About Living in Translation

Hi, I’m Marianne.

I’m an expat mum of three, building a life in the Netherlands and learning, daily, what it really means to start over somewhere new.

I moved countries in 2022, trading familiarity for something unknown. Since then, life has been a mix of discovery, frustration, small wins, and moments of real connection. Some days feel effortless, others feel like you’re translating not just language, but how things work, how people think, and even parts of yourself.

Raising children in a different culture adds another layer. You’re not just figuring things out for yourself, but for them too. School systems, friendships, traditions, expectations. It’s rewarding, but it’s not always straightforward.

I started Living in Translation because I couldn’t find a space that captured this in-between reality. Not just where to go or what to do, but how it actually feels to build a life somewhere new.

This is a place for the moments that don’t make it into guides. The questions you don’t always think to ask. The small, everyday things that slowly help you find your footing again.

Here, you’ll find honest reflections on expat and family life, practical insights into settling in the Netherlands, and thoughts on identity, belonging, and starting over. It’s as much about the emotional side of the journey as it is the practical one.

I’m naturally sociable, curious about people, and someone who believes that community doesn’t just happen, it’s built. Often through small, simple moments. A conversation, a shared experience, a familiar face in a new place.

As this space grows, I hope it becomes more than just a blog. Something that helps others feel a little less alone as they navigate life between cultures, and a little more confident in creating a version of home that works for them.

If you’re living abroad, starting over, or somewhere in between, you’re very welcome here.