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FlorenceItaly

Travel Highlights: Trips I made within Europe while living overseas

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After living for six years in the Netherlands, I am blessed with many incredible memories and friendships. Moreover, travel has always been a large part of my life. Before I moved in February 2011, I visited Europe three times. England was my first European experience and that was the trip that actually sparked my desire to move abroad. When I moved to Amsterdam, though, naturally I wanted to keep exploring. I felt geographically closer, and my thirst to experience the world – my wanderlust – continued to blossom and grow. Plus the Dutch capita provides the perfect gateway to explore the rest of Europe. Read about the adventures I embarked on while living overseas.

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6 Ways To Move Abroad: Tips to live overseas

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Over the years, many people have approached me saying, “I wish I could live overseas!” or “how amazing would it be to move abroad and live in Amsterdam” or “I am so jealous of your life living in a foreign city!”? It is possible. I didn’t say it would be easy, but it is possible.

When I first moved to the Netherlands, my company hired me as an intern and then later extended my contract as a highly skilled migrant work. Once I decided to work for myself, my then partner and I had a samenleving (living together) permit. Because I have my own business registered in the Netherlands, I could have stayed on the Dutch American Friendship Treaty. To help provide some ideas on how to move overseas, I’ve outlined a few options in the following blog post. Read on!

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CaliforniaFlight

Time for a New Adventure: From Amsterdam to Los Angeles

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Due to changes in my personal and professional life, my social media activity has been on the back burner, but now, as I’m settling into my new home, I want to provide some insight. Wait, new home, you ask? Yes, you heard right. Ready for it? I moved to Los Angeles! Read on to find out what sparked this move and what I’ve been up to for the last six months. Cheers to the next chapter!

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AmsterdamBikes

LEDs Revolutionize How We Cycle

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Amsterdam is the city of bikes. Bikes dominate the city. One of the major differences, though, between Amsterdam and the rest of the world is that cars and pedestrians are used to this lifestyle in the Dutch capital. Nevertheless, safety comes first. Especially in the winter hours, the sun fades fast and lights are a necessity. Jenny Holt of LEDlights.co.uk shares her thoughts in this guest post about the importance of lights in regards to cycling safety.

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PeterWaltz

In Loving Memory: Rest in Peace, Peter Waltz

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Friday evening I attended a memorial service for Peter Waltz, one of the owners featured in my book, Flavors of Life. Peter passed away on September 15, 2016. Peter had been courageously battling cancer for the last two-plus years. I know he is now at peace and free from pain, but it is incredibly sad when someone is taken from this world at such a young age. 44 years old. My heart goes out to Blaine and Peter’s family; my sincerest condolences.

I didn’t know Peter that long, but I felt like we knew each other forever. I had this special connection with them; they welcomed me with open arms. I feel so incredibly honored I was able to tell Peter and Blaine’s story. I consider myself lucky to have met this kind and caring man. Peter touched so many lives, in countless ways, and he has impacted mine, as well. Peter, you will always be remembered, and you will always be with us. Rest in peace.

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amsterdamcanals

The Amsterdam Bucket List a.k.a. Wander List Challenge

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Last week I was sitting along the Amstel river, and I saw a group of girls jump in the water. I thought to myself – a fleeting moment I experienced many times before – I’d never done that. That sparked an idea. Amsterdam is an amazing city, home to some internationally-renowned attractions and unique experiences. Even though I’ve been living here for five years, I’m going to create a bucket list (although I prefer the term wander list) of all the musts in Amsterdam. This is a great list to use (I warn you – it is long), whether you are living in the city or are just visiting for a few days. This city swept me off my feet, and I know you’ll love it, too. What’s on your Amsterdam list?

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Dike

Biking Through The Dutch Countryside With We Bike Amsterdam

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I bike in and around Amsterdam all the time. After many years of living in the Dutch capital, I feel like I blend right in with the locals. I’m usually so focused on getting to my destination as quickly as possible, I often forget to look around and admire my surroundings. In mid-May, my partner, Matthijs, and I had the opportunity to take a half-day excursion with We Bike Amsterdam. The company offers two different routes: one through Amsterdam’s city center and the other through the Dutch countryside. Considering I had never toured the north side of Amsterdam and its surrounding villages, I thought that would be a fun trip. Read about our experience!

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FlavorsofLife

New Non-Fiction Book Flavors of Life Made Its Debut at Café Belcampo in Amsterdam on Monday, May 23, 2016

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It’s official – Flavors of Life is out in the world! On the evening of Monday, May 23, I held a book launch event at Café Belcampo in Amsterdam. Café Belcampo, situated in De Hallen, is the official café of the library in Amsterdam West. The owner, Gary Feingold, is one of the people featured in the book. The event drew a variety of people, including owners featured in Flavors of Life, family from near and far, friends, media, and bloggers. Thank you to everyone who joined me for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration! It is something I will remember for the rest of my life. Read more about the event here.

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FlavorsofLife

RELEASE NEWS: Flavors of Life is Available on Tuesday, May 24, 2016

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The big day is quickly approaching! If you haven’t already, please put Tuesday, May 24th in your calendar. Flavors of Life (ISBN: 978-90-825238-0-5) will officially be available, both in paperback (€22,95) and as an e-book (€4,99). You can reserve your copy ahead of time for a limited time at the special price of €19,95! Don’t miss out. Looking forward to this exciting time ahead. Thank you so much for sharing it with me.

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What’s So Special About February 14, 2016?

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Today, on Sunday, February 14, 2016, Jessica Lipowski raises a glass to honor three special milestones: Valentine’s Day and love, her five-year anniversary of living in the Netherlands, and sending out Beta copies of her book “Flavors of Life” to Beta readers. Read about her experiences, and toast with her to the past, present, and future.

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