Who is Joris
An accidental expat blogger who runs PearlRidgeCraft
Photo: PearlRidgeCraft
Hello, I'm Joris
I'm a project manager, a parent, and an expat living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
A few years back I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually became a new chapter of life overseas.
How It Started
Relocating to Netherlands wasn’t part of the long-range plan. Like many moves for expats, it started as a job opportunity and quickly grew into something far bigger.
The initial months were demanding—new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks felt tougher than they should.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning on the job. But gradually, routines took shape. We found places that fit us, met other families, and began building something that felt steady.
Why I Built PearlRidgeCraft
Most information online was either corporate relocation guidance or shallow tourism content. What was missing was a candid, everyday family viewpoint.
This site aims to close that gap — practical guidance grounded in real life in Netherlands.
What This Site Does (And Doesn’t)
This site is:
- Practical insights from living in Netherlands
- Centered on family life and day-to-day realities
- Updated whenever something truly changes
This site isn't:
- Not a tourism authority resource
- A sponsored review platform
- A generic travel blog
What’s Next
Our time in Netherlands continues, and so does the learning process. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll keep documenting what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Amsterdam or anywhere in Netherlands, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Cheers,
Joris
Amsterdam, Netherlands