MARIA - mom, lawyer, cook? … All of the above.
MARIA
A mom, a cook, a lawyer, a student… Maria, our rock star! She shares her journey to The Netherlands through TRIBE NL
How long have you been in the Netherlands? Where do you come from?
Since May 2022, over 8 months. I come from Madrid, Spain
What brought you here?
I wanted to meet new people and since I was a child, I was always attracted to the Netherlands and its famous tulip fields
How was the beginning? What was the biggest challenge?
The beginning was a bit hard, but I soon got used to it. It was difficult not having my family around.
What was your professional experience before coming to the Netherlands?
I studied law in Madrid while working as a cook for more than 8 years
Where do you work at the moment?
Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American
What do you think about life in The Netherlands? And about Dutch people?
I find both life and people in The Netherlands to be very nice. The Dutch really enjoy the weather when it’s sunny and they are nice and willing to help when needed
What do you like to do in your free time? Any special advice on places to visit?
I like to go for walks, help at the church (cooking for people in need), read, watch series
I would recommend visiting the clog factory and the windmills at Zaanse Schans (typical Dutch)
Favorite Dutch product?
I like the Dutch Cheeses and Stroopwafels
Favorite Dutch word?
Dank je wel (Thank you)
How about commuting with a bike?
I love cycling. Cars and pedestrians give me priority and I sport at the same time
Would you recommend this experience to people from other countries?
Yes, of course. They do need to be prepared to take the step, speaking a different language all day long and missing friends and family
What advice would you give someone who wants to move to the Netherlands?
Don’t be surprised if it rains 4-5 times in a summer day, it's normal. Also, if you hear that Dutch people can be cold and direct I find this to be true. But my advice is to come and enjoy this beautiful country full of diversity. There are so many museums to visit and so many activities to do…
Has moving to the Netherlands allowed you to achieve any personal or professional goals? Which ones?
Moving to the Netherlands has allowed me to continue studying online and finish my law degree. It has also given me the possibility to learn more about the gastronomy of this country
What news learnings would boost your professional career in the Netherlands?
The language. As soon as I learn Dutch I will have more possibilities to work in the field of law (even in an EU institution)
Anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to thank my superiors and my co-workers at the Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American for all the attention and patience they have shown me since I arrived and for the good treatment they continue to give me.
Dank je wel!