American PRAISES 5 Things About Living in the Netherlands | Dutch Life

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  • Опубликовано: 29 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 979

  • @witteveenjeroen
    @witteveenjeroen 4 года назад +367

    Sometimes it takes a foreigner to see the beatutiful things about your country again..!

    • @lowlandtech
      @lowlandtech 4 года назад +2

      white people love the word foreigner, forgetting the some 'foreigners" have deep roots in Dutch culture like the people from Indonesia and Suriname. So, newcomer enjoy your journey into all things Dutch maybe even becoming Dutch yourself.

    • @nielsrijmers2027
      @nielsrijmers2027 4 года назад

      Triu dat

    • @a-dutch-z7351
      @a-dutch-z7351 4 года назад +13

      @@lowlandtech And nonwhites love to use the term white people but cry when one dares to generalise the term black.

    • @ricardo-dc9lg
      @ricardo-dc9lg 4 года назад +19

      Probeert hij nou gewoon van een normale goed bedoelde opmerking weer iets racistisch te maken? Lekker gewerkt pik!

    • @theblazingangels4286
      @theblazingangels4286 4 года назад +2

      @@ricardo-dc9lg niet rasistisch aan hoor

  • @Stefan_Van_pellicom
    @Stefan_Van_pellicom 4 года назад +230

    If your girlfriend received a ton of cards, that says more about her than about Dutch people. I bet she’s a really really nice person ...

    • @RichardK-xg5sc
      @RichardK-xg5sc 4 года назад +7

      Not perse, sending cards really is something dutch people do alot, ofc being a nice person helps but not completely

    • @p382742937423y4
      @p382742937423y4 4 года назад +2

      I also think this girl has a really nice girlfriend.

    • @ronalddijkema7696
      @ronalddijkema7696 3 года назад +2

      the amount of cards says nothing about how nice you are. i get 1 card every 10 years and i am very nice.
      and a. hitler got a lot of cards in wo2..

  • @fcl2024
    @fcl2024 4 года назад +365

    In europe we work to live.
    In america they live to work.

    • @metallian2952
      @metallian2952 4 года назад +30

      Yes, and people with 3 jobs don't make enough money to pay their bills. GO FIGURE!

    • @kennethstowell7650
      @kennethstowell7650 4 года назад +4

      Wrong,

    • @Cl0ckcl0ck
      @Cl0ckcl0ck 4 года назад +13

      In the US it's all a giant competition. The score is kept in $.
      For us Europeans this is so weird that most of us don't understand it. We value the opinions of our friends so much more than what most people think.

    • @boydmccollum692
      @boydmccollum692 4 года назад

      In the US, like the song says, we’re working for the weekend.

    • @mikevandervegt
      @mikevandervegt 4 года назад

      life and live.. there is a diffrent.. and im dutch

  • @freerkottema
    @freerkottema 4 года назад +169

    When you can pronounce gezelligheid and know the true meaning of it, you are on your way becoming a real Dutchie👌

    • @egbertvos1124
      @egbertvos1124 4 года назад +5

      It's almost like a rite of passage here

    • @johansterk8968
      @johansterk8968 4 года назад +4

      Another important word in NL is "gewoon".

    • @johnsteijns5394
      @johnsteijns5394 4 года назад +3

      Say! Hottentottententoonstellingen! Lol😉

    • @richardslotboom9250
      @richardslotboom9250 4 года назад +7

      @@johnsteijns5394 Actually its:hottentottententententoonstelling!

    •  4 года назад +1

      I speak Afrikaans fluently and I know exactly what that means.
      I love it.

  • @takepruntel
    @takepruntel 4 года назад +164

    I would wait untill monday to send the e-mail. As a manager I would not want my employees to feel pressured to work in the weekend, because that is the time that they will use to balance out their working hours!

    • @Wicked_Lady_Memoires
      @Wicked_Lady_Memoires 4 года назад +4

      If i leave my job. My boss never expects me te react to emails. even in the afternoon or evening. I work part time 24 ours a week sinds 1,5 year because i believe it is important to be more at home now mij kids are teenagers. Before that i worked 32 to 36 ours a week with kids people even consider that full time.

    • @martijnstrik5014
      @martijnstrik5014 4 года назад +1

      Or you can creatie the email with hour briljant idee and send it first workday 😎

    • @DamienAlexander
      @DamienAlexander 4 года назад +2

      Lol I used to work in a supermarket and got 9 weeks holidays a year because it's a heavy job.

    • @foute90s
      @foute90s 4 года назад +3

      I ask my colleagues if they mind beeing called in the weekend or evenings, and tell them I really don't expect them to answer if they don't want to outside of working hours. So I do e-mail/call them, but not before I asked if they are okay with it.

    • @fermitupoupon1754
      @fermitupoupon1754 4 года назад +1

      I just send the email as the idea occurs to me. I'll just put at the end that we'll pick it up on tuesday, but that I had to get it out while it was fresh on my mind. Then again, I usually don't check my work email during the weekend either, and I know most of my coworkers don't either. I do check it on mondays and fridays, even though those are not work days for me.
      It does kind of depend on who I am sending that mail to though. If it's the CEO or CFO, I'll just send it out, but I have one or two people working under me who need their time off to be sort of enforced. So I wouldn't send them a mail outside work hours at all, because I know they won't be able to let it sit over the weekend.

  • @Rogier7305
    @Rogier7305 4 года назад +82

    the Dutch have actually implemented a new 'law' in 2019 which is something like 'the right to be unreachable for your work'. So, that as an employee it's your right to not answer a work related call when you are in your free time.

    • @data1.078
      @data1.078 4 года назад +10

      @ron fryslan Dat klopt. Wetten bedenken en maken is meer een proces naar een idealere situatie. Het zal nooit helemaal perfect zijn maar ik denk dat wij in Nederlands tenminste wel op de goede weg zijn om werk en leven te balanceren.

    • @robvanlent1008
      @robvanlent1008 3 года назад +3

      Here we go again, speaking as a Dutchman. My time is my time! Do not call or mail me. In my little spare time. So I know when you do. It must be really an emergency!! Like a earthquake or tsunami! Or if I don't answer the world gonna explode. Other than that I be unreachable!

    • @deetgeluid
      @deetgeluid Год назад

      Was al zo tenzij je piketdienst hebt. Telefoon heb ik al jaren niet, dat kan niemand me dwingen.❤

  • @yorkshirehousewife784
    @yorkshirehousewife784 4 года назад +49

    Listening to things like this, really makes me appreciate my own country and Europe.

  • @andreteelen6266
    @andreteelen6266 4 года назад +160

    Solidarity has nothing to do with Communism. Good that you noticed that!

    • @theGoogol
      @theGoogol 4 года назад +20

      Americans have been brainwashed to be anti-social since the cold war / cuba crisis.
      :((((

    • @daddyleon
      @daddyleon 4 года назад +16

      But Andre, yes, it has! It's most certainly part of it, but solidarity just has nothing to do with 'pure' capitalism. So in a hypercapitalist society (like that of the USA) any solidarity already reeks of communism. Just like a naked knee might suggest rampant sexual immorality to Victorians, while it doesn't to us.

    • @steveluth3139
      @steveluth3139 4 года назад +8

      @@theGoogol Americans are polarised you mean, there is no centre middleground

    • @daddyleon
      @daddyleon 4 года назад +1

      @@steveluth3139 iirc, if you look at the policy preferences, most people do support the policies that Bernie Sanders put forward. However peolpe keep identifying along the polarised party lines.

    • @Gamesaucer
      @Gamesaucer 4 года назад +9

      @@steveluth3139 Not just polarised. The entire Overton Window has been shoved so far right that liberalism is lumped in with leftism which is patently absurd. Liberalism is a right-wing ideology.

  • @Snaakie83
    @Snaakie83 4 года назад +65

    I'm proud and happy that you feel at home and welcome here. You seem like a lovely person, we're happy to have you!
    There's plenty wrong here in the Netherlands as well, and sometimes media will be full of negativity. However, we're pretty spoiled...this is a great little country for the most of us!

    • @dimrrider9133
      @dimrrider9133 2 года назад

      the media is the enemy of the people everywhere

    • @Snaakie83
      @Snaakie83 2 года назад +1

      @@dimrrider9133 yeah, just thinking so makes you surprisingly close to being a fascist.
      The media's (or at least the bulk of them) function is to held governments accountable. The primarily types of governments making an enemy of the media are absolute monarchies, dictatorships and countries in anarchy.
      You could try and learn some basic facts of life, see which countries in history have resulted in more freedom. Those with or without a free press.
      Just make an educated guess.

    • @superkutzooi
      @superkutzooi 2 года назад

      @@Snaakie83 Wat een kut-reactie. gewoon zoeken naar een reden om m af te zeiken. en dan is ie ook nog eens niet te vinden. Slap gelul !!!

  • @TukikoTroy
    @TukikoTroy 4 года назад +68

    Yes, I am in the UK and I was off work for a year with heart problems. Not only did I receive full pay for a large part of that and about 75% full pay for the remainder, but mu employer paid for specialist after care and private medical consultations to make sure I was well enough to return to work. Once back at work, my work day was adjusted around what i felt i was able to do without adversely affecting my recovery. It is now 5 years on and I am still being looked after by my employer with regards to my general health and well-being at work.

    • @AreHan1991
      @AreHan1991 4 года назад +10

      That system of organizing society is what is wrongly called "socialism" in the US

    • @a-dutch-z7351
      @a-dutch-z7351 4 года назад +2

      @@AreHan1991 Well it is socialism. And it ain't free either.

    • @neliz8
      @neliz8 4 года назад +2

      @@AreHan1991 No it's not, are you aware that in the Netherlands the tax pressure is very high and that our koopkracht is the same as in southern italy one of the poorest regions of western europe? It is socialist. All hardworking people must pay for every dickhead that calls himself a"fugitive" nowadays for them it is free money all their lives long and no one is doing anything about it, and that is only one example.

    • @lindalong5052
      @lindalong5052 4 года назад +1

      well, that's not going to happen in the future. The Johnson government is tearing up all workers' rights.We're becoming a vassall state of the USA

    • @imonabudget4427
      @imonabudget4427 4 года назад +2

      ​@@neliz8 That's simply not true. The Netherlands has a higher purchasing power than Italy as a whole, so it is impossible for it to have the same purchasing power as the poorest region of that country. Also, the European countries that have a higher purchasing power all have socialist systems, so blaming socialism is hardly fair.
      source: cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2405078/cms-pdfs/fileadmin/user_upload/dyna_content/global/documents/press_releases/2019/20191021_pr_gfk_purchasing_power_europe_efin.pdf

  • @shrike6259
    @shrike6259 4 года назад +43

    most of all no loud/distracting TV's in cafe's .. that bothered me the most when in was usa. every bar / cafe had tv's with sports and loteries and just advertizing .... ZO niet gezelig

    • @Paul_C
      @Paul_C 4 года назад

      You should visit different bars... I you not like the noise why the hell would you stay? Peer pressure? Find new fiends...

    • @ArrowRaider
      @ArrowRaider 3 года назад

      If you go to a different bar, they will also have a blaring TV. It is the culture here in the US: to constantly bombard everyone with loud, obnoxious noise.

  • @ivo4357
    @ivo4357 4 года назад +28

    I wouldn't even think about sending an email after hours. The moment I stop working I forget where I work, what I do for work. Free time is MY time. I'm from Belgium (neighbor to the Netherlands), and we have the same mindset, after all we were part of the Netherlands in the past

    • @ivo4357
      @ivo4357 4 года назад +2

      @@cb1636 Well, I live in Antwerp, and there must be almost as many Dutch students in the university than Belgian students. Belgian education is regarded amongst the best in the world, which can not be said for the Netherlands. I know people who went to Dutch universities because they didn't get accepted in Belgian universities. Maybe Dutch children are "happy" because they have no obligation (set by their schools and teachers) to become a well-educated adult, which is evident in a lot of the Dutch people, with their arrogant and often childlike behavior. Take the immature way their population handled the covid crisis (Trumplike), which resulted in the need to go back to a lockdown because of alarmingly rising cases . I give you the crappy infrastructure and the communication problems in Belgium (which is caused by the Dutch and French language barrier), but I've been working a lot in the Netherlands and I can list as many problems that my Dutch colleagues have told me about, than you can list about Belgium. The fact is that many of you think Belgium is still a lesser part of the Netherlands, but you seem to forget that we kicked your asses to become independent in 1830, and have since become a bigger player in the European community than you are (Brussels is the center of the European Union, while the Netherlands are one of the few countries trying and failing to get the EU to do things their way). You're a small player, but your arrogance can not accept that.

    • @ivo4357
      @ivo4357 4 года назад

      @@cb1636 je hebt alvast mijn zegen om terug te keren, en als jouw land toch zoveel beter en financieel aantrekkelijker is, wat houdt je dan tegen? Of kan je dan toch niet de goed betaalde job vinden in Nederland die je hier hebt? We hebben al genoeg te kampen met de overlast van onze Hollandse wereldburgers, die hier maar al te graag komen om in het weekend dronken de straten door te strompelen, en een spoor van kots en zeik achter te laten. En onze miserabele infrastructuur te verstroppen met jullie klote caravans die tegen 70km/h over onze snelwegen slalommen. Ga toch gewoon weg man, laat ons Belgen met rust en blijf in je zogenoemd paradijselijk Nederland.

  • @user-rx4jg8lq7h
    @user-rx4jg8lq7h 4 года назад +54

    I think we're just lucky to have such a wonderful person as you! Hope you continue to be happy.

  • @mahadevovnl
    @mahadevovnl 4 года назад +12

    Dutch guy who lived abroad (USA, Mexico) for a while, now back in the NL but working 100% remote for a US company. Weekends are mine. Personal time is my own. If I have a brilliant thought in the weekend I'm going to write it down or record a voice memo to myself, and pick it up on Monday. No way I'm going to involve myself with my work during the weekend.

  • @JoTummers
    @JoTummers 4 года назад +35

    Thanks for reminding me in what a great country we live here. Honestly, I would not want to live in the US. I think it is a harsh country. The government does not take care of it's citizens like we do here.

    • @mjoezic3198
      @mjoezic3198 2 года назад +1

      Our government doesnt care shit about us. Did you ever walk into elderly houses? It is a disgrace, for one instance. They also follow the agenda of WeF. They dont work for us.

    • @JoTummers
      @JoTummers 2 года назад

      @@mjoezic3198 yes and it is far from perfect but my mom was taken care of very well. In general, we are better off here than people the US.

  • @sretePtraB
    @sretePtraB 4 года назад +40

    It's refreshing to hear from people from other places in the world, that we do pretty well in our little country.
    I wish more Dutch people realise this and complain less.
    On te work e-mail/weekend question. Only if it's really important I would send work related emails. But mostly, employers value the weekends just as much.

    • @metalvideos1961
      @metalvideos1961 4 года назад +5

      thats because she talks about it as an american. us as dutchmans know that there is a shit ton wrong with our system. everything we have in the netheralnds is something americans can only dream about. but for us natives we see tons of problems. our health care is totally bullshit. own contribution is the most stupidest thing ever. our VAT system is completely garbage. and well you as a dutch person as well can think of more things most likely also. but for a person that comes from america? sure things here looks like heaven. to me? nah i can think of billions of things that i want to have changed here. and i am not alone.

    • @garrardzero1
      @garrardzero1 4 года назад

      We complain a lot therefore things het better.

    • @33lex55
      @33lex55 4 года назад +5

      Lol, you ain't fully integrated until you find stuff to whine and complain about; it's sort of a national pastime. But, as some already remarked: it keeps authorities on their toes, and it does drive progress, and ultimately, leads to even better living conditions.
      But it's always good to hear some positive comments; it tells us not to sweat the small stuff.

    • @marleenb2979
      @marleenb2979 4 года назад

      True. I guess its hard to see how great nl is if its normal to you. I know people from countries that are even much worse of than US, saying im too naive about how easy or good things are and im taking it a bit for granted. I guess that would be true..
      Also its part of culture to conplain here, ive heard. And technically youvwill have to complain because otherwise there is no reason for improvement

    • @lindaraterink6451
      @lindaraterink6451 4 года назад +4

      We having it better than most other countries, does not mean it can't better than it already is. If you keep your mouth shut, nothing happens. We have a voice, we have the right to use it, so we will. That is all.

  • @frankiesayrelaxx
    @frankiesayrelaxx 4 года назад +17

    I'm Dutch and work email or phonecalls outside working hours are not done generally.
    Accept when there's a "fire"of course, but that is then a hopeless emergency....

  • @arnoldbrakenhoff4169
    @arnoldbrakenhoff4169 4 года назад +2

    Wow! Great to hear your positive story about the Netherlands. We are Dutch, living in the US, and preparing to return to the Netherlands after over 25 years working abroad in different countries. We are looking forward to see all the beautiful things you pointed out. The Netherlands are very lucky to have a person like you!

  • @evelienpopelier4458
    @evelienpopelier4458 4 года назад +5

    I (dutch) had no idea a birthday calendar is a dutch thing!

  • @JSMNL
    @JSMNL 4 года назад +16

    I'm happy to see that you are happy and feel welcome here. I wish you and your girlfriend continuously happiness.

  • @xSCHEF
    @xSCHEF 4 года назад +3

    Ava sweetie I’ve been binging your videos for a good month now.. 31yo widow Dutch dad from Brabant. Do yeah I just found out I wasn’t subscribed yet so I quickly subbed in shock. Your videos are my feelgood moment of the day, an escape of the daily media negativity.
    You rock, and I should mention a series with you and your girlfriend discussing the differences on certain topics from Dutch / American perspective will catapult your channel into trending status. We Dutch people love RUclipsrs that acknowledge this tiny country.
    Keep it up girl! 👌💪🏻

  • @Pyltje03
    @Pyltje03 4 года назад +76

    When I talk to my american friends in nevada the social Climate always comes up.
    After several years They now understand that a social system doesnt mean its communist. IT took the. A while.
    Now I try explain that our system is based on...we leave No One behind. I use this because americans understand this military way of thinking. Marines use iT...we leave No One behind.
    So I ask them......If this is normal in the military...and you understand iT. Why do you leave people behind in your neighborhood?
    The strong Carry the weak and help them to make iT on their own...dont let them down on the street.

    • @the1Skyseer
      @the1Skyseer 4 года назад +5

      so true

    • @remconoordermeer7015
      @remconoordermeer7015 4 года назад +11

      That’s a good analogy!

    • @metalvideos1961
      @metalvideos1961 4 года назад +6

      the reason WHY americans think that socialism is communism. is because after the Cold war the american government have brainwashed the people in thinking that socialism is communism. so they have to pay less attention on their own citizens. have to spend less money on their own citizens and so forth. why? well because of the wars ofc. they need to brainwash the americans in believing that they are fighting for their freedom. which is a lie ofc. so they cant bother in spending money on a social system to give their own citizens a better life. hence the reason why america is now bitching about venezuela as well. well one of the reasons that is. most americans dont want a social system just for this reason alone. good thing more and more younger americans see the problem and want to have a social system. but the old idiots who still runs the country dont care for it because of the reason i gave to you. they couldnt handle that communist russia did it better in anyway then they did in america. but a fun fact is is that FDR wanted to have a social system in america. pretty much the same system as we have in the netherlands. but he died so he could never send in that bill. if he could america would have a social system now as well. JFK wanted to have a social health care system as well. but he got shot by AIPAC and the FBI. point is america will never have a social system. it can take years and years for that to happen.

    • @dutchgamer842
      @dutchgamer842 4 года назад +2

      Socialism sucks, SP and PVV are socialist and they suck

    • @vullings1968
      @vullings1968 4 года назад +26

      @@dutchgamer842 SP and PVV are opposites in the political gamma here in NL. And Dutch politics is not socialist, but social-democratic. Which is completely different. Just to bring some nuance.

  • @henkmeerhof8647
    @henkmeerhof8647 4 года назад +7

    I'm Dutch, but have been living the past 20 years in Denmark.
    Regarding the work-private time balance: All depends on your job. Many in a regular 9-17-ish job forget all those things they are able to do because there are other people that work odd hours. All from shop assistants to people in maintenance. So there is the first problem your free time might not be my free time. Than what is the priority, If I notice the work building is on fire, I will call my boss even on a free day. But if it is about something that can wait until Monday (or whatever is your first work day in the week) I write a reminder and leave it to that day. Things that are only important on the next department meeting - unless I want some feedback before the meeting - can wait until the meeting.
    Challenges in work won't disappear on their own account (neither in private life), so they are prioritised and addressed when needed, not before.

  • @femkevanwageningen6068
    @femkevanwageningen6068 4 года назад +21

    I wouldn't feel uncomfortable sending a work email in the weekend. I however don't expect a response until monday. It's the weekend, my boss is probbably not reading his work mail until the work week had started

  • @War4Skills
    @War4Skills 4 года назад +4

    Wow, you are one of the first RUclipsrs on the Netherlands who explains it so well, but remains critical at the same time! Really good video and nice comparison between NL and the US!

  • @palantir135
    @palantir135 4 года назад +37

    Weekends mean Not Working so no mail unless there’s an emergency. And even then you often don’t.

  • @Teamwindrose
    @Teamwindrose 4 года назад +27

    So nice to hear that living in the Netherlands is great, we Dutch we forget that it is gezellig. Living with so much culture and everyone care about you, and if you are fake we told you. Thxs. for the nice words.

    • @atarvos8686
      @atarvos8686 4 года назад +2

      We dont forget it, but it isnt there anymore.
      Yes in our homes maybe. But in reallity and general we are going into the same way as the usa.

  • @mikekaaks8501
    @mikekaaks8501 4 года назад +1

    My English mother married a Dutchman and moved to the Netherlands in 1946 - I was born there in 1949. What has prompted me to write is that her diary descriptions of the way she was looked after when I was born, not just by family but also friends AND neighbours sounded exactly like your experience. Clearly this is a deep seated aspect of Dutch culture that has been so for a long time.

  • @KootFloris
    @KootFloris 4 года назад +48

    Great list. You looked deeper than bikes, bluntness and weed. Mind you US corporate propaganda keeps people anxious over high taxes and socialism, thus they lost all the benefits that the Dutch taxpayers get from their higher taxes, awesome infrastructure, great education, very cheap and secure healthcare, little fear of unemployment, while, mind you be much more effective at work. Because we often care about our jobs.

    • @ancaas7945
      @ancaas7945 4 года назад +2

      Well I have to disagree on the 'very cheap' healthcare. NL has the 7th most expensive healthcare in the world.

    • @wessager8659
      @wessager8659 4 года назад +4

      The Americans that still pay taxes are paying for the wars, private prisons and corporate bailouts. The super rich don't have to worry about taxes. THAT is why we cannot have social safety programs.

    • @the_w189
      @the_w189 4 года назад

      @@ancaas7945 yes. One in 4 cannot pas the healthbill.

    • @gauloiseguy
      @gauloiseguy 4 года назад

      @@ancaas7945
      Might be true. But accessable to all. Which is important IMO.

    • @night6724
      @night6724 6 месяцев назад

      except the bottom 20% of American households consume as much as the average dutchman. The Netherlands is a terrible country. Higher taxes gets you higher waste. Like you realize the rich in the US pay SIGNIFICANTLY more than the rich of the Netherlands and Europe right? The US has the most progressive tax structure.

  • @edwinjanssen9715
    @edwinjanssen9715 4 года назад +6

    I love your positivity about our great country! Thanks

  • @ralphhendriks1460
    @ralphhendriks1460 4 года назад +10

    I really enjoyed watching your vlog. I hope you and your grilfriend will enjoy our gezelligheid for many many years, take care!

  • @CanyonWanderer
    @CanyonWanderer 4 года назад +2

    Wonderful story, welcome in the Netherlands! As a Dutch person it is great to hear in such a very clear summary how lucky we are 😀. Your understanding of gezelligheid is beyond any I've witnessed so far amongst the non Dutch. I had an American colleague long time ago and during one Friday afternoon "borrel" (happy hour ?), he said: "This is gezellig, right?", he got it!

  • @baskoning9896
    @baskoning9896 4 года назад +11

    8:40 no, I would write it down somewhere and send it first thing monday morning, but it would have to be very, very serious (like, 'yo, dude, someone is breaking in to our shop right now') before I would even contemplate bothering my boss (or anyone) in his private time.

  • @kkll547
    @kkll547 4 года назад +1

    Very nice to hear someone saying positive things about Holland. I'm dutch and live in Australia and are still a very proud dutchy

  • @tomd1899
    @tomd1899 4 года назад +6

    Ava! These videos are great and glad you're loving life in the Netherlands

  • @Xmaslightsallyear
    @Xmaslightsallyear 4 года назад +1

    Hola Eva? Ava? What resonates with me most about Europe is feeling surrounded by history, beauty, and good taste. I have lived on the Pacific coast of Mexico for 23 years, which I love very much, although Mexico's charms are in many ways very different than Europe's of course. As soon as travel restrictions are eased I'll begin spending the allowed 3 months in Europe; back to Mexico for six; back to Europe for 3 more, and repeating this cycle indefinitely, enjoying the best of two very different worlds. At least that is the plan.

  • @Ilsecool90
    @Ilsecool90 4 года назад +4

    About that mailing in the weekend thing: yeah, I feel very uncomfartable doing that. I would never do that. The weekend is your time off and if you want to enjoy that, your boss or manager also would like that. So, you just don't send emails in the weekend. Everyone already worked hard enough during the week and people need their weekend to relax a bit.

  • @FerrySwart
    @FerrySwart 3 года назад +1

    this is such a sweet video, and you're right. I've been in the USA as a Dutch person about 25 times. as a tourist and for visiting famlily there and all the things you put out are so true. Not that the USA is not a great country for visiting. Every country has things to love. You just have to see them and enjoy. Stop and smell the roses as they say:)

  • @AteVeenstra
    @AteVeenstra 4 года назад +6

    You can send an email during the weekend to your boss, but don't expect an answer before monday. It's better not to do it unless it's urgent. Weekend is kind of holy here.

  • @frankb4483
    @frankb4483 4 года назад +1

    I am Dutch. Very nice to hear your praises. Thanks!

  • @reneout1000
    @reneout1000 4 года назад +8

    I even have my birthday calendar here in Australia.

  • @Veronica-pz6dn
    @Veronica-pz6dn 3 года назад +1

    I love this so much! I'm moving and starting a new job in Amsterdam! When they told me I would have 42 days of paid holidays, my jaws dropped because I'm so used to 2 weeks standard! Can't wait to move!

  • @klontjespap
    @klontjespap 4 года назад +6

    the birthday calendar can be quite sad too when you see familiar names with a cross behind them though :(

  • @matthias5788
    @matthias5788 4 года назад +2

    There's a large difference between different jobs, concerning the hours that people work in a week: for example, teachers don't have enough time to do all their work during their contract hours and small 1 or 2 person companies sometimes work up to 60 hours a week. Many other examples can be mentioned. So not all people work 24, 32 or 40 hours a week, some work much more.

  • @snrvanbeek
    @snrvanbeek 4 года назад +3

    Thank you for making this video, I didn’t know that some of the things you mention are specifically Dutch! And you are absolutely not superficial that you like to see beauty in your everyday life. You should also visit Groningen and the little villages in the Province of Groningen, lots of beauty and culture to warm your heart by 😉

  • @maartengoutier2085
    @maartengoutier2085 4 года назад +1

    Thank you for all the kind words! Welcome to The Netherlands and I wish you and your girlfriend the best of times here!

  • @Felipe.N.Martins
    @Felipe.N.Martins 4 года назад +22

    @2:16 Extra kilometer. You live in the NL now. ;-)

  • @MrEmanuelw
    @MrEmanuelw 2 года назад +1

    Apart from learning about the Netherlands or differences between (our) cultures. I think your videos can teach us about how having a positive approach to the things you see around you will improve your live! Good for you and thank you!

  • @mariop.s.5452
    @mariop.s.5452 3 года назад +3

    I actually bought one of those birthday calendars one time I visited The Netherlands. I thought it was really neat. I did not know they are placed in the bathroom. I have mine in my office lol *moves birthday calendar to bathroom*

  • @BoyvanHeugten
    @BoyvanHeugten 4 года назад +2

    As a Dutchie, I don't do any work email related stuff in my weekend. And I know only a handful of people that do. We indeed like to keep our work and personal lives balanced. I don't mind doing overtime, but once out of the office, work is supposed to be a thing for the next day.

  • @tannergruene8937
    @tannergruene8937 4 года назад +40

    I am moving to the Netherlands and fully intend to assimilate with Dutch culture. I learned that working 60 hour weeks and being expected to be available at all times to my employer, the poor social safety net, the bad crime rate of the US is just not how I want to spend my life. People here are scared to take off work if they are sick, because they fear losing their jobs!

    • @TheExplorder
      @TheExplorder 4 года назад +5

      You're very welcome! And as a Dutch guy, born here, I really can't blame you!

    • @TheExplorder
      @TheExplorder 4 года назад +7

      @fox_fires It baffles me how millions of Americans are so anti-Bernie Sanders and some of his proposals. Some American media platforms are comparing him to Stalin. I find that so weird. He's basically trying to establish an American version of what we all have in Europe. Are those people really thinking that we are not free or can't make any choices for ourselves, "because the goverment controlls everything." This anti-left propaganda is really destroying the United States of America from the inside.

    • @christinam1649
      @christinam1649 4 года назад +1

      ME TOOOOOO !!!!! Congratulations to you and your future plans !!!

    • @the_w189
      @the_w189 4 года назад

      @@TheExplorder they do not like bernie because he hates the rich. But...... almost only worked in government and is bizarrly rich himself.
      He should have cleaned his own room first; and helped people before he told everyone to help each other.
      Who profited to most Of what bernie did? he did.

    • @gerbrandlub
      @gerbrandlub 4 года назад +1

      An added aspect of Dutch work culture: Don't be formal with your boss. Or his boss. Or the CEO. You'll probably be on a first name basis by the second email. Also, any decent manager no matter their position will want to hear you ideas or critique to at least discuss. Work drinks are optional but recommended I find.

  • @thumpsunp4153
    @thumpsunp4153 4 года назад +1

    Thank you for remembering how nice it is to live in the Netherlands

  • @Pyltje03
    @Pyltje03 4 года назад +6

    More and more you see that laws move I to the direction that iT isnt allowed to contact working people in the free time. In big parts of germany its already in place....and many compagnies here are also thinking about iT.
    IT is for keeping the balance better and dont get people more work related stress.

  • @sanderjansen5187
    @sanderjansen5187 4 года назад +2

    20 is the bare minimum vacation days, 25 to 30 is the average in the Netherlands. With overwork I have around 40 days and 2 weeks free around Christmas.

  • @johannessugito1686
    @johannessugito1686 4 года назад +9

    In general, sending work related emails during weekends: NO. Except when you know that your colleague is online too and it is important to communicate.
    To be more precise: when you are ill, by law your employer has to keep paying your salary up until two years. This does not mean that you keep your position in the company.

  • @darkjannn
    @darkjannn 4 года назад +2

    8:40 As a Dutchman, I don't feel any apprehension about sending my thoughts and ideas during the weekend, but I also wouldn't feel any obligation to read or respond to anything incoming during my time off, unless it particularly tickled my interests. I wouldn't expect my boss or colleagues to do anything else. In short, unless it's an exceptionally great idea, it can wait till after the weekend :)

  • @TheWildEntertainer
    @TheWildEntertainer 4 года назад +6

    Sending msg/emails during off working hours / days to your boss you better think twice hehe and only do it when it is really important otherwise wait till Monday ;)
    Your boss also have a family life and don’t want to trouble his mind with other things then his familie when he or she is free ;)

  • @Barutokun
    @Barutokun 4 года назад +1

    Glad to hear that you're enjoying our country! You asked about the work e-mails in the weekend. My work is mostly of the freelance variety, but I wouldn't hesitate to send an e-mail in the weekend, if for no other reason than that it might slip my mind if I did it later. On the flip side, I wouldn't realistically expect a response until monday, unless I put something like 'urgent' in the headline.

  • @VRBLNSLT
    @VRBLNSLT 4 года назад +25

    Gezellig to have you here 😁🍻
    Silly Dutch fact.. need the positive reinforcements from foreign youtubers so bad we will watch anything anybody has to say about us... 😂😂

    • @lindalong5052
      @lindalong5052 4 года назад +2

      we love the Dutch here in England

    • @VRBLNSLT
      @VRBLNSLT 4 года назад +4

      @@lindalong5052 we love the brits here aswell.. except the ones that just come over for stag nights😂

  • @rhmdutchman1550
    @rhmdutchman1550 4 года назад +2

    It is refreshing to hear from an outsider what is so good about our country. We are used to it. You say the G pretty well. a lot of practice and it gets even better.

  • @gaikditonthouden
    @gaikditonthouden 4 года назад +4

    I sometimes send work-related emails during the weekend, although I try to be cautious with that and only send important email. When I feel like it, I also read the incoming ones. However, I usually do not feel obliged to do so. Likewise, I do not expect my colleagues to reply during the weekend either. (Unless there's an emergency, maybe. In which case I use Whatsapp for a quicker response.)

  • @DaveVersteeg
    @DaveVersteeg 4 года назад +2

    I am very happy for you. I am very proud of the Netherlands and its nice that you live the dutch style now. Try to learn a dutch word every day and we will love you even more.

  • @DannyKleian
    @DannyKleian 4 года назад +4

    Wauw thanks for sharing , you make my heart warm by the way ur talking about our stuff (^^ grts from Riccardo Alkmaar N-H

  • @TheJAMF
    @TheJAMF 4 года назад +1

    There are also 38 hour weeks, but as you work 40 hours, you get those 2 hours back as 13 days extra. So you could end up with 35-38 days off.

  • @remkojerphanion4686
    @remkojerphanion4686 4 года назад +7

    Indeed, where else in the world, can you sit and do your thing on the toilet, and at the same time see who's got a birthday coming up soon!

  • @bobgilmour3172
    @bobgilmour3172 2 года назад +1

    On Social Security, you’re so spot on. I live in Caribisch Nederland. We’ve still got the pot holes in the roads without fietspaden, but the Dutch did come in with their health care - way cheaper and better than US by leagues, and our weather is better than anyones. Still, love to come over your way for all the rest you speak of. Keep it up.

    • @night6724
      @night6724 6 месяцев назад

      Healthcare is not better in the Netherlands and you ignore dutch healthcare is significantly more privatized than the US

  • @StevanOutdoor
    @StevanOutdoor 4 года назад +10

    Actually gonna send this video to the American woman I invited over to visit my country. Of course I did mention these 5 things and more, but I think it will be better if she hears it from an American woman now living in The Netherlands.

  • @maidenekker
    @maidenekker 4 года назад +1

    You say such nice things about the Netherlands, thanks for that! Being dutch it isn't new for me and i rarely realise it is so different in other countries. Yes, my work is important to me but my free time is equally important and i earn enough to work 32 hours a week and live well. And i do realise how fortunate we are with a government who provides so much. And that paying taxes is a privilege in a certain way. I hope you will be very happy here!!

  • @Jspeek
    @Jspeek 4 года назад +6

    Sending emails in the weekend is ok, really depends whether it’s necessary :), it’s more company culture driven

  • @FreekVerkerk
    @FreekVerkerk 4 года назад +3

    I am dutch and I work from home and work and life hours are mixed. I go running during work hours and send mails after office hours and during the weekend. But at the same time a also don't feel the pressure to answer emails within hours or days. But I do live in an international environment some dutch people are not so flexible :)

    • @Paul_C
      @Paul_C 4 года назад

      You really don't want a bus driver, fireman to be flexible. Seriously, you seem to think everyone needs your system to be the overriding factor, right?

  • @Uuuuuuurrgggggghhhhh
    @Uuuuuuurrgggggghhhhh 4 года назад +5

    Nice video. I wish you and your girlfriend a beautiful future in our country!

  • @DickvanZanten
    @DickvanZanten 4 года назад +1

    Nice to see you feel at home. It takes someone like you to point out the good sides of this country. We Dutch tend to take those for granted and complain a lot about life

  • @jjbankert
    @jjbankert 4 года назад +4

    14:56 "Have you seen the pretty canals..?" Yes my high school was just out of frame to the left in that picture, haha

    • @JasperJanssen
      @JasperJanssen 4 года назад

      Christelijk Gym represent.
      (91-97)

  • @cfjooijevaar1
    @cfjooijevaar1 3 года назад +1

    Ava, you are a very positive person with a very open mind and that is the cause of the fact that you can enjoy everything you did not know before! You love our country! How nice, but I am sure that if you had been ended up in Austria or Switzerland you'd be just as thrilled of living there, don't you think? But we like to have you here!!!

  • @Roberto9696-q7s
    @Roberto9696-q7s 4 года назад +3

    Most women work part time, about 75% of all women in the Netherlands. While 85% of the men work full time (40+ hours).

  • @vloepkleedje
    @vloepkleedje 4 года назад +1

    Glad to see things are working out for you here. It really is nice to be able to see the special things about your own country that you sometimes dont even notice anymore because they come so natural or you have sort of come to take them for granted. Now you asked about the weekend days email and personally I have no problems sending emails during the weekend, mainly because I don't expect a reply anytime other than at their convenience, say on monday. It is a good thing to have that fresh thought broadcast while it is still vivid. By extention you can apply the directness you yourself have noticed and which has rubbed off on you a little even to this matter.
    As for the historical environment, I could not live on a continent without these old towns and cities to explore and rediscover time and time again. It makes you appreciate your surroundings knowing people from half way across the world travel here just to see things they would otherwise only see in the movies.
    As for social security this is quite a controversial topic, as it is anywhere perhaps, but for a different reason. Here our welfare state to some has gone a bit too far. Where the principle of solidarity and state funded (read citizen funded) safetynets and benefits works in a society full of people who appreciate and part take in a common ideology of citizenship, a welfare state like ours is very vunerable to abuse and some might take it for granted not knowing that in principle it is a service of solidarity to you in your time of need. Thus it becomes something people feel entitled to and they don't even think about where the money and infrastructure comes from, because there is no incentive to make them really respect the idea behind it. Also politicians are able to use the welfare state to buy an audience and preserve votes, so to bribe voters as it were. A system like that is very damaging to a society, economy and country as a whole. Now the Netherlands has vast resources in both material and human form, so it is unlikely that a system of entitlement and bribery will bring the country down in the near future. Just know that it can if the system swings out of control and we find ourselves trapped in a system of patronage like the Greek example and hit the bottom of the well in some sort of crisis.
    Finally I wanted to point at the broader trends that govern both your fascination with some of the things you see in the Netherlands and the reason why mostly Dutch people will en masse visit channels like these for reasons I already pointed out: there seems to be a movement going on that seeks to import American sensitivity, dishonesty, savyness and indirectness to the public sphere. This is a movement that is driven by greed, globalism and neo liberalism and aims to neutralise cultural boundries for more effective enterprise. Political over-sensitivity on matters of free speech, history and identity are amoung them, but so is the work-life culture. In short all the things you find refreshing in your time being here are by no means certain.
    To conclude on a positive note: channels like yours are doing a great job to help people rediscover what it means to have all these things both small and large and that they should cherish them while they are still aware they have something that is worth keeping.

  • @womenfrom0202
    @womenfrom0202 4 года назад +3

    Why would you send an email in the weekend, Monday is early enough

  • @roqeyt3566
    @roqeyt3566 4 года назад +1

    If I recall, the law in the Netherlands doesn't state you get 20 days off.
    You get 4 weeks worth of workdays off.
    So if you work 0.8 FTE (4 days), you'd only get 16 days off
    Could be wrong on that though, it's been a while since I read the law

  • @alexcrouwel6942
    @alexcrouwel6942 4 года назад +4

    i always say : in the Netherlands we work to live in stead of live to work like most Americans do

  • @maaiker2977
    @maaiker2977 4 года назад +3

    I completely agree with you that corona is exposing some differences between the USA and Europe...big time. Social security is a must. Universal healthcare as well. I had a burnout. Not only do I still have an income, my docter bills are tiny and they are helping me reintegrate into the workforce in a healthy and safe way. When you have a burnout life in general is already too much...work is not an option and recovery goes slowly.... but there is no rush and I am protected and cared for. They even help me find a temporary job so I can dip my toes in the water so to speak. Thats how a civilised country should be.

    • @TonySlug
      @TonySlug 4 года назад

      Poor thing. a "BURNOUT". Golly. Life must be so hard on you.

    • @maaiker2977
      @maaiker2977 4 года назад

      @@TonySlug Being stuck in a fight or flight response not able to go do the simplest things anywhere without having a PTSD like fear response is indeed hard. Doing absolutely nothing was already pure hell. To be punished for working too hard and always helping everyone except yourself is an injustice. But you stick it out and become better then you were. A burnout isn't a sign of weakness but a sign you have been too strong too long. But it's a life changing experience and I am greatfull I had it cause it enriched my life. And the funny thing is that the person joking about my burnout got one of his very own 3 months later. Life is funny that way.

  • @OllieV__nl
    @OllieV__nl 4 года назад +7

    I swear every time I go to my parents and look at the birthday calendar, there's a new cousin once removed on there I didn't know existed. Who had Thijs? What's a Reza? Have I ever met this now already 16 year old Jake?

    • @2009heyhow
      @2009heyhow 4 года назад

      At one of my friends home they have a poster with 100 funny and interesting facts about poop on the door of the bathroom. It's fun to read while taking a shit. And yes, above that is a calendar as well.

  • @martianpudding9522
    @martianpudding9522 4 года назад

    I work 32 hours and get five weeks of vacation. My job also uses an internal email system that I can only access by logging in to my work laptop, so I never send or check emails on my days off. Another really cool thing I learned about a while ago is that not only are sick days pretty much unlimited and seperate from vacation days, you are even entitled to having your vacation days turned into sick days if you get sick during your vacation (so you get those vacation days back).

  • @WillemvanKalsbeek
    @WillemvanKalsbeek 4 года назад +5

    A brainwave about work in the weekend? I would email myself to my work-mailadress and if I still think it's a good idea on monday I'll from there

  • @StefanRink
    @StefanRink 4 года назад +1

    Work email and calling also depends on the job and person. I don't mind getting a call at night or in the weekends but in return they don't call me early in the morning.
    I think the fact that you have a very pleasant personality and attitude towards things probably helps a lot in making friends. As far as I know you made an excellent choice and all I think you will probably never regret it and going to take stuff for granted very soon.
    Good luck, try to make the best of it and try and enjoy life!

  • @CodexMoonstream
    @CodexMoonstream 4 года назад +4

    Sending an email with an idea is fine, just don't expect a response until monday morning ;)

  • @edwardeduardus7398
    @edwardeduardus7398 4 года назад

    One of the reasons we CAN have more holidays in NL is because we are very efficient: I work for an American company and OMG the extreme procedure (it takes 5 steps/day in hierarchy to get the right person for any info) and Dutch contact right away the correct person, what saves u a lot of time. There is not that "boasting" with empty terms like "working hard" in the US but results count in NL. This approach can confuse of even offend other working cultures but U understand this much better right now. Keep on posting ur great vids: We all can learn from it and happy to hear U love "the Netherlands/ Holland" (coming from the most South-East Province I dont feel offended how U call it).

  • @robertboender3277
    @robertboender3277 4 года назад +5

    Sometime I wish I was young and a girl :-) you're great. Will share some videos to help you a bit.

    • @Ohjeezno
      @Ohjeezno 4 года назад +2

      Dutch guys are missing out here ;)

  • @SuzanneBeenackers
    @SuzanneBeenackers 4 года назад +1

    Love your videos, Eva!
    What you experience with learning about Dutch culture through art, I have that same fascination for the US because I ve always had American idols.
    It started with Adam Curry, who was a Dutch tv host from American descent in the 80s.
    He had a music program with guests, and f.e. the premiere of the Thriller video from Michael Jackson.
    And from there I moved straight into Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, metal, a 25 year relationship with Madonna;
    And now I m back with Bon Jovi again.
    All those idols have imprinted America into me.
    And movies too;
    I recently picked up an extreme fascination for Stinson, up to the point that I wonder how to get there because the road is so curvy!
    (as apparent in the movie Basic Instinct)
    Our two Roman cities are Maastricht and Nijmegen (where I live)
    There are no buildings left from that time, but we de have landmarks, history, and great stories.
    Also you might want to look up Gebroeders van Lymborch;
    They were the first Dutch painter masters, from the middle ages.
    Their birthhouse is here in Nijmegen.

  • @mariozaal
    @mariozaal 4 года назад +10

    What cool that you moved here for youre girlfriend 👍

  • @danieloppenheim9270
    @danieloppenheim9270 3 года назад

    Sweden enforced a 6 hours workday: in NL we have that too, but that is individually or collectively negotiated (CAO). Usually 24 or less hours is considered part time, 32 hours sometimes too, but also full time. 36-40 is considered full time. Officially 48 hours is the upper limit (by law).
    Working overtime: often the first (half) hour outside the negotiated 'normal' workday is not paid for. Time after that usually pays 125% per hour. Working weekends 150% per hour, special days (government/company appointed) pay 200% and special holidays (e.g. Xmas, New Years day) pay 300% per hour, although this may vary per company or area of industry. Part timers usually just get a normal pay per hour overtime up to the full workweek, after that, the full time rules apply.
    So, having a 40 hour workweek, working 16 hours on Christmas Day yields more than a full weeks pay. Unfortunately, how Dutch, overtime is more heavily taxed.
    The standard minimum number of holidays hours in NL is 4 times the number of hours you averagely work in a week. So, if you normally work 40 hours a week, you must be given (a minimum of) 160 hours (20 days = 160/8) time off per year. To compensate 'arbeidstijdverkorting' (ATV, another nice subject to dig in to) many people get 5 days extra, in some areas of industry even up to 10 days.
    As of their 45th birthday, workers get an extra 'old age day' per 5 years. So, depending on employer and/or industry a full time worker can get up to 40 days off per year by the time they reach their pension age (today 66 years and 7 months).
    Part timers' time off is calculated proportionally. E.g. with a 24 hour work week (60% of 40 hours) a part timer would end up getting 60% of 40 days = 24 days time off (ish, as I don't know the exact calculations).
    Now lets work on proper equal salary for males and females, given the same job description. NL is still lagging behind there...
    Work balance: the common notion is that an employer hires you for 40 hours, any time outside that is personal and therefore off limits, real emergencies set aside. While some employers/bosses tend to ignore that, contacting employees outside work hours is not agreed upon and considered rude. It's for the very same reason that many (some?) employees categorically refuse to do overtime. Fun fact, I took that a step further and told my employer that, given the fact it is my own time, I had set the price to €500 per hour overtime. Hey, it's a free country, take it or leave it. Obviously, you need to be quite good at your job to be able to pull that of, otherwise find a new job (duh). I somehow never worked overtime, though...
    BTW, did you know: when you hop on your bike or into your car to go to work (or vice versa) your employer is responsible for you and needs to be insured for anything that can happen during that trip? Yeah, but only for taking the most immediate route from/to work (or the place you are assigned to work).
    Taxes/Social security: The US have individually 'payed' security, while in NL we have 'social' security we all pay for. Call it a 'bare minimum' the Dutch agreed upon a person needs to be able to live on. Basic human rights, also for those who (temporarily) can't take care of that themselves.
    The end of WWII gave rise to the later called 'solidarity principle', directly resulting from the 'Hongerwinter' (hunger winter) at the end of WWII (Nov. '44 to Apr. '45) in which 20-30,000 people died of famine. Many city dwellers begged for food or simply dropped dead trying. A lot of them traveled many kilometers on foot or by bike (that Germans hadn't confiscated) into the countryside trying to feed their families with a few potatoes or flower bulbs received from farmers.
    After the war there was this common 'never again' attitude among the WWII generation and the Baby Boomers (born between 1945-1965, me) so politicians came up with the 'solidarity principle' (solidariteitsprincipe, mostly propagated by 'left winged' political labor and social parties in the government) resulting in financial social security for everyone, proper minimum wages, job security, cheap and accessible healthcare, unemployment grants, grants for the disabled, state pension at 65y.o. for the elderly and a lot more, all paid for by the 'workforce', companies and the government through taxes and so called social premiums.
    Today, with a growing population and more 'right winged' political parties in government (the last 15 years), while the 'solidarity principle' is getting less and less popular (read: more costly), one still won't have to beg for food or worry about a roof over their head in NL.
    It is really becoming that you heat up on the issue, given the appalling number of people in the world dying of famine and bad healthcare situations each day (Kids: one every 4-5 seconds, worldwide. Since my birth year 1961a staggering 900 million kids simply died of hunger and bad health). I for one, cannot get my head around that and it never seizes to appall me how ignorant we have become in only one or two generations...
    Art and History: well, in 1000 years time the USA too will have such rich and varying history like most old countries (not just NL, but all of Europe, Asia, etc.). Just give it time. Even Amsterdam is only some 900 years old and started out as a small fishing village in 1200AD. Maastricht since 500BC, Utrecht 50BC and in 2005 archeologists discovered a 5000BC settlement near Beek, Limburg.

  • @wimahlers
    @wimahlers 4 года назад +14

    Be careful. You are still in your 'honeymoon' days. Everything that is exiting and surprising now will be normal after a while. And then it is only natural to miss some things (or family) from home.
    Having said this, I do agree that the freedom and quality of life is objectively much better in The Netherlands than in the USA. On the flip side, the US is a beautiful country to visit with very nice nature areas.
    One of the problems I see with the US is that from very early age on in life children are taught that the US is the GREATEST country in the world with the GREATEST freedom in the world. It is not. But once you have been indoctrinated to believe so it is very hard to accept otherwise. Reinforced by the fact that most Americans never leave the states and simply don't know, don't see or have experienced anything better.
    Some final thoughts…
    Get used to the Dutch directness. It is not rude. We just want to get to the point and we hate insincerity or fake smiles. Just be yourself.
    You pronounced "Utrecht" very well. So I assume you have some Dutch friends helping you with the many throat sounds the Dutch language has. As in any foreign country knowing the language lowers the barrier to make friends. So I hope to see your name on many more birthday calendars.
    I noticed that some Americans complained about the bad waiter service in restaurants. It amuses me to see their comments. Because it highlights a cultural difference.
    That is, in the US a restaurant visitor considers all that waiter attention as the pinnacle of services. While in The Netherlands we simply want to have a quiet dinner, don't want to be rushed and only want to interact with the waiter when we actually need something (though the occasional "Is everything to your satisfactory?" is appreciated. But only once or twice. Otherwise it will be considered fake and disinterested).
    Anyway, I hope you continue to like your stay in The Netherlands.

    • @lindaraterink6451
      @lindaraterink6451 4 года назад

      Your thoughts on waiter service made me laugh! Spot on. Or how in some American stores your barely over the threshold and someone is by your side 'Can I help you?' If someone would do that here. We'd be like; 'Don't call the cops! I didn't mean to tresspass.' It's a polite way of saying 'You have no bussiness here, go away.' :P

  • @suecombelic-ghaly1518
    @suecombelic-ghaly1518 3 года назад

    I lived in Delft for 4 years and it was one of the best times of my life. I remember just walking to the grocery store and thinking, wow, this is amazing. I’m so so lucky. Now I live north of Seattle and I get that feeling when seeing the mountains, which are amazing, but I would love to return to the Netherlands.

  • @kaydesign
    @kaydesign 4 года назад +13

    Fun little fact: We have the fastest internet in the world but the cities are looking very historic at the same time ;) Wish you much happiness in the Netherlands!

    • @robertrijkers4923
      @robertrijkers4923 4 года назад +4

      uhm no we don't ... we are 7th on the list...not bad but compared to south korea and Singapore we are slugs ;p www.pandasecurity.com/mediacenter/panda-security/countries-with-the-fastest-internet/

    • @xander9460
      @xander9460 4 года назад

      At an average connection speed of 85.02 Mbps, Taiwan has the fastest Internet speed in the world. We're sitting at like the 8th spot the with 40.21 Mbps per 2020. We're lagging pretty far behind with getting glass fiber.

    • @grahamsmith9541
      @grahamsmith9541 4 года назад

      @@robertrijkers4923 that list is missing the UK. My measured download speeds are :- 4g on phone 33.9 M bits, home internet 73.8 Mbits.

  • @MarcvanExel
    @MarcvanExel 4 года назад

    Welcome to the Netherlands and thank you for your kindness. About the email topic, no mails during the weekend. Work ends at around 5 pm on a friday and starts again on monday morning.

  • @frankij74
    @frankij74 4 года назад +54

    Please stop promoting The Netherlands too the Americans, our country is already overcrowded and we don't want them all here ;)

    • @proclaimed75
      @proclaimed75 4 года назад +14

      People like her are always welcome. The problem is that there are way too many bad people and not that NL is overcrowded.....

    • @Mazil_5
      @Mazil_5 4 года назад +3

      proclaimed75 partially right, too many bad people AND it’s overcrowded

    • @Linda-hs1lk
      @Linda-hs1lk 4 года назад +2

      Praat voor jezelf aub. En het is 'to', niet 'too'. Dat betekent iets heel anders.

    • @wimahlers
      @wimahlers 4 года назад +7

      @@Linda-hs1lk Nee, 'too' als in 'too many' is grammaticaal correct.

    • @proclaimed75
      @proclaimed75 4 года назад

      @@Mazil_5 Not overcrowded......

  • @michielpolorocks
    @michielpolorocks 4 года назад

    On point number 2. I personally don't feel ashamed to send e-mails on the weekend, but when I do I fully expect that I won't receive an reply until the following monday. I'm glad most people here agree that work is for work hours and for personal time.

  • @ivo4357
    @ivo4357 4 года назад +9

    one thing to learn from this: the US is the land of opportunities... for the rich and powerful, the opportunity to use their employees till their candle burns out, and then throw them away and hand them over to a flawed system

    • @a-dutch-z7351
      @a-dutch-z7351 4 года назад

      Europe is also full of opportunities, there are also rich and powerful, and if you are sacked here you also are handed over to a flawed bankrupt system.

  • @kastooMcFry
    @kastooMcFry 3 года назад

    I'm a Dutch person living in the US. I send emails when I think of issues and that's sometimes at night or weekends. I usually state that I just happen to be thinking of something and don't want to forget about it and don't expect an answer back until they get to it.

  • @margreetanceaux3906
    @margreetanceaux3906 3 года назад

    I worked in the City Hall (municipality) of Rotterdam for 30 years (i.e. from way ‘before’ emails. Sending mails during the weekend is quite normal - although you’re supposed to mention if the matter is urgent / if the recipient is supposed to reply during the weekend (or in their day off).
    Mails on sunday night, regarding the week ahead, are supposed to be read / dealt with that very night.

  • @_JoyceArt
    @_JoyceArt 4 года назад

    Since we’ve been wfh, I’ve occasionally worked late and the weekend to adjust to the new workflow. I try not to send mails late at night/weekend, because my colleagues will comment: “Soooo, you were late!”.
    Not only is it about work-life balance, but you’re also wasting hours a day if you work too many hours a day. You’re more efficient when you know you have a set limit of hours, and aren’t exhausted.