Exciting, Amazing Amsterdam with Frequent Drizzle
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
The Hans India (25-08-20240
On a pleasant and slightly drizzling
rainy afternoon on August 14, 2024, I along with my wife, daughter and son in
law landed in ‘Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)’ the main ‘International
Airport’ of the Netherlands. The name referred to is, a low-lying wetland,
and was even a fully-fledged ‘Haarlemer Lake.’ At the bottom this Lake, over
four meters below sea level, which was drained in 1852 for the construction of
‘Fort Schiphol’ (one of several forts located around Amsterdam) lies ‘Schiphol.’
In fact, ‘Schiphol Railway station’ is also beneath the Airport Terminal
Complex, from where we travelled in the International High Speed Rail Eurostar
to Paris and back.
‘Schiphol Fort’ was demolished
in 1934 to build a provincial road from ‘Amstelveen’ to ‘Schiphol.’
The Airport began as a military airfield during the First World War in
September 1916. Four years later it became a Civilian Airport. The development
of ‘Schiphol Airport’ attracted many people, many of whom settled in ‘Amstelveen’
a municipality and city in Netherlands, and is a suburban part of the ‘Amsterdam
Metropolitan’ Area. In 2004 ‘Amstelveen’ was voted the most
attractive city in Netherlands to live. Currently ‘Amstelveen’ is in top
three on the national list of best cities to live in. ‘Amstelveen’ Locality’s
landscaping and close proximity to ‘Schiphol Airport’ and ‘Railway
Station’ attracted international attention, making it a prime location. KLM
is headquartered here with its hub at nearby Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
The purpose of our short visit, is to
participate in the House Warming Celebration on August 28, 2024 in my son’s new
house in ‘Amstelveen Water Circle’ closer to our granddaughters’ school,
the best in city, and spend few weeks with them. He is working for UBER Technologies in a
Senior Position, and functioning from Amsterdam. He affectionately received us
at the Airport, and drove in a Cab to his rental residence, in this famed ‘Amstelveen’
Locality, which in the early 20th Century was a small rural village.
In ‘Amstelveen’ the summers are
comfortable and partly cloudy and the winters are long, very cold, windy, and
mostly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies. In
fact, climate, and weather of whole of Amsterdam, Capital of Netherlands,
obviously influenced by its proximity to the North Sea, appears to play a
significant role in shaping the city's lifestyle, attractiveness, and overall
livability for permanent residents, semi-permanent residents, and visitors like
us.
My son who has been staying here for
over a year, briefed us that the four seasons, Winter (December to February),
Spring (March to May), Summer (June to August), and Autumn (September to
November) have varied temperatures. For visitors like us, late Spring, the
whole of Summer, and early Autumn before it gets cool and wet are ideal to stay.
He said that, during this period temperatures range from gradual warming to
average to yet to be cooled.
Amsterdam is known for its frequent
rain, and lovely sunshine infrequently, though it is often light drizzle rather
than heavy downpours. During the Summer (Now, when we are here) the city appears
to be with long sunny days. My son says that, for those living in Amsterdam
year-round, the climate is generally comfortable, though the frequent drizzle
and gray skies can be a downside for some. Individuals living in Amsterdam for
extended periods, such as students, or expatriates, often find the climate
manageable. Tourists may find Amsterdam's weather a minor inconvenience, but thoroughly
enjoy it. Summer is the ‘Rightest Time’ for visitors.
Amsterdam is known for its cycling
culture. I noticed on my way from Amsterdam Airport to my son’s residence, and
later moving on the roads in city, that, a greater number of cycles than
vehicles, and gradually understood that cycling is the preferred mode of
transport for many and is deeply ingrained in Amsterdam's culture, making it
one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. The city has an extensive
network of dedicated bike lanes, flat terrain, and convenient bike parking
facilities, making it safe and easy to get around.
In addition, Amsterdam has excellent
cost-effective public transport, avoids parking hassles, and eco-friendly, and
hence everyone considers this before buying an own car. Depending on the bike
is economical, healthy, and practical in a city with excellent bike lanes.
Public transport and cycling are usually the most cost-effective and practical
options here. This plan allows for a gradual transition into life in Amsterdam,
prioritizing essential needs while balancing cost and convenience.
It is very interesting to study the
process of identifying temporary, semi-permanent and permanent accommodation,
furnishing either along with rented house or on rental basis, organizing
interiors, gardening etc. Normally those who migrate to Amsterdam for short or
longer periods, before securing long-term housing, consider to prefer temporary
accommodation, either an apartment or an independent spacious house, the rental
cost of which vary depending on location and size. This enables flexibility and
immediate availability. In the highly competitive rental market in Amsterdam,
there are several Agencies which will assist in identifying choicest rental or
ownership accommodation.
The rental types with furniture is preferred
because it is convenient though bit more expensive, compared to unfurnished which
is cheaper, but it requires the occupant to arrange furniture either for rent
or by purchase. However, if the plan is to stay for over 5 years, buying may be
cost-effective. This in a way is long-term investment and potential
appreciation in property value. By and large ‘Preferred Furniture
Arrangements’ are rental. Amsterdam has several companies specializing in
rental furniture.
If high-income families prefer an
independent house (‘Vrijstaand Huis’ in Dutch meaning Detached House)
in or around Amsterdam, several considerations need to be kept in mind,
including variations in the types of houses available, costs, maintenance, and
practical feasibility. For instance, ‘Standalone Houses’ with no shared
walls often come with private gardens and larger plots of land. Semi-Detached
Houses that are common in suburban areas share one wall with a neighboring property.
Townhouses or Terraced houses typically found in more urban areas, share walls
with neighboring properties on both sides.
Villas are Large, often luxurious
usually located in upscale suburban or rural areas closer to city centers, with
smaller plots but still offering independence. The cost of independent houses
varies significantly based on proximity to Amsterdam's center and depending on
luxury and location. Suburbs like ‘Amstelveen’ area offer more options
for independent houses compared to the city center, where space is limited. Annual
maintenance for a detached house, including garden, exterior, and interior
upkeep etc. costs substantially.
In my brief stay of ten days, I
noticed that, Amsterdam is a city renowned for its rich culture, picturesque
canals, and vibrant community, either for a semi-permanent stay or envision
making it forever home. I also understood that, from finding the perfect
independent house and arranging rental furniture initially, and own furniture
later, with a designer's touch, to cultivating a beautiful garden, every step
is an opportunity in this welcoming city.
The city's efficient infrastructure
make daily life a pleasure. Navigating traffic, whether by bike or on foot,
becomes second nature. With time, the city’s well-maintained streets, vibrant
neighborhoods, and quiet canals become part of one’s daily life, and what
begins as a temporary move for anyone, may transform into a permanent embrace
of Amsterdam’s enriching and welcoming lifestyle.
Lastly, there are several Indian
provision shops cater to the needs of the Indian community, including those
from South India. Variety of South Indian groceries, including rice, lentils,
spices, and ready-to-eat snacks, as well as, items such as coconut, beetle
leaves, flowers, camphor, turmeric, Kumkum etc. which are essential for
performing Puja during Housewarming (Gruha Pravesh) ceremonies, that includes ‘Satyanarayana
Vratam’ are available, as well as Pujari.
(Writer, an independent
Journalist, Dispatched this from Amsterdam)
