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Notes from the Netherlands.
Honest stories about how your first grocery trip will go. How to handle Dutch directness. And a whole lot more.
Featured · June 18, 2026
Dutch directness: it's not rude, it's a gift (once you get it)
Your professor just told you your idea is 'not good'. Your housemate said your cooking 'smells weird'. Welcome to Dutch directness. Here's how to read it, and how to use it.
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Drafts we're working on. We'll publish them here as soon as they're ready.
Coming soon
How to actually make Dutch friends (it takes longer than you think)
Dropping soon. Worth the wait.
Coming soon
Homesickness: what it actually feels like (and no, it's not just missing your mum's cooking)
Dropping soon. Worth the wait.
Coming soon
Surviving the grey months: a small guide to Dutch winter
Dropping soon. Worth the wait.
Coming soon
Why everyone bikes, and how to not die doing it
Dropping soon. Worth the wait.