The Netherlands: First Impressions

We finally made it. It's been about a month and I'm gonna share my first impressions of the Netherlands with you.
This is my personal channel where I talk about my life: How I started producing true crime content, what the process of moving to The Netherlands is, how I overcame struggles in my life stemming from childhood abuse, and I will also put up some music. If you want to learn more about me, this is the place. If you're interested in my other channels you can check them out here:
/ @thisismonsters
You can also follow me on Twitter: / jileswithaj

[@rianneveenstra7239]

Welcome to The Netherlands. As a Dutch person it's interesting to hear the differences you already experienced here. Have fun exploring!

[@DroneStrike1776]

He only moved there because his son wants to transition into a girl and he's looking for free healthcare. I wonder were his young son got the idea he wants to be a girl now. It's always the parents.

[@rianneveenstra7239]

​@DroneStrike1776 I feel sorry for you, having all that hate in your heart. Educate yourself, it might help ❤

[@vullings1968]

​@@DroneStrike1776 Even if what you say was true, I can derive some conclusions from your comment. A. According to you, the Netherlands is more "free" than the US because such operations are more easy (which in reality they are not, by the way). B. The Netherlands has more accessable health care than US, although it is not free (you get health care via private insurers here, but much cheaper than US). Something I shouldn't boast about, if you are from US. C. In general your comment shows a very high level of being misinformed.

[@Dutch-linux]

@@DroneStrike1776 If you think healthcare is free here then think again that some things may seem easier it is really not you still have to go through hoops and loops and in the dutch directnes why do you care about his and his family personal life if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all ... i can tell you right now if you would ever com to this country with the mentalityyou got then you would have a very bad time

[@TheRtm68]

@@vullings1968weet wel dat in Amerika de mensen wijs gemaakt word dat onze gezondheidszorg gratis is net als studeren! En dat er velen Nederlanders zijn die hun dit beamen en dat ze welkom zijn, dit heet meewerken aan omvolking! Mensen die meewerken of promoten aan immigratie ….. ik noem het woord niet maar dat ik me door die landgenoten verraden voel mag duidelijk zijn!

[@abbofun9022]

Welcome, small tip, best get used to the floor numbering system in Netherlands (and Europe in general) fast. Ground floor is 0, you will also see that often in elevators. From there it is 1st floor and 2nd floor. Saves you searching for an exit on the 1st floor 😅

[@MrTibbs2163]

I'd like to share my experience of when I came to live in NL from the UK in 1978. The language was my first priority and I started going to a language school and found it to be very difficult and eventually dropped out. I found that reading children's books and watching children's programs on Tv gave me the building blocks and progressed from there. I even had to semi relearn English (UK) due to my regional UK accent. I think after listening to you and your American drawl, you may have the same situation. Don't be afraid to make misstakes it's all part of the learning curve.

[@finng745]

The reason we go shopping more often is because the grocery store is no more than a 5 minute walk or bike ride away for most people.

[@LifeofaVoodooDoll]

Welcome Jiles! I still can’t believe one of my fav creators is now living in the same country as me 😉 It was nice to hear your story about getting used to the people and environment here. I tooootally understand that you feel happy (as a fellow introvert) to be able to do some shopping and not be bothered by other people 😊

[@AndiEvergarden]

The sound quality was fine, I thought and the lighting looked good too. Glad you all made it there safely and are settling in. I look forward to future videos as you share your adventures in the Netherlands!

[@LindaCasey]

Welcome 'home' .. Utrecht is very central and has more of that 'big city' feel than a lot of the other Dutch cities. SUGGESTION: Familiarize yourself immediately with the rules/signs of the road over here because they're a lot different than in the States. 🥂

[@David-um8tb]

Pretty sure there is a bycicledutch or notjustbikes video on this.

[@jannetteberends8730]

Most important difference is the case where a cyclist or pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle. Then the driver of the motor vehicle is liable unless he can prove force majeure. In addition, one does not have to be to blame for the accident, but one is liable. Source: ANWB site

[@Alshetmaarmuziekis]

​​@@David-um8tbthis one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rl7Gio2latCHpa8si=iGq4tcKgb-B70xZV

[@DroneStrike1776]

You do know why he moved there right? He's trying to get his daughter surgery to be a boy. Supposedly he's a father of a trans child. A child. The child wants to be a boy, wonder where she got that idea from. Little kids don't just wake up wanting to change genders, it's taught.

[@valyshknee4203]

as a Dutch guy its very nice to see that someone is genuinely enjoying life here despite it being so different compared to home, one thing i suggest is taking a walk in the Dutch countryside, sitting in the countryside is a very relaxing experience and on some spots because of how flat the Netherlands is you can literally look over everything and see as far as the eye allows you to, One suggested area is the "Waterlinie" or "Waterline" Its some old fortified defense line set up around a hundred years ago but due to it being a world wonder its almost entirely untouched, Its beautiful there, And very close to Utrecht

[@briandouglas1182]

I spent 3 weeks in Amsterdam and loved how it felt like I had more freedom than in the U.S. Public transportation was awesome and easy. Congratulations on the move.

[@Funkytrip73]

Amsterdam is not really the Netherlands though, the mentality and 'culture' is quite different from the rest of the Netherlands. If you ever get back, I'd go to cities like Delft or Leiden with their hundreds of years old city center, but not the people mass and tourist vibe like Amsterdam.

[@donderstorm1845]

@@Funkytrip73 i doubt the mentality and culture of leiden is that much different from amsterdam. it's all still the randstad. btw you can live in amsterdam and rarely see tourists. if you don't live in the center and don't go to the center much.

[@Funkytrip73]

@@donderstorm1845 Well, as a randstedeling, *I* find it to be different ;-) But outside Randstad it's probably even more different.

[@ceeleegee825]

Thanks for the update! Sounds like you're settling in really well. All the best!

[@critical1388]

Really enjoying the channel Jiles, thankyou for taking us along for the ride...Hope everything continues to go smoothly as u and the fam settle in. 👍👊

[@hulagirlhere]

I am so happy to hear that you and your family are settling in and moving forward with this adventure!!! The sound and visual quality were both fine from my perspective and I’m excited for future vids! 🌺

[@fatherofmimes4236]

Hey Jiles, you're new home and this video sound fantastic! Extremely happy that all has went so well for you and yours. I'm sure you all will enjoy this exciting time. Wishing you all the very best!!

[@friedaberns1617]

Welcome to the Netherlands! I had no idea you were coming this way. Your voice is my all time favorite on KZbin. I hope you'll settle in quickly.

[@jileswithaj]

Thanks so much!

[@DroneStrike1776]

You do know why he moved there right? He's trying to get his daughter surgery to be a boy. Supposedly he's a father of a trans child. A child. The child wants to be a boy, wonder where she got that idea from. Little kids don't just wake up wanting to change genders, it's taught.

[@rhondacameron108]

Congratulations to you and your family!! Fascinating, I appreciate the updates. I absolutely love your channel, thank you for such a quality channel and all your hard work. Best from San Francisco ❤

[@loriethayermorse162]

Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us! I'm looking forward to more 😊

[@Kris.with.a.K]

Been waiting for this!! WOOHOO!! So thrilled for you, Jiles! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@smugandsmarmy]

Lovely update, Jiles! Glad you’re doing well!!

[@lindarackstraw7711]

Im so glad you’re settling in well. I love these updates.

[@anniewardlow9297]

Hey Jiles! I loved the video, it's very informative and was presented perfectly, thanks! 👍 I'm happy to hear that your move went as safely and smoothly as it did. As well as your fur babies making it "home" safe and sound! I'm looking forward to more content like this one. PS: I'm REALLY missing "Sinister". But, I'll wait. Thanks! 🤟

[@Mandy-Lee]

Glad to hear you and the family made it safely and things are going according to plan 😊

[@spencerhonda7445]

This update was fun Jiles! 😊

[@kimwalsh]

Excellent Jiles that you made it. You were on my mind over the last 3 weeks as I was hoping all was good on your travels. Looking forward to your next update videoThank you for putting my mind at ease, and I'm sure many others too.

[@jileswithaj]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@lisamarks3109]

This fan is very happy for you and your family.. So glad you made it safely.. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

[@Lazy_Jay_Racing]

All sounds great so far Jiles... I really hope you and your family settle in and thrive wherever you finally decide to live. Happy new year to you all 😁👍🎉

[@witchescrossing]

Congratulations on your big move to Utrecht! It’s awesome to see how well you and your family are settling into your new home. You’re doing a fantastic job getting everything set up. This video sounds great, so you’re clearly doing things right! Being in your new home and town must be a blissful sensory overload. And just the thought of all the beautiful places that you guys will now be able to visit so easily in that part of the world must be so exciting. I love that you are vlogging about this experience and look forward to seeing how you and your family continue to adapt and thrive in the Netherlands. It’s all about learning and experiencing new things, so take your time to explore and understand the local customs and lifestyle. I’m sure you’ll pick things up quickly. Keep up the amazing work, and thank you for continuing to put out “This is Monsters” content! I’ve been a fan for years and intend to stay one for life. Best wishes from Texas!✨🌍

[@joifulnoyse3775]

Thats awesome! You're finally thete! It's so beautiful thete. Def on my bucket list! Happy New Year!

[@spacecowgurl57]

You know that expression, "If your happy, I'm happy ", well, it applies now. Recently I have seen some Americans move to Europe. The health care is probably the number one difference but to each his/her own. I myself am a diehard American. Do we gave flaws? Absolutely 💯. I am older too. At almost 70, living in southeast Texas, I have my retirement home in New Mexico and one home inherited in Kentucky. I'm truly happy for you and look forward to seeing the journey 🎉

[@laurabustos6560]

I'm so happy you and fam are settling in and thank you for updating us! I've been waiting for this one! I agree wholeheartedly with your thoughts about the US. Trucks and the food really are my gripes too. As a gardener and having worked in garden design, you have a truck to use it, it's a work vehicle, not a mom-mobile. And having grown up in Santa Cruz it was much more of a fresh food, locally grown, daily purchase at the farmers market type city, at least back in the 90's. Now I'm in southern California, less than 3 miles from a town center and right off a main road but we have no Internet, at&t is "just waiting" to lay out 5g and our closest stores are all big box stores you can barely find anything halfway fresh at. And forget biking everywhere like I did in Santa Cruz, this area has no bike lanes and people drive their huge SUV/ trucks like they're in GTA. Thanks for the update and it was great hearing how you're doing, like we're along for the ride w/ you in a tiny way! ✌️

[@stragulus]

Gardeners (or really any commercial business) don't use personal trucks here either. It's typically a van, and if they need more space, or have odd shaped items, a van with a trailer behind it. For personal use it used to be wagons where you can fold the back seats fully flat, and a small trailer for the few occasions one needs to schlep more/odd stuff.

[@Bist040]

Welcome to my flat and tiny country! I can assure you this rain we've been having the last couple of months is not normal, it's not all rain and gloom... Utrecht is a nice town, large enough to have everything, but not too busy as large cities can be, so good choice! I hope you're settling well, and good luck speaking Dutch! Don't hesitate to ask a Dutch person to speak Dutch to you though, we won't be offended, and you'll learn Dutch way, way sooner.

[@jileswithaj]

I grew up in the Seattle area so I'm right at home. I've actually been the only person out in a t-shirt multiple times since we've been here.

[@gerhard6105]

Dozens of Dutch words are the same as in English/ American. Our languages are family. Get a bike with a good lock soon. Always lock your bike to a thing like a tree or a pole. Road tax on cars is less for lighter cars. Learn the road signs.

[@jileswithaj]

I want to clarify that I'm not NOT learning the road signs. I meant that there will be a sign I don't immediately know because it's in Dutch, but I do look it up and learn what it means. Also, telling an American that they need to lock up their bike seems unnecessary. In the US, you can't put anything on the outside of your house without it being stolen in minutes. I put a broken stereo on on the front steps while I was loading some other stuff into my car. I was going to load it in last so I could take it to the disposal place, but when I came back out from being inside for maybe 2 minutes, the stereo was gone and there was nobody in sight. It's insane.

[@apveening]

@@jileswithaj Congratulations on that saved trip to the disposal ;)

[@leannebalmer5184]

Great to see you and your family settling in, sounds like its all going great. Your looking really Jiles, The Nethererlands suits you! All the the best. X

[@dalliskay6719]

Thanks for the update! Bedankt voor de update! :)

[@theresawilliams3341]

Hi Jiles! Its good to see you again. Btw, you look fantastic! I'm glad you and your family are settling in The Netherlands. I've been there twice and I love it! Also, thank you for the hard work you did to make sure we TIM lovers didn’t miss an episode. It really is good to see you doing so well. ❤

[@colinnz]

So happy you're settling in well. ❤

[@swedishmom]

Thanks for the update! Happy Europe new year to you and your family 😄🌟

[@gapemabelane9043]

So happy for you!!! I wish your family the best, I've been watching your content for years❤

[@jileswithaj]

Thank you so much!!

[@00wheelie00]

Welcome to the country, some starting tips for getting around: Don't walk in the bike lane. Drive in the right most lane, the others are for overtaking. And unlike the US where technically this is the law in most states too, it is enforced. There is no turning right on red. Speed and redlight camera's are everywhere, most are obvious, but not all.

[@_JoyceArt]

Gas is expensive, those trucks are reportedly more dangerous in accidents, our roads are narrow. There is next to no use for them here. You’re supposed to refrigerate eggs after you buy them however. The US sells them refrigerated, because they have to be washed before selling, here, they’re not allowed to be washed, as it removes the protective natural barrier. People here will greet, if you pass us in a quiet area/small village. “‘Morguh, ‘navond”. (Mornin”, g’evening). We do do small talk, but not as frequently and if so, only on non-issues. Cashiers are most often students, so for them it’s just a way to make extra cash, not to socialize. I think If I were a fulltime cashier, I’d definitely also be a chatty Betty. I work in an office, and we chat all the time. We’re not just stoically working away. But doing grocery shopping, or running errands, we just want them done and over with. I find the free for all, regarding our traffic, quite surprising as we have way less accidents. So I think its merely because you’re not used to and familiar with all our rules yet.

[@ricktandron3669]

Congratulations! I'm really happy for you! Thanks for sharing news of your progress!! Hang in there and celebrate the differences. You are doing great!

[@Jeagernotsarah]

Ty for the upload and update Jiles. I'm kind of shocked that you guys made it there but also not surprised. like this world is full of people that talk the talk but not walk the walk. Its unfamiliar to see somebody actually do both. Of all the people I've heard over the years talk the talk I am not surprised that you walked it as well. I'm kind of I guess... anxious... to see where your journey leads you from here but I wish you and your family only the best. Stay happy and safe friend.

[@Mandy-Lee]

Good comment. "He walked the walk"

[@androgynylunacy]

I'm not anxious for them! America sucks.

[@meteorologist4life]

Love your content and glad that you made it safely to The Netherlands. I know in recent weeks, me and my family have discussed moving aboard and kinda leaning towards Germany in the next couple of years, so these videos have been a help to me to know the process of what you had to go through and as a business owner myself, the kind of things I would need to study up on and do to make that big of a move. So thanks again and good luck!!!

[@jannetteberends8730]

There are some hilarious video channels about Germany. Uyen Ninh, Liamcarps, and my favorite Calvin & Habs. There are also more serious channels. Although I’m Dutch, the German culture has a lot of strange, but very good, habits in common with the Dutch.

[@harrynac6017]

​@@jannetteberends8730I'm hooked on Uyen Ninh, and Liamcarps is fun aswell. Never heard of Calvin & Habs though. I'm gonna look them up.

[@MotherGoose264]

Just randomly found your channel, welcome to Europe. You have a great voice and narative style, very enjoyable. Take Care and good luck in the new year. 🤘❤️

[@thebros-qt9id]

Nice to know you are settling in😊

[@ImDreaming659]

Congrats Jiles!

[@jeromed9750]

Awesome! Looking forward to the next video! :D

[@slev7n.]

Welcome to the country. I'm born and raised in Rotterdam. And I really like it that you decided to raise your family in this country. It really is a beautiful country. And we really do mind our own business. The chances are very slim that our paths will cross. But if they do, then I will come and make small talk to you. I wish you and your family a beautiful future here. Good luck with everything my brother.

[@jileswithaj]

Thank you so much!

[@Bduh2]

Love to visit my remaining family in The Netherlands where I'm originally from. It's nice to be back there and go "just down the road" (as they say in the South) to have a weekend in Paris. These things used to be normal for me whereas it now is normal to drive to Hollywood (I love driving obviously) and visit my dear friends there. it's about the same time driving as driving to Paris. But oh how I miss the seafood and brined raw herring in particular, the kroketten, frikandellen, mossels, Limburgse vlaai, etc. What I don't miss are the crowds which are a lot larger than when I left there decades ago. But I still love The Netherlands. As an Indo, I always say: "Dutch Indonesia is my motherland, The Netherlands my father's land but the USA is my land". And then there are the different cultures I so love and have I mentioned the food? Anyway, I hope you will like The Netherlands and get used to some of the "interesting" things in the Dutch culture. Lastly: "I was born in Utrecht"

[@jacquelineneath2297]

You are such a breath of fresh air Jiles! I love travelling. Love Europe and have been trying to tell some Americans that you eat less in Europe because the food is wholesome so you feel satiated sooner. But as they say...#Freedom.

[@linda-louiseanthony9802]

Thank you for the update Jiles! I didn’t know about restrictions flying with French Bulldogs. Glad everyone relocated in one piece. ❤ from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@irextion]

Hey Jiles, glad you have settled in well. I'm from NZ and had a similar experience when living in NL. i use to live in Haarlem for 12 months, just north of you. lovely town, worth a day trip and look around, nice beaches and nature reserve with pond i use to swim in. Enjoy :) looking forward to more of your content both IRL and YT series. also be extra careful where you lock and leave your future bikes!

[@jileswithaj]

We looked at a place in Haarlem and really liked the area, but between the house was bigger than we needed and didn’t had a poor energy rating, so we ultimately picked the house in Utrecht.

[@elizapearson1918]

I'm so happy for u, how exciting. I wish you and yours the best. "Good on ya mate!" .

[@yzettasmith4194]

Utrecht sounds wonderful. I'm glad you made it safely (and the pets, too).

[@vapete1237]

What a nice chap .. I wish you continued success and happiness in the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@gailkelly6154]

I'm glad you are now where you want to be Jiles. I hope it's all you wanted. Thank you ❤❤

[@s4bombshell]

So happy for you! One of my favorite YT creators is from Haarlem and I love hearing her talk about her time growing up in the Netherlands before moving to Toronto as a young adult. It’s fun for me when I see your NL content and recognize some of the things you mention or places on your maps from watching her content already. (Have you tried tompouce yet? She loves it 😊 She also mentioned white asparagus seems more prevalent there than green like US) And it makes me more excited for you, another of my favorite creators, that you are able to relocate your family to a safer place for your family and have the “luxuries” we are lacking here in the US (you know, like health care). I wish you and your family the very best as you get settled in!

[@deborahfollowscornell9007]

Not to start a stink, but I have been thinking of where I'll move if the election doesn't go the way I vote.

[@alexandriahicks5512]

I ALSO love lemon tea, Jiles with a J! Thanks for the awesome update! A friend of mine, a Black woman, has lived in The Netherlands for years, and loves her life there.

[@Tom-Lahaye]

Welcome to the country in the first place. In the cities people are more to themselves and mind their own business, but in many places in the countryside you see a tight community where people greet each other and are willing to make a chat. The absence private trucks is mostly because they are overly expensive to own and drive if you don't have a business to register it on, gas is 2,5 times the price in the US and road tax is based on vehicle weight and carbon emissions, and both are very high with these trucks. If registered to a company the road tax is much lower and most trucks are then converted to run on LPG, a much cheaper fuel, so that's the reason you still see some trucks. Almost all are used in a professional manner, mostly with builders and gardeners who have to pull large, heavy trailers.

[@MarkBigley]

Been watching this is monsters for a long time. Haven’t commented on anything if yours until this. Love this video. I contemplated moving to Iceland from Las Vegas recently. I noticed when I was in Finland, Sweden, and Estonia this year that there were no pick up trucks. Even the work trucks are smaller vans.

[@evelynruiter8846]

We don't drive pick up trucks because they don't fit in our infrastructure, they are just to big. You see them on the countrysite...sometimes.

[@Drake23x23]

Glad yall made it safe! Enjoy your new home!

[@kristinbull5162]

Congratulations on your big move! I must say, I’m a bit jealous as I’ve wanted to move out of the U.S. for quite some time now. I hope to be able to do so at some point, but it’s definitely not in the cards for the time being. I wish you and your family nothing but happiness in your new journey together!

[@ShonaPeterson13]

I’ll swap with you! Do u fancy nice warm Aberdeen Scotland by any chance?! 😂 in a heartbeat it’s my life time dream to live in the us I probably will never get to but everyone who knows me knows it’s a thing and never say never we can all dream!

[@lolololol7573]

Hey! Welcome to the Netherlands! Your voice is great! Very relaxing to listen to. I hope you're enjoying your time here.

[@ncscoobysnack]

Welcome Jiles, I just stumbled across this blog. It was interesting to see as I had been on a vacation to the US and had some simular experiences with vehicles and foods. I laughed slightly about the distance between Utrecht and Amsterdam, seing as the idea here in the Netherlands is that most american people only know Amsterdam. Utrecht is for dutch standards one of the big cities. But maybe it was just explaining your moving 😅. Anyway I hope you have a good time here!

[@retard_activated]

Good Morning, Jiles! :)

[@sarag.7156]

yes we love you and your aura 💖💖💖 welcome to Europe! 💯

[@chrisfinn710]

Glad things are going well for you. Can’t wait to see what you do next. Xx

[@italalamsberg5424]

Welcome to The Netherlands and I’am living in Rotterdam.. I’am not a native Dutchie, but from Curaçao (Nederlandse Antillen) live here since 1970.. and I like here very much❤ And I wish you and you’re family a Good time in our Nederland🫶🏽

[@elizabethl169]

Jiles, your eyes were seriously sparkling this entire video! You seem happy! I hope you have many adventures in the Netherlands and that you and your family thrive in this new environment and find it gives you a better quality of life. I bet the food is much healthier and super delicious! It looks gorgeous there! And half the time I don't want anyone to talk to me, but the other half I'm that annoying person chatting with the cashier😅

[@phinnyzuril5314]

Introverts unite! Love that people don't talk to you there. So happy to see an update on your glorious adventure. ❤

[@Loes-7035]

congrats on picking one of the best cities in the country 🙌 (i don't live in Utrecht it's just a great city haha) welcome to the Netherlands! First video I'm seeing of you and I must say you have a very nice voice and cadence for listening. Excited to see and hear more of you!

[@davidc.w.2908]

You moved to the city in which I was born. I moved the other way, from the Netherlands to the USA. I will visit Utrecht in March for the first time in five years. I hope you like it as much as I did!

[@agostinodublino1387]

this could generate a very interesting exchange of opinions about the differences between the two places!

[@apveening]

@@agostinodublino1387 Type Ashton did a comparison today about the differences between the USA and Germany which is very comparable with the Netherlands (at least with regards to the USA).

[@bastonor]

Funny the Dutch traffic seems so "chaotic" to you. When I watch "dashcam traffic vids" from the States, I'm constantly amazed by drivers' willingness to ignore red traffic lights, the ubiquitous non-use of blinkers, break checking, drunk drivers, moronic low speed cockups, and of course the highway chaos of not having designated lanes for slow and and high speed lanes. In Netherlands, and most of Europe: stick to the rightmost lane: slow, the further left the faster. Oh, and no right-side passing! You seem a promising channel, will keep an eye on you, for sure! Happy new year!

[@jileswithaj]

I wouldn't say it seemed chaotic. Quite the opposite. It seemed a lot more relaxed compared the the US. I was on a one way road and a car came by going the wrong direction, which was likely just an honest mistake. Here, people just squeezed by and moved on. In the US, people would have been freaking out. Honking, rolling the window down and yelling. It would have been like the sky was falling.

[@Bramfly]

Welcome to the town I was born in and am still living in to this day. Do try to learn Dutch asap, it’s a game changer. Good luck.

[@jileswithaj]

We are. I would never move to a country that speaks a different language and not learn the language.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Interesting to hear your experience, thanks for sharing.

[@JaapVanderHorst]

Loved your view on things. Honest and interesting.

[@nfboogaard]

Welcome to the Netherlands, Utrecht is an amazing city! I'm glad you're enjoying the positive changes, I'm sure your children will too. I imagine you will gather a lot of Dutch subscribers now, me included. Best of luck with the channel and let us know if you have any questions about getting around and getting things done here. I will be looking out for your vlogs ✌

[@Lilygirl283]

Yes, just subcribed and i am Dutch..

[@SanderBaass]

Same 🤪

[@jileswithaj]

Thanks so much!

[@petrivandersteen8059]

Welcome to the Netherlands. Hope you and your family will like it here.

[@lizperrella666]

Love this, Giles! Please keep posting this practical info. Maybe you have already covered this in earlier vids, but how did you decide on the Netherlands? What was the visa process like? Do you hold dual citizenship? Thanks!

[@amysusanapplepie199]

Thank you for the update. I was curious how the move went. Also I would love to know how your kids view this new place. Hope all continues to be positive.

[@jileswithaj]

The kids are enjoying it.

[@s4bombshell]

I would love to hear more about what it is like for the kids as they settle in to life in Europe as well! Without violating their privacy, of course. It’s fascinating to me what it must be like to experience a whole new world and life like that as a young person ☺️

[@jileswithaj]

@s4bombshell Yeah, that's the tough part. We don't want to display our children on KZbin like some families do. So, I have to try and translate their experiences the best I can without violating their privacy. It'll be a little bit of a juggle, but I'll figure it out.

[@apveening]

@@jileswithaj You might wish to contact Type Ashton as she had the same experience.

[@tabletsamsung8841]

@@jileswithaj Very good dont display your children. They have nothing to do with your dealings. They will learn Dutch in no time. You will feel insufficient in months...

[@Leonicles]

I'm watching intently, as I really want to move out of the US. It seems so impossible- especially as a single (widowed) mom & social worker. Everywhere I've looked starts off promising, until I hit certain last-minute snags and bureaucracy. Every time my little ones have yet another active shooter drill, I see Trump or another civil right is taken away makes me more determined. But you're doing it! I'm happy for you and your family! You've been in my earbuds for years!

[@arjan_speelman]

Welkom in Utreg Jiles! I hope you'll be able to settle in quickly and will enjoy living in our little big city!

[@McNessie101]

As a Scot living here for over 30 years, I’d love to be able to help out in any way. And if you ever visit Zwolle, let me know, we could get a “biertje” together...

[@Spitfirephotographs]

Hey congrats on big Move 👍🧡🇨🇦

[@snufkinhollow318]

So glad to hear that you, the family and the furry friends all made it safe and sound. I think you are worrying about sound and vision quality on your videos because your production standards are always so high - to me, there was nothing wrong with this video at all. I hope that you all thrive and find much happiness in your new life in the Netherlands - I can't wait to hear more about your adventure.

[@rebeccamoloney8315]

Best of look in ye're new venture Jiles, Love from Limerick Ireland xx

[@user-jm6jb2ls9x]

Welcome to Utca my dude! Hope you guys get settled in nice and comfy. Can't wait for you to experience spring and summer here, as everything really opens more as soon as the sun comes out (both places and people ;-). Enjoy!

[@jileswithaj]

Well, I grew up in the Seattle area so I feel right at home.

[@kiera_kayaks7521]

Thank you for sharing Jiles with a J. I find this all very interesting. From Giles with a G

[@angelaortiz3406]

That is amazing. I’m so so happy that you are comfortable and everything is going well and the kids are good. The wife is good. The dogs are good good for you.❤

[@christineakey6295]

Been waiting for this update!! So excited you’re doing well. I agree with you about the trucks. In France, I only saw two. People get by without them and I think it’s great! And the food! We have too much sugar! Anyway, are the family planning on taking language lessons? How much English is spoken NE? So glad to hear from you!!❤

[@jileswithaj]

Most people can speak English, so I if I need to I can ask if them if they speak English and they usually can. Our kids will go into a program where they learn Dutch at school and I'm hoping to take classes.

[@DavidV328]

we as Europeans don't "get by" without them, there really is no need at all to have a pick-up truck unless you have a very specific reason. Owning a pick-up truck when one lives in a city is beyond silly. Other than that, the size of these trucks really do not suit the European roads and parking facilities.

[@christineakey6295]

@@DavidV328 I totally agree. Sometimes I think it’s more of a ‘man toy’ here.

[@fhwolthuis]

Welcome to the Netherlands, Jiles! Utrecht is a nice city to live. I live in Amersfoort, close to Utrecht. Worth a visit 😀

[@Rogier7305]

Huge Pick up trucks are not very handy here. Small roads and spaces. Also in The Netherlands, supermarket food has a lot of additives. Try to get your meat from a butcher and bread from a bakery. Much higher quality than supermarket meat or bread.

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

Congratulations on your move. 😢 we will miss you in the PNW but you are pushing forward into an amazing new future.

[@LoriKopf]

Glad you made it safely!

[@suegeew9727]

Sounds wonderful there. It sounds like a great choice for you and your family .

[@Beun007]

Yes, Utrecht is cool! Just like Amsterdam! More over: I can leave my handbike untouched while shopping on the Zeedijk in Amsterdam! In Ermelo, where I used to live, I found my handbike in the bushes at the end of the day after traveling by train!

[@amyspeers8012]

So happy you all made it to the Netherlands. I agree that food tastes better-I live in France. My mom was visiting and said even the McDonalds tasted better. I also agree there is less sugar in savory foods. I also find a lot of desserts here don’t taste as sweet. Can’t wait to hear all your adventures!

[@jileswithaj]

Yep. We were out and everyone was hungry and we were right by a McDonalds so we went in and it was insane how different it was. I got a chicken sandwich and a salad and it was like real restaurant quality food. They're about to open the first Taco Bell in Utrecht and after that I was thinking about making a video where I try all the various American fast food and see how it's different.

[@amyspeers8012]

@@jileswithaj They just opened a Burger King next to my big grocery store.

[@ritaboes]

@jiledwithaj there are comparison vid here on yt that confirm what you've noticed. Also about US food that is band from Europe. McD fries in the Netherlands have 3 ingredients were the US version has about 20 or more😢. It's a top level insanity that all these companies can make dangerous foods and drinks for the US.

[@riverrun3995]

Love your description of the fur baby travels. The things we do for pets❤

[@JadeTemple-et7uw]

Sincerely wish you nothing but good things! Be safe and joyful 😊

[@wilhorstman8790]

Welcome in the Netherlands , Jiles!

[@NathanJaegerWriter]

Yeay, I love your update and will of course stay tuned. I am happy for you that most things went smoothly so far and I guess your children will be set up in a great school. :) I am only 11 kilometers away from the dutch border, very close to Dinxperlo, which is half German and half Dutch. (the German side is called Suderwick and it's part of my hometown) Too much info, sorry. What I wanna say: I wish you all the best and am looking forward to witness your progress in any part of your lives :)