CROSSROADS CHRONICLES

Notes on building a life in the Netherlands

Tag: Travel Stories

  • [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!

  • Happy Birthday from London

    Spending my birthday in London felt like connecting with an old friend – a place that both surprises and comforts me, where I sense history in every corner yet feel inspired to keep exploring. The moment I landed (yes, after a typical EasyJet delay), I was greeted by London’s signature rain, a fitting start for a city that always surprises.

    London’s energy is unique: old meets new, ancient traditions mesh with the ultra-modern, and the city’s heartbeat feels like a steady rhythm of progress and preservation. As I walked through landmarks like Westminster Abbey and across the Tower Bridge, I felt the weight of time and the pulse of a dynamic, evolving metropolis.

    One of the most freeing parts of my London birthday trip was exploring on foot. The city’s seamless public transport makes hopping between boroughs easy, but there’s something about London that calls you to wander. Walking beside the Thames, I took in views of Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and the London Eye – each a reminder of the city’s grandiosity and history.

    Camden Market was my favorite. Its vibrant stalls, live music, and eclectic mix of people make it feel like a world within a world. This is the heart of London’s spirit – a bit gritty, full of soul, and unapologetically alive.

    And the food! For a city often underestimated for its culinary offerings, London’s food scene surprised me with its diversity and flavor. From the bold, comforting flavors of nasi campur (mixed rice) at Dapur to the comforting spices in a bowl of kari laksa at Roti King, each meal was a small, delicious journey across cultures.

    So why London? Choosing London for my birthday was more than just a trip. It was a celebration of my own journey and aspirations. London, in all its contrasts, is a city constantly reinventing itself yet firmly grounded in its roots. It’s a reminder that it’s possible to honor where you’ve come from while embracing growth – a balance I strive for my own journey!

  • East Side Gallery – A Powerful Symbol of Unity and Resilience Beyond the Streets of Berlin

    Fun fact #1: The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, stretching to approximately 1.3 km. The gallery, which is the longest open-air gallery in the world, is not only a symbol of the division of Berlin but also the reunification of Germany and the end of the Cold War.

    Fun fact #2: The gallery is adorned with over 100 murals created by artists from all over the world. And it’s constantly evolving. Over the years, artists periodically repaints the murals to preserve their messages and adapt to the passage of time.

    The gallery is a major tourist attraction in Berlin and I personally think it’s a must-visit spot in Berlin. It offers not only a glimpse into the city’s past but also a celebration of its resilience and creativity. It serves as a powerful symbol of unity and reconciliation and a reminder of the importance of overcoming divisions and embracing diversity – a message that resonates far beyond the streets of Berlin.

  • Berlin – Echoes of History

    Last week, during the meivakantie in the Netherlands, we drove to Berlin, Germany for a weekend escapade. From Noord Holland, we embarked on a 7.5-hour journey, traversing the afsluitdijk, passing through Friesland and crossing into Duitsland (Germany) before reaching Berlin (via Hamburg).

    Our itinerary followed a typical 2 Days in Berlin itinerary. However, personally, it provided me a profound insight into the tumultuous era of World War 2, far surpassing the depth of knowledge I gained from my high school history textbook. I suppose there’s truth to the saying that one learns more from traveling ten thousand miles than from reading ten thousand books.

    Here’s our simplified 2-day Berlin itinerary:

    Day 1

    • Branderburg Gate
    • Reichstag (parliament building)
    • Tiergarten & Soviet Memorial (expansive central park, the memorial is inside the park)
    • Memorial to the Murdered Jews (concrete slabs)
    • Topography of Terror (open-air museum delving into the harrowing history of Nazi Germany, intertwined with remnants of the Berlin Wall)
    • Checkpoint Charlie (Reflecting on the historic border crossing point between East and West Berlin)
    • Friedrichstraße (main shopping avenue)
    • Gendarmenmarkt (French and German cathedral)
    Branderburg Gate
    Reichstag
    Tiergarten

    Day 2

    • East Side Gallery (open-air gallery stretching 1.3 km along a section of the Berlin Wall) *Check out the photo gallery here
    • Alexanderplatz & TV Tower (bustling public square and transport hub. TV Tower is the tallest structure in Germany)
    • Berliner Dom (architectural masterpiece)
    • Museum Island (plethora of museums clustered here, UNESCO World Heritage site)
    • Bebelplatz, Neue Wache, Opera House (historic landmarks nestled in close proximity)
    • Friedrichshain (Famed district of East Berlin, the Berghain nightclub is located here)
    Museum Island
    Alexanderplatz & Clock Tower
    Berliner Dom

    We also went to the techno club. It was fun, but I’ll save that for another entry. 🙂

    Did I miss any must-visit spots that are essential for a 2-day Berlin itinerary? Let me know in the comments.