Detroit Meets Amsterdam: Zak Rosen from The Best Advice Show

From the Motor City to Bicycle Heaven: A Family's Journey from Detroit to Amsterdam

In an era where remote work and global opportunities are reshaping how we live, more families are embracing the adventure of international relocation. One such family is that of Zak Rosen, the creative mind behind The Best Advice Show podcast. Zak, along with his physician wife and two young children, is embarking on a year-long journey from their beloved Detroit to the picturesque canals of Amsterdam. This bold move offers a unique lens through which we can explore themes of urban living, family dynamics, and cultural exchange.

The Decision to Move

The Rosen family's decision to relocate wasn't made lightly. It was born from a desire to experience a different way of life before their children became too entrenched in their Detroit routines. As Zak puts it, "We thought it would be really cool to not move permanently out of Detroit, but go and do a big family adventure before the kids become too enmeshed in their scholastic and social lives."

This sentiment resonates with many families who recognize the value of exposing children to diverse cultures and experiences. The opportunity arose when Zak's wife found a master's program in public health that aligned with her work in infectious diseases. This professional development opportunity became the catalyst for their family adventure.

Preparing for the Move

Moving abroad is no small feat, especially with young children. The Rosens have been meticulously planning for two years, tackling everything from school applications to housing arrangements. They've leveraged resources like expat Facebook groups and services like Dutchify to navigate the complexities of international relocation.

One of the most critical aspects of their preparation was securing spots for their children at the Amsterdam International Community School. This English-speaking school caters to expat families and will provide a sense of continuity for the children's education. The family's proactive approach, including joining waitlists years in advance, highlights the importance of long-term planning in such endeavors.

Life in Detroit: A City of Contrasts

Before we dive into their Amsterdam adventures, it's crucial to understand what the Rosens are leaving behind. Zak paints a vivid picture of Detroit, a city often misunderstood by outsiders. He describes a place of vibrant community, rich artistic heritage, and innovative urban agriculture.

Detroit's story is one of resilience and transformation. Once a booming industrial powerhouse, the city faced significant challenges as manufacturing jobs dwindled. However, this economic shift also created opportunities. Zak explains how the availability of affordable property attracted artists and entrepreneurs, fostering a creative renaissance in the city.

The urban agriculture movement in Detroit is particularly noteworthy. As Zak mentions, "Detroit is now one of the most vibrant urban agriculture cities in the world because of the open space." This innovative use of vacant land not only provides fresh produce but also builds community and transforms the urban landscape.

However, Detroit's revival is not without complications. The podcast touches on the delicate balance between urban renewal and gentrification. As property values rise and new developments emerge, long-time residents face the risk of displacement. Zak's perspective as both a Detroit advocate and a beneficiary of rising property values offers a nuanced view of these complex urban dynamics.

Amsterdam: A New Chapter

As the Rosens prepare for their move to Amsterdam, they're excited about embracing a different lifestyle. The contrast between car-dependent Detroit and bike-friendly Amsterdam is stark. Zak eagerly anticipates living in a city where cycling is the primary mode of transportation, mentioning that there are "more bikes than people" in Amsterdam.

The family is looking forward to exploring Europe, with plans to visit Paris, the Austrian Alps, and various Dutch towns. They're particularly excited about experiencing the "cliched European life" of visiting local markets, cooking with fresh produce, and immersing themselves in the city's culture.

However, the move isn't without its challenges. The family will be leaving behind a strong support system of family and friends in Detroit. Zak acknowledges the difficulty of this separation but sees it as part of the adventure. He's optimistic about making new connections through his children's school, his wife's program, and his own work in podcasting and journalism.

Lessons in Adaptation and Community Building

The Rosen family's journey offers valuable insights for anyone considering a similar move or simply looking to embrace change in their lives:

1. Embrace the temporary: The family's approach of viewing this as a one-year adventure allows them to fully immerse themselves in the experience without the pressure of permanence.

2. Leverage technology and resources: From Facebook groups to specialized relocation services, the Rosens have utilized various tools to make their transition smoother.

3. Maintain an open mind: Zak's enthusiasm for meeting new people and experiencing a different way of life is inspiring. His advice to "talk to strangers" is a reminder of the enriching experiences that can come from stepping out of our comfort zones.

4. Balance the old and the new: While excited about their new adventure, the family is also mindful of maintaining connections with their community back in Detroit.

5. See challenges as opportunities: Whether it's navigating a new city by bike or learning to live with less, the family views these changes as chances for personal growth.

The Best Advice

Interestingly, Zak's podcast, The Best Advice Show, seems perfectly suited for this new chapter in his life. As he collects and shares bite-sized pieces of wisdom from various guests, he's positioning himself to gather a wealth of insights from his experiences in Amsterdam.

His own piece of advice – to simply say "You're welcome" when thanked – is a reminder of the power of small gestures in building connections and fostering positivity.

As the Rosen family embarks on their Amsterdam adventure, they serve as an inspiration for those considering similar leaps. Their story reminds us that with careful planning, an open mind, and a willingness to embrace change, we can create extraordinary experiences for ourselves and our families. Whether it's moving across the world or simply trying something new in our own communities, there's always an opportunity for growth and discovery.

10 Fun Facts about Detroit:

1. Detroit is known as the "Motor City" due to its historical significance in the automotive industry.

2. It's the birthplace of Motown music, techno, and garage rock.

3. Detroit has a 1,000-acre island park called Belle Isle, designed by the same landscape architect as New York's Central Park.

4. The city is home to one of the most vibrant urban agriculture scenes in the world.

5. Detroit was the first city in the United States to assign individual telephone numbers.

6. It's the only U.S. city where you can look south to Canada.

7. Detroit has the second-largest theater district in the United States, after New York City.

8. The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in America to use barless exhibits.

9. Detroit is home to the largest Masonic Temple in the world.

10. The Detroit Red Wings hockey team has won more Stanley Cups than any other American NHL team.

10 Fun Facts about Amsterdam, Netherlands:

1. There are more bicycles than people in Amsterdam.

2. Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometers of canals, with about 1,500 bridges.

3. The narrowest house in Amsterdam is only 2.02 meters wide.

4. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is actually 4.5 meters below sea level.

5. The Anne Frank House is one of the city's most visited museums.

6. Amsterdam has more museums per capita than any other city in the world.

7. The city's stock exchange is the oldest in the world, established in 1602.

8. Contrary to popular belief, tulips are not native to the Netherlands - they were imported from Turkey.

9. Amsterdam has a floating flower market that's been in operation since 1862.

10. The city is home to more than 180 different nationalities, making it one of the most diverse cities in Europe.