Let’s live abroad

Amsterdiving my way through life

One day I dreamed of being location independent. After years of trying things, I’m now working-from-home from my homeland Portugal and I’m-working-from-home from my other homeland the Netherlands. I feel like one of those kids living happily between the homes of divorced but gracious loving parents. Granted, this doesn’t come without challenges, but for me this feels like a path worth taking. I won’t pick sides: I need both countries for different reasons. Whether in Lisbon or Amsterdam, I’m ‘amsterdiving’ my way through life. What the heck is ‘amsterdive’ about again?

by Ana V. Martins

On Amsterdam loneliness and our stupid little walks

Amsterdam is not a place where you move to exclusively for the hustle and saving for pension. Foreigners learn to enjoy life in a very particular way. Just being here exposes you to so much world: we got a whopping 176 different nationalities present in the city. That’s why loneliness hits the hardest. Because when you sit at home with no company for Christmas, or when you don’t see anyone for days on end during this perpetual lockdown you know how different it can be.

by Ana V. Martins

Will I ever have enough friends in the Netherlands?

Many people I knew found it a challenge to make new friends in capital cities. I, on the other hand, had been adopted by a big group of folks from all over the world, Dutch included! But there was a catch. It was the August dread.

by Ana V. Martins

Where. To. Therapy. Amsterdam (asking for a friend)

Where do you go when in need of psychological support in Amsterdam? – I asked around, not “for a friend”, but for all my friends out there that could use the help. And I’m sharing my story, too.

by Ana V. Martins

When living in Amsterdam is the opposite of cool x 7

When I got prompted to write about the downsides of living in Amsterdam, I thought it an unusual request but I’m the type who loves a challenge so here’s my take on the pitfalls of living here.

by Ana V. Martins

Making friends in Amsterdam. How.

The struggle with building a social circle life from scratch is something akin to everyone who experiences moving countries. So here’s my take on the friendship thing. I hope it can be useful.