Apartment Tour: 400-year-old Dutch Canal House (Amsterdam) | 1,950€ per month

What is it like to to live in a 400-year-old Dutch canal house in Amsterdam 🇳🇱? Come take a tour inside my home-a 17th century canal house on the Singel canal in Amsterdam.
💡Apartment info:
- Singel canal
- 2 bedrooms, 1 bath (75m2)
- 1950€/month (975€/person) including utilities, internet, city tax, cleaner
- Furnished
Thanks to Albert for helping me film. Check out his channel = / @albertstevanus
📌 Check out my videos:
🇳🇱 How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam? • How much does it cost ...
🇺🇸 Why I left California for Europe: • Why I left California ...
🇳🇱 6 Reasons Why the Dutch are Happier than Americans: • 6 Reasons Why the Dutc...
☕️ Support me with a coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/davidwen
🎵 Music found here: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
(Get a month free with my referral code)
Who am I? 😀
I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I grew up in San Francisco, studied and worked in LA, took a sabbatical around the world, and then packed my bags for Europe. I make videos about lifestyle design, hiking, and living/working/studying in the Netherlands.
☕️ Support me with a coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/davidwen

[@rebeccaalbrecht771]

Nice video. I moved to Utrecht from the USA in 2017 with my husband. We've never been happier. I've been learning Dutch but I still struggle to speak and understand. Dutch people have been very kind letting me practice with them.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Rebecca! Thanks for the kind words. Oh great to hear you two have never been happier (I can relate in many ways!). Are you taking Dutch classes or how are you learning? I took a virtual during COVID, but it was not very motivating to be on Zoom all day long. I’m hoping to do an in person one. But good for you and practicing with Dutch people (it’s so easy to just fall back on English because everyone speaks English here)

[@rebeccaalbrecht771]

@@hidavidwen I have taken Dutch classes, via zoom, online dutch courses, now I have a private weekly tutor, I have done two week long in-person intensive classes, and teach myself with grammar books I have picked up. I try to speak Dutch when I go to shops or with people I meet. I ask people to write down what they've said. Teaching myself from grammar books and from people I meet has been the best way for me to learn. The courses not so much.Have you been to the American Book Center bookstore in Amsterdam? They had a big selection, the last time I was there. You might find a book you like for continuing onto the next level. Good luck!

[@hidavidwen]

@@rebeccaalbrecht771 Wow I'm inspired by your discipline! I actually spent time over the past 2 years during COVID learning Spanish instead of Dutch! But I'd like to start learning Dutch again. Yes I love book stores and have been to the American Book Center many times! I'll have to pay another visit soon then =)

[@michellezevenaar]

A great habit is to watch dutch news daily. It's available online too. Follow a local dutch news channel is great for keeping up with what's happening in town. At5 is Amsterdam but most cities have there own.

[@rebeccaalbrecht771]

​@@michellezevenaar We have here in Utrecht RTV Utrecht and I've been sporadically watching stories in NOS Jeugdjournaal. I think I will follow them more regularly now thanks to your suggestion.

[@b.carrie837]

I remember renting a room in Amsterdam when I was a student for 200 gulden a month. Single pane windows, and the facade was leaning forward towards the streetside so much that the windows won’t open anymore in the summer. The rent has gone up crazy since then, absolutely unaffordable! I still remember the smell, the landlady kept like a hundred cats😂😂😂

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing...wow 200/month? How long ago was this? =) I don't think you can even rent a parking space for 200/month now haha

[@schwaiger1309]

I am into spirituality and stuff, and first this video has 111 comments which is a lucky number for me, and the message „you soon will experience a miracle“ just made me smile 😂 Beautiful apartment. And such a nice guy, too

[@hidavidwen]

Nice, it's a sign! A miracle will appear soon... Thanks for being 112 and appreciate the kinds words. Hope you have a wonderful day and week =)

[@OprechtLetterlijkBizar]

Wow what a great place you live in. I am Dutch but living in Switzerland (so an expat as well) and for some reason your video got recommended to me by KZbin. Thank you for showing your place and giving us a house tour. I’m sort of envious of you living in such a historical place… literally everything “breaths history” including those beautiful wooden beams in the ceiling. And yes, your rent is indeed a steal! Amazing (especially compared to Swiss prices lol, I pay double for a 50m2 one bedroom). And you’re right in the city center! I actually lived in SF for a year as well but back then my place had rent control and I rented a room for $450 in Inner Sunset… but that was in 2003, I suppose times have changed since then….Enjoy you time in Amsterdam!

[@hidavidwen]

Hey hey! Oh wow Switzerland, that is like another dream place for me to live (I miss the mountains)...how has it been living there for you? Haha yeah not sure how KZbin knows to recommend videos...but perhaps it knows that you are Dutch and I secretly dream of living in the Swiss Alps plus you lived in the Sunset (that's where I'm from!)...$450 for a room in San Francisco...yes things have definitely changed since then, houses in the Sunset are selling for almost $2 million and rent is like $3K/1 bedroom (of course still a bit cheaper in Sunset though!) Thanks!

[@laurenceluk418]

What a beautiful house. My friend and I visited the city exactly two years ago and we stayed in a hotel by the canal. Loving it and we walked across the canal houses everyday. Always thought that if we could live in one. Was planned to visit again in a few months after but of course it didn't happen. Please share more...... such a beautiful city!

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Laurence! Yeah it's such a magical experience. The city is beautiful. I hope you get to visit again!

[@WellbeingBooks]

Nice home. I lived in Amsterdam more than a decade ago. Your video makes me miss it.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Vinh! Where did you live in Amsterdam when you were here? Wow, 10 years ago...I wonder how things have changed (or stayed the same)...

[@WellbeingBooks]

@@hidavidwen i lived in uilenstede, metro 51, tram 5

[@maxikozie]

Hi David, we lived right across the street from you for years! I can't believe I never saw you on the street (although maybe I did but I didn't realize). The frame at 9:09 is right next to our apartment, we could wave at each other through the window. Keep up the fun videos!

[@hidavidwen]

Hahah small world! Perhaps we may have bumped into each other. I used to a lot of walking around the neighborhood (especially during COVID) =)

[@raimelee]

I had to pause on your book collection - I was glad to see "The Culture Map" in your collection. That book has helped me understand so many subtleties amongst varying backgrounds and even personalities here in the US. Thank you for sharing your experiences and giving hope to an American like me who hopes to be a expat one day!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Raime, love the book! I use and recommend it all the time. Wish you the best of luck!

[@paulcooper1046]

I've studied Spanish and French at university. View learning Dutch as a lifelong process that has no end date. Thanks for the quality videos! Cheers, mate...☀

[@paulcooper1046]

Nice triangular bedroom. It reminds me of how deficient my trigonometry skills are...😄

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Paul for watching! I'm still learning myself.....

[@KramerEspinoza]

Great video David. I am glad to hear you enjoy living in my home town. I myself lived for several tears in the Bay Area, Oakland (rock ridge neighborhood) and Pleasanton. It is wonderful experience to live abroad for sometime. I miss California for reasons you also touched in another video. Keep on making these great videos.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Hans! I used to work in Pleasanton (hated the drive from SF though haha). But yeah, I'm still really enjoying Amsterdam (especially now post-COVID). Thanks for the motivation!

[@isesfox]

I love your videos, very calm, informative and interesting. Your house has so many characters, eventhough it’s small but very lovely. I appreciate the age house, that makes it beautiful imo.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks, that means a lot to me! Yeah it’s a beautiful house. I am moving to a new place soon so I wanted to make a video to cherish it and perhaps give others a view into how housing is like here (you have very old and very modern!)

[@TheCoolDudeYT]

This apartment is so cool! It's like living in a small museum. Wouldnlove to live there. Also I would put a fake fire into that fireplace. There are lamps that are made to look like glowing ashes. I think it would look really cozy

[@hidavidwen]

Haha thanks for the tip. It is a really cool place indeed. Amsterdam is very charming =)

[@noamay]

Beautiful house. I have been Travelling for 2 months and It makes me actually more grateful towards my own country. I think more Dutch people should travel to see how much freedom we have here, compared to so many countries, so we will not complain so much anymore 😂🙂🧡

[@hidavidwen]

😁 True. I learned so much about myself and the world through travel. Made me so much more grateful of what I have too

[@almanoor-bakker5964]

If most Dutchies would travel more, as you suggest, they would actually LIVE abroad.. I personally travelled all over the world, and found fellow Dutchies everywhere. The comment about all that freedom suggest to me you are from the USA, so does the remark of the whole two months of travel to broaden the mind, LOL.

[@noamay]

@@almanoor-bakker5964 why would they live abroad then..? :) , I personally got 'homesick' (missing Holland things) after few months ha ha and more grateful for some things (bikes, good public transport, great restaurants, freedom of speech, etc.) that I could not find abroad (in some countries) . But some things like weather and nature (mountains and sea) ... For that you certainly need to travel a bit😬👍

[@bambino8505]

@@almanoor-bakker5964 Europeans are the biggest travelers worldwide and Dutchies are amongst the top travelers

[@jujubeeli]

Wow David. I am so impressed. BEAUTIFUL HOME.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha thanks Judy well glad you were able to check it out!

[@SoLongMarianne_]

Wow, that's beautiful!! I love the view from your desk and your favorite chair! The house seems to have such a good vibe to it.. And all the old stuff, the stairs. I can understand why you will miss it once you move

[@heidinewman9335]

Thanks for this nice video.

[@carriedugan5400]

It looks lovely and what a view!

[@hidavidwen]

=) Thanks Carrie

[@HenryGao]

That canal-facing window is spectacular! I saw you have atomic habits, one of my favorites. Architecturally this is such a gem to live in, despite old age. Price is a steal for 1 person.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Henry! Haha not surprised you would be intrigued by the architecture! (Maybe you can draw it? hah) Yeah I was just talking to a friend recently about Atomic Habits...one of the better books I've read over the past few years. And yeah 1,950€ is for 2 persons...imagine this in San Francisco...it'd prob be 1,950€ for 1 person!

[@HenryGao]

@@hidavidwen I already have a few drawings of Amsterdam. One of them actually looks like the unit you have from the canal.

[@comex38]

I really love your place. Amazing !!! I'll check more of you vlogs 🤩👍

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Comex - thanks! Appreciate the kind words 😊

[@SIG442]

Perhaps a tip regarding the weather, visit a military dumpstore and buy clothes there (regular army clothes are legal in the Netherlands as long as you don't show any patches or claim you are military if you are not. Military personnel are not allowed to wear their gear outside of work hours either). It isn't so much the outfit that does the trick, but it's the fabric and that it's a little wider fitted on your body. This wider fit adds a layer of air between your skin and the clothes which allows together with the material to dry your clothes quicker. Even if completely soaked, keep your clothes on and it will be dry with about 30 minutes to a hour maximum. The wind helps you dry your clothes even faster. Also it feels warmer on the skin so also good for winter.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing, great tip!

[@vincenttayelrand]

I lived in a similar home in Amsterdam but your view is sooo much better! And no, now that I live in a bungalow I do not miss those terrible staircases ;)

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Vincent - oh yeah the view is definitely something! (The stairs are definitely a workout..going down is still...well let's just say I have to really hold on tightly depending on type of shoes I'm wearing!) Are you still in Amsterdam and do you miss your old place?

[@annettedelahunty3899]

Oh my gosh,i cant believe your home !!Just beautiful and historic♥️

[@hidavidwen]

It’s a beautiful place, happy 2024!

[@yvonneyork1263]

Beautiful! Simple yet elegant.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Yvonne =)

[@yvonneyork1263]

@@hidavidwen My friend's daughter at Sarah Lawrence is doing her junior year abroad in Amsterdam this upcoming fall. I sent her the link to your video. Thank you for your content!

[@hidavidwen]

@@yvonneyork1263 How exciting! She's going to have such a great time here. And you're welcome. Thank you!

[@katherinekelly5380]

I cook a lot with my microwave 😄 It’s for more than just reheating coffee and frozen dinners - get a microwave cookbook, you’ll be amazed at what it can do !

[@hidavidwen]

Haha thanks! I’m not alone!!

[@TheJansenJournal]

Nice video David!

[@hidavidwen]

Thank you, very much appreciated! 🙏

[@AIKilledTheInternet]

really charming house and what a nice view!

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah it's a very charming place!

[@flavia8869]

2:36 omg ceviche and causa rellena!! It's so exciting to me because I haven't meet so many Peruvians (like me) living in NL

[@hidavidwen]

Haha you know it! Funny because another Peruvian also commented that he saw the ceviche. I love ceviche. And I hope you can meet more Peruvians-they are there!

[@qpbtz9847]

Very nice home! Thanks for sharing:) I’m gonna be living in Amsterdam next year so your channel has been really helpful, thanks! and i can’t wait to move🎉 (Ps the way you introduced your painting was kinda cute haha I’m looking forward to your next piece of art

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome and glad it has been helpful! Oh wow congrats on the move…I’m sure it’s a lot of different emotions but sounds like you’re excited (I think you’ll enjoy it, most do). From where are you moving? (And haha about the art…I am also looking forward to whatever I may paint next!)

[@nathanyellll]

this video was beautiful thank you

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks :)

[@yvonneip9980]

nice home but the stairs made me scare. Recall my experience in Amsterdam many years ago. Thanks for sharing.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there Yvonne - haha yeah I remember my first day...I had quite the time trying to transport my luggage up the stairs (and I didn't even have that much stuff). Very different from what we're used to in LA!

[@AnnaCatarina11]

I really like this video, David! You made me laugh a bit and I guess I really needed that. I will come back for more :) Amsterdam is my dream destination! I will get there one day...hopefully soon.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Anna and happy it made you laugh haha. We all need more of that (me too). Thanks for laughing and wish your dreams come true!

[@stephy3291]

Hi David. Just subscribed to your channel. I really enjoyed the insights you shared about life in the Netherlands but also of life generally throughout the video. I also appreciate how simply you live. Less clutter and all that. Just room for the more important stuff. I like your thoughts on community, sharing meals and relaxing together in your apartment's living areas. I look forward to watching all your other videos and can't wait for new ones too. All the best in your endeavours! Take care!

[@geertjanvredeveld1435]

What a fantastic house you call home in the city centre.

[@bobdylan7909]

So nice to watch your videos, David! I'm a Californian who translocated to Switzerland about 35 years ago, so I can very well comprehend what you're experiencing.....Amsterdam is a beautiful city! Enjoy....you just might get "stuck" over there, too ;-)

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Oh wow…I’ve always wanted to live in Switzerland! I miss the mountains. Maybe one day…how do you like it there? Well I mean you’ve been there 35 years…

[@mignoncat1]

beautiful. human. grace & dignity. those stairs are terrifying.

[@ratanaheng9705]

Yes, me too! Thank you, thank !!

[@rubenengberts8607]

Nice video!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Ruben!

[@misterivo4141]

Wow lucky guy! to live in such nice house! You must be proud :-) Nice you like and love my country!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks, it's been a great experience so far!

[@independentpuppy7520]

It's beautiful.

[@Yourhighnessnona]

Wow! That is such a charming place there, David. If your flatmate ever moves out and you're looking for a new one! C'est moi! We read the same books, I can actually cook us a proper meal if you won't mind sharing that window view with a buddy 😇! Hihi, just lovely. The price is a steal, indeed.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Nona - haha thanks for the kind words and your offer! It's a charming place. Are you looking for a new place?

[@itserikslife7936]

wish I could afford this! Looks so cozy

[@hidavidwen]

It's quite cozy! I think you could get lucky and find something like this!

[@ladybearbaiter]

what a fabulous home

[@hidavidwen]

😁

[@greenalien3857]

I love your house david it looks so cozy. I have family in holland so I have been there many times .

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks =) It's a beautiful country! Where are you from?

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

The aesthetics! Love this! Now, fun question, how much cleaning is involved? Sometime, someone has to dust this place? Ha ha, lol! Housecleaning meditation? Also, that book by Erin Meyer is excellent for anyone that has no idea that people think/do things differently depending on the local culture. You could probably do an 8 hour long video loop of that window scene with added sound to let everyone not there have the experience you enjoyed. I'm quite curious about the history of this 400 year old structure. Any old pictures of it before any recent renovations? How do they maintain it for preservation purposes? Interesting structure!

[@captainchaos3667]

I kept being confused about what canal you're on. But then I realised you're not saying "the single canal", but "the Singel canal". 😀

[@hidavidwen]

Haha yes, I can see the confusion if you don't know the canals of Amsterdam (which most don't if you don't live here) haha

[@jimwarren9947]

Great tour of your home. I want to live there! your work space: what a view - I'd never leave that chair! And: that is a beautiful painting. And it's your first!!!!!! amazing! Wow, and the chair for your book reading! Just the perfect place. I stay at the Singel hotel for a few nights on my trips to AMS, so you might be near - I will look out for you!@

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Jim. Well hopefully you get the chance soon enough, I’m sure you’ll love Amsterdam :)

[@jimwarren9947]

@@hidavidwen Headed to the airport now, Amsterdam tomorrow! do you know of anyone renting out an apartment on or near a canal?

[@hidavidwen]

@@jimwarren9947 Enjoy Jim! I actually do not know anyone renting anything near the canal. It's quite difficult, especially right now. Try Airbnb. Good luck!

[@Rob-yj9ew]

Wow, many people will envy you for your living place and for A'dam rather low rent. I only "know" you for 3 days, but the person you are, it must be good luck to have a flatmate that fits with you and make you feel good in that house! making an enemy into a friend is almost a miracle....lol

[@hidavidwen]

Hey again Rob! Yeah I feel very grateful to have lived in such an old place (you don't houses/apartments like this in California!)...it's been a very nice experience.

[@adam-k]

A few years after that house was built the Dutch founded New Amsterdam on the other side of the pond.

[@noreenalexander3836]

great video! You must have very strong leg muscles from all the stairs!

[@hidavidwen]

Hahah from the stairs to the cycling lanes…the country is designed to build strong legs

[@hellmuthschreefel9392]

Nederlander now living in the US. It looks like you have a very nice life there in Amsterdam.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Hellmuth. I enjoy living here so far and making the most out of it. It’s such a beautiful and unique city (Amsterdam) as compared to more modern US cities. It hasn’t been easy with COVID but it was hard everywhere. How about you in the US?

[@hellmuthschreefel9392]

@@hidavidwen My family emigrated to the states a long time ago and I've been in the US for most of my life. I live in the Detroit area but always wonder what my life would be like if my family would have stayed in the Netherlands. We lived in Utrecht and it looks like it might have been a pretty nice life.

[@hidavidwen]

@@hellmuthschreefel9392 Oh got it. Well it could be a possibility in the future? =)

[@peterwilliams7335]

What a cozy and charming flat! Also love the surrounding of where you live, especially the view to the cannel through the window. Are you working for an American company with operations in the Netherland?

[@bellissimaandthebeast]

David, Your home is so amazing. 975€ is really cheap for such an amazing place in a great location. (Everything is relative...I think it's cheap because I grew up in Silicon Valley and you can't find anything as beautiful as that with such an amazing view... period, but if you did it'd be outrageously priced...at least $3,000+ per flatmate.) Silicon Valley, which was formerly San Jose, Santa Clara, Campell, Cupertino, and other areas became unaffordable for people living there when the computer companies were mere start-ups in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The engineers and techies who moved there for jobs from around the U.S. were not to blame. It was the Silicon Valley landlords and housing developers that were to blame for the outrageously priced housing. Great video. 👍 👊

[@mongoliagolia9172]

The whole time you were walking in the house, I was screaming "don't bump your head on the ceiling!!"

[@hidavidwen]

Hahaha it’s ok for me but definitely not meant for the modern day Dutch person!

[@hcjkruse]

Thanks for the book recommendations bought the Audible version of the Culture map straight away. Nice house. Not expensive for that much space, that kind of house on that location.

[@hidavidwen]

Hope you enjoy the book Hans! I always refer to it nowadays for my work. Very helpful

[@hcjkruse]

@@hidavidwen Used to work very international. Now for the government.

[@metalalive2006]

Such a nice and well-maintained house, nice kitchen and cozy dining area, I'm also planning to move so wish I can find such wonderful house (also flatmates)

[@hidavidwen]

Hope you can find a nice place as well! When are you moving?

[@HeelalGoeroe]

hi , the fortune cookie is actualy very beautiful , we can learn from it in different ways, what i heard is : diplomacy before fight . Beautiful house by the way , you are fortuned. Doei .

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Heelal for the nice message - I love fortune cookies

[@ielke2693]

Het is erg leuk om te zien hoe je leeft in ons land. Altijd al benieuwd geweest hoe een grachtenpand er van binnen uitziet.

[@TheJan]

Do you know you are lucky with sub 1K including everything? Hollllyyyyy shttttttt i mean.. yeah roommate. But! Lots of space and in such a great location. Wow. Thanks for sharing man! I live in noord. The Amsterdam housing issue like any other city. Is broken 💔.

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah it was a really good deal! Housing is crazy here…it’s like applying for a lottery ticket…

[@plakjeham118]

Great video! Have you visited some places in the more rural/country side of the Netherlands? I'm always amazed by the city but it's just too cramped and noisy for me since I've lived in a very small village far from the cities in the Netherlands for my entire life.

[@iaddai8285]

0:35 0:57 landlord 2:56 microwavable 6:24 reflective place 9:07 10:30 11:43

[@LK-vz5sw]

Woow 🔥🔥

[@visittavee7773]

This is good news last in Singapore me and friends meet 2 Dutch guy which working on Cruises ship making £10,000 monthly but The Law for Dutch can not money more than £ 50,000. In Bank Accounts above that is Tax to government. Which you tell on your Website.

[@pdmc5521]

David, I love that chair. Any place where i could find it here in the USA

[@hidavidwen]

Well knowing that you are a Trojan…. But I also don’t know, it was there when I arrived from the landlord! Would help you if I did though

[@sajjadshah9040]

Hello David. Great video. I will be moving to Amsterdam in January. Can you please list some resources especially those facebook groups to find a place to live as I would need to find one myself. I hope I find a place similar to yours. Its just perfect.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Sajjad - nice that you will be moving here soon! There are so many Facebook groups, just search "Amsterdam housing" in Facebook and you will find many. Be careful of scammers (you can usually tell who they are based on their profile). Other sites include: - funda.nl/ - www.pararius.com/apartments/amsterdam Best of luck! David

[@teresita4791]

INTERESTING PLACE

[@tommygbareta8442]

I love it I really do !! I think you are so lucky to live in such o wonderful place ! I am in Amsterdam 2 months now and i try to find a place live this in this amazing area with the canals but David it’s so difficult I think . Could you give me any advice to find a place like this ? Thank you in advance !

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there - yeah finding a place to live in Amsterdam is just difficult in general. If you want to share...try Facebook groups (there's a bunch of them if you search Amsterdam housing or rental)...you can find something if you put in the effort but beware of scammers. Happy new year!

[@snowqiang1105]

Love your videos, it would be great if they had subtitles, it would be very friendly for non-native English speakers

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Anna - On KZbin, you can go to settings and add English subtitles David

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

Prachtig

[@e-BikeLife]

Thanks for the tour of your home. Must say that I would love to move to Amsterdam and live on a canal. The only downside I can see to your living space, from my perspective? I'm 6'8", 206cm, And, that attic space and I would not be compatible!

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome! Oh wow…yeah you’re not going to fit! Haha but there are some canal houses with high ceilings (for example, I’ve seen that the ground floor usually has high ceilings)

[@cpb-vlc]

David! Who's your hairdresser in Amsterdam? Pretty cool style! I need for a recommendation :)

[@hidavidwen]

Haha thanks, at that time it was someone different and I was experimenting so I am not entirely sure

[@eugeneysaye2685]

厨房真棒！

[@janjan55555]

David, it might be historic, but in terms of financial efficiency and to Dutch standards; this house is SUPER expensive! Especially for a young man like yourself. I don't see many young pêople (even those that can afford it) CHOSE to live there...

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your perspective and your concern...Amsterdam is SUPER expensive. Though this apartment is shared between 2 people to split costs. But yeah...you have to pay a price to live in Amsterdam...

[@janjan55555]

@@hidavidwen Assuming you have a "normal Dutch" salary, I would NEVER chose to live there. If you're blessed with a good income, you can EASILY commute from a nearby village. I don't understand the obsession some have with living INSIDE Amsterdam... Ugh, from a financial perspective is a complete self-sabotaging task. Are you still in the Netherlands? If so, how long?

[@hidavidwen]

@@janjan55555 Appreciate your insight. Yeah...I know, from a financial perspective, it doesn't make sense. But for those people who decide to leave everything behind and move halfway around the world...many of us do it for the experience. And we pay for the experience. If my goal was a "financial" goal, I would've stayed in San Francisco to make (save) money. And also, I came here by myself. Not with a family. If I had a family, that would be a different story. Young people who also move abroad pay for the "social experience" of living in a city like Amsterdam. It would be very lonely to live in a small village nearby if that makes sense...for most "young people." Especially internationals. What (most) young people without families who CHOOSE to move abroad are looking to make friends, build a community, and meet people. You could do that in a small village...but realistically, it's very hard. And yes, you could take the train in...but to be honest, that's a different experience. What I like about Amsterdam is meeting people spontaneously at a restaurant or cafe. Now...there are other "cities" besides Amsterdam to live in too. That would be a more realistic (and smarter) option! And I definitely do understand the privilege that comes with that too and very grateful. I've been here 5 years now. Anyways long answer, but I just wanted to share my thoughts since you took the time to share yours! Take care David

[@janjan55555]

@@hidavidwen Thanks for the very elaborate explanation David, I am just noticing "authentic" Amsterdammers leaving or better said "FLEEING" Amsterdam due to lack of affordability. I must say you are very lucky and privileged in that regard. Speaking of, have you considered adopting Dutch citizenship as a permanent gateway to Europe?

[@frankrichardson7802]

Good man

[@hidavidwen]

You are a good man too Frank. Happy holidays!

[@shahanabahlulzadeh5530]

I probably have watched your 4 or 5 videos, and you mentioned "the culture map" by Erin Meyer almost in every single one😃 have to watch for more to find where you don't mention it😅

[@hidavidwen]

Haha I love the book! It's probably in my Top 5 books of all time =))

[@anjaseidl4003]

Who afforded to live by the canal. Can you make a video on the canals and recent problems (like in VENICE). I have never been there, but I guess I would be interested in the environmental issues, the cleanliness living nearby a water-place...

[@brianjohnson1891]

Hello ! I love your videos you are very informative and helpful. I'm currently living with my girlfriend in the UK. We've been saving up money for some time and we've been a few times in Amsterdam. Therefore, we are planning to move on next June. Was it very hard for you to find a flat ? how long do you think the procedure could take? 4 months? We are both EU-citizens. Thank you in advance !

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there Brian - oh wow I didn't see this comment until now. It's always been quite hard to find a flat (probably very similar to London)...it depends on what you're looking for and your budget. Of course, if you have a budget 2,000€+ for 2...will be a lot easier than if you only have 1200€. I am assuming you two may be looking for a 1-bedroom...assume it will be 1300€ - 1600€. Try looking on funda.nl and pararius-they're both legit websites. The other option is Facebook groups (of which there are many but also many scammers). Facebook can be great if you want to share...but you will also have people advertising 1-bedrooms as well. Of course it's always easier to be here in person...but video viewings are more popular now due to COVID. I've moved 2x already in Amsterdam...took me around 2 months of active searching each time. So think 2-4 months could be a good estimate. Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions!

[@MisterYu]

May I trouble you for the name of the "Get to know yourself better" cards? Been following you since I saw your Camino video. Keep up the good work and go Bruins!

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there! Of course...they are So Cards (www.socards.org/). I bought them at the American Book Center in Amsterdam. And funny...the friend who helped me film this actually said the guy who founded/created these cards goes to his church in Amsterdam! And thanks for following after the Camino. Oh yes Bruins! Are you located in California?

[@MisterYu]

​@@hidavidwen Thank you for the link. For whatever reason I searched "know yourself cards" but neglected to include the obvious words on the box. 😀 I'm in Los Angeles; been here for way too long. Feel I should also mention that your Camino videos changed my mind on how I want to experience Europe the next time I go.

[@hidavidwen]

@@MisterYu Ah I was thinking about late night tacos the other night (you don't get those here!), I do miss LA from time to time-home for 10 years. If you have any questions about Camino/Europe, just let me know.

[@MisterYu]

@@hidavidwen If/when I leave LA (been here since 1986), I will definitely miss the variety of quality food here. After my last long Europe trip, it was remarkably comforting to have both pho and sullangtang my first day back. How's the east food scene there? How well does it stack up against the Bay Area and/or LA?

[@hidavidwen]

@@MisterYu Haha the East food scene here...well when you it compare to Bay Area/LA, there really isn't one here. You really cannot compare it to a place like LA (I actually think LA has one of the best food scenes in the world). Boba is slowly becoming a bit more popular here (but most still don't know what it is). Chinatown is only a few blocks in Amsterdam. You have your select Chinese/Japanese/Thai restaurants but not many (if you compare to Bay Area/LA). No Ktown. And a big reason is if you just look around-there aren't that many Asians here (as compared to 15% in California). Amsterdam does have quite a good international food scene but when it comes to East Asian food, there's not much (as compared to California). There is good Indonesian food though as you may imagine! Netherlands is a great place...but most people do not come to the Netherlands for the food or the weather =)

[@Wejknnn2008]

Hey David , last Saturday around midday, were you passing by Amsterdam-Centrum by bike? I saw a guy look really like you 😅😂

[@hidavidwen]

HMM I don't remember haha. I've been cycling everywhere lately. It could've been me!

[@rivasugaz8270]

2:35 is your flatmate peruvian by any chance? i recognize a ceviche when I see one 😄

[@hidavidwen]

Haha good guess. His partner is Peruvian :)

[@rivasugaz8270]

@@hidavidwen i'm also from Perú and I'll be moving to Amsterdam in February! pretty cool video and thanks for the book recommendations!

[@hidavidwen]

@@rivasugaz8270 Thanks and any time! Let me know if you have questions about NL, good luck!

[@vic8497]

2000 eu/month is crazy, even for Amsterdam standards. The fact that expats can pay this amount is devastating to the Dutch people. Expats are paying absurd rental prices, making it impossible for Dutch people to rent anything. Some area's of Amsterdam are solely occupied by expats. The Duchies that are still living in Amsterdam are really frowning on expats because of this.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Vic - thanks for commenting. 2000EU is shared...but it's still very expensive. The same thing is happening in other big cities like where I am from (San Francisco). I can understand your frustration. The idea is that expats bring in highly needed skills/knowledge/businesses that can stimulate the economy...but yeah I don't know what to do about rising housing prices (which is happening everywhere)

[@mariadebake5483]

I totally agree. It's what makes most Dutch people dislike expats.

[@vic8497]

@@hidavidwen but why would you pay an absurd amount? There is plenty of affordable homes outside of amsterdam with amazing public transport. We dutchies would like to protest against these prices, but the expats are just going with the flow.

[@hidavidwen]

@@vic8497 I paid half of that for a shared apartment...I agree 2000 is a lot. It's great that there are a lot of affordable homes outside of Amsterdam and accessible by public transportation...but why would people pay those amounts? Well if you move abroad to say New York or London...most would pay for the experience of living in the city first few years (and then move away after)...especially if you don't have a family.

[@nargizhuseynova-alizade6925]

You’re saying it like expats want to pay such a price for rent. If you want to place the blame for increasing rent prices, look at the big companies buying out properties and then setting a high price. Expats are humans just like you are and also would much prefer affordable homes. #smh

[@AhmedAliNizamani]

V nice sharing my dear respected friend Big Likes from Ahmed Ali nizamani,.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Ahmed - hope all's well and thanks for the kind words! - Big thanks from David and take care

[@maggythesimmer4595]

You are so adorable. I wish I had my ish together like you do!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks 😊

[@meryuk]

Interesting

[@hidavidwen]

Yep! And one of my favorite words =) Interesting

[@meryuk]

@@hidavidwen 🙂

[@revenger2111]

there is a reason i love living in the countryside of the netherlands and not the big city's. i live on my own in a house i bought. i pay about 800€ for everything and the house is big enough for a family of 4 and has a garage and garden. in the city you pay 2000€ for what is the size of only my garage XD. (you do usually make more money around the big city's as well though, oh and there is a bit more to do. but since the netherlands is pretty small you can get anywhere pretty quickly)

[@hidavidwen]

Ah that sounds lovely. So much more space. While I grew up in cities...one day, I would love to move to the countryside. Have you ever lived in the city?

[@revenger2111]

@@hidavidwen i have never livid in a city, i feel like i have everything i need in or near my village. Maybe some more interesing shops or restaurants would have been nice but otherwise i'm totally happy

[@philipadams5386]

How do you keep warm in the winter?

[@hidavidwen]

Warm jacket, heater, and bitterballen

[@maltesetony9030]

When visiting Amsterdam, I stay at the Singel hotel. Near you?

[@hidavidwen]

The Singel hotel is very central!

[@JonM-ts7os]

Really nice

[@herb6677]

Can you tell me how tall you are? It looks to me as if I would not be able to stand there without touching the ceiling with my head all the time. Otherwise it looks fantastic. Very charming to say the least.

[@hidavidwen]

I'm around 182cm. Yeah it's not very accommodating for most Dutch people haha

[@KRomanaq]

I have the feeling that your roommate is Peruvian 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@hidavidwen]

Haha how did you know? The roommate's partner is Peruvian.

[@KRomanaq]

@@hidavidwen Because I am Peruvian (living also in Amsterdam) and I saw the food and the Acurio's cook book lol

[@hidavidwen]

Haha yeah another Peruvian commented and also noticed. I love Peruvian food! =)

[@eugeneysaye2685]

睡房和厕所很细小，却很可愛， 令人內心接触。😊 不过， 请问有湿气或 霉的问题吗？

[@lucbrons]

Nice video!!! You should ask someone how to pronounce Singel (don't use the k sound in the middle!) 👍

[@Rob-yj9ew]

Singel is pronounced almost like "single" in english

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Luc. And thanks for the tip, I've been practicing my Dutch "g's" (in private)!

[@2500dozo]

@@Rob-yj9ew Definitely not like “single” in English, that is a hard “g” ! Pronounce it more like “singing” !

[@TZI_Melbourne]

He sais somewhere in the kitchen tour, “this is our stove and oven, very useful for baking”. Mate, please explain how to bake without an oven? 🧐

[@hidavidwen]

The oven is below the stove :) though I would love it if someone taught me how to use an oven and bake!

[@danc991]

Thanks for sharing! Very cool to learn about your living space in Amsterdam. How much would you consider selling your painting for? 😁

[@jujubeeli]

No, I want this painting. I will pay $1 more than this fool here.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha thanks. Trying to guess who this is hmm..well let's say $999,999 so Judy will have to pay $1,000,000 for it =)

[@kamoose21]

I'll pay $10,000,000 for a David Wen original!

[@robertboender5816]

David are you sure you want to go back to the States? I know missing family and friends is hard and maybe you want to take some Dutchness back home and make things better over there but you're welcome to stay just you know.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Robert - I'm staying in Amsterdam! I'll be moving a bit East and will experience a different side of the city. I'll miss this place for sure. But thanks so much for asking and for making me feel welcome, I really appreciate it =)

[@visittavee7773]

It was a roommate high class style.

[@teresita4791]

$1950 EUROS MONTHLY. I FIND IT EXPENSIVE ALTHOUGH THE CITY IS SO BEAUTIFUL

[@hidavidwen]

HI TERESA - YES IT'S NOT CHEAP (BUT IT IS SHARED BETWEEN 2 PEOPLE). THE CITY IS BEAUTIFUL!

[@RealConstructor]

I think it’s a reasonable price. It is a big apartment for an inner city property. The canals have the most old and expensive houses, maintenance is high for these kind of homes. I get from the video that gas, electricity and water are included. But I think that also property tax, waterboard tax, sanitation (trash collection and sewers), property insurance and central heating maintenance are included. And maybe the internet and tv subscriptions are included. Together that’s around €500 a month, which is about $580 I believe. So the rent is $1,370 a month for a fully furnished apartment, which is a bare rent of approximately $1,170 or €1,000 a month for an apartment. A fully furnished apartment is not the norm in our country, those are mostly short stay apartments for foreigners. Normally you rent an empty house or apartment, without furniture, flooring, wallpaper, but with a basic kitchen (only sink and maybe an extractor hood, but no stove or fridge) and fully equipped bathroom and separate toilet. Sometimes the toilet and bathroom are combined into one space, but only for one bedroom apartments. So a two bedroom apartment in the city center, for a bare rent of €1,000, will get you a line up of interested people along the canals, if you announce it. I know there will even be a lot of students that can afford a bare rent of €500 a month each. Only not a fully furnished one for €975 each.

[@hidavidwen]

@@RealConstructor Wow thanks for the extensive analysis, that does make sense. Yeah everything is included...I just thought it was a great price, but you really proved it.

[@michellezevenaar]

It is expensive but it's what you would expect to pay in the center of Amsterdam. There is also social housing in Amsterdam so people with smaller income can still live in Amsterdam but the waiting list is very long! Other cities are much more affordable. 1200 for a 3 bed house in a normal city in the suburbs just for the rent, no flooring, local taxes..... Those still need to be added.

[@hidavidwen]

@@michellezevenaar Thanks for adding your input. Yeah to live in the center of any major city is going to be more expensive. Yeah you can definitely get something cheaper in other cities...but if you can, it's a great experience to live in a place like Amsterdam for at least a little bit.

[@rogerelzenga4465]

How does it feel to live in a house that pre-dates the USA? :P but hold on, its 1900 per month? ..... i rent for 460 per month... (3 bedroom apartment) but not in Amsterdam though...

[@hidavidwen]

Feels like being in a movie. 460 per month...wow, don't ever leave!!

[@eugeneysaye2685]

很有趣。我也是玩小提琴的。

[@helena19741]

Leave? What's next? Will you stay here with us or will you go back to the States?

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Heleen! Oh I am staying in Amsterdam =) But I'll be moving a bit east and so will experience a different side of the city!

[@helena19741]

@@hidavidwenThat's great David! A place of your own? (I'm way too curious, I know 😉) I really loved living in the Jordaan but it got way too crowded with tourists. I moved to the south side of the city to get a bit more peace, quiet and space. The east side of the city certainly has its charming neighbourhoods with great restaurants and markets. You will love it for sure and you can make beautiful strolls alongside the Amstel river.

[@hidavidwen]

@@helena19741 😄 I am also too curious…makes life more interesting! Yeah I’m sad to leave this area…I took a morning walk today and it was so beautiful around the canals and the changing colors. But yeah I’m glad I got to live here during COVID when it was pretty empty without tourists! Are you enjoying living in more in the south?

[@AnnMarjorie05]

Omg we are neighbours

[@hidavidwen]

Are we? 😁