“Rotterdam immediately felt right for me—a city that could enrich my life and career,” says Peachy, who was born and raised in Taipei. This Taiwanese lady decided to take her life in a new direction in 2003. “I thought it was time for a career break and wanted to explore Europe. So I took a world map and started looking for a city that would suit me,“ she says. ”Then my eye fell on Rotterdam. It seemed like a great city, both personally and for my career.”
Peachy’s choice of Rotterdam was no coincidence. “I love the atmosphere of a port city, surrounded by canals where you can see boats and cruises sailing by. It has a relaxing effect on me,” she says with a smile. “I’m also a big fan of cycling, and I wanted a city where I could cycle along the water and enjoy the view,” she says. In addition to the water, Peachy’s career in supply chain management was also an important reason for choosing this city. “In Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, I can develop my career in the sector in which I work,” she explains.
Cycling and equal treatment
It was Peachy’s first time visiting the city. “Fortunately, it felt right as soon as I arrived. The city is modern and has a unique atmosphere. It’s very different from Taipei; for example, there are fewer cars here. But that’s appealing: you can easily cycle to the other side of the city. The people here are also more diverse; this city is more international. I think that’s positive, because it means I don’t feel like an outsider. Here, it doesn’t matter whether you speak Dutch or not, you’re treated the same.”
Lunar New Year
Even though she lives in the Netherlands, she still participates in activities linked to her culture, such as Lunar New Year. It’s comparable to our Christmas. “Lunar New Year is a big celebration for us. It’s a time to get together with your family, enjoy each other’s company, and share special dishes. Think fish, chicken, dumplings, and of course rice, along with various Asian vegetables.” These dishes also have symbolic meanings. Fish, for example, is often eaten because it represents prosperity and happiness, while dumplings symbolize wealth.
Building a social group
Unfortunately, she can’t always celebrate Lunar New Year with her family, but luckily she can celebrate with friends. She has made friends easily here. “I live in a large building with many young professionals and students of different nationalities. They organize a lot of activities, so it’s easy for me to meet new people.” Fortunately, she can also do this outside her building. “The city has many cultural and artistic activities, which I like. By participating in these activities, you can really build your own social group,” says Peachy. This has also helped her feel more connected to Rotterdam. “The great thing is that you make friends from different countries, and that enriches your experience in the city.”
Own identity in a larger community
She often celebrates Lunar New Year with a close group of friends from Taiwan. “It’s always fun to get together with friends and share those dishes. It’s a way to get a taste of the New Year atmosphere. Lunar New Year is an important time to honor Taiwanese culture and create new memories with friends here in Rotterdam.” She gets together with them more often than just at New Year. “We get together to cook and celebrate,” she says. It’s a way to maintain a sense of community and togetherness in a country so far from Taiwan. “Rotterdam offers so many opportunities to develop yourself and share your culture. It’s a city where you can maintain your own identity while also being part of the larger community.”
Outside your comfort zone
She advises other newcomers to get to know new people quickly. “I know it’s not always easy to feel at home in a new country. But step outside your comfort zone. If you participate in activities and open yourself up, you’re sure to meet new people. And those new contacts will help you feel at home.”