, and I was still very British in my ways! Despite the somber occasion, my father-in-law was incredibly welcoming and even wanted me to experience the touristy side of the country. After attending a memorial service at the school where his wife had worked, he drove me through the Red Light District. It was such a surreal introduction to the Netherlands!
What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands? How does this compare to your country?
I love the beautiful countryside, the dunes near my house, and the charming city centres of Haarlem and Leiden. I also admire the pride the Dutch have in their culture and the respect they show for each other – it’s something you feel everywhere here.
Besides the weather, what is your biggest pet peeve about the Netherlands?
The Dutch are very opinionated. While I appreciate their honesty and the open discussions that come with it, they can sometimes be quick to draw conclusions and insist they’re right. When I first moved here, I used to describe it as being in a box with the lid on – I couldn’t fully be myself because of the language and cultural barriers.
Do you have Dutch friends? How do you meet Dutch people?
Yes, I have plenty of Dutch friends now! When I first arrived, my husband tried to help me meet people, but I soon decided to avoid the infamous ‘circles of death’ at birthday parties. Instead, I immersed myself in Dutch work environments, got involved in volunteer projects, and slowly built friendships with neighbours and my husband’s family and friends.
What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?
I love how accepting Dutch friends are once you break through their shell – it’s a deep and genuine connection. What I don’t like is how hard it is to reach that point; it can take time to truly feel included.
What’s your best advice for new expats to make friends?
Be yourself and start by spending time in places where you feel comfortable. Gradually build your network, and try to connect beyond just the expat community. A friendly ‘fijne dag nog’ at the end of a conversation can go a long way!
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?
I love the pancake restaurants!
What’s your favourite Dutch store?
Action! I can’t resist their affordable crafty bits and pieces.
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Weekends are all about family time with my husband and two young boys. We love walking on the beach or through the dunes, visiting museums, or simply relaxing at home.
Who is your favourite Dutch historical, cultural, or famous person?
At the moment, I’m really enjoying Tobi Kooiman, who is both a mathematician and a comedian.
What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city and in general in the Netherlands?
Close to Hillegom, I’d recommend the LAM Museum in the Keukenhof Castle gardens. It’s such a unique and beautiful spot and great museum.
What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?
I’m not a fan of mashed meals or pea soup, but I love kapsalon. I’d eat it every week if it weren’t such a calorie bomb!
Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? Which one is your favourite?
Yes, I do! My favourite is Freedom Day. I realized years ago that I couldn’t give my children the English holidays I grew up with, but I love watching them enjoy Dutch traditions like Sint Maarten and Sinterklaas. They also get a visit from Father Christmas since they’re half English, but that’s probably more for me than for them!
What famous Dutch place should new visitors or expats definitely go see?
The Verwey Museum in Haarlem – it’s a hidden gem full of Dutch history.
Best-kept secret in your city?
The Tulip Barn! It’s just a 10-minute bike ride from Keukenhof, and I think it’s ten times better.
Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to the Netherlands?
I wish I had known how different the driving rules are here compared to England. I should have taken a lesson early on – I spent years not giving way to the right!
What are a few things you recommend to new expats here in the Netherlands?
Give yourself time to adapt, and don’t be afraid to put your own needs first. Be clear about what you want and learn to say ‘no’ when you need to.
Thanks for the interview Dawn!
Interview held by Rossella Davì