2023 YEAR IN REVIEW + 10K SUBS CELEBRATION 🥳 (our life in the netherlands)

In this episode, Michelle and Alex celebrate the milestone of reaching 10,000 subscribers on KZbin (thank y'all so much for your support ❤️❤️❤️) and review the craziness that was 2023. Plus: they review your assumptions about them (true or not true?!), go through the weirdest comments they received on their videos this year, and finally, give you a sneak peek of their plans for 2024.
Episode 111 · Filmed on December 12, 2023 · Dordrecht, the Netherlands
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📸 Follow us on Instagram! / buncharted
0:00 Introduction
0:54 Let's celebrate with slagroomtaart!
2:37 What happened in 2023?
3:06 Michelle's favorite video
3:43 Alex's favorite video
4:08 The most popular video
4:24 Our least popular video
5:10 Your assumptions about us...
5:27 Re-introducing our cats
5:37 Assumption 1
5:47 Assumption 2
6:02 Assumption 3
6:26 Assumption 4
6:49 Assumption 5
7:11 Assumption 6
7:19 Assumption 7
7:26 Assumption 8
8:08 Assumption 9
8:23 The saddest tree reveal
9:12 Our most unhinged comments
9:36 Comment 1
9:42 Comment 2
9:55 Comment 3
10:03 Comment 4
10:29 Comment 5
10:49 Comment 6
11:01 Comment 7
11:22 Comment 8
11:30 Comments 9, 10, and 11
11:57 What are our plans for 2024?
13:10 Please don't make fun of us...
13:28 Wrap up
#netherlands #expatlife #yearinreview
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WHO IS BUNCHARTED?
We're Michelle and Alex, an American expat couple living abroad in the Netherlands. 🇳🇱
In 2020, we quit our jobs to travel the world, and... well, that didn't happen. So in 2022, we decided to make an even BIGGER change: to pack up our lives (and our cats 🐈) and move from Austin, Texas, in the United States, to the Netherlands. Subscribe for new videos like this every week!

[@JOSBXXXX]

I'll compliment you on your Dutch, I say, keep it up and just do it. When people laugh at you, it is their own insecurity. Have a great 2024 and may all your positive wishes come true. See you next year and have a safe trip to the US

[@MartijnPennings]

I agree! The pronunciation is really not bad for someone who just started learning dutch!

[@sandyb4966]

Michelle, love your Takkie sweater. you are becomming a real HEMA fan. Congrats on 10.000 subscribers.

[@jeffafa3096]

Your content is great, I like all the quirky interactions, the random adventures, and all the fun you have together! It's wholesome, funny and relatable content, and I hope you keep doing what you're doing! Go visit everything, be quirky, enjoy it all! Your stories inspire me to visit stuff too ❤ edit: Je Nederlands is goed Michelle, maar blijven oefenen! Goed bezig!

[@user-xi6nk4xs4s]

Michelle, Alex, thank you for giving me (and I think I can say us), a lot of pleasure over the last year. As long as you keep on being yourself, I'm sure we're in for some more treats next year. Enjoy the Christmas time back in the US of A and all the best for 2024.

[@CakeboyRiP]

"Great cake - good price" sounds Duttch to me 😂 Congrats on 10k subs 🎉🎉🎉 As promised before i'm happy to bake you a cake when you hit 25k

[@Hallodaarheyjijdaar]

It's so nice to see you react to dutch things in general. Can be food, cities, places whatever. It gives a bit of a proud feeling that people are seeing are little country. So that type of content would be great to keep making!

[@ON-YT]

Awesome how the channel took off. You two deserved it!

[@ptbd]

You guys have been my dinner companion quite a lot. Congrats on the year you've had. I love your personalities and the vibes you give. That's why it's a no brainer to click when I see an upload.

[@buncharted]

❤️❤️❤️ thank you!

[@Lilygirl283]

​@buncharted i have to agree, my husband loves your videos as well, we are always waiting for those cheeky comments..😉

[@peterf1]

You guys have so earned a strong following. Silly, funny and always engaging. You make the challenge of moving to a new place look entirely fun, and there's a nice balance between being surprised and entertained by a new culture, and also being respectful of it. All the best for '24.

[@RutgertheFarmer]

Bedankt voor de leuke content dit jaar! Your Dutch is getting pretty spot on, even the Dutch outro was right in most ways :) keep it up. You don't come across dumb or ignorant at all. Just enthousiastic and genuine, also when there is something you've never seen or experienced. Strange how some people view /interpret behaviour haha :p. I look forward to your videos in 2024! Have lots of fun trips and if you feel like grabbing a coffee 'n chat in Heerenveen when traveling through to a Wadden Island, voel je welkom! ;) Happy Holidays! 🎉

[@robinjansen6891]

Thank you for speaking Dutch. It is very much appreciated. Compliments for your beautiful and elegant pronunciation. It's wonderful to listen to.

[@henk4465]

Geweldig stuk Nederlands Michelle... Very well done and I love to see your videos in 2024, they are very fun to watch.. oh and congrats to the 10K 🥳🥳

[@tvaandering]

Gefeliciteerd met de 10.000 abonnees. Helemaal verdiend. Jullie video's zijn leuk en onderhoudend. Plus, ik dacht dat ik heus veel gezien had in Nederland, maar jullie laten mij dingen zien die ik nog niet wist. De combinatie van eten en reizen is erg ok. Tot slot: alvast een fijne vakantie gewenst in jullie thuisland, fijne Kerstdagen en alvast een goed '24.

[@macbosch64]

Congrats with so many subscribers, well deserved. Your videos are informative and fun to watch. And it is awesome to see/ hear you speak Dutch so well in such a short time. Looking forward to 2024. Have a merry Christmas and I wish you all the best for 2024.

[@GernickKuik]

Have fun in the US, we'll see you when you get back home to Hema country

[@worldofnuance]

Congratulations! Nice to see you hit this big milestone. Really enjoy getting to see your videos when I can. 👍

[@hummel3479]

It is always fun watching you two. Greetings from Roermond

[@martyw]

Congrats on the first milestone :). Some tips for next videos I would like to see: - dive into Dutch family life, e.g. by attending a birthday party where we sit around the table (in een kring) - explore Dutch subcultures, for instance take your camper van to a winter camp-site, or visit a cosgame event such as Castle Fest (in Keukenhof) - visit a regional festivity such as Sint Maarten (November 11th, Noord Holland only)

[@Perriax]

Grats on the 10k guys, best wishes for 2024!! It's dinner time so I'll go eat some animal protein both ways... I guess?.. 😕

[@eddieh1530]

Don't stress you make fun and good shows. :)

[@ooSicknesSoo]

One of the best things of your video's/you two, is that you do your video's truly as a couple/duo. I seen alot of video's of two people together, where one is alot more on the foreground, or alot more speaking then the other. The teamplay of you two is realy well done! Keep it up!

[@rikthefrog]

One thing first you are not ignorant on the Netherlands at all. For Americans you are super open minded and interested in other cultures. I lived in the US for 2 years so I think I kind of know 😉. Your videos are fun and it looks you enjoy making them. Keep up the good work and ignore the haters. Looking forward to 2024.

[@bingbong6066]

I'm just glad you guys went down this rabbit hole of "dutch american travel vlogs" such a specific idea to make video's about. But the effort is noted!

[@mhjmstultiens]

The "great cake, good price!" comment was so funny. You'll do fine in our country haha. Keep it up, love your spontaneity and vibe together.

[@MichelBaek]

Congrats! This is now a 12K celebration. You make great videos. I watched American Dad but never compared you with Roger. Did Michelle ever got compared with a cartoon character in the comments or real life? I hope you explore every corner of NL next year including the Caribbean islands. Have fun with your family. Merry Christmas 🎉. ❤❤❤

[@buncharted]

i don’t think so! can you think of a cartoon character that she looks like? and merry christmas to you as well! 🎄

[@janjanssen9629]

Congrats… you gave Going Dutch a new twist… keep having fun…

[@wilco8729]

Congratulations with your 10.000 subscribers. Up to 20.000 i say😊. It was fun to watch your video again. And your dutch is pretty good.

[@dalebroyles8833]

I spent a week in Zandvoort in November. I am so happy for you two for living your dream and moving to the Netherlands. Such a beautiful country and the bread and cheese is wonderful!

[@marcelmichorius2298]

First of all, you bring nice video's and you both are not afraid to try all new things that are thrown at you. It can be understood that moving to another country, and even continent will have its hiccups or even shock. But the Dutch have a saying that says, "'s Lands wijs, 's lands eer" It means that every country has its own customs and traditions. It is an encouragement to respect the culture of another country, even if it is different from your own. And that attitude made this small country so rich. By understanding their customs we could make great deals in the past and made us merchants to be reckoned with. You can still see this in our culture, a no-nonsense approach. (Direct) I love you two in your video's, you can see that there is love. And when you two decide to have children, they will say at a later age, we had good parents.(Hoping you are not fighting off camera 😂)

[@sommid]

Thank you guys for all the great content during 2023….l’m sure you will nail it in 2024. Have a safe trip back to the USA, enjoy your stay with family during Xmas, and make sure you both come back to this YT channel. Proost!

[@ElMariachi1337]

Thanks for 2023 and enjoy your times back in the states. Would be nice to start 2024 off with a vid of some of the US reverse culure shocks or maybe some things you actually miss from the US but didn't realize until you were back there.

[@buncharted]

coming soon 😁

[@vanderquast]

Great that you think about buying a house in The Netherlands👍We can be proud that you both want to stay longer in our rainy country 😊

[@rudyloedeman5730]

Congrats on the 10k (12k) followers. Please be yourself, there are enough others in the world. I think it's refreshing to watch your content. Off course it's always good to improve in quality however it will definitely increase your workload

[@Mer-ec2qh]

Hihi what strange reactions you sometimes get under your videos. Some people are just that simple!! Great to see that you turn tis aroud so positively with a smile. And the fact that you always take the trouble to speak Dutch, respect! Is very much appreciated. Happy Holidays !

[@royklein9206]

Well I for one, am very glad to have witnessed this first year with you guys! I guess I'm in the group that loves all your videos, don't exactly know why but I do... Congrarulations on 10k and have a great holidays at home!! We'll be jere waiting when you come back😊❤

[@letstry46]

Happy holidays and a healthy 2024. See you next year! Greetz from Apeldoorn

[@tubularap]

It was a good year, with you two. And any length or subject of your videos was fine. At the end of next year you should compare your Dutch pronunciation with that of this year. Inevitably we will be stunned.

[@Haroekoe]

You are funny, and you obviously love one another. There was a lot of humour in the way you responded to some remarks. On those negativity: people definitely have way to much time if they rather comment than swiping further if they don't like your posts. I swipe away a lot of videos, but subscribed to yours. Hope your visit „home" was fine, and that someday you may regard the Netherlands „home"? Good luck with the residential permit. Have a great 2024 !

[@ShirleyxLandewee]

Congrats 10 k or 12 k by now already. 🎉😊

[@benjaminobrien429]

Love you guys! I would personally love to see a few videos in 2024 (maybe once every 3 months or so) updating us on your Dutch language journey!

[@alexanderproost7570]

Thank you for the enjoyable and also informative videos for Dutch citizen. I also like hearing about what surprises you in the Netherlands and how you perceive cultural differences. Do you also meet Dutch people? The videos always feature just the two of you."

[@_maghetweten]

Gefeliciteerd met 10k meanwhile 12.5k is rapidly approaching! 🎉 Anyway: try different Dutch music festivals. Go festival season. Like Pinkpop, Lowlands stuff like that. Don't know if you are into beer brewery tours. If so: visit Hertog Jan in Arcen nearby Venlo / Maastricht. Try after visiting the provincies some regional food. Suikerbrood from Friesland, Groninger koek from Groningen, Drenthe/Twente krentenwegge, there is a bunch of typical traditional food from each part. Makes up for a new video in regards to what to try as food. Enjoy Christmas and happy New years eve y'all! 🎄🎆🎇

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Grolsch brouwerij goated

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Oh and try a tour of all the small breweries in towns like Delft, you will have to crawl home

[@gra3341]

Thanks for all the fun videos you've made this year! You've visited Tilburg during the kermis this year, visit us again coming February for Carnaval. Merry Christmas and a blessed 2024!

[@albertlay8927]

You could visit regions rather than cities. Like the Achterhoek, the Betuwe (in the spring), Zuid-Limburg (not just Maastricht), the Veluwe. A camper would be useful here, together with your rusty bikes. It would be more about discovering villages and landscapes. Not so much about food, so bring your own boterhammetjes. And/or visit events, like Leidens Ontzet in Leiden, the Vierdaagse (both the marches and the festivities) in and around Nijmegen, and what else you can find. There will usually be food.

[@Dex112]

Wow wat is jou Nederlands al goed Michelle.. Fijne kerstdagen in the States samen, en tot volgend jaar.

[@JohnLewis-old]

Thanks for sharing your lives online, I've been here about the same amount of time as you, but my life is very different. I enjoy watching you two discover the country at the same pace I am. (Although your Dutch is WAY better than mine.)

[@MartijnPennings]

Have you thought about taking a museumkaart? It's a yearly subscription that costs around €75 and grants you access to about 500 museums! I would bet that in each city you visit there are at least a couple museums included and because you don't have to pay for entrance you can spend as much or as little time you want. Also, since you're learning Dutch, it would be fun to review some popular children's books (like Jip en Janneke). It's a great way to practice your skills. Or watch some classic Dutch films (with subtitles of course). I would recommend Flodder (1986), Turks Fruit (1973) and Soldaat van Oranje (1979) as part of your integration process into Dutch culture.

[@koolklem7889]

I guess you could do more Cost of living videos, or more guides for expats (tax, residence permit, renting or buying a home...).

[@bardmann]

Congratz! Started following you guys this year… as a Belgian it’s funny to see how Americans are doing in NL! Happy newyear, and more in 2024! 🥳

[@marcobreur.]

Gefeliciflapstaart

[@Siriusly_Sirius]

Congrats to a great year and 10k subs! (and thank you to the algorithm for suggesting Buncharted close to a year ago!) Y’all are so fun and adorable! Here’s to another great year for you two! 🥃

[@buncharted]

🍻

[@tns5044]

I'm honestly impressed by your progress in learning to speak Dutch. Those sounds must be challenging to pronounce. Also, thanks for an enjoyable year, have a great Christmas!

[@matthijs73]

Pfew! They forgot about my AH pancake comment! Got away with it this time! :) Hope to see lots of videos in 2024 and happy holidays!

[@drmcfacekick8912]

Yayyy! 🎉 I found y'all on Reddit and subbed immediately. Thanks for a fun journey!

[@ronschellekens5111]

Oh wow, your Dutch is really improving! I like the idea of longer vlogs, and see you two explore more of the cities. And congratz on the 10k subscribers. Are you gonna vlog in the States?

[@buncharted]

not a proper vlog but we’re going to work on a reverse culture shock video!

[@Eric_Maastricht]

Proficiat met jullie score! Suggestie voor carnaval: in grote lijnen wordt carnaval behoorlijk verschillend gevierd in Brabant vs. Limburg, maar het is hoe dan ook uitbundig. Zonder Brabant te kort te willen doen, Limburg, zeker Zuid-Limburg, gaat zich te buiten aan zelfgemaakte costuums! Welke plaats(en) jullie ook gaan bezoeken, probeer van te voren uit te zoeken wanneer en waar er optochten zijn. Carnavalsoptochten zijn vaak met veel fanfarebands en praalwagens (E: floats). Uitzondering is Maastricht (mijn woonplaats) waar op carnavalszondagmiddag de "Bonte Storm" in een optocht van zeker 2 uur langskomt. Suggesties voor 2024 bezoekjes: 1. Enkhuizen en dan Hoorn. Heel klassiek Hollands -al noemen ze het geloof ik ook West-Fries- en uitstekend met de trein te bereiken vanuit Dordt. 2. Dokkum. Prachtige kleine stad, alleen geen treinstation. Dus bus. Misschien als jullie camper Friesland gaat aandoen? 3. Sneek. Ook Friesland, wel treinstation. Alleen, net als Dokkum, niet op één dag heen en weer vanuit Dordrecht te doen vanwege de reistijd. 4. Verder: Amersfoort, Roermond. Oude centra; goed bereikbaar met de trein. 5. Al genoemd door anderen en aanbevolen: openluchtmuseum in Arnhem. Tip: Willen jullie al bezochte steden diepgaander bezoeken (of is dat onderzoeken ;-) ), kijk naar de sites van de lokale toeristenorganisatie, in Nederland heet het meestal VVV. Fijne Feestdagen en een goeie roetsj in het nuie jaor! (*) (*) zo klinkt dat in de Zuid-Limburgse dialecten... Groetjes, Eric

[@robvorstermans9248]

Have a great Christmas back home and follow you again in 2024, I like you.

[@ramonamaramis]

Lieve Michelle en Alex, dankjewel for being such witty gem on the interwebs. Keep up the good work in '24; create the content you love and we promise to love it back, buy yourself a gezellig huis with kattenluikje voor the cats and i promise to ignore your current bike situation for a while😉. Enjoy your xmas holidays in the States en tot volgend jaar!

[@EGO0808]

No matter what you both do or where you go, it will be fun to watch you both going and doing so.❤😂

[@Richard-Volvo65]

Congrats you are realy nice people. Keep the good work up. And respect Michelle at the end for your Dutch.

[@dahemper]

10K!! #deserved #yall

[@nyoko2926]

You guys deserve the +10.000 subscribers dubbel en dwars! And you also have a lot of love to give (in the comments) 💖 I wish you all the best for the future, I'll keep watching 🥰

[@razorsharp9850]

Well deserved! That slagroomtaart is good by the way. You’ve become one of my favorite YT channels. As a Dutch person traveling a lot to the US, again for work 9 months next year, I know both sides of the pond and that makes it a lot of fun. You also have great personalities and make lighthearted fun content. Also what I like is that you don’t cut everything out which makes it only better.

[@MattijsvDulk]

So happy for you two. Congratulations and I am a proud subscriber too and been that almost since the beginning. I am also planning to do some of your trips too. Keep up the good work!

[@SuperDutchjohn]

I have maybe a tip for you for a visit in 2024 since you like to eat ...........why don't you consider a diner at the most famous restaurant in The Netherlands? It is called The Librije and is located in Zwolle, it has 3 Michelin stars, you can even stay the night there and also have a 3 star breakfast than. Mind you, it isn't cheap, however, it lifts your "food experience" to another level. I wish you both Happy Holidays with your family and all the best and good health for 2024!

[@wvonk9636]

Just fun to see my home country through your eyes. You got me "in" with the first video i came across, which was made in dordrecht like 1 km from my house, across the river.

[@koolklem7889]

I guess I'm following since the Moving to the Netherlands video 😮 Your hard work paid off. Take care and Gefeliciteerd ❤

[@kel85uk]

Do come back to Delft and cover more of it. Looking forward to the longer length videos. :-) Happy holidays and many congratulations!

[@liavanson8687]

Complimenten voor je Nederlands Michelle ! Echt super goed ❤

[@WhoIsRamsey]

Congrats and well deserved. You two have such a great and fun life.

[@ruudbremer]

safe travels and enjoy your break. Happy holidays and see you guys in 2024.

[@DJWezzyK]

Great try to speak Dutch. I can see you are still struggeling but to see you improve is the kind of content you should also post. It is a interesting journey for the Dutch audiences. Gelukkig Nieuwjaar and Good Luck on New Years Eve. Also, get some oliebollen and Champagne and some LEGAL Fireworks (Just stars will do).

[@DennisBer]

Can't wait for the videos coming in 2024!!

[@corneliskunkeler363]

I am a Dordtenaar but moved with my family to Sweden 22 years ago. If there is one thing I miss it is the food, Brokking, Indonesian food etc may I suggest the restaurant on the Jagerweg. If you haven't been there, try it. Have you visited Sweden?

[@climbersisyphus]

I haven't watched liked all your videos and didnt realize you were doing 2 a week! That's impressive and a lot of commitment. I really enjoy your videos and your quirky weirdness. You have a youthfulness and happiness that is infectious and I associate the Netherlands with happiness and the ability to live freely. I'm planning to move there too in 2024 so your content was definitely encouraging and just to be tongue in cheek I'll say, "if these two idiots can do it so can I." and I mean that in a non-mean spirited way. Keep up the good work!

[@buncharted]

haha it’s so true though 😂

[@AlbertBos-rz2vs]

Happy holidays and enjoy the trip home back. Looking forward to watch the new videos in 2024.

[@Species6079]

Ik hoop dat jullie ook een paar video's maken wanneer jullie "thuis" in de U.S.A. zijn. Ik wens jullie een fijne vakantie en gezellige feestdagen! Tot het nieuwe jaar! 🖖

[@mver191]

Jullie Nederlands gaat al flink vooruit! Probeer eens een video te maken waarin jullie alleen maar Nederlands spreken (dus ook bestellen etc in Nederlands)! Daarnaast zou je niet zeggen dat jullie pas een jaar een youtube kanaal hebben. Jullie komen heel professioneel over! Fijne kerst en een gelukkig nieuwjaar!

[@MartinWebNatures]

Already 12K guys. Congratulations🎉🎉

[@ilonkagootjes858]

🎉10000 + already. Nice! Merry Christmas, have save trip.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Im glad to say I subscribed today. You seem like nice people and props on you for actually learning Dutch when everyone here speaks English (sometimes badly)

[@makki71]

Yes Harlingen, I live there !

[@1977stekel]

Thanks for the nice video's, just keep it like this,I really enjoy all of them. Have a great trip back home, and keep it up for 2024!!

[@xentothemoon]

10K+ subs. Congratulations! Suggestions tovisit: de Waddeneilanden: Texel etc. Sonsbeek park in Arnhem, water falls, (in May, many Rhododendrons). The most beautiful parc in the Netherlands. 🌸🌳 If you need more info, I can show you around.

[@Krystalfaye]

Thanks for your videos. They really helped me feel not so scared about my family moving here and made me look forward to the adventures we will have here. Plus, super helpful for places to go and yummy food to try! I’m going to see if the Hema near me has that tart, it looked really good!

[@PienB]

Gefeliciteerd! Altijd leuk om jullie video’s te kijken! Tip: Heusden (vesting) is een mooi oud stadje. Met een mooie haven en een oude geschidennis!

[@claraoswald_121]

Congratz!! (And Michelle, your sweater rocks! I love takkie ❤)

[@katycatjulius]

Good job on speaking dutch at the end 😀, have a great time with your families and a great rest of the year. And hopefully a good 2024

[@megamusictuber6017]

Congrats guys 🥳

[@mariskavandasselaarofficial]

Van harte gefeliciteerd met jullie ruim 12.000 abonnees! I love your content and you are such a lovely couple. I feel like I could have known you in real life. I am looking forward to your future video's.

[@Sanne_Sanne]

Congratulations you guys! 🎉🎉

[@Krushernl]

Happy holidays and safe new years! Looking forward to longer vids ☺

[@bepsnet]

Leuk filmpje hoor, en je Nederlands is al verstaanbaar goed. Wat een nare opmerkingen kunnen mensen geven. Jullie zijn slimmer dan degene die schreef dat jullie erg dom waren. Kunnen zij doen wat jullie al gedaan hebben? Het is jaloezie, dus blijf lekker doen wat jullie doen en geniet van elkaar en ons landje of het buitenland net wat jullie willen. Veel plezier saampjes en fijne feestdagen. 🎄🎅🏼

[@mrtops77]

congratzzz michelle and alex

[@Nucleosynthese]

Great year guys 👍 - You seem to really love what you do.

[@alpenroseable]

you bring me in good mood thank you

[@_EveningFalls_]

Gefeliciteerd 🎉🎈🥳

[@peterjanssen2105]

Congratulations on the 10K and thank you for your fun and interesting videos every time

[@Dutchbelg3]

Jullie zijn echt wel een heel leuk koppel! Ik geniet van elke video. En dat jullie videos niet allemaal evenveel bekeken worden... Dat is het leven : niet elke dag is een hoogtepunt! So can you translate this? (Sure Google translate will do the job 😛) Those unhinged comments.. pffff there will always be acid peeing people...

[@peternogwat7576]

Gefeliciteerd!