A summary of.. My first year in the Netherlands!

Hello again and happy weekend! 
This weekend marks one year of me living in the Netherlands - yes already one year, hard to believe eh! 


I have to say this place has been in many ways inspiring in my journey to a more sustainable life. 


How? 

1. cycling.  I have to say I don’t really like bikes that much, I’ve always been more of a walker in general. Yet in my previous place I owned a car and I got quite used to having one. Here I have to do everything by bike, from part of my commute (other half is train), to my shopping, to even riding for enjoyment at times to get to close by nature areas...
2. Nature and the outdoors. I have to say I wished there was more. Actually I was quite frustrated with the seemingly lack of beautiful nature, but when you have little of something you learn to appreciate it more. And people here, I think, tend to have a strong respect for it and have good ways to enjoying it. Most weekends you can see people out and about, mostly on their bikes. Swimming in the canals when is warm enough or just taking a walk. Sundays are not wasted shopping at IKEA but are meant to be outside enjoying a picnic with the family... 
3. shopping. Unfortunately like many other countries is all about the chains. Yet you can find some quirky ‘concept store’. And vintage : a lot of vintage and brocante shops and markets! 
4. Food shopping. While the supermakets are as terrible and even worse than in other places in terms of plastic packaging, It is easy to get local foods. Farm shops are a thing (and yes I bike to them) and often you can find some kiosk with a box for donations or an automatic machine... pretty cool! This is where I get most of my fruit veg eggs and honey
5. People. Last but not least, I met a great deal of great people. It seems to be a country that attracts a lot of immigrants (me being one of them) and joining some meetup groups I am lucky enough to have met people from all over to learn about new cultures and share ideas - all part of sustainability