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20 years ago, I arrived in the Netherlands without knowing just how deeply this country would shape my heart and my future 🧡

I came for the experience, stayed for tulips and cheese but ended up finding love, building a family, great career and a beautiful life I’ll forever be grateful for.

It became more than just a home – it’s where I grew into a person I am today. This country gave me more than I could have ever imagined. My perfect Disneyland 🫶

Leaving is never easy – especially for the second time. The first time, I moved to Ireland for a few years (check out my post about Ireland 🇮🇪) but something kept pulling me back like a magnet. This time, I feel it’s for good.

Life is made of chapters and it’s time to start a new one. Time to trade canals for tea. Swap bikes for double-deckers. Replace directness for dry humor. Adjust orange pride for royal tradition. And change the Kingdom of the Netherlands 🇳🇱 to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. Rain stays, but now with an accent 😄

Thank you, Netherlands – you’ll always be a part of me!

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The Netherlands – a charming tapestry of canals, culture & color 🌷🚲

The Netherlands is one of those countries that instantly puts a smile on your face. It’s cozy, welcoming, and full of character. Picture-perfect canals run through historic cities, bikes are everywhere (literally!), and the whole place feels like it was designed for calm, happy living.

Amsterdam, with its iconic bridges, narrow houses, and world-famous museums, is like stepping into a postcard. But there’s so much more beyond the capital – like the charming streets of Utrecht, the royal elegance of The Hague, or the modern vibes of Rotterdam.

The Dutch are famously direct but kind, and they take pride in their clean streets, open-mindedness, and deep love for gezelligheid – a unique word that means coziness, warmth, and togetherness.

In spring, the tulip fields turn the countryside into a sea of color. In summer, the terraces come alive. And no matter the season, you can always find beautiful windmills, peaceful lakes, delicious cheese markets, and sweet stroopwafels.

It’s a country where everything works well – the trains are fast, the streets are safe, and the people are progressive. Whether you’re walking beside a canal, biking through the countryside, or just sitting at a café with a good coffee and a view – the Netherlands simply feels good.

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