Anton Troskie

Hi Anton, when did you arrive in the Netherlands?
My wife and I arrived in the Netherlands in May 2024.

How did you experience the first few months in the Netherlands?
Our first few months in the Netherlands were both exciting and a learning experience for us. From learning how to navigate public transport, a new language, and countless unfamiliar experiences, we embraced every challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Does it feel like home?
After this time, I can comfortably say that the Netherlands has become our new home. We catch ourselves using Dutch words at home without realizing, and what once felt like a big adventure has quietly become our everyday life.

Do you still live in the same house as in the beginning?
No, we have been fortunate enough to buy our own house in Veghel, where we now live. From the moment we arrived, we felt a strong connection to the town, and it quickly started to feel like home. Being able to buy our own place here is a milestone we are incredibly grateful for.

How was it to learn the language? Was it easier or harder than expected?
Learning Dutch was both easier and more difficult than expected. It was easier since we could rely on Afrikaans words to fill in the gaps during communication. However, this also meant that we often assumed words or grammar worked the same way when they didn’t, and we had to unlearn many habits before we could truly learn Dutch. However, being able to work in a Dutch-speaking environment and be exposed to the language every day has made a significant difference and has allowed us to learn naturally through everyday conversations.

What do you miss most about South Africa?
We miss the food, the weather, the incredible nature, and most importantly, our family. Although the Netherlands has become our new home, South Africa will always hold a special place in our hearts because of the memories, traditions, and people we left behind.

What appeals to you most in the Netherlands?
What appeals to us most about the Netherlands is the sense of stability and ease that comes with everyday life. The excellent infrastructure, safety, and accessibility allow us to enjoy simple things in a way that has become very meaningful to us. Not to mention the wonderful communities of South Africans who are also here in the Netherlands, which brings a little piece of South Africa closer to us and makes this new chapter feel even more like home.