Amsterdam Destination Consultant
With a career in journalism spanning many years,
Andrew is no stranger to international travel, and the issues faced by those travelling to an unfamiliar country. Apart from contributing to numerous travel guides, Andrew now edits corporate magazines for several multinationals in the Netherlands, and is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to assisting expats to acclimatise.
‘I moved to the Netherlands in 1999 and have never looked back, ‘he says. ‘Its position as a gateway to Europe harks back to its long history as a trading nation. The Dutch people have a strong business culture and work ethic, and they pride themselves in their enlightened and international mindset. Most of them also speak very good English, so language barriers are few. An added bonus is that living here is a treat if you enjoy travelling, with many European cities just a few hours’ drive away.’
Andrew was born in Cape Town in South Africa. His European parentage ensured that his links to Europe and the Netherlands have always been very strong. He is always keen to share his encyclopaedic knowledge of the entire country, and the greater Amsterdam area in particular, with new arrivals.
‘Living space is at a premium in this tiny country, but to compensate, the Dutch enjoy a thriving going-out culture. Their focus is firmly on working to live, rather than living to work, and there is so much happening here that one is completely spoiled for choice!’
