Interview With an International: Tanima Bhattacharya & Sreejit Bardhan

Adjustment to Dutch Life 

When asked about their transition from India to the Netherlands, Tanima explains: "I wouldn’t call them challenges because I anticipated them, but there were two adjustments.” The first was adapting to the climate: "Physiologically, I came from a tropical climate. I arrived in February, and it had snowed like crazy. I had prepared myself for it, but it felt slightly different at first.” The second was building a social network: “We both have made some great friends, but I would say meeting new people does take time.” 

Like Tanima, Sreejit misses things from home such as food, especially tropical fruits. However, he has grown to love the Dutch weather and, with a smile, adds: “I grew up in the sun 24/7 for 365 days, so for a change, I like the cloudy weather.”  While he’s not a fan of cycling in the rain, he enjoys watching it from the window and according to Tanima he would even say: "What a beautiful day outside!” 

Since arriving in the Netherlands, Sreejit has become more active, which he is happy about. He started playing football with other internationals he found in Facebook groups. To meet people, Tanima mentions that she made friends at one of the Leiden International Centre Meet&Mingle events. Although she’s aware of several meet-up groups, she prefers to relax at home after a long day of work. Most of her friends are expats, but she also has some Dutch-speaking friends in her social circle. Tanima finds Dutch people friendly and was pleasantly surprised when people waved to her from their boats.  

Tanima has previously worked in Japan, where she “was just mingling with Indians.” However, she realized the importance of breaking out and made a conscious effort to connect with non-Indian friends in Leiden. She describes this experience as rewarding: "It’s amazing to connect with people who may not look like you or eat the same food; yet find so many similarities.”  

Both Tanima and her husband consider themselves very fortunate to have found housing quickly, acknowledging that their luck played a significant role. They were not picky and viewed their successful search as a stroke of luck amidst the housing crisis.  

Exploring Leiden and Beyond 

They also both appreciate Leiden’s architecture. Sreejit mentions that he enjoys exploring Leiden on his bike and seeing all the beautiful boats and canals. A funny cultural shock for Tanima was seeing people cycling in suits to their offices. The only downside about biking is that you need to be careful where to park your bike. Her husband once had his bike stolen despite locking it well, though it was a secondhand bike and not too expensive. 

When asked about good Indian restaurants in Leiden, they both smile and say, “We’ve found a few great ones in The Hague, but not in Leiden – that’s just our personal opinion.” They also share a couple of hidden gems and some of their favorite spots in Leiden. Sreejit enjoys reading a book by the windmill de Valk and exploring the Saturday market to discover new stalls. As an avid reader, he found a bookstore where you can donate old books and either get new ones for free or for a donation.   

Both appreciate nature and frequently visit Leiden’s parks, such as the Singelpark. They also mention a charming hidden gem: a little door in a tree, which reminds Tanima of a cartoon from her childhood. Tanima particularly enjoys the Pieterskerk area, noting that “the weather seems warmer there,” though she can’t explain why. She speculates that it might be due to the housing and architecture in the area.