Even Small Towns are Great Here (5 Years in the Netherlands) - Not Just Bikes
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Part 1/10:
Exploring the Netherlands: A Journey Through Dutch Cities, Towns, and Culture
Having lived in the Netherlands for five years, the author shares their experiences traveling to various cities and towns across the country. As the creator of a YouTube channel focused on their life in Amsterdam, they frequently discuss their adventures exploring Dutch culture beyond the urban landscape. While filming isn't always the primary goal, the fascinating insights gained from visits to different locations reveal what makes the Netherlands an exceptional place to live.
First Impressions: Haarlem
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One of the standout cities the author mentions is Haarlem, a charming city just a short train ride away from Amsterdam. They reflect on their first visit, where the liveliness of a city with a population of about 160,000 left a lasting impression, especially when compared to larger cities back home that feel more desolate. The pedestrian-friendly design of Haarlem’s city center was a revelation, illustrating how such spaces have been designed to promote accessibility and community engagement.
Nature and Safety in Leiden
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The author recalls their trip to Leiden, especially the Natural History Museum visited with their children. The pedestrian-friendly crosswalk features in the city amazed them, showcasing how safety considerations in urban design can significantly enhance public life. Such infrastructure, common in the Netherlands, stands in stark contrast to their experiences in Canadian cities, where similar designs often require extensive community advocacy to implement.
Suburban Cycling in Lent
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Experiencing Lent, a suburb of Nijmegen, underscores the Netherlands' commitment to safe cycling. The author notes how, despite being new to the country, they quickly adapted to traveling across it by train. They emphasize the high-quality separated cycling paths and safe cycling environments even within suburban areas, demonstrating an effective integration of cycling in everyday life.
Infrastructure in Aalten
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The discussion continues with the small town of Aalten, where the author marvels at the high volume of trains servicing a town of just 27,000 people. This abnormality compared to small Canadian towns highlights the Netherlands’ exceptional public transportation network. The local infrastructure, which includes traffic calming measures to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, exemplifies how urban planning shapes the overall safety and accessibility of a community.
Discovering Emmen and Beyond
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A notable vacation to the island of Terschelling invigorated the author’s perspective on accessibility. The ease of traveling from train to ferry and renting e-bikes seamlessly reinforced the idea of convenience intertwined with nature. In Emmen, they witnessed impressive traffic calming and safe cycling environments, which stands in stark contrast to the sprawling, car-centric neighborhoods commonly found in Canada.
Small Towns and Their Surprises
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The author outlines further explorations in towns such as Usen and Warden. Despite Usen's population of less than 70,000, their cycling infrastructure and community design left a strong impression. The author draws attention to how modern suburban developments in the Netherlands smartly incorporate pedestrian-friendly environments and bike paths, contrasting sharply with the car-heavy, parking-lot-ridden designs typical in North American suburbs.
Revelations of Safe Public Transport
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In many of the towns visited, from the rural villages with bus services every 12 minutes to vibrant small cities with thriving community centers, it became clear to the author that a shift in design philosophy dramatically improves living conditions. Surprised by the lack of bad areas, they emphasize the concept that even less populated areas in the Netherlands often provide safe and accessible environments conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
The Transformation of Perspective
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Over five years, the author has experienced a transformation in their understanding of urban design and community life. They now view their previous experiences in Canadian suburbs with a critical lens, having realized that many small towns can thrive in a safe, walkable environment with robust public transport systems. Feeling at home in the Netherlands, the prospect of acquiring a Dutch passport represents a commitment they gladly embrace, signifying a permanent change toward a lifestyle they admire.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Dutch Urbanism
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In closing, the author underscores the significance of the lifestyle adaptations encountered during their journey through the Netherlands. They encourage viewers to see the beauty and accessibility manifest in every corner of the country. With continuous support from their patrons, they remain committed to sharing this vibrant experience with others, eager to showcase the extraordinary aspects of living in a nation that prioritizes community, safety, and sustainability above all.