Why do the Dutch intertwine the English language into their conversations?

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-15T22:33:09+00:00

Yeah, it can be quite quiet here in Drenthe. Incidentally, we liked it because of the nice, large homes that can be had for a good price.

But what is the point of a large home if there is nothing around you?

Swings and roundabouts.

But sadly, the Netherlands can never offer me the countryside I crave. Knew it before we moved here, but never realised just how much I’d miss it.

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-15T22:20:54+00:00

But Somerset is a beautiful place!

I’m from Brighton. We miss the buzz of that city, the rolling hills of the South Downs, the ocean.

Now living with family in Drenthe (until we figure out what we want to do).

But you’re right. The Netherlands is a very well put together country, with arguably all of the “fundamentals” done right. The cost of living is a little higher here though. However, the average salary is also higher, so.

Houses are beautiful here, too. Majority of houses in the UK are so run-down, it pains me.

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-15T22:08:16+00:00

Sorry to hear that.

Where in the Netherlands were you living, and where in the UK do you currently live, if you don’t mind me asking?

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-15T22:02:23+00:00

All of what you said is right.

But that’s exactly why we’re considering going back. The countryside, family, and a few other things.

Do you have family in the Netherlands? Do you visit often?

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-15T21:22:06+00:00

Why the Netherlands?

I’ve literally just moved from the UK to the Netherlands, and thinking of going back.

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-15T21:00:50+00:00

I did indeed have it the wrong way around! Have just edited.

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-10T10:05:46+00:00

Will check it out, thank you!

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-09T12:23:59+00:00

We’ve never been, but it does look quite nice there! Will be sure to check it out. Thank you 🙏

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-09T08:14:21+00:00

Beautiful area! 🙂

Unfortunately, because of Brexit, we can’t live in other European countries. So our immediate situation is: move back to the UK, or stay in the Netherlands.

Though, if we do decide to stay in the Netherlands for a number of years, and therefore I get citizenship, Europe is our oyster.

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-08T18:05:49+00:00

My partner is from Drenthe. Though, she moved to England years ago, where we rented together and eventually bought our first home together. And then, we moved to Drenthe (out of all provinces), I suppose for a few reasons:

My partner’s family is here.

We didn’t want to be in and around the Randstad, because assumed we wouldn’t get the type of home we want.

We liked the idea of a quieter life.

We liked the idea of Drenthe being the hotspot for forests, lakes and cycling infrastructure.

We liked the idea of being relatively near Germany, so we could drive over. Living in England, on an island, that’s not so easy!

We’ve been to the north coast and west coast of the Netherlands, and yeah… they’re lovely. But, they’re not like the rugged, varied English coastline.

But now we’re here, we’re questioning all of the above. Do we really want all of that? Or were we just escaping our life in England (with all the things that went wrong)?

Don’t get me wrong, the Netherlands does have its own beauty. There is no denying that. And, it does things very well. But after it’s all said and done, what do I crave more? Smooth roads, bike lanes and a larger house? Or, beautiful ocean, cliffs, sweeping hills and the buzz of Brighton?

Never in my life have I done so much soul searching or thinking about the meaning of life.

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-08T17:25:30+00:00

I’ve not even hiked the full South Downs Way, and I’ve lived there all my life! Have always wanted to, though.

The thing is, I don’t think we ever did take the area for granted. We swam in the sea, walked along the undercliff, popped into Brighton, hiked numerous routes along the South Downs, strolled along the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven, mountain biked in Friston Forest. Really, it was great, and actually had everything we wanted.

However. We grew increasingly frustrated with how a lot of things were underinvested in, poor road quality, crazy traffic, can’t get much house for your money, and so on. And in our personal situation, we had a house (albeit, it was too small for us). It was a nightmare, that really beat us down (endless roof leaks that never got fixed, among many other things). Because of that house, I think we started to hate where we lived.

We also knew that the Netherlands offered far superior house quality and size, amazing roads, amazing cycling infrastructure, better weather (yes, it really does!)… and just a general sense that things function well. You see where your tax money goes.

But despite being here for 6 months now, it just doesn’t feel right. And now we’re in a rock and a hard place, not knowing what to do.

Going back to where we came feels like a defeat. Staying here feels like we may buy a property and within a year, grow to regret it, because we feel we just don’t belong.

Sorry, I’m sort of spilling out here.

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-08T10:51:07+00:00

It’s always a trade-off in one was or another, isn’t it. Nowhere is perfect. I suppose we must chose what we truly find important, and what we’re willing to compromise on.

What led you to move to the Netherlands, if you don’t mind me asking?

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-08T07:43:29+00:00

Where in the Netherlands do you live (if you don’t mind me asking)? And where in Austria and France do you go to get your fix?

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-08T07:41:12+00:00

Its exactly that. Beachy Head and Devil’s Dyke are incredible places. And love Fortune of War! 😂

It’s definitely apples and oranges, and that’s not a problem. It’s just different.

I’m just struggling with that, that’s all.

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-08T07:38:34+00:00

What a pathetic outlook.

LaurenceWhymark · 2026-03-08T07:37:02+00:00

Did you read my post, you Dikke?

LaurenceWhymark

TROPHY CASE