Follow the canals to work
Kate Dyson enjoys the Dutch capital’s smalltown feel and relaxed lifestyle.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Tauranga, got a scarfie degree in Dunedin and lived most recently in Auckland.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
My boyfriend Dan and I decided to move to Europe for travel, but had no idea where. Dan is half Dutch and everyone had good things to say about it so we thought why not give it a shot? Then we got tickets for the Tomorrowland dance festival in Belgium and that sealed the deal! We’ve been here for seven months.
What do you do there?
I’m the English operations manager for Bookchoice, an online book club, and the only native English speaker in my office.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
Being able to travel to different countries at weekends, especially with our London mates. As for in Amsterdam, I’ll never get sick of cycling beside the canals. It makes for a relaxed lifestyle and small-town feel despite being in a capital city.
Disadvantages?
Number one has to be the weather. It rains more than at home and, trust me, you’re aware of it when you’re cycling to work in the dark in a downpour at 8am.
How expensive is it compared to New Zealand? How much is a beer?
Rent is really pricey. Expect to pay double what you did at home for a much smaller place. Though you save a heap on groceries, alcohol and transport,.
A pint is about 5 euros (NZ$8.50) so long as you avoid the tourist traps! But you can get a litre of wine from the supermarket for 2 euros.
What do you do in your spare time?
We travel almost every second weekend. I also run a book club called ‘‘Reading between the wines’’, which is a little more wine than book-focused. The rest of the time we explore the city, bars and restaurants.
What’s the local delicacy and would you recommend eating it?
Amsterdam is a deep-fried food lover’s paradise. Frites (fries) with mayonnaise, kaastengels and kaassouffle (deep-fried cheese varieties) and bitterballen (mince-pietasting croquettes) always go down a treat. For dessert try poffertjes (mini pancakes) and stroopwafels (thin caramel waffles).
Easiest way to get around?
By bike! Extensive cycleways (and few cars) mean it’s safe and easy to bike everywhere, even between bars on a night out.
What’s the shopping like?
Too good. Amsterdam has all the big European chain stores – H&M, Zara, Pull & Bear, Urban Outfitters, Topshop – as well as lots of one-off boutiques, all in the city centre.
Best after-dark activity?
I’ll stick bar hopping by bike and, in summer, festivals.
Best time of year to visit?
For tulip season in April, or summer (festival) season in August/September.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
1. Hire bikes and cycle around the city.
2. Museumplein - home to the famous Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Banksy exhibit, the ‘‘I amsterdam’’ sign and ice skating in winter. 3. Dress up and party on the streets on King’s Day (end of April) or Pride Parade (first weekend of August).
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
Sunshine and vitamin D - I never knew how good we had it!
How easy is it for you to get back to NZ?
At least 24 hours of travel and $1000.
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
Amsterdam is home to some massive company headquarters like Nike, Adidas, Booking.com, PVH (Calvin Klein & Tommy Hilfiger) and Heineken. And now thanks to Brexit, more EU agencies are heading this way! Though for most Kiwis I know (myself included), it was kind of tough to find a job - so if anyone works out which industries need us, let me know?!