Hello all,

I recently moved to the Netherlands! I am living in Maastricht, a very international town located in the south near Belgium. Nearly half or more of the residents are foreign students. Maastricht University, where I am studying, is regarded as one of the best universities in the Netherlands and about 60% of the student population is from abroad. I am studying Global Studies. 

Life in the Netherlands is good. I lived in Vietnam for two years which was a great experience, and I’m glad I had a chance to travel around Asia. I will certainly return in the future, at some point. 

Here in the Netherlands cars stop for me when I go across a crosswalk, so that’s nice. However, I’m not a fan of the colder weather. The food here isn’t notable, but stroopwafels and cherry chocolates are good. Cheese is very famous here as well. Lots of Italian food in and around Maastricht. The Netherlands might be one of the best places to be. Europe is awesome and it’s much much better than living in the US right now, in my opinion. The only downside is the Covid situation… people in developed countries don’t seem to use common sense (based on my observations). Life back in Vietnam was virtually unaffected by Covid; they haven’t had community spread in nearly 50 days.

Travel restrictions are a pain and are having an effect on my travel aspirations (I am in Europe, after all!). While the European Union is prioritizing open borders and freedom of movement, the majority of countries are labeled as “orange” or “red,” meaning the situation is out of control, and it’s quite unfortunate. As a result, there are restrictions in place here in Europe and since the Netherlands isn’t reporting the best numbers, there are limited places I can go coming from the Netherlands. 

Do keep in mind that travel right now is certainly possible, but you have to do it responsibly, always keep your distance wash your hands often, and wear a mask at all times.

Fortunately, though, I was able to go to Luxembourg for a few days this past week — the trains weren’t very full, the stations weren’t crowded and masks were required, so I didn’t feel at risk at any point. Luxembourg is quite an interesting country, and most people don’t know very much about it. The country is also very small: Rhode Island is 3.6% larger. 

A few more fun facts:

• Luxembourg is the richest country in the world with an average income of $121,000 in 2019 (also has the highest minimum wage in the world- about $2200 USD per month)

• Luxembourg has three official languages: German, French, and Luxembourgish, and everyone speaks English as well

• It has the highest rate of car ownership in the world (65%)

• Of the only 613,00 people (the smallest population in Europe) in Luxembourg, 43% are immigrants (home to over 170 nationalities)

• One of the safest countries in the world: there are only about 1,300 police and two jails in the entire country

• Public transportation (trains and busses) are completely free everywhere

Unlike the Netherlands, Luxembourg is not flat. In Luxembourg City, the “Old City” is in somewhat of a valley, while the rest of the city surrounds it on walls much higher in elevation. The architecture is really cool and the people are really laid back and friendly. All of the stereotypes of a European town (old buildings, churches, cobblestone roads, etc) are evident in Luxembourg City. The countryside is pretty much farmland and a few towns here and there, which are also very nice. 

Luxembourg overall is very developed. In Luxembourg people enjoy a very high quality of life, it’s quite pleasant.  

It was fun to explore and add another country to my growing list of countries I have been to. Right now my focus is school but hopefully, the situation will improve and restrictions will be eased. I am looking forward to exploring more of Europe!

Zach