We’ve officially been living back stateside for a week. In some ways, it feels much longer, but it’s really been no time at all. I’ve spent longer periods in the US when visiting family while we were living in Amsterdam. Still, there is something so different about the mindset when you are repatriating. When we were just visiting, we didn’t necessarily notice as many differences as we do now.
I already miss Amsterdam, but there are also so many things I’m enjoying about being back in the US. There has been a steady stream of phone calls and messages from friends and family hoping to get together. And so many of you readers have been super supportive of the move and full of helpful tips during our adjustment.
Of course, there are plenty of things that are difficult or strange, too. So I’m putting together my thoughts on repatriation to the US. It’s a little list of differences, big and small, that I’ve noticed in my first week back in America.
Measurements are confusing – It took a while to get used to using the metric system when we first moved to Europe. Now, I’m struggling to convert back. I can’t tell you the number of things I’ve ordered online that have arrived in a completely different size than I expected.
More sunlight – This is a huge positive. Even though Jersey City has been fairly cold, there’s sunshine most days. In the Netherlands, we struggled with the lack of sunlight, so this is a refreshing change!
Groceries are so expensive – I know everything is expensive right now due to inflation and shipping issues. But the difference in price on produce is crazy. We were very spoiled with fresh, organic produce at very low prices in the NL.
Everything comes in bulk – Or at least bulk compared to things in the Netherlands. We are continually surprised when we buy something, and it comes with so much product. At least we won’t have to shop quite as often! In the Netherlands, we were at the store every two days or so.
Our dryer actually works – Many homes in the Netherlands come with a combination washer/dryer which doesn’t really dry anything. I once heard it called “the old heat and flop” which is pretty accurate. It’s refreshing to do loads of laundry that are perfectly dried within 45 minutes.
Full-size ovens – Another thing that’s different in the Netherlands is the combination oven/microwave. It’s tiny and doesn’t really do a good job as an oven OR a microwave. Here in the US, we have a huge oven and a true microwave, which has already made cooking a breeze.
Sugar! And salt! – There’s so much hidden sugar and salt in the food in the US. We’ve been really careful when purchasing food to look out for the sodium and sugar count. Europe doesn’t tend to use a lot, so we haven’t had to consciously look for it for a few years.
Online ordering is too easy – Amazon in Europe is pretty terrible and doesn’t arrive any faster than regular mail. We used a site called Bol.com in Amsterdam, but it was always hard to search the Dutch site. I’ve found it dangerous how easy it is to shop online here. You can even use Instacart (use code KAD45571C0 for $10 off your first order) to have someone shop and deliver Sephora to you on the same day!
So many options – Whether shopping online or in-store, there are so many choices in America. I was blown away when we saw the two aisles worth of laundry detergent at Target. Two aisles! In the Netherlands, you’re lucky to get four or five choices of laundry detergent. Usually, at the store things will have only one or two options. It’s a gift and a curse having so many options. Sometimes I get paralyzed by all the choices.
Of course, these are just my first thoughts on repatriation to the US. I thought it would be fun to catalog some of the differences as we settle back into American life. I’m sure once we spend time with more people, we’ll notice a lot of the cultural differences too. Right now, the biggest things I miss from Amsterdam are my friends, access to amazing travel, and being able to look out my window onto buildings that have been standing since the 1600s. But there are many exciting parts of our return to the US, too. I’ll be sure to share more of those in the weeks and months to come!
If you’re already interested in recommendations for New York City, I’ve kept my guide updated here over the years!
Xx, Kelsey
