Experience of a Resident

It's time for another resident interview! This time, we spoke with Alondra about her experience living in a CHF apartment and in the Netherlands. She recently relocated to The Hague from Mexico with her husband and two children, and she’s excited to share some tips to make your stay with us even more enjoyable!

Before we start, could you please introduce yourself?  

• My name is Alondra Ontiveros, I am 31 years old, and I am originally from Mexico. I came to the Netherlands with my husband and 2 daughters due to a work relocation. 

When staying away from home for business, finding somewhere that is more than just a place to sleep can make all the difference. Why did you choose a serviced apartment of Corporate Housing Factory (instead of a hotel)? What do you see as the main advantages?

• Our relocation agency made a great choice when selecting the Hoge Duin property of Corporate Housing Factory. Having 2 small kids, it was very important for us that they could feel comfortable and they could start their daily routines as soon as possible . This is why we were looking for an option where our family life was easy to accomodate while searching for our permanent home. 

I understand you’ve been living in Netherlands for a little while now. What's been the most surprising cultural difference you've encountered in your day-to-day life in the Netherlands?

• We do not speak Dutch so we are navigating with English for now, we will start lessons soon but it is certainly a very different language from Spanish. Also, we are learning to use the public transportation, which is great. Probably, the food is one the biggest changes, so we are trying to find a new way to build our daily diet.

Have you discovered any hidden gems or local secrets during your stay that you'd like to recommend to future residents?

• We have not had much time to explore around because we have been focusing on our move to the permanent home but it is a great area in general. 

Exploring a new country can be an exciting adventure. Are there any specific blogs, websites, or apps that you found particularly helpful or enjoyable for newcomers to the Netherlands?

• The ACCESS website and Facebook page are very helpful for newcomers. They have all kind of resources and information regarding everything needed to settle in the Netherlands.