My first year in Rotterdam

Let me tell you a story about a time when I lived in the Netherlands. I’d never been in the Netherlands before and I wanted to travel to a place where I knew I would feel at home.

I made the move to Rotterdam, Netherlands in the summer of 2021 and it has been an absolutely wonderful experience. I'm a freelancer and entrepreneur, so the vibrant culture and diverse people have presented so many incredible opportunities for me to explore and connect with. From attending cultural events to making new friends, this city has opened up my eyes to so much more than I ever could have imagined.

Over the past couple of years, I have become incredibly passionate about taking up graphic design and travel writing as a hobby, often finding myself captivated by the stories of different places around the world. When I'm not working or studying, you can usually find me enjoying a leisurely ride on my bicycle around town or taking a stroll through the streets to admire the unique architecture of my city.

Spending my first year in Rotterdam has been nothing short of remarkable and I feel as though I have learned so much about myself both personally and professionally. It has truly been an incredible journey that I wouldn't trade for the world; it has helped me grow as an individual and I'm so grateful for the experiences that I have had so far!

The city of Rotterdam is full of surprises and opportunities. With its amazing architecture and vibrant culture, it truly is a great place for any business person or creative individual. I also love the fact that it's so easy to get around - whether you're walking or cycling - there's always something new to discover. I got to learn about Rotterdam's history and culture, as well as its vibrant art scene. I also was able to meet with some amazing local business owners who had great ideas for my work.

The past twelve months of living in Rotterdam have been an incredibly enriching experience. From learning the ins and outs of Dutch culture to connecting with inspiring entrepreneurs, I've gained a greater appreciation for this incredible city. I'm filled with anticipation at the thought of all the new adventures that are yet to come in this vibrant place!

Moving to Rotterdam was honestly one of the best choices I have ever made in my life. It has been a full year since I made the big move, and it has been an incredible journey. From getting started as a freelancer, launching my own business, and becoming an entrepreneur, this city has opened up so many possibilities for me - it's simply amazing!

I have had the chance to explore the city in so many ways - from cycling around town, walking through its streets, admiring its architecture or traveling around the Netherlands. It is truly a unique experience for anyone looking for a change of scenery and new experiences. As a graphic designer, I have found many inspiring projects here in Rotterdam that I could never find anywhere else.

One thing I did struggle with a little as a graphic designer living in Rotterdam, was staying on top of my business finances. I have had my fair share of struggles with bookkeeping. Coming from a foreign background, I found it hard to understand the nuances of managing finances and bookkeeping. Even though I knew that hiring a professional bookkeeper was expensive, I decided to take the plunge and do it anyway.

I did some searching and came across ZZP Boekhouder Rotterdam, which specializes in providing bookkeeping services for small businesses. With their help, I was able to get my finances in order and also save time and money. They were great at understanding my needs and helping me find solutions that worked for me.

All in all, my time living and studying in Rotterdam has been a truly amazing experience that was both exciting and incredibly rewarding! It's been an incredible journey full of new people, nice food **, and unique cultures that I've had the pleasure to explore.

** I discovered what the Dutch call a 'patatje speciaal', which is basically fries with mayonnaise, ketchup and chopped unions. I know it's nothing special (no pun intended), but somehow I liked it a lot; LOL