Happy & Healthy
10X GETTING USED TO A
NEW CITY
In recent years, I've been living life as a sort of globetrotter. You could read here that I've left my heart in London but also that America has stolen something from me. Unpacking and repacking moving boxes is of course no party, and getting used to a new environment time and again isn't always pleasant either. Fortunately, I always manage to feel at home quickly in a new place. It's not very difficult when you know that cute coffee shop is just around the corner and the Victoria's Secret store is within walking distance. And I also felt at home in Amsterdam very quickly, with the cutest little house and the sweetest colleagues. Okay, I still curse those drunken tourists at night sometimes. How do you get used to a new city quickly? Well, like this… here 1. Get out
In London, I did everything on foot. This way, you get to know your own neighborhood best. Every day I took a different route, and after six months, I knew the city inside and out.
2. Buy flowers.
Because flowers always make things cheerful. Since Mr. Right hasn't shown up yet, I take care of my own bouquet of flowers on Saturdays. A regular stop at the Nieuwmarkt.
3. Your favorite scented candle.
A tip from me: look for your favorite scented candle and stock up on it right away. That way, I always have small ones at home for when I go on vacation or have to be away for work for a few days. A hotel room suddenly feels much more homely with a familiar scent. Currently,
The Ritual of Light by Rituals is my favorite. Give it a try, it really works. 4. The right AH.
Come on, we all have a regular route in the supermarket. And if you're like me and have OCD, it can be quite a challenge to find your way in a new supermarket. So go on a shopping tour. Since there are about twenty different AH's within a 500-meter radius of my place, it was quite a quest for me. But I found it, and it's also right next to my favorite Ekoplaza. Double winning.
‘How do you get used to a new city quickly? Well, like this…”.
“5. The favorite restaurant”
No unpleasant task. Enjoy trying out new restaurants and finding your favorite. There are worse things, right?
6. New cycling route
Take your bike to work. Cycling, you'll get to know your new surroundings better than if you take public transport. Vary your routes so you don't have to cycle the same boring route every day. Who knows what you'll come across.
7. Host a housewarming.
Invite your friends and family for a housewarming. I mean: another reason for a fun party. A reason to get the sizzurp going AND you probably also get a bunch of gifts. So, uh, send those invitations out.
8. Wine.
Make sure there's always a bottle of wine chilling. Just in case you feel lonely.
9. Plan a weekend.
Especially when you're moving to a new city, it's fun to also check out the tourist attractions. Visit the Van Gogh Museum, stop by Anne Frank, and take a walk through Vondelpark. Okay, I'll skip the Hop on Hop off for now.
10. The best gym.
Because yes: fit girl. Schedule trial classes everywhere and see which gym feels best for you.
In recent years, I've been living life as a sort of globetrotter. You could read here that I've left my heart in London but also….
