So, you’ve been living in your Haarlem property for a few years and now want a bigger and grander place to call home. Well, now is the time to make the move as house prices in the Netherlands jumped by 8.8% in quarter two of this year, compared to the same period in 2017. However, with Haarlem […]
The Netherlands is considered one of the most wired countries in the world, with 60% of Forbes 2000 companies boasting IT operations in Holland. Netherlands is also known as a ‘start-up capital’, owing in no small part to the keen love for the technology of its people and their renowned education system, which scores among the highest […]
So, you have scored housing abroad. Congrats on passing one of the most difficult steps that most expats encounter. Now, you will likely want to ensure that all of your friends and family can visit your new home. You might be stunned to learn that 80 million people all over Europe live with disabilities. However, due to a […]
Expats who engage in remote work have the benefit of working from anywhere, but selecting your office space should be done carefully. Recent research from Deskmag and Deskwanted revealed that 74% of coworkers have increased productivity. So if you’ve settled into Haarlem and are looking to make the most of your work time, you should consider utilizing one […]
When something goes wrong in the home, it can be tempting to try and fix it on your own to save money and time. However, attempting complex your work can be unwise – UK consumer watchdog Which? found that 65% of homeowners underestimated DIY complexity, leading to mistakes and costly repairs. Sometimes, getting the work done […]
Does the sound of sauteed spinach or roast fennel send your senses into overdrive? Are you concerned about the effect of the meat industry on the environment, or motivated to adopt a vegan lifestyle because of your love for animals? If so, welcome to the club!
Real estate fraud or scams is a big concern of the government in the Netherlands, with Amsterdam being especially a problematic city. As an expat, your excitement to plant roots in the Netherlands might make you a target to criminals. That’s why it’s important to be aware of real estate scams and keep a level […]
Adults over the age of 65 make up approximately 16% of the total Dutch population, due to the increased life expectancy together with an influx of immigrants.
The Dutch government encourages seniors to live independently for as long as possible, which means the elderly have to rely on and manage their own finances and survive with the support of friends and family. For the elderly, managing their own personal finances provides a great sense of achievement. Just think about how you feel […]
The Netherlands is well known for its beautiful houses and stunning scenery. And in contrast to many other European cities, it is possible to find many two-or three-story homes with a scenic garden – just perfect for families with children and pets. But for older people it is important to consider making a few changes to the […]
The Netherlands is uniquely progressive as it generally allows for an integrated consideration of all members of society, including the elderly. As expats settling into the Dutch way of life, you might notice how the national tram system creates safe travel spaces for senior citizens on the go, and how many community centers offer special programs of […]
Has the West lost its ability to care for the vulnerable in society? Taking care of our own families is increasingly difficult in the 21st century; especially if some members live abroad and far away from other family members. The UK and many parts of the western world now operate in broken systems where many […]
3 classic horror books for a spooky HalloweenOctober 16, 2018 - 11:31 amWhen I was a little king my mother used to read to me and my sister horror books during stormy nights in our little village up the mountains in Granada. One may think that legends about headless horsemen and haunted hills are not the best way to entertain children, but I believe that listening to […]
Leaving your pet behind.October 4, 2018 - 11:48 amExpats often have to leave pets behind and are then taken by surprise by the depth of their grief or guilt. Though some expats do relocate with their animals, for many it’s just not possible. Excessive transportation costs, lengthy quarantine periods, a different lifestyle or new accommodation that’s not appropriate for pets, may mean you need […]