Tag: Travel

View from Train Window
summer

From Arnhem to Berlin by Train

Turning_Dutch

From Arnhem to Berlin on the train – that was our adventure this summer. Driving is often easy and convenient to nearby countries from the Netherlands, so it’s usually our preferred option. This year we decided to do something different. Taking the train was a break from our normal means of travel for our summer break. So is travelling from Arnhem to Berlin by train something I’d do again?

Book in Advance

I booked our travel nearly three months in advance with Treinreiswinkel, but you can also book direct with Deutsche Bahn. The earlier you book the cheaper it is. We had plenty of options in terms of connections and times. I opted for first class travel as it wasn’t much more than the regular tariff.

Then it was a question of waiting until the end of July came around.

International Train

Our first train was from Doetinchem to Arnhem. A broken down train on the line to Arnhem caused momentary stress as we saw minutes ticking away until our train was due to leave in Arnhem, but we arrived on time (tip number 1: leave ample time between connecting trains).

The travel from Arnhem through to Deventer was seamless. Here we awaited our international train, a Deutsche Bahn InterCity (IC), to Berlin Ostbahnhof. Incidentally, this route starts in Amsterdam, so it’s possible to go direct from the Dutch to the German capital by train. There is also a sleeper train from Amsterdam to Berlin.

In any case, our IC was slightly delayed, but what’s a few minutes between friends?

1st Class to Berlin

The five of us found our carriage, located our seats and made ourselves comfortable. I, inexperienced train traveller that I am, was pleasantly surprised to find the first class seats are actually in closed off compartments with seating for six. There was one passenger already seated in the compartment. He was busy on his laptop with cultural stuff – looked interesting in any case…..but I obviously wasn’t snooping.

In first class, the seats are adjustable, there is good leg room and it is quiet.

We unpacked the necessary items for the journey: my library copy of Yellowface, water bottles, some snacks, Exploding Kittens, mobile chargers (there are plugs and WiFi in the compartments) and a good dollop of excitement for our trip to Berlin.

Hot, Hot, Hot

It became apparent to the one member of the family whose telephone was already empty of juice that the phone wasn’t charging. That is to say that the sockets weren’t functioning. As the compartment got warmer and warmer, we realised that the airco wasn’t working either. Our co-traveller told us it had all been working fine before the train stopped in Deventer.

The train crew then announced they had reset the system hoping to rectify the problem in some carriages. However, as our airco and sockets kicked back into life the announcement came that the issue had not been solved in some other carriages. This meant that passengers couldn’t legally sit in them because of the high temperatures. NS staff ‘rehomed’ passengers where possible, or advised them to board a connecting train when we got further into Germany. In other words, we were luckier than some other passengers in having a hassle free train ride to Berlin.

From Arnhem to Berlin on the Train

Dutch to German

Just before the German border, our NS Dutch train driver said his farewells, and his German DB colleagues replaced him. Now we were really on holiday. Months of Duolingo practice was already proving handy as the German crew relayed information over the tannoy.

Time for a few rounds of Exploding Kittens and some cheese rolls, as we raced deeper and deeper into Germany.

In Berlin for Tea Time

We arrived (half an hour later than scheduled) in Berlin, at the Hauptbahnhof. We got our gear, exited the train and headed off down the platform in search of the tourist office, as we wanted to ask some questions about the Berlin Welcome Card.

First observation was that the station is GINORMOUS. I don’t travel often by train anymore, but Berlin’s main station dwarfed any London station I have been to. It was vast. And the tourist office wasn’t signposted anywhere. There was much wandering, much frustration and much uttering of Schieße, not language picked up with Duolingo I hasten to add. Eventually we found it next to the main entrance and joined the long, slow queue of tourists.

Long story short, we got our Berlin Welcome Cards. This was something I spent a long time researching. It is only worth buying if you intend to do and see a lot in Berlin. And that was certainly our plan! (Tip number 2: do your research – information is online and the card includes public transport costs, so definitely worth looking into).

So How was Travelling from Arnhem to Berlin by Train?

It was convenient, time passed relatively quickly and we were reasonably comfortable. The journey was over six hours. There was enough space for our luggage, but we travelled quite lightly. We were not on an ICE, which is a faster train, so the journey can be done more quickly than we did it in. The route was scenic, and we entertained ourselves. I am sure the other passengers who had the inconvenience of moving carriages, or even trains, may not be quite so positive about their journey. However, I am positive about our experience. Taking the train was definitely less stressful and tiring than driving, taking the inevitable holiday traffic and jams into account. And it beats flying hands down!

I would certainly do it again.

Over to You

Share your train travel experiences below, or your reasons to avoid trains!

passport
Multicultural

Two Passports Become One: My UK Passport Expired

Turning_Dutch

I realised last week that my UK passport expired last year. Due to the pandemic, there has been little travel and I never thought about it. And so the next logical question is whether it is worth renewing it. For clarity, I have a Dutch passport these days, since becoming a Dutch citizen after the B word became real. Feels like a pivotal moment when I could just surrender to being a pretend Dutch person forever.

Valid Reasons to Renew?

I asked Twitter peeps whether there were reasons to renew my UK passport immediately that I hadn’t thought of.

One obvious consideration was whether I am planning to enter the UK as a non-visitor. In other words, am I planning to move back any time soon. That’s a hard no.

Another good question, is there any paperwork I am busy with that requires a UK passport to be shown. That’s also a no. The last British paperwork I was involved in was proof that I was not already married, prior to being able to get married here in the Netherlands. A Dutch requirement, but a document the British Embassy needed to produce.

Queuing at passport control could be an issue. But planned trips involve the whole family at the moment so even if I zipped through UK passport control, I’d have to stand about waiting for the Dutchies.

Twitter – the Nays Have it

The Official Passport Index Ranking

Just out of curiosity, I compared the usefulness of the Dutch and British passport.

The Official Passport Index Ranking compares passports based on where you can travel visa free. Japan is ranked top of the passport charts.

So, renewing my British passport doesn’t open up more visa free doors than my Dutch passport. Which would be a consideration if I was a worldly traveller. Which I am not. My main travel is to Germany (a bit of occasional shopping, the DIY store and petrol in the car), England and France.

And The Cost?

A standard passport is £86 for an adult, and £56 for a child. Plus a £19.86 courier fee.

Gov.UK

So £106. 124 euros.

Benefit v cost analysis isn’t persuasive for starting a passport renewal process.

UK passport

But What About the Colour?

Of course, if I were to now apply for a UK passport, it would be blue. Instead of the burgundy it is currently is. Which would make it easier to distinguish between my Dutch and British passport. And that’s all I have to say about that, as Mr Gump would say.

All in all, no immediate pressing urgency to get my passport renewed. At this time. In any case. It doesn’t mean I never will, but right now, with the current state of things *waves around wildly at the world* there’s no hurry.

Over to You

Do you have more than one passport? If you renew both as they expire, why? Hit me with reasons to renew my expired UK passport.

The Hague

The Hague – A Top Family Destination in Europe

Turning_Dutch

Have you thought about a short break in The Hague? Or have you actually stayed in The Hague for a relaxing break with your family? Surprisingly The Hague as a family destination is right up there with the best of them. The city is listed in ‘Five of the best European city breaks with kids‘ in the Guardian. I put it there. And I am not sorry.

Apologies

First of all, my apologies to those of you who didn’t say The Hague. I asked, you answered.

It was an impossible question to answer. And the answers were varied. In short, there are many places to take a short family break in the Netherlands. Pick somewhere, and you probably can’t go wrong.

Reading Tips: Why You Should Visit the Dutch Island of Texel and Marches, Romans and MuZIEum – the Oldest City in the Netherlands

The Hague

And so I chose to write about The Hague. And I certainly wouldn’t have chosen The Hague as a family destination five years ago, when I was living in Zoetermeer. However, now I live in the Achterhoek, I see The Hague through very different eyes. We were there last summer (for unhappy reasons, but we made the best of our time there) and it felt holiday like.

There is, in short, an awful lot to do in The Hague. From beaches and museums to shopping and strolling.

The Hague - A Top Family Destination in Europe

Five of the best European city breaks with kids

Head on over to the Guardian to read all about The Hague as a family destination – and get four other European destination ideas as a bonus!

Bike
Must Sees in NL, Netherlands

Marches, Romans and MuZIEum – the Oldest City in the Netherlands

Turning_Dutch

Nijmegen may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of the Netherlands, but here’s why it should be on your bucket list of places to visit.

A Weekend Away

Since September 2021, like many families, my family has been battling with one virus or another, quarantines and isolations and disruptions galore to normal family life. So for my birthday last month we decided to pack a case and get away for the weekend. We chose Nijmegen – great for kids, close by and lots to do.

The Nijmegen 4Daagse

You may have heard of Nijmegen because of the international 4 day march that takes place here every year (except during a pandemic). The 4 day march is particularly known for its military participants, and has been organised for over 100 years. The annual 4daagse walk your school going children get involved in stems from this event.

The History of Nijmegen

2000 years ago the Romans took a liking to Nijmegen. Back then it was just a hill next to a river (the Waal) but it became the largest Roman town in the Netherlands. These days, there are traces of the Romans across the city.

Map created with Wanderlog, a road trip planner app on iOS and Android

Museums in Nijmegen

Museum Het Valkhof is a collection of Roman archeological finds and ancient and modern artworks. You can learn about the history of Nijmegen, the Roman army and life as a Roman.

De Bastei shares the story of the river Waal with its visitors. There are over 100,000 natural history objects in the museum to admire.

Afrika Museum is an indoor and outdoor museum located in the woods of Berg en Dal that introduces you to African culture and art.

War Memorial Nijmegen

MuZIEum

This museum warrants a special mention and a section of its own. The five of us visited this special museum and it’s an experience that will stay with us for a long time, if not forever.

What is it like to be blind or partially sighted? That’s the premise of MuZIEum. There’s lots to explore in the main room of the museum: games, writing braille, interactive information screens. In short, tools to help you understand what life is like as a blind person. However, the main event takes place upstairs. In the form of an experience. In the dark. Pitch black see-absolutely-nothing-dark.

After a brief explanation of how to use the cane you are given, you begin a guided tour. All guides are blind or partially sighted and tours are also available in English. Note there is a minimum age of 8 for entry to the museum.

In the course of 60 minutes the guide takes you through daily life as a blind person, from getting around an apartment to crossing a busy road.

Personal Experience

My initial reaction was slight panic for a few minutes. The guide’s voice is the only directional guide you have, as well as the cane you have to stop you walking into objects. It’s a scary experience realising you cannot see anything at all, and it will be that way for 60 minutes.

After an hour your guide leads you back into the light. However, it is a humbling realisation that your guide continues to see what you have seen for the past hour – nothing or next to nothing.

Ironically, the most eye-opening museum experience I have ever had and I cannot recommend highly MuZIEum enough.

We were exhausted when we came out of MuZIEum, and so after a short stroll (and an unsuccessful visit to the cat cafe (see places to eat below)) we decided to head to the cinema.

Worth Seeing

Aside from museums, there are beautiful buildings worth seeing in Nijmegen.

Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is the main square and heart of Nijmegen and you’ll find some of the oldest buildings in town here. It’s a perfect spot for people watching from a cafe terrace and the atmosphere is inviting. It is more than worth wandering around to admire the beautiful architecture and explore the shops.

Grote Markt from Stevenskerk, Nijmegen

De Waagh is particularly worth a mention. In short, gezellig.

De Waagh Nijmegen

Stevenskerk

We only saw the church from the outside, as the Stevenskerk opens it doors up from April 1 and we were too early. You can take a tour and climb the church tower, but just the outside is definitely worth a gander too if heights are not your thing.

Stevenskerk Nijmegen
Opposite Stevenskerk, Nijmegen

Walk Along De Waal

We started at the Valkenhof park and headed down to the banks of the river Waal (de Waalkade) for a stroll.

Valkhof Park Nijmegen

The Waalkade has clearly recently undergone a metamorphose. It feels rejuvenated and fresh. There are lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from.

As you wander you will see the Fietsmuseum Velorama, which is as the name suggests a museum about bikes. And the Escape Boot (basically an escape room on a boat). Look out for the ‘water wolf and the boy’ sculpture.

Water Wolf Nijmegen

And if it is your thing, there’s a Holland Casino here too.

Places to Eat in Nijmegen

You can pick and choose where and what to eat in Nijmegen. You name it, it’s probably there somewhere.

Worth mentioning is the Kattencafé Balthzar – if you are a cat lover. Basically it’s a cafe with cats. We attempted to grab a coffee here, but there was nowhere to sit. Cats and people occupied all the available seating areas. However, the concept appealed to us, especially the children.

There’s also a Pannenkoekenboot – pancakes and a boat cruise. What’s not to love?

Where to Stay in Nijmegen

Nijmegen offers a wide range of accommodation from hotels, guest houses, holiday homes and hostels.

We are a family of five so finding somewhere to stay for a weekend away is generally a problem. As any other family of five will know, the majority of hotel rooms accommodate a maximum of four people. This means that we generally have to book two rooms. And guess what – that obviously costs us more. So, we were delighted to find a family room in the Van Der Valk Nijmegen-Lent hotel. It comprised two bedrooms, bathroom and separate toilet. And the view over the city was lovely too. There definitely should be more offerings like this for families of five-plus!

Tip: if you are in the same boat and are looking for hotel rooms for more than 4 people have a look on Sleeps5.com.

Over to You

Have you been to Nijmegen? Any tips for others? Share your experiences and stories below.

face mask
Health, Netherlands

Life After the Coronavirus Peak in the Netherlands

Turning_Dutch

Life after the coronavirus peak in the Netherlands has returned to about as normal as normal can be right now in an anderhalvemetersamenleving.

Sanquin, Plasma and the Coronavirus

On a personal note, we now have confirmation that we did indeed have the COVID-19 virus in the house between March and May.

Sanquin called my husband and asked him to get his butt in to give plasma as much as human possibly in the weeks following the call.

Since March Sanquin has been testing donated plasma for COVID-19 antibodies. They are researching coronavirus immunity and possible medicines.

Consequently, Sanquin is asking those testing positive to come in more often than normal to donate plasma. These are donors who have had the virus and subsequently recovered.

The organisation is collecting plasma in order to help patients with severe symptoms recover from the virus. It’s a race against the clock, because antibodies reduce significantly within 12 weeks.

So the good news: we now have confirmation that we have had the virus, fought it off (albeit after a couple of months and there are remnants of fatigue I notice) and we are back out in the world. The post- Coronavirus peak world in the Netherlands that is.

Want to Donate Blood or Plasma in the Netherlands?

Incidentally, if you want to be a blood or plasma donor then check out sanquin.nl. However, if you can answer yes to the following question your quest to donate stops before it begins (which is the case with yours truly):

“Ben je in de periode 1 januari 1980 tot en met 31 december 1996 in totaal zes maanden of langer in het Verenigd Koninkrijk geweest?” Translated this is: Have you been in the UK for 6 months or longer between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 1996?

It’s mad cow disease related. Which brings up many questions in my head about blood donations in the UK…… anyway, I digress.

Coronavirus Measures in the Netherlands – Theory v Reality

So, what does Dutch society look like right now when you are out and about? We are in the grips of an anderhalvemetersamenleving, that much is clear. The basisregels remain in force (wash your hands often, work from home whenever possible, avoid busy places).

Testing is available for everyone.

Face masks are obligatory on public transport.

But does the reality match the theory? I can obviously only speak for my neck of the woods, here in the Achterhoek. However, at times it’s easy to forget there are measure in place if I people watch here. People gravitate towards each other, and return easily to instinctive behaviour.

Shopping is notably not the same as it was though.

Primary Schools

Primary schools are back up and running at full capacity. There is a disinfectant station as you come in to my kids’ school. If my children are to be believed it is often empty or the queue is so long, the kids simply skip it. Parents are not allowed in school (we just had our tienminutengesprekken over the telephone). External teachers are back giving lessons. Gym lessons are back to normal. If you ask my two youngest, it’s school as normal.

Secondary Schools

Secondary schools are currently winding down. My eldest is done, with the exception of returning his books next week.

Everyone has to keep 1.5 meters apart. Classes are split into thirds. The kids stay in the same class and the teachers come to them. Gym lessons are outside, in regular clothes, non-contact and low impact to avoid sweating.

As it currently stands, life returns to normal in Dutch secondary schools when they go back for the new school year in September. Teachers will need to keep 1.5 meters away from the kids but the children themselves will no longer need to adhere to social distancing.

Shops

Shops provide disinfecting facilities (a spray and disposable paper towel) to clean baskets and trolleys.

In theory, the number of baskets/trolleys is the indicator of how many people are allowed in the store. If there are no baskets outside then you need to wait. However, this is assuming that people return said items to the correct place.

Most shops ask you to go in alone, or with a max of two people. 1.5 meter distancing is in force. Or at least, it is asked that you keep to it. The reality is people are all over the place, and all over each other. (I did my best not to lose it in the library with a woman hovering over me this week.)

There are a lot of Germans in our local shops. My thinking is that in Germany you must wear face masks in shops. But in the Netherlands you don’t. So, maybe Dutch shopping is easier? I don’t know.

Public Spaces – Indoors

If I am perfectly honest, I have lost the thread a bit with what the rules are about restaurants, cinemas and the like. There are limits on the amount of people allowed inside. It was 30 but is now 100 I believe. You don’t have to reserve anymore in theory. I think.

We have been out once to a restaurant since society reopened. We sat outside. Kept distance. Had a nice meal. End of.

For large spaces there is no maximum occupancy, but you do need to reserve.

Check out the Dutch government site for the most recent measures in place against the coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Coronavirus in the Netherlands

Public Spaces – Outdoors

We’re planning a zoo trip in the summer holidays. We needed to reserve a day. The rules state that if the foot traffic is constantly moving (like in a zoo) there is no maximum. However, we were still required to reserve a day. I think this is to do with the fact that you still need to keep 1.5 meters away from each other. So, in a roundabout way, there is a limit on visitors.

Impact of the Coronavirus in the Netherlands This Summer

If your summer plans have not been impacted by the coronavirus, then you are probably unique.

We were going to a wedding in England, followed by a few weeks up in Scotland. We are now heading to Drenthe for a week.

My general advice is check out the website of every place you plan to visit this summer before you go. Plan in advance. Reserve where necessary. Or you may be disappointed.

Culture, Expat

10 Hard Lessons Learnt on the Way to A Happy Life Abroad

Turning_Dutch

It is impossible to move abroad and not learn things. A lot of things. I have learnt some things the hard way, but looking back I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every experience has helped shape me and the life I lead today.

 

I have reached a point of contentment and satisfaction with the life I have carved out overseas with my husband and three sons. But there is no denying there have been bumps in the road leading to the present day. There have been tough, tough days. But each bump is a lesson learnt. Here are ten…..

1. Habits can be broken

Continue reading “10 Hard Lessons Learnt on the Way to A Happy Life Abroad” →

Bikes, Typically Dutch

‘Cycle to Work’ Day? That’s Every Day in the Netherlands!

Turning_Dutch

In the UK today it’s Cycle to Work Day. It’s the UK’s biggest cycling commuting event. The idea is to get people out of their cars and onto the saddle of a bike. You never know, it may just turn into a habit for some. It caught my eye because sometimes you don’t know how good you have it, until you see that others don’t have it.

Today is 'Cycle to Work' Day

Everybody Cycles in the Netherlands

Parents cycle with kids on their bikes. Kids cycle to school. School classes cycle together for school trips and lessons off site. Business people cycle in suits. Even the Dutch prime minister is snapped regularly on his bike on his way to one meeting or another.

‘Cycle to Work Day’ in the Netherlands?

Continue reading “‘Cycle to Work’ Day? That’s Every Day in the Netherlands!” →

The Netherlands

10 Ideas for a Day Out in the Netherlands with Children

Turning_Dutch

Looking to explore the Netherlands with children? Then look no further for lots of ideas for days out with the kids.

10 Ideas for a Day Out in the Netherlands with Kids

Kasteel de Haar

Kasteel de Haar in Utrecht is a great place for exploring with the kids.

During school holidays there are special activities for the kids.

The castle grounds are fabulous to run around in and get all that energy out. For more on the castle read: Kasteel De Haar in Utrecht.

Kasteel De Haar in Utrecht

NEMO Museum

This is a fantastic museum in Amsterdam for curious kids. Read: A Visit to the Science Center NEMO in Amsterdam.

Website: https://www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/en/

Efteling

Efteling - Lang Nek

Looking for an amusement park to take the kids to? Then the Efteling is probably one of the best in the Netherlands.

Read: De Efteling – A Dutch Theme Park.

Website: https://www.efteling.com/en

The Aviodrome in Lelystad

When Travel Was Fun: The Aviodrome in Lelystad

If you have little (or big, for that matter) plane enthusiasts in your family then the Aviodrome in Lelystad should definitely be on your list.

It’s part museum, part play area and rides. It’s aviation history and nostalgia at its best. And it’s lots of fun.

Read: When Travel Was Fun: The Aviodrome in Lelystad.

Website: http://www.aviodrome.nl

Museum of the Twentieth Century

This museum in Hoorn is great for children and adults alike. It’s a step back in time for adults and an eye opener for children. Remember your first computer? Oma’s funky brown wallpaper? The walkman you used to wear? It’s all here.

Read: A Day Out at the Museum of the Twentieth Century.

Website: http://www.museumhoorn.nl

Soestdijk Palace

Paleis Soestdijk

 

 

This is the former home of Queen Juliana and the childhood home of Princess Beatrix (the present King’s mother). The royals lived here for around 60 years and you can tour the palace and take a stroll around the plentiful gardens and estate.

My boys loved exploring the grounds and there’s a speurtocht for kids, which they enjoyed doing.

There are special events on from time to time, such as open air film showings, concerts and exhibitions.

Website: https://www.paleissoestdijk.nl

Medemblik

We spent a long weekend in Medemblik and it didn’t disappoint. Of particular note are the Nederlands Stoommachine museum and the Bakkerijmuseum.

Bakkerijmuseum Medemblik

It’s a lovely area around the Ijjsselmeer, with nature galore and lots to do.

PIT Safety Museum, Almere

Everything police, ambulance and fire service related is in this museum in Almere. It looks at the history of the emergency services as well as the future.

It’s a great experience for kids and adults alike.

PIT Safety Museum, Almere

Website: https://www.pitveiligheid.nl/en

Sprookjeswonderland, Enkhuizen

This theme park is perfect for younger children (i.e don’t take your teens) with rides, play areas, shows and a sprookjesbos. Plenty to keep the kids amused for a day.

Website: https://sprookjeswonderland.nl/home/

The Beach

You can’t go wrong with taking the kids to the beach, weather permitting. The good news is there are lots of beaches to choose from in the Netherlands.

10 Ideas for a Day Out in the Netherlands with Kids

Read: 5 Beaches to Visit From The Hague

 

As you can see, there are so many varied things to do in the Netherlands with children. This is just the tip of the iceberg and this little Dutch land is worth exploring from tip to toe.

Driving
Multicultural

Four Countries in One Day: What to Watch Out For Driving from the Netherlands to England

Turning_Dutch

Driving from the Netherlands to England involves crossing country borders. Going by car to England using the Eurotunnel means traveling in a number of countries in one day: the Netherlands, Belgium, France and England. The difference in driving ‘styles’ are striking.

The Netherlands

It’s not the first time I’ve mentioned it, but the Dutch do tend to like to stick close together on the motorway in the fast lane. It’s called bumperkleven (tailgating) and it’s actually illegal.

Most Dutch drivers who tailgate don’t know this or simply don’t care – and there aren’t many police around to remind them on the motorways, so it happens. It happens a lot.

Then there’s the issue with linksrijders. These are the drivers that don’t seem to understand that there are other lanes on the motorway in addition to the left lane. But don’t worry – the police have been on the case for the past year, in Rotterdam at least: Politie pakt ‘linksrijders’ aan met nieuwe campagne.

Four Countries in One Day: What to Watch Out For Driving from the Netherlands to England

Belgium

Then we pass into Belgium. You can usually tell that you have crossed the border as the quality of the road surface deteriorates dramatically.

And as you jiggle your way down the motorway, something becomes very apparent: Belgian drivers are mad. Bonking mad behind the wheel of a car.

Aggressive too.

They make Dutch drivers look tame.

They tear down the fast lane with complete disregard of speed limits (I learnt that foreigners caught speeding are treated severely by the police whereas the locals are not really bothered by law enforcement officers until they travel at the speed of space shuttles…) and they criss cross lanes as if they are the only vehicle on the road.

Something worth watching out for in Belgium are cars with only five figures in the licence plate – these are drivers who obtained their driving licence with a pack of milk many decades ago (or at least they didn’t have to take a driving test) ….. and the cars usually display the evidence of this.

France

Then we hit France. What redeems French drivers is that any driver probably looks good if you’ve escaped the Belgian roads unscathed.

However, the French do something that none of their neighbours do. They keep their indicator on in the fast lane to let you know that they need to get past you.

Note that they are not just using the fast lane to overtake, the outer lane is their very own personal road to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Therefore, you really need to move over because they have priority. And there is no point just putting your ticker on and following suit- you’re a foreigner so you don’t have ‘fast lane priority’.

And then you drive onto the Eurotunnel train and marvel at how you’ve made it so far. It’s time to sit and relax for the short trip under the Channel to Folkestone. before your journey takes you on to the British motorways.

England

Once over the Channel your journey takes you on to English motorways, where you will instantly be reminded to drive on the left. Forgetting this is disastrous, but it happens a lot. There’s nothing more terrifying than waiting at a roundabout having come off the train to see a car coming at you on the wrong side of the road.

You will also notice the ‘middle of the road’ attitude of English drivers. They sit in the middle lane of the motorway for no apparent reason. To legally pass them from the ‘slow’ lane you have to cross over to the ‘fast lane’ and then cut back to the furthest left lane. (which of course is not linksrijden because the English drive on the other side of the road).

These middle lane drivers remain oblivious to the fact that they are causing mayhem around them as drivers criss cross to pass them. Some pass on the left, others on the right, but to no avail.

I eventually worked out that some English drivers believe you have to pick a lane when you join the motorway and stick to it – no matter what. Horns. Lights. Cutting them up. None of it works.

So there you have it – the Turning Dutch guide to some of Europe’s main highways. You have been warned.

Chinese takeaway
Culture, Living Abroad

How A Chinese Takeaway Made Me Realise the Ways in Which You Adapt to Life Abroad

Turning_Dutch

When you move overseas you adapt. Well, you do if you want happiness to be a part of your life abroad. Sometimes, it strikes you just how far you have adapted to a new country when you least expect it. Like when you order a Chinese takeaway.

Chinese Takeaway English Style

At the end of a long, tiring but fun day at Legoland in Windsor, England everyone wanted something quick and easy. A Chinese takeaway was in order. We ordered a set meal for four and prepared ourselves to dig in and get chomping.

It turned out to be a thought provoking meal for me. I found the meal pretty bland in all honesty. There were no real recognisable spices to liven the meal up, nothing to set one dish apart from the other – except the fluorescent orange sauce that is common to all Chinese takeaway meals, no matter which country you order in.

Chinese Takeaway Dutch Style

Not long after moving to the Netherlands in 2000, I had my first Chinese takeaway Dutch style. My Dutch partner showed me the menu and I looked at it and at him blankly.

Back then, not only were my Dutch language skills minimalistic, but the words I did know didn’t tally with anything on the menu. The only exceptions were kip and ui intermittently scattered among strange words, which were apparently meal choices.

Chinese restaurants adapt their food for the country they are in. That much I learnt very quickly. And of course, Chinese restaurants here in the Netherlands tend to offer a little more than just ‘Chinese”: Indonesian, Cantonese, Thais and Surinam specialities are common on a Dutch menu.

How A Chinese Takeaway Made Me Realise the Ways in Which You Adapt to Life Abroad

This is how the conversation went to settle on a dinner order all those years ago:

Me: “Er.. are pork balls on the menu?”
Dutch Partner: *Blank look*
Me: “You know, pork in crispy stuff with sweet and sour sauce?”
DP: “No.”
Me: “Crispy duck with pancakes and plum sauce then?”
DP: “Duck yes. With pancakes, no.”
Me: “Erm… anything that I might remotely recognise?”
DP: “Nasi? Bami pangang?”
Me: *Silence and a distant look whilst I contemplated the extent of my homesickness…..*
Me: “Just order something…,” I mumbled.

Adapting to Life Abroad

Many years later, sitting in my dad’s house in England, I wondered how it was possible that the Chinese I used to eat in England had tasted better to me than that first Chinese meal I had had in the Netherlands.

And how now, as I sat looking at Chilli Beef, which had not been within ten miles of a chilli pepper, I found the Chinese food in the Netherlands far tastier than the British Chinese offerings. More spices. A lot more flavour. Just more taste all-round.

The answer of course is simple. When you move overseas it’s not just a physical journey across the miles, it is also a journey of adaptation. Living in a new country involves getting used to new things – tastes, habits, words, cultures, ideas.

New becomes the norm. Old becomes unfamiliar.

It’s funny how a simple Chinese meal made me realise just how far my journey abroad had brought me.

Over to You

What little things make you realise how far you have adapted to life in a new country?

Reading Tip