Profile of Emma

The accidental expatriate blogger behind Ember Maple Grove

Emma de Vries - Founder of Ember Maple Grove Photo credit: Ember Maple Grove

Hello, I am Emma

Project manager. Parent. An expat residing in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Several years ago, I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually became a new chapter living overseas.

How It Started

Moving to Netherlands wasn't in the cards for our long-range plans. Like many expat relocations, it started as a job opportunity and soon grew into something far greater.

Those initial months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, routines, and expectations. Daily tasks seemed more tangled than they ought to be.

City skyline in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Life in Amsterdam comes with its share of surprises. Photo: Ember Maple Grove

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, uncertainty, and plenty of learning on the job. But gradually, routines took shape. We found places that fit us, connected with other families, and began building something that felt steady.

Why I Built Ember Maple Grove

Most information available online was either corporate relocation guidance or shallow tourism content. What was missing was an honest, everyday family viewpoint.

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

What This Site Is (And Isn't)

This site is:

  • Hands-on experience from living in Netherlands
  • Centered on family life and day-to-day realities
  • Updated whenever something truly changes

This site isn't:

  • Not a tourism authority resource
  • Not a sponsored review platform
  • Not a generic travel blog

Looking Ahead

Our stay in Netherlands goes on, and the learning journey continues. As long as the information remains helpful, I will continue recording what we find.

If you have questions about family life in Amsterdam or anywhere in Netherlands, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,

Emma

Amsterdam, Netherlands