Profile of Sophie

The unintended expatriate blogger behind BlueHarborLeaf

Sophie de Vries - Founder of BlueHarborLeaf Photo: BlueHarborLeaf

Hello there, I'm Sophie

I work as a project manager. Parent. Expat living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Several years ago I moved here with my family. What began as a short-term assignment gradually became a new chapter of my life overseas.

How It Started

Moving to Netherlands wasn't in the long-term plan. Like many expat relocations, it began as a job opportunity and quickly grew into something larger.

The initial months were demanding — adapting to new systems, new routines, and new expectations. Routine tasks seemed more complicated than expected.

City skyline in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Life in Amsterdam has its surprises. Photo: BlueHarborLeaf

The Adjustment Period

There was culture clash, uncertainty, and lots of hands-on learning. Yet gradually, routines settled in. We found places that fit us, connected with other families, and started building something that felt dependable.

Why I Created BlueHarborLeaf

The majority of online information was either corporate relocation guidance or shallow tourism material. What was missing was an honest, everyday family perspective.

This site exists to bridge that gap — practical advice drawn from real life in Netherlands.

What This Site Is (And Isn't)

This site IS:

  • Practical lessons from living in Netherlands
  • A focus on family life and everyday realities
  • Updated whenever something truly changes

This site ISN'T:

  • A tourism authority resource
  • A sponsored review platform
  • A generic travel blog

Looking Ahead

Our time in Netherlands remains ongoing, and so does our learning journey. As long as the information stays useful, I’ll continue to document what we discover.

If you have questions about family life in Amsterdam or anywhere in Netherlands, feel free to contact me.

Best regards,

Sophie

Amsterdam, Netherlands