CROSSROADS CHRONICLES

Notes on building a life in the Netherlands

Tag: english

  • Lezen in het Nederlands: Deel 1 (Reading in Dutch: Part 1)

    Learning Dutch hasn’t always been easy, but reading books in the language has made a big difference for me. In this post, I’m sharing five Dutch books that I’ve actually read; all of which helped me improve my vocabulary, reading flow, and cultural understanding. These books were published in makkelijke taal (simple Dutch), specifically designed to help readers at A2 or B1 level better understand and enjoy the language. Some were easy, others were a challenge, but each one was worth it.

    Het dagboek by Annelie Drewsen

    Het dagboek by Annelie Drewsen is a touching story about Tarek, a refugee adjusting to life in a new country. Learning Dutch is difficult for him; it feels unfamiliar and emotionless. His teacher gives him a diary, encouraging him to write each day. At first, Tarek hesitates, as his memories are painful, but slowly, he begins to express himself through writing. As the words flow, he starts to find comfort and hope. This hopeful story highlights the significance of language and the power of multilingualism. Written in simple Dutch (A1/A2 level), this book is great for language learners and offers a moving insight into the refugee experience and the power of storytelling.

    De kraai by Kader Abdollah

    De kraai, written as the 2011 Boekenweekgeschenk (Book Week Gift), is a semi-autobiographical novella by Kader Abdolah. It follows Refiq Foad, an Iranian refugee who builds a new life in the Netherlands. Refiq shares anecdotes from his youth in Iran, his escape to the Netherlands, and his experiences as an immigrant. A crow appears as a recurring symbol during pivotal moments in his life. The book offers an accessible writing style and weaves elements from Dutch literature, making it interesting for readers seeking insight into immigrant experiences and integration into a new culture

    Mevrouw mijn moeder by Yvonne Keuls

    Mevrouw mijn moeder by Yvonne Keuls is a heartfelt and personal account of the author’s mother, Jopi, an Indonesian woman who moved to the Netherlands. The book reflects on Jopi’s strength, independence, and the challenges she faced as an immigrant adjusting to a new culture. Through anecdotes and memories, Keuls captures her mother’s resilience and how she maintained her cultural roots while growing older. The story combines humor and emotion, offering a deep and moving look at identity, aging, and the immigrant experience, with a focus on the bond between mother and daughter.

    Er is hoop by Renate Dorrestein

    Is er hoop by Renate Dorrestein tells the story of Igor, a 16-year-old boy with intellectual disabilities, who lives with his grandmother, Nettie. Igor works at a sheltered workshop where he meets Lisa, a homeless girl. Together, they find an abandoned baby girl and decide to take her home. Nettie embraces Lisa and the baby, creating an unconventional household. The novel explores themes of love, hope, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a touching perspective on the good intentions of imperfect people and the extraordinary bonds that connect them.

    Fatale liefde by Carry Slee

    Fatale Liefde by Carry Slee is a short but intense story about love, obsession, and betrayal. The book follows a teenage girl who falls deeply in love, but her relationship takes a dark turn. The story is easy to read, with simple language and a fast pace, making it great for Dutch learners. The emotions feel real, and the tension builds up well. Though the ending is predictable, it still leaves an impact. If you enjoy dramatic young adult stories, this is a good choice. However, it might feel a bit too short for those who like deeper character development.

    These five books have each helped me in my Dutch learning journey. Whether through simple language or powerful storytelling, they helped me connect more deeply with the language and culture of the Netherlands. If you’re learning Dutch at the A2 or B1 level, I hope some of these titles will inspire and support your own progress too. More book recommendations are coming soon in the next part of this series. Stay tuned!

    Meanwhile, check out my other Dutch books recommendation here.

  • [2024] The Highs, Lows and Everything In Between

    Embracing New Adventures

    One of the best parts of 2024 was stepping into new creative and professional ventures. My blog, Crossroads Chronicles, flourished, giving me the chance to connect with readers. Writing posts like “Liefde en Leven in Noord-Holland” and “Should You Pursue a New Degree or Focus on Job Hunting (When Starting Fresh Abroad)?” sparked engaging conversations and reminded me that we’re all navigating life’s big changes together.

    Travel and food also became central themes this year, bringing their own share of joy and discovery. Posts like “Berlin – Echoes of History“ , “Happy Birthday from London” and “[Self-Review] Culinary Adventures #1“ combined my love for exploration and gastronomy, offering readers a taste of my adventures.

    My Etsy shop, ZentangleNook, also reached new milestones (I’ve always wanted to start an online shop for coloring book!). Seeing arts bring joy to customers was deeply rewarding.

    Overcoming Challenges

    This year wasn’t without its hurdles. Balancing multiple responsibilities often tested my limits. At times, self-doubt crept in, but I leaned on my support system and kept going. Posts like “How to Deal With Rejection” and “A Reflection on Acceptance” became outlets for processing those challenges and sharing what I learned along the way.

    Patience was another lesson this year. Growth, whether personal or professional, takes time and persistence. Writing posts like “Finding Balance, Coping with Job Uncertainty and Thriving in Transition (Abroad)” helped me stay grounded and focused.

    Treasured Moments

    2024 was filled with small joys, like quiet evenings with loved ones or celebrating milestones. Revisiting posts like “Comfort in a Bowl of Instant Noodles” and “Soul-Soothing Moroccan Salad” brought those cherished memories back to life.

    Embracing Dutch Traditions

    As someone settling into life in the Netherlands, I’ve had the joy of experiencing unique Dutch traditions this festive season. Sinterklaas, celebrated on December 5th, brought a sense of childlike wonder with its gifts, poems, and the signature pepernoten treats. Christmas here feels warm and cozy, centered around family, good food, and gezelligheid (a word that perfectly captures the feeling of togetherness and comfort). Ringing in the New Year, I joined the locals in lighting fireworks and sharing oliebollen, a delightful fried dough treat that’s a must-try for anyone embracing Dutch culture. These traditions have made me feel more connected to my new home and its vibrant culture.

    A Heartfelt Thank You

    To everyone who’s read Crossroads Chronicles, supported ZentangleNook, or shared a kind word – thank you! Your support means the world to me. Here’s to a bright and hopeful 2025!

  • Finding Balance, Coping with Job Uncertainty and Thriving in Transition

    Moving to a new country is like stepping into a whole new world, and it’s no surprise that it feels tough, especially with language barriers and finding work in unfamiliar places. When you’ve had a high-paying, fulfilling job back home, taking on random jobs in a new place can feel like a hit to your pride. You’re not alone in feeling this way; many people experience that same dip in confidence during a big move.

    But here’s the thing: every experience has its value, and sometimes the small steps forward – taking temporary roles, for example – are what actually get you to where you want to be in the long run. It can be helpful to see each job, no matter how “random,” as a stepping stone. These roles can help you learn the local language, build connections, and gradually adjust to the new environment.

    Winter is indeed on the way, and I completely get that it’s adding to your stress. If being away from home is wearing you down, going back for the winter could be a great idea. It might give you time to rest, refocus, and come back with a fresh mindset for the spring. The other option is exploring ways to connect with people locally, even in small ways like joining language classes or expat groups. Often, these are lifelines during winter months.

    If possible, you might also want to explore remote work options that allow you to leverage your skills and background without the need to be proficient in the local language. Freelancing or remote roles could give you the flexibility to keep working in your field, which might boost your confidence and make the transition easier.

    Ultimately, the most important thing is to give yourself permission to feel frustrated and overwhelmed but also the space to recharge. You don’t have to do everything perfectly right now. Progress doesn’t always mean being in the perfect job or environment – it means taking care of yourself and adapting step by step. The winter, the slow job market, and the language barriers are just temporary. They won’t define you in the long run. You’re in the midst of a transition that will lead you to something better. Just keep moving forward, even if it’s at a slower pace.