IT’S THE MORNING of my interview for a Dutch residency permit. Being offered an espresso as I check in is a civilised start. It makes up for the havoc a disconcertingly colourful windmill and pair of clogs are wreaking on my jet-lagged frontal lobe.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
I love Amsterdam, it's such a cool place. I hope you're comfortable there and enjoy your stay!
Having been through this experience myself (albeit in Leiden), I can picture it all perfectly 😂
Well met Good Sir!
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.
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.
Hola , Excelente Relato , Fascinantes Fotografías Y Bellas Pinturas , Enhorabuena. Sobre Werner Herzog , Sólo Puedo Decir Que Es Un Genio. Un Saludo.
We have all the same beurcratic night mares ,it is a world plague