From Braais to Bicycles – A Journey to the Netherlands
It was 2018. Passports in hand, bags packed, and excitement brimming, we [my wife and I] were en route to Europe, ready to visit family. Our first stop: the Netherlands. Land of stroopwafels, windmills, appelflappen, and the beautifully chaotic ballet of cyclists weaving through the streets of Amsterdam.
We did the tourist thing - trams, trains, museums, coffee shops, and of course, dodging bikes at every turn. It was a whirlwind few days, but as we sat at Schiphol Airport three weeks later, waiting for our flight back to South Africa, a conversation sparked that would unknowingly shape our future.
“I could spend more time here,” she said casually.
My wife smiled, but her meaning was different. She wasn’t thinking of another holiday. She meant living here. Permanently.
At the time, it felt far-fetched. I was deep into a new role in IT, and this idea of moving across the world felt like a dream tucked too far away. Life went on. We built careers, travelled where and when we could, and stored the Netherlands in a “maybe, someday” box.
Enter 2024. I was thriving in a new position, work that excited me, challenged me, and fulfilled me. One evening, as we lounged on the couch like pets in the sun, I turned to her and asked, “Is the Netherlands still on the cards?”
No hesitation. “Yes.”
She pulled out her phone and opened her Notes app; a full list of everything we’d need to do to make the move. Of course, she already had it ready. From that moment, every item we ticked off felt like winning the World Cup.
Then came October. I received a call to interview for a position in the Netherlands. Two interviews later, an offer. Without blinking, we said yes. Excitement, relief, and disbelief all rolled into one moment. This was really happening.
Paperwork. Contracts. Resignations. And finally, reality: saying goodbye.
As we said our goodbyes during that final braai, one moment stood out as especially difficult; leaving behind Cassie, our beloved four-legged family member. Due to travel regulations, she had to remain in South Africa until 92 days had passed since her blood test. Knowing she wouldn’t be joining us until closer to May was heart-wrenching, and it made the farewell all the more emotional.
February 2025 – Cape Town International Airport. One last beer, one last hug, and we passed through passport control, stepping into our new life.
After 19 hours of travel, I arrived in the Netherlands. The immigration oicer welcomed me with a kind smile, and the cold welcomed me with a slap. Peter picked me up at the airport and dropped me off at our new home. Home... well, a blank canvas for now.
We had sold nearly everything and brought only what fit in our bags. It was intentional. We wanted to start fresh. The delivery truck missed us, so I walked 15 minutes to the nearest shops: Jumbo, AH, Lidl… and a curious store called Action. Action would quickly become my best friend. Cheap. Convenient. Reliable.
I gathered the basics and returned. Only then did I realize I had no bed. Back to Action. Blow-up mattress - check. Pump? Nope. Back to Action. No pumps.
Just as I was weighing my options, I made a quick call to Angelene from Ir Olav’s Globetrotters. True to her nature, she stepped in without hesitation, arranging to drop off a pump and a few essentials to get me through the night. It was a simple gesture, but one that made a world of difference on that first day. Now to figure out the heating. No clue. Another call. Another friend. Sorted. As the sun set on that first day, I laughed. Tired, but grateful.
The following weeks were a blur; buses missed, soaked shoes, language barriers. But with every challenge came growth, and every mishap became part of the adventure. There’s beauty in starting over.
Then came April, and with it, a long-awaited reunion. Cassie was finally on her way to the Netherlands. Our hearts were full; relieved, excited, and ready to be whole again. She settled in quickly, adapting with ease and now spends her days enjoying long walks and visits to Hondenstrand, her new favourite place.
Here are a few tips we picked up:
9292 App: your best friend for navigating Dutch transport.
Buienradar: a must-have to outsmart the moody Dutch weather.
Coolblue and Tweakers.net: for all things electronics.
BNR Radio: great for tuning your Dutch listening skills.
Get your BSN and DigiD sorted as early as possible—they’re your golden keys to everything.
Professionally, I was fortunate to join Proformance, an IT consultancy based in Nieuwegein, Utrecht. Proformance specializes in delivering high-quality consultancy services across strategic, tactical, and operational levels. Their expertise spans multiple domains within the IT landscape, supporting organizations through complex transformations, architecture, infrastructure, and implementation projects.
But beyond their technical excellence, Proformance is defined by its people. The culture here emphasizes authenticity, knowledge-sharing, support, and a strong sense of team. From the start, I’ve been welcomed not just as a colleague, but as part of something bigger - a group of professionals genuinely committed to helping one another succeed.
In 2018, what started as a casual trip to Europe quietly planted the seed for a much bigger move. Over six years, that seed grew - culminating in a life-changing decision to emigrate from South Africa to the Netherlands. With planning, perseverance, and support from family and friends, the journey became reality in early 2025. The transition brought challenges, but also immense growth, excitement, and new beginnings.
Professionally, joining Proformance has been one of the highlights of this journey, allowing me to grow, contribute, and adapt within a warm and supportive environment.
A heartfelt thank you to Ir Olav for making this opportunity possible. Your support has helped turn a long-standing dream into a remarkable reality.
