Ask an Expat: It’s the little things
japra | Jan 29, 2010 | Comments 14
Yesterday after school, Roxi picked out this delicious and light Mochachino dessert at the local Bakker. Lekker!
A couple of weeks ago, a new friend of mine asked me what I liked best about living in Den Haag. I told her I liked the size of the city and how easy it is to get around.
Yesterday, I was reminded of two other things that I like about this place:
1) Living within a five minute walk of an awesome patisserie (and other cute neighbourhood stores)
2) Just about every store will offer to gift wrap a purchase for you… for free!
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
I love being able to go places without getting into the car. Not that I’d want to walk around in August and September around here. But the rest of the time is nice. I think I’m glad that the french bakery down the street closed though…I have no self control.
Julia, I have actually been very good about not visiting the local bakery, chocolate shop or cheese store. Actually, I just don’t let myself go to the neighbourhood shops very often!! I have very little will power when it comes to those places :-)
Julia, I have no self control and I have to DRIVE to my local bakery! I remember when we were in Paris, I bought this little bottle of perfume and the shop lady didn’t even ask, but just started wrapping it up in the most darling little old-timey wrapping paper. I didn’t open it up for weeks, it was just so darling!!
Lucylucia, I love your story about the French perfume. XO
Japra you love the Netherlands don’t you? Do you prefer it to life in England?
Ooooo, Christine, please don’t ask me that ;-)
Mmm! That does look lekker! I go to the bakker every day on a walk with the little girl I take care of. I love having fresh bread or rolls or something in the house!
Libby, if I went to the bakker every day I would be in TROUBLE! So glad to meet you, by the way.
Happy Birthday to Roxie ! Hope the present arrived it time and she has hours of fun and enjoyment with it
.My mum paid for piano lessons for me as a child. I didn’t play for years-but you never forget and when I retired I bought a Technics keyboard. My Mum was in a rest home by then and I used to take the keyboard and entertain the residents !
Barbara, the piano arrived on time! Roxi was so happy about.
I bet your Mum and her friends were so happy when you went to play for them. I know I love it when Roxi plays for us. I will miss it when she goes on to Uni (in THREE years, LOL).
Forgot to say that I still tinkle the keys now and again ! ( And sing if there’s no one around ) Also could just go a piece of that Mochachino
I wish I could invite you over for a lovely slice of cake :-)
I still play a little too. I had a few years of lessons but I’m not nearly as good as Roxi. Still, I enjoy playing every now and then.
I just love Den Haag! I was there last week to go to several places.
Do you know International Health Center? I prefer to go there than to a normal gezondheidcentrum.
I like the Passage, Mautitshuis, Ridderzaal, to go to Yves Rocher and the American Book Center, to eat in a gezzelig terras… Af en toe ga ik naar Den Haag…:-)
My Dear Japra,
I have another award for you. It was giving me by Isabella and you are one of my nominees. There is a challege…I hope you enjoy it!
Have a nice week!
ps: I must take notes of your patisserie tips in Den Haag! mhmhm
Sandra, you were here?! And at all of my favourite places too ;-)
I am wondering if we should try to do a blog meet up one of these days… I wonder how many NL bloggers there are who would be willing to meet up in A’dam or somewhere like that. Hmmmm.
Thank you so much for the lovely awards you’ve nominated me for! I am so honoured that you picked me {blush!}