So nice to hear you talk about the Netherlands. I was born un Utrecht, immigrated to Canada in 1968. After all these years I’m still homesick, I can’t moved back because my husband is Canadian. Anyway was still nice to hear you talk and also that in Utrecht there always people out and about plus they are very friendly. Well my name is Marianna and I hope to hear from you sometime. P.s. loved your video.
"I can’t move back because my husband is Canadian." I usually tell the US-Americans, just pretend you are Canadian, then everything will be fine. If he doesn't want to move, it will be hard, but there are ways to emigrate, especially when he is married to a Dutch.
Hi Ava, great video once again. Welcome back from your trip to the homeland. You might as well get used to the idea that in just a few more years, your opening line "Hi, I'm Ava, and I'm an American living in the Netherlands" will have changed into "Hi, I'm Ava, and I'm a Dutch woman although I was born in the U.S.A."
I love how you noticed that US directness and Dutch directness are two different things! My US loved one thinks he's very direct - yes, to American standards. He really had to get used to my Dutch directness. For example, he said he didn't like the word 'critique' and would prefer to call it 'feedback.'
@@joepss7946 Actually, there is a world of difference between those two words. I've looked it up, and this infographic explains the differences. cvdl.ben.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CRITICISM-vs-FEEDBACK.png Thank you for your comment that made me explore this further.
That goodbye thing is funny because in the US we have that faux-friendliness with wait staff and it just betrays how shallow and meaningless it actually is that we won't even bother to say « goodbye » to the person we've just been talking with in a way that superficially seems like they were a friend
Sometimes directness crosses the line of politeness, where you know it will hurt someone, its perhaps 'speaking is silver, silence is gold'. But normally, there is no such thing as being too direct. To me, its a bit like saying 'you are too efficient'. When someone says I am direct, I say 'thank you', as I see it as a compliment. Being direct is a philosophical answer to the question how much you value the others time, and how much you value truth. If you value those two, you háve to be direct. Why waste someones (and your own!) time by circling around the core. Just go the core already! Why act as if something is perhaps b sliding to a a bit, when its actually a. Just say a! Be direct. Once you see it, its hard to imagine why people would be not direct. There are situations, sure, but those should be the exceptions, not the default. We try to not waste each others time. Both in how soon we will come to the point (sooner is better), and how truthful and clear the opinion is, so the other can actually count on it, and perhaps do something with it, in stead of being led astray by half-lies or false compliments.
I totally agree with you, but to explain the other side, in a lot of cultures politeness is much more important than time and/or truth. We Dutch people are always in a hurry so we value our time. But other cultures aren't like that. We are also very independent and self reliant so having social connections isn't as important here as it is in other cultures. In some cultures you rely much more on other people and so being friendly and polite is vital. You cannot offend anyone because you rely on them. So anything that could be seen as even slightly offensive goes out the window. They'd rather sugarcoat things or even lie than offend someone. Also I think there IS such a thing as being too efficient. Too much efficiency takes the humanness and beauty out of life.
Well I'm sweating out a seven day ban from an American forum at the moment, because of my Dutch directness. Nobody would have given a f*** about my comment here in the Netherlands or even in Western Europe. Different cultures, what can one do. Constantly walking on egg shells isn't feasible for us during heated discussions I guess. It is brown and it stinks, that must be poop. We don't mind saying that. 😃
In a country of direct people, I'm constantly reminded by people that I'm the most direct person they've met. In no way I'm impolite, it's just that I start the race at the finish line and straight up ask a question instead of spending 5 minutes on irrelevant chatter.
It was funny when a friend visited from the Netherlands after growing up here in the US, how surprised he was by things like a cashier taking his card when we checked out at a store, and how weird it was for him that there are cemeteries everywhere.
I am the same. Here in NL one of the first things you learn about money from your parents is to never ever hand your card out to someone else. It’s yours and it has your money on it with codes and numbers to protect the value on it from anyone but you. Also don’t really see the point of someone else taking my card. It’s not like it’s a complicated task to swipe your own card or anything. Just funny how that’s handled so different in different countries.
Believe it or not, but as a Dutch guy, I experienced something similar in the Netherlands. However in my case it applied to traveling by taxi. I suffer from being visually challenged (I can't see very well), and for certain people with impairments and/or disabilities there is the posibility to travel by taxi for a reduced price and for a limited total 'kilometers budget' per year. In the past I've been a client for several taxi drivers who actually requested or even demanded to keep the client card (which was scanned to get the info on a client and their ordered travel) with them until I arrived at the destination. I was responsible for and the owner of the card, but they wouldn't drive if they would have to give the card back to me immediately after scanning it. Dutch are said to be blunt at times, but if that would always be true, I wouldn't have a good reason to say that I found the methods of these drivers to be incredibly rude. No one is in a position to demand anything from you if it applies to your ownerships. Don't be surprised of Dutch people getting pretty angry when you do that.
The wildest thing I saw when I was in the USA (12 years ago) was ads for lawyers and medicine. I've never seen anything like that in the Netherlands. I guess the closest thing is ads for 'medicine' like cough drops or ointments for fungal nail infections, like, drug store stuff, but not 'actual' medicine xD
Ik kan net zo goed Nederlands typen haha. Leuk om te zien hoe je alles uitlegt. Je maakt best interessante video's over de verschillen. Ik weet wel dat er verschillen zijn, maar, en dat is ook lekker direct, je legt in al je video's de vinger op de zere plek, je legt ze vrij 'direct' uit (haha daar issie weer). Goed bezig :)
@@b_7081 I understand that, but why can't they add the tax when they give you your bill? Do they give a calculator with the bill so you can add the tax percentage and also the tip percentage? Or are all americans good in calculus?
You are part of Dutch culture now. Just like "not just Bikes", it is very uplifting to see why it is good to live in NL :-) It is so easy to get stuck in the negatives like the very sloppy law making with repair law on top of repair law. And the inability to accept that someone might have an (financial) benefit that he or she is not entitled to. Like for example the concept of "voordeurdelers". Back in the 90ties there was an outcry that some households with mom dad and the kids having each there own social benefits were 'making' double' the amount of their hard working neighbor. The passed a sloppy law, causing mom and dad to loose there benefits when the kids start working... Kids being forced to leave, encouraged no to work, and the huge shortage of 'voordeuren' is the result.
I think Souls to Souls RUclips channel can share your feelings. They are expacts from California and also "embracing" Dutch culture (but also critical on the Dutch 😉)
Notjustbikes sold me on the Netherlands as a USA bike commuter. Stuff like the Dutch directness only makes the country more appealing. Look forward to experiencing the Netherlands later in the year.
In my birthplace Limburg hello and goodbeye are actually the same word: 'Dag' and 'Daa-aag', with the different vowel inflections to indicate that you are either arriving or departing.
Hi Eva, I am American in NL too - but of Dutch heritage and very cross Atlantic. But yes, being direct feels so comfortable - because you just say how you feel with less barriers. If we all agree with that, less suger coating (because there is sugar coating) - is so easy to get addicted to .... and NYC is already direct from a US perspective. Thanks ... ;)
The more I watch these videos the more I make connections between Dutch culture and Wisconsin culture. Midwestern kindness, cheese, and beer 😂 Saying bye to people in cafes or saying hello as you pass each other on the sidewalk is very normal.
I think I can relate, in a way. I'm Dutch and I lived and worked abroad. It took me quite some time and effort to adjust. Then, after I moved back, I noticed many aspects that were quite odd in one 'world' yet 'customary' in the other. I see something similar in relatives that live abroad for a few decades now. We've become 'neither this nor that' in some ways. When I discussed this with a dutch colleague who had lived in various countries throughout his life, he said something to the effect of: 'You'll find yourself 'culturally handicapped'. Not fully 'rooted & at home', but that's OK too. How for instance do you now experience differences in the LGBTQI+ aspects of your lives between the US and NL, now you've lived here for a few years?
Directness isn't the right word imho , honest seems to be the better word, which to me is far better then being indirect as long as the honesty doesn't hurt someone. I have been watching a lot of your video's the last few days , I've fallen in love ( in a good way ) with you , I enjoy the way you seem to love the Netherlands and at the same time are not to shy to give some critique , you are fun to listen too and look at . Hoping you will do many more video's and I hope you will enjoy living in the Netherlands forever.
I've been in the US a few times visiting restaurants, bars and coffee places, but I never had the impression ppl thought it strange me saying goodbye when I leave....
I love the higher level message of these observations, that there is not one, best way to live, superior to others. If you get the good fortune to spend a significant time of your life living in another culture from where you grew up, paying attention to your changing habits and opinions, then you will become more tolerant and flexible towards ways of life that are not your own. It will become clear there is often beauty and sensibility even in behaviors or customs which at first appeared really odd, wrong, or even stupid or insulting. If you are open, self-aware and adaptive, you will notice your own behavior and opinion changing. I lived in the US for many years and coming from the Netherlands, many things seemed strange. To stay with Eva´s context of a restaurant or bar, I always found it rude the staff constantly bothered you at the table to ask how things were or whether you wanted another drink or a refill of your water, that they removed the plate from individuals at the table who were ´done with that´, and that the check would be placed on the table unasked for with a friendly note that it would be taken whenever you are ready. To me, with my Dutch lens on the world, these seemed quite rude signals from the servers that you were to order more, and if done, pay and get out of there. Fast forward two or three years and those exact same habits seemed polite, thoughtful and convenient to me. I realized the projected intention was (mostly) me, not the servers. And when visiting the Netherlands the Dutch way of dealing with these same details, meaning you do not take plates away from people if others still are eating, you bring a check only when the guest asks for it, people will ask if they need something from the server and forget about a glass of water upfront, all struck me as a sign of disinterest in good service, zero care for a great guest experience, and laziness. But I still saw the value and sensibility of both approaches and could appreciate the best intentions behind them. The potential goodness is that you will live a more flexible, richer and more tolerant life. The disadvantage is you will never again have the illusion you live in ´the best place in the world´ or that your culture is the most developed and best one there is. You may never be blissfully happy in the one place where you happen to live again. But that might also be a good thing. I recommend it.
For me the silent message is that our (Dutch way) is the better way 9 out of 10 times. (I also have been to the VS, although not for extended periods of time) I would agree that the service is better in the VS, but the reason behind it is the exploiting of service workers with low wages + tips. So can we really say their system is better? I don't think the Netherlands are best in everything, I have traveled to most countries in Europe and I can always point out things the Spanish, the Danish, the Italians, the do better. But if I compare the Netherlands with the US, I think in general we do much better. I consider the US unlivable (unless you are a millionaire, but I don't want to live in a place where being a millionaire is a requirement for a decent life because that is not sustainable.)
@tjeerdhoek2549 This is such a great comment with awesome observations. It's fascinating how getting exposed to another culture can completely shift your perspective about details you used to take for granted isn't it? I think it's fascinating enough that cultures can differ so drastically.
@@Blackadder75I think US work culture which brainwashes people into thinking that working themselves to death is a source of pride and taking time off is "lazy", worse worker protection laws/less vacation time etc coupled with an infrastructure and urban design that is very pedestrian-unfriendly would be a deal breaker for me.
Agree completely. I grew up in NL, up to about 30 years, then I moved to US 35 years, now Malaysia 5, soon going to live in Peru. Once you can forget about superficial things like waiters etc you'll find that most people everywhere want the same basic things in life and all try to care well for their kids.
Ads make you tired too for attracting focus. Fully agree they should be limited. Work has value but time is limited (yolo), so good to spend it on not working, fair point!
Large American cities tend to have more outdoor advertising, but NYC had a crazy amount on any surface they could plaster a flyer or small poster. I have to measure the circumstances and location for directness. I have an older family member who is sometimes blunt which may come from a mutual European tie, not the Netherlands but there are some similar habits.
9:31 adds .. watch a re-run of an old us series like A-Team.. see the cuts, in ine peisode in Nethjerlands would be only one break, but 50 cuts from commercialbreaks taken out
Wonderful small details, but, being Dutch blunt, I think you can go sharper even. There's so many reverse culture shock videos about the 'crazy' of the USA, that I think, I wonder if you're still holding back. For example when I visited the USA in 2018, I came home depressed. Lack of streetlights, 3rd world condition of roads, poor homeless people everywhere, even next to super expensive office buildings, drunk and violent people in the city center of Oakland (which totally lacked any sense of nice city center fun to visit), the constant sense of not feeling fully safe outside, unfriendly cops, the low quality of food, the 'look out for number one' mentality of a few too many, shabby newspapers with no news, etc. I never want to go back.
There is reversed culture shock returning to the Netherlands as well ! This week on the 'tele' was a dutch correspondent in the UK, who after living back in NL kind a missed the British politeness and queueing vs the blunt in your face reactions of dutch and behaviour in public... My sister, who lives in Canada for years, has the same experiences when returning..
@@lws7394 unfortunately, the Dutch have this perception that reversed culture shock doesn't exist as they are insitlt with the idea that every country outside of the Netherlands is far worse.
I don't think those things are cultural differences. That is just the state of things. Cultural differences have a lot to do with the mentality of the people. I can assure you that most Americans also hate the things you are describing. Okay, and now this is me being Dutch blunt. The fact that you don't want to go back to the USA after one experience is flat-out stupid. This is the most diverse country on earth when it comes to nature; this is the most cultural country on earth, and this is the most advanced country on earth. You've been to Oakland (of all places), and now you are complaining about a whole country. It's like you've been to Tilburg; found that there are no canals, no Royal palaces and no tulip fields and now are complaining the Netherlands is sheit.
@@carmenl163 Hey Carmen, I love many individuals in your country. I also visited San Franscisco, and an homeless shelter even, man those food kitchen feed even people who have jobs and still can't buy their own food. Then sorry, the most diverse ? Everyone and everything is Americanised. Try China, or India with many very different tribes, peoples within their borders. India still has over 50 languages most of which cannot understand each other. That's historic differences, not one day carnivals about your once home country. The most advanced? Really!? With mass murders, inequality, rampant racism, corrupt politics, all factors on which the USA does not even score in the top ten of best global rankings. Check global rankings on Wikipedia, and check aspects like most free, least violent, best (free) healthcare, best infrastructure, best in average age of death, best press freedom, least amount of prisoners per 100.00 and more. The US is often at the bottom of the Western nations. My little nation is 2nd in agricultural income, imagine it having your size? Work/life balance I'd say that is civilisation, not work slavery. You believe too much in your nations propaganda about being the best, your norms and values are scary, and for many people around the world the USA is the most dangerous empire. Perhaps you should travel more. PS: I saw the rockies, beautiful, so are the Alps, Jura, Pyrennees, and with many cities to enjoy. Go watch the Not Just Bikes channel on stroads to see how uniform your culture is in looks. Sorry, but your arguments are shouts without facts.
hi Eva,, thanks for sharing your view and experience and specially naming the best city in the Netherlands, my home town Utrecht! hahah .. Though I live on the outskirts of Utrecht, downtown is only 5km away and by bus takes less than 20 minutes.. Take care!
Hey Ava, very funny video ;-) It's so refreshing to see these things for you as an immigrated American to be confronted with...in your own former country. When any random Dutchy would go to The Big Apple, they 100% will have exactly the same experiences... So It isn't that the Dutch are weird, no, there simply are very noticeable differences between the both cultures. The one isn't necessarily better than the other, they're just different. Although I must say that I do prefer The Dutch way of doing things...and it is a trend that Americans whom have escaped the American Rat-Race and have fled to Europe; The Netherlands, really start to see over time that life does not need to be a Rat-Race to begin with and that those quirky Dutchies may be right after all with their peculiar way of life ... Many examples of American Expats and Immigrants in The Netherlands agree with this, given their testimony on their RUclips channel... ;-)
You can ask for a " doggy bag or a to go box" but i don't know if many people do. . A few years ago i was in a real Chinese restaurant, and when you ask for the bill they ask if you want a to go bag, i think we are not used to it. Maybe restaurants could ask, make it easier for their gasts. I likes your video so thanks, bye!!!!!👋👋👋
Thanks for the video and pointing out how living in the Netherlands changed you. BTW.. I was a little disappointed. Last time you announced you were getting married, one of the reasons you went back to the States. Did I miss something?
Well Ava, this is a quite objective and refreshing episode. Thank you!🤗 @05:06 Why? Is this the Dutch "directness", and being invasive?🧐 No, I think it's rude not to greet your host!😁 Good for you!🤗 @07:57 No you're right, in both accounts! 1. You ordered a meal, not two! 2. Not being a wholesale buyer, but as a "end"consumer you should expect the "to pay" price. Not an amount that gets altered!😳😡 The excuse might be that this is different depending the state you're in and therefore difficult...BS! How-come than that at the cashier it's all very clear?🧐 So complaining about this is not a Dutch thing, it's the righteous thing.😇 @09:25 That's the American way for you! Everything must be bigger and more. So much more that you can't be bothered anymore and your brain shuts it off.😂 @10:02 No you're not! You're using the verbal communication for what we have developed it to be: tell each other what we think, not being rude and blunt by talking in riddles and beating around the bush!🤨🧐 There is a distinct difference between being direct and being offensive. This is the one and only real red line here!🙄 @10:07 My suggestion for an answer would be: "Thank you".😇 @11:23 Of course you do! After all, It's unnatural!🙄 @13:14 Yep, those are living their lives! You should work to live, not live to work!🤷♂ @13:25 Right on the money (sidestep: think about this saying... Typical isn't it)! Just completely dead!😁 One more: There just isn't a thing like "Being TOO DUTCH"...😉
13:31 . come to Groningen fir a long weekend, or midweek.. longest openijngtimes of cafe's and bars in whole country :D .and you can bump in to celebrity's.. Beht Heart for example had a year ago on a blues fest closeby a gig where she attended soarthroted, could sing half... she was out and about the day and the full night and day in Groningen singing anonymus in bars whre some folks would go.. is that.. HER? ..Yup think so.. yeah.. sounds like her.. oke, well nice, finally a good singer ijn this cafe, and drink beer...
As someone who grew up in Brazil, the Netherlnds and the USA, I must admit that the USA was the worst, considering the people because the constant references to money No matter the subject , someone will brng money up And even if someone lost a chid or smethng, someone will say, well, they have a lot of money so what is the problem or somethiing and they are not even aware of it It is really part of them to think that money solves all problems and eveything revolves about money
Lol this is too true. I swear I can't go 30 minutes without my friends blabbing about the stock market and their portfolios, effectively kicking me out of the conversation. It drives me crazy
There _are_ places in the US where it's acceptable to say goodbye to baristas. At least you didn't feel compelled to throw them a coin and say, "Sorry about the mess" (a la Han Solo in the cantina)!
When i was on holiday in NYC I really did not know how to react on the "Hi how are you doing" when you walk in a store, there are actually employees standing all day at the door to welcome you. So one time i just asked that woman how I needed respond, the look on her face was awesome, she no idea how to respnd to my question, it became very awkard so i just walked away. She had a bad day i thing because of me. (seems out you just have to say, fine thanks) but is still a strange thing for me
It's a strange ritual that is in no way connected to how you're doing at that moment xD I feel like as someone who's sometimes percieved as too blunt even within the Netherlands, I would probably forget that it's just a greeting and answer honestly. "eh, alive, I guess", and then remember the ritual and say "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm supposed to say I'm fine. Sorry. I'm fine. I'm gonna go shop now."
My mother ones said in a restaurant "can we take the leftovers with us for the dog?".. so we the children start yelling "hooray, we are having a dog"... Which wasn't true of course... 😊
How did you feel crossing the gigantic boulevards? 😂 I found myself feeling impatient when I visited Canada last year lol. Got so used to everything being so much more compact in the NL (which I very much prefer). And I hear you about the tax as well haha.
As usual, a very enjoyable video, except for the commercial part but you have to finance your channel some way I guess. Funny how your friends noticed your directness and the urge to shout goodbye when leaving the restaurant. I totally understand you noticed the way Americans value work so much. I have noticed the same when I am in the US and actually do not get it. Why working so hard when you do not have the time to enjoy the money you make? Doesn’t make sense at all to me. Earning enough money to live and occasionally do something nice, like a holiday is good enough to me.
Is it easy to be a women in Netherlands compared to both Canada and USA? When I was visiting, I felt the ‘directness’ from males can be a bit overwhelming for women at times (although both sexes are direct, effects of males are felt more by women naturally) (as men are on average taller, anatomy, hormones etc.) (also what the dutch women I spoke to reported) thank you!
I think the USA is the country for advertising. They make ads for almost everything, even for serious medication and lawfirms, which is absolutely prohibited here in NL. It's pretty tiring to see that every inch of free space is filled with ads...and the american flag (cause you know Americans like to be reminded in which country they are in). Personally I hate ads. I don't see them here in the Netherlands cause I fully ignore them. Ads at bus stops or train stations, theyŕe completely blank to me. Commercials on tv I usually block by turning off the sound. When I see ads or sponsorships in youtube video's I automatically reach for the arrow buttons on my keyboard and fastforward (no offence). I just don't wanna see or hear ads. I have an add blocker installed on my internet browser and mobile phone.
Tax not being included in the price is like a political choice? To keep people feeling bad about having to pay tax? I understand that each state has like different tax percentages? So to show that prices are the same but taxes differ, they don't show the tax included price? But then again, most people just consume most of the time within their own state, no? My guess is that the right is anti-government and anti paying tax (in a healthy democracy the government is by the people for the people, and tax being paid is in common interest for the people). By making people constantly aware of the amount of tax that has to be paid, people feel annoyed about the extra amount of money that's being 'taken by government' all the time, and thus it's serving the political right.
Considering the size of US states it can be compared to stores operating across multiple European countries where they also include the taxes in the price even though the taxes across countries differs
When I read "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott, I couldn't help but embrace my innate Dutchness. "Oh, it's actually OK to skip all the various levels of sugar coating?" I think that injecting some amounts of this in American society is helpful. Too much sugar is bad for you, you know?
If I compare how you're not beating around the bush anymore compared to your first video's, some directness seems to gave rubbed off indeed. Call me biased, but I think that a good thing.
Sugarcoating can be usefull sometimes, but compare it with snow, even a pile of trash looks serene and beautifull covered with snow..i prefer to see the pile of trash. So i can walk around it. Your video's are always spot on. Nice.
The portion size in the US is great. There are no two ways about it. I don't mind the small portion in the Netherlands if the prices were small as well. But unfortunately, it's apparently acceptable to pay €4 for a 200ml beverage, while even in Germany half liter beverage is cheaper. In the Netherlands, you are not allowed to get rich, which is why working longer hours, taking up a second job, or even having tenants in your basement is not worth it. The tax structure will take out a huge chunk of that extra income. That is why people work part-time. In the US every hour you work is rewarded. So people are more likely to work longer or have a side gig as they can have a much higher living standard.
@@janalberts6093 Good for you, but there are also people who would like to work extra hours to buy their dream car or to travel first class to Tahiti. To each his own, but unfortunately, in the Netherlands, people are encouraged to have similar lifestyles.
When I see the prices of travel to America I do wonder, how do people get such easy ways to fly to America like it's nothing? How? I wanna go to America once, tornado alley/yellowstone caldera and so on. But I just don't have the money for it.
@@DutchAmericano Ava, as long as we are being direct, your anunciation for Schiermonniksoog should strart with rasping consonants ;) Btw, I love your vlogs; you are wiser than your age, imho.
I don't say thank you or goodbye everytime I leave a store or café If I just bought something? Sure, to the check out employee. They will most likely also thank you and say "tot ziens" at that moment. If after that I stay in the store for a while, I just leave. Weird to say goodbye again when you actually leave.
In the US, if I end up having a short conversation with a barista, I will usually say bye and thanks after staying some time in the cafe. It's similar to thank the driver when leaving a bus. But otherwise, I would just leave the cafe like you said.
I think you haven't understood the most important thing about1 being Dutch. And that is: act normal. Don't be different. So don't make RUclips videos, don't present yourself as the special one, don't buy coffee for more than USD 6.00, don't be fake nice to people, etc etc. BE REAL! AND BE YOURSELF!! Isn't that the highest grade of freedom, the thing Americans are bragging about all the time? I know we live in a socialist (almost communist) society, but at least we live in a society in which people can be themselves, e.g.we live in total freedom. Beat that!
Hello, I have been listening to your youtube for a while. You always speak American English. Occasionally I hear that you speak Dutch, but with little accent. Do you dare to make a broadcast in largely Dutch? Personally, I assume that you can do this very well, just ask your wife / partner for help.
Talking about ads... they used to be really funny on Dutch TV, well a lot of them anyway. It feels like they just don't bother anymore now. As for the 'Dutch directness' thing... there's suger coating when it's useful, and then there's just wasting everyone's time. When a waitress asks you whether you want X with that Y you ordered, there's zero possibility of being offensive when you don't want it. Just a friendly/polite "no thank you" should be normal, it's just weird to have an idiom around that. Concerning the work oriented thing in the USA... I don't even know what have of my friends do as work, or when I think I do that's often something they did 2 jobs ago. Unless you have something interesting to tell about what happened at work it just isn't a factor in our relationship.
Ava, there is a difference between having a sponsor and plastering your video with product placements and an add every 3 minutes. That is the difference between Dutch and American advertising basically.
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So nice to hear you talk about the Netherlands. I was born un Utrecht, immigrated to Canada in 1968. After all these years I’m still homesick, I can’t moved back because my husband is Canadian.
Anyway was still nice to hear you talk and also that in Utrecht there always people out and about plus they are very friendly. Well my name is Marianna and I hope to hear from you sometime. P.s. loved your video.
im sorry to hear canadians are still banned from leaving canada
"I can’t move back because my husband is Canadian." I usually tell the US-Americans, just pretend you are Canadian, then everything will be fine.
If he doesn't want to move, it will be hard, but there are ways to emigrate, especially when he is married to a Dutch.
Hi Ava, great video once again. Welcome back from your trip to the homeland. You might as well get used to the idea that in just a few more years, your opening line "Hi, I'm Ava, and I'm an American living in the Netherlands" will have changed into "Hi, I'm Ava, and I'm a Dutch woman although I was born in the U.S.A."
😂 too true. I was born in USA but lived in NL for some years and I consider myself this.
Love how you've Dutchified by living in the lowlands. Welcome to the family, gezellig dat je erbij bent! 👍🏻
I love how you noticed that US directness and Dutch directness are two different things! My US loved one thinks he's very direct - yes, to American standards. He really had to get used to my Dutch directness. For example, he said he didn't like the word 'critique' and would prefer to call it 'feedback.'
@@joepss7946 Feedback is something people say when they criticize your behavior but want to pretend they are not.
@@joepss7946 Actually, there is a world of difference between those two words. I've looked it up, and this infographic explains the differences. cvdl.ben.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CRITICISM-vs-FEEDBACK.png
Thank you for your comment that made me explore this further.
You are the best. Such a calm, kind presence.
thank you for exporting the saying goodbye, as a positive bit of Dutch culture. Hope it catches.
Actually the essence NYC culture is introduced by the Dutch settlers ...
That goodbye thing is funny because in the US we have that faux-friendliness with wait staff and it just betrays how shallow and meaningless it actually is that we won't even bother to say « goodbye » to the person we've just been talking with in a way that superficially seems like they were a friend
Dear Ava, how nice to see that you are having such a good time in the Netherlands. Enjoy your time in the country.
Sometimes directness crosses the line of politeness, where you know it will hurt someone, its perhaps 'speaking is silver, silence is gold'. But normally, there is no such thing as being too direct. To me, its a bit like saying 'you are too efficient'. When someone says I am direct, I say 'thank you', as I see it as a compliment.
Being direct is a philosophical answer to the question how much you value the others time, and how much you value truth. If you value those two, you háve to be direct. Why waste someones (and your own!) time by circling around the core. Just go the core already! Why act as if something is perhaps b sliding to a a bit, when its actually a. Just say a! Be direct. Once you see it, its hard to imagine why people would be not direct. There are situations, sure, but those should be the exceptions, not the default.
We try to not waste each others time. Both in how soon we will come to the point (sooner is better), and how truthful and clear the opinion is, so the other can actually count on it, and perhaps do something with it, in stead of being led astray by half-lies or false compliments.
Haha, I like it, "when someone says I'm direct, I say 'thank you'" 😆
I totally agree with you, but to explain the other side, in a lot of cultures politeness is much more important than time and/or truth. We Dutch people are always in a hurry so we value our time. But other cultures aren't like that. We are also very independent and self reliant so having social connections isn't as important here as it is in other cultures. In some cultures you rely much more on other people and so being friendly and polite is vital. You cannot offend anyone because you rely on them. So anything that could be seen as even slightly offensive goes out the window. They'd rather sugarcoat things or even lie than offend someone.
Also I think there IS such a thing as being too efficient. Too much efficiency takes the humanness and beauty out of life.
Well I'm sweating out a seven day ban from an American forum at the moment, because of my Dutch directness. Nobody would have given a f*** about my comment here in the Netherlands or even in Western Europe.
Different cultures, what can one do. Constantly walking on egg shells isn't feasible for us during heated discussions I guess. It is brown and it stinks, that must be poop. We don't mind saying that.
😃
In a country of direct people, I'm constantly reminded by people that I'm the most direct person they've met. In no way I'm impolite, it's just that I start the race at the finish line and straight up ask a question instead of spending 5 minutes on irrelevant chatter.
It was funny when a friend visited from the Netherlands after growing up here in the US, how surprised he was by things like a cashier taking his card when we checked out at a store, and how weird it was for him that there are cemeteries everywhere.
I am the same. Here in NL one of the first things you learn about money from your parents is to never ever hand your card out to someone else. It’s yours and it has your money on it with codes and numbers to protect the value on it from anyone but you. Also don’t really see the point of someone else taking my card. It’s not like it’s a complicated task to swipe your own card or anything. Just funny how that’s handled so different in different countries.
Believe it or not, but as a Dutch guy, I experienced something similar in the Netherlands. However in my case it applied to traveling by taxi. I suffer from being visually challenged (I can't see very well), and for certain people with impairments and/or disabilities there is the posibility to travel by taxi for a reduced price and for a limited total 'kilometers budget' per year. In the past I've been a client for several taxi drivers who actually requested or even demanded to keep the client card (which was scanned to get the info on a client and their ordered travel) with them until I arrived at the destination. I was responsible for and the owner of the card, but they wouldn't drive if they would have to give the card back to me immediately after scanning it. Dutch are said to be blunt at times, but if that would always be true, I wouldn't have a good reason to say that I found the methods of these drivers to be incredibly rude. No one is in a position to demand anything from you if it applies to your ownerships. Don't be surprised of Dutch people getting pretty angry when you do that.
I even say goodbye when I leave the supermarket, lol. But it depends on what supermarket, what restaurant, what bar.
Recognizable moment when you say goodbye to staff in the restaurant and hotel.
😆
Love how you’ve assimilated into our little country! ❤❤
The wildest thing I saw when I was in the USA (12 years ago) was ads for lawyers and medicine. I've never seen anything like that in the Netherlands.
I guess the closest thing is ads for 'medicine' like cough drops or ointments for fungal nail infections, like, drug store stuff, but not 'actual' medicine xD
That's true! Lawyer ads are particularly funny now that you mention it 😂
This! Really weird isn't it? "Ask your practitioner about yadayada"
Ik kan net zo goed Nederlands typen haha. Leuk om te zien hoe je alles uitlegt. Je maakt best interessante video's over de verschillen. Ik weet wel dat er verschillen zijn, maar, en dat is ook lekker direct, je legt in al je video's de vinger op de zere plek, je legt ze vrij 'direct' uit (haha daar issie weer). Goed bezig :)
I've never been to US but I definitely agree on the fact that it is just weird to present the prices without any tax.
@@b_7081 I understand that, but why can't they add the tax when they give you your bill? Do they give a calculator with the bill so you can add the tax percentage and also the tip percentage? Or are all americans good in calculus?
In Maastricht you can have a guided tour through caves and the Ancient corridor system underneath the city
You are part of Dutch culture now. Just like "not just Bikes", it is very uplifting to see why it is good to live in NL :-) It is so easy to get stuck in the negatives like the very sloppy law making with repair law on top of repair law. And the inability to accept that someone might have an (financial) benefit that he or she is not entitled to. Like for example the concept of "voordeurdelers". Back in the 90ties there was an outcry that some households with mom dad and the kids having each there own social benefits were 'making' double' the amount of their hard working neighbor. The passed a sloppy law, causing mom and dad to loose there benefits when the kids start working... Kids being forced to leave, encouraged no to work, and the huge shortage of 'voordeuren' is the result.
This has long since been replaced by a concept known as 'kostendelers' and 'kostendelersnorm'. It's way less rigorous.
@@JulesStoop Yes, the repair law...
Assimilatie
I think Souls to Souls RUclips channel can share your feelings. They are expacts from California and also "embracing" Dutch culture (but also critical on the Dutch 😉)
Notjustbikes sold me on the Netherlands as a USA bike commuter. Stuff like the Dutch directness only makes the country more appealing. Look forward to experiencing the Netherlands later in the year.
About the higher pitched Bye's. Every time I have visited the US for work I have to get used to the high pitched Hi's with greetings at the beginning.
This is eyeopening (or ear-opening?)! That's true, we do do that. Funny!
In my birthplace Limburg hello and goodbeye are actually the same word: 'Dag' and 'Daa-aag', with the different vowel inflections to indicate that you are either arriving or departing.
Hi Eva, I am American in NL too - but of Dutch heritage and very cross Atlantic. But yes, being direct feels so comfortable - because you just say how you feel with less barriers. If we all agree with that, less suger coating (because there is sugar coating) - is so easy to get addicted to .... and NYC is already direct from a US perspective. Thanks ... ;)
The more I watch these videos the more I make connections between Dutch culture and Wisconsin culture. Midwestern kindness, cheese, and beer 😂
Saying bye to people in cafes or saying hello as you pass each other on the sidewalk is very normal.
I think I can relate, in a way. I'm Dutch and I lived and worked abroad. It took me quite some time and effort to adjust. Then, after I moved back, I noticed many aspects that were quite odd in one 'world' yet 'customary' in the other. I see something similar in relatives that live abroad for a few decades now. We've become 'neither this nor that' in some ways. When I discussed this with a dutch colleague who had lived in various countries throughout his life, he said something to the effect of: 'You'll find yourself 'culturally handicapped'. Not fully 'rooted & at home', but that's OK too. How for instance do you now experience differences in the LGBTQI+ aspects of your lives between the US and NL, now you've lived here for a few years?
Directness isn't the right word imho , honest seems to be the better word, which to me is far better then being indirect as long as the honesty doesn't hurt someone.
I have been watching a lot of your video's the last few days , I've fallen in love ( in a good way ) with you , I enjoy the way you seem to love the Netherlands and at the same time are not to shy to give some critique , you are fun to listen too and look at . Hoping you will do many more video's and I hope you will enjoy living in the Netherlands forever.
I've been in the US a few times visiting restaurants, bars and coffee places, but I never had the impression ppl thought it strange me saying goodbye when I leave....
I love the higher level message of these observations, that there is not one, best way to live, superior to others. If you get the good fortune to spend a significant time of your life living in another culture from where you grew up, paying attention to your changing habits and opinions, then you will become more tolerant and flexible towards ways of life that are not your own. It will become clear there is often beauty and sensibility even in behaviors or customs which at first appeared really odd, wrong, or even stupid or insulting. If you are open, self-aware and adaptive, you will notice your own behavior and opinion changing. I lived in the US for many years and coming from the Netherlands, many things seemed strange. To stay with Eva´s context of a restaurant or bar, I always found it rude the staff constantly bothered you at the table to ask how things were or whether you wanted another drink or a refill of your water, that they removed the plate from individuals at the table who were ´done with that´, and that the check would be placed on the table unasked for with a friendly note that it would be taken whenever you are ready. To me, with my Dutch lens on the world, these seemed quite rude signals from the servers that you were to order more, and if done, pay and get out of there. Fast forward two or three years and those exact same habits seemed polite, thoughtful and convenient to me. I realized the projected intention was (mostly) me, not the servers. And when visiting the Netherlands the Dutch way of dealing with these same details, meaning you do not take plates away from people if others still are eating, you bring a check only when the guest asks for it, people will ask if they need something from the server and forget about a glass of water upfront, all struck me as a sign of disinterest in good service, zero care for a great guest experience, and laziness. But I still saw the value and sensibility of both approaches and could appreciate the best intentions behind them.
The potential goodness is that you will live a more flexible, richer and more tolerant life. The disadvantage is you will never again have the illusion you live in ´the best place in the world´ or that your culture is the most developed and best one there is. You may never be blissfully happy in the one place where you happen to live again. But that might also be a good thing. I recommend it.
For me the silent message is that our (Dutch way) is the better way 9 out of 10 times. (I also have been to the VS, although not for extended periods of time) I would agree that the service is better in the VS, but the reason behind it is the exploiting of service workers with low wages + tips. So can we really say their system is better?
I don't think the Netherlands are best in everything, I have traveled to most countries in Europe and I can always point out things the Spanish, the Danish, the Italians, the do better. But if I compare the Netherlands with the US, I think in general we do much better. I consider the US unlivable (unless you are a millionaire, but I don't want to live in a place where being a millionaire is a requirement for a decent life because that is not sustainable.)
@tjeerdhoek2549 This is such a great comment with awesome observations. It's fascinating how getting exposed to another culture can completely shift your perspective about details you used to take for granted isn't it? I think it's fascinating enough that cultures can differ so drastically.
@@Blackadder75I think US work culture which brainwashes people into thinking that working themselves to death is a source of pride and taking time off is "lazy", worse worker protection laws/less vacation time etc coupled with an infrastructure and urban design that is very pedestrian-unfriendly would be a deal breaker for me.
Agree completely. I grew up in NL, up to about 30 years, then I moved to US 35 years, now Malaysia 5, soon going to live in Peru. Once you can forget about superficial things like waiters etc you'll find that most people everywhere want the same basic things in life and all try to care well for their kids.
About to-go boxes. Here in the Netherlands, at least in the big cities, you can just ask "kan ik de rest meenemen?" And they'll pack it up for you.
Really? Will have to try that one of these days and see what happens =D
I am used to do that in a Chinese restaurant and/or Italian restaurant. I have never tried that in a ' normal' restaurant. Will have to try that too.
Side note: I love your high-pitched voice! (but I don't suggest you adopt it as your go-to everyday voice).
Ads make you tired too for attracting focus. Fully agree they should be limited.
Work has value but time is limited (yolo), so good to spend it on not working, fair point!
In Europe, not just the Netherlands, retailers serving consumers must publish prices including tax. The quoted price is what you pay. Period.
She knows Frank.
Yay, you're back! Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
🥰
Hey Ava! Glad to see you have your own RUclips channel
Large American cities tend to have more outdoor advertising, but NYC had a crazy amount on any surface they could plaster a flyer or small poster. I have to measure the circumstances and location for directness. I have an older family member who is sometimes blunt which may come from a mutual European tie, not the Netherlands but there are some similar habits.
9:31 adds .. watch a re-run of an old us series like A-Team.. see the cuts, in ine peisode in Nethjerlands would be only one break, but 50 cuts from commercialbreaks taken out
Wonderful small details, but, being Dutch blunt, I think you can go sharper even. There's so many reverse culture shock videos about the 'crazy' of the USA, that I think, I wonder if you're still holding back. For example when I visited the USA in 2018, I came home depressed. Lack of streetlights, 3rd world condition of roads, poor homeless people everywhere, even next to super expensive office buildings, drunk and violent people in the city center of Oakland (which totally lacked any sense of nice city center fun to visit), the constant sense of not feeling fully safe outside, unfriendly cops, the low quality of food, the 'look out for number one' mentality of a few too many, shabby newspapers with no news, etc. I never want to go back.
There is reversed culture shock returning to the Netherlands as well ! This week on the 'tele' was a dutch correspondent in the UK, who after living back in NL kind a missed the British politeness and queueing vs the blunt in your face reactions of dutch and behaviour in public...
My sister, who lives in Canada for years, has the same experiences when returning..
@@lws7394 unfortunately, the Dutch have this perception that reversed culture shock doesn't exist as they are insitlt with the idea that every country outside of the Netherlands is far worse.
@@lws7394 Those I think are very understandable. I'm so happy to never have to be in morning trains to work anymore.
I don't think those things are cultural differences. That is just the state of things. Cultural differences have a lot to do with the mentality of the people. I can assure you that most Americans also hate the things you are describing.
Okay, and now this is me being Dutch blunt. The fact that you don't want to go back to the USA after one experience is flat-out stupid. This is the most diverse country on earth when it comes to nature; this is the most cultural country on earth, and this is the most advanced country on earth. You've been to Oakland (of all places), and now you are complaining about a whole country. It's like you've been to Tilburg; found that there are no canals, no Royal palaces and no tulip fields and now are complaining the Netherlands is sheit.
@@carmenl163 Hey Carmen, I love many individuals in your country. I also visited San Franscisco, and an homeless shelter even, man those food kitchen feed even people who have jobs and still can't buy their own food. Then sorry, the most diverse ? Everyone and everything is Americanised. Try China, or India with many very different tribes, peoples within their borders. India still has over 50 languages most of which cannot understand each other. That's historic differences, not one day carnivals about your once home country. The most advanced? Really!? With mass murders, inequality, rampant racism, corrupt politics, all factors on which the USA does not even score in the top ten of best global rankings. Check global rankings on Wikipedia, and check aspects like most free, least violent, best (free) healthcare, best infrastructure, best in average age of death, best press freedom, least amount of prisoners per 100.00 and more. The US is often at the bottom of the Western nations. My little nation is 2nd in agricultural income, imagine it having your size? Work/life balance I'd say that is civilisation, not work slavery. You believe too much in your nations propaganda about being the best, your norms and values are scary, and for many people around the world the USA is the most dangerous empire. Perhaps you should travel more. PS: I saw the rockies, beautiful, so are the Alps, Jura, Pyrennees, and with many cities to enjoy. Go watch the Not Just Bikes channel on stroads to see how uniform your culture is in looks. Sorry, but your arguments are shouts without facts.
hi Eva,, thanks for sharing your view and experience and specially naming the best city in the Netherlands, my home town Utrecht! hahah .. Though I live on the outskirts of Utrecht, downtown is only 5km away and by bus takes less than 20 minutes..
Take care!
5:24 Saying “Oh my god” instead of “oh my gosh”… at least that’s what I hear most Americans say in RUclips vids ;)
Gefeliciteerd, you passed the ultimate inburgeringscursus 😂
Hey Ava, very funny video ;-) It's so refreshing to see these things for you as an immigrated American to be confronted with...in your own former country. When any random Dutchy would go to The Big Apple, they 100% will have exactly the same experiences... So It isn't that the Dutch are weird, no, there simply are very noticeable differences between the both cultures. The one isn't necessarily better than the other, they're just different. Although I must say that I do prefer The Dutch way of doing things...and it is a trend that Americans whom have escaped the American Rat-Race and have fled to Europe; The Netherlands, really start to see over time that life does not need to be a Rat-Race to begin with and that those quirky Dutchies may be right after all with their peculiar way of life ... Many examples of American Expats and Immigrants in The Netherlands agree with this, given their testimony on their RUclips channel... ;-)
Hahaha the high pitched ‘doeiii’ made me giggle. This means you’re Dutch now 🤣
You can ask for a " doggy bag or a to go box" but i don't know if many people do. . A few years ago i was in a real Chinese restaurant, and when you ask for the bill they ask if you want a to go bag, i think we are not used to it. Maybe restaurants could ask, make it easier for their gasts. I likes your video so thanks, bye!!!!!👋👋👋
You became slowly a Dutchie, and that's not going away ! 🤣
Nice vlog Ava! Liked it very much! 👍
I think more in family owned business or small stores than in big company owned establishments
Nice. Other Am/Net channels give a similar perspective on your topics.
'Keeping up with the Jones ' is so much American and so little Dutch. 🤔👌
Thanks for the video and pointing out how living in the Netherlands changed you.
BTW.. I was a little disappointed. Last time you announced you were getting married, one of the reasons you went back to the States. Did I miss something?
Thanks, and more videos to come is all I can say! =)
Well Ava, this is a quite objective and refreshing episode. Thank you!🤗
@05:06 Why? Is this the Dutch "directness", and being invasive?🧐
No, I think it's rude not to greet your host!😁 Good for you!🤗
@07:57 No you're right, in both accounts!
1. You ordered a meal, not two!
2. Not being a wholesale buyer, but as a "end"consumer you should expect the "to pay" price. Not an amount that gets altered!😳😡
The excuse might be that this is different depending the state you're in and therefore difficult...BS! How-come than that at the cashier it's all very clear?🧐
So complaining about this is not a Dutch thing, it's the righteous thing.😇
@09:25 That's the American way for you! Everything must be bigger and more. So much more that you can't be bothered anymore and your brain shuts it off.😂
@10:02 No you're not!
You're using the verbal communication for what we have developed it to be: tell each other what we think, not being rude and blunt by talking in riddles and beating around the bush!🤨🧐
There is a distinct difference between being direct and being offensive. This is the one and only real red line here!🙄
@10:07 My suggestion for an answer would be: "Thank you".😇
@11:23 Of course you do! After all, It's unnatural!🙄
@13:14 Yep, those are living their lives! You should work to live, not live to work!🤷♂ @13:25 Right on the money (sidestep: think about this saying... Typical isn't it)! Just completely dead!😁
One more: There just isn't a thing like "Being TOO DUTCH"...😉
13:31 . come to Groningen fir a long weekend, or midweek.. longest openijngtimes of cafe's and bars in whole country :D .and you can bump in to celebrity's.. Beht Heart for example had a year ago on a blues fest closeby a gig where she attended soarthroted, could sing half... she was out and about the day and the full night and day in Groningen singing anonymus in bars whre some folks would go.. is that.. HER? ..Yup think so.. yeah.. sounds like her.. oke, well nice, finally a good singer ijn this cafe, and drink beer...
Really enjoyed this video
Nowadays you can ask for a doggie bag in the Netherlands also. Just don't teanslate it literally, the might think you want a ag for the dog's poo.
As someone who grew up in Brazil, the Netherlnds and the USA, I must admit that the USA was the worst, considering the people because the constant references to money No matter the subject , someone will brng money up And even if someone lost a chid or smethng, someone will say, well, they have a lot of money so what is the problem or somethiing and they are not even aware of it It is really part of them to think that money solves all problems and eveything revolves about money
Lol this is too true. I swear I can't go 30 minutes without my friends blabbing about the stock market and their portfolios, effectively kicking me out of the conversation. It drives me crazy
So true! Noticed this on my last visit with my family
Lovely clean bright kitchen you have! Super!
There _are_ places in the US where it's acceptable to say goodbye to baristas. At least you didn't feel compelled to throw them a coin and say, "Sorry about the mess" (a la Han Solo in the cantina)!
Half the Dutch people also say 'Thanks, goodbye!' to the bus driver when they exit the bus.
Can you make a video on 'polderen'. The Dutch model to reach consensus.
When i was on holiday in NYC I really did not know how to react on the "Hi how are you doing" when you walk in a store, there are actually employees standing all day at the door to welcome you. So one time i just asked that woman how I needed respond, the look on her face was awesome, she no idea how to respnd to my question, it became very awkard so i just walked away. She had a bad day i thing because of me.
(seems out you just have to say, fine thanks) but is still a strange thing for me
Yes, I can imagine it's strange if you're not used to it!
It's a strange ritual that is in no way connected to how you're doing at that moment xD
I feel like as someone who's sometimes percieved as too blunt even within the Netherlands, I would probably forget that it's just a greeting and answer honestly. "eh, alive, I guess", and then remember the ritual and say "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm supposed to say I'm fine. Sorry. I'm fine. I'm gonna go shop now."
Or you actually respond that your day isn't going well and then they act all surprised and awkward and don't know how to respond
You just reminded me to go make coffee
Coffee time!
Ha! Same here!
"complaining is another thing, americans just suffer in silence" ROFL!
Laten we het gezellig houden.... almost no accent👍next full episode in Dutch...
My mother ones said in a restaurant "can we take the leftovers with us for the dog?".. so we the children start yelling "hooray, we are having a dog"... Which wasn't true of course... 😊
Saying goodbye to a barista someone in shop must be a local thing in Utrecht or Amsterdam, I have never even it in my home city Rotterdam.
Makes sense. 😂
How did you feel crossing the gigantic boulevards? 😂
I found myself feeling impatient when I visited Canada last year lol. Got so used to everything being so much more compact in the NL (which I very much prefer). And I hear you about the tax as well haha.
I almost always say goodbye to the barista. Maybe it's a midwest thing? Or maybe it's just a dorky me thing? 👀
As usual, a very enjoyable video, except for the commercial part but you have to finance your channel some way I guess.
Funny how your friends noticed your directness and the urge to shout goodbye when leaving the restaurant. I totally understand you noticed the way Americans value work so much. I have noticed the same when I am in the US and actually do not get it.
Why working so hard when you do not have the time to enjoy the money you make? Doesn’t make sense at all to me. Earning enough money to live and occasionally do something nice, like a holiday is good enough to me.
Is it easy to be a women in Netherlands compared to both Canada and USA? When I was visiting, I felt the ‘directness’ from males can be a bit overwhelming for women at times (although both sexes are direct, effects of males are felt more by women naturally) (as men are on average taller, anatomy, hormones etc.) (also what the dutch women I spoke to reported) thank you!
if they want the taxes added, they do the math..price is price, and 6 dollar/euro for coffee... not in 6 years, noppe, bot happening
I think the USA is the country for advertising. They make ads for almost everything, even for serious medication and lawfirms, which is absolutely prohibited here in NL. It's pretty tiring to see that every inch of free space is filled with ads...and the american flag (cause you know Americans like to be reminded in which country they are in). Personally I hate ads. I don't see them here in the Netherlands cause I fully ignore them. Ads at bus stops or train stations, theyŕe completely blank to me. Commercials on tv I usually block by turning off the sound. When I see ads or sponsorships in youtube video's I automatically reach for the arrow buttons on my keyboard and fastforward (no offence). I just don't wanna see or hear ads. I have an add blocker installed on my internet browser and mobile phone.
Tax not being included in the price is like a political choice? To keep people feeling bad about having to pay tax? I understand that each state has like different tax percentages? So to show that prices are the same but taxes differ, they don't show the tax included price? But then again, most people just consume most of the time within their own state, no? My guess is that the right is anti-government and anti paying tax (in a healthy democracy the government is by the people for the people, and tax being paid is in common interest for the people). By making people constantly aware of the amount of tax that has to be paid, people feel annoyed about the extra amount of money that's being 'taken by government' all the time, and thus it's serving the political right.
Considering the size of US states it can be compared to stores operating across multiple European countries where they also include the taxes in the price even though the taxes across countries differs
In the US, I take my own Tupperware to a restuarant, so I can take my left overs home.
Ava, I thought it is “my wife” instead of “my girlfriend” by now…..? (Ik had het natuurlijk ook gewoon in het Nederlands kunnen schrijven)
Haha ... to bad usa, she's ours now 😄
I say goodbye to indicate that I'm going and if I still need to pay for something they should talk to me right now :P
When I read "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott, I couldn't help but embrace my innate Dutchness. "Oh, it's actually OK to skip all the various levels of sugar coating?" I think that injecting some amounts of this in American society is helpful. Too much sugar is bad for you, you know?
7,- for a cup of coffee and wondering why the store is empty? Make it 3,50 and sell 4 times as much. Everybody happy.
I feel like the problem is that people have no choice so they still buy that freaking 6-7 coffee 😅
@@DutchAmericano I would take coffee from home with those prices but maybe people earn more in the US on average?
Better be a really good coffee 😅
If I compare how you're not beating around the bush anymore compared to your first video's, some directness seems to gave rubbed off indeed. Call me biased, but I think that a good thing.
Stel ze geven minder grote porties en ze betalen de werknemers een beter loon, dan scheelt het ook weer fooi 😉
What do you do for work in the netherlands
Do you say goodbye to the bus driver In the Netherlands? I do.
Sugarcoating can be usefull sometimes, but compare it with snow, even a pile of trash looks serene and beautifull covered with snow..i prefer to see the pile of trash. So i can walk around it.
Your video's are always spot on. Nice.
This is the most Dutch comment I've seen in a while. Love it.
😀
A sugarcoated turd is still a turd....
Next video in Dutch?
The portion size in the US is great. There are no two ways about it. I don't mind the small portion in the Netherlands if the prices were small as well. But unfortunately, it's apparently acceptable to pay €4 for a 200ml beverage, while even in Germany half liter beverage is cheaper.
In the Netherlands, you are not allowed to get rich, which is why working longer hours, taking up a second job, or even having tenants in your basement is not worth it. The tax structure will take out a huge chunk of that extra income. That is why people work part-time. In the US every hour you work is rewarded. So people are more likely to work longer or have a side gig as they can have a much higher living standard.
I work for a living, don’t live to work. Don’t need big cars and luxury goods. Just a good living and enough vacation 😉
@@janalberts6093 Good for you, but there are also people who would like to work extra hours to buy their dream car or to travel first class to Tahiti. To each his own, but unfortunately, in the Netherlands, people are encouraged to have similar lifestyles.
@@halapunjete have a nice time in Tahiti 👍
Nice video, but as she thumbnail was American I was expecting or hoping for a vlog from the US.
When I see the prices of travel to America I do wonder, how do people get such easy ways to fly to America like it's nothing? How?
I wanna go to America once, tornado alley/yellowstone caldera and so on. But I just don't have the money for it.
"its so cozy to me" that didn't even make sense but you so badly meant/wanted to say "gezellig" 😂 thats another one for the list!
Haha, it's true, I noticed it as well 😅😂
@@DutchAmericano Ava, as long as we are being direct, your anunciation for Schiermonniksoog should strart with rasping consonants ;)
Btw, I love your vlogs; you are wiser than your age, imho.
Generally the Dutch prefer to get to the point, and we don't like, as we say, "Om de hete brij heen draaien."
So you have to ad the tax,but you also give a tip..Then you also increase the tax??Over your tip???😵💫😵💫
Once you Dutch....america isnt much 😃
Love that comment you made awesome well done and well said👍
So, inburgeringscursus completed. Congrats.
I don't say thank you or goodbye everytime I leave a store or café If I just bought something? Sure, to the check out employee. They will most likely also thank you and say "tot ziens" at that moment. If after that I stay in the store for a while, I just leave. Weird to say goodbye again when you actually leave.
Saying goodbye when you actually leave is quite normal.
@@rw80 Yes, at checkout, like I explained.
In the US, if I end up having a short conversation with a barista, I will usually say bye and thanks after staying some time in the cafe. It's similar to thank the driver when leaving a bus. But otherwise, I would just leave the cafe like you said.
Hehe resistance is futile!
I think you haven't understood the most important thing about1 being Dutch. And that is: act normal. Don't be different. So don't make RUclips videos, don't present yourself as the special one, don't buy coffee for more than USD 6.00, don't be fake nice to people, etc etc. BE REAL! AND BE YOURSELF!! Isn't that the highest grade of freedom, the thing Americans are bragging about all the time? I know we live in a socialist (almost communist) society, but at least we live in a society in which people can be themselves, e.g.we live in total freedom. Beat that!
Hello, I have been listening to your youtube for a while. You always speak American English.
Occasionally I hear that you speak Dutch, but with little accent. Do you dare to make a broadcast in largely Dutch? Personally, I assume that you can do this very well, just ask your wife / partner for help.
Is it true that yours roots are Iranian? If this is the case why are you denying it every time you say that you're american?
Dropped the sock puppet??
10:10
Talking about ads... they used to be really funny on Dutch TV, well a lot of them anyway. It feels like they just don't bother anymore now.
As for the 'Dutch directness' thing... there's suger coating when it's useful, and then there's just wasting everyone's time. When a waitress asks you whether you want X with that Y you ordered, there's zero possibility of being offensive when you don't want it. Just a friendly/polite "no thank you" should be normal, it's just weird to have an idiom around that.
Concerning the work oriented thing in the USA... I don't even know what have of my friends do as work, or when I think I do that's often something they did 2 jobs ago. Unless you have something interesting to tell about what happened at work it just isn't a factor in our relationship.
2min ad,,😩
Ava, there is a difference between having a sponsor and plastering your video with product placements and an add every 3 minutes. That is the difference between Dutch and American advertising basically.
When did she ever bring it up other than the sponsor segment at the start? It never came up again.
❗ "promosm"
Are you a native American?
Yes, she is from the Mannahatta tribe 😂
The oh my god is very American 😅😜