Meet Marieke. Marieke is an expat from the Netherlands who accidentally got stuck in Bali during Covid. Her life changed, without regrets. She enjoys the Balinese spirit, nature, beaches, but mostly her work with her own charity Bali Animal Care. Every day she's busy rescuing and helping animals on the streets of Bali. Read more about her emigration story and her work below. 

Motivation and experiences emigrating to Bali

What should people know about you to understand your emigration story?

I lived in different countries as a child and have traveled a lot in my later life. So I have always felt comfortable with different ways of life and with traveling.

Was there a specific moment or event that inspired you to emigrate?

Covid! I was supposed to go to Indonesia for a limited time, but because of Covid I ended up stuck in Bali. So I didn't prepare for emigration at all, because that was not my plan at all. I had also been traveling in Europe for a while. So I had already put my stuff in a storage box and sold my house, I thought I'll see what happens when I get back!

What does your life look like, what kind of work or activities make you feel like you are really 'at home' in Bali?

During the beginning of Covid, a lot of people left Bali - in a hurry and without their pets. There were already many stray dogs and cats, but that number increased enormously. When I came across Happy, the dog on the beach, emaciated and abandoned, my life changed. I couldn't leave him behind and managed to catch him and take him to a clinic. Happy eventually recovered and now he lives with me in my house. During that same year, 2020, I saved several rescues - dogs and cats - from the streets, had them treated in a local clinic and adopted them or found new homes for them. This was the start of Bali Animal Care, something that gives me enormous satisfaction.

How is your daily routine different from in the Netherlands?

My routine is completely different. In Bali you do everything on the scooter. In the morning I go to the beach with 3 of my dogs on the scooter and on the way I feed stray dogs. If animals need help, I have them picked up and then treated in a local clinic. Once in a healthy condition, I look for a new loving home or shelter for them. I am busy with that all day long. Sometimes I eat out or order something, but there are also many nice shops here with western food (such as sourdough bread) where I like to go and get healthy food.

Do you already have an idea about the future?

Then you are asking the wrong person. I have learned to live in the now (perhaps something I have retained from my time in India) and am therefore not concerned with the future. I will see about that later!

Culture and Social interactions

What was your first encounter with a local resident? How did that go?

The encounter with a local resident was very pleasant. The people are friendly, which is also deeply rooted in Balinese culture. You can easily make contact because locals usually speak a little English.

What is the best or most inspiring thing about your emigration?

That it was completely spontaneous and organic. No plan, it just happened. As I said, I don't really think about the future and I see how things go.

What is the funniest or most painful misunderstanding you have experienced due to language or cultural differences?

The most painful misunderstanding is that I cannot communicate when there is a problem because I do not speak the language well enough.

Have you adopted any local customs?

Not many because that is not necessarily necessary in Bali, but you can hardly avoid them as an expat - I also drive a scooter like everyone else here and have learned to drive like the locals. That takes some getting used to at first, but nothing ventured, nothing gained!

How do locals react to the fact that you now live and work here?

Bali has long been a popular place for foreigners. Locals always react positively to the fact that I live here and am from the Netherlands. If you also respect them and their culture, you will get that back.

What is your favorite local tradition/holiday?

Nyepi, Bali's New Year's Day - Silence Day is my favorite holiday. It is quiet on the entire island. The airport closes for 24 hours. No one is allowed to leave their house, no lights on or noise, no talking. A day for contemplation. Really special!

How does friendship here differ from how it is experienced in your home country?

People quickly call you a friend here. That is different with us. Another beautiful aspect of Balinese culture.

Did you learn the local language and if so, how?

I started learning Bahasa Indonesia via duolingo but after a while I stopped as didn't find enough time. Luckily we can use Google Translate these days, and most people around me speak some English.

How do you keep in touch with home?

Simple WhatsApp calls and messages. It's very easy nowadays!

What are some communication obstacles you've encountered?

It's important to be kind and patient while communicating with locals. Communication is different, sometimes people will say yes or maybe just to be polite, when they actually mean no. Or communication can be slow and unclear.

Challenges and growth during your move to Bali

Were there moments when you doubted your choice/emigration, or what disappointed you?

No, I never doubted, life goes as it goes and now I am here! I also did not experience any disappointments, of course you encounter things everywhere, but that is part of life.

What would you do differently next time and what would you advise others with the same idea?

If you are planning to move to Bali, make sure you have your scooter/motorcycle license, that will save you hassle!

What was the biggest culture shock?

That animals are often poorly cared for. You see so many animals here that have been abandoned, abused or simply not cared for properly at home. This is difficult to see.

Are there things you appreciate more about your home country now that you are here?

Many things are well organised in the Netherlands, and having seasons is also wonderful!

Practicalities in Bali

How do you deal with the administrative hassle in your new country?

I have an agent for this! That is definitely recommended and saves a lot of hassle.

How did you find a suitable place to live? Was it difficult?

During covid I was able to easily find accommodation through a friend

What are the biggest differences in costs between this country and your home country?

The housing costs are a lot lower here, but also daily necessities and, for example, doctor visits. The costs have increased in recent years due to tourism.

Have you used local healthcare (GP, specialist, dentist, etc.) and what is it like? 

Yes, I have regularly used local healthcare (GP and dentist). The care is good and cheaper and I have good experiences with both - also with hospitalization. It is best to rely on the experiences of other expats, so which doctors they recommend. Make sure you have good insurance.

Enjoying expat life

Have you developed new hobbies or interests since living in Bali?

Rescuing animals in need, having them treated and trying to find them a new home gives enormous fulfillment.

What do you do in your free time to feel connected to yourself and your environment?

Yoga & meditation, listen to music, enjoy peace.

What local traditions or rituals have inspired or touched you?

The daily offerings at my house done by my landlord. Every day the locals bring offerings to the Hindu gods in a beautiful ritual with incense and flowers. It's an ancient ritual full of respect and beauty.

Business/charity

What kind of charity have you set up?

Due to my passion for animals, I set up Bali Animal Care during Covid. We are a charity for the many Bali animals in need and the work never stops. Every day we are busy helping animals and finding homes for them. You can read more, see the links, about our animals and us on our website and instagram.

We are completely dependent on donations and are therefore always looking for donors. The help we receive determines how many animals we can help. Sometimes people abroad adopt one of the animals, but this is quite a process (which I help and give advise on). In other cases people sponsor an animal with a monthly donation or with one-off donations until we find the animal a home. We always need help so take a look at the website or come visit us when you are in Bali!

Who?

• Frans Betgem

Where?

• Thailand

Which Initiative?

• Green Trails

What?

• Green Trails: 1-2-3-+4 day(s) trekking tours, trails and exploration tours with an emphasis on and respect for local culture
• Chiang Mai a la Carte: "umbrella" website about Chiang Mai with a focus on festivals, traditions, architecture, culture and meaningful encounters
• Tong Bai Elephant Tour: elephant friendly day tour about the issue of the involvement of captive elephants in tourism
• Chiang Mai on Three Wheels: Chiang Mai tours by samlor (bicycle taxi)

Something special?

• Chiang Mai on Three Wheels, a social tourism enterprise, aims to preserve the samlor, a Chiang Mai heritage, as a means of transportation in the future. With these samlor tours they try to improve the livelihood of the taxi drivers by offering them jobs and (extra) education. In the old days, before the age of the automobile, there were hundreds of samlors in Chiang Mai. Nowadays there are less than 70.
• Family Tours: these tours include trekking but also interactive and educational elements, with several trekking itineraries in the Chiang Dao area. This area is very suitable for family tours; there are lots of villages and lots of children.

And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

• Frans Betgem is a Dutch national who has been living in Chiang Mai for more than 20 years. Frans' travels brought him to Southeast Asia in 1987. In 1990 he started working for Baobab Travel as a tourleader in Thailand. Frans worked for this company in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Australia from 1990 until 1998. In 2012 he started his own business in Chiang Mai, Tiger Trail, nowadays re-branded as Green Trails. Green Trails commit to offer the best and most innovative cultural, outdoor and trekking tours in North Thailand. Green Trails believes in sustainable and responsible travel and always tries to create meaningful experiences, both for visitors and for the host communities. 

Who?

• Roos Tieges
• Ingrid van der Straaten

Where?

• Thailand

Which Initiative?

• TCDF, Thai Child Development Foundation
• Eco-Logic, the 'Resort for Charity'

What?

• The Thai Child Development Foundation (TCDF) supports local children in their development by making sure that customized medical care and education is also available to underprivileged children and children with disabilities or learning disorders.
• Local Thai team members provide social support programs (medical care, education) together with daily life caregivers to underpriviledged children in their own village/community
• Other projects where TCDF team and local+international volunteers work hands-on: emergenct funds, physiotherapy, nutrition programs, scholarships, occupational training center and perma culture farm, community learning center

Something special?

• At TCDF they believe that the social outreach work can only be done well by working with local people who can develop a long-term bond of trust with the children and their caregivers through constant communication.
• TCDF take care of children in their own community, without taking them out of their homes and never longer than needed
• International and Thai volunteers open up the worlds of the children and the members of the forest community by sharing their (often unique!) skills and knowledge within the community learning center, yoga center and/ or on the organic farm.
• TCDF try to limit damage to the environment. They are strict in handling garbage, reusing garbage, and recycling.
• Eco-Logic, Resort for Charity with tourist accommodation, workshops, and tour packages, is on the same property of the Foundation. This sister company of TCDF is a Thai for profit company and is TCDF's main sponsor.

And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

TCDF is founded by a charitable Thai/Dutch family and has supported children in need on a direct and day to day base in Thailand since 2004. Ingrid van der Straaten has been TCDF’s full time volunteer and ambassador since the very beginning when she, and Rosalie decided to make a difference and dedicate their lives to this initiative! The other TCDF's directing founder, Rosalie Tieges, lives with her Thai family within walking distance of the Foundation; other Dutch board members live in Holland.The TCDF Community is a global network of people that believe in acting local and contributing to make a difference. The Thai board members are all people from the village including the village headman and active parents of children in the social programs.

Who?

• Ingrid (Ins) Lommers

Where?

• Panama and Costa Rica

Which initiative?

• Spanish at Locations

What?

• Spanish Language courses, accommodation, travel & outdoor activities, volunteering

Something special?

• Spanish courses at 5 locations: Enroll in spanish courses AND have the freedom to travel around. Five seamless schools allow you to choose your own adventure without losing academic continuity. Stay put in one place, pick your own path, or join the Travelling Spanish Classroom on a 4 week guided trip to experience true adventure-education.
• Camping at “Gekui Pacuare River Camp”, Turrialba: 2, 3 or 4 day rafting trip on the Pacuare. It can also be part of a hiking trip. Once at the campsite, you will sleep on elevated platforms that will put you in direct contact with the sights and sounds of the tropical rain forest. Extra possibility: candlelight family style dinners!
• Virtual Spanish Courses: Jumpstart or retain what you learned: length, location and topic of classes can be customized.

Read more

• Check Spanish at Locations CV & Profile
• Go to the website

And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

(by: Ingrid Lommers)

After deciding I had to be a business person, make money, buy and do everything I desired, I subsequently finished business school and took a job. I was only 20 years old and one day I looked out of the windows of the fancy office of the importer/exporter company of sports shoes where I was working at the time.  I stared at a pond with ducks floating and playing around and I was actually a bit of jealous of them. I thought “is this all, is this where I am going to be the rest of my life between 8 and 5 from Monday till Friday?”. So I decided to continue studying to prepare to do something other than selling shoes. I enrolled at the University of Amsterdam to study economical development with a specialization on Latin America. As a part of writing my thesis, I went for 10 months to Surinam and learned about development issues in third world countries.  Looking back, I think, that is when I developed my “fever for the tropics“.

In 1993, I got the opportunity to go to Costa Rica, to work on a project in development aid at the National University of Costa Rica. While my work gave me good experience in development, I lost my motivation to stay in that field. I found that I would be more satisfied to work on my own projects and be able to do something to create sustainable progress. As a result, I began to invest my time in various jobs in tourism, including becoming a raft and tour guide. The culture, language, nature and people of Costa Rica touched me deeply and I decided to stay longer.

While I worked as a raft and tour guide I met Fernando, native of Turrialba, Costa Rica and we started to work and live together. When our first daughter was born in 1997, I  began to study Spanish and work at different language schools in Costa Rica. In 1998 I had the opportunity to go to Bocas del Toro – Panama to set up a school for a company established in Costa Rica. In the beginning Bocas was not known by international tourists, but little by little, the school began to grow.

I had learned some limited Spanish while being a student in Salamanca in Spain,  where I developed a love for the language. Several years later I enrolled in a Spanish school in San Jose but at that time could not afford to continue my studies. As a result, I learned Spanish the hard way, while working at my various jobs. This experience is what gave birth to the dream of Spanish at Locations, making learning Spanish affordable.

Four years later, the birth of a school in Turrialba in Costa Rica fulfilled our dream to combine Spanish classes with river adventures on the Pacuare River. Fernando had been operating a river camp there for many years. His hobby, breeding horses, turned out to be useful when we started to organize our own horse ride trips in the surroundings of Turrialba. Three years later, we opened a third branch, this time in the highland town of Boquete, Panama. This school is also called “Spanish by the River” as the town of Boquete is located near Panama´s best white water. Six years later we started two additional schools, one in Panama City and the other in Puerto Viejo – Costa Rica. The creative skills and abilities of Fernando are on display at our campuses. Coincidentally, the ages of our three daughters match the ages of our first three schools. Our three daughters and our son have been our motivation to continually work hard, improve and enjoy the schools!

Although in recent years the relationship between Fernando and me has changed, we continue to be business partners and to share a common vision regarding Spanish at Locations. New people have joined us that don’t share our history but they are realizing their own dreams within this company. Without them it would definitely not be the same! Because of them, I was able to not only finish my Master Degree in Spanish as a foreign Language, but also to enjoy what I really like to do, teach Spanish. I am fortunate to be active in the beautiful surroundings of our schools and dedicate time to other important things in my life.

Meet Joe. Joe grew up in small town in the United Kingdom, but decided to move to the US for his studies. In 2014 he applied for a scholarship, got it and said goodbye to his family and friends to go on a 6-year adventure in the US. After four years of studying and two years of working he decided to leave. Read more about his story below! 

Motivation and experiences emigrating to the United States of America

What should people know about you to understand your emigration story?

I moved to the US at 18 to pursue a college education as I received a merit-based scholarship. I studied for four years, graduating with a degree in chemistry, and then made use of the STEM optional practical training (OPT) program to work for two years.

Was there a specific moment or event that inspired you to emigrate?

Many, but mainly growing up watching the big bang theory and meeting an american girl on a holiday in France when I was 15! 

How did you prepare?

A few vaccines that I had to get that were required in the US but not in the EU. A physical check-up. Getting all my dental/optical health taken care of as I wasn’t sure how much it would cost in the US.

What did your life look like, what kind of work/activities made you feel like you were really at home in the USA?

Hiking and spending time in nature! The US is vast and the sky feels huge compared to anywhere else I’ve been in the world - reaching a viewpoint on the Appalachian trail and seeing lush green trees as far as the eye can see. Camping trips to Maine and the Adirondacks, the myriad colours of leaves in a New England fall. Halloween pumpkin picking and carving, drinking apple cider, eating pumpkin pie. Going to a baseball game or an ice hockey game. Fourth of July fireworks! Watching the NFL on Thanksgiving.

Did you have an idea about the future?

At the time of leaving, I did not have much of an idea of the future due to the pandemic. I had a plan for moving back to the UK, and made sure to tie up loose ends before leaving the US. I knew that I eventually wanted to travel to Japan and New Zealand/Australia. 

Why did you return to the UK?

Again, many reasons. It was difficult during the pandemic being isolated from my family in the UK. I also wanted to travel internationally outside of the USA and make use of UK-based working holiday programmes, which was at odds with needing to maintain my visa status and employer-provided health insurance in the US.

University life

Did you get funding to go to university in the US?

⁠I was lucky to be able to go through the Sutton Trust US programme, a programme aimed at educating UK state school students on college opportunities available in the US as there is a lot of financial aid on offer for international students. The programme guided me through the daunting US college admission process. There are different forms of funding in terms of scholarships, merit-based financial aid, and need-based financial aid (what I got, I was admitted to the university but then received grant money from the university to attend, otherwise I wasn’t able to afford it). Advice would be to look at highly ranked US universities, as they will typically have more money and financial aid available to give to international students.  

What kind of university did you attend?

I attended a liberal arts college, smaller than traditional universities, and focusing on a more holistic and well-rounded education rather than a single area. (I had to take classes in different subject areas - social sciences, natural sciences, arts, physical education, etc.) in order to graduate. I didn’t declare a major (chemistry) until the end of my second year, and was able to take non-chemistry classes throughout my time. 

What did the academic year look like?

⁠Academic year followed a two semester system, fall and spring. Assessments were done throughout the semester, rather than a single exam at the end. I was fortunate to attend a liberal arts college as they are solely undergraduate institutions and have small student bodies (2000 student). I was able to do research in the chemistry department and used high level instrumentation that would be difficult to find/use even at graduate level. Classes were also much smaller and much more student/professor interaction.

Any advice?

Thanksgiving is a really fun holiday, I found my American friends were happy to invite me into their homes when I told them I’d be alone on the holidays.

Culture and social Interactions

How did you make friends? Do you have any tips for meeting people?

I was fortunate to meet friends through college and then work. Americans are generally very friendly and happy to help or to have a conversation. Many of my friends invited me into their homes during public holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. My tips for meeting people would be to pursue groups based on hobbies and shared interests, and to be open to new opportunities and putting yourself outside of your comfort zone.

How did locals react to you living and working in the US?

I found that people are always happy to chat to people from Europe and hear about where they are from! But for the most part living and working here is the same as anywhere else!

What is your favorite local tradition/holiday?

Thanksgiving, the desserts/pies are amazing and the lack of focus on gifts (like christmas) makes it a nice holiday focused on spending time with family and friends.

Are there things you struggled with in social interactions?

The directness and extroverted nature of conversations is sometimes overwhelming. Another thing was not knowing if people are endearing or genuinely interested in friendship versus stereotypical friendly American. 

What are some communication challenges you encountered?

People are very friendly and extroverted, but it is sometimes difficult to know how to foster more genuine/deeper connections 

How did you stay in touch with home?

Facetime and Whatsapp, sending family pictures, Polarsteps

Have you learned anything useful about communication with home?

It highlighted indirect patterns of speech that are used in the UK, which was useful when I returned to work after my time in the US. 

What was one of the best experiences? 

It starts with losing my expensive glasses in the ocean, not the best experience... But then the family I was staying with talked with their neighbours/local community and they all chipped in money for me to get a replacement pair. I'd never experienced something like that before and it showed the kindness of many Americans, even towards a relative stranger. 

Challenges & Growth

Were there things that disappointed you concerning your emigration?

The lack of walkability disappointed me, a car is very much a necessity outside of few major cities. In the UK distances are much smaller and public transportation is easy, or you can even go somewhere by bike or walk. In the US this can be very different. 

Health insurance being tied to employment was another things that caused me stress and frustration at times as well, since without employment, well....

In retrospect, what do you wish you had known about the USA?

There is no legally mandated minimum vacation time. The work culture is tough and very individualistic. 

What would you do differently next time and what would you tell others with the same idea?

Unless I was living in a city like New York or Boston, I would buy a car, as it gives a lot of freedom and independence. Fuel is cheap compared to Europe and distances are vast. 

What was the biggest culture shock? 

There is a large level of income inequality and there’s high levels of homelessness and addiction.  

What did you miss most?

Having a supply of wine gums and Haribo! But I also missed British sports culture and the quality of food/vegetables in my home country. A lot of food in the US has high fructose corn syrup and/or added sugar. 

Were there things you appreciated more about the UK while you were in the US?

Walkability, legally mandated time off, fresh food and cheap fruit/vegetables, mobile banking and bank transfers, most paperwork has been digitised in the UK and can be easily handled using gov.uk. 

Practicalities in the USA

What was the most difficult rule to understand?

States with different laws regarding tax, driving, alcohol, gambling etc. It can be quite confusing! 

How did you find a suitable place to live? Was it difficult?

I found a room to rent through Craigslist. It was straight forward although I did need a reference.

What was the working culture like? Was it different from the UK?

I worked for a small family run company. Quite a stressful environment and a high workload. Lots of interaction with the boss, some micromanagement, but it also allowed me flexibility that you don’t necessarily at a larger corporate company (I.e. taking holiday in advance as I needed to return to the UK to renew my visa). All decisions had to be approved by the boss. There was no progression/pathway for promotion, which was also one of my reasons for leaving - I came in to a high level position compared to others in a similar age/degree background, but more senior positions were filled by long-term staff and so promotion was only realistic if someone retired. No mandated holiday time, I earned 10 days of holiday time after 1 year at the company, increasing by 5 days each year at the company. It was a good stepping stone, but quite a toxic work environment and I missed the employer protections offered in Europe. I would consider returning to the US and working at a more senior level in a more competitive industry and location, as benefits are generally better to maintain employees (I.e more days off given by the company per year than in the UK).

What were the biggest differences in costs between this country and your home country?

Fuel is significantly cheaper than Europe/UK, second hand cars are more expensive, rent and cost of living is more expensive in the US.

What have you learned about insurance, taxes and other financial obligations abroad?

Having to manually fill in a tax return and use tax company software. Generally tax returns are done automatically in the UK. 

Did you use local healthcare and what did you notice? Was it similar or completely different?

I had a few experiences with the US healthcare system, but was able to get seen very quickly whenever problems arose. I had laser repair work done on my eyes, something that would have taken 6 months for an appointment in the UK, whereas I was seen within a week in the US. I had orthodontic work done in my first year in the US. It was expensive as it was only partially covered by my insurance, but I had been wearing braces for 5 years on the NHS with very slow/no improvement. My orthodontist in the US gave me a 1 year plan for completing my orthodontic work and was very proactive and communicated clearly. I have zero regrets and still enjoy my smile 10 years on! 

But.. next to this, the healthcare system was very confusing. I was afraid of getting sick and having to go to doctors when I was a student as I wasn't sure how much it would cost me. I knew a case of someone who didn't call an ambulance for their paralytic friend because they didn't know if they could afford it (>1000 dollars). I would definitely recommend sorting out good health insurance before you go. 

Are there specific issues or tips around 'safety' or 'health' that are useful for other people who are going to live or work at your destination for a longer period of time to know?

Be aware of food quality, additives, and portion sizes - it is really easy to put on weight. And, unfortunately, gun safety is another thing to be aware of. 

Other things you want to share?

I had to fly back to the UK to renew my visa, I couldn’t get it done in the US. So make sure you check how to do it, and perhaps you can combine it with a nice visit to your family and friends! 
 

Enjoying expat life

Did you develop any new hobbies or interests while living in the US?

I pursued hiking, camping, climbing, and played many board games! 

Were there any projects or activities you were involved in that gave you a sense of fulfillment?

I volunteered at my local independent movie theatre and also at Habitat for Humanity (US organisation aimed at building affordable housing)

How did you balance work, relaxation and enjoying your new surroundings?

The US work culture and lack of employment rights means maintaining a work life balance is notoriously difficult, but it is important to schedule days off and plan solo outings or meet up with friends. 

Overall I had a great time in the US, and despite certain things, I still miss the country and my friends. As I said, maybe I'll go back some day, but first - Australia :). 

Meet Co. Co is an expat from the Netherlands, who lives in Italy. He loves everything Italy has to offer. He is retired and learns to adapt to Italian culture every day. Read more about his emigration story and his life below. 

Experiences emigrating to Italy

What do people need to know about you to understand your emigration story? How did you prepare?

After a period of 10 years of travelling, during which I visited many warmer countries, I thought why not live in a more pleasant climate than the cold frog climate of the Netherlands? Maybe in Italy… a few years ago - during a sabbatical - I lived in Naples for eight months and worked there unpaid as a cook in a taverna. During that time I was appreciated for my dedication and beautiful dishes, but I did not reach the pace of the average cuoco so my adventure ended in Napoli - a city and culture that I had come to love.

The city of Napoli and the Neapolitan can - in my opinion - be compared to Rotterdam and the average Rotterdammer. It is a raw port city. The Neapolitan wears his heart on his sleeve and, like the people of Rotterdam, is straight to the point - even more so than the average Italian. Should I move to Naples, is a question I flirted with for a long time ... until friends hardly believed me. In 2019, I seriously started investigating a possible immigration to Southern Italy. I went there, first with my car and looked around in the villages in the foothills of the great Apennine mountains just outside Naples. I returned from that voyage of discovery disillusioned. The region was poor and often desolate. 

In my tiny house on the edge of Rotterdam, I - a city boy par excellence - had discovered that I found living 'outside' attractive. so moving to my favourite city, Napoli itself, was not an option. I have time to myself. After all, my working life is over. Well before my sixtieth birthday, I decided to live more minimalistically. Work was therefore not a sacred must. On the way back from Campania - including Naples - I drove along the Adriatic coast and stayed with friends from Rotterdam who had started a campeggio in 'le Marche' a few years ago. When I drove into the region, had lunch in Cornaldo - a beautifully preserved Borgho town - walled with sandstone - a feeling of peace, of home came over me. Although this does sound very new-age-like. 

Would I be able to settle here, was the big question ... When after about ten days I had explored the wide area around Corinaldo and visited several houses, my choice for the region was clear. In the years that followed, with the help of Dutch people who live in le Marche, I thoroughly investigated the possibilities of living in that region for the majority of 'the' year. An intensive process of looking for houses to buy followed. Unfortunately interrupted by the covid epidemic, I have been there more often. 'the duration and my age divided by the time of purchasing and renovating a house to buy' made me ultimately opt for a rental house. I found that house through a tip from my Rotterdam friend from Castelleone di Suasa - just outside the village. It is a lovely new house, but an exact copy of the old family farm that used to be there… I quickly got to know the locals and several expats who also live there - often for decades. Because I had taken Italian language courses before, I picked up the language fairly quickly. Although full mastery is not easy to acquire…

What kind of work or activities make you feel like you are really 'at home' in Italy? The surroundings are inspiring, views of the Apennines but also of the sea, it is the foothills of the mountains that make the landscape lovely. However, I must not leave unmentioned that it is also an agricultural region. All kinds of things are grown. The local wine, the verdicchio and the olive oil are the products of this. You will also find many golden fields of sunflowers ... 

How does your daily routine differ from that in your home country?

I spend my days with long walks, painting abstract paintings for which the ideas nevertheless bubble up in the landscape of Le Marche ... Because the driving distance from the Netherlands is 'doable' in two days, I regularly have guests over. I also visit - often with guests - the beautiful towns, markets and restaurants. In the Netherlands I had a busy social life; with many activities. In Le Marche I take it a bit easier. Lots of painting and long walks - that's true. Do you already have an idea about the future? In the near future I am thinking about whether I will stay in this village, or whether I might want to live closer to a big city. I am not the youngest anymore and would like to live in the immediate vicinity of amenities. 

Culture and interactions with the Italians

Do you have any tips to meet people?

My advice would be to take some education in the language of the country of the future beforehand. You will come into contact with the local population so much more easily. Learn a lot of words, then you will associate more easily, in my experience. Duolingo or an AI teacher online will probably also help. 

What is the best or most inspiring thing about your emigration?

The peace and quiet, the nature and of course the Italians, who are always willing to help you on your way - literally and figuratively. The fabulous Italian cuisine is also not to be sneezed at. 

What is the funniest or most painful misunderstanding you have experienced due to language or cultural differences?

The fact that there was a pig in a shed, as big as the pig in the yard of my house, made me unable to sleep because of annoyance. As a child of about 10 years old, I saw a pig being slaughtered - and heard it scream - and compassion for the species was the result. After my insistence, the pig was moved to a larger, better home. Although it's future should not be pictured as rosy. 

Have you adopted local customs?

Nowadays, I always eat my salad after the secondo - the second course. Italians often have an antipasto - a starter - then often a pasta follows - called primo - after which the secondo follows. That is often meat or fish with vegetables - contorni - and when they finish the meal comes the dessert - dolce - and then an espresso. I can hardly handle a meal like that; far too much. 

Are there any customs in social interaction that you found difficult to understand or that you had to get used to?

A custom that also appeals to the imagination is the bidet, an Italian cannot and does not want a house without a bagno with a bidet. Now I was already used to using a water pistol; learned from my travels in Southeast Asia, but the mandatory presence of bidets, I found amusing. The fact that you do not drink cappuccino after 12 o’clock, is another custom that has not gone unnoticed. Italian waiters eventually serve it, but not wholeheartedly.

How do the locals react to the fact that you now live and work here?

Italians in ‘my’ village are curious and in the beginning my move was ‘talk of the town’. I was recognized and linked to the yellow house in which I live - casa Gialla.

What is your favorite local tradition/holiday?

The markets that every village or town has, have a great attraction for me. I also can't ignore the annual onion festival - festa di cipolle. 

How does friendship here differ from how it is experienced in your home country?

Friendship with Italians often takes place in the public space. You don't quickly go to an Italian's home. You meet each other in a bar or a restaurant ... 

Challenges and growth while emigrating

Have there been times when you doubted your choice/emigration, or what disappointed you?

No, I don't regret a single day, but my choices are also based on a thorough orientation. In retrospect, what would you have liked to know about Italy in advance? I wouldn't know it right away. Although, perhaps naively, the middle of Italy certainly has winters in which snow and slippery conditions are not excluded. 

What would you do differently next time and what would you like to pass on to others with the same idea?

Nothing, what I advise is to make a thorough orientation of the neighborhood, the population, the role of religion and cultural customs. 

What was the biggest culture shock?

That a new car costs a lot less in Italy. The Netherlands uses bpm and that tax is particularly high.

What skill did you never think you would need, but have developed anyway?

Being patient was not my strong suit at first. I had been doing much better at that for a while. Now being and staying calm is second nature. In Italy this is a welcome quality - not to say very important. Italy is certainly not very effective and efficient like the Netherlands. The bureaucracy is often a reason to grind your teeth and know that getting angry is pointless.

How do you deal with homesickness/loneliness? What do you miss the most?

I have no problem with that.

Are there things you appreciate more about your home country now that you are here?

That the Netherlands is clean, very well organised and hardly corrupt; I like that and I no longer take it for granted. Also that a lot is well organised in the Netherlands. My adage 'travelling is the best antidote to ignorance' also applies here.

How do you deal with the bureaucracy in your new country?

As a good Buddhist should - ahem; it comes and goes like water - offer no resistance …

What was the most difficult rule to understand/follow?

The driving behavior of the average Italian is cringe-inducing. They drive as if their life depends on it. This is not a rule, even though you would almost believe it. In the first three months, two people from the village were killed by reckless driving. No easy task, I would say. Learning to interpret the mood of my conversation partner is a point that requires attention. The gesticulation that is accompanied by firm language is sometimes hard for me to handle. The emotions naturally support the story, but when I think I should call the police, they suddenly fall into each other's arms and normal life resumes. 

What are the biggest differences in costs between this country and your home country?

The average cost of living is lower here, and much more so in the south of Italy. 

Practicalities in the country of emigration

What have you learned about insurance, taxes and other financial obligations abroad?

Not much, except that a business owner is obliged to give you a receipt, and that his accounting system passes on the invoiced and received amounts to the local tax office … 

Have you used local health care (GP, specialist, dentist etc.) and what did you notice?

The public health care system is in a precarious condition - it is like going back 50 years in time. 

What is similar or completely different to the Dutch health care system?

No GP available, poorly accessible primary care, standard secondary care is often inaccessible. 

What is useful for others to take into account?

Are there any specific issues or tips around 'safety' or 'health' that would be useful for other people who are going to live or work in your destination for a longer period of time? I couldn't say (yet)...

What would you like to put in the spotlight about your work?

Nothing.

What are some communication issues you have encountered? 

Communicating with friends and family is hardly a problem. There are many options and with video connections virtual meetings are at least pleasant …