About Sophie

The unexpected expatriate blogger behind Green House Garden

Sophie de Vries - Founder of Green House Garden Image credit: Green House Garden

Hi there, I'm Sophie

I work as a project manager. I am a parent. I am an expat living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A few years back I moved here with my family, and what began as a short-term assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.

How It Started

Relocating to Netherlands wasn’t part of the long-range plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a work opportunity and quickly became something much bigger.

The first months were demanding — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Daily tasks felt more complicated than they needed to be.

City skyline in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Living in Amsterdam brings unexpected moments. Photo: Green House Garden

The Adjustment Period

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 Built Green House Garden

Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was honest, day-to-day family perspective.

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

What This Site Does (And Doesn’t)

This site offers:

  • Practical insight from living in Netherlands
  • Centered on family life and day-to-day realities
  • Updated when something truly changes

This site does not include:

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

Looking Ahead

Our stay in Netherlands goes on, and the learning journey continues. As long as the information remains helpful, I'll continue recording what we uncover.

If you have questions about family life in Amsterdam or anywhere in Netherlands, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Cheers,

Sophie

Amsterdam, Netherlands