The expat series: from Joburg to Amsterdam

I met Pamela Passoni at the first of our Amsterdam moms get-togethers, and since then I’ve gotten to know this wonderful and caring woman, and two of her three awesome daughters. I’m so happy to feature her here – thanks Pam!

Where do you live?

I live in Amsterdam, I live on an island on the east side of central Amsterdam called Zeeburgereiland

When did you emigrate and who did you come with?

I emigrated in June 2022 with my husband and youngest daughter, and my two older daughters joined us later that year.

Where did you live before NL?

We lived in a house in Senderwood, Bedfordview.

Why did you choose NL?

I always liked the Netherlands and do have a small bloodline that is Dutch (my great-grandmother was Dutch), but my husband was given a job opportunity in Amsterdam and we decided to take it.

Tell us a bit about where you live.

We live on an island very close to Amsterdam Centraal.  There is a huge skate park, a large soccer field, netball courts, paddle courts and other sport facilities.  We have a lovely bakery, an Albert Hein and a few take-away stores.  There are also a few schools, doctors and dentists here and there are a lot of young families on the island.  It is a friendly neighbourhood and we really enjoy living here.

What was the most challenging part of your relocation?

The actual relocation – definitely packing up my life, deciding what must come with us and what we must get rid of. That was very difficult.  Generally – the language definitely, but I also found it very difficult trying to learn the system here, where and how to pay taxes, finding quality sheets/furniture etc.

What have been your most useful resources here?

Definitely the Facebook group South Africans in the Netherlands.

Describe a typical day here.

Wake up, shower, make breakfast.  Make lunch boxes for my husband my daughter and I, then I drop everyone at school/work, get myself to work. After work I pick everyone up from school/work & I will quickly pop past the grocery store and sort out what we will be having for dinner.  We make our way home and start dinner, help my daughter with her homework and try get a load of laundry going.  We try eat before 19:00 then we relax infront of the TV for a bit and start preparing for the next day.

Aside from people, what do you miss most about SA?

I miss Woolworths, I miss knowing were to go or who to call if you need something done or changed.

What has been the most difficult/challenging thing to adjust to?

I have struggled with being a foreigner, I am reminded every time I need to speak that I do not come from here and it is not my country.

What do you love most about NL?

I love how organised everything is, and that everything works so well.  I love the cleanliness of the country.

What is the one thing you wish someone would have told you before you emigrated?

How expensive it is here.  I knew it would be expensive compared to South Africa, but the Netherlands is also one of the most expensive cities in Europe.  Groceries, houses, restaurants are more here than in other cities in Europe.

What work do you do?

I work for a construction project management company.

What are your favourite Dutch foods?

Stroopwafels and the cheese here.

What are your favourite Dutch products?

Royal Delft glassware – it’s very beautiful.

How would you describe your bike-riding skills?

Complete beginner – I am too scared to cycle here, the Dutch are very fast and aggressive on their bikes.  I sometimes cycle around my island but haven’t ventured out.

What do you love doing on weekends?

We like to relax at home most weekends, sometimes we will discover new little town and or museum but mostly we enjoy cooking something special and enjoy some family time.

Do you speak Dutch?

Yes, not as well as I would like to, but I am starting a new course soon again to better my Dutch.

Describe the Dutch in five words…

Tall, direct, helpful, arrogant and family-oriented.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to come and live in NL?

It’s a huge adjustment, it is lovely living here but you find yourself very far off your comfort zone.