eac72
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Post by eac72 on Dec 5, 2018 20:57:09 GMT -5
So DH has a great job offer in the Netherlands and we're trying to decide between there and here (New Zealand). I've never been to that part of Europe so I'm having trouble imagining life there. I always thought we'd end up back in the US. Have you ever moved some place sight unseen?
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Post by wallycat on Dec 5, 2018 22:28:16 GMT -5
How super exciting! I'd pick Netherlands in a heart beat!! (too many earthquakes in New Zealand, though it is supposed to be stunning country).
I lived in Paris for 5-6 months for work and had never been, but that's not really the same thing.
We also came to America, sight unseen, but I was only 4-1/2, LOL. Guess that doesn't count either.
Life is an adventure. So excited for you!
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emptynestmom
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Post by emptynestmom on Dec 6, 2018 8:21:28 GMT -5
We were with the military and moved to Germany, two different times. The first time we were there while we looked for our first apartment we lived in a small German hotel, with a 4 year old. I didn’t speak German but soon learned how to navigate around on public transportation. My son was born there and my daughter started school there. I loved it and would love to have the opportunity to return for a few years...!!! I am sure you will have a great adventure!
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Post by mcgee on Dec 7, 2018 15:49:04 GMT -5
I would jump at the chance to move to Europe. Several years ago my manager asked if I'd be willing to take a 3 - 6 month assignment in China. My first reaction was no way, I don't know the language and the culture is sooo different. But after talking to my husband and my sisters they convinced me I'd be turning down a once in a lifetime opportunity so I enthusiastically decided to take it. Unfortunately for me, they found someone in APJ to take the job so I never got to go  . I say, move to Europe and enjoy the adventure. |
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Post by soupandstew on Dec 7, 2018 17:37:23 GMT -5
I have a dear friend in the neighborhood whose daughter, son-in-law and two grandkids live in the Netherlands. She has zero hope of luring them back to the US because they are so happy there. Even if you have kids, it will be a great adventure and perhaps a lifetime choice.
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Post by swedishcook on Dec 8, 2018 1:10:10 GMT -5
I absolutely agree with what soupandstew and wallycat posted. I have nothing but good experiences from many visits to the Netherlands - both as a tourist and staying with our Dutch friends.
What city would you be living in?
Edited to add: When we moved to Denver for two years in the 1970s we had never been to the US before.
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Post by beth on Jan 12, 2019 9:29:08 GMT -5
I am thinking you may have already made the choice and the move. If so, what did you chose? I have been to both and would consider both. New Zealand is larger and more varied territory, so where in NZ could make a difference. I found Christchurch to be adorable and would definitely consider that very seriously. It is certainly farther to be calling home or visiting folks here and shipping parcels is a bigger issue. Each has a travel range of very different countries for your personal time. I envy a bit the option to live abroad. DH had one or two opportunities but at least one of the boys was in high school and in special programs. It didn't seem like a time to be uprooting them. Hope you enjoy and take advantage of your choice.
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eac72
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Post by eac72 on Feb 14, 2019 20:46:50 GMT -5
Sorry, have been swamped by back to school combined with moving logistics (in some ways easier than last time and others far harder...). We decided to give it a go and try the Netherlands  . Our visas came through last night and we leave next week (we took the chance and planned the move without visas in hand). The deciding factors for us were jobs and ability to travel, but over the past year we've started to realize that New Zealand isn't where we want to be long term so we would need to move in the next few years any way. We had long pros vs cons lists (also including a US offer) and the Netherlands edged out New Zealand which edged out the US. Despite many Americans seeing New Zealand as a utopia, most that we've met have ended up leaving rather than applying for residency after their two years is up. When we came out with our plans, the friends that had convinced us to make the move here said they're heading back to the US later this year. DH says he feels a bit like we've failed since we're leaving some place that so many others dream of living, but I see it as a step in our journey. On to the next phase...after a stop over in Australia and Florida. |
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Post by swedishcook on Feb 15, 2019 22:38:30 GMT -5
Thank you very much for the update. All my best wishes for your move to Europe. I'm still very curious what city in the Netherlands you will be calling home.
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Post by wallycat on Feb 15, 2019 23:52:22 GMT -5
Such a fabulous opportunity and you have an open mind, which makes the hard parts easier to contend with.
Have an adventure!!
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Post by Catbatty on Feb 16, 2019 2:54:20 GMT -5
It's none of my business, but I'm dying to know what kind of work does your husband do? (Generally? I don't want to pry. But I will always wonder WHAT could offer those exciting choices? I'm envious, for one thing. The world has changed SO much work-wise. Everybody can work from HOME or from around the WORLD...and it's all just too fantastic compared to the 60's, 70's and 80's when I worked.) DON"T answer if it's sensitive, please. Just: have a wonderful, thrilling ride of your life...and please keep in touch with us!  So DH has a great job offer in the Netherlands and we're trying to decide between there and here (New Zealand). I've never been to that part of Europe so I'm having trouble imagining life there. I always thought we'd end up back in the US. Have you ever moved some place sight unseen? |
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Post by wallycat on Feb 17, 2019 11:18:06 GMT -5
Is this a general question, or specific to the OP?
For myself, I was able to do a 6 month stint in Paris because the company I worked for owned other facilities around the world. In my case, it was pure luck that I discovered an area I was well versed with was having issues and I pleaded if I could go.
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eac72
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Post by eac72 on Apr 8, 2019 5:38:19 GMT -5
So after two weeks in Brisbane followed by a month of living with the snowbirds in Florida we're finally in Utrecht. We had our first full day yesterday. I'm afraid to say that our food choices weren't very adventurous - stroopwafels and saucijzenbroodje (sausage rolls) - but it's a start. DH is a meteorologist and I'm a research scientist - international employment is relatively common in our fields, but wasn't really something we had planned on. We didn't actively persue NZ or NL - when DH applied for the job, I told him to go ahead since there was no way it would ever happen...some day I'll learn to never say never. Current challenge is to figure out how to turn on the oven and then learn to bake with a gas oven I can figure out the dials on the front since they're the same as our electric oven in NZ, but not how to get it started. |
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Post by beth on Apr 9, 2019 15:00:17 GMT -5
Well, best of luck with the changes, but I found the Dutch to be very welcoming and I suspect it will not be too hard to transition. I envy your opportunity.
Gas oven requires some kind of ignition -- manual or electronic. Could have something you have to push or click. The only gas oven I have used was my grandmother's old Chambers range and you needed a match or lighter. Sorry I can't think of more to offer.
Enjoy!
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Post by swedishcook on Apr 9, 2019 20:09:01 GMT -5
Thanks for the update! A first full day can be a challenge. I'm sure the stroopwafels were delicious. I remember buying them freshly made as street food Regarding the gas oven I would play it safe and ask. Neighbors, colleagues, whoever arranged for you to live in the place you call home - someone must know the answer. Don't be shy. What is obvious in one country is not always to someone from another continent. Wishing you all the best and hoping that one day you'll come to love Utrecht. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2019 15:29:10 GMT -5
So DH has a great job offer in the Netherlands and we're trying to decide between there and here (New Zealand). I've never been to that part of Europe so I'm having trouble imagining life there. I always thought we'd end up back in the US. Have you ever moved some place sight unseen? As I know, the climate there as in the Northern part of Russia. I was rather surprised with this fact. |
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. I say, move to Europe and enjoy the adventure. 
. Our visas came through last night and we leave next week (we took the chance and planned the move without visas in hand). The deciding factors for us were jobs and ability to travel, but over the past year we've started to realize that New Zealand isn't where we want to be long term so we would need to move in the next few years any way. We had long pros vs cons lists (also including a US offer) and the Netherlands edged out New Zealand which edged out the US. 
