What do internationals like about life in the Netherlands?

What do foreigners and internationals like about living in the Netherlands? I asked expats and internationals from 6 different cultures to find out!
🔸 If you live in the Netherlands, I'd love to hear your story and interview you about your experiences:
📥 google form - bit.ly/lifeinthenl
📧 email - [e-mail]
Thanks!
David
⏰ CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:41 🇨🇺 Cuba
03:03 🇸🇴 🇳🇱 Somalia / Netherlands
04:15 🇵🇹 Portugal
06:03 🇹🇷 Turkey
08:03 🇮🇳 India
11:42 🇺🇦 Ukraine
17:27 Ending
🇨🇺 Rigel
/ rigelestevezpalacios
📽 OTHER VIDEOS:
💶 Cost of Living (Amsterdam) - • How much does it cost ...
🏠 Living in a Dutch Canal House - • Apartment Tour: 400-ye...
🇺🇸 USA vs. Europe - • USA vs. Europe: Live t...
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😁 WHO AM I?
I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I make videos about life in the Netherlands, hiking/traveling, and the Camino de Santiago.
#lifeinthenetherlands #expatlife #livinginthenetherlands

[@SatyadeepRoat]

The best thing about Netherlands (specially Amsterdam) is you can be yourself. No one judges you - you can dress anything, no one show off their money, with some many expats, it never feels like a minority, cycling is not look down as poor, great public transport. And dutch people are so cheerful

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Satyadeep! Yes, I agree. It's nice to not feel like you're being judged all the time...and constantly comparing yourself. I think that contributes a lot to happiness here.

[@joebloggs2473]

I never saw a suit in my office. My CEO wore jeans long before the apple git did and not just on Friday.

[@hidavidwen]

@@joebloggs2473 I don't think I can ever go back to suit in the office. Reminds me of the time I once went to a job interview (with a startup) in a suit and tie...and got laughed at 😂

[@GrandTerr]

@@hidavidwen if people laugh at you for being formal, isn't it still judgment? There's a dutch IT guy who wants to wear formal classy clothes, but doesn't because of the informal culture. I think people are still people anywhere, people everywhere have norms. The difference is what these norms entail practically, the ways people respond to "threat" to these norms and also mental health plays an important role too. But overall a human brain is a human brain.

[@hidavidwen]

@@GrandTerr Thanks for sharing. Yeah it's all judgment. And norms play a big role in how people respond.

[@ambla23]

David, you should consider becoming a documentary film maker because your videos are top notch. Well done. Actually, you already are a documentary film maker. Hope to see you along the Camino some day.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks so much! Haha I am still doing a lot of learning. But having a lot of fun along the way. Appreciate your words, they do mean a lot and give me a lot of motivation 🙏 The Camino is always on my mind =) I'm hoping to do the Norte or Primitivo next. We'll see...

[@danieldravot341]

Holland is a small country, but wealthy and cosmopolitan without being overly formal. The Dutch invest all over the world, so they’re sophisticated and everyone speaks at least two languages. It really is a place with all of the advantages of being a first world country with few of the drawbacks. I worked for a number of years with a Dutch crew all over Europe, and they were hard workers who did a superb job. And it’s the home of dark Heineken, world class cheeses and Dutch chocolate!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Daniel. Yes, small country with a big name and many innovations tied to it. It’s quite impressive. Dutch chocolate?? Hm I’ve had some good chocolate here but never knew the Dutch are well known for chocolate!

[@SwirlingSoul]

@@hidavidwen The Belgians are actually the one who have that title, of best chocolatiers, together with the swiss. But I think we're a close 3rd. 😊

[@SwirlingSoul]

@wim caubergs Belgium. Definitely. Hi neighbor! You're also a first for the patatjes :)

[@Larsino2000]

@wim We do not recognize the declaration of belgium independence. Its a ruse so we dont have to spend large amounts of tax money on infrastructure. The reality is that belgium is the 13 province of the netherlands.

[@suicidalbanananana]

@@hidavidwen To be fair we just import good chocolate from Belgium France and Switzerland and then 'the local supermarket brand' has to compete with that so it also has to be high quality. Some of our most basic chocolate bars of less than a euro are still gonna be on a different level compared to some American "chocolate flavored candy" simply because any lesser quality wouldn't even sell here.

[@Yvolve]

16:47 The main reason for the Dutch level of English is not just education, but exposure and practice. The same goes for the Scandinavian countries, who also speak great English. English language media has subtitles instead of being dubbed, so we hear the words constantly and start recognising them, learn how to pronounce them and how the grammar works. This is why most of Dutch and Scandinavian people have an American accent. There is also a lot of English music, so you learn the language when signing along to your favourite songs. You don't learn a language until you start using it regularly, this goes for any language in the world.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks, that's a great point. When you grow up watching movies without it being dubbed...that's a great way to learn (as a kid)...I wonder why other countries don't adopt this approach?

[@Yvolve]

@@hidavidwen It depends on culture. The Dutch have always been very international with their trading, location and movement of people given it's historical tolerance. It is much easier getting a good deal if you speak the other traders language as it makes it more familiar for the other party. As nobody else spoke Dutch, we were also kind of forced to in certain ways. We also have a history with the English, with our king serving as theirs during one of their never ending civil wars and they helped us gain independence from Spain in the 16th century during the 80 Years War. Yes, 80 years. It bankrupted Spain and killed them as an empire, as least partially. This means English has always been a part of our culture. After WW2, we mainly got American media as Europe was in ruins and with our existing knowledge of English, it was easier to subtitle than to dub. Dubbing is very expensive as you can imagine. The Scandinavians also have a history with the English, especially the Danes as they invaded and took over about 1000 years ago. Might've been the whole 1066 thing, but that might be the Normans. This led to extensive trade throughout history. The Swedish government gave out computers to speed up digitisation in the 80's, so people were exposed to the internet in large numbers, which was primarily in English. France, Spain, Portugal and Italy never had the direct trade and contact, so English was very foreign to most and it is a matter of national pride. There was, and might still be, a law in France that requires 1 out of 4 songs on the radio to be French. Robbie Williams even re-recorded an album in French to get more airtime. Sorry, this turned into War and Peace. I find languages and how they shape the world, very interesting.

[@jornspirit]

lovely watch... I never properly lived in the Netherlands, but I've had a relationship with an Amsterdam girl once in the past, and during that time I spent a lot of time overall in the country and especially of course in Amsterdam. Besides of all that got mentioned I would add that the Dutch feel a bit like a big family (much more than e.g. the Germans, which is my country of birth), and the one highlight I'll never forget is that once I happened to be there on Queen's day, and my partner and I decided to go to Denbosch (south of Utrecht) for the festivities, and it was one big town party, everyone so happy, focused more on dance and having fun than drinking... and it felt to me like they are celebrating like a big family, in honour of their Queen mom... was wonderful!! xx

[@hidavidwen]

Oh yeah Queen and King’s day…the biggest party in town…it’s a bit too much for me in the big city but I definitely do appreciate the festivities :)

[@novafalcosmith]

Fantastic to hear from all different people the ❤ love for beautiful Netherlands.❤❤❤

[@garrett3338]

Such a beautiful video! It's great to see so many different nationalities appreciate the same things.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Garrett! If you have any ideas for other videos (or topics to talk to people about), let me know!

[@garrett3338]

@@hidavidwen I think these small interviews are quite good. Maybe a continuation of these? I’m sure there are a lot of interesting people living in The Netherlands.

[@hidavidwen]

@@garrett3338 Thanks! I also enjoy doing these and will continue trying to interview people on different topics.

[@lubicavolko5936]

Beautiful country, no discrimination no crime fantastic life happy all the time

[@vickysmashesyouwithahammer]

i'm critical of nationalism and identifying with your country too much but hearing these compliments still makes me feel very happy and appreciated as a dutchman :,)

[@mtsmts-dn8sq]

There is a lot of amazingly welcoming Dutch people (you including) but I am also surprised by rising level of xenophobia especially with such a shortage in labor market

[@a350pic]

As a flight crew I had been AMS many times and it is always my favorite destination.Haven't visit there for almost three years because of the covid .love all your video about Amsterdam.Good job!🎉🎉

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Penghao. AMS is beautiful, I hope you get to visit again soon :)

[@joebloggs2473]

Great vid David.👍

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Joe :)

[@matthawksworth]

Really enjoy your presentations, very considerate and insightful.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Matt! Hope you have a great one

[@Karmaisagod8228]

I have some Dutch from my Mother I never really knew much about this culture/country so this is good to learn about the Netherlands 🇳🇱 thanks for the video. I love how they ride on bikes a lot more than other transportation. It seems like a really great place to visit. Peaceful and safe. 🌲🌲🌳🌳

[@SwirlingSoul]

I'm Dutch. I used to grumble a lot about my country. It is a bit of a national hobby to complain about the little things. (it's all that's negative here, usually, so what else can one complain about, besides the weather, ;-) ) But since I've been watching expats video's, I'm so proud of our country! I've never really gotten that "national pride" when growing up, until I went to some sports events, (everyone in orange, hey, that feels nice!) but now that I hear from outlanders how they feel here.... I can't do anything but be very grateful for what we have here. And every time I now do complain, I will end it with, "ah well, first world problems eh? all the things we get worked up about!" It always feels good, to hear how organized we are and how rare that actually is.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. It’s always good to have reminders of what to be grateful for…even in our daily lives :) And after traveling for a while…I can also say the Netherlands is one of the top places to live

[@888records]

I started to appreciate how often Dutch and Belgian people complain. When seeing other cultures I realised that we complain so much because we get encouraged to speak our mind while others in different countries might think the same thing but bottle everything up. I still think the average Dutch or Belgian person complains too much but knowing where it comes from makes me like it more. It’s better to me than people not speaking up enough

[@SwirlingSoul]

@@888records Also, apart from the weather, if we complain on things, they usually get solved as well. "oh, all those cars are ruining our greenery in this street, oh the shame! they're so rude!...blahblah..." Two weeks later, ruined greenery set off from the rest, re-sown, problem solved. It helps to complain to the county/online, cuz they will repair stuff, :)) that's the upside of complaining. Or, when complaining becomes reporting a problem. I also think it would be a little weird if we all went: "oh, arent' we wonderful?! everything is perfect here!..." so...yeah, I think I prefer the little complaints. 😁😁😁

[@dicknr1]

@@hidavidwen Problem is Amsterdam or actually the holland provinces itself are the least representative of the nation. In VOC time they made the shots, whats why its so popular. Nowadays 2 out of 12 provinces doesnt make it a majority. Most of the nation hates and avoids Amsterdam at all cost. Only if we have to go there for business. Not to live. I come from the Holland province so i know, I am born there, And I left there, because it sucks now its tourist and foreigner optimzed for scamming basically 300-400% prices. East of NL seems still fine, but the west has turned into a joke. Thats why here you never hear someone say themselves oh I love Amsterdam. Only locals or foreigners who never visited any other city here say that. Its ignorant and people disagree big time. Most wont tell you in your face but we are as a nation quite done with the Amsterdam is representative of NL, same for rotterdam and so on. Its one giant tourist hub with tourist prices, foreigner optimized and thus far far far from the actual native behavior of the nation. these cities are freak cities who try to have everything so you dont need to go elsewhere. In the meantime you get high crimes in amsterdam, high drugs use and abuse. High tourism, insane amounts of immigrants, and none of them visits anything else. As you know most tourists who visit this country dont even leave amsterdam and if they do they generally dont leave the province. So if they decide to stay they become another one of those ignorant idiots who says this is a great city, while its a 2 compared to other cities here. A 2. but you foreigners dont know cause you never travel beyond your nose. Thus the name of amsterdam becomes more popular, more further from the truth and the cycle repeats. Its annoying stop promoting the worst city of the country.

[@888records]

@@SwirlingSoul That's true, I did not think of it that way yet, thanks

[@DjProducerTerrex]

This is the second video i have watched. And i love it, different people from different countries speak their minds. Not only about what the stereotypical Dutch people are like but the difference in upbringing and how they learned to be as a human being. Keep up the great work and keep interviewing real people.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@mikoltgyuricza9090]

Finally someone mentioned the beauty of the country ❤ I am from Budapest, which is also a very beautiful city, but all the water And the gorgeous buildings… I felt like I was walking in a fairy take in the NL.

[@hidavidwen]

Budapest is on my list of places to visit! One day…but yeah I still love walking around the canals late at night (when it’s peaceful and not raining)..like a fairytale!

[@AnnevanPaulus]

Thank you! Greetings from Hilversum!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Anne!

[@kevinaylward3677]

Like your channel. Love living in The Netherlands

[@wisecat.]

As a Dutch person, I think the level of English has to do with the very young age when Dutch people start to speak English. For me, I started at 2nd grade of elementary school, I was like 7 or 8 years old. It also helped that my teacher back then was Australian. Another thing is TV. Not only when I was a kid but still today, every foreign show is subtitled. When I was young I use to watch a lot of English and American tv shows and series with subtitles. So that's also a way to pick up the English language so fast. Now it's so easy for me to watch those shows without subtitles. Today English is everywhere on the Dutch streets. At almost every corner you hear people talking English.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. True, I’ve heard that before too. I think it is great that the English shows are not “dubbed” but uses original language plus subtitles…children can learn so much at a young age. Smart

[@ryoukwjdbwopqmqpzl73819]

I heard dutch people are getting annoyed at "english taking over" what % are those kinda people?

[@LordCucumber77]

@@ryoukwjdbwopqmqpzl73819 Most of us don't care. There's some purists, some not proficient in English and some 'nationalists' out there that mind, but they're a small minority

[@AnnevanPaulus]

Yes! This is because the Americans and the Brittish free us from the German hell ( 1940-1945) I was born a few years afther the war, and I saw the introduction of chewing gum, cola, Mars and Nuts and Bounty, and when I was a mother here became Mac Donnalds. When we had televisoin in 1958 there where films from America, for childresn, we loved it, and so we learned easy Enghlish. The years from 1950 until 1080 where the best years of my live! FREEDOM!!!!!!! We where free from the Germans, and than America rules here, and it still do.

[@user-re4cj3no3g]

Could you please tell, whether that affects workplaces there, as well? Like, if people mostly are really good at English, then it should not be that hard to get an offer, even if you don't speak Dutch?

[@jens9698]

Nice video!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Jens!

[@Woodlawn22]

Thank you for your videos. I love to see the enthusiasm your interviewees have for the Netherlands. Here in the USA there are big differences between the states. Do you have anything to say you have noticed or heard about any cultural differences between the different provinces of the Netherlands? Is there an area that is particularly more suitable for retired people? Again, thanks!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing and the kind words. Hm I hear Maastricht and the South is a good place for retirees…they also say the South is more friendly and slower pace of life too

[@suicidalbanananana]

Something few foreigners know is that we have something we call a "bible belt", it's an imaginary dividing line between two different variants of the country, provinces on one side of that tend to be very "proper" and religious, on the other side not so much... It shouldn't be hard to see what part Amsterdam and neighboring cities fall into 🤣 Oh and there's also Friesland, Limburg and the islands, these area's all kind of do their own thing & love telling the government to get f-ed and/or focus less on Amsterdam. Which we all just accept because they make a fair point and Amsterdam really has become a terrible tourist trap at this point, yes it also still has many good things going for it, but most Dutch people DON'T want to live in Amsterdam. If you like the area just move one city over in any direction, same 'easy going feeling' and architecture, but minus 80% of tourists and overpriced bs.

[@MuMarquia]

I think you are a good journalist, or anchor.👍

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Wawa :) appreciate it

[@chernovdmytro]

Man, love you channel , I'm started learning English and you speak in English so good

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks =)

[@nandjavia2521]

Man. Thank you so much for these videos. I just finished my bachalors in america and am thinking about doing a masters in the netherlands and living there after that. Can you make a video with a few students who might have moved there for education and then stayed in the NL. Maybe sharing their experiences of finding a job or the visa process to work there. And how soon can they get a permanent residency. Thank you so much again!

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome and thanks for watching! I have some ideas about student life. Well I also moved here to study a Masters in NL and plan to make a video about education as well.

[@hidavidwen]

But I'll just add a few things since you are thinking about doing a Masters... - I found a job a few months after defending my thesis (but I already had quite a bit of work experience which made it easier compared to other students who came straight from bachelors) - Internationals who study here can apply for a 1-year search year visa (zoekjaar visa) which allows them 1 year to look for a job after graduation...most of people I know used this visa and found a job - Most internationals find an international company that will sponsor their visa afterwards (eg. highly skilled migrant) - One can get permanent residency after 5 years in the country

[@suicidalbanananana]

Do it! You shouldn't have any trouble finding a job and if you're not dead set on Amsterdam you shouldn't have any issue finding a permanent residency either.

[@jsb7975]

The music culture both classic as well as pop, techno and modern jazz. The art culture which is extensiv both historic (!) and modern. The architecture and infrastructure. The hilly and forested area's . The skies (The Netherlands is one big delta and the skies belong to this circumstance. Hence the 17th century landscape and seascape paintings _ landscape comes from the Dutch word 'landschap')

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Oh yeah the music culture is huge here. So many good things =)

[@maidenekker]

Nice video David! I am happy to hear these ex-pats like living here, these are the positive things about our country and our culture. Right this moment the general feeling in the country is not so positive, i'm afraid. A lot of people are very unhappy with our government, with the prices going up, inflation, the gas prices. A lot of people are suffering from poverty, which is ludicrous for such a wealthy country. It gives rise to a lot of anger and distrust among the population, something that is really troubling i think. This is not a paradise. I think that was not the goal of your video, but i couldn't resist to add this.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Mai for sharing. Sad to hear but you’re right…life is not a paradise. I hope things get better

[@bertkassing8541]

Leuk de filmpjes op de Geniedijk!

[@hidavidwen]

Dankjewel!

[@pepealexandre]

Heeyy, Portugal!! 🏖

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Paulo - yes Portugal! Love Portugal

[@suicidalbanananana]

Being born here, what i like most when comparing the Netherlands to other countries is the fact that i don't really have to worry about anything, pretty much the "security" thing a few people in the video mentioned. Whatever life throws at me, i can deal with it or my government (local or country-level) is more than happy to help me deal with it, that gives a certain level of ease of mind that seems to be lacking in most other countries. Downside would be that taxes and rent are high, but the first one is at least justified by all the things we get for it in return. ---- Also worth mentioning since the girl from Ukraine talked about it, we already start learning English when still in primary school & almost nothing (besides literal kid shows/movies) is dubbed over, so we constantly hear english on TV/media while reading the subtitles when growing up, this subconsciously keeps improving our English until we just stop reading subtitles. This is all because of our past, we still think it's _very important_ to be able to communicate with people from other countries. (for trade etc) Having said that, we're all ashamed when some of our politicians start speaking English with a thick Dutch accent and half-half Dutch grammar, makes all of us look bad & its way below the norm 😞 I've had several experiences where people are unsure where i'm from because i don't have a Dutch accent and English grammar comes more naturally to me compared to Dutch grammar, i've also been told i will seamlessly switch between English and American (both vocabulary and tone) based on who im talking to without even realizing it. One time i had a colleague who for 3 years straight thought i was from the UK and just did really well at learning Dutch, before eventually asking me if i had advice on learning Dutch and i was like "ehhh what? no, Dutch language sucks and i only know it because i've heard it all my life" and they were so confused lol 🤣 To be fair my english writing skills still leave something to be desired, i still make the usual rookie mistakes like when to use too or to, then or than, stuff like that, but i can speak and understand it flawlessly so pretty happy about that, spell check helps with writing 😉

[@Iflie]

Yes, because I speak to many americans I find myself explaining that if there is even a small dike breach or something you know the government would act right away. back in the day they would send in all the conscription boys from the military with sandbags. You just know you will not end up deep in debt after your house is swept away or something. So many things like that give you a totally different perspective of life, a sense of trust and safety. You do not have to chase money for that feeling;.

[@ronaldchristian8140]

The last girl was happy! The first guy was happy!! ❤

[@hidavidwen]

Everyone is quite happy!!

[@jacquelinevanwickevoortcro1274]

They are just the best.

[@kaydesign]

Interesting that many like the directness, why is this so unique? Maybe because when working together on ships in history the Dutch needed to be direct? Working efficient together to keep the ship on course?

[@hidavidwen]

I also know many who are not comfortable with the directness. Cultural differences. Oh that's an interesting hypothesis...working on the ships together. I read a BBC article that said Dutch directness may be influenced by their Calvinistic roots that valued "honesty."

[@connorduke4619]

Dutch CPS workers and judges are totally NOT direct. In order to cover up their crimes, they speak and write more crookedly than the Sicilian Mafia.

[@Benny_000]

@@hidavidwen The main theory that I know is that the Dutch have always been merchants and as a merchant it's always best to be direct and don't waste time beating around the bush.

[@rosalielonka2804]

We don't like you wasting our time with being non direct. That's playing games just to come to the same end result.

[@andrisk2703]

I'm ethnically Russian and in my experience the Dutch are anything but direct. It always surprises me when people say the Dutch are direct. They are polite, courteous and very politically correct. At least more so than eastern Europeans.

[@cultugarvealgarve7380]

As being a dutchman, living many years in south European countries, is the rather open mind in the Netherlands, probably because the Netherlands has been trading over the world for centuries. Also the average level of education, is rather high. The Netherlands are well organised and effective, and rather digitalized.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing, I do agree!

[@Treinbouwer]

Nee, het komt van de calvinistische stroming die vanaf de 80 jarige oorlog tot meer tolerant godsdienstbeleid ergens in de 19e eeuw het land domineerden. Met dat andere beleid kregen andere godsdiensten gelijke rechten, inplaats van enkel te worden gedoogd, waarop de katholieken de bisschopszetels herstelden en de katholieke participatie een vlucht nam en de verzuiling begon. Er is een reden dat katholiek Nederland in de algemene zin iets subtieler is in de manier waarop dingen worden uitgedrukt. Zo werkt de kerkpolitiek immers ook, anders kun je de kerk niet bijelkaar houden.

[@b.carrie837]

I love the honesty of the people here.

[@hidavidwen]

😃

[@robertboender5816]

I think The Netherlands is proving the UN can work 😁

[@hidavidwen]

😄 Yes Robert =)

[@felixramsin1433]

Being in the Netherlands felt like being in my hometown, no complaints.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Felix. Where is home for ya?

[@felixramsin1433]

Central America

[@GrandTerr]

"It's not rude, it's just honest"...well chances are not all people are chill all the time, some people are annoyed or angry at times, then they will be rude. In other cultures they might hide it or be more slimy with their response. I haven't lived in the Netherlands, but have communicated with dutch online a lot. None of them have ever made me think they are direct or rude, just normal, sometimes not completely direct lol. Maybe people coming from turkey or south America or USA might find it as too direct.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Max. True. It depends on where you come from. Erin Meyer has a book called “Culture Map” that explains this :)

[@abelverheijen4389]

I bet the first man found himself in a coffeeshop 😂

[@suicidalbanananana]

Haha i thought the same thing, 90% sure he came over to enjoy some herbs and then was like "oh hey everything else is pretty nice here too, might as well stay" 😉

[@scrablooey]

That's my plan😂😂😂😂

[@roanhielkema5714]

We don't really have a "bike culture" as much as most foreigners seem to think. Bikes are just a very popular means of transportation, a tool to get from A to B. Perhaps (big maybe) you could say bikes are a part OF the Dutch way of living, sure, and that's not just semantics. On the same note, we don't have a "public transport culture" nor a "freedom of speech culture" or really even a "Cheese culture" (Imagine that) or any of such like, but all these are very definitely integral parts of what combined makes our culture, or way of life. The really funny thing is that what seems to gets noticed the most by foreigners is the most mundane, the very simple, every day life stuff and I really think that's actually rather nice but I would suggest everyone really try to see the whole, not just a part of it. I think it will enhance your experience and perhaps even make understanding us (and I am fully aware we Dutch are not as easy to get to really know as many other Europeans) a bit easier.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing roan. I can understand your perspective as a Dutchie. Yeah the bike culture...especially for many of us...we didn't grow up with it so it's something very NEW and DIFFERENT for us in a beautiful way. For example, I'm used to cars and traffic in the US. I used to drive 2-3 hours in traffic every day in LA...and now...I cycle 10 minutes + take the train for 15 minutes to get to work. It's like heaven. When you say see the "whole," what things would you like people to pay attention to?

[@roanhielkema5714]

@@hidavidwen I mean the way all those aspects interact. How for example physical distance (or the lack thereof) creates a reality in which our culture not only developed but also still evolves, for sure. Another, and probably important aspect is how protestantism, Calvinism for the most part, but not exclusively, general Christian values too for sure, as well as Judaism to a lessor extent and of course humanism, have shaped our ways, our manners and really, our shared values. It's an interesting mix of philosophies, best described as the "genius of protestantism" and while religion itself doesn't play a major role here anymore, most of us are irreligious but we kept the best bits of that. The rugged individualism on the one hand and the understanding we can only function as a community and that those 2 are not in conflict with each other but rather, strengthen each other to no end. Let me give some examples of some aspects of that. Our "frugality" (which has eroded a lot the past 2 decades), our directness, our disdain for eccentricity, our openness, tolerance and fondness for utilitarianism, the pragmatic, egalitarianism and willingness to compromise on the basis of reason, all of that stems from that in one way or another. So, where a foreigner sees a bike, we see a very practical, healthy, enjoyable and affordable means of getting around. Besides, you can go mostly anywhere and that of course is real freedom, in most cases, you technically don't even need a proper road, try that with a car. Public transport is easy, you can get work done while you travel, that's efficient and a great way to socialise too. Where a foreigner sees a Dutch breakfast or lunch and goes like "where's there rest?" We see what we have been eating since we were kids and those few sandwiches with cheese or peanut butter are just as tasty now as when you had that sitting, all drenched from the rain, with your classmates on the radiator in the hallway between classes until the teacher would tell you to get off. And of course you would still go to school on your bike, 10 km or more with the wind in your face. How else and you're not made of sugar, so a bit of rain won't melt you. I suppose a lot of foreigners had an even worse reaction to traditional Dutch dinners. It's an acquired taste, what can I say. You should have moved to France, maybe? Just kidding of course. Our culture is really as much about shared experiences, mentality and expectations as anything else, forget about the few national celebrations and all that, it's the daily life you should concern yourself with and if you want to be excepted here as "one of us" you better get in on it. Sure, we complain about the weather, and still ignore it, because well, there's precious little else to complain about and we really don't like people complaining or acting entitled, so we pick the weather as a conversation starter, it's a safe subject and since it's well, 51 degrees North, go figure. Of course these are generalisations and we are all individuals and there are quite substantial regional differences here as well. But it really does come down to things like these and we tend to form real, deep and lasting friendships mostly early in life, before our early 20's I'd say so it is not so easy to really get in on that when you come here older, and not having these shared experiences. It can be done for sure, many succeed, but it takes a lot of effort. If you don't manage to get in on it, this can be a cold, hard and lonely place I'd imagine and probably a disagreeable experience. I think a lot of immigrants tend to stick to each other for that reason and that's really a shame, you'll never be a part of your new home that way and you really miss out of what could be a much richer life. Sure, it's not easy, but I imagine moving to another country hardly ever is without a cost and whether you come here out of curiosity, for a job or as a refugee, it's really up to you what you make of it and that depends for a good part on what you choose to see, the superficial or the reasons why it is so.

[@nouraa.2467]

@@roanhielkema5714 all what u said is nice and good but I don’t see the reason for all this overemphasis.. All cultures are prone to generalization😭

[@roanhielkema5714]

​@@nouraa.2467 Generalisation may be fine for tourists, but it doesn't help you one bit in understanding any culture or nation you with to live in for any signifiant length of time. The real deal is in the details. And should you not like the style of my writing, well, what can I say? Ignore it, perhaps?

[@51bikerboy]

@@roanhielkema5714 I miss the Dutch directness! What are you trying to say? Try it in just three sentence.

[@maartjewaterman1193]

i often hear foreigners say how direct we dutch are and i do not fully understand that. is there any foreigner here who can give me an example and compare it with how it would be said or done in his/her culture? thanks a lot in advance.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Maartje. Oh a very interesting topic indeed. I did a cultural awareness at work with colleagues from around the world...colleagues also mentioned Dutch people have one of the most 'direct' communication styles in the world...but the Dutch colleagues had no idea. It's all about honesty, right? I think the big shocker is with negative feedback/criticism-the Dutch are even honest with criticism. Other cultures-like Asian cultures-would never directly criticize in order to preserve group harmony (unless it comes from a higher level authority). But Dutch culture has a very flat culture...so you could even criticize the CEO. Another example is what I can relate with as an American... The answer to "How are you?" in the US is almost always "good." But some Dutch I've asked that to responded with responses like "Crap/not well," which is something you don't really hear in the US. But it's an honest response.

[@maartjewaterman1193]

@@hidavidwen I see. The other day we did not get an answer to a question from a german company we bought, so my manager told me to write them yet another mail and I got kind of irritated, which was noticable by the tone set. The manager told me to rewrite it in a nicer way, coz he as he told me that was not a pleasant way to approach people. I told him that germans have another culture and being very nice to them doesn't do the job as wanted in this case and if he kept on being nice, he would keepp on being a nice person but never get the answer he needed. I guess in other ccultures it is not natural for secretaries to be that direct to their managers?

[@Bibi-J]

@@maartjewaterman1193 That's very true, Maartje. I guess it's more like, we respect like a manager, and for needs or questions we go to him/her... But when it comes to Work and different views, we are more like on one level.After all we all work together in that same business, to accomplish something that will be good for the company you're working for. (As an example) We are direct because we want the problem solved, not in every job you can stay "friendly" all the time... it also depends on what job and the situation ofcourse. Sometimes it's sad, that we have to adjust or have to know how other country-rules work, but they don't know how (we) their contacts work.

[@gardenjoy5223]

@@maartjewaterman1193 Living in Germany for over a decade now, alas. This country has the name of being efficient, but is everything but. Here each bureaucrat is king in his own castle. In the Netherlands there is always a person placed higher to which you can go with a complaint. Not so much in Germany. Here managers actually not even reply on urgent complaints about abusive co-workers. That means people get a free hand to do whatever. I can honestly say, that I've come to know North Rhine-Westphalia as the country of the unjust, incompetent and power abusers. It even highly frustrates their own people. My foster daughter had to apply for study benefits. They decided that she made a minor mistake on one form. They literally threw out her entire application with all the good forms. It took her months to get everything together again and many tears and fears of what she should live off. And when they for some reason don't like you (which happens very easily), they just lay your request aside or at the bottom of the pile, to sort of take revenge. I am in major culture shock here! MAJOR. Impossible that people behave so unprofessionally and beastly here. Also terribly arrogant doctors with very limited medical knowledge. Recipe for disastrous care. Any real help for a rather unknown disease may be paid out of your own pocket. Gosh, I detest it here to an unspeakable level. Will flee this country asap. Thanks for listening to my rant. Still need to vent to work through the many traumatic experiences here. People are mean here. Out to hurt you. They lie and slander and do anything to ruin you. I actually was thinking of writing a book on how NOT to behave in customer care, with the plenty amount of bad examples here. Perhaps I'll write it to get me through the trauma. In Germany Everything is about respecting your boss. No matter how little respect he actually deserves. It's demanded. They have the 'Sie' culture here. You have to use the polite form of speech to an intense level. Yet, many of their own actions are of the utmost disrespect for others. Really, I now get it, how Germany could start two world wars in the last century. And that same mentality is still very much alive. It won't take much or it could happen again. They like to think of themselves as better than others and my truthful testimony is, that they are less on almost all (inter)personal and professional levels. We're out of here at the first possible chance. Stay out and away from here! It will strangle your honest and free Dutch heart.

[@welderDJ]

Love this vid

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Trini!

[@Sponsorbagel]

I feel like it'd actually be interesting to hear what dutch people like about this country

[@hidavidwen]

Great idea!

[@gardenjoy5223]

First and foremost the equality between the sexes. We respect each other here. We might differ a bit in talents and preferences, but everyone is needed and everyone is appreciated. Then the freedom to be you and not have to constantly be on edge about what you are allowed to do or say. Again: there is respect for one another, also in our differences. Personally I love our directness. It's less in some provinces, like North Brabant, which is also the province I didn't like to live in, since people were nice in your face but scheming behind your back, ugh! I love the trust we have among each other, looking out for each others kids, giving them a wonderful childhood full of exploring. And I love the greenness of the country. With enough rain, it's wonderfully green and not withered away, usually. Public transport gets you everywhere in a reasonable time, though it is expensive. Love the long evenings in summer and love to look at other people's Christmas trees in their houses through their open curtains. Love that everything is so close. Even other countries are close by. But I dislike that foreigners of some cultures just don't mingle in well. They can't live in their own country, but they try to harass our girls and try to force their oppressing faiths upon us. So I do understand, that more and more Dutch people vote against such. It's their own fault. I really dislike being served somewhere by a woman with a big cloth around her head, out of said oppressive religion, which contradicts our roots. Especially if she is a big hypocrite, because she wears make-up or tight jeans with it. If you're not supposed to be attractive, then don't try to come across as such! It seems they want to be respected, but don't respect back. The sooner they leave, the better, as far as I'm concerned. Please respect my experiences in this. It's MY country. If you want to change something, go back and change your own country. Look at how well Asians have integrated here. Hard working people, not imposing their ways upon our culture. Yes, you are welcome. Please stay and enrich our culture. We love your food and it has become an integrated part of our culture. We love to hear you ask 'sambal bij?" (Sambal sauce with that?) and respect you getting ahead by your own efforts. But I truly dislike the housing situation. It takes very, very long to find affordable housing. Just not when you are a refugee from abroad, then you get it faster. Which basically forces us to buy a house for a ridiculous price, so all our lives we work to pay off a huge mortgage to own a pile of bricks. Then again, the social network is outstanding! Down on your luck doesn't mean you lose everything overnight. Lost your job? Get 70% of your last income for a while, whilst looking for another one. Lost your health? Get benefits to live off, though your living standard will drop dramatically. Yet, you can still afford basic necessities. Right now, with evil russia trying to steal, kill and destroy the Ukraine, many prices have gone up enormously here. That's hard on many people, so overall happiness has gone down lately. Come Springtime, people will be more at ease again, I expect. Oh, I do love the Spring so very much, with the flowers and leaves everywhere. Lastly, I love the generosity. We might not always be good at that among each other with the ridiculous tikkies of nowadays, where the bill is split too well. But when there is a tragedy somewhere, we sure know how to give of the money we saved by being frugal and bringing our own sandwiches from home to eat at work. That truly saves quite some money and we don't mind donating that for people and even animals in need.

[@mariadamen7886]

You'd better ask what's not to like in my country. One of the disgusting things is the housing situation. So many foreigners come here and expect to find everything Dutch people don't get e.g. a house, free healthcare, free money etc etc. The lines at a foodbank get ever more larger, poverty is getting worse. Healthcare is getting more expensive partly due to 'refugees' and migrants. 17 million people (and rising)is far too much for such a tiny country

[@mariadamen7886]

@@gardenjoy5223 When you start writing about the war try and educate youself first before writing nonsense.

[@pranav8893]

If your goal is earning money and buying luxury cars,houses,watches.Then you should forget about living in Netherlands because the taxes are so high and salaries compared to USA are lower.If you are not attached to material wealth, please live in Netherlands.

[@hidavidwen]

True

[@DidierWierdsma6335]

Glad to know that those people love it here in the Netherlands and who can blame them my country the Netherlands is an awesome country and very welcoming it's definitely better than the Divided States of America that's for sure so glad and blessed to still live here in Europe/the Netherlands. Great video David keep up the great work👍 En nog een prettige dag toegewenst😊

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Didier, appreciate it. Yeah I also learned a lot from talking to them...we all have different perspectives coming from different cultures. Let me know if you have any ideas/suggestions for future videos or topics I could talk to people about... En nog een prettige dag toegewenst

[@rickybrunet2852]

The Netherlands is my dream country to move to from the US when I retire in a few years but unfortunately I will only receive about $2,000.00 a month and Im afraid is not enough to live there. But I love bikes and would love to live in a country with a strong bike culture like The Netherlands.

[@suicidalbanananana]

There are a couple of American retirees renting an apartment in the same building as mine & they seem to be doing fine & enjoying the place, one thing that's important to understand is how Amsterdam rent prices are crazy but the rest of the country is a lot more affordable. $2000 dollars equals roughly €1780 which is about 150 bucks above minimum wage, and for minimum wage you're supposed to be able to comfortably rent and buy stuff. I honestly think you'd do fine here, just avoid Amsterdam. If you like the area a lot then just go to a neighboring city, already saves a lot in costs while the 'feeling' will be very similar, but with less tourists. If you want more bang for your buck go further away from Amsterdam, for the price that gets you a basic apartment in Amsterdam you can have a nice free standing house with a garden in some of the more rural areas (but it's still small Netherlands so everything will still be close by, not really comparable to actually rural areas that you have in America) Oh and i wouldn't even be remotely surprised if you can just ask local or country government for some extra money if you do need it, citizenship or not. Dutch government is pretty easy going when it comes to making sure everyone has a good quality of life. Or if that's too much of a hassle to figure out, just make some use of the crazy amounts of volunteers and help thats available. To be blunt you can literally just hold up your hand here and (within reason ofc) you will get whatever you need, regardless of nationality/citizenship/whatever.

[@Treinbouwer]

Then you could add yourselves to the million Dutch household unable to pay their bills whatever they do.🙃

[@rickybrunet2852]

@@Treinbouwer 😂😂😂 No thanks.

[@manie3232]

​@@suicidalbananananaWow, that's awesome! That's definitely the US mentality. Need help here it's just like " get a job you lazy bum".

[@manie3232]

I'm in the same boat. I'll be 60 this year, I work a very demanding 12 hour shift in the US and with my SS I assume I'll get and maybe a little from my employer 491k plan I'll be lucky if I get $2 k month especially if I retire at 62, the earliest age you can apply for social security income when you retire here. And some politicians, mostly Republicans are even trying to reduce it by even more or even end the program in favor of a privatized plan.

[@manie3232]

How much vacation time do they get?

[@shootingsportstransparency7461]

Welcome

[@we.r.1]

Support your farmers Daily Hot on y.t, not all so bright in the Netherlands David.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Josie. Not all bright indeed. But I hope things brighten up 🙏

[@hansbroes2491]

We do support our farmers. I'm flying the flag upside down as do many. I maybe live under the Dutch government doesn't mean I agree with a lot of policy politics do mess up sometimes, they are only human too, like me. I believe if nobody showed up to vote life would continue as normal. At least here. Probably where you are from as well. Just simply said trying to take care of people. If you can ask everybody directly how they are. Answers become more meaningfull. Because it is not a part of chivalry nor etiquette. You truly ask how someone is doing. I miss that when I go abroad. Paying true interest and attention to someone without having to explain that you are.

[@peterquant1883]

I'm Dutch. It's really nice to hear people enjoy this country so much. I'm glad these people are happy here, and have chosen this country to live. You (expats) make this country better. Thanks!

[@jbk6907]

Sometimes directness is mean.

[@rafox66]

Better to be honest than deceitful.

[@Xilladan093]

Clown

[@manie3232]

That sounds like a place I'd like to live. Are there any people born there?

[@KokkiePiet]

Happy to see you’re all so happy in the Netherlands, now learn the language

[@suicidalbanananana]

Why tho? i like speaking English and so do most Dutch people? You do know Dutch is crazy hard to learn for foreigners right? because it's some mix of German and French grammar and words, and Spanish and English words but not grammar & god knows what else. And our grammar is f*cking bonkers lol, not even ashamed to admit i only learned it through 30+ years of repetition. I genuinely can't explain Dutch grammar rules when i try, because they make no sense to me at all. And i was born here, now imagine trying to wrap your head around our bizzare grammar rules when you were raised on a completely _different kind_ of language like English.

[@mtsmts-dn8sq]

Now go FY xenophobe

[@KokkiePiet]

@@suicidalbanananana It’s called integration, doing the effort to fit in, being part of the society. I live in Germany, so I speak German. When I am in France, I speak French.

[@KokkiePiet]

@@mtsmts-dn8sq Try using arguments.

[@justletmechangethehandleyt]

No judgement, racism homophobia and discrimination is illegal, liberal government, clean streets public places and public transport, taxes are high but can be requested back if you go to an accountant, people is nice to everyone, almost all the dutch speak english, jobs are easy to find. There are a lot of nice things in Netherlands.

[@Treinbouwer]

Een miljoen huishoudens die hun rekeningen onmogelijk kunnen betalen, een de facto degressief belastingstelsel waarbij de marginale belastingdruk overigens aan een stuiterbal doet denken. Geen universitair onderwijs in de landstaal, verloederende cultuur en een kleine discussie over of we te ja of te nee een opendeurenbekeid moeten voeren, de culturele sector 'inclusief' moeten maken en een groot deel van onze boeren uit moeten kopen en berooid achter moeten laten die het land in tweeën splijt. Oh ja, in ons mooie kleine landje moeten de kerken bijspringen omdat ook mensen die met z'n tweeën werken niet altijd rond kunnen konen al zeggen ze alles wat geen eerste levensbehoefte op die geen geld krijgen omdat ze wettelijk niet arm zijn en was ik al aan de toeslagen affaire, gas affaire en de volle grasvelden en winkeldiefstallen in Ter Apel begonnen? Gaaf land!

[@Tsuma_Vento]

Yeah, it's pretty great here compared to the rest of the world. Though, I wouldn't recommend women to walk freely around at night in certain parts of a city like Rotterdam, for example... certainly not in my neigbourhood.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Thomas - yeah true for big cities, there is always that risk

[@rosalielonka2804]

You know what's funny. I am born and raised in NL but my parents are from Surinam. I have a white dutch husband and he is from the north of Netherland. And I'm from the Hague. He had to get used to my directness. So dutch people are not everywhere direct. In the big city's they're more direct than in the country side. I'm a real Hagenaar even though Surinam background and culture. Also I hear no one in your video talking about haring met uitjes 😂

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Rosalie! Hah yeah that's what I've learned, the "directness" can vary from region to region. Also...we are very different as "individuals" too. Haring met uitjes 🐟

[@mariadebake5483]

​@@hidavidwenHaring..... mmmmm... maar ZONDER uitjes!

[@ootjesurcamp]

I can't unhear "and how drugged it is" at 8:46.

[@0animalproductworld558]

My cultural shock would be the weather 🐇 Always cold, wet, gloomy, and depressing 🐇 I like the sunny tropical weather 🪳

[@hidavidwen]

Haha Adan, that was also one of my shocks =) Still is!

[@0animalproductworld558]

@@hidavidwen (=

[@andrisk2703]

It's amazing how people can have the opposite view of a place because of their country of origin. I come from a Northern European country and to me the Netherlands is a warm and sunny place. 😅

[@0animalproductworld558]

@@andrisk2703 You do not know what heat and sunny are until you go to Asia, California, Florida etc IT gets crazily hot, bright, and sunny

[@andrisk2703]

@@0animalproductworld558 How do you survive there? 😃

[@thebigskyguy]

The Dutch love coffee and cake in the afternoon. How civilized.

[@hidavidwen]

☕️🍰

[@ronlos3060]

Dear David. As a Dutch guy i thank you for all the compliments. I used to feel the same about this country. Having said that i feel strongly to point out that the majority of Dutch people dont subscribe to your optimism anymore. Please dont make the mistake to assume that the attitude in Amsterdam is exemplary for Holland as a whole. Feel welcome in my country but realise that the reality of an expat is not per se the reality of a local Dutch person. The picture you paint is far to optimistic and functions as an naïeve advertisement to the rest of the world.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Ron. What made you change your mind?

[@Macvriendin]

I think that Ronlos wants to point out the fact that Dutch people are also very critical on their society and have strong and diverse opinions when it comes down to politics. There are a lot of difficult decisions that have to be made in our country to make our country sustainable for the future and we need to work hard to meet environmental standards. That being said, dutch people ARE friendly... And our country IS beautiful... Our technology knowlegde is the highest in the world. We are one of the biggest export countries in the world. We ARE efficient... etc. etc. So the fact that these people are complimenting us on how we live here, should give us some trust and awareness of our culture. I have to say: thank you for giving us this kind and dutch-promoting positive look in the mirror. We DO have a fantastic country.

[@ronlos3060]

@@hidavidwen Hi David. How nice of you to reply. What changed my mind is the, at least how i see it, rapid decline of this country. Our gouvernements policies over the last decade or so are only beneficial to large companies and people with a high education. The ordinary dutchman or woman is falling into poverty at an alarming speed. People with normal jobs can no longer affort to buy or even rent a house. For instance a teacher or a police officer can no longer live in the city he or she works in. The average person is taxed into poverty while large international buisinesess dont pay any tax at all. For someone like me the nett tax pressure, i assume you have heard of 'brievenbusfirma's? The strenght of this country used to be the egalitarian construction of it. Everybody could join in and build a good life for him or herself. Unfortunately now there is a fast growing gap betreden the haves and have nots. Exactly what happened in your home country. I visited California in 2014 and was shocked by the social problems i saw there. I'm very affraid we will go down the same path. Off course i dont blame hard working expats or any immigrant for that matter. I Just want you to know that there's a different prospective. Thanks for you're reply and despite my comment i'm still looking forward to your next video.

[@waynehylics]

@@ronlos3060 As an American looking over at the Netherlands with optimistic eyes, I hope your country does not fall down the same road that we did. Our rich become richer and our poor starve alone. Unlike America, however, the Dutch seem very observant of the issues. I hope all goes well over there

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

What I like about the Netherlands: It is very easy to go to Norway from the Netherlands. :)

[@hidavidwen]

Hah thanks. I still haven't been to Norway yet. But I guess, I will try to go now...

[@MrSeine2]

😂

[@Hephaestios01]

Cheeky

[@rafox66]

@@888records You can take a ferry from the Netherlands to Norway.

[@888records]

@@rafox66 That's cool, thank you. I genuinely wanted to know because the car option seemed a bit weird, I'd love to go to Norway now!

[@baksed4675]

I love the Netherlands really it's weird that some Dutchies are complaining wait until you move to a foreign country

[@richardbrinkerhoff]

have lived in the Netherlands for 49 years, married to a Dutchman and naturalized Dutch. Foreigners always talk about the Dutch being direct. This is not something that ever stood out to me about the Dutch.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Richard. I wonder if it could be due to the fact that you’ve been here 49 years and it’s part of you now? But yeah we are all different individually too!

[@richardbrinkerhoff]

@@hidavidwen No, from the beginning in 1974 I didn't find the Dutch to be more direct than in America. I come from NJ, studied in CO and. DC, and lived in NY before I relocated. I think that's a good cross-section of the US.

[@elsvanzwoll]

And?…. Did you find de stroopwafels and bitterballen?

[@hidavidwen]

Hah thanks Els. I love bitterballen. Stroopwafels…nice to have once in a while (very sweet haha) but great gifts

[@rafox66]

@@hidavidwen What about our brined herring?

[@Dutchguy.94]

expat from portugal living here for 20 years.... I dont think thats called an expat, at that point youve migrated and are practically Dutch xD

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Oh I think it depends…one could be an expat forever and never integrate

[@Centurion101B3C]

So adding it all up, the red line through all positive opinions is that as a rule expectations are met (and exceeded) on all levels. It being at societal governmental or interpersonal levels, the word once given, come hell or high water, stands. Even with a smile.

[@susanmcmichael5607]

How do the people who can’t bike get around? I’m too old …

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Susan - there are trams, buses, trains available. Many options

[@susanmcmichael5607]

@@hidavidwen thanks David!

[@jbk6907]

Car, public transport, taxi. E-step

[@Bibi-J]

Hi Susan, well, we even have train/taxi's Explanation: If you are not able to walk, or walk badly, and you want to travel by train, there is a special taxi-service that picks you up from home, brings you to the railwaystation, and at your destination by train, another taxi can take from that station and brings you to the adress you want to go to. ( Only thing is you have to reserve online or by phone....That is just to know how man people are going. They have also taxi's for groups, that is why)

[@whosane1414]

Hey, super random but i've written a sheet of things that may help the engagement on your videos, mind if i share?

[@TheElla4real]

First 3 years ex pats don't have to pay tax. That's why they like it here. And perhaps for our coffeeshops. 😑 How's that for directness.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Not everyone comes as an "expat" though. Some as students. The coffee shops are unique though haha!

[@the1101experiment]

De allerbeste land ter wereld!

[@hidavidwen]

🇳🇱

[@rafox66]

Het*

[@SaraLee1]

"Doe normaal dan doe je al gek genoeg"

[@vinniekay0967]

Our 'Directness' may take some getting used to.. But 4 Me born and raised a Dutchman, it is where i'm most likely 'Most Proud of'.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Vinnie 👏

[@ricardodisveld6996]

There is more than just amsterdam. Why don't do a video in the East of The Netherlands? Nijmegen, Enschede etc.?

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the idea Ricardo!

[@pedroRodriguesMD]

Holy crap! A Portuguese like me ! But luckier...I will go alone. Because working in Portugal you cant afford rent of a ROOM! 2023.

[@dennishendrikx3228]

My wife is Greek, she is in The Netherlands for about 10 years. Since I met her I also noticed the lesser things of my country. The medical world was a bad experience for both of us, but life is good here. It's just minor things. She searched a company to build in the yard, in the weekend. I told her before, Dutch companies don't work weekends. Weekends are for family and friends, hobbies. They make enough money trough the week. Off course the weather can get depressing, but for me 3 months straight hot summer is depressing, not a day of rain. First time in Greece I took the bus, and at the bus stop were 10 people. I say Hello in Greek, they all looked at me like I was going to rob them. In The Netherlands its common to greet strangers. Now I still say good morning, I don't care. Work, infrastucture and calmness in The Netherlands, but actual life with friends, family and coffee is in Greece. When your washing machine is broken, Dutch advise you to buy a new one. In Greece they will have that broken part in the store, and sometimes it's even for free. Safety is a other thing. It's way safer in Greece, in NL women don't walk outside alone in the dark, Greek women walk to their home alone, middle of the night.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Dennis. Where are you living now? Not surprised to hear life and family and friends are in Greece…but calmness and work are in the Netherlands. Two very different cultures!

[@dennishendrikx3228]

@@hidavidwen We live in my hometown of Eindhoven, near the Belgian and German border. The Philips factory city. It's the 5th biggest (in case of The Netherlands the 5th less small) city. My wife is from Keratsini, Pireaus. Non touristic area.

[@888records]

I have seen plenty of women walk and bike in the dark at night in the Netherlands but it depends on the area you live in. The Netherlands is one of the safesr countries in the world

[@Bibi-J]

@@888records Very true. Was about to write the same, then I read your comment. Haha.

[@Siz_LiveLifeLive]

I live in Amsterdam and I have no trouble nor am I afraid to walk or cycle alone in the dark/middle of the night. I believe it’s supersafe!

[@platinumbulletsniper]

The Dutch are basically a union against the water. They say God created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands. Because the Netherlands is located under sea level, and has been literally won from the sea by pumping away the water and building dikes, we've always been in a battle with the elements. That's why it was of the utmost importance that everybody spoke their mind and that everybody was heared. Without dancing around the point or being politically correct. Imagine not listening to Piet or Jan (typical Dutch names) but they were right about the dikes not being high enough and the water was about to come... Or imagine not telling someone that they might be wrong about the dikes being high enough, because you wanted to ''spare their feelings'', but they were actually wrong and the water was coming... Also they inherited of all the world's known knowledge through the (partial) incorporation into the Roman Empire, through which they also inherited Christianity - regardless if you believe, it works as a social binding agent, a common moral reference point for a people - which made them grow to from a tiny nation of small farmers to one of the world's most free, productive, cooperative, inventive, rich and sophisticated nations in the world (as in: how well everything is taken care of, relating back to their need to work together against the water and their social glue and moral compass Christianity). But sadly that is all going away and we've been sold to the communist European Union by our political leaders. Even though Europe consists of 44 unique and souvereign countries with their individual histories, cultures and languages, the EU wants to eradicate that to gain power over us, the people. Simply put they want to change the colors of the rainbow into one easily taxed and monitored mass of grey They do it by dumbing down the children by not teaching them critical skills, not properly teaching them about the history of the men and women that built their country and by demoralizing them through popculture (sounds boomer, but I see gay rappers giving lap dances to the devil and young children eating it up like candy). Even though I'm of Surinamese heritage, I was born here and I truly love the Netherlands. That's why I hate to see it crumble. The ruling government is not in service of it's people, of the Dutch people, but in service of non-democratic, supranational interests and bureaucrats sitting in the EU, UN and WEF (to call a few). The housing crisis (and almost every other current crisis) is a perfect illustration of that fact. Dutch builders were actually forbidden to build for years due to EU policy about climate change. It doesn't matter if you agree with said EU policy. The fact that we, the Dutch people, have no say in this and the fact that the EU is NOT a democratic institution means basically the death of democracy. Which is kind of relevant to every freedom-loving person out here.. Relative to the native countries of the interviewees the Netherlands is a paradise (stricly looking at how well everything is built and organized). I mean Cuba.... beautiful, but a bit revolutionary and hungry at the moment. Somalia.............. actually still has pirates. Portugal is still revovering from their communist escapade. Turkey.... Erdogan... Dictator. India is finally slowly entering modernity. And Ukraine.... we all know about Ukraine. But as someone born and raised here, yet looking from a slightly different perspective being Surinamese, I see how the Netherlands is slowly crumbling to. Slowly changing into a faceless sector in the European empire. To my Americans: nobody calls himself a European, all 44 countries have their own language, history and culture, and nobody was asked democratically if we wanted to be ruled by the non-democratic EU.. So no, these are not the United States of Europe. For the expats: - learn the language - be honest and straight forward, say what you mean and mean what you say. you'll get far in the Netherlands. - one the hand I have memories of a few backward Dutch hillbillies calling me nigga monkey as a child but on the other hand lots more Dutch people have gone through fire for me. I always say to my foreign friends: if you find the right Dutchman, he'll do anything for you. Which might be true for every culture, but the Dutch...... they just have a certain way of doing things.

[@suicidalbanananana]

Every morning when i wake up i drink a glass of water to assert dominance 😉🤣

[@tillylovesholland1161]

You know Belgium and Luxemburg have seperated really centuries ago now an since then it is Netherland not Netherlands. Its not plural anymore for ages now!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Did not know this...question...how come most people (including the government website) still refer to The Netherlands with a 's'?

[@roelofschuldink4177]

There also the Caribbean islands who have a special status in the kingdom of the Netherlands.

[@tim3440]

The Netherlands is just the English name for ''Nederland''. We are a kingdom of 4 seperate nations, therefore we are the kingdom of the Netherlands (Koninkrijk der Nederlanden) but we are Nederland. Its not completly true that we arent plural because of Belgium or luxembourgh, we are plural because of the our other nations ;)

[@hidavidwen]

@@tim3440 Thanks for sharing!

[@jsb7975]

@@hidavidwen it has also to do with the Netherlands becoming a federal republic (first in modern history Europe) consisting of the united provinces.(verenigde NederlandEN) Historically the language and culture mostly had the same entity, both what is now Belgium (southern Netherlands and northern Netherlands , now the Netherlands or Holland if you want) You can still see it in the architecture before the splitting-up (early 16th century architecture which was quite the same in both countries) and painting AND music! middle-Dutch was spoken all over the provinces even up to north-west France.

[@marcoalessiopellegrini8994]

The black lady does not know the juridical English . The ethnicity in English is nationality and instead what you show on your passport is your citizenship

[@baksed4675]

I love the Netherlands, million times better than England

[@hidavidwen]

🙌🙌

[@tahiranwar8210]

Only weed.. nothing more when people say happiest country in the world omg I fell so sorry for them

[@DeathStar9903]

Now intervieuw all the migrants.

[@surbhisuman1743]

This message is for the Indian Dude…. I am an Indian and you are completely misguiding people about India. This is so wrong, the kind of freedom that we have in India is no where in the world. Just for interview, please don’t blabber anything.

[@r.c.c.3871]

I always liked the Netherlands because the women are easy.

[@AlkoDehond-xz3js]

Gratis geld ! Wat wil je nog meer 🙄

[@seamusdelahunty1615]

What are they doing to their farmers? Shame on them They are amongst the best in the world

[@geraldsnijders4150]

It,s just a very small country, people have to live there too!

[@seamusdelahunty1615]

@@geraldsnijders4150 we as farmers are being demonised here in Ireland as well.i think that when lettuces are harvested from the reclaimed runways of Heathrow and other airports,we should then be in the firing line

[@geraldsnijders4150]

Big words. Things are changing,all my family where agricultural sector. Now we all have other jobs.

[@JD-oe5uc]

Animal agriculture is not of this time anymore. The Netherlands export most of their meat and it is destroying the little bit of nature we have left and polluting the drinking , that will be very scarce in the future. Also they won’t survive without so much financial government support. Times are changing and so should farmers.

[@suicidalbanananana]

The whole thing is being extremely dramatized by a small group of people. The government is actually doing nothing bad to farmers at all, government has been warning farmers _for decades_ that changes are coming and that if they need any sort of help to update their farms or whatever just say so, there have literally been crazy amounts of free money made available for them for decades leading up to this, but a ~15% of farmers were like "naaaw fam, those changes are never happening & i don't like the government" and now they are pissed because the Dutch government is pushing these changes through because they are necessary & people were warned and offered extensive help well in advance so now the government's stance is just "deal with it". Outside of a few regions of the country that don't like the government to begin with, it's generally accepted that the farmers that are upset now and blocking my commute are just idiots who should've paid more attention. Literally not even kidding about the free money, were talking millions per farm, all they had to do is say "yes please", what a bunch of morons... Which is really odd when you consider the level of education of the average Dutch farmer is way above the international norm, these people should really know better. I guess that also explains why ~85% of farmers did prepare and are fine with the changes. The way i see it the idiots will keep screaming for attention and blocking roads etc until the general population reaches a limit and starts actively defending the government, or if the government just goes "okay fine, shut up, here's access to the funds again, fix your sh*t and leave me alone" 😉

[@peterselie6500]

Expats....Americans travelling...tv...impact....total cheapness....we just don't wan it. Your stories are not true..

[@dicknr1]

There is nothing great about Amsterdam, Nobody who lives in NL except foreigners and city locals call it the best. Rest of the nation avoids at all cost that city. Same for rotterdam and utrecht. Fun to visit not to live. so lets rename it: What do foreigners think of tourist hub AmsterScam? Amsterdam is the least representative city of the country. So when people mention Amsterdam and then also note Life in NL, no you dont live in NL, you live in a province where tourists go. Dutch people avoid being scammed and ripped off, we rather choose something affordable. Stop comparing a big city to how a nation operates. Some countries may have representative big cities, Netherlands holland and utrecht provinces are the least close to true dutch culture and more more more optimized for tourism and for making money on ignorant foreigners. Seems it still works, but we cant accept you to say Amsterdam represents the nation. Amsterdam is a shit city, most of the country thinks so, its just nice to get what you need and move out. Stop making videos on comparing a nation to such a pitiful city.

[@Hephaestios01]

Bruh, the video's are about expat experiences in the netherlands and like you stated in your second sentence, most expats live in Amsterdam. Yeah the netherlands is bigger than just amsterdam but its still the main city in the Netherlands. Chill out with the hate

[@jsb7975]

Not true ofcourse. Your irritation says it all. Many tourists come for Dutch history and architecture, infrastructure ( amsterdam was actually partly DESIGNED in the 16hundreds !) Amsterdam is one big museum, but culturally it had (and still has) it's influence on the whole of the country Sorry

[@beeedifferent]

"Niets" mis met Amsterdam hoor. Misschien is het niet jouw stad, en het is zeker niet een representatie van Nederland. Maar voor mensen uit de buurt (ik kom uit de Zaanstreek, dus ja, beetje bevooroordeeld), voor buitenlanders, voor toeristen, liefhebbers van architectuur en voor mensen die van drukte, gezellige kroegjes en een leuk dagje uit houden is het echt zo erg nog niet. Gewoon een tip: misschien een keer wat verder gaan dan het centrum, lekker aan de grachten of in een grasveldje in het Vondelpark zitten met wat vrienden met een biertje op een warme zomerdag en misschien verandert je mening wel een beetje over Amsterdam. Het is misschien niet de stad voor iedereen, maar er is ook zo veel moois te vinden in die stad. Moet je wel een beetje een dikke huid hebben want mensen zijn wel vrij aso en grofgebekt daar 😂

[@dicknr1]

@@beeedifferent Ik kom uit dezelfde provincie. Probleem is de onzin en al t touristme wat nergens over gaat en allemaal debiele buitenlanders die hier op bezoek komen en ofwel denken dat amsterdam alles aan nederland is of dat t magisch de enige plek is waar je dingen kan doen die elders in andere landen niet mogen. Voor puur uitgaan is 1 dag leuk, daar houd t bij op. er zijn dorpen die meer leuke activiteiten bieden dan amsterdam kan met hun geldgraaierij wat ik de tourist trap noem. AmsterScam zou ook passend zijn. Ik ben vertrokken uit de NH provincie omdat het compleet van de gekken is met al die idioterie met buitenlanders en die losgeslagen vvd/pvda en cda onzin die door burgers hun strot wordt geramd. Als amsterdam iets bereikt heeft sinds 1600 tot nu is dat het een clown stad is geworden waar het een trotse stad was ver in t verleden, en nu wilt niemand ermee te maken hebben. Alle trots is weg want waar is onze cultuur die we hadden in de holland provincies? oh ja die wordt naar de kanker geholpen door al die buitenlanders die onze tradities slopen en achterlijk links blijf maar positief adverteren over hoe geweldig het is om daar te leven. Alleen al om de kosten zou niemand er willen leven. Als touristen zouden weten dat ze 400% huur betalen te opzichte van elders in t land dan zouden ze er niet komen. Zelfde met albert heijn en al die kut buitenlanders die een overpriced achterlijke winkel chain lopen te adverteren met mediocre kwaliteit producten voor VIP prijzen. Alles wat achterlijk is zit in de holland of utrecht provincies. Als je al iets belachelijks mee maakt elders in t land, dan is het in 100 maal meer in de randstad rondom touristen steden. De minst Nederlandse en minst blanke steden van t land vertieven t land. Amsterdam overrompeld door achmeds en katoenplukkers die niet willen werken en de boel terroriseren. Amsterdam is een schande voor t land tegenwoordig, als t niet op touristme zou draaien was de stad al dood en verlaten.

[@JD-oe5uc]

Rotterdam is fun to live. Lived there for 10 years. Of course depends where you live exactly. We had everything..free parking, close to the center, nice green environment and nice view over the Maas, easy to escape the city as well. And not as expensive as A’dam or Utrecht….nothing to complain.