Last night I informed my (soon to be) step-dad/boss and my mom, and his mother of the fact that Bryan and I would be leaving for Holland in June. My step-dad, Steve, didn't take it very well. My mom says it is because he is protective of me and hurt that I want to leave his company, but honestly, I need to do what I need to do for myself, and learn those lessons I am set to learn. I had spoken to my mom of our plans previously so she had some questions ready for me also. "We have to ask the hard questions, Kathryn..."
During our usual Tuesday meeting today, I informed my other boss, Darren (my step dads partner) that I would be leaving. I was so nervous, I was shaking on the inside, I think I was nauseous as well. Finally I got the nerve up to tell him and he took the news surprisingly well. He began planning with me what I needed to finish based off of Steve's instruction and what the other employees needed to begin doing because of my leaving. I was stunned. Following the meeting, while I was having some down time because my co-worker was trying to do some IT work on my computer, Darren began asking me about the logistics of my leaving. He then began informing me of the conflicts between the different countries of the European Union and asked if Bryan's dad, Dutch (aka Arie) harbored any sour feelings towards the Germans. I explained to Darren that because of Aries business where he has to communicate with different people from all over the world, he is very tolerant with the other nations over there. In my experience with Arie, (which isn't very extensive, mind you) he is okay with everyone, but despises stupid people. For example, let me tell you about the money "that doesn't exist."
Dutch, being the international business man that he is, would carry all of the different currencies in his wallet. This was necessary because he was constantly driving between Germany, Belgium, Holland, Poland etc. etc. When all of the Europe decided to become the European Union they also went under the currency of the Euro. Upon arriving in Belgium one day about a month after the change over Dutch went into a gas station to pay for gas. When he placed the note on the counter the attendent said, "I'm sorry sir, but this doesn't exist."
Dutch replied with surprise, "What do you mean, 'It doesn't exist,' its right there in front of you."
"It doesn't exist sir"
"How can it not exist, your holding it!"
"This is not valid currency, sir"
"Oh, I see, but that doesn't mean, it doesn't exist"
Dutch paid with Euros. We all laugh at this still. There are tons of other stories and I'm sure I will have some of my own once I begin living with him.
So, today every time I think of two month from now I am filled with excitement and calmness. Bryan called the Dutch Consulate in San Francisco today and they informed him that his questions need to be answered by the IND (Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst). They are only open from 9-5 Netherlands time... (12am - 8am PST) so Bryan will be calling while I get ready tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Bryan directed me to a site he found http://www.expatlaw.nl/, this is the website for an immigrations lawyer, but he gives a ton of information on his website about moving to the NL.
Like for a Residency permit you need;
a Specific reason, common ones include:
1. Family Formation
2. Paid Employment
3. Self Employment
4. Study
(which I am not really of any of these)
A large number of Residency permits are not accepted because these things are not taken care of:
1. Valid Passport
2. No Criminal Record (crap...I have a misdemeanor from stupid drunk friends!)
3. No Risk to Public Order, National Peace, or Security
4. Sufficient means of support
5. Health insurance with Dutch Insurer (does this include expat? I looked into this a bit more info later)
6. Meeting the requirements associated with your reason for visit.
So, It looks like I have a few things to take care of. My misdemeanor, in Santa Barbara and getting Health Insurance.
About the Health. I went to look for different sources of health insurance and found this website which I had completely forgotten about since my research a year ago, http://www.justlanded.com/, or for me www.justlanded.com/english/netherlands/netherlands-guide/health/healthcare. This site talked about all the different ways that health care are provided in the NL and listed a few insurers that you can take advantage of. Too bad they are completely in Dutch and I need Bryan to help me with that. Good news is, basic health care generally doesn't go above 93 Euros a month!
The next website I explored was one that justlanded refereed me to. http://www.togetherabroad.nl/. This website has listings for jobs and internships, where you don't necessarily have to speak the native language! Right away I found a job teaching English to kinderen (children).
I have so much more to do now, but thanks to Alicia, who is an expat in Leiden that I connected with, I remembered I will need my birth certificate with an Apostille. This wont be difficult for me, because I have already done the whole process with Bryan, because he needed to renew his residency when we went to see his dad a year ago, the only thing they were missing in the first place was his Birth Certificate with an Apostille. If you do not know what this is, it is a certificate that the office of the county clerk gives you which basically tells any European country "this is a legal document in the United States, and you may recognize it as a valid document as well" They are basically an international notary. I remember reading the history of it, and its pretty interesting!
Now, in dedication to my mother, the one who taught me to be prepared no matter what and always write pros and cons lists of whatever I am making a decision on, regardless of my mind being made up already or not, HERE is my "Moving to Holland" Pros & Cons List....
Pros -
Being Closer to The BBC, who I would like to work for.
Being Closer to Africa
Being Closer to those who study Africa
Living in Europe
Being able to start a life of my own
Being stripped of everything
Ability to explore Europe on the weekends
Having someone there willing to set me up on my feet
Already having contacts over there for photography positions
Cons-
Being stripped of everything
Not having a legit job
Being away from Family and Friends
Loosing contacts here (though most are like family and I WILL NEVER LOOSE THEM...Muhahaha)
This is all I can think of for right now, but the pros are out weighing already.... I love you mom, and I know this will be difficult. Nothing worth while is ever easy!
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