American John Mahnen is a sports marketeer, a Eurosport commentator and helps out at the Dutch-American football association. He has been in the Netherlands half his life.

How did you end up in the Netherlands?
I originally came here for graduate school. I received a master’s degree in International Business Administration from Nyenrode.

How do you describe yourself – an expat, lovepat, immigrant, international, etc – and why?
That’s a really difficult question! I suppose I fit the immigrant model at this point but I don’t rule out a return to the US. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, I had a hunch I would end up in a bigger city. It just did not turn out to be Chicago!

How long do you plan to stay?
Until the housing market has rebounded, I don’t even need to think about that one!

Do you speak Dutch and how did you learn?
I do speak passable Dutch. I do commentary for Eurosport and the viewers haven’t run me off the air yet! I learned by watching Sesame Street on TV then moved to the news and graduated listening to Radio 1.

What’s your favourite Dutch food?
Ewrtensoep (pea soup). I make my own and I’ve gotten pretty good at it. It’s part of what makes winter so special here in the Netherlands.

What do you miss about back home?
I miss sports being on TV at reasonable hours. Since I still follow American sports, I sometimes end up watching games after they have been played.

How Dutch have you become?
I like herring with a jonge borrel, watch the speed skating on TV and complain about the weather with the best of them. On the other hand, I still love making chili, follow the Yankees and I am very involved in American Football – so it would seem I am straddling cultures.

What’s your top tourist tip?
I don’t think the Begijnhof is a big secret anymore so I’ll divulge the newest spot most tourists don’t know – the public library! You can have lunch for a very reasonable price at La Place on the 7^th floor of the OBA and enjoy a perfect view of the city!

Tell us something surprising you’ve found out about the Netherlands.
I think sports fans are even more committed to their teams than their counterparts in America. What else could explain the fans at NAC Breda who support their team year in, year out without the faintest chance of ever winning the title? Then again, as a Cleveland Browns fan, I can relate.

If you had just 24 hours left in the Netherlands, what would you do?
I’d have a look at the Nachtwacht and them make my way through the Leidseplein to the Singel where I’d light a candle in the Krijtberg. Then I would have a broodje halfom nearby the Spui, followed by a beer in ‘t Dokterje in the Rosemboomsteeg and perhaps a kopstootje at Bols before heading off to the Concertgebouw for an evening of music.

John Mahnen is a partner in HEG Consult, a  business development consultancy, focusing primarily on sports marketing.