A Morning in the Netherlands: Hunger, Challenges, and a Touch of Nostalgia

Hi, I am Amy, a Chinese girl working as a software developer in The Netherlands. Today is a regular day to go to work and share my feelings about living in this country.

This morning started at 7:20 AM, though it felt much earlier, thanks to the late sunrise. With the season edging closer to winter, mornings in the Netherlands are slow to brighten, matching my mood lately.

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A Promising Opportunity

Recently, I received a call from a company with an exciting proposition. They mentioned that if I could pass their algorithm test, they would double my salary. It’s an incredible opportunity, but amidst this excitement, life at home has been anything but smooth.

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Fridge Troubles and Empty Shelves

For nearly two weeks, my fridge has been out of order. My landlord suggested reorganizing the kitchen, but as someone who loves a tidy, functional space, I’ve been trying to make it work. Without a fridge, though, grocery shopping has been a challenge. I haven’t been able to stock up on fresh food, and my meals have dwindled down to bread and cheese—simple, but far from satisfying.

Last night, hunger got the better of me. I went to bed early, hoping to escape the discomfort. This morning, I woke up determined to find something warm and filling, but the reality hit me again—the supermarkets were still closed. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing for China, where convenience is a given, and food is never far away.

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Missing the Comfort of Home

Back in China, as long as I had money in my pocket, food was never a worry. Shops stayed open late, and no matter the time, I could always find something to eat. It’s a stark contrast to life here, where even with money, getting a meal isn’t always easy. The empty streets and closed stores this morning reminded me how much I miss the hustle and accessibility of my hometown.

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A Simple Dutch Breakfast

After some searching, I finally settled for a typical Dutch breakfast—bread and cheese. While it’s not my first choice, it’s practical and simple, a reflection of life here in the Netherlands.

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Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, mornings like these remind me to keep moving forward. Whether it’s an algorithm test that could change my career or adapting to small inconveniences like a broken fridge, life is all about finding solutions and appreciating the little things—like the quiet simplicity of bread and cheese at dawn.