How to Apply for a Japan Visa from the Netherlands as an Indonesian
Today marks the official start of summer holidays in the Netherlands. My family and I are planning a trip to Japan. My husband and children are Dutch citizens and do not need a visa to visit Japan for stays of up to 90 days. However, I hold an Indonesian passport and, unfortunately, must obtain a visa to enter Japan. Arranging a visa might not seem like a particularly special topic—usually, you just fill out a form and gather the necessary documents for the Japanese embassy. However, in this blog, I will share my unique experience of obtaining a visa to Japan as an Indonesian who does not have a surname…
Celebrating King’s Day in the Netherlands: A Vibrant Tradition of Orange, Festivities, and Cultural Heritage
Read this article in English or Bahasa Indonesia. Discover its history in your preferred language! Since King Willem Alexander officially ascended to the throne in 2013, the nation celebrates his birthday by designating the day as King’s Day. Netherlands and Orange Color On King’s Day, the Netherlands bursts into a vibrant sea of orange. Orange is a color associated with the Dutch royal family or the House of Orange Nassau. The color orange became a symbol of their monarchy. The dynasty played a significant role in Dutch history, making orange have a deep national meaning. Orange color is a symbol of national pride, unity, and identity. The Netherlands is proud…
Experience the Beauty of Keukenhof: A Journey Through the Netherlands’ Most Spectacular Tulip Garden
Read this article in English or Bahasa Indonesia. Enjoy the beauty of Keukenhof in the language of your choice! After weeks of rain in the Netherlands, the weather has finally turned nice and sunny. On Sunday, April 7th, 2024, my husband, Mas Bas, suddenly suggested that we go to the Keukenhof Tulip Garden. Mas Bas wanted to visit the garden because even though I had lived in the Netherlands for almost 13 years, I had never visited the most popular flower garden in the country. I was initially hesitant to go to Keukenhof because my family is allergic to flower pollen. The allergic reaction typically results in itchy eyes, watery eyes,…
Indonesian Pilgrim’s Umrah Journey from the Netherlands: Reflections, Tips, and Insights | A Personal Account
As-salamu alaykum and Ramadan Mubarak to all! With the blessed month of fasting upon us, I find myself reminiscing about a journey that touched my soul profoundly. Let me take you back to last February when the call to embark on Umrah echoed deeply within me. I am writing this post to document my personal experience. It serves as a reminder of my extraordinary journey in life. Recently, I have been feeling a strong desire inside my heart to go to Umrah. A feeling I couldn’t quite explain but one that attracted my heartstrings relentlessly. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary morning would mark the beginning of an…