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Unsure-
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« on: 23 October 2011, 14:41:50 pm » |
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Hi It looks like my husband may be transferred to Amsterdam. Would be grateful for any advise on recommended areas to live in / good schools - international or local system (we are British), what is it like for kids (2 kids under 5) - safe/things to do. I know we are so spoilt in Singapore.
Heard some people live near international schools in The Hague and commute into Amsterdam?
What are the Dutch like? I know English won't be a problem !
Also what will be a real shock (other than cold dark nights in winter!)
Any advise would be great
Thanks so much
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ExpatSingapore Message Board
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« on: 23 October 2011, 14:41:50 pm » |
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tshirtjon
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« Reply #1 on: 23 October 2011, 14:59:22 pm » |
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learnt to say Advice and not advise when you need to....
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dutch response
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« Reply #2 on: 23 October 2011, 15:40:15 pm » |
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The Dutch will declare you nuts for leaving Singapore  |
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Ned Nederlander
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« Reply #3 on: 23 October 2011, 15:44:42 pm » |
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The Dutch are fine. Problem is, nowadays the Dutch are in the minority in Holland.
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Unsure-
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« Reply #4 on: 23 October 2011, 19:32:49 pm » |
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to dutch response .. no choice !
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fareastjunebug
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« Reply #5 on: 23 October 2011, 21:26:19 pm » |
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Find a copy of the Un-Dutchables. That will help you understand some of the insanity better. The Dutch love children, so your children will be adored.
Amsterdam is not Singapore. There are many more things to do with small children than Singapore but the city is not as safe as Singapore as there is much petty theft and some street crime. If that scares you, then there are many surrounding towns and villages that are well connected by trains. The Hague is a choice but there are many others.
International School of Amsterdam is just south of Amsterdam. Great IB school.
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Do or do not, there is no try.
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Check Out
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« Reply #6 on: 23 October 2011, 23:15:43 pm » |
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A quite recent post by a mum relocating to either Holland/Nederlands or London (I think) who asked the same questions. I cant find it.
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Old Mike
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« Reply #7 on: 24 October 2011, 17:46:40 pm » |
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The Dutch are some of the most aggressive intolerant drivers in the world.
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dutch response
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« Reply #8 on: 24 October 2011, 20:46:02 pm » |
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The Dutch are some of the most aggressive intolerant drivers in the world.
Yeah...right after the Singaporeans |
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Poor you
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« Reply #9 on: 24 October 2011, 21:29:27 pm » |
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I find Dutch people to be rude and obnoxious. I have yet to meet one who is a nice person. Amsterdam to me seemed filthy and rotten to the core. Drunks pissing on the street corners, red light districts are everywhere and the rest was just as bad.
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Old Mike
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« Reply #10 on: 24 October 2011, 21:45:26 pm » |
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Yeah...right after the Singaporeans Worse. They all drive on the wrong dide of the road. |
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dutchie here
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« Reply #11 on: 24 October 2011, 22:19:27 pm » |
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Dear OP. I am dutch and have lived in Amsterdam of and on for 30 years. Like Singapore and anywhere else it's got its good and bad sides. I met my expat husband here as there is a huge expat community. Most of them live in an area called Oud Zuid, or the Jordaan or the Grachtengordel (old canal district). There are many more things to do for kids than in Singapore. Most parts of Amsterdam are safe with the exception of 1 or maybe 2 areas where you would never step foot anyway. Sure, there is a red light district (1 only) and that is about a quarter of the size these days of what it used to be. Sure, some Dutch people are rude, someone once said to me they are the Chinese of Europe which is funny and also true. But most expats love Amsterdam and the fact that everyone there loves to speak English. I know many many expat families who have lived there 10+ years and will never leave because it has a very relaxed vibe, everyone cycles and you can walk pretty much anywhere. There is a website where you'll find lots of info called expatica dot nl. Houses you can find thru funda dot nl or home in amsterdam dot nl. Your kids will love it.
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to Poor You
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« Reply #12 on: 24 October 2011, 22:27:47 pm » |
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I doubt you saw anything else BUT the red light district and you were the one pissing in a corner.
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Mr A
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« Reply #13 on: 24 October 2011, 22:33:55 pm » |
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Yeah...right after the Singaporeans Worse. They all drive on the wrong dide of the road. At least they stick to one side of it, instead of constantly drifting into other people's lanes. |
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LocalUncle
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« Reply #14 on: 23 November 2011, 17:24:56 pm » |
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I find Dutch people to be rude and obnoxious. I have yet to meet one who is a nice person. Amsterdam to me seemed filthy and rotten to the core. Drunks pissing on the street corners, red light districts are everywhere and the rest was just as bad.
My neighbouring flat used to be rented by a Dutch couple. They were lovely people and we were sad to see them leave when they were posted to another country. |
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