It feels like I learn a new Dutch word every week, visit a place I haven't been to before or suddenly notice some cultural habit that had previously escaped my attention. Life as a foreigner in any country is a continual learning process, and for someone that gets bored with the same thing every day this works out well for me!
I was just asked to write an article for Keith Jenkins' blog, with the topic of 'world of inspiration'. The purpose was to write about something or someone that I had seen or met on my travels which inspired me.
It made me realise that life in the Netherlands has been one journey of inspiration, and I most definitely have not reached my destination. There are so many things that have happened to me, people I have met and experiences I have had, which would never have been a part of my life had I remained in England.
For one, I doubt that circumstances would have allowed me to pack in my job, stay at home to look after my son and start up a writing business. Through my work, I have met and interviewed some amazing people, whether it be virtual or 'in real life' . These are people I would never otherwise have met had I not chosen to live an expat life in Holland.
I would not be speaking Dutch for sure - there was little call for that in the dizzy heights of my Watford flat....
I would not be the mother of a bi-lingual son, which in itself is amazing and hilarious.
In short, I guess I would not be the person I am now - formed and moulded by my experiences in life, the life I lead in the Netherlands. Life overseas is culturally enriching, colourful and an experience!
And if you want to read the piece I wrote for Velvet Escape about what has inspired me during my time as an expat then visit http://velvetescape.com/blog/
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