Sadie, my brother’s late dog, trembled every time she heard a bang. She would have gone berserk today if she was on a visit to the Netherlands. When we awoke this morning in The Hague, the fireworks had already started. The Dutch ignore any rules and safety standards and people of all ages and demographicsContinue reading “The Crazy Dutch: December 31st”
Author Archives: kristininholland
“Tell No One”
"Tell No One". What an amazing poem. Re-posted from Mirror obscura 🙂
Cold
If you live in the Netherlands, you have probably opted out of reading this post; your ears are icy and red, that little toe in your right boot is going numb and your lungs are working over time processing the chilly air as you walk toward your bicycle or leave the office for the tram.Continue reading “Cold”
Be Here Now
Be Here Now. I read this post by Kate Johnston and felt like I was there in the moment with her. Beautifully written and thus I’m sharing it here. Kristin
Flexing your language muscles
I go to the gym a few times a week to keep myself sane and healthy. Another benefit of going to the gym as an expat is that most of the time, the classes are taught in Dutch. Words that you might not otherwise encounter in daily conversation “buikspieren” (stomach muscles), “sleutelbeen” (collar bone), areContinue reading “Flexing your language muscles”
Playing God
My default place to run on a rainy morning is on the treadmill in the gym. I of course miss the feeling of the earth beneath my feet and the smell of The Hague’s urban forest where I run in friendlier weather. When I run in nature, the worries or preoccupations crowding my mindContinue reading “Playing God”
Green by Kristin Anderson
Have you ever seen an image that stirs you within? Reminds you of childhood, of longing, of romance, of hope, of nature, anticipation? I had such an experience when I encountered Catrin Welz-Stein’s digital artwork online, especially her painting The View. I looked at that painting and decided I had to order a poster. Then,Continue reading “Green by Kristin Anderson”
Taking it with you
When we moved to the Netherlands, we shipped over 40 boxes, at least half of which were filled with books. We sold or gave away our furniture and our many U.S. appliances that would require an adaptor and converter in The Netherlands to function, and we gave away a large majority of our son’s babyContinue reading “Taking it with you”
Versailles in the Summertime
Versailles in the summertime–almost sounds romantic, doesn’t it? Visiting the Palace of King Louis the XIV and the world-famous gardens surrounding this majestic estate. In many ways, it was romantic. Strolling through the gardens that seem to stretch endlessly gives you a sense of royalty. You forget your sandals, striped sun dress and broad strawContinue reading “Versailles in the Summertime”
A Blast of Cold Air
A Blast of Cold Air. The above link is to a blog called Dreaming in Arabic. I LOVE the way she writes. I just saw Invictus and feel completely energized by this beautiful story that recalls a remarkable time during the beginning of Nelson Mandela’s presidency and his focus on the national Rugby Team asContinue reading “A Blast of Cold Air”
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