Swapping Dubai’s heatwave for a Dutch summer escape

Embracing nature, windmills & animals on a bicycle adventure

One of the first things I do when I arrive in the Netherlands, is hop on my bike and immerse myself in the green forests, lakes, and windmills in my neighborhood. Nice parks are usually just a bicycle ride away. Biking isn't just transportation here; it's a way of life. There are cycling tracks everywhere, and you can even cycle to different cities if you want to. I love the spontaneity of pedaling through city neighborhoods and then entering the countryside within minutes, where horses and sheep graze freely. Each bicycle ride brings a sense of freedom and nostalgia that, in my opinion, Dubai's cityscape can't easily replicate. The only downside? Standing in the ’bicycle traffic light jam,’ waiting for other slow cyclists to start moving!

Local hangouts

"Schattig" (meaning ‘’cute’’ in Dutch) is my best friend's cozy café in Schiedam, where I usually catch up over coffee and delicious food with Moroccan influences. Certain cafes feel like a true community. This time, I ran into an old friend from university whom I hadn't seen in two years.

Just walking from the metro to the café is a pretty sight, with charming canals and street alleys giving the area a picturesque and intimate feel. I pass by neighborhood markets with stalls showcasing fresh produce and local treats. In the Netherlands, you'll notice fewer giant cars due to the narrower streets, and many streets are walk-friendly.

Endless days 

After living in Dubai for three years, summer in the Netherlands feels surreal. The sun lingers until late evening, stretching the days to nearly 17 hours and making the nights incredibly short. Sunsets often extend past 10:30 p.m., allowing for long evenings spent in the park, enjoying barbecues, or catching up with friends. It's not uncommon to see children playing outside well past their usual bedtime. The Dutch cherish these extended daylight hours, savoring the long evenings as a contrast to the short, dark winter days when the sun sets around 4:30 p.m.

Family & figs 

Being at home means reconnecting with my family's passion for figs. Our garden has two massive fig trees, yielding around 50 kg of figs each year, perfect for a post-dinner treat. Figs hold a sentimental meaning for my family, their passion for this fruit bleeds through our family from my grandparents to my parents to my little nieces. They bring my parents back to their childhood days, when figs were like sweet candy to them. Every time the tree harvests figs, bringing a sparkle to their eyes. I enjoy seeing the simplicity of joy in those moments.

And of course, the smell of my mom's Moroccan tajine is unmatched, I taste home in every bite. Lastly, no family gathering is complete without Moroccan cookies and my sister's delightful cupcakes. Saying goodbye to my family is always difficult, we don’t use many words at home, but the warmth and love shared through our food will always remain.