Benno Schoonraad

Hi Benno, when did you arrive in the Netherlands?
Sometimes it feels like we arrived just last week, and other times it feels like we have been here for many years! :) We arrived in the Netherlands at the end of August 2023. So, at the time of writing this, that would almost be three years! Time definitely flies when you are having fun.

How did you experience the first few months in the Netherlands?
The first few months were both exciting and chaotic! Moving across a continent is no small feat, and certainly does feel like an adventure. I think some of my fondest memories are from the early months after moving to the Netherlands. There is naturally a lot of uncertainty and administrative tasks to take care of within the first few months, but that all eventually fades into the background. The chaos turns into fond memories, and great stories. It adds richness to this wild adventure that is life!

Does it feel like home?
Definitely, more and more each day. Especially when you realize that you are excited to return after a vacation to a neighboring European country. It is really difficult to imagine that we once survived without a sturdy stadsfiets and bike lanes!

Do you still live in the same house as in the beginning?
No, we downscaled from our rental house in Barneveld and bought an apartment in Ede. The Dutch property market is a tough one to navigate, but there are a great many resources and companies that can help you navigate the stresses pretty successfully! We are incredibly happy in our apartment in Ede, but admittedly do miss the quaintness that is Barneveld. It does feel good though to have property in our name here in the Netherlands!

How was it to learn the language? Was it easier or harder than expected?
Oh boy, am I fluent in Dutch? No. Can I order my favorite snacks at the local cafeteria as if I had been speaking Dutch my whole life, you bet!

Learning Dutch for me, is all about lowering my own expectations that I have of myself, and knowing that I will be messing up. Comprehension (listening / reading) definitely caught on a lot quicker than speaking, but each day is a new opportunity to work on those speaking skills!

What do you miss most about South Africa?
Without a doubt, the South African nature! From the desolation of the Karoo, to the windy coastlines of the Eastern Cape, South African nature will always have a very special place in our hearts.

What appeals to you most in the Netherlands?
The quality of life! The fact that both my wife and I earn a decent living and have so many wonderful exploration opportunities waiting within the Netherlands! We would not trade our decision to come to the Netherlands for anything, it really has been (and is) a dream come true.