a month in rotterdam. the impression.
Hello peeps!
If you had told me two months ago that I'd be riding a bike through the streets of Rotterdam, dodging trams and stopping for espresso at a café under a massive cube-shaped building, I might have laughed. But here I am — one month in, and slowly (but surely) starting to feel at home.
first impressions: not what i expected.
When I first arrived, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Rotterdam. It didn’t have the storybook charm I’d imagined when I thought of the Netherlands — no canals lined with flowers, no narrow little houses leaning into each other. Instead, I was greeted by bold architecture, massive buildings, and a kind of quiet intensity in the air.
But that’s the thing: Rotterdam grows on you. It doesn’t shout for your attention. It’s not trying to impress in the traditional way. It just is — raw, modern, and in motion.
work life: structured, yet free.
Starting a new job in a new country can be overwhelming, but I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the transition was. My team has been welcoming in that very Dutch way — straightforward, no fluff, but kind and supportive once you break through that initial layer of formality.
One thing I’ve really come to appreciate is the work culture here. People value balance. Meetings have purpose, nobody schedules late calls "just because," and there's a genuine respect for your time outside of work. By 5:30 p.m., laptops close and people actually go live their lives — what a concept!
finding my rhythm.
The first couple of weeks were a bit of a blur — new routines, unfamiliar streets, trying not to get hit by bikes (or hit someone else with mine). I got lost more than once, especially when I stubbornly tried to navigate without Google Maps. But that’s how you learn, right?
I found a local gym just a few tram stops away, which has become my sanctuary after work. There’s something comforting about establishing a routine when everything else around you is new. Morning coffees at the same café, evening walks by the water — those little rituals started giving structure to my days.
food, friends & little moments.
Let’s talk about the food. Rotterdam is a melting pot, and it shows up in the best way on your plate. I’ve had some incredible Indonesian meals, tried Surinamese food for the first time (why didn’t anyone tell me about roti before?), and yes — I caved and tried kapsalon at 2 a.m. after a night out. No regrets.
Socially, it’s been a bit of a slow burn. The Dutch aren’t the most outwardly warm people, but they are solid, honest, and loyal once you connect. I’ve had some great conversations over drinks, and even though I’m still building my circle here, I’ve started to find my people.
on the bike, in the rain.
One of the most Dutch parts of my experience so far? Getting soaked on my bike during an unexpected downpour, twice in one week. At first I was annoyed, but then I looked around — everyone else was just riding through it like it was nothing. There was something liberating about that: no fuss, just life happening.
final thoughts — and what’s next.
A month ago, I arrived with two suitcases, a bit of nervous energy, and a lot of questions. Now, I try to ride to work on a bike I bought second-hand from a guy named Joost. I’ve found my favorite grocery store, my go-to lunch spot, and a few streets that already feel familiar.
Rotterdam hasn’t just welcomed me — it’s challenged me, in a good way. It’s made me stretch a little, get uncomfortable, and trust that it’ll all start to make sense in time.
And it has.
Here’s to month two.
Talk to you soon,
EMIR :)
