Just what is the Dutch siren every first Monday of the month? by Kay on 15 February 2026 Posted in Life abroad On hearing this somewhat strange noise for the first time, a couple of weeks after moving to the Netherlands, I was quite confused and totally petrified! Especially given the fact that no one, at any point, had mentioned it. Let alone what it was for or what it was about! I mean, you’d think my Read More
Embracing a healthier lifestyle and habits in Holland… by Kay on 3 February 2026 Posted in Life abroad A new job, a new country, a new start… One of the main aspects of moving to the Netherlands and making a fresh start, as well as a different experience, was to change some of my lifestyle habits. In fact, I was actually looking forward to embracing a healthier lifestyle and habits in Holland! Ok, Read More
Staff meeting. A new approach, apparently! by Kay on 13 January 2026 Posted in Teaching I’ve been teaching for a few years now, so it’s safe to say that in those years I’ve attended my fair share of staff meetings. I have also experienced these regular meetings, which occur weekly or twice weekly on occasion, in three different countries now. I’ve found that they don’t seem to differ that much Read More
Some of the best places to hang out and have lunch in The Hague. by Kay on 2 January 2026 Posted in Netherlands With its museums, great shopping and the beach, The Hague is one of my favourite places to head to for a day trip. With such a good transport system, it’s only 30 minutes from Amsterdam and easily accessible from various other places in the Netherlands. And as I’ve done a few day trips already, I’ve Read More
Setting up utilities as a foreigner in a new country… by Kay on 19 December 2025 Posted in Life abroad Feeling contented… It’s been a little while now since I moved into my new apartment. Having a place to call home has really helped make me feel more settled and contented living here. Living in a hotel for the first few weeks was really starting to take its toll. Hotels are great, but they’re really Read More
Quirky characters, still finding my feet and a few Dutch traditions by Kay on 22 November 2025 Posted in Teaching As we get further into the school year, I’m feeling more settled and happy in my new job and my new home. It’s all quirky characters, still finding my feet and a few Dutch traditions! It’s lovely and interesting getting to know my class and watching them grow as the year progresses. I’m making new Read More
Dutch dentist experience… by Kay on 25 October 2025 Posted in Life abroad Getting health insurance… Since moving to the Netherlands, I have taken the necessary steps to ensure I have the necessary health insurance. Something that I wanted to get done straight away! Mainly because it’s yet something else ticked off my long list of things to do here. I just want things like that out of Read More
Somehow survived my first school trip… by Kay on 18 October 2025 Posted in Teaching So, how can I sum up the first school trip in my new job and newfound country? A bundle of nerves with a bit of local history thrown in! Somehow survived my first school trip in the Netherlands… I think! Feeling all prepared and organised beforehand… It had all started off so well with the Read More
Partially biking our way around Texel island by Kay on 2 September 2025 Posted in Netherlands Always wanted to visit Texel… I was super excited for this trip! I’d wanted to visit the Island of Texel for a long while. I’m fond of a Texel beer every now and then, so I thought the brewery would be fun and interesting. But I was keen to visit mainly because there just seemed Read More
Attempting to ride my bicycle! by Kay on 25 August 2025 Posted in Life abroad After weeks of saying I’m going to do it, I’ve finally gotten on my bike – with a little help from a colleague! I am finally attempting to ride my bicycle! So, one Friday afternoon at work, just as we’d seen the children off for the end of the week, one of my colleagues appears Read More
