Profile of Lotte
The accidental expatriate blogger behind GentleStoneWillow
Photo: GentleStoneWillow
Hello, I am Lotte
I'm a project manager, a parent, and an expat residing in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
A few years back I moved here with my family. What began as a short-term assignment gradually became a new chapter overseas.
How It All Began
Relocating to Netherlands wasn't part of the long-range plan. Like many expat moves, it started as a work opportunity and quickly grew into something far more significant.
The initial months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, new routines, fresh expectations. Everyday tasks felt more tangled than they should.
The Adaptation Phase
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But gradually, routines settled. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.
Why I Built GentleStoneWillow
Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was honest, day-to-day family perspective.
This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in Netherlands.
What This Site Is (And Isn't)
This site IS:
- Practical insights from living in Netherlands
- Centered on family life and daily realities
- Updated when something truly changes
This site ISN'T:
- A tourism authority resource
- Sponsored review platform
- A generic travel blog
Looking Ahead
Our time in Netherlands continues, and so does the learning process. As long as the information is useful, I’ll keep documenting what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Amsterdam or anywhere in Netherlands, feel free to reach out.
Cheers,
Lotte
Amsterdam, Netherlands