With Christmas coming up, I couldn’t help but get a little melancholic about not living in the Netherlands anymore. I couldn’t wait to leave this ‘horrible’ place. Everyone seems to despise their hometown. However, the more I travel, the more I admire my hometown and country. The bikes, the infrastructure, my friends, the familiarity. So today I’d like to share a bit of my Amsterdam with you, with things I miss about Amsterdam.

1. My bike

Yes, yes, yes… Amsterdam has amazing bicycle lanes, but let us all take a moment to appreciate the beauty and art of Dutch bikes. They are extremely convenient and low-maintenance. I had no idea how convenient they were until I started renting and buying bikes in other countries. I crave for a low-cost ‘oma fiets’ with pedal brakes and an integrated lock.

2. The convenience of riding a bike

All the streets are made for cyclists and because of this you can basically get anywhere without using public transport! I miss the independence of going to my friends on my bike and even doing groceries. 

3. ‘Frietsaus’ from McDonald’s

Though I’m not a regular at McDonald’s, there’s a guilty pleasure I can’t resist. It usually follows after a night of drinking – my post-celebration choice is a medium serving of chips accompanied by frietsaus. Oh, how I miss that flavor. Sadly, my global adventures have often left me with just ketchup or disappointing mayo alternatives.

And here’s a fun fact about frietsaus: despite its name, this sauce is, in fact, a Dutch creation.

4. Public transport

Countless cities have public transport, but the fact that the whole country is easily accessible is quite unique. Although there are some problems with the public transport i.e. trains cancelling the second a leaf is on the rail track. The public transport in the Netherlands is reliable and i do miss it. </3

5. Food from all corners around the globe

I definitely miss the huge variety of food that is offered in Amsterdam. We have so many different types of restaurants and let’s not forget about the food-hallen or all the food festivals…. Roti, bitterballen, ramen, tapas, sushi and kapsalon…

6. Bureaucracy abroad

I can never get used to procedures in other countries, where you have to fill out 6 forms to get the form you need to get to speak the civil servant who can hand you down the next form you need, after which you have to make an appointment (for which you have to wait three weeks) with someone else who will put a stamp on it (who won’t show up so you have to make a new appointment, and then it shows he is sitting next to the previous guy in the office), For getting your phone contract or to start a job

7.De IJ-hallen

For a vintage lover like me. I’m glad Amsterdam has the IJ-hallen. It is a monthly flea market (supposedly Europe’s largest!) It’s an experience I’ve yet to find elsewhere, even in renowned markets across Europe.

8. The amazing independent cinemas

LAB111, Studio K, Filmhallen, Filmhuis cavia, Rialto… and many more. I am a bit of a pretentious  snob when it comes to cinemas. Especially if some of them are a café/bar/club/art gallery/gig venue/cinema all mixed into one.

9. My Family

Do I need to say more? Christmas can get lonely, especially if you’re alone abroad.

10. Last but not least, all my friends <3

While forming new connections during my travels is exciting, the comfort of old friendships holds its own charm. Conversations with those who share a history with me are truly irreplaceable.