A mother of emigrants. Carmen’s story.

Interview

Carmen is an expert in saying goodbye to her daughters at the airport. But also in visiting them in The Netherlands.

• How did you feel when your daughters left to live in The Netherlands?

  I never felt like they 'left'; rather, their father and I pushed them to grow and that means living their own experiences and opening up to new cultures.

• Do you visit them often?

  As much as possible, hahaha. I am very restless and I like the Netherlands more and more every day, as well as travelling by plane, which at the beginning was extremely expensive and it is becoming more accessible to everyone.

• Do you speak Dutch?

  I have tried many times, but I have finally assumed that languages ​​are not among my skills, hahaha. But I defend myself, with ‘hands and feet’ and …. 'google translate' and …. ‘google maps' ;-)

• What do you advise those who visit the country without knowing the language?

  Be open-minded, be polite, put your sneakers on, and observe. There are more languages ​​than the spoken one. With some kind of ‘mime’ I get my fish cleaned the way at like it at my favourite fish stall at the Albert Cuyp markt

• Favourite Dutch food or product?

  The ‘haring’, raw herring. Of course with chopped onions and pickled gherkin. Delicious! The best time to eat it is the end of May until the beginning of July, when the ‘Nieuwe Haring’ (‘new herring’) arrives. My favourite stall is Jan Schilder’s one at the Kwakersplein in Amsterdam.

• Preferred Dutch word?

  ‘Gezellig’ and ‘lekker’. In Verónica's blog she explains about the meaning of ‘gezellig’. 'Lekker' means 'delicious' when you speak about food, but it is also used for many other situations ... I'll let you find out ;-)

• I think you are an expert in Amsterdam, any special advice for first timers?

  For me, essential:

  The museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh and the Amsterdam Museum.

  The markets: my favourite, the Albert Cuyp. But I also like the flower market and the one at Waterlooplein.

  The parks: Vondelpark, Oosterpark and Sarphatipark are my favourites.

  A bike ride through the city or a walk around the center.

  If you can afford it, a boat tour, there are options for different budgets. In winter, don't miss the Light Festival.

  And of course, the culinary offer in Amsterdam is incredible, and for all budgets. From delicious tastings in the open-air markets, to Michelin-starred restaurants.