Betul

June 8th 2008

Age: 24
Nationality: Turkish, Dutch
Occupation: Student
In Amsterdam: 24 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
I live still at home with my parents. I have three sisters
and one brother. I am studying and working. I want to be
a pedagogue.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Watch football games, listen to music, hanging out with
friends and investigate things.

Hélène Alti-Diao

June 8th 2008

Age: 29
Nationality: Burkinabè, French
Occupation: Export function: customer service
In Amsterdam: 5 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Love!!

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Cycling, going out with friends, eat appeltaart,
movies and parties.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
There are many different styles, from very casual to totally funky.
They dare to do more with colors than in France, but it isn’t
always very stylish; more provocative than anything else actually.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Not that much, except that I always have an umbrella in my bag.
I do not mind wearing mini-skirts now, while in France people
are more conservative about showing their legs - and in
Burkina-Faso even more.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Not really, although I am now totally addicted to cycling, and
convinced that if the whole world would cycle as much as people
do in Holland, we will not hear anymore about global warming...
Now I really consider my bike as part of myself.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I’m not surprised, Amsterdam is a great mix of people, that’s
what makes Amsterdam so special; very different from the
rest of Holland.

Younes Mracha

June 8th 2008

Age: 29
Nationality: Maroccan, Dutch
In Amsterdam: 4 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
To find new challenges and because of work.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Sports, enjoying, reading, music and theatre.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Strong and divers.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability?
I am not aware of any changes but I do think so. Your surroundings
do form a part of you...

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture or
by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
No, not specifically by Amsterdam, I guess it has it’s influence
but there are more factors that have influence like the people
around you and the time you are living in.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I think it has formed Amsterdam now, but also before. The Dutch
people are Calvinistic people who think acceptance is most
important. This made Amsterdam to what it is now, something
unique.

Rico

June 8th 2008
nationality: Surinam

Robson Petronio Lima

June 8th 2008

Age: 43
Nationality: Brazilian
Occupation: Waiter
In Amsterdam: 5 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
I wanted to get away from the village in Limburg
where I used to live.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Photography, painting.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Interesting, diverse; sometimes I just think that they have very
bad taste.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
My style has changed. I am more relaxed in the way I dress.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Yes, I have become more open minded related with respect
for individual behavior.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I knew that there are many cultures in Amsterdam. I don’t think
that the culture has been influenced because each culture is
very closed and the cultures don’t seem to mix.

Tamara Vierbergen

may 17th 2008

nationality: ugandese

Craig Terence Williams

May 17th 2008

Age: 34
Nationality: Welsh, British
Occupation: Graphic designer
In Amsterdam: 2 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Job, Wieden+Kennedy.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Cycling, visiting exhibitions, exploring and hanging
with my daughter.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Some cool, some strange and some great.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Absolutely not.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Only for graphic design and arts. I also love the architecture.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I knew it had a lot but not that many. I think it has always had it’s
unique presence in style and culture. Fashion wise it seems to
be a bit behind the major cities. I lived in London for 10 years so
nothing really surprises me except the rich Dutch guy’s with Pink
shirts, army trousers and cowboy boots. I do think there is a rich
culture here, the same as in any other major city with a history.