I moved to France 5 years ago. Came home to Maryland to spend Christmas with the family. I got sick, went to the ER, and came out with a bill worth $1,900. The doctor saw me a week later for a follow-up. I needed surgery and it would cost more than $ 45,000. I went back to France after the holidays, saw a doctor, got surgery, 2 months off work and I PAID NOTHING. Technically my taxes paid for it but it feels good to see my taxes at work. Believe it or not, I make half the money I made back home but my quality of life is better.
@@IbangedYaMamacommunism? 🤣🤣🤣. I pay 2% more in taxes than I did in America! That's like moving from Tennessee to Texas (both red states). In a communist country, the government owns all the means of production under 1 political party. Last time I checked, there were 11 national political parties in France and 3 federal parties in America. Honestly I would rather pay the extra 2% if it meant I would be alive (haven't died on cancer yet but I would have in America). Also I don't have to worry about losing my home, going bankrupt, paying for my kid's college...sounds like a better deal. If you are part of the 1%, or an entrepreneur, America is for you. The rest of us, the 99% who work regular jobs, we would be better off in Europe
@@Jamila91100Camara Let me ask you this: how much money do you have left or saved each month? If you have the same amount saved in each country, does it matter where you live? I've had cancer once in America and it emptied my savings account. $15,000 gone! After that, my premiums were through the roof. I basically had to move to France to stay alive. Maybe that's not your case. I'm going back to school in France to get my master's degree and it will cost me $2,000 a year! You can't have it all. I chose cheap tuition, free healthcare, and half my former salary.
@@rameses1979 I am left with basically nothing even after getting a raise more money but I don't feel it. You make a great point and this comment will allow me to put things into perspective.
@@Jamila91100 I am glad I was able to help. Research your field before moving, and learn some French. With the last name Camara, your ancestors are probably from Senegal, Mali, Guinea, or Cote d'Ivoire. Maybe you already speak French which is a big plus! Being multilingual will make you more attractive to recruiters. The best thing would be working for an American multinational in France. The pay is better and you get to speak English in Paris. It will give you time to adjust and learn Parisian French. Good hunting.
My son broke his arm in Italy at the park. Some teenagers gave us a ride to where an ambulance met us. They transferred him to a hospital, x rayed and casted his arm. We are American and though we had travelers insurance, they never asked for any information. They just told us not to worry about it. The next day we missed the Saturday bus to the train. A local man saw us, took out his back seat, left it on the curb, packed our bags and rushed us to the station. The people there were incredible; I was gobsmacked. Such beautiful people.
@@paulsmith1981 right. All of these complaints come from places without racial and cultural diversity. Too many choices at the supermarket is hilarious. These are complaints from people who need to be told what to do.
Me too, I am a Swiss and my daughter cut open her forehead in Italy. We took her to hospital to have her wound stitched and when we wanted to pay they told "no, no, hospital care is free for children". How sweet a people Italians are and children are sacred there. So much heart!!!
@@juliamaxwellmarin Not true. In 1986, Congress passed the Emergency Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) which prohibits a practice commonly known as patient dumping, which is the transfer of a patient from any private hospital to a public hospital because of the patient’s inability to pay for the treatment. Medicare and Medicaid pay for patients requiring emergency care and inability to pay.
I''m a retired working-class American (from Oregon) who has lived in The Netherlands for 2.5 years. I hope to remain here. I do miss the nature - fast rivers, mountains, huge forests, wild coastlines. I do NOT miss the consumerism, social stratification, grinding work culture, rising poverty, and political schism that pervades day to day life there. All my Dutch acquaintances say "We have problems here too" and I know they are right - but things are much better managed here. More civility, more relaxed life style, more peace of mind. People seem not to be afraid they will loose everything if there is a problem with work, or with health, or other uncertainties. Lots of fear in America.
I am 5-7 years from retirement and in my early twenties I decided to take my vacations outside of America. I wanted to see the world and experience it from a local perspective. It was a life changer as I stopped assuming about motive and reason. The American lifestyle is so pervasive and even when traveling many things are designed to accommodate us. 'We Americans' don't have the answers/solutions to so many things. so it benefits us to 'stop talking' and do more listening/observing. Everything you describe about America is true but at the same time no one has to fully embrace the culture that permeates everything. In my mid-forties I reflected on how I wanted to live in my later years and set a course to get me to the Netherlands as I approach sixty. As you mention, the Netherlands are not perfect but the nation has made conscious decisions that inform the citizens, spending priorities, and social policies. If you embrace these notions, it can be a great place to live. The Pacific North West is one of the most beautiful parts of America and I too will miss it when I relocate. Thanks for sharing.
My little 2 cents on the landscape comparison. There's also huger rivers, mountains and forests in Europe too. Just not in the Netherlands lol. I'd say especially not in the Netherlands. But there's flat and boring states in USA too for example. What about Kansas anyone? Lol. So i don't really understand that sentiment tbh. I mean you're not more bound in The Netherlands than you are in Kansas, to go and visit mountainous areas in the vicinity.
@BrokenCurtain one could also go to Austria, Switzerland, southern Germany, Italy. Spain. Norway. Sweden. Poland. Bulgaria. Etc etc. Lots of places in Europe with beautiful nature. Which is very close, so i don't understand the sentiment.
I live in Spain and my experience has been the same. There's something else I noticed, people in general don't look happy in America; they look tired. I love the US of my childhood, the one I return to when visiting family and friends is not something to look forward to. It makes me wish my loved ones were closer.
your absolutely right we are tired my friends are tired too it's a rat race out here always worrying about paying bills i let my wife do the shopping because when i go i cant make up my mind on what to get overwhelming is the perfect word for it.
@Jesse - I am considering a move to Spain myself. I am becoming more and more desperate to escape a country that no longer feels aligned with my values before I settle down and try and start a family. Wondering if you might be up for letting me pick your brain about Spain a bit? It's at the top of my wish list for countries I'd like to move to.
This is not a put-down of America in general, which I still think is a fantastic country even though I now live in Tokyo Japan. I'm just sharing an anecdote about an occurrence in Italy. One time in Rome, my wife tripped on a step and suffered a severe cut on her forehead, and we sat on a curb to control the bleeding. A venue attendant noticed us and recommended calling an ambulance. Initially, we declined, but he insisted, so we accepted. The ambulance took us to a hospital where my wife received treatment and stitches. During this time, I sat in the waiting area, and contemplated the cost of the care which I assumed would be several thousand dollar, but we never received a bill. When my wife emerged from the treatment room, she sat with me in the waiting area, and we waited for settlement paperwork. A nurse noticed us after 20 minutes or so, and asked if we needed anything else. I inquired about the bill and learned that as tourists, we didn't have to pay and we were free to leave. As an American, this seemed unimaginable, and I marveled at the kindness of Italians.
In Europe we don't have free drinks refill but we have free healthcare.. Of course somehow we all paid for " that free", but I prefer paying for healthcare than for unhealthy drinks!
@@gosmarte669 yes ofc but it’s a good system Maybe not for those who don’t need any medical treatment till they die but for those who get 5 times cancer + need a heart transplant in their lifetime it’s awesome cause it will cost them „just“ 14,6%/month
French here. I have family friends who moved to the US a few years ago. They told me although they missed their baguettes (yeah, that was their main complain), they liked the USA in the way that everything is much "simpler" there. As in: you want something, you can get it as long as you have money. Few papers to fill in, few bureaucy. Things go quicker. But one bad injury, and you can be indebted for years. This is very scary to them. I remember one of them saying "One accident and you lose it all. No wonder Americans pray so much"
@@bradl2636 Well please spill the beans because i pay $456 a month for health insurance and my deductible is $2500 with a $20 copay. And i am 35 and healthy for the most part.
@@willvasquez3883 Do you file Form 1040 Schedule D and Schedule E with your taxes? If not, no disrespect to you personally but, you’re a “Tax Chump”. Don’t be a Tax Chump. The wealthy are mostly ordinary folks who took the time to study the Tax Code and to structure their affairs to play the game to their advantage. Same thing applies to the Affordable Care Act.
We carry insurance and probably pay an amount comparable with taxes in France for that “free healthcare”. At least we have the peace of mind knowing there is always a bed, excellent care, and the freedom to choose our physician.
" Few papers to fill in, few bureaucy. Things go quicker" Well thats France. It's not the rest of Europe. In the Scandinavian countries you do your tax declaration on 15mins. It takes 2 days in Usa from what I heard.
As a British person, I used to complain about our National Health Service,because of delays and other things, until my wife and I got talking to a waitress in San Luis Obispo,California, who was ill but continued to work because she couldn't afford to pay for treatment. She told us that the only medication she had, had been donated to her, by her friend who was a veterinarian surgeon ! I won't be complaining about our treatment any longer !
A friend of mine who moved from Italy to the UK is shocked at how poorly the NHS performs. He was terribly sick and they didnt even check what he had, they simply prescribed paracetamol
my british friend who lives in california says the british system is no better than those in the US. and we have better hospitals and medical schools, and we have more major markets for treatments and procedures.
@@RobertMJohnson The British NHS sucks and the American system is amazing if you're rich. Now... healthcare in France , Belgium and Italy is unparallelled!
As an American living in Berlin, what you said about the US reminded me of so much... So much I'd like to forget. Most people I still talk to there considers the condition of the US to be rather inevitable. They believe "that's just the way it is" or they know it's not like that but have no clue what to do about it. As an example, I had 2 surgeries last year, both went great and I paid zero dollars and never argued with my insurance company one time. My agent literally said, "Yeah, no worries, we'll take care of it." and just paid the hospital. I wanted to cry. I wanted to cry and fucking scream because I, and so many friends, almost lost their jobs because of being injured and therefore being unable to work. If they lost their jobs, they'd lose their healthcare and there is no safety net to keep them from smashing on the proverbial rocks. My European friends looked at me with sidelong glances like, "dude are you okay?" They don't get it. Keep your 47 different types of tomato sauce. The labels are different, the ingredients are all the same which almost always includes HFCS. I'd rather take reliable trains, read books and not go bankrupt when I need medical attention. I wish I could start a program to abduct Americans in the night and move them to Europe for 3 months, just to show them.
Thanks for sharing your story. Oh wow, well first off, I hope you're recovered (recovering) from your surgeries. But also really nice to hear you got taken care of without stressing out. Health is probably the most important thing for humans, and healthcare is something we all need...it's just awful to hear of people who rack up tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt. And curious..."Deepdowndutch"-haha what's the story behind the name?
Hey thanks for the response! I was in acting school in NYC and there were too many people with my first name in the class, so my acting teacher said, "I'm not calling out three Sean's every class. Someone give me a nickname." So I said, "Call me Dutch" Which was my gamer tag after Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in Predator xD@@hidavidwen
Americans suffer from a disease called "American Exceptionalism". They really believe they are the best country on earth. Whereas in reality, in most statistics that say anything about the well being of its citizens, they are mediocre at best and score well below most European countries except the former Warsaw Pact.
You made me feel so much compassion towards you that you can't imagine. Had to go back, find your comment again, and leave a reply. I hope you are good, your family is good and you heal your soul. And that americans become less stressed so that less ppl feel like loosers and less gun violence appears
As an American that's been living in eastern Europe for exactly 5 years now, you really hit the nail on the head. I absolutely love coming home for visits, but I really can't imagine living there again. So many societal problems. Definitely not a good environment for raising kids.
Ive also lived in Eastern Europe for a long time. And although in many ways it's better than the west, their governments are still extremely subverted. In the Baltics you had to show a vaxx QR code to enter a supermarket for example. Ill be moving even a little further east soon, if you know what I mean.
@@yeahnope620Can you elaborate wym by further east? I’ve been looking into Croatia , Albania and Czech Republic. I just want to take advantage of the fact that I work remotely while I’m in my 20’s.
@@Ksmoovey Yeah, ill give you a hint. It's the only country on earth that has social media that is free of censorship and the country's name starts with an R.
I left the US at 16 years old and never looked back, just for visits. I live now in Iceland, and every time I visit the US I am extremely careful not to get injured or sick (it's a real worry). My quality of life is unequalled. No hesitation.
Thanks Karen. Every time I go back, I am also extremely careful too-glad to hear I'm not the only one. I also am never 100% sure of what my insurance covers or not. How is life in Iceland???
@@hidavidwen life here is quiet, clean, peaceful, safe, easy to travel to and from, and full of very interesting people, events, culture, arts, and of course stunning untouched purity of nature just half an hour's drive away.
@@wenderwisney the thing is you don't have to have insurance in most of the developed world. If you get sick you get treated at no cost. So she does not necessarily have insurance in Iceland, as it is a developed country.
@@wenderwisney yes, except in the US. because it's the only country in the world where you'll get billed 10 000$ for fainting instead of, at worst, a couple hundred. They would rather fly you home at no cost to be treated.
Grew up in Inglewood CA, moved to West Africa 3 years ago and this is exactly how I feel going back. The weight gain, talking about work with friends, everyone being so busy, people getting sick, the violence, the news cycle...
@@RobertMJohnson guns aren't legal in any african country you goofy. If its a west african country thats not in war trying to rid itself of colonizers its a 1000x safer than the US. Senegal is ranked 34th in safety index, America is ranked like 128th in safety index of all countries get off the high horse
I'm a Canadian who has lived in Amsterdam for almost 7 years. Like you I miss the nature of North America but going back for me is quite a culture shock and a bit cringy at times. The consumerism, work-first, car-first culture, "false friendliness" and lack of directness are all things I don't miss. I also feel overwhelmed by the comical level of selection at stores and how good ingredients and quality take a back seat to synthesized ingredients, way too much sugar and preservatives. And last, while Canada has some similarities in social systems, rights, etc, I feel like the government and European Union makes a more honest effort to improve the lives of citizens first and not line the pockets (bail out, etc) of big, evil businesses. I feel this people-first mentality is a product of a lot more maturity and a focus on personal happiness/life over work
Left-wing policies are still strong in Europe. Americans brand anything left-wing as terminally evil communism, so they rather die in the gutter. Young country with quite immature views of the world and destructive foreign policies.
If you miss the nature, Finland is a very short flight away from Amsterdam and you will find a very similar, but not the same experience as in Canadia. Go there hiking or a long weekend retreat, I guarantee you will enjoy your time. While there, do try the classic Finland experience things. If you plan ahead couple of months, you can find Flights very cheap, around 250e there and back, so it would not be very expensive for a weekend +1 day or so. Rent a cottage. Up north is more rural.
@@dutchman7623 I feel like thats a huge difference too. All the ''flipping burgers'' jokes come from the US. Those easy low paying jobs are not disrespected at all here.
Thats how it should be, i don't mind somebody with a lot of responsebility and/or a job that requirers years of training to make a very nice salary. As long as the peeps om the other side get a normal living one. It's not that they don't provide an essentiel service. Heck the avarage cleaner or supermarket employee is more importent then me boss. We could function without him (not as good as with him). Now i hate to think how a supermarket looks like after a week with none filling up the shelves....
Thanks for sharing. That's a beautiful thing that I respect about the Netherlands-that one can live a decent life by working in a supermarket. That's not possible in the US unfortunately
My husband and I moved to Mexico eight months ago and I’m still detoxing from US culture. Reminding myself that I came here to slow down. Hardly anyone asks me what I do, the people here are warm, friendly, helpful and community oriented. Everyone walks, in fact we sold our car to be less dependent. Went back a couple of months ago and I’m glad we made this move, the US was literally killing us from stress!
Yeah not a lot of people talk about the detox from US when you move abroad. Then you find it hard to figure out why you lived in that stressful environment for so long.
I was homeless with only $2000 in my savings in DC. I left America in 2018 to move to Malaysia as a fresh start. I was 45 at the time. I cried only because I wish I had done this years ago. The 1st time in my life I made real friends and kept a job since 2018 which is my new record. Everything is slow paced and Everyone here including me are happy. Bye America!
I want to give you a hug so bad right now..... only in america could one be homeless with several thousand dollars in their bank account. I hope you are doing much better and are thriving. I'm leaving for France in less than one month on a 1 year work visa. I'm so scared, but so excited! I did live in Thailand for 2 years and that changed my life financially.... my rent was 250$/month. Then I returned to the USA and basically lost all my savings.....
I love that you said this. I am newly 46 and got a violation from my no ac apartment because I fed a cat..no joke. Before I was living in a van working a really good job! Always something here, having doubts about moving to Europe but something wont leave me alone and stop telling me leave . I am glad I read this ty.
As an American who is currently living in Paris and has been here for 6 years. I really related to this video. I LOVE America but I am also frightful of the "mess" we have gotten ourselves into regarding healthcare, lack of affordable food, gun violence, and excessive work culture.
I’m also an American, and while I also love it here, I desperately want to live in Europe because the lifestyle seems much more healthy and stress free. My father was born in Poland and my mother was born in Nigeria, so it’s really only my generation here. Do you have any tips for an American moving to Europe?
@@sharon6981 Hey I'm from Poland, but if you want to move to Europe, you should know that every country is a little different, different culture, people, etc., what country are you planning to move to?
The biggest point for me many fail to address that you sort of addressed is that in the US literally everything is some sort of show and entertainment - even serious topics, even violence, even politics. To me as a European that is absolutely insane.
it's a show because someone needs to make money off of it. welcome to amerikkka where when kids get shot in a school some capitalist scumbag sees an opportunity.
This may seem like a random point to make, but are you aware of the helluva boss/hazbin hotel shows? (I recommend, if not, they're a youtube sensation). Short story, it's set in hell, where there are 7 rings (kind of like, 7 levels of hell) based on the 7 deadly sins. An analytic channel I follow posted a video discussing the different rings, and they compared the Pride ring to America. "a system based on milking people as much as possible, based on their vices, keeping you addicted to food, drugs, TV, social media - keeping you entertained no matter how terrible your quality of life is. It's an indefinite prison hoping to get you addicted to as many vices as possible." I found this so so true - it's exactly like America!! No surprise being "prideful" and patriotic is such a big thing in America.
Our experience of US supermarkets was as exciting and overwhelming as going to a theme park. The most insane was seeing a plastic box containing one egg.
When I visited the US, entering my first Walmart felt the same - like a theme park experience! Us young Aussies and New Zealanders went straight to the sporting goods section and there next to the tennis racquets and fishing rods were shotguns and rifles. We took photos holding them (empty of course), Rambo style 😀 We just couldn't believe it.
I couldn't agree more about everything you said. I grew up in Germany for the most part. My Dad was in the US Army and my Mom from Germany. The way of thinking in the US compared to Europe is totally different especially now. The division and hatred in this country is truly sad! My husband and I are considering moving to Europe in the future. Fingers crossed it comes to fruition. The medical in the US is outrageous. I have insurance and they Approved my sinus surgery in May now they're refusing to pay $22,000. I'm livid! I'm just mentally tired of all of it frankly. But c'est la vie!!
Yea , ive cut myself so many times at work its not even funny anymore. 😂😂😂And i paid almost nothing.In europe you can integrate yourself easly black, chinese , white, arab , muslim good life -work balance.
I visited Italy this past year in my first European vacation. I was shocked at the cultural differences. The inexpensive amazing food, fast cheap trains, friendly chill people, beautiful historic sites, public spaces to just hang out and more, I loved it. I'm confident it's not perfect, but it definitely made me realize that we've got a lot to work on here in the US.
Glad to hear that you had a good time in our country! We are faaaar from perfect, we simply have different problems... That's all. And you have a lot of problems too, but you are a great country made of strong people, and you will find the courage to face those problems! We don't forget what america has done for us, deep inside we all belive in you!
I love Italy. It might be different depending on where you go in the country but I found people a lot more social and relaxed. The food tastes fresh and amazing. Every country has it's pros and cons.
After living in Rome for a year I went to the grocery store in my hometown in the U.S. What I remember was experiencing the same sense of being overwhelmed. Too much variety, most of it ridiculous. The cereal aisle was where I lost it. I think Americans are given these unnecessary choices to distract them from their empty lives.
This is one of the weirdest arguments against the US…I can get it being overwhelming, but how is having every grocery store stocked with unlimited food a bad thing? There are things to gripe about with the US but having too much selection of food and goods is definitely not one of them compared to most f the rest of the world
@@Captain_Cups I have seen many indications that the food industry involves a high level of waste. Excessive quantities of food items are produced, maybe as a strategy to deal with the competition. So a lot of products end up in the garbage. Competition is a big deal in the food industry. Take a basic cereal like Cheerios. In order to bump off other cereals Cheerios is produced in versions that imitate those cereals. At one time I remember there were over 10 varieties of Cheerios. What is the point of that? It seems to be just greed for a bigger share of the market. It appears that just about all cereals do that. All the while companies say they are satisfying customer needs. Yeah, right.
@@the_grand_tourer I think you are right. Long ago advertising companies came up with strategies to keep the masses in bondage. I remember when I was a kid I was just as much in love with the box that junk cereal came in, maybe even more so than the junk food inside. There were all those Saturday morning cartoon shows that had animated characters pushing novelty cereals. Who can forget those jingles? 1) Silly rabbit... Trix are for kids; 2) Coo coo for Cocoa Puffs; 3) Snap crackle pop, rice crispies... 4) Sugar Bear, etc
@@rr7firefly 40% of all food between farm and fork is wasted in the US, not far behind are other western nations. I also think volume is used as a selling trick, people think a moutain of food on your plate is good value, then a lot of it goes un-eaten.
Coming back to the US after being abroad for 2 years was a shock. Things I felt were normal in my first 25 years of life living in the US seemed strange when I came back. Each time I turned on the TV or radio, I felt like I was being yelled at. Just going shopping, I felt I was seeing so much waste. Everything felt like it was covered chemicals.
The last sentence is something i noticed. I want to eat healthy and every food has some hydrogenated something. I’ve heard in Japan that people there look younger than their age. It makes me wonder about the food we have here in the US
@@toastedtarts4044 food in the US is definitely quite processed. I was in an area of NZ where most people would go to a butcher for fresh meat and the bakery for fresh bread. There were farmer's markets every week where you'd get your produce fresh. I got accustomed to the taste of fresh food and ate a lot less packaged foods. Coming back here, I got sick eating packaged foods for the first little bit and my tastebuds would sting when eating foods I used to easily eat before. Even the produce and meat here has a chemical taste to it. Probably from preservatives to make food last longer. I think we're so used to terrible food here and addicted to it that we don't even realize how bad it is.
Well those things are true! The treatment I got after getting back was really shocking to me I got hate stares from someone for trying to leave the bathroom when she was entering like it was my fault (it’s a swinging door hello) and someone screaming and cussing at me at a stop sign for making them wait two seconds to go. People who never leave the states turn into a compartmentalised version of humanity for some reason. They can’t see out of their own head and life It’s a box
My family and I traveled to Germany and Switzerland a few years back and I remember being devastated to have to return to the US on the way home. Europe was much more wholesome than the materialistic, money driven, career title driven USA. Plus, everybody was quieter, it was safer, the quality of products were far superior, no takeout containers to mass produce garbage…I can go on. Much love to Europe❤
I'm from Belgium, and I broke my leg in the mountains in Switzerland. I had to stay 3 days in hospital and had surgery because it was very bad. Then, 3 mounths of physiotherapy every 2 day at home, and I couldn't work during 10 weeks. My insurance is the basic one that everybody has here, about 10 $ a mounth. The global cost for hospital and surgery was negative ( my country has an agreement with Switerland like with every other country, except the US and North Korea), so it was about 90% covered, but I could come back home by myself with friends ( and normally they should pay for the transport, so they gave me back 380 $ more than I spent for that reason). And for 3 mounths physiotherapy I paid about 150 $. For the 10 weeks out of work, I was paid at 85%. I know that many in the US believe that we are some kind of communists while they are the "country of the freedom". But if I was living in the US, I would be so afraid of the cost of an accident that I wouldn't go to the mountains anymore, I wouldn't ride my motobike anymore and and wouldn't do any sport of any kind. And for me, that, precisely, would be against my "freedom".
May I conclude. This has nothing to do with communism - but everything with people who are royally abusing the system. You must be out of your f..en mind - how many weeks for a broken leg? Shame on you. The only part that relates to communism is the complexes that you found that helped you fleece the health insurance system.
@@stevenmilstead9437 but do you get 5 weeks paid holiday? Oh and try reading the other comments, the best one's are from Americans living in Europe. Read and weap.
I'm also an American living in the Netherlands and everything you've pointed out is spot on. I've only been here for 2 years but whenever I return to my hometown once the joy of being with my friends again wears off I find myself itching to return to the Netherlands. I love my home even with the many problems the country has and I hope that things can change in the future, but you can't deny that the difference in the quality of life is striking
I feel you. I still call California home but at the same time, it doesn't really feel like home anymore. I miss it. And I miss my family and friends a lot...but yeah I'm still enjoying the ride over here in the Netherlands-life is different here.
It's not entirely accurate. There are many more than 2 brands of toilet paper in NL, even if someone doesn't make it beyond AH. Not 40 I grant you, but enough. Also lots of different versions of the same product for other things, especially coffee. Whilst NL might seem very different on the surface, it's one of the birthplaces of capitalism and that spirit runs very deep here. So all the competitiveness and class divisions and political divisions are there, even if they're not paraded around all the time. And homelessness? I've watched it skyrocket over 20 years in NL as the EU has implemented standard neo-liberal economic policy.
@@baronmeduse I definitely agree, I think any country has these sorts of issues beneath the surface, and discussing them in the depth they need/deserve can be difficult. I think the point of this video/my general sentiments is just that there are striking differences in everyday life for someone who grew up in the US and then moves to the Netherlands/many other places where the lifestyle is similar to NL. This video is albeit a bit idealistic maybe, but also clearly rings true for many immigrants from the US. There's definitely a real discussion to be had about issues in NL (rising homelessness like you said, housing costs/shortages, the very real capitalistic/colonialist history here, healthcare issues etc) that just wasn't the point of this particular video from what I gathered though I don't want to speak on behalf of David. You definitely make valid points though :-)
What's interesting to me is that you equated that getting a better job and being ambitious makes you a better person. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think being a better person for me is staying healthy, being kind, etc. So that's definitely something we differ in.
How do you think being healthier and being able to be kind came to be? Surely not by frolicking in nature like our ancestors. You wouldn't even be writing this comment if it was not for the workaholic Americans. Tell me 1 modern innovation that Europeans created?
@@TheBrazilRulesyi think your wrong. Just think about asml and Zeiss as one example. They invented and have a monopoly on euv machines. Probably one of the most important innovation for present and future.
@@TheBrazilRules UK invented the steam engine. Which is the most game changing invention in terms of BIP in mankinds history. The jet engine, TV, nuclear reaction, dowel, anti baby pill, chip card, air bag, mp3... and this is only Germany... not even touching chemical stuff. Linux is from Finnland and without Linux, no android. As an european, modern american inventions? Internet, plane, windows, smartphones/tablets, Boston Dynamics is interesting, Tesla is only developing and has not pioneered electric cars.
@@AkselGAL Linux is definitely one of the greatest things ever created, but it wouldn't be as good as it was without the GNU core utilities which was created mainly by Americans. I think it just goes to show that technology is a global collaborative effort. Every country/region creates innovations that the rest of the world can benefit from.
I'm from Spain, and one of the things that shocks me the most about the US (among many others) is the way cities are designed and organised there. Here I have everything within a 10 minute walk: lots of bars/restaurants, shops, supermarkets, doctors, the hospital, public transportation (bus, metro and train), banks, lawyers, the post office, schools, and a long etcetera. It amazes me how in the US you can go literally nowhere without a car, to the point that many streets doesn't even have sidewalks. They feel soulless, a bunch of identical residential areas sorrounded by highways, and city centers full of towers and parking lots that are totally dead after 10 pm. I remember thinking as a kid how cool americans are because they can get their driver license at 16 years old. Now as an adult I understand why that is: because kids depend entirely on their parents to move arround, unlike here in Europe.
You take your life in your hands, if you dare to drive in any of the big cities in Spain. Those four-lane city speedways, a la Madrid, are to die for...literally! Spain is very clean, but it smells funny; kind of like Olive oil. BTW, Spain is how many square miles; say, in comparison to the U.S.A?
@@MsPegW Lmao, you keep posting your ragebait comments, at least I will not become homeless just because I commited the horrible crime of getting Cancer.
Oh man really? With places like batonrouge, Skid row etc where people shoot up drugs openly you're in no position to make fun of Spain, Try India, Africa lmao@@MsPegW
I live in a very small country in central Europe and I'm shocked to read other people's comments about needing medical attention and paying huge sums of money for that. It's unfathomable to me that one would get charged so much money for even a basic checkup. I work as a teacher in a public school and earn an average salary which enables me more than a decent life - I can rent my own apartment, get a loan if I ever want to buy my own flat, I can travel and have paid both sick and vacation leave. If I decide to get pregnant, I will also get a 12-month paid maternity leave. For this standard of living in America, I can't even imagine how much money I should make to live this comfortably. It's just crazy.
An older friend of mine collapsed from exhaustion and overheating doing a 100K bike ride in 35+ deg. centigrade temps. The ambulance trip cost him over $2,000. The next time it happened and another rider saw him lying on the side of the road they called EMS but he got back up and finished the ride rather than incur the expense a second time.
The US is in decline and it is clear now a lot of this is being done deliberately. There are geopolitical forces at work that are trying to reshape the world and they have to diminish US power to do it.
America sucks. Healthcare exists here to make insurance companies rich and patients get surprise bills even *after* paying co-pays, monthly premiums and deductibles!! Oh, and some of our teachers need a 2nd job to make ends meet. teaching in public schools here is not a respected profession like in so many other countries. Politics here in America is SO toxic no matter what side you are on. Some other countries just have elections to elect leaders. Here, we have endless "official" debates that exclude 3rd party candidates, a YEARS-worth of paid advertisements on tv and major politicians who now regularly state that when they lose an election it is fraud every time. Rent, healthcare, childcare, college, food and transportation are very expensive here and that's one reason 70% of workers live paycheck-to-paycheck. I am an American (with European parents) and I think America *really* sucks.
In 2003 bought an abandoned house on 80 acres in rural America. My two sons and I made the house habitable and they learned many skills during the process. We chopped wood for heat and lived simply. However, my work was very stressful. I traveled from the Midwest to New York City and the east coast about one week out of every month. In 2007, my sons were in college and the stress of paying for their education eventually gave me a perforated ulcer that sent me to a hospital. In rural areas, medical rescue ambulances are operated by volunteers (mostly farmers). They put on their overalls and arrived at my farm in about 20 minutes, at 3AM. From the nearest hospital I was flown by helicopter to a larger, regional hospital. After patching me up (I nearly died), the bill came to around 100K. Insurance covered a portion, but the remainder of the hospital bill ate up most of my savings. Later that year my son, who joined the Marines after college, was wounded in the shoulder. He was discharged, but the US Government did not fix his arm (all ligaments were torn, only his muscle was holding things in place). I found a doctor who was a Corps Medic in his earlier days and he fixed up my son for less than what it would have cost elsewhere. Still, it cost me another 10K. My son, who is built like a Navy Seal and is very stoic, decided that he wanted to continue serving his country and joined the navy as a linguist (he speaks Mandarin and Pashto). It's a bitch living in this country, and now we have Woke madness to contend with and the resulting urban hellscapes. I wonder how long the USA will be able to find people like my son who are willing to defend it?
Spot on! Actually, there are studies proving that if an individual has too many choices, the body releases cortisol (stress hormone). Overconsumerism also leaves you with nothing but emptiness in the end (and incredibly taxes the environment). Superficial hustling for money is also a short-sighted lifestyle. In Europe the emphasis is on friends, positive social interactions and hobbies.
And beer! You know it's illegal to drink in the streets in the US? Also, being drunk in public is an offense - what is deemed an individual choice in Europe gets you in jail in the land of freedom. Not joking.
@@TheBrazilRules No time for friends in US. When people have worked like dogs for decades you are so tired that you just give up, and when you retire you just have enough energy left to lean back and die, great.
I visited twice USA for tourism. I came fron Italy. I didn't find variety of real food at all at supermarket....Just processed and industrial...but the variety of real and fresh food that you find in Italy...of genuine products grown in a area of max 100 km with no brand...USA consumers can't Imagine. If sodas artificial ..cereals with a ton of Sugar...are considered variety then you are right
You are spot on! I already noticed that 20 years ago in California. Everything was junk or EXTREMELY expensive, some high quality food was available in specialty stores, but not for the masses
You are comparing a tiny country population wise with the US with more than 330 Million people living in it. There is no way that much food can be produced the healthy way
Traveling to ten countries in two weeks defeats the whole purpose of a vacation. It is stressful work. A wonderful, sober and personal presentation. Bravo.
Im going on vacation for 2 months to Bali while still getting paid my salary, perks of working in the Netherlands. Not trying to brag, just trying to show whats possible.
Yup, agree 100%. Moved to Sweden from the US a year and a half ago, and just don't think I could ever go back. My quality of life is so much better! Although my current salary is about 1/3 what I was making in the US, the crazy thing is that I have more money left over at the end of each month than I did living in Boston. Everything is so much cheaper here, but when you add the relaxed work / life balance and 5 or 6 weeks of vacation, you just can't ever go back. And I mean REAL vacation--no one emailing, texting calling or slacking you! You get enough time to not only travel to someplace new, but also actually hang out and enjoy the places you visiit rather than just ticking off a list of places you've "been" (so American). Or you can just chillax at home or get work done on projects and hobbies. Oh, yeah, and I love all of the well-maintained roads and infrastructure complete with separate bike paths that barely even cross a road.
Now I wonder how expensive Boston is :-), because compared to Germany (where I live) Sweden is quite expensive. We would love to take our kids there on vacation, but haven‘t done it yet because of the cost involved. It was funny: We went to Sweden on our honeymoon, 18 years ago. All tourists were conplaining about the high costs - but we were living in Munich at the time, so nothing felt expensive for us. :) I guess it always depends on what prices for food, drinks, accomodation you are used to.
@@NinaKatharinaWeber I think Sweden is cheaper now because the exchange rate is 1€ = 11.9 kroner. Today we went down to our local Thai Restaurant (Thai Palace) here in Karlshamn and had a buffet lunch for our family of 4 and it cost us 420 kroner (2 adults @ 125 kr and 2 kids @ 85 kr) which works out to 35,20€ or $38 US (at today’s exchange rate) That would be an incredible bargain in Boston (although in the US you would also be expected to add a 15% tip, bringing the total to $47.30-which would STILL be a bargain for an “all-you-can-eat” buffet lunch for a family of four. Meanwhile, one of my best friends lives in Lübeck, and now owns a summer house not far from here. He told me (when I visited him in July) that the food prices here seem much lower than in Germany. So perhaps it’s time for you to start planning your next trip here. 😊
I know. I went to an international school in CA several years ago. The students from Germany, only working part time and having their own apt's., on that part time wage and got a scholarship from the country to study in another country for $10,000 back in the 90's. We were floored at those things. I/we could never do that here. Their lives sounded so much more relaxed and humane. At the end of the day all the European's would walk outside for an hour, not power walking, just walking, then go home, a small dinner and read, to bed. Sounded lovely.
I had the same experience moving from NYC to NL. We took a 75% paycut and still felt like we came out ahead. I dearly love the US friendliness and optimism…..though for me the quality of life trade-offs stop me moving back every time.
Would you say everything is cheaper at the same ratio, or is it particular things like rent/mortgage, and what else? I'm in Australia, apparently expensive, and may need to consider living in the US. I'm worried about the lack of vacation time in the US. And having to work a lot of unpaid overtime as a professional. Europe appeals to me more, but I don't want to learn another language. Also I love not needing to deal with snow in Australia!
I am a German citizen, I studied computer science and programming, and because of my love for this profession, I wanted to travel to the United States with the aim of visiting and discovering this wonderful country . I was crazy about the technological development of the United States and After the visit, I changed all my thinking about this country! It's not what they say in Hollywood! Homeless people everywhere ! The cleanliness of American cities and roads is very low compared to European cities! Health insurance in Germany is free, and you can be treated in any hospital or clinic for free, and even medicines can be purchased at a nominal price that does not exceed five euros. If you lose your job, you will receive support as long as you are unemployed, and the government will pay the rent for the apartment and the price of health insurance, and you will be given a salary, and this assistance is not limited to time! Time in the United States passes very quickly. Many foods are not healthy in the US I am really happy in Europe and I really appreciate it . Thank you David
But German healthcare isn’t free. Everyone pays for it. I’d argue it’s covered. Healthcare in the United States would also be covered if people opted to buy health insurance.
@@auxrush Hello , When you are an employee you will pay for health insurance through taxes ! You will not feel it, because it will be automatically deducted by the German government. But when you are unemployed, you will not pay anything for health insurance, and it will be free for you, and the job center will pay the insurance for you. This continues until you find a new job
@@himosaid146 does it make you feel better when you don’t have a choice and it’s automatically taken out of your wages vs choosing to have health insurance and paying for it?
as a military brat for 17 years now and living my third year in germany now, ill miss europe a lot. incredible public transportation, generally cleaner, stronger environmentalism, and just overall more relaxed environment. Im goiong back to the states for college and i really do fear for myself living there. the amount of gun tragedies and inflation is seriously daunting also: the nature in the us is not unbeatable imo. having visited the tremendous autrian alps, the white cliffs of dover, the rolling plains of german fields, the sunny beaches of croatia, and the olive trees of greece, i would say europe's nature far exceeds that of the u.s.'s- but to each their own
Thanks for sharing. Well I hope you have a good time in college...the gun tragedies are statistically high (c..but the fear is always bigger than the reality...and I hope you can just enjoy it without worrying what could or could not happen. Anything in life can happen. Anyways, I am just saying that thinking about college...one of the best times of my life so I hope you enjoy!
All of this rings true. We spent a month overseas, not doing what most Americans this summer were doing in Europe (i.e. frenetic touristing in a heat wave) but stayed put in one place. No cars, walk on foot everywhere, tiny market we'd go to daily, tiny fridge, socialize every day - and by the way nobody I socialized with asked me "what I do" even though I was working from there. I left the US behind. The minute I got back I was confronted with the politicized headlines, another shooting, my inbox dinging, the stress of driving, the lists of "things to buy", the simmering rage everywhere. We talk very seriously about planning our exit strategy. I do not want to grow old in this country.
@@stevenmilstead9437 I really like your measured response. I live in the Northeastern US (outside of NYC). It's truly, truly a rat race if you allow it to be. I seek to live relatively simply and pursue a less stressful existence. I don't earn as much money as others / as I could, but I also try not to participate in the race either (but it's not always up to me). My friends and family all have a conceptual problem with the notion of not chasing money at every opportunity / at all costs- and most are very competitive with respect to obtaining things that they think will impress others. I have a family (wife, 2 kids) a home and cars which I maintain / repair pretty much on my own unless it something I really cannot do or learn- and work a day job (I'm a self-employed consulting engineer) and a part-time night job (I'm a tennis pro). I love what I do for work and love my family (kids are really stressful and expensive) and friends. I do wish that I could assign myself more "down time" that isn't dedicated to sleep, but I try to strike a reasonable life-work balance. It's doable, but very difficult. I never lived outside of the US, and I know life hands each person situations that are beyond their control, but in general- I always thought it was the same in most modern countries (life is as stressful / complex as you insist on making it).
As someone from Asian who studied and worked in Europe for 4 years (France and the Netherlands), I moved to the US for pursue a master degree at a so-called "elite school". Really feeling everything that you are sharing - I don't have a car here and I literally feel trapped here. I started to fear the violence/shooting/rubbery when it's dark outside, so I basically only stay at home after 5/6pm when it is dark in winter/fall. Got sick 2 months ago and went to the EU at the University which is supposed to be covered by our mandatory Uni. Student Insurance, still I received 2,800 USD bill last week, all these are crazy. I only can say I miss my life in Europe so much. See if I can find a job here.
Thanks for shading. I hope you are better now. What brought you to the US in the first place? It’s different for sure in the US..I can understand your culture shocks
@@hidavidwen I meant ER instead of EU above. haha. I came here for law school, a master degree. But now just graduated. moving to NYC next week, and hope to find a job in Europe soon.
Hi, sorry you got a bill but don’t even pay it. If you’re only here to go to school, don’t worry about it. I don’t know how these hospitals come up with an amount for their billing but the amounts are ridiculous. The worst thing that can happen is it messes up your credit. They’ll keep mailing you bills. Then they’ll send it to a collections agency. By then, your credit is already messed up so why pay it at all. The collections agency will eventually write you and tell you, if you pay half, that will be acceptable. Don’t pay any of it. Your credit is already been messed up, paying half won’t help your credit. Just do what most Americans do, throw it in the garbage. I wish we had a system like the Netherlands. Our system here in the states is one big ripoff. I wish you well in your studies. Don’t let this upset you. We’ve all been through the same situation in the states. They can’t do anything but mess up your credit and after a few years, it will go away and you can redo your credit. It will all work out. Take care and be well.
I totally get that, was born and raised in Austria and I moved here 4 years ago to the US to be with my husband. I often feel homesick also because of the culture difference.
Well said. Travel opens up the mind to all that makes us different and similar as humans. It brings empathy. It brings clarity. It has been and is one of the most transformative types of education for me.
That's something the USA has been lacking ever since they turned the leading superpower of the world. The overall level of (I'd call it) "cultural awareness" is abysmal. Instead you have a weird, arrogant sense of grandiosity that is in many parts completely unjustified. I think, that's one reason why so many parts of the world hate you by now.
Totally, the people adamant that USA is the greatest hasn't tried living elsewhere. A 3 day vacation in Europe/Asia isn't enough to see how the set up of basic infrastructure, healthcare, schools, grocery shopping etc completely alters how you live. And USA does NOT have it the best way at all.
I remember the first time i traveled to europe i was annoyed at the limited selection of goods. When i got home 3 weeks later i was like you, completely overwhelmed by the choice in everything. Less is sometimes more. Also i noticed, as you pointed out, that people in europe tend to have real conversations. Here all anyone talks about is work. Unless one has a legitimately interesting job like an artist i and most ppl just dont care what others do for work.
Who needs 200 choices of toilet paper? That is oversaturated, their needs to be a balance. Also note, too many options also causes buyers regret, to remedy buyers regret, you buy more but something else, it's actually a profitable business strategy.
I totally agree with you. I left the USA in 2005 and moved to Europe and I still love it. Once you get use to the work life balance in Europe vs USA moving back isn’t really for me.
Brilliant video. Completely sums up my experience living in the US ( 2017-2019). I lived in Boston for 2 years ( I'm from Ireland). The amount of people that assumed my country is this underdeveloped hole in the ground was staggering. ''Do you have Burger King there ? Are you British then ? ''. There's a severe lack of education in America. The endless amounts of stupid ignorant things that were said to me could fill a book. I found it strange too how so many people think they're from another country. ''I'm irish too'' is one of the most common things I heard in Boston. They're not irish-irish. Of Irish descent but not irish. They're American. I found that most yanks have a very fragile sense of identity and the culture nearly props that mindset up. I was worked to the bone for 2 years. 60 hour weeks. 6 days a week. Sure I earned good money but I didn't enjoy that money until I was able to head back to Ireland in 2019. Then I got taxed to absolute fuck on it all and came back with far less than anticipated. I made sure I kept up my gym routine and diet regimen and the looks I'd get from US colleagues ( who were totally out of shape, smokers, lived on fast food) began to annoy me.''Why don't you eat what you want ?''. I do. I eat healthy food because it makes me feel good. That's pretty much universal across European and Scandinavian countries. It's not really socially acceptable to be obese. Also the irish stereotype of ''you guys drink so much''. Yanks drink more than we do. In Ireland if you're driving you don't drink. I have never seen more people drive after drinking than I did in the US. They would literally have about 3-4 beers and hop in the car. So many yellow license plates in Boston showing that people had DUI's. There's just a lack of understanding of how people live in Europe. We have good healthcare, good work life balance. Our entire culture isn't based around earning money and climbing corporate ladders. We work to live not the other way around. I wish Americans could spread their wings and come and live in any country in Europe or Scandinavia for a few weeks/months. The pace of life and work is completely different. They'd no doubt enjoy not being constantly burned out by work, getting fatter and resorting to all shapes of substances just to cope with everyday life.
Wish I could copy this and give to friends here that all they talk about is how high taxes are in Europe - here no one wants National healthcare so they’d rather die either from medical debt or not being about to get treatment.
It’s a consequence of our geography. Most people don’t travel internationally. The country is so vast high school geography only covers WW2. You can travel in US to scratch every itch. Want to ski fly to Colorado or Tahoe. Want some beaches, see you in Florida, want to see some deserts Utah baby, how about some thick forests, Appalachia time. I personally like to travel internationally and have been to 15 countries but a lot of my peers here don’t and prefer to travel domestically
I agree with you on this. There are things you need to experience for yourself. My experiences weren't great in a major city in Europe. That doesn't mean the entire country is bad. Everywhere has nutjobs.
@@Herro1063 there is a youtube search called "why don't people want to move to Dublin". The cities suck. I live 20 minutes from a major one. I prefer to avoid cities, it creates the stereotype that Americans are too simple
I lived in America for 8 years, I've been living in Thailand for the past 6 Months. These past 6 Months have been some of the most calming and low stress months of my life. While Ive had to deal with a couple work stress issues, overall I feel safer and more at ease than I've been in my entire life. Great video David.
@@Ivan-fm4eh How do you know what he's doing in Thailand... If he's working there or not? And if he does, does he earn US dollars? Or is he living off of his savings (which are 10 million USD of course)?
@@Ivan-fm4eh its not necessarily only about the earnings, its more so about the fact that I can leave my house without having to conceal a firearm. I can get lost and not worry about getting robbed on my way back home. I can walk around at 3/4 in the morning just because.
@@digitalleighton what kind of scary ghetto were you living in in the US?! managed to live my entire life without needing or even seeing a gun, and there are parts of thailand dangerous at night and parts of the US safe at night.
As an American in SF Bay Area, I have decided after watching this video to make a list of questions that I can ask people in lieu of asking them what do you do for living.
Your videos are always spot on David. People are slowly seeing for themselves that America is not what Hollywood portrays. Like you said it's very competitive, consumer focused, and many live in poverty or fear. Thanks for another high quality production.
"it's very competitive", really? Truly think that in the US people are rewarded for their merit and not the cobweb they are in? Will the smart girl get the job or the niece of the board member? For the smart girl to get the job she must really distinguish herself in excellence, and even than... We Dutch think the opposite, we expect the niece to get the job because of her network. We constantly complain about 'kruiwagens' (good connections), but the employer will consider the interest of the company as well. So at the end the differences are not that big, only the perception on how things work. Same goes for the toilet paper... Everyone knows that there are only three toilet paper factories. Who each produce three qualities. So if you would test the inside, US citizens have actually the same amount of choice, though we have nine on display and they have thirty different wrappings.
I moved to Germany in 1965 and never looked back. I see the US as an immature, adolescent country, unwilling or unable to grow up. Everything is a spectacle; high-speed chases, politics, sports, entertainment and religion. When I meet Americans here in Europe I am often impressed by their superficiality, disinterest and ignorance of history, geography and civilization. We showed some American guests castles on the Rhine and the whole time we were there they talked about the best ice cream flavours back in their hometown in Indiana. When I explained how superior our health insurance system is I got the response "Socialism is not the answer." I often think of Isaac Asimov's "Cult of Ignorance" and anti-intellectualism in the US. The attitude that 'My ignorance is worth as much as your intelligence" spells the downfall of a country.
Sadly I have to agree. I am a german who lived in many diffferent countries around the world. Americans really seem to be uneducated in general. I don't want to rant but they seem to have not much knowledge about the world, history and science. Again, that's just my perception and there are many educated americans for sure.
'Socialism is not the answer' is not surpising to hear from a couple from Indiana, a state where nearly everyone is connected to the hard work of farming and self-reliance. Many americans also don't want it because they fear the freeeloaders. Several countries in Europe went much too far with govt spending in the 1960s and 1970s and really wrecked their economies- and many wealthy people fled. There has been a big pull back from that. But many places in Europe the unemployment is still high, the taxation still too high- thats a huge complaint of the french at the moment. One other thing: the cutting edge (and expensive) medical treatment and pharmaceuticals come out of the USA- and many places in Europe you have to wait far too long to be seen for a major issue, like cancer.
This is a great post! I had the same experience with Americans on a restaurant terrace in Brussels. The man, some kind of government official constantly tried to tear down all positive things we mentioned of living in Europe. I had the impression his wife was almost ashamed of his constant tirade...
We moved from Phoenix, AZ to the southwest of France almost 2 years ago. It's been an eye opening experience. The transition has been easier than some might expect. We are part of the French healthcare system and find it easy to use. Fresh and delicious foods are easily available and we frequent farmers markets regularly. We've made an effort to buy local, avoiding big stores whenever possible. We are very glad we made the move and have no regrets.
Thanks for sharing Douglas! Glad to hear. I love visiting France and hope to see the south of France next month. Do you know French? I hear France is a place where you need to know French...
That sounds so amazing! My sister felt the same about Germany and I’m so jealous of everyone commenting getting to live abroad. I’ve only been out of the US to Mexico and Canada those kind of don’t count since at the time you didn’t need a passport 🤣 I’d love to leave here if I could make all my family go too haha but they hate change so for now I can dream! My dad is considering Portugal though🤞
@@hidavidwen We both speak enough French to get by nicely and continue to study the language. I feel that if you live in a large city like Paris (touristy) you can get by with much less French but in our area English speakers are not the norm.
@@hidavidwen I went for a road trip through France. Visited small villages and I never had a need to know French. We all managed with hand gestures or a mix of English, German, French. If they are willing to sell and you are willing to buy, nothing will stand in the way.
Interesting perspective. I've lived in both the US and Europe (UK mainly). What I like best about the US is the nature and sense of space once you get away from the cities. What I like most about the UK is the free health care, the less polarised society and lack of guns.
Well if you insist on living in cities then you’re not going to see the beauty of our islands..,,, and personally with your attitude I’d rather you DID bugger off and live in the US… if you can’t appreciate the beautiful countryside and nature in Britain then you’re better off over there.. our country is more than the health service it provides or the laws that keep you safe… 😡
@@Ionabrodie69 I think the comment was meant more as a criticism of the US and their lack of health care. Concerning the countryside...I've lived in a few places around the UK and while there are plenty of places where you can get out of a city and see some nature, the "countryside" is no where near as untouched as in the states (or indeed on the continent). You get crops everywhere and even in most of our national parks (The peaks, The Lakes, the Brecon Beacons etc.) there are sheep roaming all over the place and that has a huge impact on the land. Now I'm not saying that there are NO untouched areas, but they are few and far between and generally quite small. National parks in the states are bafflingly big in comparison, they really are pretty much untouched by agriculture simply because there is so much other space for them to grow crops/rear animals. Sadly, as I love the British countryside, there is very little comparison :(
@@abarnybox Well ours is a small island and a beautiful one.. they have space and money … but they ruin everything they touch.. they have no care for their environment or their people .. give me my tiny island with its ( in your view ) crappy countryside over that monstrosity they call the US ANYDAY.. 🙁
@@Ionabrodie69 incredibly judgemental to say that "they ruin everything they touch" as I mentioned, their national parks are some of the rare places where there truly is wilderness and nature, very much un-ruined. I also don't think the British countryside is crappy at all! As I said, I love it, but I would equally love to see parts of it as they were before humans arrived and changed the landscape, how incredible it would be to see a truly natural Britain.
Fun Fact: "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" is not an american Hollywood movie at all. It's italian, even if starring some american actors in the main roles. The director was Sergio Leone, the music was from Ennio Morricone and it was filmed mostly in Cinecittà in Rome.
Hi David! Loved your video, I will start sharing it with my friends and family. I am Portuguese, but I lived in Boston for a short period of 6 months and whenever I am asked about the experience and how different it is from life in Europe, I struggle to put it so clearly in words. Most people just assume it should be better because you gain more money in the US. You just put it so nicely in your video, it is exactly this. I had a great time in the US. Like you said, I could feel the drive and ambition people had regarding their careers and that was inpiring for me. Also loved the multicultural environment and how much there was of everything, literally. I was constantly astonished 😅 On the other hand, I missed having "real relationships" with people, i felt a lack of connection. As if people were being extremely nice with me because it was a duty but they really did not care much about what you were saying. Too many conversations revolved around the job, the new house someone was moving in, where they were going to on their 2 weeks holidays...it always felt like a competition. I did make some life friends in Boston 😊 After living now in different European countries for 4 years, I guess I just prefer my coffee "not to go" at the little coffee shop in my street and to "waste" my time after work just living and enjoying my loved ones
@@TheBrazilRules not that strange, many Portuguese people have some sort of prejudice against foreigners. I would say older people mostly, I don't truly understand why, but I hope it's changing. Give us a second chance, not all of us are the same. Bem vindo a Portugal e boa sorte 🙂 Tenho certeza que com o tempo vai ficar melhor e conquistas os teus vizinhos mal encarados. Há muitos, e não são só assim contigo. Eu também tenho desses 😅
Thanks Eduarda! Beautifully put! Oh yeah Portuguese culture is really about relationships, yeah? I've spent some time there (walked the Camino from Porto)...and loved it. Lots of hospitality.
You should visit Russia. Sincerity and genuine care is the only reason why we communicate. There is no hypocricy. Talking about job and/or money occurs only if the person is asked about those topics. Otherwise it would be either nagging or bragging, which is not welcome in a conversation. In a conversation, with a friend or a stranger, you can learn a lot of personal and/or sensitive information. That's because we trust each other. You may be sure that you won't be reported. You are safe if you are sincere. We call it "soul".
I am moving to the netherlands soon. I am dutch but lived in the US for 23 years. A lot of people advice me not to and I know all countries have issues but I still think its better then how the USA currently is.
Thanks for sharing. You have an interesting perspective as a Dutchie who moved/lived in the US for 23 years...what brought you there 23 years ago? How has the US changed in your eyes? And why are you moving back now?
@@hidavidwen I went to the US because my dad wanted to check for opportunities over there and I was a minor but now that I have children of my own I always feel it’s unsafe in the US and the cost of living is getting ridiculous. I am already looking for jobs there and hope it goes well.
Congrats on your wider understanding of your own country. It's a fantastic feeling to find something you dislike and things you're in love with. You know that there are things to improve and things that work perfectly already. Things that people could miss. You're growing as a person!
I could not agree more. I’m from Europe and have spend the last 11 years in the states. Now being back in Europe I do miss the diverse culture and professional drive americans have (especially in regards to science)… but I don’t miss the 70h work weeks and little to no vacation:)
Thanks Kristina. Where in Europe are you? What brought you back to Europe? Yeah I do miss that "drive" but...those 70h work weeks...I've had those before too so I can relate.
I’m Dutch, I live in the Netherlands. We watch shows from all over the world. In these shows you can compare the personalities and mentalities of people from different countries in a same situation. We can watch Masterchef, a cooking competition show, from different countries, for example the UK, Australia and the USA. I love watching the Australia version. Lovely people, they are competitive, but in a supportive way and they accept when they are elimitated from the show. The contestors also speak positive about the other competitors. The UK version is also okay, British are polite and don’t speak bad about their fellow contesters, but I think it’s less enjoyable than the Australian version. The USA version on the other hand, the contestors speak bad about each other, they fight and don’t agree with the jury. They are so competitive that I don’t like to watch this version. I think that the viewing numbers of the USA version were also low here, because I don’t see the USA show anymore, but the Ausralian one is still available, even on repeat. I don’t think being competitive in your job or in school makes you a better person, supporting your fellow worker and be being nice to other people makes the world a better place.
Thanks for sharing. Interesting perspective...but I get it. US culture definitely is more competitive...I think that's what I'm used to growing up (even watching shows). Actually, competition is why people watch (in the US)...that's what get views...the emotions involved...and I do think they cast people on shows based on if they can make things "interesting" (like getting in fights).
That's the USA in a nutshell. Extremely competitive at school/work. Coworkers, colleagues, and even people you consider friends are mainly out for themselves. I think that's what grew the "fake nice/happy." It's everywhere here and an extremely stressful way to live.
I think it also shows how the different cultures perceive entertainment. In the US, if there's no harshness, verbal vioence and intense competitiveness people will find it boring and not watch it. While in Europe for example while we enjoy the wholesome moments more, we're watching because we're interested in what's going on and to see people trying their best, and achieving something. We're moved when they succeed.
I have been living in the US for the past 8 years (6 years in Los Angeles). Im originally from Prague and I can relate to this so much! I cannot wait to graduate and go back to Europe…😅
I think it really depends on where you live in the USA. Most people live in big cities. I live in a very small town in the USA. It's slow paced, little to no stress, the medical bills are mostly covered by our local hospital through different forgiveness programs. Mountains, rivers and streams with lots of clean air and wildlife. Our stores are smaller and don't have a lot of verity. It's very easy to shop. The people are friendly and the small businesses here are locally owned by wonderful people. It's nice :)
Thanks Catrina, it really does depend on where you are...big city vs. small town life anywhere in the world is gonna be different. I personally think I'll settle in a small town at some point, friendlier people and culture =) Thanks for sharing!
This. I live in a village of 8200 people… a good friend of mine lives in NYC, originally from a city not far from me with 18,000 people - little bit bigger then 8000, but not NYC big. He says he hates living in the city because of the the craziness of it all…
A part of the point, I think, is that outside the US there are multiple entire countries that are the way you describe your one small town (that sounds very nice).
Forgiveness programs don't stop you from going broke in the USA, no one goes broke in Europe. Small town USA is now as crime ridden as the cities thanks to current drug crisis.
The biggest issue with the US is that people know what the problems are, they are fixable but the political class is totally uninterested/corrupt - Trans bathrooms get more traction.
@@cosettapessa6417 It’s just another distraction. Money is America’s real god, plus the myopia of being unable to concede that many countries do many things better.
@@cosettapessa6417 to be fair, it makes people elected on the right, so why would they stop enphasize it? Getting reelected allows them to get more corrupted. We have the same over here with Orban and a large part of the right.
@@marcbuisson2463 As a woman and mother, have voted left many times in the US, but I am certainly not a fan of the erasure of voices of biological women over issues like biological males in women’s sports, biological males having access to girls locker rooms, biological males having access to female prisoners…….but do go on minimizing this as a “right issue” for elections.
Very good comparison. I lived 5 years in Europe and also 5 in the USA and I can tell you, I miss Europe! I learned in Europe that there is a different way to treat many health issues and I was amazed how you can go to the University almost for free, compared with the crazy tuition fees in US. Enjoy your life and relaxed time in Europe!!
I was born and raised in Brazil, and paid nothing for my 5 year degree in Architecture and Urban Planning (I had to pass a selection, which consisted of one objective and one written series of tests). We also have universal free health care there (it is called SUS). It has ZERO luxury, and for some procedures you might have to wait more than you would like, but it is available to everyone in the country, even for isolated communities in the middle of the forest. Just sharing that so people learn that the social benefits also exist outside of rich European countries. I don't understand why a country like the U.S. treats its people so bad.
this was so educational and refreshing for me as a Dutch person. i honestly never knew how the differences when returning to their home country can make some Americans feel
you should also look at videos of people moving from Europe to the US and see the positive. this doom and gloom of america you see on RUclips is wild. no doubt the USA have its own share of problems, but there is a flip side to that coin.
Having just returned from my first visit to America on a family holiday, here are few observations I made as a European: - Crazy amount of choice in supermarkets. As you said in the video, what’s going on? Surely no one needs that many types of coffee?! - Super friendly people (mostly). Everyone we met was very friendly and open. The waiters were a different league to Europe, always very helpful and attentive (obviously they want the tips but still). - Good roads. Driving was very easy compared to Europe (in general). Big parking spaces. - Intersections - really you need roundabouts! Wasted a lot of time at red lights at busy intersections. - Gun culture - a local family attraction near where we stayed was called “Machine Gun America” where the whole family can try out machine guns 😬 - Expensive fresh ingredients vs. cheap fast food. Bag of salad was $7, hamburger was $5.
Machine Gun America, you must've went to Orlando FL lol. The way I look at it, is that every country has it's ups and downs. Most people seem to focus too much on negatives and less about learning and being open minded. There are lots of things in Europe that are considered normal that I find strange or unnecessary, but at the end of the day, I don't really care because I'm not there to focus on that stuff. I'm there to enjoy a DIFFERENT culture than what I'm used to.
Biggest lesson of 2022 in the stock market: Nobody knows what is going to happen next, so practice some humility and follow a strategy with a long term edge like Mr Sam strategy...
I love to hear your reflections about your home land. It bears the positive as well as the negative sides. The vibe of this video is contemplative, it reflects the bitter sweet feelings you have towards the country you were born and raised. Beautiful video!
David, I rarely comment on videos. But your video was so authentic and heartfelt that I couldn’t resist. It made me reflect on the kind of values I want to teach my kids as they grow up in the US. Cheers my friend, keep up the great work ❤
Years ago, I was fortunate enough to spend 3 months in Europe. Even then, the differences were striking. Europeans were friendlier, Europe was so much cleaner. No rushing...Even in Paris and London. Rome, however...the rush rush there really got to me.
Just discovered your video. I'm from East LA and now living in Tokyo, Japan.This video perfectly describes my feelings and thoughts when I returned to visit my mom last summer. Most people I spoke to seemed on edge and stressed out their minds. I could feel the tension if I said something that may not be considered acceptable. Even though my life has improved 10-fold in Tokyo, I still got judged and looked at as though I was crazy to say someone could actually live a better life outside America; more specifically LA. But the weather is perfect right and everyone wants to live here? Lol... Anyway, glad you made this video. I'll never forget where I come from and will always have my good memories of LA. But moving out was the best decision I've ever made.
Next time rub it in their faces with "don't worry, immigration wint let you in". Most people still think it's easy as 123 to move elsewhere, whereas the reality is that you, just like everyone else, had to meet certain criteria in order to emigrate. Greetings from Germany.
I lived in the USA for a few months, going to the grocery store was anxiety inducing. I am not used to so many things. I couldn't decide. And the sad thing is that 90% of the "food" is processed shit. It was SO hard to eat healthy. Especially going back as a tourist. Eating well when you can't cook at home is a challenge; it's almost impossible to avoid fast food.
I agree about quantity over quality. Of course there are specialist stores that sell “real” food but the average supermarket is crap. I live in London and while there’s plenty of junk food here there’s also a large amount of high quality foods even in most supermarkets and the pop up markets are great for variety of delicious often home made products.
Just eat meat, vegetables, berries, fruits, and nuts. Everything else is garbage. Its actually easier than you think. No seed oils or processed sugars.
I'm a Norwegian married to an American. We live in Norway, but have been looking into options of moving over to the U.S Your video was really helpful and really shows a deep understanding and reflecting the pro's and con's about living in Europe vs the U.S Thanks for sharing your point of view!
Ya don't go US is becoming a banana republic , I got some Dutch roots from long ago so my second home should be the Netherlands but Netherlands become kind of woke now.
A friend of mine from Europe once summed it up by saying that In America, You have a greater QUANTITY of life, but in Europe, You have a greater QUALITY of life. He said that many of his young friends would move to America to make as much money as possible and then move back to Europe after 10 years when it came time to settle down and raise a family and eventually retire.
My nightmare is to wake up in CA :) I have been in the Netherlands for almost two years, and I am still afraid that I would have to go back. I don't miss anything back in CA. The only positive aspect there was nature but, honestly, most people work 2-3 jobs and have no time to go anywhere. Plus, to go anywhere in CA, you have to fight for parking. Here, there is plenty of nature. I live 30 minutes from the beautiful downtown and 10 minutes walk from a small park which is very clean and safe. I never had anything like that in the San Francisco Bay Area. The positive aspects brought up in the video are not even positive for me. For example, I don't think supermarkets there are good. There is very little choice of healthy food. There are tons of choices of frozen and packaged food which I never bought there. However, even Whole Foods had a severe lack of vegetarian or vegan food. Veggies and fruits are actually much better here (It''s insane that in a cold country, produce is better than in CA. Right?) I also don't think free bathrooms is a good idea. In the Netherlands to go to use a restroom is 70 cents, and the bathrooms are very clean. Salaries are much higher in CA, but only for certain professions. Many people have lower salaries than in the NL and live very poor quality life. People who have high salaries in CA still don't have high enough salaries to buy a real estate in CA. They can't save for downpayment because the prices are insane. In the NL, for example, you can buy a house with 0 downpayment. Plus, if you can't pay your mortgage, the government will pay for you. Can you imagine that? I don't have much to add to the negative aspects, such as work-life balance, lack of vacation, toxic conversations about work, crazy medical prices, mentioned in he video. They are notoriously bad. It would be good to add the content of education to the video. It's practically free in the NL (about 2,000 per year) for citizens and residents, and the quality is excellent. In the US, people take tons of useless subjects and graduate with no profession. Here, people only study what they actually need for their future profession and graduate in three years. You just wonder how people could choose that kind of life in the US...
O come on this is so dramatic. I’m from California too and not even a nice part and there are great things about it as well. You really don’t miss the conveniences and entertainment? I really miss the shopping. I lived right down the street from a concert venue and could watch so many different musicians. In Sweden, many of those artists don’t even bother to come here. The weather? You don’t miss that? After 5 years in Sweden, I hate snow. I miss Being able to buy anything I want all the time for an affordable price. I miss having the worlds foods on every street corner open past 8 pm because US is a land of immigrants. Get a grip and be fair seriously. I miss the diversity of thought , opinion, and people. You don’t miss hearing your own language around you?
@@ashleighsparkle8810 Shopping is fantastic in the NL. All stores are so beautiful and sell quality clothes and shoes. The weather is one of many reasons we left. For a few years, it was unbearably hot in the SF Bay Area, and the quality of air was unhealthy. Also, there are no seasons. It's always the same. As for languages, I am fluent in four languages and I'm currently learning Dutch. I will be fluent in Dutch in a couple of years.
Yes, Olga, what you described in NL is the consequence of social democracy or a welfare state (which a milder, better version of socialism). While in US you have chosen to have capitalism. Hence the poverty, expensive everything, etc. But Americans prefer to keep it that way and dread anything with the word "social" in it. Bernie Sanders was hated for being the proponent of social democracy.
Moved to the USA when I was 8 years old now I'm 45 years old and ready to move out . The cost of living is expensive ie; health care and place to stay ( mortgage / rent / insurances ). So ready to move out but not sure where.
@@Ellada-hu5tx Yes, people in the US are brainwashed against social democracies. In the view of many (not myself), especially conservatives, only lazy people who are underachievers would accept such a system where the government needs to provide social safety nets. They truly think the government taking care of its citizens is an absolute negative thing which is absurd. I also think not allowing us to have a social democracy has to do with racism as well, but most will not admit it. They do not want benefits going to black people because it will be seen as a handout to "those" people even though black people are very hard working, but overwhelmingly lower wage workers. Even those with degrees have a harder time getting good paying jobs as their white counterparts do because they do not have the right social connections. The rich also benefit off being able to exploit African Americans, brown, and poor white people through mass incarceration, low paying wages, the drug epidemic (costly treatment centers), high interest payday loans, etc. Profit from poverty fuels many big businesses in the United States, so there is no incentive to make it a more equitable society here for those in power who benefit from things staying the same. They don't care how much the people of the US suffer as long as they are making money off of it.
We have this current obsession here in Australia that you must reach your full potential, well I'm Dutch and a 6 out of 10 is good enough for me. I literally don't feel or have the need to reach the top, and the ambitious people, well they're usually miserable, brownnoses and backstabbers.
Garbage. People in Australia work to live, not live to work. Overly ambitious is something I would never describe Australians as. If anything I would say the opposite
@@Glenn-ei3xp I’d say it’s probably midway here Glenn. I think there’s certainly a lot of people that are ambitious - but I think more and more people here are realising the whole rat race thing is just that, a rat race!
The level, on which they managed to convince their people, that their identity is somehow based on their work and their belongings is something else. i have nothing against a little friendly competition, but that's it.
I just got back to the US after my first four months living in Europe. I live in Sofia, Bulgaria so there are definitely more problems there than in the Netherlands. But I love being able to walk around Sofia at any time, day or night, by myself as a woman and not feel afraid. It's such a safe city. I was overwhelmed with all of the choices when I came back to the US as well. Although some of those are things that are nice to have, like specialty food items. I can't wait to get my long-stay visa and return to Europe to live a better life, where I'm not working my life away just to pay mortgage/rent and for groceries and healthcare. Cost of living in BG is low, which is what drew me there, but there is also beautiful nature, amazing people and access to the rest of Europe easy and cheap. I may eventually miss the spectacular nature of the west coast, but for now I am loving living in Europe.
I am in my first year of university at an American college on the west coast. I agree, it is very beautiful but I do not enjoy the grind mindset that all of my peers have. I just want to be happy. I think I would love to move to Europe once I graduate. I will miss my family but I want to prioritize slower living and genuine happiness instead of grinding away in the rat race that corporate America is.
Jesus Christ I live in Varna Bulgaria as a grown man I wouldn't be caught walking the streets of Sofia at night. That's how you women get kidnapped all the time thinking you're safe
Sounds overwhelming, what if you like one country, but then youre off to the next, like whiplash, no time to feel it truly, or have any permanence to it
@@euskoferre I’ve been to both Norway and Sweden. It is not very different from Alaska and Canada. Most of the stuff in Europe are already in the Americas. There is no need to go cross an ocean for it
I totally agree with you. Growing up in the US and Bay Area, CA, there is always that drive, competition, and ambition that helped me grow stronger. I am grateful for all that I have achieved. Though I gotta say that the competition has become more intense throughout the years. As I mature, I learn to slow down and look up rather than working myself to the ground. Traveling has made me realize how overworked Americans in my area are. There needs to be a good balance of ambition and relaxation. I love the Bay Area, but I don’t compare myself to those who are trying to buy multiple homes and live above their budget. It gets tiring to hear ppl struggling in the rat race all the time. Life is more than running endlessly in a rat race.
Thanks for sharing…oh yeah, I miss the Bay but it’s changed a lot too. But perhaps like you said…it’s ME that has changed and I’ve changed a lot through traveling too
Spent 2 months in Italy and another month in the rest of Europe. The U,.S. truly has major problems. I agree with the points he made you realize that very quickly in the E.U. It goes well beyond many of these issues he pointed out. Unfortunately, auto companies have lobbied hard and won and it is why America is the way it is. I believe many of the U.S. issues can be fixed if we learned from our western counterparts especially when it comes to culture. I found it so surreal that no matter what city I was in in the E.U. you could find people walking around at night talking having coffee talking amongst friends etc.. I had some of my fondest memories doing just that meeting new people going to hostels talking to locals.. Maybe it does happen in the U.S., but not nearly as often. I think especially the younger generation if they were given better access to public tranportation, this would encourage our young adults to explore America by Train it would encourage so much. Everything car based is what is isolating us as people. This was completely anecdotal, but when I was in Florence watching the sunset it was so cool that I was able to strike up a conversation with random strangers and that night we went too a bar all because I was talking about something to a friend. Those kind of connections are truly missing in the U.S. we are so focused on politics, news, etc dividing us we need to come back to what matters. That is being kind to one another having meaningful discussions even with divided opinions over coffee etc.. We are truly losing our way as a country and maybe it's too late to see a turning point. Our economy is tanking, our healthcare system is utterly corrupt, we have two pretty bad candidates for this up coming election we are in dark times for sure. I was just going on tangents, but Europe will change your views of the U.S. 100%. As someone who loves the U.S. I truly want to see it succeed, but we need a change.
I went on a vacation the The Netherlands and Germany this year, and one of the absolute highlights of my trip was on a bus trip from Baarle-Hertog to Tilberg. A dutch woman was also waiting for the bus and I started chatting with her. We chatted all the way until she got off the bus and it was an amazing conversation. You just don't get those kinds of experiences in the USA due to car dependency. Every time I bring up car dependency to my family I get reasons to why they think that we can't fix it, we absolutely can and we absolutely should. The Netherlands didn't become the cycling capital of the Western World overnight, it happened over decades. Change takes time, and the USA is in a do or die spot (IMO) where we have to make major change or the USA will either (near) collapse or the planet will cook us all to death.
I like my life here in Wyoming (that is also so much better than my previous state, Texas) so much more than when I was in my home country in southern Italy. If you like Firenze feel free to move there. imho italian cities are cool for vacation, but incubo (nightmare) for living. Goditela.
@@karlk.6819 Sono felice di sapere che non ho mai vissuto in nessuno dei due stati. Ho solo 29 anni e le esperienze sono sicuramente molto diverse. Sì, sono assolutamente d'accordo. L'Italia ha molti problemi, non iniziamo a scioperare sempre con Trenitalia. Se dovessi trasferirmi in Italia, Bassano del Grappa sarebbe la mia casa. L’ho trovato il mix perfetto tra montagna e vita cittadina.
Excellent video! I agree with all of your conclusions. I returned to the US in 2018 after having lived in the UK and Switzerland for almost a decade. I now find myself longing to return to Europe because the quality of life in the US has worsened. I enjoyed being back and getting reacquainted with American things and food for about the first two weeks but that quickly faded. The political situation here is also atrocious and the amount of gun-related violence unacceptable. I also find it infuriating that many Americans can't accept the fact that the US is not the best country in the world in everything. The belief in our overwhelming superiority in all things has led us to the current reality where we have fallen behind in most things. Accepting constructive criticism goes a long way.
Hi Eleven years in Spain here. This video nailed it. On a return visit home, the supermarket blew me away. I lost 40 pounds after I moved here, mainly because of walking so much. But more importantly, while Spain is not perfect either, I never worry about my safety. I see more women in government than in the US, progressive new laws, an amazing healthcare system (again, not perfect, but livable), and a healthier cost of living. I see similar stories below in the comments that have me nodding my head. Great job, David. Clear, concise reporting. Will be sharing with those who ask if I'm going home. (Still haven't worked that part out yet.)
Lol spain is a feminazi hellhole. Thanks god i will move to asia soon. JFL i don’t feel represented just because i see male politicians. Women are so tribal
teaching English. Some European teachers don't much need Eng teachers, but places like Spain, maybe Italy, and some eastern Europe countries need them. @alfonso77550
I always find this concept of free refills especially fascinating! FREE - yeah sure: EVERYONE pays for that. Do you really believe those corporations hand out something for free just because they are nice?! No, everyone pays fo it wether he uses the free refills or not. It will be added to the prices of the items in the shop it is just not shown anywhere. Hey everyone pays for a system where everyone can benefit from... i know this concept from somewhere... ah, yes, public healthcare in the develepoed world except the US. If you tell the average american about that concept they scream: 'evil socialism! this is so unfair, why do i need to pay for something someone else benefits from?!' I guess americans just care more for "free" refills on sugary drinks than for personal health and live expectancy or no debt because of medical bills. Speaks volumes for this messed up society.
We (Dutch city here) had 1 MCDonalds that introduced free refills a decade ago, but after a few years they canceled it again. I guess they wanted to be more 'american' which was popular then. But the dutch are quite smart (cheap) with money, so you would get too many school kids that came in groups and would buy 2 sodas for 8 friends and camped the refill station.....
I live in France and lately ive been home-sick so your video made me feel better and I realized that there are disadvantages living in the USA too. BTW I love your way of thinking, you are really comprehensive, altruist and genuinely nice
I am Dutch and live in the Netherlands for over 30 years, but also have been to the US several times. Love the nature and the simplicity of society. If you have money, all is great. If you don’t, you’re in trouble and “friends” disappear. It seems quite superficial at times. Also the educational system and healthcare over here are almost free and it believe that provides much more opportunity, but also it encourages some complacency. Good video and analysis.
Austrian perspective here. I've spent three years in the US, and while there were some positive experiences, I've found that I'm not really missing it for a variety of reasons highlighted in the video. For those considering working in Austria from the US, it's worth noting that there are certain very negative sentiments towards the US among the local population, which can be attributed to different factors. One factor is the language barrier. Learning German is highly valued here. I've encountered instances where Americans who have lived here for over a decade still had limited knowledge of German. This has sometimes been perceived as a lack of adaptability and courtesy. My point is, embracing the local language is a sign of respect and can significantly enhance your experience in Austria. Just some food for thought. Take care!
Agree. As for me, whenever I travel to different countries I try to learn at least some basic words and phrases to interact with people, even if it is just greeting words... this is respect for people and country you travel into.
Agreed! Australian here. In Australia we expect people to learn English. For migrants it's compulsory. If you come to live in Australia you are required to learn English! Everyone speaks English and we assume that if you want to live in Australia, you will want to speak to the people there, and we all speak English. I also have lived in South Korea for 5 years now. Korean is a difficult language for an English speaker, but I learn it because it's ethical that I should do so, and you do NOT really understand a culture if you don't know the language of that culture, no matter how much to study that countries culture. Culture is born in the language. It's just quite rude to live in a country long term and not at least try to learn the language of that country. As you say, it's a sign of respect to the people and the culture to learn their language. It's quite a sign of disrespect to a country to live there long term and not learn the language. And my experience in Korea is hugely enhanced by learning the language. There are huge rewards in how people behave towards you and respect you, in actually getting to know the people, who will give you more of themselves if they see you trying to learn their language. It can be gruelling, but the rewards for yourself, both in achievement and in experiences, are more than worth it. 😀
I could honestly say the same thing about white westerners both North Americans, UK folks, and Europeans that come here to Thailand....Live here for 20 years and still cant speak, read, or write Thai...
The same is said for Hispanics who moved to US, but apparently, asking them to learn English is racist. Therefore, Austria is racist to demand that others learn German. I think it is normal for you to be racist?
@@hiddenname9809 What is expecting people to learn a language to do with race? Racism is treating people differently because they look different or come from a different culture. We are expecting people to learn the language of the country they live in regardless of where they come from, regardless of what they look like or any other differentiating factor. We are expecting people to learn the language of the country they live in so that they can communicate effectively with the people that live there. It's quite the opposite of racism - speaking the same language enables people to be treated the same way and fit in with a culture. There is absolutely nothing to do with racism here.
I'm Dutch and grew up in the Netherlands. A couple years ago I went on an exchange year to the US, I stayed there with a hostfamily and went to the US highschool. The biggest difference I noticed are the school sports at every high school. That does not exist in the Netherlands. I really had to get used to how devoted these young people were to their sports, they were disciplined, competetive and because of that actually really really good. All I ever grew up with was teens who just do sports for fun and some of them are good and go to a specific school to persue it but most were just there to chat with friends. Which is why I never really improved at all. I loved the mindset and the drivenness of the American highschool teams, it really pushed me to my limits and made me better in such a short time. So I imagine that in the workfield it brings the best out in you and it makes you perform on a level you didn't even know you could. But ofcourse, like you said in the video, there is also a con. The competitiveness starts at such a young age which can bring so much stress to kids and also adults once they're in the workfield.
Thanks for sharing this! I'm doing research on a video about the "sixes culture" (zesjescultuur) vs. American "performance culture" which I will dive into this =)
I did an exchange year myself and I can confirm your impressions about the dedication of the high school students to their sports varsities and their strong identification with their school. This is indeed unheard of in any other European school. Indeed this was creating an overwhelming sense of competitiveness amongst students, also in social terms. i.e.with institutions like "homecoming queen (and king)" etc. Principally it is a good thing, however it kind of leaves those behind who cannot perform as well. It creates a kind of two class environment: those with varsity high-school letterman jackets and those with none.
as a dutchie, we do have that, but for university students, wish it was for high school too, but VWO for example might be too time consuming for sport teams like that.
Strange though, since at the highest level (Olympics), it's the European countries who have the most olympic medals per capita. The Netherlands have way more medals per capita than the US
Super interested to hear this, as I’ve always wondered how youth sports work in Europe! I agree that it can be beneficial for Americans kids… but it’s also a major source of stress and more time in cars. So much time in cars. Sigh.
As a British/Canadian living in both countries extensively, your viewpoints are so fair and balanced. I'm always scared of watching these videos but I can tell you really are authentic. Great video!
@@evernight. nah that's a bs people keep repeating to themselves... Canada REALLY looks like the US tbh lol Yes a little slower, but still quite consumist, people only talk about work and buying stuff as well lol
I moved to the Netherlands about 6 months ago from Portland, Oregon and I agree almost 100% (I miss the selection in grocery stores). Especially the part about work. I miss having team mates being motivated and opinionated. I do not miss the excessive work hours, lack of vacation, no employee protections, etc. It has also been hard to break myself of asking someone what they do when I meet them. I miss the nature but I love that it’s so easy to travel here (and I get 5.5 weeks of vacation a year and it doesn’t get used with sick time). It’s also a huge relief to feel like my 6 year old daughter is safe, I don’t have to worry about her getting shot at school.
@@nestpasunepipe1619 Exactly! In the US if you get sick for a week, you are using up your vacation time. Even then, it’s common for companies to push you to “cash out” your vacation time rather than use it.
Portland is just another US city suffering Death By Democrat. It's one big homeless camp now and every day there is a new report of a business closing it's doors due to the crime
As a fellow American also in The Netherlands, depending on what you envision when you say 'nature', there's things in The Netherlands that might fit. Like in and around just Amsterdam, there's forests, parks, beaches, camping places, etc all in comparative abundance from any US city. Further out, there's the various islands to the north and a mountain (hill really) to the south. The thing to keep in mind is that The Netherlands is both small and extremely connected by American standards. Going across the country to visit some distant park is going to be a couple of hours at most and if you're in the Randstad, probably like... a 20-40 minute train ride. Heck, it's a couple hours to the next country over if you want to do that. :)
Everything you say is true. I just can't take being stressed 24/7 just for a dollar that isn't going to pay the bills. My quality of life is important to me, so is enjoying my time on earth.
Man David, I think you're spot on with all your observations. I'm a born and raised Dutch citizen who lived in the US for 1.5 years. While I admired the ambition and work ethic of people and I've enjoyed the landscape more than in my home country (if you exclude all the stroads in suburbs), I've come to appreciate The Netherlands much more now, for all the things you mentioned. The healthcare, the livability for cyclists and pedestrians, the healthier people, the lack of gun obsession and inevitably related mass shootings, the room for people to form a political opinion outside of a binary model, etc. Your video made me reflect on my time spent in the US and value the world that exists here, so thank you :)
Same here. I'm Belgian and I have been living in the US since last September. I regularly used to come here to visit my American wife, but every time I visited I was selectively blind to how absolutely terrible things are here: the car and work centrism; the systemic racism that birthed crime & gang life and consumes every city; the shootings from which no one in the US (however young or old) is safe from; the absurd cost of healthcare... I didn't (want to) see these things because we were either in a small town or a college campus (neither of which represent the average American city) and, to me, it felt like life in the US felt similar to life in Europe, but with more upsides. I cursed Belgium out all my life for the absurdly high taxes and extremely low pay. I guess I didn't know what I had until I lost it, lol. I do like being paid twice to thrice what I would've been paid in Belgium (especially since everyday things in America cost about the same in both places). However, that comes with a whole lot of stress & very little free time, and I don't know if you've ever noticed but: it's expensive to de stress in America. I'm trying to take my wife to several places in Europe to sort of get her attached to a specific place. So far she really likes Amsterdam. Let's see where life takes us... haha
Christians are arrested all over Europe, for preaching the Bible in the UK (Pastor John Sherwood, 71, London), under Pride-ideology. No matter, this world shall pass. 2. TIMOTHY 3: "12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
@@nipo2540 You must be new to the US. We've always had poverty, gangs, racial tension, gun violence. Yes that same USA that saved and helped rebuilt Europe while it was lynching blacks and discriminated Asians, Mexicans at home. Yet no European nation has absorbed immigrants and let them rise and succeed like the US. To understand that is to understand the US. It's both sublime and ugly. If you think systemic racism doesn't exist in Europe, then you haven't seen it from a minority or immigrant's pov.
Thanks for sharing Boudewijn-interesting to hear the opposite experience. There are definitely things I love about the US...and things I love about the Netherlands...and very grateful to have had the experience of both worlds! You also made me do some reflecting right now so thank you :)
Left the US back in 2020, lived in Central America for about a year and a half, came back home in spring 2022. My body, mind and spirit still have not been able to get comfortable here. It’s so much, not just the consumerism, but the people’s mindsets here, the way energy is transferred and exchanged, and the drastic nature of getting a $15 latte on the same block as tent city. I, too, went to the ER cause the food here is so hard on my kidneys. It’s been hard for me to re-adapt to this environment. Actively seeking my next destination.
You hit the nail on the head with every, single point you made. This is the experience most visitors from overseas (i.e. the other 96% of the world) have when they travel to the US. And yet, unless they leave the country and live elsewhere for a while (to gain a balanced perspective), most Americans will either argue that America is the best and that universal health (free) care is bad, or else they are totally oblivious just how crappy their lives are compared to almost every other developed nation.
You lost me with 'most.' I don't think that's true. As an example, more Americans want government healthcare than don't. And only about 20 percent think the U.S. is the 'best' country in the world. And I think visitors to the U.S. are going to naturally gravitate towards tourist destinations which are often cities. They're not seeing the diversity of the country. Societal and geographic.
@@teejay3272 I totally agree that it is not "most", and we as a nation don't fully hold those beliefs. One needs to be careful not to use the very vocal members of one side to determine the opinions of the whole.
The US is a large place. Incomes in most skilled jobs would make the average European pretty jealous. These same jobs cover health insurance. It isn't as dystopian as the news / youtube would have you think.
I’m in eastern MA near boston and it’s pretty dystopian now. Health care costs are out of control. My coworkers are afraid to see the doctor because of how much it could cost. Lots of stressed out, angry Americans. I can’t even drive 2 miles to the store without someone tailgating me or road raging. @@nuke2373
Being born in the US and A; I moved to Switzerland and have become double citizen. The part you mention about America being so divided is very true and honestly hurts me. While living in Europe, I always had this image of my home country being this superpower and happy place where I grew up as a kid. Compare to nowadays and it is very true that the mainstream media has caused so much damage, playing the people against another with their divisive identity politics
Yes I agree.. main stream media I call government funded media… I try to avoid it The greater population of all countries want peace… so much propaganda to block the beauty.
Amazing video! I am Canadian and have lived for 5 years now in Sweden and everything you mention is spot on, even though it is less extreme in Canada. I'm sadden to think that one needs to go live in another country to realize the extent of the problems in America (not just US) and open the mind to other cultures and way of life. In Sweden, I love the amount of vacation, the (more or less) low pressure at the workplace, the well-developed public transport and biking infrastructure, the better equality between genders and social classes, the openness of the society in general and much more. All the systems are so much better developed: welfare, pension, tax, healthcare, etc. I still think I will go back to Canada some day, because of family but I will be missing a lot from Europe.
Canada is being taken over by the "american way" of thinking in some ways with the over consuming, materialism, us against them politics, etc. the homeless isn't AS bad but is pretty bad in major urban areas. the more we stray from our British roots, the less Canadian we are.
Hello David, I am a French and i was thinking about experience the American dream. Having the European point of view (hope this will not offend you but after these 5 years in Europe I think that you really know the way of life in Europe) is really helpful for me. Thank you for your feedback. Hope the best for you and that you will be able to come back soon to Europe.
Thank you for capturing it all so well. After a couple decades in Silicon Valley tech (your observations are accurate down to the detail), I am moving to the Netherlands next month. Every American I know who has already made the move says the same things about how much their quality of life has improved. See you in the Netherlands! 🙂
Hi Jenny! Thanks for the kind words. And how exciting! Hopefully by the time you get settled in, the weather will be nice and the days will be long again. I hope (and think) you'll have a great time here. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and good luck with the move!
Im British - I know a couple of Americans in the Netherlands - they love it. It will take you about 2 years to adjust and you will get a period where you hate it, but it passes...
@ Jenny Hansen I am Dutch. And I see our country also changing. Under the influence of the USA and a very bad government. And it is not oke. Becoming money driven, fake society. Fast food and Lots of lipservice. Even the American movies are becoming more and more fake . The scandinavian are extremely good The USA will collapse in the end. But it will take time.
Canadian here! The first time I was in a large American grocery store we giggled about the huge aisle dedicated to processed breakfast cereals. It was actually pretty scary. We’d also never seen so much junk food and candy in a store. The produce section was tiny, with a limited selection. Not many healthy selections.
I been a couple times in Canada around Toronto/Kingston... and the exact thing you said i see in Canada. And the selection of healthy food is VERY VERY low in Canada. Everything fat, sugar, grease, fried. And a lot of Obese people in Canada as well.
@@HermanWillems Just curious - are you Dutch? I have heard about the healthy foods there. We certainly have too much processed food. We do have candy and sweet baked foods, but nothing like the unhealthy large sections of those in American supermarkets in the South. Southern cuisine is very heavy on carbs, gravies and sweet teas. Obesity can be found anywhere, but it’s prevalent there. Of course there are good food stores in the U.S. - more so up north and Southern California. I eat almost no processed food and cook from scratch. I have a large produce section to choose from, but would likely be amazed food shopping in the Netherlands. I hope one day to visit!
As another Canadian, specifically Ontario, it's pretty much the exact same here. Walmarts or Loblaws/Sobeys (and whatever grocery chains they own) for days. Though it is a tiny bit healthier, still not a big difference though.
All rings true. I am an Aussie, but lived in the US for 5 years doing a couple of postdocs. I found the US a mix of the extremes. Some absolutely great things about the place and some terrible. These extremes have often driven me to wonder whether we cannot have some of those upsides without the downsides. For instance, the entrepreneurial spirit, which I think great, but can it exist without the interpersonal comparisons and hustle culture. Or its worst form, a literal hustle. Partner and I did a road trip across the US before we left, and there were some places where it felt like the point of 80% of the activity was just to separate people from their money, unashamedly.
exactly - the USA has the best and worst of everything. People who will give you the shirt off their back, and people who will murder you for your sneakers.
My cousin works in Germany. The moment you clock out ur boss is not allowed to text, email or call you for work related stuff. For non-work related stuff he needs to take ur permission to contact you.
Some comments and additions to this video from a Swede who's been to the US many times: - First of all, really interesting experience, thanks for sharing! - People think they always want more choice, but what we should want is _good_ choices. Quality over quantity. - Cheap things always have an externalised cost. The US (or its corporations) being able to produce lots of cheap goods externalise that cost onto society, or cheap labor in poorer countries. Cheap junk food --> National health decline. The cheap leather you get in most products --> People in China and India are getting cancer and river downstream settlements are ruined due to water pollution. - As you said, people in the US don't have time. Everyone's always hustling. Everyone always tries to maximise the value out of everything, including traveling and vacation. But by doing that, people miss out on the most important part of such things; To be present, to enjoy things with no strings attached, to ruminate, and to just be. - You say "left VS right, democrats VS republicans". From my POV, it's really more right VS alt right. Any left wing party in Europe would be considered extremists in US politics, and most right wing parties would be more left than the democrats. - Another note on cheap things that US people tend to be against: things funded by tax money. The externalised cost is everyone's money, but what people don't seem to realise (even many in my own country) is that _everyone_ tends to get a lot more back than what they paid, even those who don't get the direct benefits from it. For example: "Better public transport? But I'm a car driver...". Well, less cars on the roads means less traffic, and less road maintenance, and freeing up land for better cities and environment. - Lastly, I don't have any perfect solutions to how we should solve these issues in the US (or issues in my country), although I have my ideas. Corporations and vested interests are a big part of the systemic issues that needs to be addressed, because societal progress based on human values are often in direct conflict with profit interests of corporations. Only when there's a large enough force that demand large enough changes will there be significant change. EDIT: Oh, forgot the most interesting thing: I can always notice an American at first glance in Sweden. Either it's because of their positive outgoing nature (which is a positive thing imo), or it's their twitchiness. Americans are constantly nervous and looking out for potential danger. Funnily enough, they don't realise it themselves when I ask about it. And the cool thing is, Americans who've lived in Sweden for a couple of years loose this trait.
Thanks for sharing and detailed reply! Appreciate it. Haha yes, one of my previous European flatmates noticed I was extremely positive and optimistic ("very American") even though I wasn't really feeling like that. I guess that is part of the American culture
Great write-up! I noticed the twitchiness in a friend of mine who'd lived in the US for a couple of years (we're Japanese), and came back to Tokyo. She was jumpy out at night in a way that no local here is. That made me sad but I guess every country has their own problems 🤷♀
This is what I am also feeling: "Any left wing party in Europe would be considered extremists in US politics, and most right wing parties would be more left than the democrats." The US just has two parties and no party is really "left". The American angst is socialism, which is funny, because the so called "European socialism" is really for the people and human. Eventhough its also a bit expensive, but its a good feeling to know that you will be talking care of if you pay your taxes as well. Another BIG POINT what really pisses my of in America. Nobody pays enough taxes. Its a corrupt system and I think it will soon come to an end. Which will be very very ugly....
I would move my family to Europe in a heartbeat. I don’t see how it could happen though. I’m an acupuncturist and those things have very specific licenses depending on the country. My husband is an app developer so occasionally he looks at European job openings, but never found anything. I love Europe, have been there a few times. My mom is 100% Swedish, my grandparents were first generation. I would love to live there. In fact I dream about it almost every week. There are people here who want European style Socialism, you don’t hear about them too much because they get drowned out by the media. Everything is so corporate and capitalistic here. Which is why Bernie Sanders didn’t make it far, but I wish he was more of the norm than the rest of the Democrats. I consider myself so left that I’m not even left. Simply for wanting universal healthcare, free education, less work, Time off after having a baby and willing to pay more in taxes for a higher quality of life.
I'm Dutch, and have lived in the US for more than 20 years. When I first arrived, I was completely overwhelmed in the supermarket. Still today, I prefer Trader Joe's (much smaller store), because it's so overwhelming in the big stores. Yes, work/non-work balance is very off in the US. I'm in The Netherlands now and everyone is on vacation, as every summer. It's expected and there's a change of pace... I do love the enthusiasm in the US and the hope of limitless possibilities. But, yes, in reality many people are struggling severely and I've seen the homeless population grow. It's very sad and unevenly divided.
The extreme form of capitalism , and workaholic drove the toxicity in the society as we see it today. The results? High suicide rates, addiction problems, gun violence, mental health issues, unending bigotry, rising poverty, etc
I was born in Oakland, grew up in Union City and moved to Eindhoven in 1990. Your video is spot on! I clearly remember the struggle when I had to buy food for my baby during a trip to California; I was so overwhelmed with the assortment in the grocery store! I agree with you that it would be difficult to move back home, but that doesn't mean that I don't get homesick at times...especially when I see the California coast as shown in your video! I can't tell you how much it still blows my mind that many of my Bay Area friends are struggling to keep their heads above water these days. They may earn more, but they definitely need more than we do in The Netherlands.
![American reacts to How Stupid are Americans? [part 1]](/img/1.gif)
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What do you think about life in the USA?
Hi 1:23
Hi
FYI Costco isn't true wholesale. They have it in their name but its a lie.
I moved to France 5 years ago. Came home to Maryland to spend Christmas with the family. I got sick, went to the ER, and came out with a bill worth $1,900. The doctor saw me a week later for a follow-up. I needed surgery and it would cost more than $ 45,000. I went back to France after the holidays, saw a doctor, got surgery, 2 months off work and I PAID NOTHING. Technically my taxes paid for it but it feels good to see my taxes at work. Believe it or not, I make half the money I made back home but my quality of life is better.
@@IbangedYaMamacommunism? 🤣🤣🤣. I pay 2% more in taxes than I did in America! That's like moving from Tennessee to Texas (both red states). In a communist country, the government owns all the means of production under 1 political party. Last time I checked, there were 11 national political parties in France and 3 federal parties in America.
Honestly I would rather pay the extra 2% if it meant I would be alive (haven't died on cancer yet but I would have in America). Also I don't have to worry about losing my home, going bankrupt, paying for my kid's college...sounds like a better deal. If you are part of the 1%, or an entrepreneur, America is for you. The rest of us, the 99% who work regular jobs, we would be better off in Europe
I want to move to France but was discouraged due to the lower salaries but Health care and safety is a major concern for me
@@Jamila91100Camara Let me ask you this: how much money do you have left or saved each month? If you have the same amount saved in each country, does it matter where you live? I've had cancer once in America and it emptied my savings account. $15,000 gone! After that, my premiums were through the roof.
I basically had to move to France to stay alive. Maybe that's not your case. I'm going back to school in France to get my master's degree and it will cost me $2,000 a year! You can't have it all. I chose cheap tuition, free healthcare, and half my former salary.
@@rameses1979 I am left with basically nothing even after getting a raise more money but I don't feel it. You make a great point and this comment will allow me to put things into perspective.
@@Jamila91100 I am glad I was able to help. Research your field before moving, and learn some French. With the last name Camara, your ancestors are probably from Senegal, Mali, Guinea, or Cote d'Ivoire. Maybe you already speak French which is a big plus! Being multilingual will make you more attractive to recruiters. The best thing would be working for an American multinational in France. The pay is better and you get to speak English in Paris. It will give you time to adjust and learn Parisian French. Good hunting.
My son broke his arm in Italy at the park. Some teenagers gave us a ride to where an ambulance met us. They transferred him to a hospital, x rayed and casted his arm. We are American and though we had travelers insurance, they never asked for any information. They just told us not to worry about it. The next day we missed the Saturday bus to the train. A local man saw us, took out his back seat, left it on the curb, packed our bags and rushed us to the station. The people there were incredible; I was gobsmacked. Such beautiful people.
America used to be like that. That is before the 1960s cultural revolution.
@@paulsmith1981 right. All of these complaints come from places without racial and cultural diversity. Too many choices at the supermarket is hilarious. These are complaints from people who need to be told what to do.
Me too, I am a Swiss and my daughter cut open her forehead in Italy. We took her to hospital to have her wound stitched and when we wanted to pay they told "no, no, hospital care is free for children".
How sweet a people Italians are and children are sacred there. So much heart!!!
@@juliamaxwellmarin Not true. In 1986, Congress passed the Emergency Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) which prohibits a practice commonly known as patient dumping, which is the transfer of a patient from any private hospital to a public hospital because of the patient’s inability to pay for the treatment. Medicare and Medicaid pay for patients requiring emergency care and inability to pay.
@@lenarae3845 I am speaking based on personal experience. So very true sadly. Thank you.
I''m a retired working-class American (from Oregon) who has lived in The Netherlands for 2.5 years. I hope to remain here. I do miss the nature - fast rivers, mountains, huge forests, wild coastlines. I do NOT miss the consumerism, social stratification, grinding work culture, rising poverty, and political schism that pervades day to day life there. All my Dutch acquaintances say "We have problems here too" and I know they are right - but things are much better managed here. More civility, more relaxed life style, more peace of mind. People seem not to be afraid they will loose everything if there is a problem with work, or with health, or other uncertainties. Lots of fear in America.
I am 5-7 years from retirement and in my early twenties I decided to take my vacations outside of America. I wanted to see the world and experience it from a local perspective. It was a life changer as I stopped assuming about motive and reason. The American lifestyle is so pervasive and even when traveling many things are designed to accommodate us. 'We Americans' don't have the answers/solutions to so many things. so it benefits us to 'stop talking' and do more listening/observing.
Everything you describe about America is true but at the same time no one has to fully embrace the culture that permeates everything. In my mid-forties I reflected on how I wanted to live in my later years and set a course to get me to the Netherlands as I approach sixty. As you mention, the Netherlands are not perfect but the nation has made conscious decisions that inform the citizens, spending priorities, and social policies. If you embrace these notions, it can be a great place to live. The Pacific North West is one of the most beautiful parts of America and I too will miss it when I relocate. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing Denise. Hope you are enjoying retirement!
My little 2 cents on the landscape comparison. There's also huger rivers, mountains and forests in Europe too. Just not in the Netherlands lol. I'd say especially not in the Netherlands. But there's flat and boring states in USA too for example. What about Kansas anyone? Lol. So i don't really understand that sentiment tbh. I mean you're not more bound in The Netherlands than you are in Kansas, to go and visit mountainous areas in the vicinity.
If you miss the nature, just imagine living in Wyoming.
@BrokenCurtain one could also go to Austria, Switzerland, southern Germany, Italy. Spain. Norway. Sweden. Poland. Bulgaria. Etc etc. Lots of places in Europe with beautiful nature. Which is very close, so i don't understand the sentiment.
I live in Spain and my experience has been the same. There's something else I noticed, people in general don't look happy in America; they look tired. I love the US of my childhood, the one I return to when visiting family and friends is not something to look forward to. It makes me wish my loved ones were closer.
your absolutely right we are tired my friends are tired too it's a rat race out here always worrying about paying bills i let my wife do the shopping because when i go i cant make up my mind on what to get overwhelming is the perfect word for it.
@Jesse - I am considering a move to Spain myself. I am becoming more and more desperate to escape a country that no longer feels aligned with my values before I settle down and try and start a family. Wondering if you might be up for letting me pick your brain about Spain a bit? It's at the top of my wish list for countries I'd like to move to.
Idk I find the people in the US more friendly than most places, at least pretending to be happy
Of course, no problem. I've been here for over 10 years now.
@@JoeyBarone
Look at people in Germany.
They look more tired and frustrated.
This is not a put-down of America in general, which I still think is a fantastic country even though I now live in Tokyo Japan. I'm just sharing an anecdote about an occurrence in Italy. One time in Rome, my wife tripped on a step and suffered a severe cut on her forehead, and we sat on a curb to control the bleeding. A venue attendant noticed us and recommended calling an ambulance. Initially, we declined, but he insisted, so we accepted. The ambulance took us to a hospital where my wife received treatment and stitches. During this time, I sat in the waiting area, and contemplated the cost of the care which I assumed would be several thousand dollar, but we never received a bill. When my wife emerged from the treatment room, she sat with me in the waiting area, and we waited for settlement paperwork. A nurse noticed us after 20 minutes or so, and asked if we needed anything else. I inquired about the bill and learned that as tourists, we didn't have to pay and we were free to leave. As an American, this seemed unimaginable, and I marveled at the kindness of Italians.
In America that Ambulance ride alone wouldve been 3-5k. Absolutely insane. Thanks for sharing!
The marvels of universal healthcare
I love your vids. If we could teleport to enjoy the most enjoyable parts of all countries..
woww!!! that is... wow.
@@cormoranoimperatore8413 yup and it only cost someone a significant chunk of their lifes worth to get there.
In Europe we don't have free drinks refill but we have free healthcare.. Of course somehow we all paid for " that free", but I prefer paying for healthcare than for unhealthy drinks!
Haha yes Marina =) I hope you got the sarcasm in the video. While I do like my free public restrooms...I would much rather have free healthcare =)
@@hidavidwen even in Europe many restrooms are free.. Malls, caffes, stores hv free restrooms.. Therefore.. Better Europe in any case🤣
Don't fool your self; it's not free. You pay for it in taxes. Not saying it's bad, but nothing is free!
@@gosmarte669 better paying taxes to hv Healthcare than a big army!!!
@@gosmarte669 yes ofc but it’s a good system
Maybe not for those who don’t need any medical treatment till they die but for those who get 5 times cancer + need a heart transplant in their lifetime it’s awesome cause it will cost them „just“ 14,6%/month
French here. I have family friends who moved to the US a few years ago. They told me although they missed their baguettes (yeah, that was their main complain), they liked the USA in the way that everything is much "simpler" there. As in: you want something, you can get it as long as you have money. Few papers to fill in, few bureaucy. Things go quicker. But one bad injury, and you can be indebted for years. This is very scary to them.
I remember one of them saying "One accident and you lose it all. No wonder Americans pray so much"
That’s a myth. I pay $20/month for comprehensive private health insurance in the U.S. with zero out of pocket and no preexisting condition exclusions.
@@bradl2636 Well please spill the beans because i pay $456 a month for health insurance and my deductible is $2500 with a $20 copay. And i am 35 and healthy for the most part.
@@willvasquez3883 Do you file Form 1040 Schedule D and Schedule E with your taxes? If not, no disrespect to you personally but, you’re a “Tax Chump”. Don’t be a Tax Chump. The wealthy are mostly ordinary folks who took the time to study the Tax Code and to structure their affairs to play the game to their advantage. Same thing applies to the Affordable Care Act.
We carry insurance and probably pay an amount comparable with taxes in France for that “free healthcare”. At least we have the peace of mind knowing there is always a bed, excellent care, and the freedom to choose our physician.
" Few papers to fill in, few bureaucy. Things go quicker" Well thats France. It's not the rest of Europe. In the Scandinavian countries you do your tax declaration on 15mins. It takes 2 days in Usa from what I heard.
As a British person, I used to complain about our National Health Service,because of delays and other things, until my wife and I got talking to a waitress in San Luis Obispo,California, who was ill but continued to work because she couldn't afford to pay for treatment. She told us that the only medication she had, had been donated to her, by her friend who was a veterinarian surgeon ! I won't be complaining about our treatment any longer !
A friend of mine who moved from Italy to the UK is shocked at how poorly the NHS performs. He was terribly sick and they didnt even check what he had, they simply prescribed paracetamol
How many people has the British government killed because it decided that they aren't worth spending the limited resources of socialized medicine on?
my british friend who lives in california says the british system is no better than those in the US. and we have better hospitals and medical schools, and we have more major markets for treatments and procedures.
@@RobertMJohnson The British NHS sucks and the American system is amazing if you're rich. Now... healthcare in France , Belgium and Italy is unparallelled!
The healthcare in the UK is shit lol. The US is 10 times better.
As an American living in Berlin, what you said about the US reminded me of so much... So much I'd like to forget. Most people I still talk to there considers the condition of the US to be rather inevitable. They believe "that's just the way it is" or they know it's not like that but have no clue what to do about it.
As an example, I had 2 surgeries last year, both went great and I paid zero dollars and never argued with my insurance company one time. My agent literally said, "Yeah, no worries, we'll take care of it." and just paid the hospital. I wanted to cry. I wanted to cry and fucking scream because I, and so many friends, almost lost their jobs because of being injured and therefore being unable to work. If they lost their jobs, they'd lose their healthcare and there is no safety net to keep them from smashing on the proverbial rocks. My European friends looked at me with sidelong glances like, "dude are you okay?" They don't get it. Keep your 47 different types of tomato sauce. The labels are different, the ingredients are all the same which almost always includes HFCS. I'd rather take reliable trains, read books and not go bankrupt when I need medical attention.
I wish I could start a program to abduct Americans in the night and move them to Europe for 3 months, just to show them.
Thanks for sharing your story. Oh wow, well first off, I hope you're recovered (recovering) from your surgeries. But also really nice to hear you got taken care of without stressing out. Health is probably the most important thing for humans, and healthcare is something we all need...it's just awful to hear of people who rack up tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt.
And curious..."Deepdowndutch"-haha what's the story behind the name?
Hey thanks for the response! I was in acting school in NYC and there were too many people with my first name in the class, so my acting teacher said, "I'm not calling out three Sean's every class. Someone give me a nickname." So I said, "Call me Dutch" Which was my gamer tag after Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in Predator xD@@hidavidwen
Lol Wake them up out of the Matrix of America
Americans suffer from a disease called "American Exceptionalism". They really believe they are the best country on earth. Whereas in reality, in most statistics that say anything about the well being of its citizens, they are mediocre at best and score well below most European countries except the former Warsaw Pact.
You made me feel so much compassion towards you that you can't imagine. Had to go back, find your comment again, and leave a reply. I hope you are good, your family is good and you heal your soul. And that americans become less stressed so that less ppl feel like loosers and less gun violence appears
As an American that's been living in eastern Europe for exactly 5 years now, you really hit the nail on the head. I absolutely love coming home for visits, but I really can't imagine living there again. So many societal problems. Definitely not a good environment for raising kids.
Ive also lived in Eastern Europe for a long time. And although in many ways it's better than the west, their governments are still extremely subverted. In the Baltics you had to show a vaxx QR code to enter a supermarket for example. Ill be moving even a little further east soon, if you know what I mean.
@@yeahnope620Can you elaborate wym by further east? I’ve been looking into Croatia , Albania and Czech Republic. I just want to take advantage of the fact that I work remotely while I’m in my 20’s.
@@Ksmoovey I honestly don't understand westerners who move to eastern europe. Why do you want to make less money?
@@Ksmoovey Yeah, ill give you a hint. It's the only country on earth that has social media that is free of censorship and the country's name starts with an R.
@@Riwecrew No ty.
I left the US at 16 years old and never looked back, just for visits. I live now in Iceland, and every time I visit the US I am extremely careful not to get injured or sick (it's a real worry).
My quality of life is unequalled. No hesitation.
Thanks Karen. Every time I go back, I am also extremely careful too-glad to hear I'm not the only one. I also am never 100% sure of what my insurance covers or not.
How is life in Iceland???
@@hidavidwen life here is quiet, clean, peaceful, safe, easy to travel to and from, and full of very interesting people, events, culture, arts, and of course stunning untouched purity of nature just half an hour's drive away.
I‘m sure if you have Insurence in Iceland, you can get sick everywhere in the world.
@@wenderwisney the thing is you don't have to have insurance in most of the developed world. If you get sick you get treated at no cost. So she does not necessarily have insurance in Iceland, as it is a developed country.
@@wenderwisney yes, except in the US. because it's the only country in the world where you'll get billed 10 000$ for fainting instead of, at worst, a couple hundred. They would rather fly you home at no cost to be treated.
Grew up in Inglewood CA, moved to West Africa 3 years ago and this is exactly how I feel going back. The weight gain, talking about work with friends, everyone being so busy, people getting sick, the violence, the news cycle...
lol I like how you only look at the bad things. You forget there's more opportunity here than anywhere else on earth.
U ryt I hate us
@@FightingSportsMedia lmfao
because Africa never has violence.
@@RobertMJohnson guns aren't legal in any african country you goofy. If its a west african country thats not in war trying to rid itself of colonizers its a 1000x safer than the US. Senegal is ranked 34th in safety index, America is ranked like 128th in safety index of all countries get off the high horse
I'm a Canadian who has lived in Amsterdam for almost 7 years. Like you I miss the nature of North America but going back for me is quite a culture shock and a bit cringy at times. The consumerism, work-first, car-first culture, "false friendliness" and lack of directness are all things I don't miss. I also feel overwhelmed by the comical level of selection at stores and how good ingredients and quality take a back seat to synthesized ingredients, way too much sugar and preservatives. And last, while Canada has some similarities in social systems, rights, etc, I feel like the government and European Union makes a more honest effort to improve the lives of citizens first and not line the pockets (bail out, etc) of big, evil businesses. I feel this people-first mentality is a product of a lot more maturity and a focus on personal happiness/life over work
No bail outs unless it is a big bank that gambles with money of their customers.
about people first: European approach to legalise unknow stuff: prove it is harmless than go. USA approach: until it is not proven harmful go.
Left-wing policies are still strong in Europe. Americans brand anything left-wing as terminally evil communism, so they rather die in the gutter.
Young country with quite immature views of the world and destructive foreign policies.
If you miss the nature, Finland is a very short flight away from Amsterdam and you will find a very similar, but not the same experience as in Canadia. Go there hiking or a long weekend retreat, I guarantee you will enjoy your time. While there, do try the classic Finland experience things. If you plan ahead couple of months, you can find Flights very cheap, around 250e there and back, so it would not be very expensive for a weekend +1 day or so. Rent a cottage. Up north is more rural.
Norway is awesome too, though not part of the EU. I traveled there during summers as a kid. It was amazing
These videos make me appreciate the fact that I'm Dutch. I don't have a degree, and here you can have a decent life by just working in a supermarket.
And supermarket workers are appreciated, by someone who just works in an office.
@@dutchman7623 I feel like thats a huge difference too. All the ''flipping burgers'' jokes come from the US. Those easy low paying jobs are not disrespected at all here.
@@daano465 love that!!! Its wonderful living in Europe now that I think of it.
Thats how it should be, i don't mind somebody with a lot of responsebility and/or a job that requirers years of training to make a very nice salary. As long as the peeps om the other side get a normal living one. It's not that they don't provide an essentiel service. Heck the avarage cleaner or supermarket employee is more importent then me boss. We could function without him (not as good as with him). Now i hate to think how a supermarket looks like after a week with none filling up the shelves....
Thanks for sharing. That's a beautiful thing that I respect about the Netherlands-that one can live a decent life by working in a supermarket. That's not possible in the US unfortunately
My husband and I moved to Mexico eight months ago and I’m still detoxing from US culture. Reminding myself that I came here to slow down. Hardly anyone asks me what I do, the people here are warm, friendly, helpful and community oriented. Everyone walks, in fact we sold our car to be less dependent. Went back a couple of months ago and I’m glad we made this move, the US was literally killing us from stress!
Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear you are doing better in Mexico!
You're living my dream! Once I accumulate enough funds to leave I'll be off again to Mexico where I have friends that actually care about me.
That's my plan! I am glad you said all that!
Yeah not a lot of people talk about the detox from US when you move abroad. Then you find it hard to figure out why you lived in that stressful environment for so long.
Mexican here. Happy to read you're doing so much better down here!
I was homeless with only $2000 in my savings in DC.
I left America in 2018 to move to Malaysia as a fresh start.
I was 45 at the time.
I cried only because I wish I had done this years ago. The 1st time in my life I made real friends and kept a job since 2018 which is my new record.
Everything is slow paced and Everyone here including me are happy. Bye America!
I want to give you a hug so bad right now..... only in america could one be homeless with several thousand dollars in their bank account. I hope you are doing much better and are thriving. I'm leaving for France in less than one month on a 1 year work visa. I'm so scared, but so excited! I did live in Thailand for 2 years and that changed my life financially.... my rent was 250$/month. Then I returned to the USA and basically lost all my savings.....
I love that you said this. I am newly 46 and got a violation from my no ac apartment because I fed a cat..no joke. Before I was living in a van working a really good job! Always something here, having doubts about moving to Europe but something wont leave me alone and stop telling me leave . I am glad I read this ty.
As an American who is currently living in Paris and has been here for 6 years. I really related to this video. I LOVE America but I am also frightful of the "mess" we have gotten ourselves into regarding healthcare, lack of affordable food, gun violence, and excessive work culture.
Thanks for sharing, glad you could relate. Also relate to what you just shared too 🙏
I’m also an American, and while I also love it here, I desperately want to live in Europe because the lifestyle seems much more healthy and stress free. My father was born in Poland and my mother was born in Nigeria, so it’s really only my generation here. Do you have any tips for an American moving to Europe?
@@sharon6981 Hey I'm from Poland, but if you want to move to Europe, you should know that every country is a little different, different culture, people, etc., what country are you planning to move to?
How’s life there at the moment?
Update....France is burning and the rest of Europe is next...
The biggest point for me many fail to address that you sort of addressed is that in the US literally everything is some sort of show and entertainment - even serious topics, even violence, even politics. To me as a European that is absolutely insane.
Gotta entertain the masses and keep 'em stupid and coming back.
it's a show because someone needs to make money off of it. welcome to amerikkka where when kids get shot in a school some capitalist scumbag sees an opportunity.
Finally someone said it
they are really messed up in their head
This may seem like a random point to make, but are you aware of the helluva boss/hazbin hotel shows? (I recommend, if not, they're a youtube sensation). Short story, it's set in hell, where there are 7 rings (kind of like, 7 levels of hell) based on the 7 deadly sins. An analytic channel I follow posted a video discussing the different rings, and they compared the Pride ring to America. "a system based on milking people as much as possible, based on their vices, keeping you addicted to food, drugs, TV, social media - keeping you entertained no matter how terrible your quality of life is. It's an indefinite prison hoping to get you addicted to as many vices as possible." I found this so so true - it's exactly like America!!
No surprise being "prideful" and patriotic is such a big thing in America.
Our experience of US supermarkets was as exciting and overwhelming as going to a theme park. The most insane was seeing a plastic box containing one egg.
When I visited the US, entering my first Walmart felt the same - like a theme park experience! Us young Aussies and New Zealanders went straight to the sporting goods section and there next to the tennis racquets and fishing rods were shotguns and rifles. We took photos holding them (empty of course), Rambo style 😀 We just couldn't believe it.
I've never seen in in 56 years living in the USA
A plastic box with one egg? Where were you?
and the eggs in the US have to refrigerated because they washed all the cuticles off, which stops the bacteria getting in. C R A Z Y!
@@allenec-1374I would love to be able to buy just one or two eggs. It’s rare to find a half dozen box.
I couldn't agree more about everything you said. I grew up in Germany for the most part. My Dad was in the US Army and my Mom from Germany. The way of thinking in the US compared to Europe is totally different especially now. The division and hatred in this country is truly sad! My husband and I are considering moving to Europe in the future. Fingers crossed it comes to fruition. The medical in the US is outrageous. I have insurance and they Approved my sinus surgery in May now they're refusing to pay $22,000. I'm livid! I'm just mentally tired of all of it frankly. But c'est la vie!!
Ich bin arabisch aus deutschland 🙈
@lotuscabrio2937, you are not German,you are a migrant 😂
@@countydude8654 i am been here since 1985 and married to italian german. Sad reality for you
@@lotuscabrio2937 indeed a sad reality,hopefully Europe will be for Europeans one day,once again
Yea , ive cut myself so many times at work its not even funny anymore. 😂😂😂And i paid almost nothing.In europe you can integrate yourself easly black, chinese , white, arab , muslim good life -work balance.
I visited Italy this past year in my first European vacation. I was shocked at the cultural differences. The inexpensive amazing food, fast cheap trains, friendly chill people, beautiful historic sites, public spaces to just hang out and more, I loved it. I'm confident it's not perfect, but it definitely made me realize that we've got a lot to work on here in the US.
Italy is beautiful! Glad you had the chance to visit. There’s always room for improvement and things we can learn from other cultures
Glad to hear that you had a good time in our country! We are faaaar from perfect, we simply have different problems... That's all. And you have a lot of problems too, but you are a great country made of strong people, and you will find the courage to face those problems! We don't forget what america has done for us, deep inside we all belive in you!
Lot of work? All of America, from Canada to Argentina, will never be Europe.
I love Italy. It might be different depending on where you go in the country but I found people a lot more social and relaxed. The food tastes fresh and amazing. Every country has it's pros and cons.
Corruption is a big problem in Italy, and sometimes freedom of press. Food is amazing though.
After living in Rome for a year I went to the grocery store in my hometown in the U.S.
What I remember was experiencing the same sense of being overwhelmed.
Too much variety, most of it ridiculous. The cereal aisle was where I lost it.
I think Americans are given these unnecessary choices to distract them from their empty lives.
It's a cycle ... endless consumerism - endless want - endless dissatisfaction ... keeps everyone hooked on the coporate skewer.
This is one of the weirdest arguments against the US…I can get it being overwhelming, but how is having every grocery store stocked with unlimited food a bad thing? There are things to gripe about with the US but having too much selection of food and goods is definitely not one of them compared to most f the rest of the world
@@Captain_Cups I have seen many indications that the food industry involves a high level of waste. Excessive quantities of food items are produced, maybe as a strategy to deal with the competition. So a lot of products end up in the garbage. Competition is a big deal in the food industry. Take a basic cereal like Cheerios. In order to bump off other cereals Cheerios is produced in versions that imitate those cereals. At one time I remember there were over 10 varieties of Cheerios. What is the point of that? It seems to be just greed for a bigger share of the market. It appears that just about all cereals do that. All the while companies say they are satisfying customer needs. Yeah, right.
@@the_grand_tourer I think you are right. Long ago advertising companies came up with strategies to keep the masses in bondage. I remember when I was a kid I was just as much in love with the box that junk cereal came in, maybe even more so than the junk food inside. There were all those Saturday morning cartoon shows that had animated characters pushing novelty cereals. Who can forget those jingles? 1) Silly rabbit... Trix are for kids; 2) Coo coo for Cocoa Puffs; 3) Snap crackle pop, rice crispies... 4) Sugar Bear, etc
@@rr7firefly 40% of all food between farm and fork is wasted in the US, not far behind are other western nations. I also think volume is used as a selling trick, people think a moutain of food on your plate is good value, then a lot of it goes un-eaten.
Coming back to the US after being abroad for 2 years was a shock. Things I felt were normal in my first 25 years of life living in the US seemed strange when I came back. Each time I turned on the TV or radio, I felt like I was being yelled at. Just going shopping, I felt I was seeing so much waste. Everything felt like it was covered chemicals.
The last sentence is something i noticed. I want to eat healthy and every food has some hydrogenated something. I’ve heard in Japan that people there look younger than their age. It makes me wonder about the food we have here in the US
@@toastedtarts4044 food in the US is definitely quite processed. I was in an area of NZ where most people would go to a butcher for fresh meat and the bakery for fresh bread. There were farmer's markets every week where you'd get your produce fresh. I got accustomed to the taste of fresh food and ate a lot less packaged foods. Coming back here, I got sick eating packaged foods for the first little bit and my tastebuds would sting when eating foods I used to easily eat before. Even the produce and meat here has a chemical taste to it. Probably from preservatives to make food last longer. I think we're so used to terrible food here and addicted to it that we don't even realize how bad it is.
@@coolbreeze5683 fresh farmers market foods sound very good. It also sounds fun to get fresh meat from butchers and fresh bread from bakers
Well those things are true! The treatment I got after getting back was really shocking to me I got hate stares from someone for trying to leave the bathroom when she was entering like it was my fault (it’s a swinging door hello) and someone screaming and cussing at me at a stop sign for making them wait two seconds to go. People who never leave the states turn into a compartmentalised version of humanity for some reason. They can’t see out of their own head and life It’s a box
@@coolbreeze5683 the shelf life is prioritized over everything else. That must speak loud for itself
My family and I traveled to Germany and Switzerland a few years back and I remember being devastated to have to return to the US on the way home.
Europe was much more wholesome than the materialistic, money driven, career title driven USA. Plus, everybody was quieter, it was safer, the quality of products were far superior, no takeout containers to mass produce garbage…I can go on.
Much love to Europe❤
How can the EU be safer when most are not allowed to have guns ?
because u dont need guns for nothing :) @@N1h1L3
@@N1h1L3bruh
@@N1h1L3 Because guns make you less safe, not more safe.
2:57 be@@N1h1L3
I'm from Belgium, and I broke my leg in the mountains in Switzerland. I had to stay 3 days in hospital and had surgery because it was very bad. Then, 3 mounths of physiotherapy every 2 day at home, and I couldn't work during 10 weeks. My insurance is the basic one that everybody has here, about 10 $ a mounth. The global cost for hospital and surgery was negative ( my country has an agreement with Switerland like with every other country, except the US and North Korea), so it was about 90% covered, but I could come back home by myself with friends ( and normally they should pay for the transport, so they gave me back 380 $ more than I spent for that reason). And for 3 mounths physiotherapy I paid about 150 $. For the 10 weeks out of work, I was paid at 85%. I know that many in the US believe that we are some kind of communists while they are the "country of the freedom". But if I was living in the US, I would be so afraid of the cost of an accident that I wouldn't go to the mountains anymore, I wouldn't ride my motobike anymore and and wouldn't do any sport of any kind. And for me, that, precisely, would be against my "freedom".
Month and months. Not mounth and mounths :D
May I conclude. This has nothing to do with communism - but everything with people who are royally abusing the system. You must be out of your f..en mind - how many weeks for a broken leg? Shame on you. The only part that relates to communism is the complexes that you found that helped you fleece the health insurance system.
@@XmatineeX you can speak Flemish can you, no? I thought not :D
Flauw.
@@stevenmilstead9437 but do you get 5 weeks paid holiday? Oh and try reading the other comments, the best one's are from Americans living in Europe. Read and weap.
I'm also an American living in the Netherlands and everything you've pointed out is spot on. I've only been here for 2 years but whenever I return to my hometown once the joy of being with my friends again wears off I find myself itching to return to the Netherlands. I love my home even with the many problems the country has and I hope that things can change in the future, but you can't deny that the difference in the quality of life is striking
I feel you. I still call California home but at the same time, it doesn't really feel like home anymore. I miss it. And I miss my family and friends a lot...but yeah I'm still enjoying the ride over here in the Netherlands-life is different here.
Globalism
It's not entirely accurate. There are many more than 2 brands of toilet paper in NL, even if someone doesn't make it beyond AH. Not 40 I grant you, but enough. Also lots of different versions of the same product for other things, especially coffee. Whilst NL might seem very different on the surface, it's one of the birthplaces of capitalism and that spirit runs very deep here. So all the competitiveness and class divisions and political divisions are there, even if they're not paraded around all the time. And homelessness? I've watched it skyrocket over 20 years in NL as the EU has implemented standard neo-liberal economic policy.
@@baronmeduse I definitely agree, I think any country has these sorts of issues beneath the surface, and discussing them in the depth they need/deserve can be difficult. I think the point of this video/my general sentiments is just that there are striking differences in everyday life for someone who grew up in the US and then moves to the Netherlands/many other places where the lifestyle is similar to NL. This video is albeit a bit idealistic maybe, but also clearly rings true for many immigrants from the US. There's definitely a real discussion to be had about issues in NL (rising homelessness like you said, housing costs/shortages, the very real capitalistic/colonialist history here, healthcare issues etc) that just wasn't the point of this particular video from what I gathered though I don't want to speak on behalf of David. You definitely make valid points though :-)
@@sydverse127 That's a fair point. Not everything can be addressed in a single video.
What's interesting to me is that you equated that getting a better job and being ambitious makes you a better person. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think being a better person for me is staying healthy, being kind, etc. So that's definitely something we differ in.
How do you think being healthier and being able to be kind came to be? Surely not by frolicking in nature like our ancestors. You wouldn't even be writing this comment if it was not for the workaholic Americans. Tell me 1 modern innovation that Europeans created?
@@TheBrazilRulesyi think your wrong. Just think about asml and Zeiss as one example. They invented and have a monopoly on euv machines. Probably one of the most important innovation for present and future.
@@TheBrazilRules UK invented the steam engine. Which is the most game changing invention in terms of BIP in mankinds history.
The jet engine, TV, nuclear reaction, dowel, anti baby pill, chip card, air bag, mp3... and this is only Germany... not even touching chemical stuff.
Linux is from Finnland and without Linux, no android.
As an european, modern american inventions? Internet, plane, windows, smartphones/tablets, Boston Dynamics is interesting, Tesla is only developing and has not pioneered electric cars.
@@AkselGAL Linux is definitely one of the greatest things ever created, but it wouldn't be as good as it was without the GNU core utilities which was created mainly by Americans. I think it just goes to show that technology is a global collaborative effort. Every country/region creates innovations that the rest of the world can benefit from.
I agree - that was a really interesting statement!!
I'm from Spain, and one of the things that shocks me the most about the US (among many others) is the way cities are designed and organised there. Here I have everything within a 10 minute walk: lots of bars/restaurants, shops, supermarkets, doctors, the hospital, public transportation (bus, metro and train), banks, lawyers, the post office, schools, and a long etcetera. It amazes me how in the US you can go literally nowhere without a car, to the point that many streets doesn't even have sidewalks. They feel soulless, a bunch of identical residential areas sorrounded by highways, and city centers full of towers and parking lots that are totally dead after 10 pm. I remember thinking as a kid how cool americans are because they can get their driver license at 16 years old. Now as an adult I understand why that is: because kids depend entirely on their parents to move arround, unlike here in Europe.
You take your life in your hands, if you dare to drive in any of the big cities in Spain. Those four-lane city speedways, a la Madrid, are to die for...literally! Spain is very clean, but it smells funny; kind of like Olive oil. BTW, Spain is how many square miles; say, in comparison to the U.S.A?
@@MsPegW Lmao, you keep posting your ragebait comments, at least I will not become homeless just because I commited the horrible crime of getting Cancer.
@@MsPegW I mean, appart from some streets in tourist sections, I'd say that Spain smells ok.
Oh man really? With places like batonrouge, Skid row etc where people shoot up drugs openly you're in no position to make fun of Spain, Try India, Africa lmao@@MsPegW
L take @@MsPegW
I live in a very small country in central Europe and I'm shocked to read other people's comments about needing medical attention and paying huge sums of money for that. It's unfathomable to me that one would get charged so much money for even a basic checkup. I work as a teacher in a public school and earn an average salary which enables me more than a decent life - I can rent my own apartment, get a loan if I ever want to buy my own flat, I can travel and have paid both sick and vacation leave. If I decide to get pregnant, I will also get a 12-month paid maternity leave. For this standard of living in America, I can't even imagine how much money I should make to live this comfortably. It's just crazy.
An older friend of mine collapsed from exhaustion and overheating doing a 100K bike ride in 35+ deg. centigrade temps. The ambulance trip cost him over $2,000. The next time it happened and another rider saw him lying on the side of the road they called EMS but he got back up and finished the ride rather than incur the expense a second time.
The US is in decline and it is clear now a lot of this is being done deliberately. There are geopolitical forces at work that are trying to reshape the world and they have to diminish US power to do it.
Believe me, here in the US teachers in public schools do not earn an average salary.
America sucks. Healthcare exists here to make insurance companies rich and patients get surprise bills even *after* paying co-pays, monthly premiums and deductibles!! Oh, and some of our teachers need a 2nd job to make ends meet. teaching in public schools here is not a respected profession like in so many other countries. Politics here in America is SO toxic no matter what side you are on. Some other countries just have elections to elect leaders. Here, we have endless "official" debates that exclude 3rd party candidates, a YEARS-worth of paid advertisements on tv and major politicians who now regularly state that when they lose an election it is fraud every time.
Rent, healthcare, childcare, college, food and transportation are very expensive here and that's one reason 70% of workers live paycheck-to-paycheck.
I am an American (with European parents) and I think America *really* sucks.
In 2003 bought an abandoned house on 80 acres in rural America. My two sons and I made the house habitable and they learned many skills during the process. We chopped wood for heat and lived simply. However, my work was very stressful. I traveled from the Midwest to New York City and the east coast about one week out of every month. In 2007, my sons were in college and the stress of paying for their education eventually gave me a perforated ulcer that sent me to a hospital. In rural areas, medical rescue ambulances are operated by volunteers (mostly farmers). They put on their overalls and arrived at my farm in about 20 minutes, at 3AM. From the nearest hospital I was flown by helicopter to a larger, regional hospital. After patching me up (I nearly died), the bill came to around 100K. Insurance covered a portion, but the remainder of the hospital bill ate up most of my savings. Later that year my son, who joined the Marines after college, was wounded in the shoulder. He was discharged, but the US Government did not fix his arm (all ligaments were torn, only his muscle was holding things in place). I found a doctor who was a Corps Medic in his earlier days and he fixed up my son for less than what it would have cost elsewhere. Still, it cost me another 10K.
My son, who is built like a Navy Seal and is very stoic, decided that he wanted to continue serving his country and joined the navy as a linguist (he speaks Mandarin and Pashto). It's a bitch living in this country, and now we have Woke madness to contend with and the resulting urban hellscapes. I wonder how long the USA will be able to find people like my son who are willing to defend it?
Spot on! Actually, there are studies proving that if an individual has too many choices, the body releases cortisol (stress hormone). Overconsumerism also leaves you with nothing but emptiness in the end (and incredibly taxes the environment). Superficial hustling for money is also a short-sighted lifestyle. In Europe the emphasis is on friends, positive social interactions and hobbies.
Friends in Europe. What a joke
Depends on what part of Europe
And beer! You know it's illegal to drink in the streets in the US?
Also, being drunk in public is an offense - what is deemed an individual choice in Europe gets you in jail in the land of freedom. Not joking.
@@TheBrazilRules we have real friends, not the Brazilian type.
@@TheBrazilRules No time for friends in US. When people have worked like dogs for decades you are so tired that you just give up, and when you retire you just have enough energy left to lean back and die, great.
I visited twice USA for tourism. I came fron Italy. I didn't find variety of real food at all at supermarket....Just processed and industrial...but the variety of real and fresh food that you find in Italy...of genuine products grown in a area of max 100 km with no brand...USA consumers can't Imagine. If sodas artificial ..cereals with a ton of Sugar...are considered variety then you are right
You are spot on! I already noticed that 20 years ago in California. Everything was junk or EXTREMELY expensive, some high quality food was available in specialty stores, but not for the masses
Thanks Stefano. Yeah, there are a lot more regulations in Europe over what goes in your food.
We do have health food stores, at least in the bigger cities
You are comparing a tiny country population wise with the US with more than 330 Million people living in it. There is no way that much food can be produced the healthy way
@@amdusa77 60 million is not tiny but ok😂
Traveling to ten countries in two weeks defeats the whole purpose of a vacation. It is stressful work. A wonderful, sober and personal presentation. Bravo.
It’s stressful indeed. Thanks 🙏
I concur, i usually prefer taking 2 weeks for just one country 😊
Im going on vacation for 2 months to Bali while still getting paid my salary, perks of working in the Netherlands. Not trying to brag, just trying to show whats possible.
Yup, agree 100%. Moved to Sweden from the US a year and a half ago, and just don't think I could ever go back. My quality of life is so much better! Although my current salary is about 1/3 what I was making in the US, the crazy thing is that I have more money left over at the end of each month than I did living in Boston. Everything is so much cheaper here, but when you add the relaxed work / life balance and 5 or 6 weeks of vacation, you just can't ever go back. And I mean REAL vacation--no one emailing, texting calling or slacking you! You get enough time to not only travel to someplace new, but also actually hang out and enjoy the places you visiit rather than just ticking off a list of places you've "been" (so American). Or you can just chillax at home or get work done on projects and hobbies. Oh, yeah, and I love all of the well-maintained roads and infrastructure complete with separate bike paths that barely even cross a road.
Now I wonder how expensive Boston is :-), because compared to Germany (where I live) Sweden is quite expensive. We would love to take our kids there on vacation, but haven‘t done it yet because of the cost involved.
It was funny: We went to Sweden on our honeymoon, 18 years ago. All tourists were conplaining about the high costs - but we were living in Munich at the time, so nothing felt expensive for us. :) I guess it always depends on what prices for food, drinks, accomodation you are used to.
@@NinaKatharinaWeber I think Sweden is cheaper now because the exchange rate is 1€ = 11.9 kroner. Today we went down to our local Thai Restaurant (Thai Palace) here in Karlshamn and had a buffet lunch for our family of 4 and it cost us 420 kroner (2 adults @ 125 kr and 2 kids @ 85 kr) which works out to 35,20€ or $38 US (at today’s exchange rate) That would be an incredible bargain in Boston (although in the US you would also be expected to add a 15% tip, bringing the total to $47.30-which would STILL be a bargain for an “all-you-can-eat” buffet lunch for a family of four. Meanwhile, one of my best friends lives in Lübeck, and now owns a summer house not far from here. He told me (when I visited him in July) that the food prices here seem much lower than in Germany. So perhaps it’s time for you to start planning your next trip here. 😊
I know. I went to an international school in CA several years ago. The students from Germany, only working part time and having their own apt's., on that part time wage and got a scholarship from the country to study in another country for $10,000 back in the 90's. We were floored at those things. I/we could never do that here. Their lives sounded so much more relaxed and humane. At the end of the day all the European's would walk outside for an hour, not power walking, just walking, then go home, a small dinner and read, to bed. Sounded lovely.
I had the same experience moving from NYC to NL. We took a 75% paycut and still felt like we came out ahead. I dearly love the US friendliness and optimism…..though for me the quality of life trade-offs stop me moving back every time.
Would you say everything is cheaper at the same ratio, or is it particular things like rent/mortgage, and what else?
I'm in Australia, apparently expensive, and may need to consider living in the US.
I'm worried about the lack of vacation time in the US. And having to work a lot of unpaid overtime as a professional.
Europe appeals to me more, but I don't want to learn another language.
Also I love not needing to deal with snow in Australia!
I am a German citizen, I studied computer science and programming, and because of my love for this profession, I wanted to travel to the United States with the aim of visiting and discovering this wonderful country . I was crazy about the technological development of the United States and After the visit, I changed all my thinking about this country! It's not what they say in Hollywood!
Homeless people everywhere !
The cleanliness of American cities and roads is very low compared to European cities!
Health insurance in Germany is free, and you can be treated in any hospital or clinic for free, and even medicines can be purchased at a nominal price that does not exceed five euros.
If you lose your job, you will receive support as long as you are unemployed, and the government will pay the rent for the apartment and the price of health insurance, and you will be given a salary, and this assistance is not limited to time!
Time in the United States passes very quickly.
Many foods are not healthy in the US
I am really happy in Europe and I really appreciate it .
Thank you David
Thanks for sharing your perspective!
You know what's crazier? People in the usa thinking that's wrong!!! fml
But German healthcare isn’t free. Everyone pays for it. I’d argue it’s covered. Healthcare in the United States would also be covered if people opted to buy health insurance.
@@auxrush Hello ,
When you are an employee you will pay for health insurance through taxes ! You will not feel it, because it will be automatically deducted by the German government.
But when you are unemployed, you will not pay anything for health insurance, and it will be free for you, and the job center will pay the insurance for you. This continues until you find a new job
@@himosaid146 does it make you feel better when you don’t have a choice and it’s automatically taken out of your wages vs choosing to have health insurance and paying for it?
as a military brat for 17 years now and living my third year in germany now, ill miss europe a lot. incredible public transportation, generally cleaner, stronger environmentalism, and just overall more relaxed environment. Im goiong back to the states for college and i really do fear for myself living there. the amount of gun tragedies and inflation is seriously daunting
also: the nature in the us is not unbeatable imo. having visited the tremendous autrian alps, the white cliffs of dover, the rolling plains of german fields, the sunny beaches of croatia, and the olive trees of greece, i would say europe's nature far exceeds that of the u.s.'s- but to each their own
Thanks for sharing. Well I hope you have a good time in college...the gun tragedies are statistically high (c..but the fear is always bigger than the reality...and I hope you can just enjoy it without worrying what could or could not happen. Anything in life can happen. Anyways, I am just saying that thinking about college...one of the best times of my life so I hope you enjoy!
Fearing gun violence in the US as a law-abiding citizen is completely irrational.
If you want awesome nature in europe you got switzerland and italy. Lots of other countries too but these 2 are my favorites
Lol
Do yourself a favor, and go to college in Europe. Save yourself the crippling debt that comes with American tuition fees.
As Italian that has lived in the USA, I have to say that the quantity of food is big in the USA, but the quality is not comparable...
Oh yeah as an Italian…I’m not surprised!
Depends, I personally think Los Angeles has quantity as well as some quality.
@@hidavidwen Italy and Japan have the best food in the world.
All things in the US are in that way - BIG, but no qiuality.
All of this rings true. We spent a month overseas, not doing what most Americans this summer were doing in Europe (i.e. frenetic touristing in a heat wave) but stayed put in one place. No cars, walk on foot everywhere, tiny market we'd go to daily, tiny fridge, socialize every day - and by the way nobody I socialized with asked me "what I do" even though I was working from there. I left the US behind. The minute I got back I was confronted with the politicized headlines, another shooting, my inbox dinging, the stress of driving, the lists of "things to buy", the simmering rage everywhere. We talk very seriously about planning our exit strategy. I do not want to grow old in this country.
Not many are able to shake the conditioning they receive, well done.
@@stevenmilstead9437 I really like your measured response. I live in the Northeastern US (outside of NYC). It's truly, truly a rat race if you allow it to be. I seek to live relatively simply and pursue a less stressful existence. I don't earn as much money as others / as I could, but I also try not to participate in the race either (but it's not always up to me). My friends and family all have a conceptual problem with the notion of not chasing money at every opportunity / at all costs- and most are very competitive with respect to obtaining things that they think will impress others. I have a family (wife, 2 kids) a home and cars which I maintain / repair pretty much on my own unless it something I really cannot do or learn- and work a day job (I'm a self-employed consulting engineer) and a part-time night job (I'm a tennis pro). I love what I do for work and love my family (kids are really stressful and expensive) and friends. I do wish that I could assign myself more "down time" that isn't dedicated to sleep, but I try to strike a reasonable life-work balance. It's doable, but very difficult. I never lived outside of the US, and I know life hands each person situations that are beyond their control, but in general- I always thought it was the same in most modern countries (life is as stressful / complex as you insist on making it).
"the simmering rage everywhere" is so accurate
Please stay in your beautiful USA, don't come to pollute Europe. ❤️
@@stevenmilstead9437 waiting for you to keep your military in your country only and don't bomb half of the globe.
As someone from Asian who studied and worked in Europe for 4 years (France and the Netherlands), I moved to the US for pursue a master degree at a so-called "elite school". Really feeling everything that you are sharing - I don't have a car here and I literally feel trapped here. I started to fear the violence/shooting/rubbery when it's dark outside, so I basically only stay at home after 5/6pm when it is dark in winter/fall.
Got sick 2 months ago and went to the EU at the University which is supposed to be covered by our mandatory Uni. Student Insurance, still I received 2,800 USD bill last week, all these are crazy. I only can say I miss my life in Europe so much. See if I can find a job here.
Thanks for shading. I hope you are better now. What brought you to the US in the first place?
It’s different for sure in the US..I can understand your culture shocks
@@hidavidwen I meant ER instead of EU above. haha.
I came here for law school, a master degree. But now just graduated. moving to NYC next week, and hope to find a job in Europe soon.
@@史一-q4zdont you study common law in america? or can you study civil law there and move to eu?
Hi, sorry you got a bill but don’t even pay it. If you’re only here to go to school, don’t worry about it. I don’t know how these hospitals come up with an amount for their billing but the amounts are ridiculous. The worst thing that can happen is it messes up your credit. They’ll keep mailing you bills. Then they’ll send it to a collections agency. By then, your credit is already messed up so why pay it at all. The collections agency will eventually write you and tell you, if you pay half, that will be acceptable. Don’t pay any of it. Your credit is already been messed up, paying half won’t help your credit. Just do what most Americans do, throw it in the garbage. I wish we had a system like the Netherlands. Our system here in the states is one big ripoff. I wish you well in your studies. Don’t let this upset you. We’ve all been through the same situation in the states. They can’t do anything but mess up your credit and after a few years, it will go away and you can redo your credit. It will all work out. Take care and be well.
I totally get that, was born and raised in Austria and I moved here 4 years ago to the US to be with my husband. I often feel homesick also because of the culture difference.
I wish people could travel more to experience different cultures and norms. It would give people a better perspective on things
Well said. Travel opens up the mind to all that makes us different and similar as humans. It brings empathy. It brings clarity. It has been and is one of the most transformative types of education for me.
is it worth the greehouse emissions?
That's something the USA has been lacking ever since they turned the leading superpower of the world. The overall level of (I'd call it) "cultural awareness" is abysmal.
Instead you have a weird, arrogant sense of grandiosity that is in many parts completely unjustified.
I think, that's one reason why so many parts of the world hate you by now.
I agree. Never traveled but watching other countries through YT has definitely opened up my mind.
Totally, the people adamant that USA is the greatest hasn't tried living elsewhere. A 3 day vacation in Europe/Asia isn't enough to see how the set up of basic infrastructure, healthcare, schools, grocery shopping etc completely alters how you live. And USA does NOT have it the best way at all.
I remember the first time i traveled to europe i was annoyed at the limited selection of goods. When i got home 3 weeks later i was like you, completely overwhelmed by the choice in everything. Less is sometimes more. Also i noticed, as you pointed out, that people in europe tend to have real conversations. Here all anyone talks about is work. Unless one has a legitimately interesting job like an artist i and most ppl just dont care what others do for work.
Who needs 200 choices of toilet paper? That is oversaturated, their needs to be a balance. Also note, too many options also causes buyers regret, to remedy buyers regret, you buy more but something else, it's actually a profitable business strategy.
I totally agree with you. I left the USA in 2005 and moved to Europe and I still love it. Once you get use to the work life balance in Europe vs USA moving back isn’t really for me.
Thanks Jarrod. Where did you move to in Europe? Did you ever consider moving back?
Nice to hear you're enjoying life!
Brilliant video. Completely sums up my experience living in the US ( 2017-2019).
I lived in Boston for 2 years ( I'm from Ireland). The amount of people that assumed my country is this underdeveloped hole in the ground was staggering. ''Do you have Burger King there ? Are you British then ? ''. There's a severe lack of education in America. The endless amounts of stupid ignorant things that were said to me could fill a book.
I found it strange too how so many people think they're from another country. ''I'm irish too'' is one of the most common things I heard in Boston. They're not irish-irish. Of Irish descent but not irish. They're American. I found that most yanks have a very fragile sense of identity and the culture nearly props that mindset up.
I was worked to the bone for 2 years. 60 hour weeks. 6 days a week. Sure I earned good money but I didn't enjoy that money until I was able to head back to Ireland in 2019. Then I got taxed to absolute fuck on it all and came back with far less than anticipated.
I made sure I kept up my gym routine and diet regimen and the looks I'd get from US colleagues ( who were totally out of shape, smokers, lived on fast food) began to annoy me.''Why don't you eat what you want ?''. I do. I eat healthy food because it makes me feel good. That's pretty much universal across European and Scandinavian countries. It's not really socially acceptable to be obese.
Also the irish stereotype of ''you guys drink so much''. Yanks drink more than we do. In Ireland if you're driving you don't drink. I have never seen more people drive after drinking than I did in the US. They would literally have about 3-4 beers and hop in the car. So many yellow license plates in Boston showing that people had DUI's.
There's just a lack of understanding of how people live in Europe. We have good healthcare, good work life balance. Our entire culture isn't based around earning money and climbing corporate ladders. We work to live not the other way around.
I wish Americans could spread their wings and come and live in any country in Europe or Scandinavia for a few weeks/months. The pace of life and work is completely different. They'd no doubt enjoy not being constantly burned out by work, getting fatter and resorting to all shapes of substances just to cope with everyday life.
Wish I could copy this and give to friends here that all they talk about is how high taxes are in Europe - here no one wants National healthcare so they’d rather die either from medical debt or not being about to get treatment.
How are you able to write a youtube comment without any electricity?
It’s a consequence of our geography. Most people don’t travel internationally. The country is so vast high school geography only covers WW2. You can travel in US to scratch every itch. Want to ski fly to Colorado or Tahoe. Want some beaches, see you in Florida, want to see some deserts Utah baby, how about some thick forests, Appalachia time. I personally like to travel internationally and have been to 15 countries but a lot of my
peers here don’t and prefer to travel domestically
I agree with you on this. There are things you need to experience for yourself. My experiences weren't great in a major city in Europe. That doesn't mean the entire country is bad. Everywhere has nutjobs.
@@Herro1063 there is a youtube search called "why don't people want to move to Dublin". The cities suck. I live 20 minutes from a major one. I prefer to avoid cities, it creates the stereotype that Americans are too simple
I lived in America for 8 years, I've been living in Thailand for the past 6 Months. These past 6 Months have been some of the most calming and low stress months of my life. While Ive had to deal with a couple work stress issues, overall I feel safer and more at ease than I've been in my entire life.
Great video David.
That has to do with the fact that your US earnings go very, very, very far in Thailand.
@@Ivan-fm4eh How do you know what he's doing in Thailand... If he's working there or not? And if he does, does he earn US dollars? Or is he living off of his savings (which are 10 million USD of course)?
@@Ivan-fm4eh its not necessarily only about the earnings, its more so about the fact that I can leave my house without having to conceal a firearm. I can get lost and not worry about getting robbed on my way back home. I can walk around at 3/4 in the morning just because.
@@digitalleighton what kind of scary ghetto were you living in in the US?! managed to live my entire life without needing or even seeing a gun, and there are parts of thailand dangerous at night and parts of the US safe at night.
If living in Thailand is calming it really says something !
As an American in SF Bay Area, I have decided after watching this video to make a list of questions that I can ask people in lieu of asking them what do you do for living.
Good idea! I've stopped asking that question =) Or well...I'll ask it later on
Your videos are always spot on David. People are slowly seeing for themselves that America is not what Hollywood portrays. Like you said it's very competitive, consumer focused, and many live in poverty or fear. Thanks for another high quality production.
Thanks Garrett and enjoy your time in NL!
"it's very competitive", really? Truly think that in the US people are rewarded for their merit and not the cobweb they are in? Will the smart girl get the job or the niece of the board member? For the smart girl to get the job she must really distinguish herself in excellence, and even than...
We Dutch think the opposite, we expect the niece to get the job because of her network. We constantly complain about 'kruiwagens' (good connections), but the employer will consider the interest of the company as well.
So at the end the differences are not that big, only the perception on how things work.
Same goes for the toilet paper... Everyone knows that there are only three toilet paper factories. Who each produce three qualities. So if you would test the inside, US citizens have actually the same amount of choice, though we have nine on display and they have thirty different wrappings.
Wow! I love this. I like how respectfully wise you are about this garbage system we live in
I thought every country that was Western or in Europe and wasn't part of the former Soviet Union was competitive.
Connections are everything in the US workforce, too.
I moved to Germany in 1965 and never looked back. I see the US as an immature, adolescent country, unwilling or unable to grow up. Everything is a spectacle; high-speed chases, politics, sports, entertainment and religion. When I meet Americans here in Europe I am often impressed by their superficiality, disinterest and ignorance of history, geography and civilization. We showed some American guests castles on the Rhine and the whole time we were there they talked about the best ice cream flavours back in their hometown in Indiana. When I explained how superior our health insurance system is I got the response "Socialism is not the answer." I often think of Isaac Asimov's "Cult of Ignorance" and anti-intellectualism in the US. The attitude that 'My ignorance is worth as much as your intelligence" spells the downfall of a country.
Sadly I have to agree. I am a german who lived in many diffferent countries around the world. Americans really seem to be uneducated in general. I don't want to rant but they seem to have not much knowledge about the world, history and science. Again, that's just my perception and there are many educated americans for sure.
Imagine going to another continent and debating which ice cream flavour is the best 😂😂
@@mitzara25 ...and ice cream flavours AT HOME, at that..
'Socialism is not the answer' is not surpising to hear from a couple from Indiana, a state where nearly everyone is connected to the hard work of farming and self-reliance. Many americans also don't want it because they fear the freeeloaders. Several countries in Europe went much too far with govt spending in the 1960s and 1970s and really wrecked their economies- and many wealthy people fled. There has been a big pull back from that. But many places in Europe the unemployment is still high, the taxation still too high- thats a huge complaint of the french at the moment. One other thing: the cutting edge (and expensive) medical treatment and pharmaceuticals come out of the USA- and many places in Europe you have to wait far too long to be seen for a major issue, like cancer.
This is a great post! I had the same experience with Americans on a restaurant terrace in Brussels. The man, some kind of government official constantly tried to tear down all positive things we mentioned of living in Europe. I had the impression his wife was almost ashamed of his constant tirade...
We moved from Phoenix, AZ to the southwest of France almost 2 years ago. It's been an eye opening experience. The transition has been easier than some might expect. We are part of the French healthcare system and find it easy to use. Fresh and delicious foods are easily available and we frequent farmers markets regularly. We've made an effort to buy local, avoiding big stores whenever possible. We are very glad we made the move and have no regrets.
Thanks for sharing Douglas! Glad to hear. I love visiting France and hope to see the south of France next month. Do you know French? I hear France is a place where you need to know French...
That sounds so amazing! My sister felt the same about Germany and I’m so jealous of everyone commenting getting to live abroad. I’ve only been out of the US to Mexico and Canada those kind of don’t count since at the time you didn’t need a passport 🤣 I’d love to leave here if I could make all my family go too haha but they hate change so for now I can dream! My dad is considering Portugal though🤞
@@hidavidwen We both speak enough French to get by nicely and continue to study the language. I feel that if you live in a large city like Paris (touristy) you can get by with much less French but in our area English speakers are not the norm.
@@Winters.C We had wanted to make a life change like this for years and feel lucky to have been able to make it a reality. Dream big!
@@hidavidwen I went for a road trip through France. Visited small villages and I never had a need to know French. We all managed with hand gestures or a mix of English, German, French. If they are willing to sell and you are willing to buy, nothing will stand in the way.
Interesting perspective. I've lived in both the US and Europe (UK mainly). What I like best about the US is the nature and sense of space once you get away from the cities. What I like most about the UK is the free health care, the less polarised society and lack of guns.
You should have gone to other parts of Europe, we have amazing nature on the continent.
Well if you insist on living in cities then you’re not going to see the beauty of our islands..,,, and personally with your attitude I’d rather you DID bugger off and live in the US… if you can’t appreciate the beautiful countryside and nature in Britain then you’re better off over there.. our country is more than the health service it provides or the laws that keep you safe… 😡
@@Ionabrodie69 I think the comment was meant more as a criticism of the US and their lack of health care.
Concerning the countryside...I've lived in a few places around the UK and while there are plenty of places where you can get out of a city and see some nature, the "countryside" is no where near as untouched as in the states (or indeed on the continent). You get crops everywhere and even in most of our national parks (The peaks, The Lakes, the Brecon Beacons etc.) there are sheep roaming all over the place and that has a huge impact on the land. Now I'm not saying that there are NO untouched areas, but they are few and far between and generally quite small. National parks in the states are bafflingly big in comparison, they really are pretty much untouched by agriculture simply because there is so much other space for them to grow crops/rear animals.
Sadly, as I love the British countryside, there is very little comparison :(
@@abarnybox Well ours is a small island and a beautiful one.. they have space and money … but they ruin everything they touch.. they have no care for their environment or their people .. give me my tiny island with its ( in your view ) crappy countryside over that monstrosity they call the US ANYDAY.. 🙁
@@Ionabrodie69 incredibly judgemental to say that "they ruin everything they touch" as I mentioned, their national parks are some of the rare places where there truly is wilderness and nature, very much un-ruined.
I also don't think the British countryside is crappy at all! As I said, I love it, but I would equally love to see parts of it as they were before humans arrived and changed the landscape, how incredible it would be to see a truly natural Britain.
Fun Fact: "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" is not an american Hollywood movie at all.
It's italian, even if starring some american actors in the main roles. The director was Sergio Leone, the music was from Ennio Morricone and it was filmed mostly in Cinecittà in Rome.
It was filmed in in the one and only european desert in Almería Spain, as the other Leone's westerns as well.
Spaghetti Westerns 😊. That’s what they used to be called
Spagetti westerns are italian movies pretty much. Best westerns ever made!
@@viquiben4919 there are other european deserts. One of them is in bulgaria I believe.
@@marcbuisson2463 yes, you are right. Tabernas and Pobiti Kamani are both natural deserts though with very different lanscapes, like Sahara and Gobi.
Hi David! Loved your video, I will start sharing it with my friends and family. I am Portuguese, but I lived in Boston for a short period of 6 months and whenever I am asked about the experience and how different it is from life in Europe, I struggle to put it so clearly in words. Most people just assume it should be better because you gain more money in the US.
You just put it so nicely in your video, it is exactly this. I had a great time in the US. Like you said, I could feel the drive and ambition people had regarding their careers and that was inpiring for me. Also loved the multicultural environment and how much there was of everything, literally. I was constantly astonished 😅 On the other hand, I missed having "real relationships" with people, i felt a lack of connection. As if people were being extremely nice with me because it was a duty but they really did not care much about what you were saying. Too many conversations revolved around the job, the new house someone was moving in, where they were going to on their 2 weeks holidays...it always felt like a competition. I did make some life friends in Boston 😊 After living now in different European countries for 4 years, I guess I just prefer my coffee "not to go" at the little coffee shop in my street and to "waste" my time after work just living and enjoying my loved ones
Funny, because I live in Portugal and my neighbors don't even speak to me. Let alone having friends. The only people who talk to me are Brazilians
@@TheBrazilRules not that strange, many Portuguese people have some sort of prejudice against foreigners. I would say older people mostly, I don't truly understand why, but I hope it's changing. Give us a second chance, not all of us are the same. Bem vindo a Portugal e boa sorte 🙂 Tenho certeza que com o tempo vai ficar melhor e conquistas os teus vizinhos mal encarados. Há muitos, e não são só assim contigo. Eu também tenho desses 😅
Thanks Eduarda! Beautifully put! Oh yeah Portuguese culture is really about relationships, yeah? I've spent some time there (walked the Camino from Porto)...and loved it. Lots of hospitality.
You should visit Russia. Sincerity and genuine care is the only reason why we communicate. There is no hypocricy. Talking about job and/or money occurs only if the person is asked about those topics. Otherwise it would be either nagging or bragging, which is not welcome in a conversation. In a conversation, with a friend or a stranger, you can learn a lot of personal and/or sensitive information. That's because we trust each other. You may be sure that you won't be reported. You are safe if you are sincere. We call it "soul".
@@ДарьяСидорова-ъ7у That's really beautiful. I do hope I have a chance in my life to visit Russia
I am moving to the netherlands soon. I am dutch but lived in the US for 23 years. A lot of people advice me not to and I know all countries have issues but I still think its better then how the USA currently is.
Thanks for sharing. You have an interesting perspective as a Dutchie who moved/lived in the US for 23 years...what brought you there 23 years ago? How has the US changed in your eyes? And why are you moving back now?
@@hidavidwen I went to the US because my dad wanted to check for opportunities over there and I was a minor but now that I have children of my own I always feel it’s unsafe in the US and the cost of living is getting ridiculous. I am already looking for jobs there and hope it goes well.
Congrats on your wider understanding of your own country. It's a fantastic feeling to find something you dislike and things you're in love with. You know that there are things to improve and things that work perfectly already. Things that people could miss. You're growing as a person!
Thanks for the kind words 🙏
I could not agree more. I’m from Europe and have spend the last 11 years in the states. Now being back in Europe I do miss the diverse culture and professional drive americans have (especially in regards to science)… but I don’t miss the 70h work weeks and little to no vacation:)
Thanks Kristina. Where in Europe are you? What brought you back to Europe?
Yeah I do miss that "drive" but...those 70h work weeks...I've had those before too so I can relate.
it's inhumane and not necessary
I’m Dutch, I live in the Netherlands. We watch shows from all over the world. In these shows you can compare the personalities and mentalities of people from different countries in a same situation. We can watch Masterchef, a cooking competition show, from different countries, for example the UK, Australia and the USA. I love watching the Australia version. Lovely people, they are competitive, but in a supportive way and they accept when they are elimitated from the show. The contestors also speak positive about the other competitors. The UK version is also okay, British are polite and don’t speak bad about their fellow contesters, but I think it’s less enjoyable than the Australian version.
The USA version on the other hand, the contestors speak bad about each other, they fight and don’t agree with the jury. They are so competitive that I don’t like to watch this version. I think that the viewing numbers of the USA version were also low here, because I don’t see the USA show anymore, but the Ausralian one is still available, even on repeat.
I don’t think being competitive in your job or in school makes you a better person, supporting your fellow worker and be being nice to other people makes the world a better place.
Thanks for sharing. Interesting perspective...but I get it. US culture definitely is more competitive...I think that's what I'm used to growing up (even watching shows). Actually, competition is why people watch (in the US)...that's what get views...the emotions involved...and I do think they cast people on shows based on if they can make things "interesting" (like getting in fights).
I love masterchef UK, have to watch the aussie version
That’s a really interesting observation. Thank you so much for sharing.
That's the USA in a nutshell. Extremely competitive at school/work. Coworkers, colleagues, and even people you consider friends are mainly out for themselves. I think that's what grew the "fake nice/happy." It's everywhere here and an extremely stressful way to live.
I think it also shows how the different cultures perceive entertainment.
In the US, if there's no harshness, verbal vioence and intense competitiveness people will find it boring and not watch it. While in Europe for example while we enjoy the wholesome moments more, we're watching because we're interested in what's going on and to see people trying their best, and achieving something. We're moved when they succeed.
I have been living in the US for the past 8 years (6 years in Los Angeles). Im originally from Prague and I can relate to this so much! I cannot wait to graduate and go back to Europe…😅
Thanks for sharing, especially as a European in the US. "Cannot wait to go back..." curious to hear what your experiences have been like!
Prague ❤
I can't wait for you to go back too
@@chechnyaWeird comment
@@chechnyago drink kefir 😅
I think it really depends on where you live in the USA. Most people live in big cities. I live in a very small town in the USA. It's slow paced, little to no stress, the medical bills are mostly covered by our local hospital through different forgiveness programs. Mountains, rivers and streams with lots of clean air and wildlife. Our stores are smaller and don't have a lot of verity. It's very easy to shop. The people are friendly and the small businesses here are locally owned by wonderful people. It's nice :)
Thanks Catrina, it really does depend on where you are...big city vs. small town life anywhere in the world is gonna be different. I personally think I'll settle in a small town at some point, friendlier people and culture =) Thanks for sharing!
This. I live in a village of 8200 people… a good friend of mine lives in NYC, originally from a city not far from me with 18,000 people - little bit bigger then 8000, but not NYC big.
He says he hates living in the city because of the the craziness of it all…
@@hidavidwenWhere in the US?
A part of the point, I think, is that outside the US there are multiple entire countries that are the way you describe your one small town (that sounds very nice).
Forgiveness programs don't stop you from going broke in the USA, no one goes broke in Europe. Small town USA is now as crime ridden as the cities thanks to current drug crisis.
The biggest issue with the US is that people know what the problems are, they are fixable but the political class is totally uninterested/corrupt - Trans bathrooms get more traction.
US needs kinda 'workers revolution' like Europe had centuries ago..
For real. The trans discussion is crazy.
@@cosettapessa6417 It’s just another distraction. Money is America’s real god, plus the myopia of being unable to concede that many countries do many things better.
@@cosettapessa6417 to be fair, it makes people elected on the right, so why would they stop enphasize it? Getting reelected allows them to get more corrupted. We have the same over here with Orban and a large part of the right.
@@marcbuisson2463 As a woman and mother, have voted left many times in the US, but I am certainly not a fan of the erasure of voices of biological women over issues like biological males in women’s sports, biological males having access to girls locker rooms, biological males having access to female prisoners…….but do go on minimizing this as a “right issue” for elections.
Very good comparison. I lived 5 years in Europe and also 5 in the USA and I can tell you, I miss Europe! I learned in Europe that there is a different way to treat many health issues and I was amazed how you can go to the University almost for free, compared with the crazy tuition fees in US. Enjoy your life and relaxed time in Europe!!
I was born and raised in Brazil, and paid nothing for my 5 year degree in Architecture and Urban Planning (I had to pass a selection, which consisted of one objective and one written series of tests). We also have universal free health care there (it is called SUS). It has ZERO luxury, and for some procedures you might have to wait more than you would like, but it is available to everyone in the country, even for isolated communities in the middle of the forest. Just sharing that so people learn that the social benefits also exist outside of rich European countries. I don't understand why a country like the U.S. treats its people so bad.
@@Bialcurebecause it’s all for profit, not for people
this was so educational and refreshing for me as a Dutch person. i honestly never knew how the differences when returning to their home country can make some Americans feel
Thanks for sharing and nice to hear from you too :)
you should also look at videos of people moving from Europe to the US and see the positive. this doom and gloom of america you see on RUclips is wild. no doubt the USA have its own share of problems, but there is a flip side to that coin.
Having just returned from my first visit to America on a family holiday, here are few observations I made as a European:
- Crazy amount of choice in supermarkets. As you said in the video, what’s going on? Surely no one needs that many types of coffee?!
- Super friendly people (mostly). Everyone we met was very friendly and open. The waiters were a different league to Europe, always very helpful and attentive (obviously they want the tips but still).
- Good roads. Driving was very easy compared to Europe (in general). Big parking spaces.
- Intersections - really you need roundabouts! Wasted a lot of time at red lights at busy intersections.
- Gun culture - a local family attraction near where we stayed was called “Machine Gun America” where the whole family can try out machine guns 😬
- Expensive fresh ingredients vs. cheap fast food. Bag of salad was $7, hamburger was $5.
America is a big place, it depends on which state and city you visited. My county here in GA uses roundabouts.
Salad and veg is real food, burgers are junk.
Machine Gun America, you must've went to Orlando FL lol. The way I look at it, is that every country has it's ups and downs. Most people seem to focus too much on negatives and less about learning and being open minded. There are lots of things in Europe that are considered normal that I find strange or unnecessary, but at the end of the day, I don't really care because I'm not there to focus on that stuff. I'm there to enjoy a DIFFERENT culture than what I'm used to.
Biggest lesson of 2022 in the stock market: Nobody knows what is going to happen next, so practice some humility and follow a strategy with a long term edge like Mr Sam strategy...
My 4000 dollar earned with the help Mr Sam Deymon an hour job feels like I'm making sum an hour these days with Sam.
I love to hear your reflections about your home land. It bears the positive as well as the negative sides. The vibe of this video is contemplative, it reflects the bitter sweet feelings you have towards the country you were born and raised. Beautiful video!
Thanks Annelies :) the reflections seem to change over time as I change.
David, I rarely comment on videos. But your video was so authentic and heartfelt that I couldn’t resist. It made me reflect on the kind of values I want to teach my kids as they grow up in the US. Cheers my friend, keep up the great work ❤
Thanks Fawwaz for the kind words. Great to hear how you hope to shape your children. And thanks for the boost of motivation 🙏
Years ago, I was fortunate enough to spend 3 months in Europe. Even then,
the differences were striking. Europeans were friendlier, Europe was so much
cleaner. No rushing...Even in Paris and London. Rome, however...the rush rush
there really got to me.
Just discovered your video. I'm from East LA and now living in Tokyo, Japan.This video perfectly describes my feelings and thoughts when I returned to visit my mom last summer. Most people I spoke to seemed on edge and stressed out their minds. I could feel the tension if I said something that may not be considered acceptable. Even though my life has improved 10-fold in Tokyo, I still got judged and looked at as though I was crazy to say someone could actually live a better life outside America; more specifically LA. But the weather is perfect right and everyone wants to live here? Lol...
Anyway, glad you made this video. I'll never forget where I come from and will always have my good memories of LA. But moving out was the best decision I've ever made.
How is life in tokyo compared to socal if you don't mind me asking? I'm considering studying abroad there next year
Isn't the work culture more stressful in japan/Tokyo?
@@bungaTV3831 for natives
Thanks for sharing! Everyone will have their opinion, and that’s ok. Continue enjoying Tokyo! I feel like everyone I know is visiting Japan this year
Next time rub it in their faces with "don't worry, immigration wint let you in".
Most people still think it's easy as 123 to move elsewhere, whereas the reality is that you, just like everyone else, had to meet certain criteria in order to emigrate.
Greetings from Germany.
I lived in the USA for a few months, going to the grocery store was anxiety inducing. I am not used to so many things. I couldn't decide. And the sad thing is that 90% of the "food" is processed shit. It was SO hard to eat healthy. Especially going back as a tourist. Eating well when you can't cook at home is a challenge; it's almost impossible to avoid fast food.
Thanks for sharing Mela. Where did you go home to? Yeah depending on where you are, it can be challenging to find truly healthy food
@@hidavidwen to Switzerland. Food quality is amazing here.
I agree about quantity over quality. Of course there are specialist stores that sell “real” food but the average supermarket is crap. I live in London and while there’s plenty of junk food here there’s also a large amount of high quality foods even in most supermarkets and the pop up markets are great for variety of delicious often home made products.
Just eat meat, vegetables, berries, fruits, and nuts. Everything else is garbage. Its actually easier than you think. No seed oils or processed sugars.
@@melocoton7 I live in the US an it’s VERY easy to eat healthy and avoid fast food💀 just say you have no self control an know nothing about the US.
I'm a Norwegian married to an American. We live in Norway, but have been looking into options of moving over to the U.S Your video was really helpful and really shows a deep understanding and reflecting the pro's and con's about living in Europe vs the U.S Thanks for sharing your point of view!
Dont do it!
Ya don't go US is becoming a banana republic , I got some Dutch roots from long ago so my second home should be the Netherlands but Netherlands become kind of woke now.
DO NOT MOVE TO AMERICA.
Norway is dream country for you as a Norwegian. I guess you will come back from US to Norway max. after 1 year.
You can find a wonderful lifestyle in the US if you choose wisely where you live.
A friend of mine from Europe once summed it up by saying that In America, You have a greater QUANTITY of life, but in Europe, You have a greater QUALITY of life. He said that many of his young friends would move to America to make as much money as possible and then move back to Europe after 10 years when it came time to settle down and raise a family and eventually retire.
My nightmare is to wake up in CA :) I have been in the Netherlands for almost two years, and I am still afraid that I would have to go back. I don't miss anything back in CA. The only positive aspect there was nature but, honestly, most people work 2-3 jobs and have no time to go anywhere. Plus, to go anywhere in CA, you have to fight for parking. Here, there is plenty of nature. I live 30 minutes from the beautiful downtown and 10 minutes walk from a small park which is very clean and safe. I never had anything like that in the San Francisco Bay Area. The positive aspects brought up in the video are not even positive for me. For example, I don't think supermarkets there are good. There is very little choice of healthy food. There are tons of choices of frozen and packaged food which I never bought there. However, even Whole Foods had a severe lack of vegetarian or vegan food. Veggies and fruits are actually much better here (It''s insane that in a cold country, produce is better than in CA. Right?) I also don't think free bathrooms is a good idea. In the Netherlands to go to use a restroom is 70 cents, and the bathrooms are very clean. Salaries are much higher in CA, but only for certain professions. Many people have lower salaries than in the NL and live very poor quality life. People who have high salaries in CA still don't have high enough salaries to buy a real estate in CA. They can't save for downpayment because the prices are insane. In the NL, for example, you can buy a house with 0 downpayment. Plus, if you can't pay your mortgage, the government will pay for you. Can you imagine that? I don't have much to add to the negative aspects, such as work-life balance, lack of vacation, toxic conversations about work, crazy medical prices, mentioned in he video. They are notoriously bad. It would be good to add the content of education to the video. It's practically free in the NL (about 2,000 per year) for citizens and residents, and the quality is excellent. In the US, people take tons of useless subjects and graduate with no profession. Here, people only study what they actually need for their future profession and graduate in three years. You just wonder how people could choose that kind of life in the US...
O come on this is so dramatic. I’m from California too and not even a nice part and there are great things about it as well. You really don’t miss the conveniences and entertainment? I really miss the shopping. I lived right down the street from a concert venue and could watch so many different musicians. In Sweden, many of those artists don’t even bother to come here. The weather? You don’t miss that? After 5 years in Sweden, I hate snow. I miss Being able to buy anything I want all the time for an affordable price. I miss having the worlds foods on every street corner open past 8 pm because US is a land of immigrants. Get a grip and be fair seriously. I miss the diversity of thought , opinion, and people. You don’t miss hearing your own language around you?
@@ashleighsparkle8810 Shopping is fantastic in the NL. All stores are so beautiful and sell quality clothes and shoes. The weather is one of many reasons we left. For a few years, it was unbearably hot in the SF Bay Area, and the quality of air was unhealthy. Also, there are no seasons. It's always the same. As for languages, I am fluent in four languages and I'm currently learning Dutch. I will be fluent in Dutch in a couple of years.
Yes, Olga, what you described in NL is the consequence of social democracy or a welfare state (which a milder, better version of socialism). While in US you have chosen to have capitalism. Hence the poverty, expensive everything, etc. But Americans prefer to keep it that way and dread anything with the word "social" in it. Bernie Sanders was hated for being the proponent of social democracy.
Moved to the USA when I was 8 years old now I'm 45 years old and ready to move out . The cost of living is expensive ie; health care and place to stay ( mortgage / rent / insurances ). So ready to move out but not sure where.
@@Ellada-hu5tx Yes, people in the US are brainwashed against social democracies. In the view of many (not myself), especially conservatives, only lazy people who are underachievers would accept such a system where the government needs to provide social safety nets. They truly think the government taking care of its citizens is an absolute negative thing which is absurd. I also think not allowing us to have a social democracy has to do with racism as well, but most will not admit it. They do not want benefits going to black people because it will be seen as a handout to "those" people even though black people are very hard working, but overwhelmingly lower wage workers. Even those with degrees have a harder time getting good paying jobs as their white counterparts do because they do not have the right social connections.
The rich also benefit off being able to exploit African Americans, brown, and poor white people through mass incarceration, low paying wages, the drug epidemic (costly treatment centers), high interest payday loans, etc. Profit from poverty fuels many big businesses in the United States, so there is no incentive to make it a more equitable society here for those in power who benefit from things staying the same. They don't care how much the people of the US suffer as long as they are making money off of it.
We have this current obsession here in Australia that you must reach your full potential, well I'm Dutch and a 6 out of 10 is good enough for me. I literally don't feel or have the need to reach the top, and the ambitious people, well they're usually miserable, brownnoses and backstabbers.
Garbage. People in Australia work to live, not live to work. Overly ambitious is something I would never describe Australians as. If anything I would say the opposite
@@Glenn-ei3xp
I’d say it’s probably midway here Glenn. I think there’s certainly a lot of people that are ambitious - but I think more and more people here are realising the whole rat race thing is just that, a rat race!
your username does not check out. Dutch Are Six Out Of Tens, ftfy
Waarom ben je überhaupt naar Australië verhuisd als je in Nederland kan wonen? Snap ik helemaal niet.
@@spellandshield if you ever get the chance to go to Australia then you would understand why
The level, on which they managed to convince their people, that their identity is somehow based on their work and their belongings is something else. i have nothing against a little friendly competition, but that's it.
Love the low-key honesty in this. Subscribed from Austria 😊
🙏
I just got back to the US after my first four months living in Europe. I live in Sofia, Bulgaria so there are definitely more problems there than in the Netherlands. But I love being able to walk around Sofia at any time, day or night, by myself as a woman and not feel afraid. It's such a safe city. I was overwhelmed with all of the choices when I came back to the US as well. Although some of those are things that are nice to have, like specialty food items. I can't wait to get my long-stay visa and return to Europe to live a better life, where I'm not working my life away just to pay mortgage/rent and for groceries and healthcare. Cost of living in BG is low, which is what drew me there, but there is also beautiful nature, amazing people and access to the rest of Europe easy and cheap. I may eventually miss the spectacular nature of the west coast, but for now I am loving living in Europe.
I am in my first year of university at an American college on the west coast. I agree, it is very beautiful but I do not enjoy the grind mindset that all of my peers have. I just want to be happy. I think I would love to move to Europe once I graduate. I will miss my family but I want to prioritize slower living and genuine happiness instead of grinding away in the rat race that corporate America is.
Thanks for sharing, hope you continue enjoying it over there!
How horrible are the US if you feel safe in Sofia? Damn... 😂
Jesus Christ I live in Varna Bulgaria as a grown man I wouldn't be caught walking the streets of Sofia at night. That's how you women get kidnapped all the time thinking you're safe
Seeing 10 countries in 2 weeks sounds like an absolute nightmare
?
Sounds overwhelming, what if you like one country, but then youre off to the next, like whiplash, no time to feel it truly, or have any permanence to it
Yeah that doesn't sound nice lol. Would rather spend at least a week in each
Most looks the same. It is the equivalent of going to different states
@@euskoferre I’ve been to both Norway and Sweden. It is not very different from Alaska and Canada. Most of the stuff in Europe are already in the Americas. There is no need to go cross an ocean for it
I totally agree with you. Growing up in the US and Bay Area, CA, there is always that drive, competition, and ambition that helped me grow stronger. I am grateful for all that I have achieved. Though I gotta say that the competition has become more intense throughout the years. As I mature, I learn to slow down and look up rather than working myself to the ground. Traveling has made me realize how overworked Americans in my area are. There needs to be a good balance of ambition and relaxation. I love the Bay Area, but I don’t compare myself to those who are trying to buy multiple homes and live above their budget. It gets tiring to hear ppl struggling in the rat race all the time. Life is more than running endlessly in a rat race.
Thanks for sharing…oh yeah, I miss the Bay but it’s changed a lot too. But perhaps like you said…it’s ME that has changed and I’ve changed a lot through traveling too
Spent 2 months in Italy and another month in the rest of Europe. The U,.S. truly has major problems. I agree with the points he made you realize that very quickly in the E.U. It goes well beyond many of these issues he pointed out. Unfortunately, auto companies have lobbied hard and won and it is why America is the way it is. I believe many of the U.S. issues can be fixed if we learned from our western counterparts especially when it comes to culture. I found it so surreal that no matter what city I was in in the E.U. you could find people walking around at night talking having coffee talking amongst friends etc.. I had some of my fondest memories doing just that meeting new people going to hostels talking to locals.. Maybe it does happen in the U.S., but not nearly as often. I think especially the younger generation if they were given better access to public tranportation, this would encourage our young adults to explore America by Train it would encourage so much. Everything car based is what is isolating us as people. This was completely anecdotal, but when I was in Florence watching the sunset it was so cool that I was able to strike up a conversation with random strangers and that night we went too a bar all because I was talking about something to a friend. Those kind of connections are truly missing in the U.S. we are so focused on politics, news, etc dividing us we need to come back to what matters. That is being kind to one another having meaningful discussions even with divided opinions over coffee etc.. We are truly losing our way as a country and maybe it's too late to see a turning point. Our economy is tanking, our healthcare system is utterly corrupt, we have two pretty bad candidates for this up coming election we are in dark times for sure. I was just going on tangents, but Europe will change your views of the U.S. 100%. As someone who loves the U.S. I truly want to see it succeed, but we need a change.
I went on a vacation the The Netherlands and Germany this year, and one of the absolute highlights of my trip was on a bus trip from Baarle-Hertog to Tilberg. A dutch woman was also waiting for the bus and I started chatting with her. We chatted all the way until she got off the bus and it was an amazing conversation. You just don't get those kinds of experiences in the USA due to car dependency. Every time I bring up car dependency to my family I get reasons to why they think that we can't fix it, we absolutely can and we absolutely should. The Netherlands didn't become the cycling capital of the Western World overnight, it happened over decades. Change takes time, and the USA is in a do or die spot (IMO) where we have to make major change or the USA will either (near) collapse or the planet will cook us all to death.
I like my life here in Wyoming (that is also so much better than my previous state, Texas) so much more than when I was in my home country in southern Italy. If you like Firenze feel free to move there. imho italian cities are cool for vacation, but incubo (nightmare) for living. Goditela.
@@karlk.6819 Sono felice di sapere che non ho mai vissuto in nessuno dei due stati. Ho solo 29 anni e le esperienze sono sicuramente molto diverse. Sì, sono assolutamente d'accordo. L'Italia ha molti problemi, non iniziamo a scioperare sempre con Trenitalia. Se dovessi trasferirmi in Italia, Bassano del Grappa sarebbe la mia casa. L’ho trovato il mix perfetto tra montagna e vita cittadina.
Excellent video! I agree with all of your conclusions. I returned to the US in 2018 after having lived in the UK and Switzerland for almost a decade. I now find myself longing to return to Europe because the quality of life in the US has worsened. I enjoyed being back and getting reacquainted with American things and food for about the first two weeks but that quickly faded. The political situation here is also atrocious and the amount of gun-related violence unacceptable. I also find it infuriating that many Americans can't accept the fact that the US is not the best country in the world in everything. The belief in our overwhelming superiority in all things has led us to the current reality where we have fallen behind in most things. Accepting constructive criticism goes a long way.
Thanks for sharing Tim, especially as you returned to the US in 2018. What brought you back to the US? And any plans for the future?
Please leave and do it quickly. America's problems won't be soled by people who only take, like you.
Hi Eleven years in Spain here. This video nailed it. On a return visit home, the supermarket blew me away. I lost 40 pounds after I moved here, mainly because of walking so much. But more importantly, while Spain is not perfect either, I never worry about my safety. I see more women in government than in the US, progressive new laws, an amazing healthcare system (again, not perfect, but livable), and a healthier cost of living. I see similar stories below in the comments that have me nodding my head. Great job, David. Clear, concise reporting. Will be sharing with those who ask if I'm going home. (Still haven't worked that part out yet.)
I did the same in Costa Rica...dropped 30 lbs without even realizing it. We walked everywhere. It was great.
Lol spain is a feminazi hellhole. Thanks god i will move to asia soon. JFL i don’t feel represented just because i see male politicians. Women are so tribal
teaching English. Some European teachers don't much need Eng teachers, but places like Spain, maybe Italy, and some eastern Europe countries need them.
@alfonso77550
Euroean countries, not teachers.
I always find this concept of free refills especially fascinating! FREE - yeah sure: EVERYONE pays for that. Do you really believe those corporations hand out something for free just because they are nice?! No, everyone pays fo it wether he uses the free refills or not. It will be added to the prices of the items in the shop it is just not shown anywhere.
Hey everyone pays for a system where everyone can benefit from... i know this concept from somewhere... ah, yes, public healthcare in the develepoed world except the US. If you tell the average american about that concept they scream: 'evil socialism! this is so unfair, why do i need to pay for something someone else benefits from?!'
I guess americans just care more for "free" refills on sugary drinks than for personal health and live expectancy or no debt because of medical bills. Speaks volumes for this messed up society.
Haha yeah when we unconsciously choose FREE...we have been hooked. It's all marketing..but can be very dangerous
We (Dutch city here) had 1 MCDonalds that introduced free refills a decade ago, but after a few years they canceled it again.
I guess they wanted to be more 'american' which was popular then. But the dutch are quite smart (cheap) with money, so you would get too many school kids that came in groups and would buy 2 sodas for 8 friends and camped the refill station.....
Kinda like people that say they have "free" healthcare
I live in France and lately ive been home-sick so your video made me feel better and I realized that there are disadvantages living in the USA too. BTW I love your way of thinking, you are really comprehensive, altruist and genuinely nice
I am Dutch and live in the Netherlands for over 30 years, but also have been to the US several times. Love the nature and the simplicity of society. If you have money, all is great. If you don’t, you’re in trouble and “friends” disappear. It seems quite superficial at times. Also the educational system and healthcare over here are almost free and it believe that provides much more opportunity, but also it encourages some complacency. Good video and analysis.
Austrian perspective here. I've spent three years in the US, and while there were some positive experiences, I've found that I'm not really missing it for a variety of reasons highlighted in the video. For those considering working in Austria from the US, it's worth noting that there are certain very negative sentiments towards the US among the local population, which can be attributed to different factors. One factor is the language barrier. Learning German is highly valued here. I've encountered instances where Americans who have lived here for over a decade still had limited knowledge of German. This has sometimes been perceived as a lack of adaptability and courtesy. My point is, embracing the local language is a sign of respect and can significantly enhance your experience in Austria. Just some food for thought. Take care!
Agree. As for me, whenever I travel to different countries I try to learn at least some basic words and phrases to interact with people, even if it is just greeting words... this is respect for people and country you travel into.
Agreed! Australian here. In Australia we expect people to learn English. For migrants it's compulsory. If you come to live in Australia you are required to learn English! Everyone speaks English and we assume that if you want to live in Australia, you will want to speak to the people there, and we all speak English. I also have lived in South Korea for 5 years now. Korean is a difficult language for an English speaker, but I learn it because it's ethical that I should do so, and you do NOT really understand a culture if you don't know the language of that culture, no matter how much to study that countries culture. Culture is born in the language. It's just quite rude to live in a country long term and not at least try to learn the language of that country. As you say, it's a sign of respect to the people and the culture to learn their language. It's quite a sign of disrespect to a country to live there long term and not learn the language. And my experience in Korea is hugely enhanced by learning the language. There are huge rewards in how people behave towards you and respect you, in actually getting to know the people, who will give you more of themselves if they see you trying to learn their language. It can be gruelling, but the rewards for yourself, both in achievement and in experiences, are more than worth it. 😀
I could honestly say the same thing about white westerners both North Americans, UK folks, and Europeans that come here to Thailand....Live here for 20 years and still cant speak, read, or write Thai...
The same is said for Hispanics who moved to US, but apparently, asking them to learn English is racist. Therefore, Austria is racist to demand that others learn German. I think it is normal for you to be racist?
@@hiddenname9809 What is expecting people to learn a language to do with race? Racism is treating people differently because they look different or come from a different culture. We are expecting people to learn the language of the country they live in regardless of where they come from, regardless of what they look like or any other differentiating factor. We are expecting people to learn the language of the country they live in so that they can communicate effectively with the people that live there. It's quite the opposite of racism - speaking the same language enables people to be treated the same way and fit in with a culture. There is absolutely nothing to do with racism here.
I'm Dutch and grew up in the Netherlands. A couple years ago I went on an exchange year to the US, I stayed there with a hostfamily and went to the US highschool. The biggest difference I noticed are the school sports at every high school. That does not exist in the Netherlands. I really had to get used to how devoted these young people were to their sports, they were disciplined, competetive and because of that actually really really good. All I ever grew up with was teens who just do sports for fun and some of them are good and go to a specific school to persue it but most were just there to chat with friends. Which is why I never really improved at all. I loved the mindset and the drivenness of the American highschool teams, it really pushed me to my limits and made me better in such a short time.
So I imagine that in the workfield it brings the best out in you and it makes you perform on a level you didn't even know you could. But ofcourse, like you said in the video, there is also a con. The competitiveness starts at such a young age which can bring so much stress to kids and also adults once they're in the workfield.
Thanks for sharing this! I'm doing research on a video about the "sixes culture" (zesjescultuur) vs. American "performance culture" which I will dive into this =)
I did an exchange year myself and I can confirm your impressions about the dedication of the high school students to their sports varsities and their strong identification with their school. This is indeed unheard of in any other European school. Indeed this was creating an overwhelming sense of competitiveness amongst students, also in social terms. i.e.with institutions like "homecoming queen (and king)" etc. Principally it is a good thing, however it kind of leaves those behind who cannot perform as well. It creates a kind of two class environment: those with varsity high-school letterman jackets and those with none.
as a dutchie, we do have that, but for university students, wish it was for high school too, but VWO for example might be too time consuming for sport teams like that.
Strange though, since at the highest level (Olympics), it's the European countries who have the most olympic medals per capita. The Netherlands have way more medals per capita than the US
Super interested to hear this, as I’ve always wondered how youth sports work in Europe! I agree that it can be beneficial for Americans kids… but it’s also a major source of stress and more time in cars. So much time in cars. Sigh.
As a British/Canadian living in both countries extensively, your viewpoints are so fair and balanced. I'm always scared of watching these videos but I can tell you really are authentic. Great video!
UK has nothing to do with the rest of the Europe. Completely different culture, just like the USA and Canada are.
@@evernight. nah that's a bs people keep repeating to themselves... Canada REALLY looks like the US tbh lol Yes a little slower, but still quite consumist, people only talk about work and buying stuff as well lol
@@PixelPressChannel ok. If someone asked me when did I post this comment I would say a month ago. I am now in shock that 5 months have passed by...
I moved to the Netherlands about 6 months ago from Portland, Oregon and I agree almost 100% (I miss the selection in grocery stores). Especially the part about work. I miss having team mates being motivated and opinionated. I do not miss the excessive work hours, lack of vacation, no employee protections, etc. It has also been hard to break myself of asking someone what they do when I meet them. I miss the nature but I love that it’s so easy to travel here (and I get 5.5 weeks of vacation a year and it doesn’t get used with sick time). It’s also a huge relief to feel like my 6 year old daughter is safe, I don’t have to worry about her getting shot at school.
I don’t think anyone outside of the US will every understand the insanity American gun crime.
@@nestpasunepipe1619 Exactly! In the US if you get sick for a week, you are using up your vacation time. Even then, it’s common for companies to push you to “cash out” your vacation time rather than use it.
Portland is just another US city suffering Death By Democrat. It's one big homeless camp now and every day there is a new report of a business closing it's doors due to the crime
@@jameshoffman5159 I didn't know that. They really work you to the bone over there.
As a fellow American also in The Netherlands, depending on what you envision when you say 'nature', there's things in The Netherlands that might fit. Like in and around just Amsterdam, there's forests, parks, beaches, camping places, etc all in comparative abundance from any US city. Further out, there's the various islands to the north and a mountain (hill really) to the south. The thing to keep in mind is that The Netherlands is both small and extremely connected by American standards. Going across the country to visit some distant park is going to be a couple of hours at most and if you're in the Randstad, probably like... a 20-40 minute train ride. Heck, it's a couple hours to the next country over if you want to do that. :)
Everything you say is true. I just can't take being stressed 24/7 just for a dollar that isn't going to pay the bills. My quality of life is important to me, so is enjoying my time on earth.
Thanks Frederika. Wish you lots of happiness!
Man David, I think you're spot on with all your observations. I'm a born and raised Dutch citizen who lived in the US for 1.5 years. While I admired the ambition and work ethic of people and I've enjoyed the landscape more than in my home country (if you exclude all the stroads in suburbs), I've come to appreciate The Netherlands much more now, for all the things you mentioned. The healthcare, the livability for cyclists and pedestrians, the healthier people, the lack of gun obsession and inevitably related mass shootings, the room for people to form a political opinion outside of a binary model, etc. Your video made me reflect on my time spent in the US and value the world that exists here, so thank you :)
Same here. I'm Belgian and I have been living in the US since last September. I regularly used to come here to visit my American wife, but every time I visited I was selectively blind to how absolutely terrible things are here: the car and work centrism; the systemic racism that birthed crime & gang life and consumes every city; the shootings from which no one in the US (however young or old) is safe from; the absurd cost of healthcare... I didn't (want to) see these things because we were either in a small town or a college campus (neither of which represent the average American city) and, to me, it felt like life in the US felt similar to life in Europe, but with more upsides.
I cursed Belgium out all my life for the absurdly high taxes and extremely low pay. I guess I didn't know what I had until I lost it, lol. I do like being paid twice to thrice what I would've been paid in Belgium (especially since everyday things in America cost about the same in both places). However, that comes with a whole lot of stress & very little free time, and I don't know if you've ever noticed but: it's expensive to de stress in America.
I'm trying to take my wife to several places in Europe to sort of get her attached to a specific place. So far she really likes Amsterdam. Let's see where life takes us... haha
Christians are arrested all over Europe, for preaching the Bible in the UK (Pastor John Sherwood, 71, London), under Pride-ideology. No matter, this world shall pass. 2. TIMOTHY 3: "12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
@@nipo2540 You must be new to the US. We've always had poverty, gangs, racial tension, gun violence. Yes that same USA that saved and helped rebuilt Europe while it was lynching blacks and discriminated Asians, Mexicans at home. Yet no European nation has absorbed immigrants and let them rise and succeed like the US. To understand that is to understand the US. It's both sublime and ugly. If you think systemic racism doesn't exist in Europe, then you haven't seen it from a minority or immigrant's pov.
Thanks for sharing Boudewijn-interesting to hear the opposite experience. There are definitely things I love about the US...and things I love about the Netherlands...and very grateful to have had the experience of both worlds! You also made me do some reflecting right now so thank you :)
so you're telling me you were born in the netherlands and lived to tell the tale? I dont believe you
Left the US back in 2020, lived in Central America for about a year and a half, came back home in spring 2022. My body, mind and spirit still have not been able to get comfortable here. It’s so much, not just the consumerism, but the people’s mindsets here, the way energy is transferred and exchanged, and the drastic nature of getting a $15 latte on the same block as tent city. I, too, went to the ER cause the food here is so hard on my kidneys. It’s been hard for me to re-adapt to this environment. Actively seeking my next destination.
You hit the nail on the head with every, single point you made. This is the experience most visitors from overseas (i.e. the other 96% of the world) have when they travel to the US. And yet, unless they leave the country and live elsewhere for a while (to gain a balanced perspective), most Americans will either argue that America is the best and that universal health (free) care is bad, or else they are totally oblivious just how crappy their lives are compared to almost every other developed nation.
You lost me with 'most.' I don't think that's true. As an example, more Americans want government healthcare than don't. And only about 20 percent think the U.S. is the 'best' country in the world. And I think visitors to the U.S. are going to naturally gravitate towards tourist destinations which are often cities. They're not seeing the diversity of the country. Societal and geographic.
@@teejay3272 I totally agree that it is not "most", and we as a nation don't fully hold those beliefs. One needs to be careful not to use the very vocal members of one side to determine the opinions of the whole.
The US is a large place. Incomes in most skilled jobs would make the average European pretty jealous. These same jobs cover health insurance. It isn't as dystopian as the news / youtube would have you think.
I’m in eastern MA near boston and it’s pretty dystopian now. Health care costs are out of control. My coworkers are afraid to see the doctor because of how much it could cost. Lots of stressed out, angry Americans. I can’t even drive 2 miles to the store without someone tailgating me or road raging. @@nuke2373
the US does have a very high quality of life regardless of whatever you think. Check the Better Life Index made by the French/German OECD
Being born in the US and A; I moved to Switzerland and have become double citizen. The part you mention about America being so divided is very true and honestly hurts me. While living in Europe, I always had this image of my home country being this superpower and happy place where I grew up as a kid. Compare to nowadays and it is very true that the mainstream media has caused so much damage, playing the people against another with their divisive identity politics
Thanks for sharing. How did you get dual citizenship?! That's awesome
@@hidavidwen
Ive been living there for many years now. After a certain time of living here, you become eligible for citizenship application
Hate activates people to do what you want. It's absolutely the best control mechanism.
I’m the opposite!
Swiss born became an American citizen 🇺🇸double citizen .
I love both and can’t choose
And all my best friends are Americans now💋🙈🙊🙉
Yes I agree.. main stream media I call government funded media…
I try to avoid it
The greater population of all countries want peace… so much propaganda to block the beauty.
Amazing video! I am Canadian and have lived for 5 years now in Sweden and everything you mention is spot on, even though it is less extreme in Canada. I'm sadden to think that one needs to go live in another country to realize the extent of the problems in America (not just US) and open the mind to other cultures and way of life.
In Sweden, I love the amount of vacation, the (more or less) low pressure at the workplace, the well-developed public transport and biking infrastructure, the better equality between genders and social classes, the openness of the society in general and much more. All the systems are so much better developed: welfare, pension, tax, healthcare, etc.
I still think I will go back to Canada some day, because of family but I will be missing a lot from Europe.
Convince your family to re- locate. You will be doing them a favor in the long run.
Canada is being taken over by the "american way" of thinking in some ways with the over consuming, materialism, us against them politics, etc. the homeless isn't AS bad but is pretty bad in major urban areas. the more we stray from our British roots, the less Canadian we are.
Well, Sweden used to be even better. Have to go to Denmark to see how it was 15 yrs ago.
Jag är glad att du gillar att bo här!
I will bet Canada doesnt miss you.
Hello David, I am a French and i was thinking about experience the American dream. Having the European point of view (hope this will not offend you but after these 5 years in Europe I think that you really know the way of life in Europe) is really helpful for me.
Thank you for your feedback. Hope the best for you and that you will be able to come back soon to Europe.
Thank you for capturing it all so well. After a couple decades in Silicon Valley tech (your observations are accurate down to the detail), I am moving to the Netherlands next month. Every American I know who has already made the move says the same things about how much their quality of life has improved. See you in the Netherlands! 🙂
Hi Jenny! Thanks for the kind words. And how exciting! Hopefully by the time you get settled in, the weather will be nice and the days will be long again. I hope (and think) you'll have a great time here. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and good luck with the move!
Im British - I know a couple of Americans in the Netherlands - they love it. It will take you about 2 years to adjust and you will get a period where you hate it, but it passes...
@@hidavidwen Thanks David! I'll hit you up when I get there to see if you're around for coffee. 🙂
@ Jenny Hansen I am Dutch. And I see our country also changing. Under the influence of the USA and a very bad government.
And it is not oke. Becoming money driven, fake society. Fast food and Lots of lipservice.
Even the American movies are becoming more and more fake . The scandinavian are extremely good
The USA will collapse in the end. But it will take time.
@@piccalillipit9211 Yes, it takes time to get used to not have 50 brands of toilet paper to choose from.
Canadian here! The first time I was in a large American grocery store we giggled about the huge aisle dedicated to processed breakfast cereals. It was actually pretty scary. We’d also never seen so much junk food and candy in a store. The produce section was tiny, with a limited selection. Not many healthy selections.
Haha so true!
The bread was soft, white, sweet and spongey with an ingredients list as long as your arm that read like the index of a chemistry book.
I been a couple times in Canada around Toronto/Kingston... and the exact thing you said i see in Canada. And the selection of healthy food is VERY VERY low in Canada. Everything fat, sugar, grease, fried. And a lot of Obese people in Canada as well.
@@HermanWillems Just curious - are you Dutch? I have heard about the healthy foods there. We certainly have too much processed food. We do have candy and sweet baked foods, but nothing like the unhealthy large sections of those in American supermarkets in the South. Southern cuisine is very heavy on carbs, gravies and sweet teas. Obesity can be found anywhere, but it’s prevalent there. Of course there are good food stores in the U.S. - more so up north and Southern California.
I eat almost no processed food and cook from scratch. I have a large produce section to choose from, but would likely be amazed food shopping in the Netherlands. I hope one day to visit!
As another Canadian, specifically Ontario, it's pretty much the exact same here. Walmarts or Loblaws/Sobeys (and whatever grocery chains they own) for days. Though it is a tiny bit healthier, still not a big difference though.
All rings true. I am an Aussie, but lived in the US for 5 years doing a couple of postdocs. I found the US a mix of the extremes. Some absolutely great things about the place and some terrible. These extremes have often driven me to wonder whether we cannot have some of those upsides without the downsides. For instance, the entrepreneurial spirit, which I think great, but can it exist without the interpersonal comparisons and hustle culture. Or its worst form, a literal hustle. Partner and I did a road trip across the US before we left, and there were some places where it felt like the point of 80% of the activity was just to separate people from their money, unashamedly.
exactly - the USA has the best and worst of everything. People who will give you the shirt off their back, and people who will murder you for your sneakers.
Aussie? You mean Austrian?
Australian @@dennisengelen2517
@@dennisengelen2517 Australian
@@dennisengelen2517 he means Australian
My cousin works in Germany. The moment you clock out ur boss is not allowed to text, email or call you for work related stuff. For non-work related stuff he needs to take ur permission to contact you.
This is great, but I think it'll be hard to enforce here.
Some comments and additions to this video from a Swede who's been to the US many times:
- First of all, really interesting experience, thanks for sharing!
- People think they always want more choice, but what we should want is _good_ choices. Quality over quantity.
- Cheap things always have an externalised cost. The US (or its corporations) being able to produce lots of cheap goods externalise that cost onto society, or cheap labor in poorer countries. Cheap junk food --> National health decline. The cheap leather you get in most products --> People in China and India are getting cancer and river downstream settlements are ruined due to water pollution.
- As you said, people in the US don't have time. Everyone's always hustling. Everyone always tries to maximise the value out of everything, including traveling and vacation. But by doing that, people miss out on the most important part of such things; To be present, to enjoy things with no strings attached, to ruminate, and to just be.
- You say "left VS right, democrats VS republicans". From my POV, it's really more right VS alt right. Any left wing party in Europe would be considered extremists in US politics, and most right wing parties would be more left than the democrats.
- Another note on cheap things that US people tend to be against: things funded by tax money. The externalised cost is everyone's money, but what people don't seem to realise (even many in my own country) is that _everyone_ tends to get a lot more back than what they paid, even those who don't get the direct benefits from it. For example: "Better public transport? But I'm a car driver...". Well, less cars on the roads means less traffic, and less road maintenance, and freeing up land for better cities and environment.
- Lastly, I don't have any perfect solutions to how we should solve these issues in the US (or issues in my country), although I have my ideas. Corporations and vested interests are a big part of the systemic issues that needs to be addressed, because societal progress based on human values are often in direct conflict with profit interests of corporations. Only when there's a large enough force that demand large enough changes will there be significant change.
EDIT: Oh, forgot the most interesting thing: I can always notice an American at first glance in Sweden. Either it's because of their positive outgoing nature (which is a positive thing imo), or it's their twitchiness. Americans are constantly nervous and looking out for potential danger. Funnily enough, they don't realise it themselves when I ask about it. And the cool thing is, Americans who've lived in Sweden for a couple of years loose this trait.
Thanks for sharing and detailed reply! Appreciate it. Haha yes, one of my previous European flatmates noticed I was extremely positive and optimistic ("very American") even though I wasn't really feeling like that. I guess that is part of the American culture
Thank you for the comment about right vs alt right. This is what i felt watching different shows discussing society/politics/culture issues
Great write-up! I noticed the twitchiness in a friend of mine who'd lived in the US for a couple of years (we're Japanese), and came back to Tokyo. She was jumpy out at night in a way that no local here is. That made me sad but I guess every country has their own problems 🤷♀
This is what I am also feeling: "Any left wing party in Europe would be considered extremists in US politics, and most right wing parties would be more left than the democrats." The US just has two parties and no party is really "left". The American angst is socialism, which is funny, because the so called "European socialism" is really for the people and human. Eventhough its also a bit expensive, but its a good feeling to know that you will be talking care of if you pay your taxes as well. Another BIG POINT what really pisses my of in America. Nobody pays enough taxes. Its a corrupt system and I think it will soon come to an end. Which will be very very ugly....
I would move my family to Europe in a heartbeat. I don’t see how it could happen though. I’m an acupuncturist and those things have very specific licenses depending on the country. My husband is an app developer so occasionally he looks at European job openings, but never found anything. I love Europe, have been there a few times. My mom is 100% Swedish, my grandparents were first generation. I would love to live there. In fact I dream about it almost every week. There are people here who want European style Socialism, you don’t hear about them too much because they get drowned out by the media. Everything is so corporate and capitalistic here. Which is why Bernie Sanders didn’t make it far, but I wish he was more of the norm than the rest of the Democrats. I consider myself so left that I’m not even left. Simply for wanting universal healthcare, free education, less work, Time off after having a baby and willing to pay more in taxes for a higher quality of life.
I'm Dutch, and have lived in the US for more than 20 years. When I first arrived, I was completely overwhelmed in the supermarket. Still today, I prefer Trader Joe's (much smaller store), because it's so overwhelming in the big stores. Yes, work/non-work balance is very off in the US. I'm in The Netherlands now and everyone is on vacation, as every summer. It's expected and there's a change of pace... I do love the enthusiasm in the US and the hope of limitless possibilities. But, yes, in reality many people are struggling severely and I've seen the homeless population grow. It's very sad and unevenly divided.
Many people here saying that Netherlands one of the best countries in the world. Do you miss Netherlands?
The extreme form of capitalism , and workaholic drove the toxicity in the society as we see it today. The results? High suicide rates, addiction problems, gun violence, mental health issues, unending bigotry, rising poverty, etc
I was born in Oakland, grew up in Union City and moved to Eindhoven in 1990. Your video is spot on! I clearly remember the struggle when I had to buy food for my baby during a trip to California; I was so overwhelmed with the assortment in the grocery store! I agree with you that it would be difficult to move back home, but that doesn't mean that I don't get homesick at times...especially when I see the California coast as shown in your video! I can't tell you how much it still blows my mind that many of my Bay Area friends are struggling to keep their heads above water these days. They may earn more, but they definitely need more than we do in The Netherlands.
Great video as always! Very soothing and perfect for unwind!