28 Comments

Hi Kenneth, I’m reading all the posts these days. This one made me smile, as I always happen to be registered in the NL as un-married woman; the marriage certificate was not translated and stamped the zillion desired times. Oh well. Life is too short anyway. Sending you hugs

Expand full comment

Ha ha! Thanks for sharing this. The things that were "adjusted" during the process puzzled me, until they became defining and kinda human, wch I so appreciated and attempted to capture here... Honoured that you are reading and amused.... abrazos enormes.

Expand full comment

Abrazos enormes para ti también. Qué bueno leerte, qué bonito y divertido. The immigration processes… “Next!” ❤️

Expand full comment

I missed this and your move in real time. Beautiful imagery, through and through. A real feel for the haunts you already have and will soon be haunting.

I have a sordid tale that involves Amsterdam lawyers, the reciprocal US-Nerherlands Tax Treaty, the IRS, and the hourly rates Amsterdam lawyers will soon charge me to solve my problems if I choose. I chose not to choose for now, hoping against hope the problems will disappear with the appearance of a letter in my post, a letter that will arrive in triplicate if it arrives at all.

The only bright side of this tale is that the lawyers are chummy types and promised to show me a good Amsterdam time if the authorities deem I must present my case to the Arbritration Board, a real govt entity, in person. But now, with this post, better news has arrived! It seems that I may, if I ask nicely, have an alternative city tour guide whose rates may be measured in pints and not triple-digit-Euros?

Very, very wonderful photos and sketches in the meantime. I hope for more.

Expand full comment

Thank you! (sorrry about the complicated Tale..., may it end well, and a better tour commence)

Expand full comment

I'm finding myself wandering into government insurance and I will now seek out knowing glances! Great read , photos and artwork, Kenneth and happy adventures!

Expand full comment

Thanks! Honoured. Welcome aboard!

Expand full comment

I am extremely happy to have met you Ken! I will continue to follow your adventures! Safe travels y un abrazo muy muy grande de Michigan!

Expand full comment

Hola Carlos. Gracias! Honoured you read. I hope you are thriving.

Expand full comment

Congrats! Fun read as a Dutchie who moved to Italy (notorious for their bureaucracy), and good to hear that immigration offices are stressful everywhere but in the end, there is always at least someone who is willing to see you through the process successfully.

Expand full comment

Thanks! So true

Expand full comment

Look at those beautiful tulips, and your beautiful watercolours 👌 We saw 'Werner Herzog; Radical Dreamer' at the weekend, and enjoyed it. He mentions the profound injustice of being born without wings, to which I relate.

Congrats, Kenneth. Best of luck with the poly empire, my friend.

Expand full comment

Thanks Chloe. I can sense you along for the adventure, and I'm honoured. Herzog’s line seems meant for you. (I look forward to the film!)

Expand full comment

Ken my friend, there's beauty in bureaucracy – and you've found it. I sense the Zen even as you shuffle between the desks, and the cafe photos don't. Can't wait for nl02!

Expand full comment

You get it, Grec. And not for the first time! Thanks!

Expand full comment

I love Amsterdam, it's such a cool place. I hope you're comfortable there and enjoy your stay!

Expand full comment

Thanks June. I'm settling in!

Expand full comment

Having been through this experience myself (albeit in Leiden), I can picture it all perfectly 😂

Expand full comment

You paved the way Adoo!

Expand full comment

Well met Good Sir!

Expand full comment

The day wrote itself...

Expand full comment

KEN I loved Amsterdam...especially mid summer when the days are long and the light at 9pm is startling. Enjoy your time. Hope to cross paths again.

Expand full comment

Kenneth, welcome to the Netherlands. I’ve been here 28 years (more or leas moved back now) and enjoyed the whole period as a foreigner. Although the Netherlands is less friendly to foreigners now, Amsterdam should be fine. Enjoy your cold and fresh weather, but you’re Canadian., so nothing to cause any problems.

Expand full comment

Thank you.

Expand full comment

Hola , Excelente Relato , Fascinantes Fotografías Y Bellas Pinturas , Enhorabuena. Sobre Werner Herzog , Sólo Puedo Decir Que Es Un Genio. Un Saludo.

Expand full comment

Gracias Temp!

Expand full comment

We have all the same beurcratic night mares ,it is a world plague

Expand full comment

Thanks goodness for people, in the face of it all...

Expand full comment