Apparently, the best way to train your creativity is to live abroad for a while, because you’re forced to find new ways to solve problems. That’s a great consolation. At least I gain some personal development from having to fight for things that come naturally in the Netherlands.
Battles I’ve won so far include:
• Housing – I live close to a tube station, the room is cheap, and my landlord pays all electricity bills and council taxes.
• Being allowed to vote in the UK.
• Work – I’ve got a National Insurance Number and a brilliant job.
Still pending: opening a basic bank account. I’ve tried every high street bank, to no avail. It’s not that I’m very demanding. I don’t even need a credit card – though I’d like one – all I’m asking is a current account. But I need an electricity bill with my name on it as proof of address. How am I supposed to pay those bills, if I don’t have a bank account? And how am I supposed to pay them, if my employer can’t pay my salary into a bank account? Really, it’s not just me, other Dutchies in London have similar experiences. Fortunately, I have enough savings to support myself until I’ve sorted things out.
Not everything is problematic, though. The National Health Service is a
delightful example of something I didn’t have to fight for at all. They provide free medical treatment for everyone that needs it: foreigners, criminals, people without proof of address... you name it. In the Netherlands, it’s a legal requirement to have a private health insurance. Being used to that system, I thought it might be wise to check out what’s on offer in England. Considering the theme of my novel, this might come as a surprise but I really care a lot about my teeth. I want to look good when I smile, and I want that sparkle to be my own. Dental treatment can be very costly, even on the NHS. So, as soon as I’ve got a current account, I’ll apply for a dental insurance. I can’t wait!
Battles I’ve won so far include:
• Housing – I live close to a tube station, the room is cheap, and my landlord pays all electricity bills and council taxes.• Being allowed to vote in the UK.
• Work – I’ve got a National Insurance Number and a brilliant job.
Still pending: opening a basic bank account. I’ve tried every high street bank, to no avail. It’s not that I’m very demanding. I don’t even need a credit card – though I’d like one – all I’m asking is a current account. But I need an electricity bill with my name on it as proof of address. How am I supposed to pay those bills, if I don’t have a bank account? And how am I supposed to pay them, if my employer can’t pay my salary into a bank account? Really, it’s not just me, other Dutchies in London have similar experiences. Fortunately, I have enough savings to support myself until I’ve sorted things out.
Not everything is problematic, though. The National Health Service is a
delightful example of something I didn’t have to fight for at all. They provide free medical treatment for everyone that needs it: foreigners, criminals, people without proof of address... you name it. In the Netherlands, it’s a legal requirement to have a private health insurance. Being used to that system, I thought it might be wise to check out what’s on offer in England. Considering the theme of my novel, this might come as a surprise but I really care a lot about my teeth. I want to look good when I smile, and I want that sparkle to be my own. Dental treatment can be very costly, even on the NHS. So, as soon as I’ve got a current account, I’ll apply for a dental insurance. I can’t wait!
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