Profile of Sophie

An inadvertent expat blogger behind Ocean Paper Glass

Sophie de Vries - Founder of Ocean Paper Glass Photo: Ocean Paper Glass

Hello, I'm Sophie

I'm a project manager and a parent, an expat living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A few years back, I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.

How It Started

Moving to Netherlands wasn't in the plans for the long haul. As with many expat relocations, it started as a job chance and soon grew into something far more significant.

The initial months were demanding — unfamiliar processes, routines, and expectations. Daily chores seemed more tangled than they ought to be.

City skyline in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Life in Amsterdam holds its share of surprises. Credit: Ocean Paper Glass

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, doubt, and plenty of hands-on learning. Gradually, routines took shape. We found places that fit our needs, connected with other families, and began creating something that felt secure.

Why I Built Ocean Paper Glass

Most online resources were either corporate relocation guidance or shallow tourism content. What was missing was a frank, everyday family viewpoint.

This site aims to bridge that gap — practical guidance grounded in real life in Netherlands.

What This Website Represents (And How It Differs)

This site stands for:

  • Hands-on experience from living in Netherlands
  • Focused on family life and everyday realities
  • Updated whenever a real change occurs

This site is not:

  • An official tourism authority resource
  • A platform for sponsored reviews
  • A generic travel blog

Looking Forward

Our time in Netherlands continues, and so does the learning process. As long as the information remains helpful, I’ll keep documenting what we discover.

If you have questions about family life in Amsterdam or anywhere in Netherlands, don't hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,

Sophie

Amsterdam, Netherlands