Ready, set, Dutch!

READY, SET, DUTCH!

I arrived in Amsterdam nine days ago. This will be my fourth time being in the city, and I come with a mission of obtaining a visa through the Dutch American Friendship Treaty. The treaty will allow me to begin a sole proprietorship and stay in the Netherlands for at least two years with the possibility of a visa renewal.

I've always been extremely self-motivated, but the concept of self-employment did not stick on me until this opportunity became known. I'm excited to have a kick in the rear to move in me in the direction of working for myself. For the next several weeks I will conceptualize and plan the business I will build to support myself while living in the Netherlands. Step one will be listing out my passions, talents, and existing experience.

Here's a start on my strengths and interests:

• Health & Wellness
• Sales & Marketing
• Strategic Planning
• Art & Design
• Influencing/Motivating 
• Writing

Building out my network will also be key. I met a few really amazing characters at the New Dutch Wave at South By Southwest who have already opened doors to new contacts in Amsterdam, including an American named Ashlee who has a very similar background to me. 

I am living with an American named Matt, who was introduced to me via my running partner in Austin, Texas. Matt is walking me through the Dutch American Friendship Treaty and has also offered to introduce me to his colleagues at a dental product manufacturing facility. His company needs help with sales, so I am excited for an opportunity to apply my knowledge and skill-set as needed. 

VISA ROADBLOCKS 

While I am very optimistic about my new Dutch life, I acknowledge that the transition will be filled with roadblocks and let-downs. Pivots may be needed at times, but I am determined never to be discouraged beyond the point of being able to forge forward.

One slight bump in the road so far has been putting together the documentation I need to start the visa and company registration process. Apparently an "apostilled" birth certificate is required to apply for a BSN, or Dutch citizen service number required for tax and residency purposes. For any Americans reading who plans to immigrate to the Netherlands, I highly recommend researching how to request an apostille for your birth certificate from the state it was issued prior to leaving the US. 

BIKES, BIKES, BIKES

I was an avid bicycle commuter back in Austin, and I've told many people I am extending my lifespan potential by moving to a place where cycling is the norm, as road cycling can be quite dangerous in America. 

A defining moment of my settlement here in Amsterdam was purchasing a bike. You can buy a basic new bike for around 350 Euro, but it is advised to purchased a used bike for riding in Amsterdam since they are stolen often. After doing research online, I learned about several Facebook groups where used bikes can be found. I also found out about the Flea Market at Waterlooplein in Amsterdam, where used bikes can be purchased for between 70 and 90 Euro.

Not my bike above, but it's worth of sharing!

I'm loving the Dutch's appreciation of flowers.