Why I choose a "simple" Dutch life (as an American) | Slow living

Coming from the US, I was used to "High Highs" but also "Low Lows"...but Dutch life is really about "The Simple Life." I used to want to move to a forest to get away from the hustle and bustle...but "simplicity" is actually built into the Dutch culture (IF you come from a fast-paced society like the US).
And as a result...life has slowed down immensely for me here. I hope you enjoy it =)
📽 OTHER VIDEOS:
• Why do the Dutch COMPL...
• 5 Years in The Netherl...
• The Dutch Work the Few...
🙏 IF YOU WANT TO SUPPORT ME:
PayPal Donations - paypal.me/davidswen
Buy me a coffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/davidwen
😁 WHO AM I?
I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I make videos about life in the Netherlands.
🔸 If you live in the Netherlands, I'd love to hear your story and interview you.
Email: [e-mail]
#slowliving #minimalism

[@hidavidwen]

I hope ya’ll can take a joke 😁 But…what do you think about the “simple” Dutch way of living? (I’ve learned to appreciate it) And is…”Niksen” a thing? I like it =) Check out this BBC "Niksen" article - www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230522-the-dutch-solution-to-busyness-that-captivated-the-world

[@ShinAlive]

"Niksen" is something I did a lot as a teenager. But nowadays I call it "Rusten" as an adult so I don't sound like I'm a slob. What did I do yesterday? Ah yes, yesterday I had a good rest and I feel energized now! See, that sounds very mature and productive...

[@EGO0808]

Having left my homecountry for quite a few years now, I almost forgot about ‘niksen’.😊 It works for a little while in some cases. Just take some time off at any moment and don’t do anything, just ‘niks’. As for simple life, it’s all about perspective and your horizon. If the goal at the horizon is to have a simple life along the way, then so be it. If the goal is to achieve wealth, power, or maintaining a longterm family history and be able to give it to the next generation, then the road is different. As I told you before, me living in SE Asia, I see family values here are far more important. Especially in the Chinese culture I see the need to provide for a good life for the next generation, which drives material wealth and growth as a basis for a prosperous and happy life. There’s very good things about Dutch culture, there’s some that I consider not so good or even toxic as well. Perspective is what counts imho.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

Well done, but I don't see the joke, sorry. It is spot on. But your bike, is not very practical for doing groceries.

[@ay.maripoxa]

In Mexico it's called Huevoniada 😂

[@arturobianco848]

Most of us have a sence of humor so no worrys.

[@stan9682]

As someone from the south of the NL, it's crazy to me that you refer to living in Amsterdam as a "quiet and simple" life. I suppose as opposed to US cities, A'dam can feel tranquil, but when you compare it to other cities, even the other bigger cities, Amsterdam feels very fast-paced and crowded.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha I know what you mean…I moved from California to Maastricht…and that was realllly slow. Amsterdam is faster but still a lot slower than life in big city USA Thanks for sharing

[@ceesvanderschoot9799]

Lol I,m from up North and even Brabant sound way to crowded for me 😂🤣👍 I love to see cows and sheep’s everywhere 😂👍

[@YoyoyWhajx]

@@hidavidwenhey Hida. You should visit gouda. Its a small but nice city. An our away from Amsterdam(or less)

[@DonHrvato]

@@hidavidwen funny when I moved to the NL 20 years ago Amsterdam was nice for party, but no way I wanted to live there i want 'space', green, flower, birds, trees around me, but a city not far away so I'm just in between not a typical huge city fan but the far farm land in the rural area is not a thing for me, so I prefer a Dutch 'dorp' near a city with a mix of both

[@mejuffrouwvandalen]

My thoughts exactly as I live in the east 🫢😁☺️

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

I love how the Albert Heijn shopper is the most Dutch thing in the video without being mentioned

[@hidavidwen]

Hahahaha thanks for pointing it out! 😂😂

[@felixyasnopolski8571]

It isn't a shopper... Just bag, because you not gonna buy a new one

[@rijksvoorlichtingsdienst4427]

​@@felixyasnopolski8571 het is letterlijk een shopper van de ah maar goed jij hebt gelijk hoor

[@Jp.301]

Food of Albert Heijn is unhealthy!

[@Lily4444]

And you find this bag on all beaches in Europe😂

[@lucyfrye6723]

It is all true. I had a skull fracture once, falling down the stairs, After the ambulance slowly drove me to the hospital they looked at me very worried. And sent me home with TWO paracetamols.

[@dutchman7623]

There is no recipe for Rest, Sleep, Time, and Take it easy. Let nature do its job...

[@annebokma4637]

You are still alive? Guess it worked 😂

[@captainchaos3667]

Two?! What overkill...

[@mradventurer8104]

That's probably because the main treatment for that was rest? Then why give you addictive pain killers if you need mainly rest? It's still a funny story though :)

[@annebokma4637]

@@mradventurer8104 they are not just pain killers, they are inflammatory as well.. and not addictive at all. Also in some cases any "medication" helps aka the placebo effect

[@erikbouma9408]

Dutch rule for paracetamol: “1 is placebo, always take two.”

[@hidavidwen]

Haha never heard of that rule but good to know, thanks!

[@sea.imagineering]

@@hidavidwenyes always take 2! Its true. 😄

[@moonshine2308]

2 in the morning, 2 in the evening and when its really bad 2 during lunch time..​@@hidavidwen

[@donbrabo]

Your video put a big smile on this Dutch guy's face, subtle humor with a hint of sarcasm and making me love my own culture again. I tend to forget what it's all about sometimes, thanks David!

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks for the kind words! Haha and I get it, it’s always different to hear someone else’s perspective on your culture 😄

[@bertkassing8541]

"Niksening" dat moet toch wel het Engelse woord van het jaar worden David! :-)

[@hidavidwen]

Hahaha, let's make it woord van het jaar...niksening =)

[@user-vk5ws3jl1l]

​@@hidavidwen It should become a Olympic sport, something i would have a chance to win gold in xD

[@CakeboyRiP]

This video is like a poem

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks 🙏

[@LexSijtsma2]

Love this video. Especially how you managed to make Amsterdam look like a place with not a lot of people 😂

[@hidavidwen]

Hahaha didn’t think of that but haha yes, I do know some more quiet areas as I’ve lived in several places now :) thanks!

[@Chappomusic]

You didn’t smell his overaged wet cheese, cleared the street immediately . ( it was not on the paper of the cheezboer that it shouldn’t be stored for 13 months in a wet warm bathroom)

[@EGO0808]

Subtle sarcasm with unimaginary imaging, I had a big smile on my face throughout the whole video. But the message is clear, you made the right choice. Happy for you, David. 😊

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏 😁😁

[@sanderappel4499]

This is the kind of sarcasm, irony and subtle jabs that actually show a deep love

[@hidavidwen]

🙏🙏

[@Humstrux]

You just made me realise how lucky I am that I was born and raised in the Netherlands. Thank you for that!

[@hidavidwen]

🙌 Glad to hear!

[@franziskani]

@@hidavidwen Hi David - I hope you will take your vacation time to visit Austria. there seems to be a trend that we have plenty of rain in spring and early summer and then there is a stable high. When it does not rain it is beautiful (grandiose or pleasant landscapes, the lakes, the cities like Vienna or Salzburg). And the food might be better than in the Netherlands. (The Dutch are the third most important tourist nationality I think. A lot of it likely winter tourism.

[@yury2509]

The script and the presentation are done professionally.

[@hidavidwen]

Thank you!

[@vaishnaviinamdar2300]

Moving to the Netherlands in April! Can't wait to find a job and settle into this beautifully efficient country.

[@janharml]

We have a saying that translated says: It is not all gold that shines. And we also say: Expect the worst and hope for the best. Then your experience will always be positive. Our small country is not perfect. But I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

[@adrimathlener8008]

Well do take the train to the northern part and visit Groningen. Why, well Amsterdam is so boring 🙂

[@vaishnaviinamdar2300]

@@janharml Absolutely. Putting these quotes on the wall next to my current favourite: Je kunt nooit een oceaan oversteken, als je niet het lef hebt om de kust uit het zicht te verliezen. Translation: You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore

[@janharml]

@@adrimathlener8008I have lived in the province of Groningen all my life. And I have to be maybe 3 times a year in Amsterdam, I'm always happy to go home.

[@janharml]

@@vaishnaviinamdar2300Never heard that one. But I like it 👍

[@joymusical1222]

The Dutch medical experience is indeed a magic!!! One of my colleagues once had a bleeding wound on her head. Before she could see a GP, the assistant at the reception already managed to send her home and ask her to do nothing, because “the nature will heal it!!!” 😂

[@DenUitvreter]

The diagnosis is the primary job of a doctor.

[@hidavidwen]

Ahh yes I’ve heard of that story before too 😄

[@Harrypjotter7]

And fun fact is, it did!

[@kellychuba]

adopted nay coopted 'friend' story travels the internet during a period of anti-medicine. Why? Go home with a bleeding head, the lady said, and we all believed it....

[@Pasunsoprano]

Yet should you have needed to go to a hospital your health insurance would actually pay for it.

[@LaMuus]

The paracetamol... 😂 so true! Wonderful editing, David, and love the subtle jokes and sarcasm!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks! 🙏😄

[@moshemordechaivanzuiden]

Your portray of Dutch life is very correct and flattery. 31 Years ago I moved to 'het buitenland' (emigrated) from Amsterdam. Thank you for bringing back fun memories. NB: Paracetamol is NOT an innocent tablet. You can even die from it, even if you were healthy. The real Dutch (me) don't take anything if it also passes without anything. They found that an ear infection heals as fast with and without antibiotics, so they don't prescribe AB for that anymore. I'm happy to hear that you found yourself and happiness; is this the slowest you ever talked in your life? One addition. When I grew up there, Dutch parents were stricter with their kids than US parents. It takes a lot of training or correction to be and stay honest, responsible, polite, humble, friendly, etc.

[@jpdj2715]

31 years ago, "buitenland" (the foreign) could be the rest of the Netherlands. Since the hippie times, strictness got completely lost. Gradually more so. Everything should be possible. The problem with the "NSAID" class of painkiller is that you need a gene to facilitate conversion into its non-toxic effective form. If you lack the gene, then aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, (etc.) will make you feel less good, because of the initial toxicity. DNA testing made me aware of these and I do not have the gene on both chromosomes in the pair that's involved. The metabolic system involved here is called Cytochrome P450 and the genes in that system all have a code starting with CYP. Many medicines rely on a CYP gene and if you lack the gene, metabolic conversion into desired active state does not happen. You can be heterozygous (meaning you have the gene on one of the two chromosomes), but that does not mean the gene that you have will be available. Homo sapiens with a full set of CYP genes has one to activate THC (the hallucinogenic working molecule in Mary Jane plants). I am hallucinogenic and as I have tried both medical and recreational THC, there was no effect because the gene was not available. If you want to know how this works, ask me. No, medicine men (aka doctors or MD) generally know nothing about this. Opiates and modern synthetic opiates also cause problems in my body, but that's outside the CYP range. Paracetamol - not an NSAID - I hate. Yes, it can kill. The amount you need to kill you acutely with 50% chance (this dose is called "LD50") is 2,000mg per kg of body weight. Imagine you put 75 on the kilogram scale. In that case you would need 150 grams of paracetamol or 300 tablets of 500mg. And still you only have 50% chance of killing yourself (because LD50 - LD lethal dose, 50 for 50% of the population). The Dutch medicine men assume that a lower dose is not a problem. Well, that may only be true if you have a healthy liver, and then the unanswered question is what the LD50 would be in people with an already unhealthy liver. No, the paracetamol experience is not great with Dutch MD. These clever dickies operate on a scholastically defined protocol that helps them to "never make mistakes" (that is, mistakes that count in fault statistics) and consequently claim to be the best in the world.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏 Haha I used to talk even slower…well if you can believe it..I used to be very shy and didn’t even talk much in public :)

[@77slevins_video_channel]

Quote: NB: "Paracetamol is NOT an innocent tablet. You can even die from it" You can, and people have died from drinking too much water too. Everything in moderation, you won't die from taking a bit of Paracetamol, and it's so popular to recommend because it has very low chance of side effects in combination with other medication. Moderation is key.

[@seesharp81321]

@@77slevins_video_channel Number one poisoning cause. Not innocent at all

[@corbeau-_-]

I studied to be a physical therapist. 60-70% of treatment actually does nothing: you would heal just as well without 'intervention'. We usually don't tell people about this directly, most of the clients basically need a bit of assurance... I do stimulate people to not rely on me (but it basically costs me business). Popping some pill is about the same. It's about reassurance. Like a placebo, it mostly works by reducing stress. I suppose we just don't like quacks - hence the emphasis on being honest. Even when it means less €...

[@kristinavsworld]

Hi David! I’m also moving to Amsterdam from California for the same reasons, and also graduating from UCLA this spring. I’ve applied to Dutch masters program and can’t wait to move there. The constant pressure and hassle culture in US, health care and being nonstop in a car is just so depressing. I’m so glad I’ve found your videos, it gives me hope there’s something much better to live for than just your job and bills. 🙏🏻

[@SuperGabber5000]

Which university? Im also following a masters program at Erasmus. Just curious!

[@hidavidwen]

Hello fellow Bruin! 🐻 So nice to hear that :) I really enjoyed my Masters here and hope you will too. UCLA will definitely prepare you well (especially being surrounded by top caliber students), but Dutch education is also very high quality. Best of luck, do write a message if you get in and make the move! 🙌

[@kristinavsworld]

@@hidavidwenThank you! I’ll definitely shoot you a message once I make my move presumably in July 😊

[@kristinavsworld]

@@SuperGabber5000I applied to UvA!

[@sys-administrator]

Can we swap passports please? I'm moving the opposite direction :) Going to move to Los Angeles soon, I love the sunny and laidback lifestyle they have there.

[@mikoltgyuricza9090]

I just came back from a trip in the NL, and I am in crazy love with this country. I know, it’s not for everybody, but I definitely felt home there. Planning to move now, and your videos help a lot! Thanks for your hard work with this channel!

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it! Nice to hear you've felt at home in NL...so in an ideal world....when would you like to move? =)

[@mikoltgyuricza9090]

@@hidavidwen Hi David! In an ideal world I would move during Autumn this year- new beginning in October 🤩 not sure if I can make it, but thanks to you and your videos I am becoming more confident with my decision 😊

[@diadorim273]

Good Luck!! ​@@mikoltgyuricza9090

[@sys-administrator]

We have a housing crisis so I'm not sure if you can move here

[@CitizenMio]

​@sys-administrator Two average incomes can't afford a single average home now. But that's hypothetical, because the houses don't exist anyway.👌

[@vintagedumpling9017]

I moved to The Netherlands from Austria around 2 years ago now and this video made me apprechiate the place I live again. I needed that, as I´m starting to miss my hometown at the moment...Thank you ^^

[@lifeonaleak9389]

How did u come

[@earyou4453]

Op een heerlijke zondagmiddag heerlijk "lanterfanten". Geweldig!

[@EGO0808]

Dat is inderdaad de aloude uitdrukking! ‘Lanterfanten’. :-)))

[@hidavidwen]

🌞🌞🌞

[@flamingcroww]

In the southern provinces and in the Flanders part of Belgium we say "Lanterfanteren"

[@gerardhilde01]

Lanterfanten = niksen

[@morriscolenbrander1395]

Lekker lamballen

[@Carole616]

This video just made me feel warm and fuzzy all over. You are young and have figured out how to live life in the best way possible for you. Brilliant!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@MarkWladika]

Beautiful essay David, thanks. We all need to hear this.

[@captspot]

Such a well-done perspective on living (and working!) in the Netherlands. This made my day.

[@hidavidwen]

Aw this made my day! Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@jaydee25]

GEWELDIG! Nu heb ik meer waardering voor mijn eigen cultuur. Dankjewel 👏

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏 glad to hear!

[@ErinMcCoy3]

Poetic. Lovely video as always!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏 😁

[@mikechomper420]

i always admired america for what it was untilll i turned 19 and saw how the world really was now im happy and proud that im a born and raised dutchy glad to have you here man hope you keep enjoying life in Holland :)

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words and welcome 🙏

[@bluegiant13]

Same. Been to new york and everything seems outdated compared to the netherlands, while I still loved the experience I am happy that I have grown up in the netherlands.

[@doorleofferhaus3900]

I love all the details! You made good use of the unusual amount of rain days we’ve been having. The attention to detail is amazing. Can’t imagine the number of hours it took to edit!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for noticing and the kind words! Took a while..but it was fun! :))

[@KESipples]

Lol the goose bite part 😂

[@hidavidwen]

Lol...I've encountered some mean geese over the years here....don't get too close..especially not when you are holding bread and cheese!

[@Kralixus]

You made me laugh when you mentioned "niksen". Its such a normal thing to me and other Dutch people but probably sounds real weird to anyone outside of the Netherlands. Gave me a good chuckle. Good video!

[@hidavidwen]

Haha thanks, it’s something I’m doing right now and hope to talk more about it and spread the beautiful word :)

[@SanneBerkhuizen]

I love this. Makes me appreciate my country a little more

[@hidavidwen]

Aw glad to hear Sanne :) 🙏

[@Gabi-lb7ji]

Love the edits and the video quality !

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@user-xo2wz1td1u]

I love the touches of sarcasm, but you've also given me a new appreciation for my quiet life and my part-time job. Maybe they are something to strive for indeed.

[@hidavidwen]

Glad to hear and thanks for the kind words :)

[@platgeslagengehaktbal]

Hell, I'd love a part time job

[@bartlucassen9145]

Beautiful put together this vid!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@SamarArons]

Lovely portrait of Dutch life. The calm pace of your voice and filming conveys it perfectly, and is soothing to watch. I very much identify with it. I am Dutch. I love niksen, I do it daily. "What did you do yesterday?" "O, ik heb een beetje lopen niksen". (I practiced the art of not doing anything.) Brilliantly done, actually.

[@adrimathlener8008]

And there are already three books about #Niksen

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏 Always was self conscious about my voice growing up actually so thanks for that :)

[@SamarArons]

@@hidavidwen Your voice is very pleasant, and both civilized and natural.

[@yury2509]

Well done. Good presentation. Thank you.

[@CreoleSpirit1800]

Awesome video and great information. I’m a west coast/LA girl so I get your perspective, and understand how the experience of people from the area would be so different. It’s very helpful to have both view points especially for someone considering the “Dutch life”. Thanks for the video and thanks to everyone who commented😊😊!

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching! I lived in LA for 10 years…but yeah life is very different 😄

[@KakalakaManera]

I'm from the Dutch Caribbean, even though we like making fun of NL for conquering Indonesia and the spice trade yet using none of them in their food besides nutmeg and being rushed all the time (and they make fun of us for being laid back and "lazy" lol). I can understand the simplicity in their food, the Dutch do not like wasting time so simple food is pretty efficient and essential for that lifestyle.

[@freonxkipper]

Nice comment, in the early '80s there was a student-exchange-program and one of the participants was a guy called DaCosta Gomez. He was from Curacao and all of us (Dutch students) had the opinion that, if laziness didn't already existed, DaCosta Gomez would be sure to invent it. He didn't put any effort in his study but played base-ball most of the time. And then, as part of his education, he had to fulfill an internship. He chose to do so on Curacao where there was no supervision from the university and he got a job there as assistant manager on a building site. We studied Architectural engineering). When he returned after six months, he was shocked. His story:"The people on Curacao are so lazy it's unbelievable. I've instructed carpenters and bricklayers what to do, I just turned around to get my coffee and they were all sitting in the shadow under the tree!!" So, it's all a matter of perception.

[@ashemedai]

Come on, give at least some kudos to the ontbijtkoek and speculaas' use of the spices. :)

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing!

[@back2nature608]

hahaha..you're right! Salt only and only when we dont forget( or too lazy) to use it.

[@BboyKeny]

Broodje kaas for breakfast and lunch everyday for life. Often you see a set cycle of types of meals for dinner.

[@lordlapswans]

I think he found the coffeeshops 😂😂 great video !

[@dbeerewout]

😂😂🤣🤣

[@hidavidwen]

Hahah oh yeah the “coffee shops” 😄

[@meppigron8586]

As a foreigner who has lived in the NEtherlands for many, many years, I ABSOLUTELY agree with everything you have said!

[@misterbacon4933]

Just an epic episode! Perfect! 😊

[@zustermerel4392]

I work at a GP, I snorted at the paracetamol bit 😂💯 so true

[@dasja9966]

Lol, it kinda is true for most things. That said: if things are seriously wrong different treatment is available too. Got a friend who is free of cancer because of chemo, and my mom got spine surgery that got rid of her horrible nerve pains. Didn't even bankrupt them either.

[@hidavidwen]

Hahaha yeah 😂😂😂

[@vineethsai1575]

Well the thing I like about Amsterdam is, you can choose which life you want to lead. a high life partying every night, yes. a simple life in the suburbs feeding geese, yes. I switch between these 2 types every now and then. It's amazing!:)

[@hidavidwen]

The freedom is nice! And having the flexibility and ability able to switch is even nicer!

[@lolololol7573]

This was really nice :) It sounds like you're feeling good and that's a relief. Moving to another country is a big deal, and not easy at all. Glad you're doing well, and get to recover as a workaholic!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks...that's a good reminder...moving abroad is a big deal...I often forget that...and then going through covid...thanks for the reminder =)

[@lolololol7573]

@@hidavidwen Aw, that sounds like you're going through a rough time. Get well soon, take good care of yourself. Take an extra day off work if you need to. Always get that extra recovery day for yourself even though you feel like you recovered. Take care.

[@Leonardo-ql1qu]

Thanks David, a really nice, honest video! It was you who brought 'niksen' to the attention, and I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up as a new international meme. It's a terrific word! From an Amsterdammer, from Haarlem.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏 I really like the word…it’s what we need more of :) to learn to slow down!

[@beeheart6324]

Another beautiful, heart felt video. I love the way you understand that life in Europe is different from the US. Well done video, thank you! ;-)

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks for the kind words =)

[@renevanleeuwen1813]

It is a bit tongue in cheek, but you nailed a few Dutch habits :) And regarding burn outs: the idea is to avoid them by aiming a bit under 100% achievement.

[@hidavidwen]

Ahh yes avoiding it of course is the best…yeah I learned about the Zesjescultuur (Sixes Culture) mindset here :) thanks for sharing

[@andykrishnaputra1668]

A calming down video… giving hopes and helping us to be joyful (again) 👍🏽💙. Great stuff Dave !😊

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks 🙏🙏 wishing you hope and joy!

[@luckysparkle738]

Thank you David for this and your honesty. I am a fellow American. Arrived here four weeks ago today . I have been watching you for a while . lol .. only two days it has not rained so much… talk about culture shock … despite having visited before … this is not a vacation… now it’s my “ life “ wish me luck 🍀… I too needed to slow my roll … I am a more mature American

[@helenooft9664]

I am Dutch, and believe me the last few months, it has reined a lot. But believe me, with spring and summer all the Dutch people are going outside and enjoying life. I have always said that i was happy that i was born in the Netherlands, beside the work/live balance, you can live your life the way you want, without anyone telling you about it. There is enough free time for your family, friends and hobbies. And yes we are paying a lot of taxes, but we get a lot back from it, we can see what the government spent it on. We have a good safety net working for our people, in the taxes are also state pension and pension, employers are paying 2/3 and the worker 1/3 of that pension. Dutch people love to travel to foreign country's. And I hope you will also enjoy life in my country, so welcome in the Netherlands.

[@luckysparkle738]

@@helenooft9664 Good morning and thank you for your kind words of encouragement and your very warm welcome. Yes, I did lots of research and visited before making my choice . Somehow, my soul just feels so at “ home” here despite the weather . And , Yes ! This country is very beautiful.. I am so looking forward to my time here and how I too can make a contribution 😊

[@hdebard]

this year it rains all the time, that is not normal, even in the Netherlands, so cheer up!🙂

[@ivarvaw]

The weather has been horrible lately. It will get better soon :)

[@HammAlexander]

Complaining about rain.....a dutch thing... many ways to call bad weather... you wil learn them soon enough.

[@eyyubalizada5835]

I think I experienced that niksen while watching your video haha

[@hidavidwen]

Oooo that wasn’t the intention but glad to hear! 🙏🙏

[@bennycaustic5102]

As a Dutch person, I must correct one of his statements. Dutch food is not more then just a cheese sandwhich.

[@hidavidwen]

What do you enjoy?

[@OiZoProduct]

Wow, your way of telling your story is incredibly good, thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@mediataal]

I love your cinematography. Very pleasing.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@khharkivsky]

idk if i have only noticed this but when i hear americans talk about "muh our fast foods are so shit" im always so surprised cuz here in the netherlands kfc, mcdonalds and stuff taste REALLY good for some reason. can an american confirm whether this is true cuz maybe the taste is very poor in america due to less strict health regulations

[@Lilliathi]

You make us sound a bit lazy though. Our productivity is actually very high, exactly because we give our workers time live.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha yeah Dutch productivity is quite high..because there’s a big focus on efficiency and using time wisely?

[@Lilliathi]

@@hidavidwen Surely, but also because our relaxed work culture and egality on the work floor makes us well rested and motivated. The opposite can be seen in Japan, with high pressure, ridiculous work hours, and zero self-determination because the boss dictates you what to do. You'd expect peak performance from those workers, but they're actually less productive then we are.

[@marcellovii4170]

Brilliant sense of humor and great video, honest and complete, very well done ;)

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks 😊

[@MatthijsPaasMedia]

Greatly put. ❤ Love to watch it.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks 🙏

[@rsg7221]

I'm Dutch and hate planning and miss proper nature.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey me too :) ⛰️⛰️

[@ingejustavanderhelm5208]

Our lives in the Netherlands are not simple anymore. We had 14 years of PM Mark Rutte and the destruction is real. My country is no longer what is was and my heart is broken.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing...and sorry to hear your heart is broken but I'm curious... What are you excited or looking forward to in 2024? (in general)

[@Tarotkaartje]

Great question! I don't think you'll receive an answer because then she needs to take responsibility for her mood 😅

[@kendraicu]

I love this video. Thank you. I assure you that those "Dutch Ways" of being are not just cultural. I've never been to the Netherlands and didn't even know how much Dutch ancestry I had until a few years ago, but, I am thoroughly Dutch! Those ways seem to be intrinsic. I live in America, and I finally understand why ... well a lot!! This video made me cry. Thank you! It's beautiful.

[@hidavidwen]

Aw glad you could resonate and thank me for the kind words. Sounds like a trip to the Netherlands for you some time?

[@bettiegorgels9637]

thank you David. You said it beautiful ❤

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks 😃🙏

[@JohnnyJaxmusic]

Thanks for being such an inspiration and great ambassador for our country

[@RudieVissenberg]

LOL, I really was laughing out loud while watching your video. I think it is one of your best. I appreciate your sense of humour and your keen observations.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@sunraii]

What a sweet message. It helps me to appreciate what we have here. Thank you for sharing! A lot of what you say reminds me of Epicurus' idea of "ataraxia". I also have had 2 burn-outs and I am currently recovering ;)

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing and also the “ataraxia” (I guess the idea of ‘freedom from worry’ has been around for a longgg time but we’ve forgotten how to rest as a human species)

[@cosmos-ol2rw]

Great video with high quality! I really enjoy your vedios😊

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@ChristoNguyen]

I'm an Asian American from Silicon Valley also relocated to the NL. I took some time off from corporate world after being laid off to go travel but I was seeking intense amount of stimulation to replace work stress. After some months of forcing myself to stay in one place, I really appreciate the simplicity here. I do feel guilty for participating in this life at a lot of times but also realizing that "niksen" is also productive for happiness. Thank you for posting

[@hidavidwen]

Ahh hello and nice to hear your story! I can relate in many ways :) hope you’re enjoying spring

[@user-dz6mh1et5x]

Well done David. I'am A Dutch Guy and you really did a great explanation about the things going on here! I could learn from you haha. Keep on going!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks! 🙏 glad I could offer a ‘different’ perspective haha and that’s what I love, being able to learn from each other!

[@novafalcosmith]

Such a simple but beautiful video ❤

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks 🙏

[@novafalcosmith]

@@hidavidwen absolutely 👍🏽

[@vision1707]

I want that Dutch life.

[@adrimathlener8008]

Go for it

[@hidavidwen]

Wishing you lots of Niksen 🙏

[@RobertHeinsch]

Great video! And so true! Having lived in the Netherlands on and off for almost 20 years as an expat, your video made me remember why I always seem to come back here. Well done! 🙂

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Robert! Curious to hear from you…personally from you, what has brought you back each time?

[@RobertHeinsch]

Well,@@hidavidwen, as an international lawyer, The Hague and the Netherlands in general offer a lot of good job opportunities. But also maybe more importantly as someone who has the tendency to be a workaholic myself, I have learned to appreciate the more relaxed lifestyle compared to my homeland Germany. 🙂 In that regard, your thoughts very strongly resonated with me, although I might have not been so aware of this aspect until I saw your video. ☺

[@blafaard]

Excellent video agaian David, amazing. You should do a series on a the backroads of NL, there is plenty to 'sea'.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏 Good idea…I do feel a lot like “getting away” from city life as of late..

[@blafaard]

@@hidavidwen Tip: there is a 'weet je dat ook weer' channel, this guy looks up all the weird easter egg place sin NL.

[@misterbacon4933]

Make more of these easy and sarcastic undertone episodes. THIS IS YOUR TALENT!

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it! 🙏

[@renevaanhold]

Great video! A clear message with humor.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks 😄🙏

[@J_Lub]

Watching this video at work really amplifies your statements

[@Stereo4]

This is my favorite video of yours so far. I love the grey skies, you totally captured the vibes of living here.

[@hidavidwen]

Ah thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@janhendrikvanoers4375]

Thank you! This was nice!!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for watching and the kind words!

[@longstockings]

This video is like a quiet small square in Amsterdam, a so called Begijnhofje. Look it up, we have many in the Netherlands. And now we have one where David Wen lives on the internet. Thanks.

[@hidavidwen]

Yes there are many in the Netherlands :) and I guess one on the internet 😄 thanks!

[@semkeukenrol1191]

This video makes me think of the beautiful thing of are country instead of only the negative ones, thank you.

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome :)🙏

[@garrett3338]

Wonderful video, David! Planning to move there this summer with my family. :)

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Garrett so finally making the move…congrats! Exciting! Wishing you and the family the best!!

[@N911GT2]

Please don't. We don't need more immigrants!

[@marieke1985]

I just discovered your chanel. I love this video, watched it with a smile on my face. I am gonna check your other videos.

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks Marieke 😄 glad you got a smile on your face. Hope you have a nice week!

[@johnkilcher477]

I've posted here a couple of times, but you get it. when I tell my freinds here in the u.s., about how the dutch lifestyle is a good concept, I get the befuddled looks from them. I tell them to go there for a week and just hang.... they won't understand. You did the right thing, I just wish that I did it back in 1999. Stay well.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks John..yeah it’s something that needs to be experienced :)

[@sys-administrator]

Hi John, that is because not everyone is wealthy like you are

[@johnkilcher477]

It doesn't take wealth, just a desire to go on vacation to a foreing land other than Florida, Vegas or Hawaii. Pretty simple actually, escaping our "Exceptionalism" in this country.@@sys-administrator

[@sys-administrator]

@@johnkilcher477 It definitely talkes wealth to visit The Netherlands for a US citizen. Did you know that one out of three Europeans can't even afford a one week holiday to anywhere?

[@johnkilcher477]

Dude, I worked over there off and on for a couple of years. The Dutch by and large get 5-6 weeks 'holiday', (vacation time) per year. Many of my colleagues who I worked with, have holidayed in India, gone on safaris in Africa, and, yes some even went to Disneyworld (YUCK). Meanwhile my fellow Americans work more than one job as a rule and when they go on vacation, it's most liklely to Florida, Vegas or Hawaii. And most of those get only 1 or 2 weeks vacation. You see in the Netherlands they practice a life work balance and let me tell you when quitting time arrives they all drop tools and go home to family They're not working fools, life is more than just work. @@sys-administrator

[@JordanPike]

As an American living in the Netherlands for 3.5 years now, this was really nice to watch. 😊

[@hidavidwen]

Nice! Glad you could relate 🙌

[@Siriusly_Sirius]

I smell influence from my favorite auteur in this one, David. 🤩 Well done with this one, as always. 😊

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks for the kind words, was trying something a bit different but very much me and my personality for this one 🙏

[@Siriusly_Sirius]

You have a Wes Anderson vibe and I love it.

[@hidavidwen]

Ahh cool! I also love Wes Anderson and was trying to 'copy' and learn from some of his work! The nice thing is that Dutch architecture is very symmetrical...so it's like living in Wes Anderson movie hah (minus the 'colors')

[@hasanverinc2712]

Great content! Totally agree.

[@hidavidwen]

🙏🙌🙌

[@framegote5152]

nice video! I think this is a good analysis of living in The Netherlands. Niksen, I think, is just relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere... let the wind blow your thoughts away.

[@xueyingwang2971]

Oh the winds do blow away your thoughts here hahaha (the frequent crazy winds here also blowed away my plant on the balcony😢

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏 niksen!

[@youteacher78]

Very poetic video with an almost Scandinavian cinema esthetic. Well done!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for noticing and the kind words 🙏

[@sammytaylor9509]

What a true inspiration you are 😊

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks...just another human trying to figure out life 😁

[@marjoleint3592]

Makes me proud to be Dutch. I’m glad you have found a way of living in our tiny country that is slowing you down and appreciate life more ❤️ (And for appointments: yes we make appointments way ahead but not with our best friends or closest familymembers. They can come whenever they want.)

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing and for the kind words 😃

[@nomisbman1826]

i have a dutch lifehack that i learned from spending my childhood here. Plan to go somewhere, and do something you didnt plan.

[@blossomrouter4797]

When I or my family travel (we're Dutch) we make plans for like half the day and the other half we do something not planned or prepared.

[@hidavidwen]

The best life hack p

[@tgduroo]

amazing video, thank u so much brother

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks =)

[@Hensepens64]

I follow your channel for a while. Its great to see you embrace the Dutch wat, and yet critical enough to realise that we have our flaws .. And about paracetamol.. its so crazy, but also sooo true 😂

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks 🙏 haha yeah but it’s always nice when we have appreciate and laugh about some things in society and life :)

[@yvonneip9980]

David, I really like your video as it’s vey poetic

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@Centurion101B3C]

Hm, That was probably the nicest and thoughtful way of describimg your ascension to becoming Dutch. Thank you.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@Centurion101B3C]

@@hidavidwen Glad that you have found your Tao here.

[@Centurion101B3C]

@@hidavidwen Btw. I know what you must be going through. I was once a Bay Area resident (People's Republic of Berkeley). It was the place to fall terribbly (as in REALLY terrible) in love with. Died many 'Grateful Deaths' there. Lost my heart to her and she kept it.

[@ILTOMBA]

Like the editing!

[@hidavidwen]

Thank you!

[@Konaboy]

That’s was great!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks!

[@greybeard4034]

Amazing way of storytelling and filming:) Love it

[@hidavidwen]

Thank you! 🙏

[@brokenrecords123]

The more I watch your videos the more I feel as if I’m destined to live in the Netherlands someday. 40 hour work weeks in the office definitely aren’t for me even though it’s the “normal” and “successful” path. Obviously no country is perfect but the Dutch seem to have reached near (if not complete) “meaningfulness” in their lives as a society and that’s what I find most appealing. It might take me years to save up the money but I really want to settle there before I get too old.

[@balinesecat54]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences living in the Netherlands

[@MissVindicat]

It’s not even 40 hours anymore, many companies switched to 36 hours as a fulltime week. And lots of people work four days a week instead of five. I have Mondays off and it’s glorious. It completely changes my weekend. :)

[@chipdale490]

Indeed, there are tonnes of peeps working parttime here. It's not looked down upon at all.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing! It was surprise to learn that 36 hours is full-time...and that many people work flexible schedules (eg. like 4 days, 9 hours per day)...and by law, you can actually request to work fewer (or more) hours...company cannot say no (I made a video about part-time work culture in NL if you're interested) Best of luck!

[@balinesecat54]

Same Here

[@xJeanine81]

I ❤ it and laugh a few times 😄 so nice to look at my Dutch cultre from another prespective, well done!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks 🙏 A lot we can learn from each other and different perspectives :)

[@Cas_anova]

Really interesting to see our culture through the eyes of someone who wasn't born here. Thanks man, enjoy your broodje kaas.

[@pstrik84]

the magic pill hahaha well done :D ;-)

[@hidavidwen]

💊💊💊 :)