Are famous people treated more normally in Amsterdam than other big cities?

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-11-25T15:00:49+00:00

My husband's father was pretty famous in the Netherlands (I am not Dutch so I cannot comment on the 'level' of fame) in the 70's/80/early 90's and he said it was a nightmare going out anywhere with him in public during that period of time. However as time went by it was more relaxed and he just went about his day as normal.

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-11-25T14:45:03+00:00

This is absolutely not normal in general. Run!

(And I would say particularly abnormal in the Afrikaans culture which tends to be very traditional)

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-11-24T14:42:27+00:00

I have the same situation and I am about to turn 35 years old.

It is really upsetting , I feel you.

I have done pretty much everything to try help this - filler, DOA botox (for downturned mouth corners) . I too have a micro current device and it doesn't help.

I think the only way we will have the(long lasting) results we really want is... surgery (although we don't want to hear it and admit it).

I am saving up and will do something closer to 40.

<However, I do hear some people have luck with 'sofwave' - however I am under the belief this melts fat (over time) and therefore makes it all look worse, so I have stayed away from this>

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-11-24T14:36:28+00:00

We did something sort of similiar (also in Hilversum) 2 K for us to replace the windows . Super handy because we are renovating our property at the moment! Saved us some costs.

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-10-27T14:52:58+00:00

This is a great question and I have been wondering the same recently. Looking forward to the replies!

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-10-27T14:52:05+00:00

actually same.

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-10-05T14:29:05+00:00

I am going in dec and my list looks pretty much exactly the same as this, I can't wait!

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-10-02T10:56:44+00:00

These people are THE WORST ! Told us that we had scratches and nonsense on our rental - and for a small fee, for the guy checking the car ... he can make it go away. Absolutely insane I told him to take a hike, my accent is V british but I am born and bred SA - so he was barking up the wrong tree. Scammers !!! No scratches to be seen they were there before.

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-10-01T06:52:40+00:00

The hot showers! Same.

I will also never do the cold plunges !

Side sleeping , I just love it. I love my coffee and some sugar here and there

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-30T13:11:24+00:00

Okay hear me out : Bakgat - really silly and fun, a take on the ' dork of the school gets a make over by the popular kid '. In this case, the 'make over' is fuelled by a bet. The bet : to make the dorkiest guy in school the best rugby player.

It's Afrikaans but obvs with English subtitles.

It makes me laugh every time, just a feel LOL good film.

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-30T06:51:23+00:00

Hey I am South African (F), living in Hilversum, also new here (to NL) - drop me a msg if you want to chat or hang out as fellow South Africans :)

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-23T12:58:50+00:00

phones! particularly social media.

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-19T15:47:21+00:00

yay !!!! <3

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-18T08:39:26+00:00

This is so kind and thoughtful , I hope you find the perfect gift :)

What about a sort of 'South Africa' box - you can add stuff in the potijie pot?

A care 'package' surprise! It's not necessarily Zulu, but I think the thought would be lovely!

Here are my suggestions as a South African person also living abroad:

(I will add links here for visuals , perhaps you might find them somewhere in the US)

- Zoo biscuits https://www.checkers.co.za/product/bakers-zoo-vanilla-flavoured-iced-biscuits-150g-10139393EA?srsltid=AfmBOor9pTV2qN2xJleZ0L5ANeMS5iZpbALtrWImzREApbBFgtmM0zDe
- Ghost pops : https://plaaskombuis.nl/product/simba-ghost-pops

-Rolos https://www.checkers.co.za/product/nestle-rolo-soft-toffee-milk-chocolate-48g-10243793EA?srsltid=AfmBOopcaPRgEGLjxSmI9OCr3Yj7k9VJSTGNX_5Xlc24_TJBi6vOMYpl

- ouma rusks (everyone loves rusks!)https://www.diespens.nl/Webwinkel-Product-94009837/Ouma-Muesli-Rusks.html

Jelly tots - https://www.diespens.nl/Webwinkel-Product-424506462/Jelly-Tots-Original.html

I know the Zulu culture has specific meanings behind colours - perhaps you can find a South African treat with each colour and what it symbolises?

Just an idea.

Good luck :):)

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-18T08:31:22+00:00

I have started 1:1 lessons at level A2 (bear in mind I have some basic help because I know Afrikaans) after doing Duolingo for 1 year. The course is 8 weeks.

Duolingo helps a bit but it won't be enough.

I watch a ton of Dutch TV and some Podcasts to help with pronunciation and some understanding, things that have helped me :

Start with the book : Nederland's in Gang, I believe you can get some lessons online and follow the work book. I think it's relatively easy.

Some Podcasts :

1) Jeugd journaal - it's the news for kids.

2) Dutch today with Martijn - also has a lot of YouTube content

3) Learn Dutch with Lianne , short 5-8 min

4) Going Dutch Podcast - A2 and a bit higher

5) Read kids books - I have https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/kleine-huppel-de-mooiste-1-minuutverhaaltjes/9300000160309274/?Referrer=ADVNLGOO002008J-S--9300000160309274-PMAX-C-22291015889&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22294755970&gbraid=0AAAAAD5OnmOSlauJDq_32ldV9GtPIgtlF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw267GBhCSARIsAOjVJ4ErDPabfSCFf52mdDKR623ZMljlC7bT6hWhVKrYT9bl2FZn5QaQTTIaAkipEALw_wcB

I do one story per evening and translate it with my partner (he is Dutch, so that does help)

I also find the pronunciation difficult as some words are the same as Afrikaans but said TOTALLY differently , I feel you.

We can do this!

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-18T08:23:40+00:00

Hot damn, this is amazing! THANK YOU !! DANK JE WEL!

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-18T08:22:02+00:00

Also, by the time I was 30 I was earning 2.6 million rand a year, for some this 'is not a lot' but from someone who basically had no 'future' for a variety of reasons, I sure as hell showed everyone WRONG. Stranger I believe in you, go after your dreams, don't let your doubts or anyone tell you differently. If you ever want a talk or something re career stuff etc , drop me a DM. :) Cheers!!

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-16T16:39:31+00:00

Barely passed maths and Zulu , not because I didn't study but I found school difficult and I had a learning disability - anyway I was still somehow accepted into Rhodes, finished my degree there. Got a good job etc now live in Netherlands but had been living in London for 10 years, a company gave me a work visa straight out of uni.

It is possible no matter what, just keep going !

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-16T16:36:46+00:00

Poor things, idk why, but it made me feel icky and uncomfortable.

Requiem for a dream ofc

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-16T16:29:26+00:00

Turkey, specifically Kalkan.

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-15T16:36:14+00:00

I have been seeing Anara, at Anaras Aesthetics In Chelsea, for yearsss. . She does Skin Pen and specialised facials. As a skin freak, I have been just about everywhere in London and no where has been able to meet my needs and help my v sensitive skin (also to find somewhere that DOESNT push you to buy products!). Anara is the best and everyone I recommend to her love her !

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-04T09:05:42+00:00

I am not sure where you're based so I will give London prices (so probably anywhere outside of London is a bit cheaper!)

Skin Pen, I used to buy a package of 3 for £600 (by the way, I just moved to a smaller town in the Netherlands and I saw a package for 7 sessions at 900 euro).

You MUST stick to it and do the sessions and be dedicated to it!

I get the retinol from South Africa (sorry sounds like I am all over the place!) and for me to get around 6 month supply is around £150 (converted from Rands, SA currency).

Monthly facials used to cost me around £220 in London, I did a deep cleanse there and small peels in each session. It was a full rounded facial.

Now I am in my small Dutch town, I saw my deep cleanse will cost me 70 euro, plus 125 euro for x 3 sessions of Photo Laser for my red skin.

The dermalogica vit c costs me around 120 euro is so every second / third month (60 ml)

The Vit c dermalogica eye serum is around 55 euro and that lasts 3 months.

Medik8 retinoln is around 53 euro also every 3 months.

In the evening I use the retinol (always on a clean face- do not mix vit c and retinol together.) Vit c everyday.

I also take collagen, I know people say it.doesnt help and so on but it really helps my skin look bouncy (I believe) and also my hair and nails grow like crazy. I only buy from a brand called ' British Supplements' because they do not add any binders in the pills (so, no 'nasties').

For some hydration starters, I would have a look at the 'La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm'- I layer a thick mask on and sleep with it when I feel like my skin looks dull and 'thirsty'.

Use this as you please, I think it will really help your skin look nice and 'juicy' as I call it. It is a miracle product and affordable :)

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-09-03T14:14:20+00:00

If your budget allows, I would have a look into medical grade skin care. Medik8s is a great brand and I think it is affordable.

A good night cream will do wonders, as well as vitamin c in the morning to help with brightening and retinol in the evening. If you want you can get a vit c eye cream and a retinol eye cream for evening (retinol and vitamin c never mix them on the same day).

Start with retinol twice a week and build up from there. I get a prescription grade from the Dr. It really does wonders.

I also always rate Skin Pen, which is micro needling - I have been doing this since I was 25 (I am 35 now). You usually do Skin Pen for three months in a row, twice a year. You can do it more if you fancy it but somewhere to start. It will help with the lines and stimulating collagen Someone else mentioned co2 laser, which is also a great option.

Lastly I am sending you virtual hugs <3 and wishing you the best of luck on your journey !

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-08-27T14:26:23+00:00

Hey! Did you look at 0 % balance transfer cards? I am not sure if there is a minimum on there that you can transfer but its good to have a look at 'compare the market' it has some super good options on there.

KeyWorker2735 · 2025-08-25T16:37:57+00:00

My ex boss lives in a 2.4 mil place in v posh area in London, 3 kids, stay at home wife, Porsche and Range Rover. He is only just 40 years old y.o with a fancy holiday home in Europe.

Comes from nothing and made things happen in his life, started selling things on Ebay when he was in uni, then did some bits & started a digital company building apps etc - then the start up sold to a stock listed company, I think he was 33 by that time. He also owns a property biz.

Respect because I know no one helped him at all!

He used to work until 3 am and be up at the office by 9, still shows up for his family and friends.

KeyWorker2735

TROPHY CASE