I double checked my suitcases to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything because I’d be boarding the plane in few hours. In addition to my to do list things to do before my travel, my lover had also sent me a long shopping list of stuff he wanted me to get, the most crucial item being tea scones, you know the ones from Tuskys. Given I hadn’t managed to get him some when I visited earlier in the year and he’d held that over my head ever since, I knew it was precious cargo I could not afford to forget a second time. I doubt our marriage could have survived that again.

Okay, simmer down. I’m being dramatic for effect. Anyway, with as many tea scones as I could pack and the rest of my luggage, I set off on a new adventure.

I love the cold, rainy weather, not only because my skin thrives in that weather and I don’t like being in the sun for more than 10 minutes, but because I get to layer up, while keep it cute. I love it more so when I’m indoors, with a cup of tea, maybe a glass of wine, curled up with a book, watching a movie, journaling or napping because who doesn’t love a good nap?

It’s been a couple of months now and honestly so far, I’m enjoying living here, save for winter and the ongoing crisis. Honestly the biggest struggle with winter was getting out of the house to go to the gym…not the getting ready part, just the 15-minute walk to and from. With the gym closed for now, my current challenge is going outside to run or jog with the heavy winds making it hard to breathe but I’m getting there.

Besides that, I’m enjoying the experience so far and I thought I’d share what it’s been like for me, interesting observations and differences in comparison to Kenya.

Public Transport: Only the strong survive

Having been born and raised in Kenya, I can attest to the maddening traffic, rogue drivers of both personal and public service vehicles and if that’s not enough, you have to contend with boda or nduthi guys, trying to run you over if not rob you.

On the other hand, the public transport system in The Netherlands has got to be at the top of my favourite experiences so far. I particularly appreciate how accommodating it is to children, parents lugging around their little ones, the elderly, disabled and everyone in between. Whether you’re taking a bus, tram, train or metro, you can go about your day with ease, not to mention the well paved roads with demarcated paths for pedestrians and cyclists and when it comes to the roads, there are specific lanes for personal vehicles and the public transport vehicles.

I’m also intrigued at how the bicycles can be designed and customized to enable parents move around with their children easily and most importantly safely…from the children’s bike seats to the cargo bikes that can carry up to three children and are fitted at the front, parents can have a good ride, pointing out interesting things to their children, while remaining alert and observant of their children’s safety.

Back home, you wouldn’t catch any parent trying that…ever, unless you want to meet your maker sooner than planned. Who knows, perhaps someday we’ll get to a point where we have a similar kind of infrastructure in our transport sector and culturally we’ll be allowed to ride around the city with our kids strapped onto the seats at the front.

The Dutch don’t play with their time

The Dutch are very prompt and precise with their time.  So, whether it’s with the bank, government office, or an event, if you have an appointment scheduled for 9am, you better be there at 8.45am. This works out great particularly because of the efficient transport system. However, if you’re like me, who’s bad with directions or rather takes time to figure out my map, you need to prepare yourself mentally because it can be slightly daunting. Majority of the buildings aren’t as visibly labelled as you’d expect, and I believe it’s intended to preserve the cultural and architectural history of the buildings but also give people an opportunity to appreciate the architecture.

Back home, I’m used to the bright and boldly labelled buildings that make it easier to find your way for the most part even though we too have our moments of being bad when giving directions. In an office set up, a meeting can start an hour late as guys try to find the IT guy to come and fix an issue with the projector, something that always seems to happen in the middle of a serious meeting or while trying to find that meeting leader, who suddenly can’t be found anywhere. We’ve all been victims and perpetrators of this egregious crime…Kenyan time we call it.

I love punctuality so it’s not been difficult to adjust to how intentional people are with their time here, because who really wants their time wasted? I honestly also don’t mind getting to my destination early enough to give myself a few minutes to settle down before my meeting or appointment. If you’re like me who takes time reading and following Google maps, you better give yourself a 15 to 30-minute window to find your way.

Hydrate at your own risk

Stay hydrated, they said and mind your business, but what they forgot to mention, is the extreme sport of trying to find a clean bathroom on your way home or while running errands in town.  Back home, I cannot tell you how many times I would be running errands in town and I would get so pressed I almost pee myself but the thought of using a public toilet in the, had that pee retreat back in my bladder in fear and don’t get me started on the thought of taking a number two in a public bathroom. My go to options were The Stanley or Intercontinental Hotel and I would march through those doors like a woman on a mission and make a beeline for the bathroom before I peed myself.

When I first visited The Netherlands in spring, I decided to take a stroll around the city as I considered the idea of life here. I had never really thought about it but I was never opposed to the idea of moving to a new country either would the opportunity present itself.

So, there I was busy munching on some churros, contemplating this potentially life changing decision. I got the plain churros by the way with cinnamon sugar because I prefer having my desserts without any form of syrup or topping directly and if there is, it’ll be on the side. It’s kind of how I like having my fries…with the ketchup on the side and I can dip into it as needed. I don’t understand the drenching of fries in ketchup but unto each his own.

I know…I know, I digress.

Anyway, where was I…ah yes. I was deep in thought weighing the pros and cons when I had the sudden urge to pee. After doing the “I’m trying not to pee myself walk/wobble”, which we have all done, I found one. I was faced with two choices: pee myself or risk it with the public bathroom.

I’ll admit I was nervous, okay downright petrified but was pleasantly surprised at how clean the facilities were…nothing fancy but you have the essentials a clean toilet, toilet paper, sink with hand soap and paper towel. Oh, and the bathrooms are self-serviced with an NFC payment terminal and to it, you pay 50 cents, approximately Ksh60 and the door opens and closes behind you. I still prefer not having to use a public bathroom, but I’m glad my first experience here wasn’t a horrible one.

Introverts unite…but separately

How many times have you picked one or two items in the supermarket, thinking you would be in and out of the supermarket in less than 10 minutes and ended up queueing for more than 30 minutes, probably because an issue that requires a manager’s finger print and he or she conveniently cannot seem to be located?

Well if your one who prefers minimal interaction with people, especially in the times we’re living in, you’ll love the self-checkout tills in the supermarket. If you don’t have items that need to be measured like your veggies, you can simply pick, scan, pay and pack your items as you listen to a podcast or contemplate what you’ll be having for dinner.

If you happen to have an issue scanning an item, the system gives an option to call for assistance. As soon as possible, an attendant will be with you in about two minutes, handheld scanner in hand and maybe a walkie talkie as well in case they need to call someone from the back office and depending on your issue, they’ll sort you out in a jiffy.

Once you get your receipt, all you need to do is scan the barcode at the exit to leave, no fuss, no muss.

Coffeeshop, coffee house, or cafés?

I never thought I’d ever get to a point where these three simple words would mean totally different things. Back home, if it says has café, coffee on the signage, you know you can get your standard coffee/tea, pastries, desserts among others. I suppose the advantage of having that guess work taken out of the equation is the fact that weed is illegal. However, in the Netherlands, it is legal to sell, smoke and basically indulge in it within the prescribed limits and there are resources available to get you up to speed on the dos and don’ts.

You however need to be aware the three words have different meanings: If you’re looking to indulge in a blunt and edibles, you’re looking for a coffee shop. If you’re looking a typical coffee and croissant or muffin, then you’re looking for a coffee house and if you’re looking for casual restaurant, bar type of feel, then a café is where you need to be.

They are quite easy to spot and if your vision fails you, your sense of smell should be enough to direct you to the croissants and not cannabis if that’s what you’re looking for. Alternatively, research the place you want to visit beforehand and if you’re already out and about, ask someone for assistance. The people are friendly and happy to help.  

Have I ventured into a coffeeshop? No and I don’t think I will anytime soon. What I can tell you if you end up visiting and you want to dabble, is that as with any other establishment serving customers, there are knowledgeable people you can and should speak to for assistance and recommendations, novice or not on what to try out.

Most important piece of advice in my opinion: don’t underestimate the effects.

When I visited in spring of 2019, I was out and about with the hubz when I started getting hot, nauseated, dizzy and like I needed to sit down. At first, I couldn’t figure it out, but we entered a shop where there was air-conditioning and a few minutes later, I was feeling better.

Yup! It was the weed…the secondary smoking of the fumes all around me is what caused a girl to almost faint.

Anyway, hope you learned a something about my experience in the Netherlands so far or at least got got entertained, maybe a chuckle or two. I’ll see you on the next one! Stay safe! 😊