Dutch smiles, canals and cities, countryside, and challenges

I've never been to Europe before.  I moved here from the USA to begin a new life, a master's program in education, and find a new community of friends.  Not an easy thing to do for anyone, especially those of us who are "over-40", LGBT, and single.

There is so much to learn about living in a new country!  Fortunately, many Dutch are friendly and helpful, as well as speak at least some English, and are patient!  So thank you!  I admire that the Netherlands seems to be a place where all the world's cultures come to live and add their own special contributions--and everyone is readily accepting of each other.

I am awe of all the city and country area canals that I've seen:  so far, Utrecht and Amsterdam where the old-town architecture, and the millions of bicycles--parked or on the move everywhere I look. 

I  am fond of the farmland countryside that is actually pretty close to the cities--and I hope the countryside remains farm-land--and with it the lovely and practical, humble farming families--for generations and generations to come!

I think the biggest challenge for me--aside from a potent head & chest cold upon arrival--has been finding a long-term residence that is: 1) affordable, 2) either within a major city or very close to mass-transit, 3) meets my general living needs.  I left a community in the USA partly because housing has become far too expensive for all but the top 1% wage earners (and partly for other reasons, including the current, embarrassing and shocking political climate).

I look forward to the coming years of life in theNetherlands.  I look forward to becoming a valued part of a community and large circle of friends and lasting relationships.