Life in the Netherlands: A Comparison with the USA and Dubai

Life in the Netherlands: A Comparison with the USA and Dubai

After spending half a year in the Netherlands, I had a captivating conversation with a colleague who recently relocated from Dubai. Together, we lamented about how the quality of life here seems to fall short compared to places like Shanghai or Dubai.

Eating Out: A Culinary Dilemma

When it comes to food, the delivery options here are quite limited, and grocery stores lack the expansive selections found in large supermarkets back home. My love for seafood faces a significant challenge as I can only source it from Asian supermarkets. While you can find some live options like lobsters, the variety doesn’t compare to what’s available in China, especially considering that fresh options—like live fish and shrimp—are virtually nonexistent. In the USA, even in places like Arizona, the range of fresh produce was abundant. Here, vegetables are pricier, and the fruit selection is mainly restricted to apples and grapes, leaving out many tropical varieties. 🥦🍎

Housing: An uphill Battle

Renting a house in the Netherlands is more than just having the money. It feels almost like a bidding war! I spent two months searching for a place to live, and people told me that was a quick process. Rent prices here are significantly higher than in Shanghai, making it a frustrating ordeal for newcomers. 🏠💰

Transportation: Biking vs. Driving

Getting around primarily involves cycling, but with good electric bikes priced around 20,000 RMB, it’s not cheap. The frequent rain makes it cumbersome for someone used to driving everywhere. The narrow streets and limited parking further complicate matters, hampering the growth of car culture. My colleague from Dubai, accustomed to driving, now faces the reality of walking everywhere. To add to the inconvenience, taking the train often leads to delays or cancellations, forcing many to rely on taxis during rush hours. 🚲☔

Shopping: Fashion Frustrations

When it comes to shopping for clothes, the convenience of online and offline stores in China is sorely missed. In Amsterdam, finding a large department store suitable for shopping is a challenge; I’ve heard Utrecht has a bigger one, but it requires a train ride to get there. 🛍️👗

Traveling Within Europe: Expectations vs. Reality

While many colleagues encourage me to explore Europe, I find myself torn. I enjoy traveling, but I can’t help but feel that natural wonders in China, like those in Xinjiang, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, and Tibet, are far more stunning. Furthermore, I cherish the food culture found in places like Yunnan, where amazing landscapes are complemented by delectable cuisine. European old towns and ancient architecture leave me feeling indifferent, and compared to the grandeur of nature in China and the USA, my interest in exploration wanes. 🌍✈️

Social Connections: Cultural Gaps

Engaging in deeper conversations with locals can be challenging. A lot of my interactions with Europeans seem superficial, with conversations hitting walls quickly. Even discussing major topics makes them seem too simple-minded. Despite having lived and worked in both the USA and China for a long time, my expectations for life in Europe have taken a hit. I tell myself to hang in there, hoping this experience will eventually grow on me. 🙃🤔

Final Thoughts

This post serves as a platform for my musings while living abroad. As I continue to navigate these challenges and share my thoughts, I might add to this narrative in the future. Have any experiences similar to mine? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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