“What struck me at the beginning is how everything here has to be planned in advance. In Venezuela, we are more spontaneous,” says Rosaura from Caracas. She moved to Rotterdam with her family in 2014 because of her husband’s work. “And by now I appreciate precisely the planning and structure. It helps to organise life better.” But she experienced the transition to the Netherlands as big. “Especially because of the climate. In Venezuela, the sun shines almost all year round and we have beautiful beaches. The culture, people and food are also very different from here.”
Still, she greatly appreciates Rotterdam. “Here, people of all kinds of nationalities, religions and backgrounds come together. Even when it comes to sexual preferences, skin colour or religion, I notice that there is a lot of respect. I think that’s something very beautiful about this city.” It helped to feel at home in Rotterdam by learning the language. Although I still don’t speak Dutch fluently, I do try: a greeting in Dutch, or I use a few Dutch words. I notice that Rotterdammers like it when you make an effort to speak their language. I have also tried to make friends – not only with Dutch people, but also with people from other cultures.”
Hot lunch
Although Rosaura has adapted well, she also still clings to some traditions from her homeland. “For example, I still eat hot meals for lunch – I never got used to just bread during the day.”