Learn about Lena
The unintended expat blogger behind SilentMapStudio
Photo: SilentMapStudio
Hey, I'm Lena
I work in project management. I'm a parent. An expatriate living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
A few years back I moved here with my family. What started as a short-term assignment gradually became a new chapter of life overseas.
How It Started
Moving to Netherlands wasn't in the long-term plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a job opportunity and soon grew into something much bigger.
The initial months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, new routines, higher expectations. Daily tasks seemed more complex than they needed to be.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, doubt, and plenty of learning on the job. Yet gradually routines took shape. We found places that fit us, connected with other families, and began crafting something that felt steady.
Why I Built SilentMapStudio
Most resources online were either corporate relocation guidance or shallow tourist material. What was missing was an honest, everyday family viewpoint.
This site aims to bridge that gap — practical advice drawn from real life in Netherlands.
What This Site Is (And Isn't)
This site IS:
- Real-world insights gained from living in Netherlands
- Centered on family life and day-to-day realities
- Updated whenever there is a meaningful change
This site ISN'T:
- Not a government tourism resource
- Not a sponsored review platform
- Not a generic travel blog
Looking Ahead
Our stay in Netherlands continues, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll continue documenting what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Amsterdam or anywhere in Netherlands, please reach out.
Best regards,
Lena
Amsterdam, Netherlands