“I immediately felt at home here – the tall buildings and modern atmosphere reminded me of Moscow,” says Dennis. He was born in Moscow, his father’s country, but also grew up partly in Estonia, where his mother is from. He has lived in Rotterdam for a year. Although he speaks little Estonian, he feels at home in several cities.
Dennis deliberately chose the Netherlands. “It’s one of the most diverse countries in Europe and also very friendly to English speakers. That made it easier to start over here, make friends, and build a life.”
Rotterdam immediately appealed to him: “Because it reminded me of my hometowns – or rather, my hometowns – like Moscow, Tallinn (Estonia), and Narva (Estonia). It’s modern, spacious, and feels familiar. Rotterdam is smaller than Moscow, of course, but bigger than Tallinn. Yet it feels similar. The city is modern, with wide streets and tall buildings. It’s nice to see how people live their daily lives here – I recognize that from home.”
He did his research thoroughly before settling here. “I’d talked to people who already lived here. So I already had an image in my head of what it would be like.”
Countries you’ve never heard of and the volume
What’s different from his home cities is the diversity. “Nowhere else in the Netherlands have I seen so many different people as in Rotterdam. Every time you think, ‘Now I’ve seen everyone,’ you run into someone from a country you’ve never heard of. That makes it super interesting.” He was also surprised by our volume. “People in the Netherlands talk really loudly! In Russia or Estonia, people are often quieter in public. Here, it sometimes seems like everyone on the tram is shouting,” he says, laughing. “I’ll never get used to that.”
A Little Rotterdammer
Although he’s only lived in the Netherlands for a year, Dennis already feels at home. “I’m also trying to get to know Dutch culture. I’ve been to King’s Day and parades.” He feels most at home in Rotterdam. “The city immediately gave me a warm feeling. Of course, I had to get used to it, find a house, and meet new people. But now it really feels like my new home. I already feel a bit like a Rotterdammer.”
He’s gotten to know the city well now. He appreciates the diversity. “Every neighborhood is different. The south under the bridge is completely different from the city center. And I love that variety. The modern look also appeals to me.” His favorite spot in the city is WORM. “A place where young people gather and where there’s a lot of culture and art.” Witte de Withstraat is his favorite. “It reminds me of the Arbat in Moscow – an old street full of cafés, art, and atmosphere. Witte de With is just as charming, but even bigger and perhaps even more fun.”
Dennis does have one point of criticism of the city: public transport. “More and more tram lines are being cut. That’s a shame, because the trams that are still running are getting more and more crowded.”
Cultural Differences
Although he already feels like a Rotterdammer, he still honors some customs from his own culture. “I celebrate New Year’s and Christmas in January.” This is typical of Russians, who celebrate Orthodox Christmas on January 7th and New Year’s Eve on January 13th and 14th.
A Place That Reminds You of Your Own Home
Dennis also has advice for others new to the city: “Take a good look around the city and find a place that reminds you of your own home. Try to join international clubs or youth organizations.”