AWC Going Dutch March 2019

Proost! Questionnaire
Answers by Rachel Hines
Why are you living in the Netherlands?
After living in Asia for a few years, my husband
and I thought it would also be fun to
experience life in Europe. Luckily, we were
able to move to The Hague with his employer.
What do you enjoy most about the AWC?
The breadth of interests of the women in the
Club, which means Members can dabble in
lots of interesting and worthwhile activities.
It’s also really nice that there are women of
all ages in the Club, for a variety of perspectives
and life experiences.
What do you consider the most overrated
virtue of being an expat?
Having to explain to friends that while our
life is super-fun, it isn’t quite as adventurous
as they may think. We still have to take out
the trash, etc.!
Which Dutch words or phrases do you
most overuse?
I’m enjoying adding “je/jes” to the end of
wordjes.
What is the quality you most like in a
friend?
Being able to really connect via talking and
also doing cultural and fitness activities together.
Which locations haven’t been ticked off
your bucket list?
So many, but right now I’m obsessed with
seeing the Northern Lights.
Where would you most like to live?
Chasing autumn by living half the year in
New York and half the year in Australia.
What’s your hobby?
I love listening to podcasts. Can’t miss: The
Brian Lehrer Show, Invisibilia, Slow Burn,
Happier with Gretchen Rubin, The Nod,
Planet Money, It’s Been a Minute, Radiolab,
The Longest Shortest Time, She’s All Fat, By
the Book, and of course This American Life.
I’m breaking the Five Thirty Eight podcast
habit now that the midterms are over.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Singing, but I do it anyway.
Who are your heroes in real life?
I am in awe of people who can resolve disputes
while maintaining their principles in
everyday life and on the wider stage.
If you have pets, tell us breed, name, and
why they’re the best pets ever!
My fantasy pet family involves two cats and
a dog who all get along. Allergies may mean
that they remain fantasy pets.
What is your motto?
“Just do what’s next.” I lifted it from a new
father quoted in the Washington Post and
have found it to be very useful.
What constitutes a perfect day for you?
Well, it starts with coffee, a croissant, and a
word puzzle . . .
50 GOING DUTCH
MARCH 2019 51