Chronicles from the Netherlands

Nothing About This Lamp Was Efficient

A story about effort, waiting, and learning to live inside the process.

9 hrs ago • Heather Farris

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You Don’t Have to Want This Life for It to Change You

What full-time travel taught me about stability, work, and myself.

Dec 15 • Heather Farris

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November 2025

Why We Moved to the Netherlands: Life Beyond American Individualism

A personal essay on community, collective care, and why I fear the US will never change.

Nov 10 • Heather Farris

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The 6 Phases of Immigration

A personal look at the emotional stages of starting over abroad — from the thrill of arrival to the quiet work of belonging.

Nov 2 • Heather Farris

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October 2025

What No One Tells You About Setting Up a BV in the Netherlands

A behind-the-scenes look at setting up a business (B.V.) as an immigrant entrepreneur in the Netherlands

Oct 22 • Heather Farris

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September 2025

Schools in the Netherlands As an American

Schools in the Netherlands are so different than in the U.S. There are schools around every corner and you may not even realize it until you see kids…

Sep 29 • Heather Farris

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The Lie of American Convenience

Convenience culture goes against the family values we hear about so often in the US.

Sep 15 • Heather Farris

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Arriving in the Netherlands Wide-Eyed and Hopeful - My First Impressions

Arriving in The Hague felt both grounding and disorienting. From public transit, recycling and tree-lined streets that brought the smell of nostalgia…

Sep 8 • Heather Farris

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Why We Chose The Hague

We wanted to choose where to live, not just stumble into it.

Sep 1 • Heather Farris

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August 2025

Navigating Finding Housing in the Netherlands When You Don’t Live There

Your first job is to secure housing. Here are some of our expectations and a few tips to help you stay sane.

Aug 29 • Heather Farris

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Settling into The Hague After Immigrating to the Netherlands from the United States

Don't let anyone make you think moving across an ocean is easy business.

Aug 23 • Heather Farris

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Applying for the Dutch American Friendship Treaty as an American

Our path to a life in a new country started here. If you’re considering the Netherlands or the DAFT this might be a solid starting place.

Aug 22 • Heather Farris

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