HOTELDEBOTEL - JESSE & HOLLAND
Hoteldebotel is a Yiddish expression in Dutch. It means “(madly) in love” and it’s CASA’s favourite saying in celebrating the love month.
Hotel Casa, home to 360 students from September to May, is more than just a place to live – it’s a crossroads for cultures. Some students, like Jesse and Holland, have the opportunity to stay over the summer to work and extend their stay. Holland is from the USA and came to Amsterdam to explore her heritage, while Jesse is a Dutch local. Last summer, they spend so much time together that their CASA bond grew into love. Let’s get to know them!
Hi guys! Let’s start with the most obvious question: How did you guys meet?
Holland: “We met last summer, in 2024. Since you can keep your student room at CASA during the summer if you’re working at the hotel, it made sense for me to continue working in the meeting and events department to avoid the hassle of moving my things back to the U.S. temporarily. There were about 30 students staying the summer in total, but I was fortunate to get very close to a smaller group of about eight or nine of them. Jesse was, of course, one of them (laughs).”
Jesse: “The first time I remember starting to like Holland as more than a friend was when we all went out to a bar one night. When Holland went up to grab some drinks, a friend of mine told me, ‘You know, she likes you, right?’ and after that, everything changed.”
Holland: “Haha, it’s true. I have no problem with “making the first move,” if that’s what it takes, and I remember being really impressed with Jesse from the start. He just stands out from other guys in a special way and totally matches my playfulness, which I think is fun.”
Jesse: “I’m glad we had that summer as friends before we started dating. As we were joking around from the beginning it was fun to get to know you in that way ‘as a friend’ first.”
Holland, you’re from the USA, and Jesse, you’re from the Netherlands. Does your cultural background and language affect your relationship in any way?
Holland: “That’s right, I’m originally from Portland, Oregon, which is similar to Amsterdam in certain ways, like our often rainy weather and bike-friendliness, but also very different in others, which can sometimes feel a bit challenging.”
Jesse: “It’s definitely interesting because there’s so much to learn about each other’s cultures. You get curious about why the other person does things in a certain way, and that’s a fun part of the process – understanding where you’re both coming from.”
Holland: “Speaking of cultural exchange, Jesse visited me in Portland over Christmas, and I really appreciated how he dove right into getting to know my family and my background. My mom was so excited about him visiting, even before it was officially confirmed!”
Jesse: “Even though we haven’t been together for that long, it was important to me to visit her home in the U.S. in order to truly understand where she was coming from. Of course, there are challenges coming from different places, too. I know for Holland, it’s not always easy fitting into a mostly Dutch-speaking environment, which, for me, isn’t a struggle at all.
Holland: “I’m fortunate that I’m a pretty confident person, and mostly, I enjoy the challenge that comes from living and studying here. Already, I feel like I can understand a fair amount of Dutch, too. But it’s true that there are moments when I feel a bit left out not being able to participate fully in the conversation. I’m really motivated to improve my Dutch, especially since it’s part of my heritage. My Oma is Dutch and moved to the U.S. around the same age I am now, so I feel like I’m honouring her and my name by being here.
So, if you had to pick your absolute favorite spot in CASA, where would you go to hang out or get some work done?
Jesse: “Oh, without a doubt, the vide! It’s just such a great spot, whether I’m working or just chilling with friends. It’s the first floor of CASA, and it’s got this perfect mix of cosy lounge chairs and work desks. It’s always buzzing with energy, but still feels like a relaxed place to be.”
Holland: “I totally agree about the vide! But if I’m not there, you’ll probably find me at Specialty Coffee Bar EAST. The vibe there is amazing. The staff is super friendly, and it’s just such a welcoming, warm atmosphere.
What’s your ultimate tip for a perfect date in the city?
Holland: “One of our favourite things is exposing each other to foods we’ve never tried before. For example, on our first date, he took me to an Indonesian restaurant in the city, and since then, I’ve taken him to an Ethiopian, Korean, and Indian restaurant! We’re fortunate to live in Amsterdam, a place where there are so many diverse restaurants and always new dishes to try.”
Jesse: “I totally agree with Holland, but I’d add that Theatre Tuschinski is a fantastic date spot, too. We went there to see “It Ends With Us”, and it was such a special experience. The cinema itself is beautiful, and it’s a great way to enjoy a movie in a unique, cosy setting.”
Holland: “Yes! That place is so magical. Even the vintage popcorn cart amazed me. It’s a great tip.”
What’s the most beautiful place in Amsterdam to go to?
Jesse: “Haha, definitely Holland’s room!” (Both laugh)
Holland: (Laughs) “Can I say a friend’s house? Is that weird? He lives right across from Central Station, and the view from this place is honestly one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. I’m a sucker for great views. I really appreciate natural light, which is also why I love the vide at CASA so much. I also love studying at the Central Library for that reason. As for the city itself, I love De Pijp. I’m drawn to places where the houses have that old, charming vibe. I just adore the scenic parts of Amsterdam.
Jesse: “Oh, I totally get that. For me, on a sunny day, the Ringdijk is one of my favourite spots. It’s the canal next to Hotel Casa. There’s something so relaxing about lying on the grass and just watching people go by. But I also love the A’DAM Lookout in Amsterdam North. The view over the city from there is absolutely breathtaking. I’ll have to take you there next, Holland.”
Thats it! Thank you so much for your time.
Holland & Jesse: “You’re welcome!”
OUR
BLOGS
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Hoteldebotel – Jesse & Holland
Meet Jesse & Holland, two students living in CASA who met over summer while working in the hotel. Discover their story!
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