Profile of Emma

The unintended expatriate blogger behind StillWaterWorks

Emma De Vries - Founder of StillWaterWorks Photo: StillWaterWorks

Hi there, I'm Emma

I'm a project manager, a parent, and an expat based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A few years back, I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually opened a new chapter of life abroad.

Origins of the Move

Moving to Netherlands wasn't planned for the long run. Like many expat journeys, it started as a job opportunity and soon grew into something much larger.

The initial months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks felt more tangled than they should.

City skyline in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Life in Amsterdam has its surprises. Photo: StillWaterWorks

The Transition Phase

There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But slowly, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.

Why I Created StillWaterWorks

Most information online was either corporate relocation guidance or surface-level tourism content. What was missing was an honest, everyday family perspective.

This site aims to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in Netherlands.

What This Site Is (And Isn't)

This site IS:

  • Hands-on experience from residing in Netherlands
  • Centered on family life and daily realities
  • Updated when a real change occurs

This site ISN'T:

  • Not a tourism authority resource
  • Not a sponsored review platform
  • Not a generic travel blog

Looking Ahead

Our time in Netherlands goes on, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I will continue recording our discoveries.

If you have questions about family life in Amsterdam or anywhere in Netherlands, you're welcome to contact us.

Best wishes,

Emma

Amsterdam, Netherlands