I'm Dutch and I've never understood why people don't care for privacy, because I do! As soon as it turns dark and I need to light up my house, I'll close all the curtains. During the day visibility inside is also limited by my window decoration.
Hi! I'm from Tallinn, Estonia and my father taught me that you should always close all the curtains because when you leave from your house bad people like thiefs might steal your technology and other things because they see inside the house if you live in the first floor.
Mate I'm from the nether, and i love my privacy. I already have my shit shut. No way people are able to check inside. No way people will know when or when I'm not home. Thanks smart lights
Doctors indeed do not give medication away easily but that's because it often is unneeded. If it is not necessary then it is better to naturally let your body do the work
Hi 888 Records! Thank you for your comment 😊 there are indeed several approaches to health care and it was interesting to have a different experience in 2 countries
@@mafaldaboers The problem is not that Dutch docters underuse medication, the real problem is that in other countries the docters overuse them in cases when it is really not needed. The human immune system can overcome most fevers and infections by itself without the need for medication. In general it is much better to let the human body work the virus out by itself rather than to use medication. Not only do you train your own immune system which basically increases your health, it is also because virusses and bacteria have a tendency to become resistent to medicine over time. For this reason one should limit the use of medication as much as possible to keep them effective. So the Dutch approach is both better for your own health and for medicine in general, because we try to avoid the risk of germs becoming reseistent against medication as much as possible. Other countries should do the same.
The dutch healthcare system is very cost efficient orientated. The medication prescribed by a dokter, is free for the patient. The insurance company pays for it. So the policy of describing medication is focused on minimising the costs as much as possible. That’s why you get generic medication in stead of brand names. This policy is decided by a central governmental organisation. There are protocols for medic treatments. That’s another reason that Dutch dokters don’t give medication in the case of a virus infection. Because nothing works for viruses, except vaccination. So it would make the healthcare more expensive without any real gain. For example antibiotics only work in the case of a bacterial infection. Taking it when you have a cold or influenza will only have a placebo effect.
@@treintje1001 actually for a virus “get over it naturally” is the only way thing that works. Because there is no medication that can cure viruses. All prescribed medication only have a placebo effect.
Nice. About the medication: resistance to antibiotics in southern europe is a bigger problem than in the Netherlands and happens because doctors give more antibiotics. So from a medical point of view it is better to give medication less often especially if the problem resolves itself after 2 weeks and if it concerns antibiotics, but yes if you are used to always getting medication I can understand it may feel strange.
This is just excuse of poor medical system that you Dutch people believe. Bacterial infections growing very fast usually a number of bacteria in organism doubled every 2-4 hours. Do not treat this on early stage is very dangerous specially for small children. Resistance is mainly caused by to short time of antibiotic take in. In western countries is usually 5 days when in fact it should be from 7 to 9. The strongest bacteria are not killed and survive and they spread to start a new immune line. And situation is quite opposite, the most problems with resistance are on North of Europe , specially in Great Britain.
@@konradm6514 We describe less than half the antibiotics as the USA but have 4 years higher life expectancy. We do not have a bad medical system haha. About cure length, if you get a prescription we do follow the scientific consensus. Only getting the prescription is harder.
@@konradm6514 I have to disagree with you on some things. You are acting like doctors would hardly ever prescribe antibiotics, but that's not true. When I went to the doctor with a cough, he quickly found out it was a lung infection and he immediately prescribed me antibiotics. They just only give it when it's necessary, not just to fight of any sore throat..
I come from the UK and now am in my eighties. In the sixties I was involved in setting some scientific equipment in Holland along with another UK company who sent their installation team who I had never met. The Dutch scientists were amazed that all of us from the UK were immediately on first name terms - without any formality. They also shook hands each morning - they must have thought our reluctance to do that so impolite. It ended up with everyone using first name terms - even the professor - when speaking English but surnames when speaking Dutch.
Hahaha, it's really amazing how similar the Dutch and Germans (like me) live and behave. There are two major differences though: we Germans love privacy and close our windows especially in the evening, so that no one can look inside the home. And the German food is perhaps more variable than the Dutch food. But handshake, dinner time, and other stuff I am used to too. Nice video, thanks 🖐👴
Hi OpaSpielt, thank you for your comment :) A viewer commented that some of the cultural shocks are shared by someone living in Belgium. It is so interesting to know that 2 neighbouring countries have different views towards the way of living in The Netherlands.
The openings times of the shops are usually at 18:00. But already since somewhere in the 90s supermarkets are often open much longer. For example, a supermarket close to me closes at 22:00.
The key point about the naked windows is not to look inside the houses. Just walk and look ahead without looking sideways. You were curious but this type of curiosity is cultural as well.
How could one not look tho! If I were in that situation, I would look and maybe even film it if it was something real funny! It’s in one’s nature to be curious about such things and laugh at something funny or embarrassing! After all, it would be ppl’s fault that they don’t care about privacy and don’t use curtains! I cannot even understand how can someone not care about privacy tho - I could never not care about my privacy, and I would always use curtains etc!
good observations! About bicycling in the rain .. here we say (translated) "you're not made of sugar so a bit of rain won't hurt you". The thing about Dutch doctors; I have some medical issues myself which can't be treated with paracetamol or just waiting till it's over, so I have no choice, but when you have, it's much better to not fill yourself with chemicals, because every pill has it's own side effects, which a doctor should then treat with again other pills, so when it isn't really necessary they don't prescribe medicines. Many expats (especially Americans) find this not good, because the want to be treated (and go to work). Here - like in Portugal, I'm sure - we just stay at home when we're not well enough to work.
That doctor that said to just look it up online seems weird.. but yeah, as someone from Belgium and now also living in the Netherlands we seem to share quite a lot of the culture shocks with Portugal! :) Food, doctors working differently, dinner time, privacy, planning, directness etc. we all share with Portugal instead of our Dutch neighbours.
The big term God and words like win and ame cannot be in someone’s name, and must be changed - such terms only reflect me The God(dess) / Lady / Queen / Princess / Leader / Star etc!
I am to be moved to the Netherlands in the near future, actually, because there are more pros than cons, to be fair, but no country is perfect, unfortunately - but the best things about the Netherlands are the nature (there is a lot of green nature and there aren’t many houses / buildings, and it’s a very quiet country) and design / aspect and cleanliness (compared to most other countries, the Netherlands feels like real luxury) and the safety (it’s one of the safest countries) and also the fact that ppl seem to mind their own thing and don’t try to touch others, which is great for someone with OCD, so it’s really great for me, and definitely one of my favorite countries to move to, plus it borders Germany and Belgium and is very close to the Nordic countries like Norway / Sweden / Denmark etc, which are all on my list of favorite countries where I want to live and visit etc!
Plus, I am advanced level in Dutch (over 8.000 base words) and also learning German and French, so I know I would have no issues ordering foods / stuff etc off NL wss or buying food etc from NL supermarkets, because I can read the labels and I can understand most of the things they usually write in Dutch - the area around Limburg looks so peaceful and green, so I will probably be moved there, and it’s so close to the border with Germany and Belgium, so I will be able to visit Germany and Belgium whenever I want, which is another pro for me, because I also like those countries and the languages etc!
The doctor that told you "just google it" is a disgrace for his/her profession!! I am 62 years old and Dutch and I never experienced such an attitude in my life, and IF a doctor would tell me that I would go to another doctor immediately!
I am also Dutch and I have experienced this a a year and a half back. I called my familydoctor for my backpain and they suggested I would go to the 'thuisarts' site and look there for a solution, I was suprised because this had never happened before. I obviously declined and then they allowed me to go see my familydoctor. It probably was a consequence of the high pressure on the medical sector because of covid. Although I kind of get it from their side, I think you got to stand up for yourself when they suggest idea's like that.
Regarding our windows, there’s funny thing some people (including my family!) have in their homes. Putting rectangular, decorative stickers on parts of your windows. These stickers often have patterns and some are bigger than others. With these things, you can sit on your couch without having everyone to see you. When you stand up, you will probably still be visible, though! But this may just be a town thing. A lot of homes have it here, even in neighbourhoods in cities that are outside of the city centre. I’m not in busy cities often, but I feel like this is definitely more common in more newly built houses, instead of the bigger, older homes
Very interesting. Two remarks: regarding the fireworks as a dutch person I would absolutely prefer the Portuguese approach. And secondly: I hate cycling in the rain, but sometimes you just cannot avoid it.
Hi Super Fredje! Thank you for sharing :) I believe we are all in this (cycling in the rain) together! But I want to try the rain clothes (jacket + pants), I saw some people wearing and I think it is very smart
@@mafaldaboers great idea, but please be aware that with the cheap ones it is basically wearing a piece of plastic, so you get sweaty as hell. Do not want to discourage you though!
@@mafaldaboers Rain coat and pants are commonly used to keep the cyclist from becoming wet. Be aware that there is a lot of variation in quality, comfort and price! The cheap ones can be quite sweaty because they don’t ventilate, and may also not be very durable. However a high price is not automatically a guarantee for good quality either. Be aware that it takes some time and effort to put them on and off. Most people only use rain clothes for longer rides and consider it not worth the effort for a short ride. It also depends on how heavy the rain is, of course 😉.
Alcohol use, dog ownership are demonstrably a much bigger danger to the general public than fireworks. It simply pales in comparison when we look at deaths, costs to society, kids getting seriously hurt. I think 8 hours of fireworks per year that cannot be allowed opens a plethora of things we should no longer allow. To each their own. I would not like to live in such a society.
The three kisses thing seems to change a lot lately. It really feels like a generation thing or something (very) formal. Especially younger people just give each other a hug and this seems to catch on with some older people as well. Which makes it kinda awkward for people who are now in their 30s/40s, since they are in between.
Let's have a coffee tomorrow in Rotterdam. Oh! Wait! I can't. Shall we postpone that till next month? Sure no problem! Actually, I have already an appointment there but I might be able to reschedule that. Nah! Don't worry. We'll grab a coffee the day after tomorrow then.
Dear young lady As a foreigner living very many years already in the Netherlands, I must compliment you on this video: Really !! I hadn't wanted to watch it as I arrived here on your channel by mistake; but I couldn't stop. I think that what impressed me the most was your excellent command of the English language ! The only word you pronounce wrongly is 'Maastricht,' unless you are conciously trying to speak in the local Limburg dialect of course: Maybe ask a Dutch (or English) person how to pronounce Maastricht. What others write about the Dutch GP's is indeed correct. I don't know about Portugal (I'd love to visit one day, although I'd have much rather visited before they joined the terrible EU ), but in France and Switzerland, for example, if the doctor (GP) doesn't prescribe lots of medicines, the patient will likely change over to another doctor's surgery. The frequent no-medicine advice from a Dutch doctor is correct.
I dont get your storie about the healt system, you called a doctor to ask about a certain machine you would like to use and wich one you should buy? Thats not realy the way our system works. if you have problems you go to see the doctor and talk about the problems then he/she wil advice a treatment. They are not consumer advisors.
The medication thing is something that should be adapted world wide. People often get subscribed non-necessary medication or too heavy medication. Like heavy addictive painkillers. There are many people addicted to prescription painkillers all over the world. But also often painkillers do more bad than good. Simple headaches will go away by themselves, same goes for a simple stomach ache. But also the use of unnecessary anti-biotics. When you are having a flu, which is a viral infection, anti-biotics are of no use. In most cases you shouldn't use antibiotics, only when you have a bacterial infection. When people feel pains or like have a stomach flu or whatever: no medication will really help... rest, enough water and healthy food will do the trick. A viral infection really can only be beaten by the body itself. Viruses change shape every year. So when now there is a flu virus, they can make a medicine against it but as soon as it is ready the virus will have changed characteristics and the developed medication won't work anymore. There's nothing a doctor can give you to cure from the flu: your body will have to fight it all by itself: rest, sleep, eat well. But when you are really sick or have severe pains, Dutch doctors will give you all the pills you need. In some countries there's a for profit healthcare industry and in other countries patients are given medication, even when the doctor knows it won't help much, just to keep the patient satisfied, so that he or she thinks the doctor is really doing something to help. But that is treating people like children and this behaviour is causing a world wide problem where bacteria are getting resistant against antibiotics. Soon we will need new and different kind of antibiotics (the current ones are in danger of not working sufficently anymore. If new ones are not being developed the world will see a whole new epidemic...
Boa noite, nice to see your reaction to our nice but sometimes crazy countrie. Agree totaly with your points and also hope the new years will change to be honest. Groetjes
Hello Mafalda, what struck me was that you apparently don't have a family doctor "Huisarts", which usually visits every Dutchman first. If necessary, he will refer you to a doctor "Medisch Specialist".
Cycling: Dutch people also use public transport Mafalda! We usually cycle if the distance is a short one (up to an hour outside the cities I think). Or the car. If it rains I walk to the shop, I don't take the bike.
If you relocate to another country, inform yourself. If you have a contact already ask for particulier things like doctors and other issues. The open windows are more of the past, nowadays people have blinds or thin curtains that let light in but not inquisitive peoples stares. I came to the Netherlands from another country, too. If you want to stay you'll have to adjust.
Mmm Google it, was indeed strange, yet the doctors in the Netherlands are definitely very reluctant to provide medicines for relatively minor problems. And I've heard the question ′′ what do you think yourself ′′ more often.
You are definitely not supposed to look into people's houses unless you are a neighbor or friends. You just wave and go on. Yes, you have to make an appointment, even with your parents. Another thing is that it is very rare that the Dutch invite friends to their home. You can be coleagues for years and have never visited.
6:10 Windows : common mistake with foreigners. Which may also get you in serious trouble in The Netherlands. It is considered extremely rude to look into other people's houses. Curtains or not. You keep your eyes to yourself and focus on the public place. Staring into Dutch people's houses, or even pressing your nose against the window pane, as some tourist are prone to do, will most likely cause the inhabitant to step outside to - in no uncertain terms - demand an explanation for your behaviour.
Hi PJW, thank you for your comment. The behaviours described are indeed rude and people should not stare. I must confess that I'm still not used to when I'm walking and I see a movement or a light from the corner of my eye, a for a few seconds my head instinctively turns. With this I already feel that I'm invading their privacy, but sometimes it's hard not to look.
@@mafaldaboers Spot on Dutch. We're only human. 'Glancing and looking away' is OK, 'looking' is sus, 'staring' is asking for trouble. But in the latter case apologizing and explaining 'couldn't help admiring' will usually defuse the situation. It might even get you an invitation for tea, and 1 cookie. 🤣
Hi Mafalda! Obrigada! I like those comparison vids. Would like to see more from your time in NL. I am from Germany and live close to the Dutch border. Have u ever been in Germany?
I am Dutch. If you need a more specialized doctor, try to get a direct line with one in the hospital. This way you can skip your GP. This is what I always recommend to foreigners in the netherlands. Dutch GP's have only very basic medical knowledge and often say that your issue is related to stress or fatique. If you know that your issue is more serious than that, just ask your GP for a referral right away.. Also Dutch GP's are not ashamed to use Google themselves even while they talk to the patient in the consulting room.
My experience with dutch docters is, that they are very capable in deciding if you need a referral or not. If I have a illnes and it is not improng in a week, I call my doctor, even if I think it is harmless. My doctor did disagree a few times and ordered some tests or send us to hospital. They were usually right, and there was something serious going on. The goal of dutch docters is not to make people feel helped, but to help people, so they don't prescribe medication for illnesses that do not need treatment. That is probably different than what you are used to. I advise you talk with your docter about this, tell him/her that you feel insecure about the dutch way of treating patients. They are probably not aware that you feel that way and can explain why they do what they do. They won't suddenly start acting the way you're used to, but they will hopefully explain more and reassure you, so that you feel helped next time you visit and gain confidence in the doctor and the Dutch healthcare system. Going directly to hospital often ends in the hospital telling you that you need a referral from your doctor (for ensurance reasons}, so that is often a waste of time.
Its funny, i am dutch and have done my practice period in oporto and i had some similar - reversed experiences. I still miss the beautiful country sometimes.
Dutch people actually do put curtains over windows, don't worry, but we only close it when we go to bed, or to make it dark to watch a movie or something else
I am Portugese brought up in NL. I can understand that for you New Year was a shock. Funny thing is that when I was 13 we went to Portugal to see avo one last time. At New Year. I was shocked to see NO fireworks were lit up. Not by anyone. So to me the shock was how extremely boring Portugal is on New Years Eve. The fireworks are very safe by the way, certainly when compared to alcohol use, dog ownership and some other hobbies. Firecrackers are not allowed in NL but canbe bought in Germany and Belgium. Still: these are very well produced and not dangerous either. Only abuse is, but that is true for so many things. The most dangerous for kids is F1 fireworks. Allowed for 12 yrs and above that can be used 365 days per year. Now kids do stupid things with them and for instance burn their feet deeply. But these are allowed throughut Europe. I personally cannot imagine New Years Eve without fireworks. The funny and loud soundeffects, beautiful colours etc. And it is just 8 hours per year allowed. I think a society that aims for some absolutistic safety is extremly boring. Say byebye to dogs, alcohol, even cats and even sports (30 eyes incidents with fireworks, 45000 with sports where 10% means vision is completely lost). I don't think it is a good idea to go for safety safety safety. Again: stay indoors during those 8 hours and nothing happens. No one is amazed that dogs are allowed with kids 1-2 yrs old. I would suggest looking up which kids are bitten in their face by dogs and how many. Fireworks pales in comparison. For people who wonder how the fireworks we can buy look like (firecrackers etc are not allowed, rockets neither)...how is this dangerous? These cost between 100-250 euro's. This is just an extremely small selection. I think no less than 500 or more of such compounds can be bought. It is just one time lighting and it just goes from there onwards. ruclips.net/video/5Pgz_LGRxzw/видео.html (From 2:10 onwards) ruclips.net/video/MO3DGubcLyg/видео.html ruclips.net/video/FEu6zVikX5Q/видео.html (from 54 seconds onwards) ruclips.net/video/v-2rhsDNM08/видео.html What is not to like? On the large windows and curtains: everyone I knows has them, most use them surely at night. So I don't actually see here what you are seeing. Since we want to get the light IN and not like Portugal the heat OUT, we have large windows and open the curtains.
Opening Times: It depends on where you live. Some places have "Koopavond" on Thursday, other places might have it on Friday. In larger cities most supermarkets will be open until 9 or 10 every day. As a Dutchman, I also never understood the opening hours with many restaurants. I mean... don't you want to make money? Meanwhile many open up at times nobody is yet gonna eat. Open later, close later... not that hard. Fireworks: It is not like we used to had, it was a free for all, it was spectacular and epic. It also caused many accidents. Nowadays, many places have either quiet zones or a fireworks is provided by the municipality. I think in a few years it might be more like how it goes in Portugal. btw, fireworks you hear in the weeks before NYE, most likely is illegal fireworks. You are allowed to buy fireworks (not in the supermarket btw) from 3 days before new years eve. You buy at designated sellers that have taken special measures for storing and handling. They might be a bikeshop or partystore during the rest of the year, during the last 3 days they are firework shops. Cycling: Dutch sayin "I am not made of sugar, I won't melt". You can clothe for every type of weather except a heatwave. Dutch "Cuisine": Stamppotten (take veges and potatos, mash them together, add gravy and sausage or meatball... Stamppot) We have Hachee (a beef stew), we have Dutch pancakes. We have Snert (Dutch pea soup) and a whole litany of meal soups. Dutch food is simple and hardy. Yes, pastas and noodles are popular but the normal homemeal is potatos, veggies and a piece of meat or fish. Curtains: The Dutch tend to do without curtains in the living areas. Bedrooms have curtains in most cases. Open views give a warmer and more social atmosphere, besides that it makes for easy monitoring of what is happening outside making it overall saver for everybody. Doctor: I would find it equally strange if a doctor tells me to google it. That is not you, that is the Doctor being stupid. Medication: In may countries it is custom to grab to the pill bottle for every little malady. Paracetamol is in those countries not considered medication by the general public. It however most certainly is. Paracetamol is cheap, can be gotten without prescription, can be taken with you when traveking etc. It also is working in most cases. You might want to read up on the capabilities of paracetamolum. Why prescrive medication that is expensive, might have severe side effects, while giving no benefits above paracetamol? Doctors will not prescribe it to you if they think it isn't useful. It is not a "get rid of the patient so we can get the next patient in and make more money" thing like is some more "capitalist" countries. Dutch Directness: Say what you mean to say, not what you think sounds best. SChedules: I am the oppopsite to be honest. I have no watch, no agenda, no appointment book. I can go do things with friends on the fly. But yes... many Dutch live by the schedulle.
great review! And as often it is about the details, that make it exquisit.: "Another shock was Dutch food.....they have amazing snacks, like these 3....and YES..that is.. uh.. almost it.... That is a polite... "gosh you suck at this..... but let me glance over this fact with the most dignity of politeness I can muster right now..."
That doctor thing is quite a recent thing, which I don't like either. When I was younger you could just go to the doctor with whatever. These days, if they don't think you need any help they just say so and question why you even called.
Privacy - but only when it comes to curtains. Dutch people are very private about family, work or salary. But curtains.. it's a bit like showing off the nice furniture I think. ;)
Since you can buy paracetamol, ibuprofen and other pain meds everywhere. Just say you already tried it. Another thing is insurance companies want to make profit so they don't prescribe a lot
Dutch insurance companies don't "want to make profit". They don't even have shareholders to give it to. Every profit they do end up making goes to their reserves to cover any unexpected high costs (like an epidemic) or to cover a too-low-fee in a different year. It doesn't end up in anyone's pockets. Dutch law makes that impossible.
I'm Dutch and most people I know have semi-transparent window decoration. A kiss on the cheeks is not usual on first sight, however if a lady makes a move to do so, I would not hold back though 🙂.
Hi Mafalda. I enjoyed this video. Thank you. 🙂 Do you speak more than three languages? Your English is very good and you're probably good with French, Spanish and German as well. Please allow me to offer one suggestion for English. Instead of 'unpolite', use the word 'impolite'. Really. It's weird I know, but hey, that's English for you! 🙂 All the best and thanks again.
Hallo Malfada, I also studied in Maastricht. How did you like PBL? Was it very different from what you were used to in Portugal? I loved your video. At many times it was like reading a book from the seventeenth century. When people told the same stories about The Netherlands. Especially about the windows without curtains. But it’s more a thing of the northern Netherlands. In the neighbourhood I lived in Maastricht, the people had vitrage and in the evening the roller shutters came down in most houses. But I feel a bit nervous when I can’t look outside. I want to know if there is any danger lurking nearby. 😂
Hi Jannette Berends! I really liked the PBL (Problem-Based Learning) approach! In my view, it is much better than just studying to remember for the exam and then forgetting everything after the exam. I have the opinion that portuguese universities should adopt this method. In addition, it really exposes you to the rest of the class and allows everyone for a chance of interaction.
@@xtinalucia3684 I had a great experience in MU. It was very easy to meet new people, the Problem-Based Learning was useful to actually learn and I liked the teachers. The city is also amazing, specially for who is a student. I hope you also have such a positive experience!
Being a Dutch person myself i hate the yearly fireworks and don't like the 'open' windows as well. When it comes to your GP (huisarts or local doctor) i really think the way they have treated/anwered you is not common or normal in the Netherlands. I consider it even slightly rude. I suggest to change practice and see another GP.
As an Englishman not familiar with wither Dutch or Portuguese culture, this was illuminating. Here's me asking a friend if he wants to meet up for lunch within the hour - and the Dutch would plan 3 months ahead??!!! That's crazy
Crazy indeed if it were true ofcource. Its a thing that expats hear from other expats and the bias comes to flesh. (The Schots are stingy and the Durch are overpunctuous)
Not necessarily. Most people also plan their time off. If they consider you as "time off" as well then they can meet up with you in a few days already. If you need us to discuss something we will have time for it as well. If you just want to have lunch and catchup there isn't a real need for plans to move around and change so that will be moved to multiple weeks ahead. Personally I don't plan more than two weeks in advance generally, so I'm flexible when it comes to sudden lunches. When it comes to lunch on the same day, unless it fits very well with my current plans most Dutch people will say "not today"
@@codex4048 It almost seems like you're living in a different country. The Dutch are extremely inflexible and bad at improvising. Hence the constant planning (or as a result of all the planning they're used to...): to prevent the unexpected. The Netherlands are among the countries with the highest rate of insurance-taking: heaven forbid they have not planned Plan B. Dull, dull, dull: culture, conversations, weather, ...
@@johanneskarremans5889 we are flexible within the plans we made. If we are fle ible outside our plans we drop other plans that involve others. Being 10 minutes late means letting someone else wait for 10 minutes. It's the main annoyance I have with people from other countries. If you let me wait for 10 minutes you don't value my time enough, it's rude.
The public opinion on fireworks is changing quite rapidly I think, with more and more people supporting a ban. It's one of these things everybody does and is used to (like Zwarte Piet), and it takes a while to realize how absolutely stupid it actually is. There's already several large cities banning fireworks altogether, and it helped that during the Covid period, fireworks were banned and we could see the difference it made in casualties.
I will close the curtains when we watch some specific kind of movies .. But I really liked your video. As a Dutchy I agree on the weird opening times of shops and the fireworks. Yeah.. the kissing, three times, only if you know someone well and when they are from the opposite sex (for most people) and some but not all women. Do they kiss two times always in Portugal? Even acquaintances and does their sex matter?
The three kisses is a generation thing, I’m born in 1980 and still used to the three kisses, lots of people younger don’t appreciate that anymore. Strictly business I wouldn’t use it also not for a appointment for a room. But kissed lots of woman I didn’t know that way. Here in the south (Brabant) it isn’t that common to congratulate everyone with the birthday of the host, but the new year’s wishes it probably is (however I make it easier on myself and just say it in the doorway). I’m glad we don’t pay taxes for the gouvernement to organise a firework show, I’m not pro or against fireworks as long I’m not paying for it. And since your arrival there are lots more regulations and because of this maybe more illegal fireworks. Guess the doctor reacts to the patients, didn’t recognise these complaints, but maybe my doctor takes me more serious because I’m not there that much or they just have more time? The take a paracetamol I do recognise, especially with other expats, but I agree with the practice to be hesitant with prescription drugs. Most pains or sicknesses your body can take it. It’s even more healthy.
@@mafaldaboers For the kisses on the cheeks I disagree with Mar. I don’t think it’s a generational thing. It’s a cultural thing. The main reason is that physical contact is considered an intimite thing, which you should only do with people with whom you have an intimite relationship. In other words: you only kiss on the cheeks when you know the person well enough. About the fireworks: it is more or less the same as the situation with guns in the united states. The USA is the only country in the world where it is legal to own and carry a gun. The USA is also the only country where so much public shootings occur, almost on a daily basis. And yet a lot of people fail to see the cause and effect releation here. In fact a lot of people are defending their lawful right to carry a gun. In the Netherlands the discussion about fireworks is pretty much similar. It is indeed unsafe and each year there are a lot of accidents and injuries and still lots of people don’t see the problem and defend their right to play with fireworks.
@@treintje1001 the kisses are certainly a cultural thing. I was born in Zuid Holland in 1975 and kissing was never a thing. Except for a couple of cousins, who lived in a different part of the country. They always wanted the kisses.
@H1SCOTTY Hold on, people in the north seriously congratulate everyone with the birthday of the host?! I was raised in the South of the Netherlands (Limburg) so I had no idea. When I went to live in a student house a few years ago I thought my housemates from Holland were being ironic and just making a joke by congratulating everyone 🤣
Yes. I am Dutch too. Our countries are twins and without a doubt the most similar of all countries in Euope. Including the fireworks which is nothing but GREAT!
I am not all that surprised that the doctor told you to go look for information yourself. You were asking about a specific type of medical device, and that is information that a generalist like a huisarts would not have. They would probably have to Google it themself too!
Mafalda, as an American, I never liked the cheek kissing thing that they do in Belgium, etc. We shake hands in America, and if its a family member or friend, a quick hug if its been awhile since we saw them. In post-covid times, cheek kissing seems too much.
I think the doctor advice difference from cities, in my small town you can call and they will lookup if you can use it save. Never in my live have I heard them say "Just google it", but I agree that would be a shock for foreigners.
Directness - yes, indeed, we are direct. We don't like to waste time by dancing around a topic. But we know we can also be blunt. As tourists we are nor a very nice people. My apologies for all of us.
Don't be shocked about the handshake. It's different with everyone. Some people will give 3 kisses right away and some will just shake your hand. It's not weird at all to go for the kisses on the cheek. Even if they are strangers. It's not only for family and close friends. And you need a new Doctor. This is not ok what yours said.
Ja van die dokters klopt het. Als je überhaupt al een dokter krijgt te spreken in Nederland. Vaak zeggen zij ook tegen zeer zieke mensen..'ga maar een stukje wandelen'.
Next time you visit the supermarket, buy `gestampte muisjes`. It`s sweet and delicious on your bread. Then i tell you what it means, that`s cultural shock number 11.
Of its like Germany, where they explained to us that, because they're a socialist democratic, they aren't allowed to stay open late, because it's not fair to the shop owners who chose to close earlier...
Im Dutch but at this point i really ask if there will be food when i come. Cos i was going with my bf to a friend of his at 8. And i ate at home.... Only to get there and see a full diner. Which they made vegetarian specially for me. I fellt super guilty for hardly eating any. 🤣 More and more people don't eat at 6 anymore. So you might just wanne check what they have planned. The fireworks annoy a lot of people by the way. Specially people with pets. :(.
Healthcare: ae you sure a doctor advised Google? Maybe it was the receptionist - to protect the doctor some of these will 'keep away' the easy cases.. If it was a doctor, I agree it's a weird advice and not common for The Netherlands. As to the paracetamol - YES! That is what I hear from foreigners coming here, who are accustomed to have their doctor prescribe heavy medicine on the first appointment.. they are disappointed like you. ;) Actually I think it's a good advise (most of the time!) because these days people go far to easily to a doctor and clog up the system.
Any GP telling me to Google my medical issue will be told that this is not what I pay them for. I understand the question about what I want. Pain relief? Diagnosis only? Referal?
Whenever a GP doesnt know it themselves, I rather have them tell me to Google instead of having to pay for them to Google and find the same information.
@@codex4048 "I rather have them tell me to Google instead of having to pay for them to Google and find the same information." 👍I have no clue what your nationality is, but this remark makes ya an honorary Dutchie.
@@codex4048 Yet, a trained doctor will be able to tell how reliable the information is, even if they had to Google it. A visit to the GP doesn’t cost anything directly to the patient.
I'm from South Africa and been living in The Netherlands for more than 20 years now. Your impressions are spot-on and not unlike my experiences. Another pet peeve of mine is the customer service or rather the lack thereof. None more so than restaurants and retail stores. It's like they're just not interested in your business! Also, every time I visit the UK I'm reminded how courteous, friendly and helpful people can be. In contrast, over my 20 years I've [sadly] found the Dutch to be the complete opposite! In the suburbs, there seems to be little to no sense of community and it's more like neighbours "spying" on each other, taking delight in another's miss fortune and/or making their jealousy known! It's difficult to comprehend such mentality... not that In even want to!
There are always idiots. But usualy children of 4 dont get fireworks to play with, that would be insane. Maybe some sparkle sticks, and even those they dont get unsupervised. I understand you find some things a shock, but you make it sound like we are insane and unresponseble. The curtain thing is mostly in the northern part of the Netherlands. To the south they use more curtains. I cant remember that in Maastricht they they dont close the curtains at night. I come from the south. And my family always closed the blinds when the light came on. The different approach we have to doctors, makes our system affordable and because we let the body do what's it made to do in such a case the people here are probably more healthy because we "train" our bodies to fight off minor infections. That's why we DONT have as much resistant strains of bacteria because we dont give a wide range antibiotics to treat something mild. It's using a bazooka to stop a muskito from buzzing. It's unnessesairy. Most of the time it's a virus. And antibiotics dont work against viruses. So it's training the bacteria that survive the antibiotics to be stronger. We think it's strange that people want medicine of something like the sniffles. Just ask us dutchies how often they go to the doctor and even concidder our selves ill. Because we cycle in any weather, dont want medicine when we cough only once, we probably much healthier. So we do something right...
I live in Zeeland. Curtains are closed here too. And I live in a city with loads of monuments and large windows and I walk through it every night. IMay be 2% or so leaves the curtain open. Fireworks...indeed: I shoot them too. My little son of 4 is not allowed to be even outside with me shooting them 50 m away. Although chance he gets hurt isnext to zero, he can perfectly watch them from behind the glass. Fireworks are allowed from 18 years onwards (or 16). Only F1 is for kids above 12.
Porquê fazer o vídeo em inglês!? Português é quase raro no RUclips e ver uma portuguesa a dar tão bom conteúdo, mas inglês 🤦♀️. Não é uma crítica apenas um desabafo.
0:23 😍Okay, as a warmblooded Dutch guy with Moluccan roots I have to admit that you can kiss me anytime you want. 😗As many times as you want. No questions asked. Just to be clear: guyz do not kiss each other as a greeting. 🙄That is, unless they're gay? 2:00 True, unlike most other countries where food is immediately offered to guests, the Dutch don't. 😁Guess where the saying *goin' Dutch* or *a Dutch treat* originated from? A small hint: not the Netherlands. 😒I'm sure it has nothin' to do with the stereotype of the Dutch being a parsimonious people. 2:40 ⏰We are nothin' if not punctual. So when we agree to meet at 2 o'clock, I do mean at 2 o'clock and not 14:10pm or 13:50pm. 3:29 🥳Agreed, we, the Dutch, are incredibly dumb when it comes to celebrating New Year's Eve. We rather risk life & limb, or even our eye(s) than be smart & sensible. 🤑Me personally I don't waste 💵on 🧨, cauz it feels too much like setting my 💰on 🔥. 5:10 We cycle, cauz it's cheap........ 🏋♂and healthy. But mostly cauz it's a cheap way to get around. 5:45 🍔A very cheap snack I've discovered recently is *Kaiser Brood* (German buns) *with Chili Cheese Bites.* I buy 'em at the Jumbo where: - there are 4 buns in 1 pack of Kaiser Brood - 12 Chili Cheese Bites in 1 pack You have to heat them in the oven so put 4 buns + 4 Cheese Bites on the plate and heat them at 220°C for 9 minutes. After they're heated split each Cheese Bite through the middle and put it in the bun. 👨🍳Bon appétit! 6:10 🌞We don't use curtains to let the sunlight in, which is a cheap way to heat the room. Apparantly in the Netherlands privacy costs 💵so we don't see the need for it. 🕵♂Besidez, what do we have to hide? 7:09 Again, medicine ain't cheap so we either wait till it passes or take a paracetamol. 😎I prefer this approach over the American's where they give you the drug they're sponsored by from big Pharma. 🧠I find it simply irresponsible of the American government that lobbying (in politics & medicine) is legal in the US. So big Pharma 'lobbying' their products isn't in the best interest of the American citizen, but only in big Pharma's cauz in the US it's allowed to make as large a profit as possible sellin' medicine. 9:03 ⏱= 💵which perfectly explains why we, the Dutch, are so direct. We are nothin' if not efficient. 9:45 Normally I don't like to repeat myself, but because you're so..... 🥴....uh, I'll just make an exception: We are nothin' if not efficient.
I'm Dutch and I've never understood why people don't care for privacy, because I do! As soon as it turns dark and I need to light up my house, I'll close all the curtains. During the day visibility inside is also limited by my window decoration.
Hi! I'm from Tallinn, Estonia and my father taught me that you should always close all the curtains because when you leave from your house bad people like thiefs might steal your technology and other things because they see inside the house if you live in the first floor.
Im also from The Netherlands and i totally agree, i also love my privacy.
Mate I'm from the nether, and i love my privacy. I already have my shit shut. No way people are able to check inside. No way people will know when or when I'm not home.
Thanks smart lights
I'm Italian and I love my privacy.
@@ERTChimpanzee indeed it doesn't just impact privacy, but also safety!
Doctors indeed do not give medication away easily but that's because it often is unneeded. If it is not necessary then it is better to naturally let your body do the work
Hi 888 Records! Thank you for your comment 😊 there are indeed several approaches to health care and it was interesting to have a different experience in 2 countries
@@mafaldaboers Thank you for responding!
@@mafaldaboers The problem is not that Dutch docters underuse medication, the real problem is that in other countries the docters overuse them in cases when it is really not needed. The human immune system can overcome most fevers and infections by itself without the need for medication. In general it is much better to let the human body work the virus out by itself rather than to use medication. Not only do you train your own immune system which basically increases your health, it is also because virusses and bacteria have a tendency to become resistent to medicine over time. For this reason one should limit the use of medication as much as possible to keep them effective. So the Dutch approach is both better for your own health and for medicine in general, because we try to avoid the risk of germs becoming reseistent against medication as much as possible. Other countries should do the same.
The dutch healthcare system is very cost efficient orientated. The medication prescribed by a dokter, is free for the patient. The insurance company pays for it. So the policy of describing medication is focused on minimising the costs as much as possible. That’s why you get generic medication in stead of brand names.
This policy is decided by a central governmental organisation. There are protocols for medic treatments.
That’s another reason that Dutch dokters don’t give medication in the case of a virus infection. Because nothing works for viruses, except vaccination. So it would make the healthcare more expensive without any real gain.
For example antibiotics only work in the case of a bacterial infection. Taking it when you have a cold or influenza will only have a placebo effect.
@@treintje1001 actually for a virus “get over it naturally” is the only way thing that works.
Because there is no medication that can cure viruses. All prescribed medication only have a placebo effect.
Very recognisable, as a Portuguese speaking Dutchman married to a Brazilian lady and having lived in Brazil and NL.
The kiss on the cheek is for ppl that know each other for longer
Nice. About the medication: resistance to antibiotics in southern europe is a bigger problem than in the Netherlands and happens because doctors give more antibiotics. So from a medical point of view it is better to give medication less often especially if the problem resolves itself after 2 weeks and if it concerns antibiotics, but yes if you are used to always getting medication I can understand it may feel strange.
Hi Mr. Adventurer, thank you for your comment!
This is just excuse of poor medical system that you Dutch people believe. Bacterial infections growing very fast usually a number of bacteria in organism doubled every 2-4 hours. Do not treat this on early stage is very dangerous specially for small children. Resistance is mainly caused by to short time of antibiotic take in. In western countries is usually 5 days when in fact it should be from 7 to 9. The strongest bacteria are not killed and survive and they spread to start a new immune line. And situation is quite opposite, the most problems with resistance are on North of Europe , specially in Great Britain.
@@konradm6514 We describe less than half the antibiotics as the USA but have 4 years higher life expectancy. We do not have a bad medical system haha.
About cure length, if you get a prescription we do follow the scientific consensus. Only getting the prescription is harder.
@@konradm6514 The Dutch Heathcare system is ranked 15th of the world, so at least 200 other countries are worse .
@@konradm6514 I have to disagree with you on some things. You are acting like doctors would hardly ever prescribe antibiotics, but that's not true. When I went to the doctor with a cough, he quickly found out it was a lung infection and he immediately prescribed me antibiotics. They just only give it when it's necessary, not just to fight of any sore throat..
I come from the UK and now am in my eighties. In the sixties I was involved in setting some scientific equipment in Holland along with another UK company who sent their installation team who I had never met. The Dutch scientists were amazed that all of us from the UK were immediately on first name terms - without any formality. They also shook hands each morning - they must have thought our reluctance to do that so impolite. It ended up with everyone using first name terms - even the professor - when speaking English but surnames when speaking Dutch.
Hi Patrick! It must have been a very interesting experience :) Thank you for sharing it with us!
Funny 😊 thx / bedankt / obrigada from Germany 😊
Hahaha, it's really amazing how similar the Dutch and Germans (like me) live and behave. There are two major differences though: we Germans love privacy and close our windows especially in the evening, so that no one can look inside the home. And the German food is perhaps more variable than the Dutch food. But handshake, dinner time, and other stuff I am used to too.
Nice video, thanks 🖐👴
Hi OpaSpielt, thank you for your comment :) A viewer commented that some of the cultural shocks are shared by someone living in Belgium. It is so interesting to know that 2 neighbouring countries have different views towards the way of living in The Netherlands.
ps no foreign food in germany, please travel more
haha as a dutch person i can confirm new years is basicly just a yearly purge day when no laws exist XD
yes your right
That's what I've been calling it too lmao. I kinda hope that we will only have cool firework shows too, cause professionals shows do it better anyway.
Thanks dear the video was interesting. I am a Dutch, German, Belgium and English South African. Your first greet here might also be a handshake.
It is always nice to experience different cultures, it also gives a chance to grow as humans
Hi Herbert van Rensburg! Definitely! One can become more open-minded and tolerant towards different cultures.
My grand mother said......you are not made of sugar...you survive being wet by rain.......it dries again :)
Very nice explained. Thank you.
The openings times of the shops are usually at 18:00. But already since somewhere in the 90s supermarkets are often open much longer. For example, a supermarket close to me closes at 22:00.
Yeah.... you figured out nicely how it works here. 🤣 Enjoy your new home !
The key point about the naked windows is not to look inside the houses. Just walk and look ahead without looking sideways. You were curious but this type of curiosity is cultural as well.
How could one not look tho! If I were in that situation, I would look and maybe even film it if it was something real funny! It’s in one’s nature to be curious about such things and laugh at something funny or embarrassing! After all, it would be ppl’s fault that they don’t care about privacy and don’t use curtains! I cannot even understand how can someone not care about privacy tho - I could never not care about my privacy, and I would always use curtains etc!
good observations! About bicycling in the rain .. here we say (translated) "you're not made of sugar so a bit of rain won't hurt you". The thing about Dutch doctors; I have some medical issues myself which can't be treated with paracetamol or just waiting till it's over, so I have no choice, but when you have, it's much better to not fill yourself with chemicals, because every pill has it's own side effects, which a doctor should then treat with again other pills, so when it isn't really necessary they don't prescribe medicines. Many expats (especially Americans) find this not good, because the want to be treated (and go to work). Here - like in Portugal, I'm sure - we just stay at home when we're not well enough to work.
That doctor that said to just look it up online seems weird.. but yeah, as someone from Belgium and now also living in the Netherlands we seem to share quite a lot of the culture shocks with Portugal! :) Food, doctors working differently, dinner time, privacy, planning, directness etc. we all share with Portugal instead of our Dutch neighbours.
Hi Godwinsname! Thank you for sharing, very interesting to know that a neighbouring country shares some of these cultural shocks.
@@mafaldaboers You're welcome :)
The big term God and words like win and ame cannot be in someone’s name, and must be changed - such terms only reflect me The God(dess) / Lady / Queen / Princess / Leader / Star etc!
I am to be moved to the Netherlands in the near future, actually, because there are more pros than cons, to be fair, but no country is perfect, unfortunately - but the best things about the Netherlands are the nature (there is a lot of green nature and there aren’t many houses / buildings, and it’s a very quiet country) and design / aspect and cleanliness (compared to most other countries, the Netherlands feels like real luxury) and the safety (it’s one of the safest countries) and also the fact that ppl seem to mind their own thing and don’t try to touch others, which is great for someone with OCD, so it’s really great for me, and definitely one of my favorite countries to move to, plus it borders Germany and Belgium and is very close to the Nordic countries like Norway / Sweden / Denmark etc, which are all on my list of favorite countries where I want to live and visit etc!
Plus, I am advanced level in Dutch (over 8.000 base words) and also learning German and French, so I know I would have no issues ordering foods / stuff etc off NL wss or buying food etc from NL supermarkets, because I can read the labels and I can understand most of the things they usually write in Dutch - the area around Limburg looks so peaceful and green, so I will probably be moved there, and it’s so close to the border with Germany and Belgium, so I will be able to visit Germany and Belgium whenever I want, which is another pro for me, because I also like those countries and the languages etc!
nice, greetings from a dutch citizen
The doctor that told you "just google it" is a disgrace for his/her profession!! I am 62 years old and Dutch and I never experienced such an attitude in my life, and IF a doctor would tell me that I would go to another doctor immediately!
To be fair, we don't hear their side of the story.
I am also Dutch and I have experienced this a a year and a half back. I called my familydoctor for my backpain and they suggested I would go to the 'thuisarts' site and look there for a solution, I was suprised because this had never happened before. I obviously declined and then they allowed me to go see my familydoctor. It probably was a consequence of the high pressure on the medical sector because of covid.
Although I kind of get it from their side, I think you got to stand up for yourself when they suggest idea's like that.
why did you NOT google it?
Regarding our windows, there’s funny thing some people (including my family!) have in their homes. Putting rectangular, decorative stickers on parts of your windows. These stickers often have patterns and some are bigger than others. With these things, you can sit on your couch without having everyone to see you. When you stand up, you will probably still be visible, though!
But this may just be a town thing. A lot of homes have it here, even in neighbourhoods in cities that are outside of the city centre. I’m not in busy cities often, but I feel like this is definitely more common in more newly built houses, instead of the bigger, older homes
Hi V! I have seen these stickers in a lot of homes!
In my Dutch family, we rarely go to the doctor or dentist- And yes, we google everything, cause u can (almost) always find it
Very interesting. Two remarks: regarding the fireworks as a dutch person I would absolutely prefer the Portuguese approach. And secondly: I hate cycling in the rain, but sometimes you just cannot avoid it.
Hi Super Fredje! Thank you for sharing :) I believe we are all in this (cycling in the rain) together! But I want to try the rain clothes (jacket + pants), I saw some people wearing and I think it is very smart
@@mafaldaboers great idea, but please be aware that with the cheap ones it is basically wearing a piece of plastic, so you get sweaty as hell. Do not want to discourage you though!
@@mafaldaboers Rain coat and pants are commonly used to keep the cyclist from becoming wet. Be aware that there is a lot of variation in quality, comfort and price! The cheap ones can be quite sweaty because they don’t ventilate, and may also not be very durable. However a high price is not automatically a guarantee for good quality either. Be aware that it takes some time and effort to put them on and off. Most people only use rain clothes for longer rides and consider it not worth the effort for a short ride. It also depends on how heavy the rain is, of course 😉.
Alcohol use, dog ownership are demonstrably a much bigger danger to the general public than fireworks. It simply pales in comparison when we look at deaths, costs to society, kids getting seriously hurt. I think 8 hours of fireworks per year that cannot be allowed opens a plethora of things we should no longer allow. To each their own. I would not like to live in such a society.
same in Australia fireworks very hard to get...usually local council sets off fireworks..very controlled.
The three kisses thing seems to change a lot lately. It really feels like a generation thing or something (very) formal. Especially younger people just give each other a hug and this seems to catch on with some older people as well. Which makes it kinda awkward for people who are now in their 30s/40s, since they are in between.
Yep, true, we only use it to be formal
@@bousica2 i still do it with my grandma because its funny
@@boon9849 Yeah, I do it at parties and stuff
Covid also helped quite a lot there. Though the kisses are maing a comeback, it's not as common anymore as it used to be.
never start kissing people you dont know its sexual assault, in every country!
Let's have a coffee tomorrow in Rotterdam. Oh! Wait! I can't. Shall we postpone that till next month? Sure no problem! Actually, I have already an appointment there but I might be able to reschedule that. Nah! Don't worry. We'll grab a coffee the day after tomorrow then.
Dear young lady
As a foreigner living very many years already in the Netherlands, I must compliment you on this video: Really !! I hadn't wanted to watch it as I arrived here on your channel by mistake; but I couldn't stop. I think that what impressed me the most was your excellent command of the English language ! The only word you pronounce wrongly is 'Maastricht,' unless you are conciously trying to speak in the local Limburg dialect of course: Maybe ask a Dutch (or English) person how to pronounce Maastricht.
What others write about the Dutch GP's is indeed correct. I don't know about Portugal (I'd love to visit one day, although I'd have much rather visited before they joined the terrible EU ), but in France and Switzerland, for example, if the doctor (GP) doesn't prescribe lots of medicines, the patient will likely change over to another doctor's surgery. The frequent no-medicine advice from a Dutch doctor is correct.
In the Netherlands you need to be very specific with what you want. That's the best advice I can give you
I really appreciate your point of view
I dont get your storie about the healt system, you called a doctor to ask about a certain machine you would like to use and wich one you should buy? Thats not realy the way our system works. if you have problems you go to see the doctor and talk about the problems then he/she wil advice a treatment. They are not consumer advisors.
The medication thing is something that should be adapted world wide. People often get subscribed non-necessary medication or too heavy medication. Like heavy addictive painkillers. There are many people addicted to prescription painkillers all over the world. But also often painkillers do more bad than good. Simple headaches will go away by themselves, same goes for a simple stomach ache. But also the use of unnecessary anti-biotics. When you are having a flu, which is a viral infection, anti-biotics are of no use. In most cases you shouldn't use antibiotics, only when you have a bacterial infection. When people feel pains or like have a stomach flu or whatever: no medication will really help... rest, enough water and healthy food will do the trick. A viral infection really can only be beaten by the body itself. Viruses change shape every year. So when now there is a flu virus, they can make a medicine against it but as soon as it is ready the virus will have changed characteristics and the developed medication won't work anymore. There's nothing a doctor can give you to cure from the flu: your body will have to fight it all by itself: rest, sleep, eat well. But when you are really sick or have severe pains, Dutch doctors will give you all the pills you need. In some countries there's a for profit healthcare industry and in other countries patients are given medication, even when the doctor knows it won't help much, just to keep the patient satisfied, so that he or she thinks the doctor is really doing something to help. But that is treating people like children and this behaviour is causing a world wide problem where bacteria are getting resistant against antibiotics. Soon we will need new and different kind of antibiotics (the current ones are in danger of not working sufficently anymore. If new ones are not being developed the world will see a whole new epidemic...
Boa noite, nice to see your reaction to our nice but sometimes crazy countrie. Agree totaly with your points and also hope the new years will change to be honest. Groetjes
Hi Leander, thank you for your comment! It is interesting to see the perspective of others regarding my experience. Have a great day :)
Hello Mafalda, what struck me was that you apparently don't have a family doctor "Huisarts", which usually visits every Dutchman first. If necessary, he will refer you to a doctor "Medisch Specialist".
Cycling: Dutch people also use public transport Mafalda! We usually cycle if the distance is a short one (up to an hour outside the cities I think). Or the car. If it rains I walk to the shop, I don't take the bike.
If you relocate to another country, inform yourself. If you have a contact already ask for particulier things like doctors and other issues. The open windows are more of the past, nowadays people have blinds or thin curtains that let light in but not inquisitive peoples stares. I came to the Netherlands from another country, too. If you want to stay you'll have to adjust.
Enjoyed your video. Your English is great! (I hope you take this as the compliment it's intended to be). Keep up the great work!
Mmm Google it, was indeed strange, yet the doctors in the Netherlands are definitely very reluctant to provide medicines for relatively minor problems. And I've heard the question ′′ what do you think yourself ′′ more often.
You are definitely not supposed to look into people's houses unless you are a neighbor or friends. You just wave and go on. Yes, you have to make an appointment, even with your parents. Another thing is that it is very rare that the Dutch invite friends to their home. You can be coleagues for years and have never visited.
6:10 Windows : common mistake with foreigners. Which may also get you in serious trouble in The Netherlands.
It is considered extremely rude to look into other people's houses. Curtains or not.
You keep your eyes to yourself and focus on the public place.
Staring into Dutch people's houses, or even pressing your nose against the window pane, as some tourist are prone to do, will most likely cause the inhabitant to step outside to - in no uncertain terms - demand an explanation for your behaviour.
Hi PJW, thank you for your comment. The behaviours described are indeed rude and people should not stare. I must confess that I'm still not used to when I'm walking and I see a movement or a light from the corner of my eye, a for a few seconds my head instinctively turns. With this I already feel that I'm invading their privacy, but sometimes it's hard not to look.
@@mafaldaboers Spot on Dutch. We're only human. 'Glancing and looking away' is OK, 'looking' is sus, 'staring' is asking for trouble.
But in the latter case apologizing and explaining 'couldn't help admiring' will usually defuse the situation. It might even get you an invitation for tea, and 1 cookie. 🤣
@@mafaldaboers Think cleavage, glance is fine, staring is not.
I'm Dutch and do that very often...
@@youngsterliam2.089 You must like the danger zone.
In the Netherlands the greeting with 3 kisses on the cheek, it still happens, but only to be formal. Otherwise we just hug or give a handshake
very good video
Hi Mafalda! Obrigada! I like those comparison vids. Would like to see more from your time in NL. I am from Germany and live close to the Dutch border. Have u ever been in Germany?
Hi Cosmos Cloud! I have been to Germany and visited Berlin, Monschau, Cologne, Bonn and Aachen. Very nice country :)
I am Dutch. If you need a more specialized doctor, try to get a direct line with one in the hospital. This way you can skip your GP. This is what I always recommend to foreigners in the netherlands. Dutch GP's have only very basic medical knowledge and often say that your issue is related to stress or fatique. If you know that your issue is more serious than that, just ask your GP for a referral right away.. Also Dutch GP's are not ashamed to use Google themselves even while they talk to the patient in the consulting room.
My experience with dutch docters is, that they are very capable in deciding if you need a referral or not. If I have a illnes and it is not improng in a week, I call my doctor, even if I think it is harmless. My doctor did disagree a few times and ordered some tests or send us to hospital. They were usually right, and there was something serious going on. The goal of dutch docters is not to make people feel helped, but to help people, so they don't prescribe medication for illnesses that do not need treatment. That is probably different than what you are used to. I advise you talk with your docter about this, tell him/her that you feel insecure about the dutch way of treating patients. They are probably not aware that you feel that way and can explain why they do what they do. They won't suddenly start acting the way you're used to, but they will hopefully explain more and reassure you, so that you feel helped next time you visit and gain confidence in the doctor and the Dutch healthcare system. Going directly to hospital often ends in the hospital telling you that you need a referral from your doctor (for ensurance reasons}, so that is often a waste of time.
The restaurants and stores opening times depends on where in the Netherlands. There's no standard
Ihi Dutch Gamer, thank you for your comment. Indeed I mention in my video. But still it is quite different schedule vs other countries
Pannenkoeken, rijsttafel, kapsalon, and even stamppot with sausage and gravy aren't very basic like a normal dutch cheese sandwich lunch.
Its funny, i am dutch and have done my practice period in oporto and i had some similar - reversed experiences. I still miss the beautiful country sometimes.
ok you miss Portugal or Netherlands?
Portugal is not a country. It is a 🚽.
Dutch people actually do put curtains over windows, don't worry, but we only close it when we go to bed, or to make it dark to watch a movie or something else
I am Portugese brought up in NL. I can understand that for you New Year was a shock. Funny thing is that when I was 13 we went to Portugal to see avo one last time. At New Year. I was shocked to see NO fireworks were lit up. Not by anyone. So to me the shock was how extremely boring Portugal is on New Years Eve.
The fireworks are very safe by the way, certainly when compared to alcohol use, dog ownership and some other hobbies. Firecrackers are not allowed in NL but canbe bought in Germany and Belgium. Still: these are very well produced and not dangerous either. Only abuse is, but that is true for so many things. The most dangerous for kids is F1 fireworks. Allowed for 12 yrs and above that can be used 365 days per year. Now kids do stupid things with them and for instance burn their feet deeply. But these are allowed throughut Europe.
I personally cannot imagine New Years Eve without fireworks. The funny and loud soundeffects, beautiful colours etc. And it is just 8 hours per year allowed. I think a society that aims for some absolutistic safety is extremly boring. Say byebye to dogs, alcohol, even cats and even sports (30 eyes incidents with fireworks, 45000 with sports where 10% means vision is completely lost). I don't think it is a good idea to go for safety safety safety. Again: stay indoors during those 8 hours and nothing happens.
No one is amazed that dogs are allowed with kids 1-2 yrs old. I would suggest looking up which kids are bitten in their face by dogs and how many. Fireworks pales in comparison.
For people who wonder how the fireworks we can buy look like (firecrackers etc are not allowed, rockets neither)...how is this dangerous? These cost between 100-250 euro's. This is just an extremely small selection. I think no less than 500 or more of such compounds can be bought. It is just one time lighting and it just goes from there onwards.
ruclips.net/video/5Pgz_LGRxzw/видео.html (From 2:10 onwards)
ruclips.net/video/MO3DGubcLyg/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/FEu6zVikX5Q/видео.html (from 54 seconds onwards)
ruclips.net/video/v-2rhsDNM08/видео.html
What is not to like?
On the large windows and curtains: everyone I knows has them, most use them surely at night. So I don't actually see here what you are seeing. Since we want to get the light IN and not like Portugal the heat OUT, we have large windows and open the curtains.
My God you are a beautiful woman. And you are spot on about our weird habbits here in the Netherlands.
Opening Times: It depends on where you live. Some places have "Koopavond" on Thursday, other places might have it on Friday. In larger cities most supermarkets will be open until 9 or 10 every day. As a Dutchman, I also never understood the opening hours with many restaurants. I mean... don't you want to make money? Meanwhile many open up at times nobody is yet gonna eat. Open later, close later... not that hard.
Fireworks: It is not like we used to had, it was a free for all, it was spectacular and epic. It also caused many accidents. Nowadays, many places have either quiet zones or a fireworks is provided by the municipality. I think in a few years it might be more like how it goes in Portugal. btw, fireworks you hear in the weeks before NYE, most likely is illegal fireworks. You are allowed to buy fireworks (not in the supermarket btw) from 3 days before new years eve. You buy at designated sellers that have taken special measures for storing and handling. They might be a bikeshop or partystore during the rest of the year, during the last 3 days they are firework shops.
Cycling: Dutch sayin "I am not made of sugar, I won't melt". You can clothe for every type of weather except a heatwave.
Dutch "Cuisine": Stamppotten (take veges and potatos, mash them together, add gravy and sausage or meatball... Stamppot) We have Hachee (a beef stew), we have Dutch pancakes. We have Snert (Dutch pea soup) and a whole litany of meal soups. Dutch food is simple and hardy. Yes, pastas and noodles are popular but the normal homemeal is potatos, veggies and a piece of meat or fish.
Curtains: The Dutch tend to do without curtains in the living areas. Bedrooms have curtains in most cases. Open views give a warmer and more social atmosphere, besides that it makes for easy monitoring of what is happening outside making it overall saver for everybody.
Doctor: I would find it equally strange if a doctor tells me to google it. That is not you, that is the Doctor being stupid.
Medication: In may countries it is custom to grab to the pill bottle for every little malady. Paracetamol is in those countries not considered medication by the general public. It however most certainly is. Paracetamol is cheap, can be gotten without prescription, can be taken with you when traveking etc. It also is working in most cases. You might want to read up on the capabilities of paracetamolum. Why prescrive medication that is expensive, might have severe side effects, while giving no benefits above paracetamol? Doctors will not prescribe it to you if they think it isn't useful. It is not a "get rid of the patient so we can get the next patient in and make more money" thing like is some more "capitalist" countries.
Dutch Directness: Say what you mean to say, not what you think sounds best.
SChedules: I am the oppopsite to be honest. I have no watch, no agenda, no appointment book. I can go do things with friends on the fly. But yes... many Dutch live by the schedulle.
great review! And as often it is about the details, that make it exquisit.:
"Another shock was Dutch food.....they have amazing snacks, like these 3....and YES..that is.. uh.. almost it....
That is a polite... "gosh you suck at this..... but let me glance over this fact with the most dignity of politeness I can muster right now..."
Never been to Netherlands. But had a layover in Spain.
A lot of shops are open late in Adam and they do the 3 kisses on the cheek.
100% True
And the positive things
That doctor thing is quite a recent thing, which I don't like either. When I was younger you could just go to the doctor with whatever. These days, if they don't think you need any help they just say so and question why you even called.
Most supermarkets here close at 8 or 10 .. Maybe it was very small village you were staying in ?? ..
Privacy - but only when it comes to curtains. Dutch people are very private about family, work or salary. But curtains.. it's a bit like showing off the nice furniture I think. ;)
Since you can buy paracetamol, ibuprofen and other pain meds everywhere. Just say you already tried it.
Another thing is insurance companies want to make profit so they don't prescribe a lot
Thank you for your comment Dutch Gamer! That is a good suggestion!
Dutch insurance companies don't "want to make profit". They don't even have shareholders to give it to. Every profit they do end up making goes to their reserves to cover any unexpected high costs (like an epidemic) or to cover a too-low-fee in a different year. It doesn't end up in anyone's pockets. Dutch law makes that impossible.
I'm Dutch and most people I know have semi-transparent window decoration. A kiss on the cheeks is not usual on first sight, however if a lady makes a move to do so, I would not hold back though 🙂.
Hi Mafalda. I enjoyed this video. Thank you. 🙂 Do you speak more than three languages? Your English is very good and you're probably good with French, Spanish and German as well. Please allow me to offer one suggestion for English. Instead of 'unpolite', use the word 'impolite'. Really. It's weird I know, but hey, that's English for you! 🙂 All the best and thanks again.
Dutch people eat dinner between 17:00 - 19:00 (5 pm - 7 pm)
Hallo Malfada, I also studied in Maastricht. How did you like PBL? Was it very different from what you were used to in Portugal?
I loved your video. At many times it was like reading a book from the seventeenth century. When people told the same stories about The Netherlands.
Especially about the windows without curtains. But it’s more a thing of the northern Netherlands. In the neighbourhood I lived in Maastricht, the people had vitrage and in the evening the roller shutters came down in most houses. But I feel a bit nervous when I can’t look outside. I want to know if there is any danger lurking nearby. 😂
I’m going in September. How is MU?
Hi Jannette Berends! I really liked the PBL (Problem-Based Learning) approach! In my view, it is much better than just studying to remember for the exam and then forgetting everything after the exam. I have the opinion that portuguese universities should adopt this method. In addition, it really exposes you to the rest of the class and allows everyone for a chance of interaction.
@@xtinalucia3684 I had a great experience in MU. It was very easy to meet new people, the Problem-Based Learning was useful to actually learn and I liked the teachers. The city is also amazing, specially for who is a student. I hope you also have such a positive experience!
@@mafaldaboers thanks!
Being a Dutch person myself i hate the yearly fireworks and don't like the 'open' windows as well. When it comes to your GP (huisarts or local doctor) i really think the way they have treated/anwered you is not common or normal in the Netherlands. I consider it even slightly rude. I suggest to change practice and see another GP.
Lovely video. Thanks for sharing. Very strange kind of living habits by the way :)
As an Englishman not familiar with wither Dutch or Portuguese culture, this was illuminating. Here's me asking a friend if he wants to meet up for lunch within the hour - and the Dutch would plan 3 months ahead??!!! That's crazy
Crazy indeed if it were true ofcource.
Its a thing that expats hear from other expats and the bias comes to flesh.
(The Schots are stingy and the Durch are overpunctuous)
Not necessarily. Most people also plan their time off. If they consider you as "time off" as well then they can meet up with you in a few days already.
If you need us to discuss something we will have time for it as well.
If you just want to have lunch and catchup there isn't a real need for plans to move around and change so that will be moved to multiple weeks ahead.
Personally I don't plan more than two weeks in advance generally, so I'm flexible when it comes to sudden lunches. When it comes to lunch on the same day, unless it fits very well with my current plans most Dutch people will say "not today"
@@codex4048 It almost seems like you're living in a different country. The Dutch are extremely inflexible and bad at improvising. Hence the constant planning (or as a result of all the planning they're used to...): to prevent the unexpected. The Netherlands are among the countries with the highest rate of insurance-taking: heaven forbid they have not planned Plan B. Dull, dull, dull: culture, conversations, weather, ...
@@johanneskarremans5889 we are flexible within the plans we made. If we are fle ible outside our plans we drop other plans that involve others. Being 10 minutes late means letting someone else wait for 10 minutes. It's the main annoyance I have with people from other countries. If you let me wait for 10 minutes you don't value my time enough, it's rude.
You can take that three months thing with a pinch of salt, by the way.
In Germany it is very similar
The public opinion on fireworks is changing quite rapidly I think, with more and more people supporting a ban. It's one of these things everybody does and is used to (like Zwarte Piet), and it takes a while to realize how absolutely stupid it actually is. There's already several large cities banning fireworks altogether, and it helped that during the Covid period, fireworks were banned and we could see the difference it made in casualties.
I will close the curtains when we watch some specific kind of movies .. But I really liked your video. As a Dutchy I agree on the weird opening times of shops and the fireworks. Yeah.. the kissing, three times, only if you know someone well and when they are from the opposite sex (for most people) and some but not all women. Do they kiss two times always in Portugal? Even acquaintances and does their sex matter?
we do have one thing in common: the differences.
Yours truly, the Europeans.
Most of the things you mention are not cultural shocks but are different in every country you visit...
The three kisses is a generation thing, I’m born in 1980 and still used to the three kisses, lots of people younger don’t appreciate that anymore. Strictly business I wouldn’t use it also not for a appointment for a room. But kissed lots of woman I didn’t know that way. Here in the south (Brabant) it isn’t that common to congratulate everyone with the birthday of the host, but the new year’s wishes it probably is (however I make it easier on myself and just say it in the doorway).
I’m glad we don’t pay taxes for the gouvernement to organise a firework show, I’m not pro or against fireworks as long I’m not paying for it. And since your arrival there are lots more regulations and because of this maybe more illegal fireworks.
Guess the doctor reacts to the patients, didn’t recognise these complaints, but maybe my doctor takes me more serious because I’m not there that much or they just have more time?
The take a paracetamol I do recognise, especially with other expats, but I agree with the practice to be hesitant with prescription drugs. Most pains or sicknesses your body can take it. It’s even more healthy.
Hi Mar, thank you so much for your comment :) it is interesting to know the opinions and perspectives of others on these matters. Have a great day!
@@mafaldaboers For the kisses on the cheeks I disagree with Mar. I don’t think it’s a generational thing. It’s a cultural thing. The main reason is that physical contact is considered an intimite thing, which you should only do with people with whom you have an intimite relationship. In other words: you only kiss on the cheeks when you know the person well enough. About the fireworks: it is more or less the same as the situation with guns in the united states. The USA is the only country in the world where it is legal to own and carry a gun. The USA is also the only country where so much public shootings occur, almost on a daily basis. And yet a lot of people fail to see the cause and effect releation here. In fact a lot of people are defending their lawful right to carry a gun. In the Netherlands the discussion about fireworks is pretty much similar. It is indeed unsafe and each year there are a lot of accidents and injuries and still lots of people don’t see the problem and defend their right to play with fireworks.
Amen. 🙏.
@@treintje1001 the kisses are certainly a cultural thing. I was born in Zuid Holland in 1975 and kissing was never a thing. Except for a couple of cousins, who lived in a different part of the country. They always wanted the kisses.
@H1SCOTTY Hold on, people in the north seriously congratulate everyone with the birthday of the host?! I was raised in the South of the Netherlands (Limburg) so I had no idea. When I went to live in a student house a few years ago I thought my housemates from Holland were being ironic and just making a joke by congratulating everyone 🤣
Very simular to Denmark in culture.
Yes. I am Dutch too. Our countries are twins and without a doubt the most similar of all countries in Euope. Including the fireworks which is nothing but GREAT!
To be direct: I think you are a very handsome and pretty lady.
I am not all that surprised that the doctor told you to go look for information yourself. You were asking about a specific type of medical device, and that is information that a generalist like a huisarts would not have. They would probably have to Google it themself too!
In Australia this is like moving from Perth to Pilbara 😁
😂 I sure know Pilbara, but where on earth is Pearth?
There was a time when the Dutch did 3 kisses on the cheek. Now you mentioned it I realize we stopped doing that.
Mafalda, as an American, I never liked the cheek kissing thing that they do in Belgium, etc. We shake hands in America, and if its a family member or friend, a quick hug if its been awhile since we saw them. In post-covid times, cheek kissing seems too much.
I think the doctor advice difference from cities, in my small town you can call and they will lookup if you can use it save. Never in my live have I heard them say "Just google it", but I agree that would be a shock for foreigners.
Directness - yes, indeed, we are direct. We don't like to waste time by dancing around a topic.
But we know we can also be blunt. As tourists we are nor a very nice people. My apologies for all of us.
Hahaha we even played with roman candles 😂 good she hid
Don't be shocked about the handshake. It's different with everyone. Some people will give 3 kisses right away and some will just shake your hand. It's not weird at all to go for the kisses on the cheek. Even if they are strangers. It's not only for family and close friends.
And you need a new Doctor. This is not ok what yours said.
Okay what is the vegetable?
How funny that you feel like you need to start with a disclaimer. 😂
the dutch do have curtains, they dont close them until its dark
Ja van die dokters klopt het. Als je überhaupt al een dokter krijgt te spreken in Nederland. Vaak zeggen zij ook tegen zeer zieke mensen..'ga maar een stukje wandelen'.
Next time you visit the supermarket, buy `gestampte muisjes`. It`s sweet and delicious on your bread. Then i tell you what it means, that`s cultural shock number 11.
Of its like Germany, where they explained to us that, because they're a socialist democratic, they aren't allowed to stay open late, because it's not fair to the shop owners who chose to close earlier...
Im Dutch but at this point i really ask if there will be food when i come. Cos i was going with my bf to a friend of his at 8. And i ate at home.... Only to get there and see a full diner. Which they made vegetarian specially for me. I fellt super guilty for hardly eating any. 🤣 More and more people don't eat at 6 anymore. So you might just wanne check what they have planned.
The fireworks annoy a lot of people by the way. Specially people with pets. :(.
Healthcare: ae you sure a doctor advised Google? Maybe it was the receptionist - to protect the doctor some of these will 'keep away' the easy cases.. If it was a doctor, I agree it's a weird advice and not common for The Netherlands.
As to the paracetamol - YES! That is what I hear from foreigners coming here, who are accustomed to have their doctor prescribe heavy medicine on the first appointment.. they are disappointed like you. ;) Actually I think it's a good advise (most of the time!) because these days people go far to easily to a doctor and clog up the system.
am Dutch but NEVER give more than one kiss.. no kiss at all is even better: shake a hand and keep your arm stretched
If you're going to wait in the Netherlands until it doesn't rain to grab your bike 🤭, you better sell your bike!
It rains 6% of the time in NL. Nonsense. I drive to work every day 25 km to and 25 km back. I rarely need to keep my bike at home
Any GP telling me to Google my medical issue will be told that this is not what I pay them for. I understand the question about what I want. Pain relief? Diagnosis only? Referal?
Wait for A.I. in healthcare, the so-called house doctors will be jobless pretty fast.
Whenever a GP doesnt know it themselves, I rather have them tell me to Google instead of having to pay for them to Google and find the same information.
@@marecky2
"Wait for A.I. in healthcare, the so-called house doctors will be jobless pretty fast."
🖐Or their workload will lighten considerably.
@@codex4048
"I rather have them tell me to Google instead of having to pay for them to Google and find the same information."
👍I have no clue what your nationality is, but this remark makes ya an honorary Dutchie.
@@codex4048 Yet, a trained doctor will be able to tell how reliable the information is, even if they had to Google it. A visit to the GP doesn’t cost anything directly to the patient.
We always do the 3 kisses.
stores not true, maybe in maastricht
I'm from South Africa and been living in The Netherlands for more than 20 years now. Your impressions are spot-on and not unlike my experiences. Another pet peeve of mine is the customer service or rather the lack thereof. None more so than restaurants and retail stores. It's like they're just not interested in your business!
Also, every time I visit the UK I'm reminded how courteous, friendly and helpful people can be. In contrast, over my 20 years I've [sadly] found the Dutch to be the complete opposite! In the suburbs, there seems to be little to no sense of community and it's more like neighbours "spying" on each other, taking delight in another's miss fortune and/or making their jealousy known! It's difficult to comprehend such mentality... not that In even want to!
But sure it is better then South Africa where crime is rife?
@@johnkooy5327 💯‼️
Maastricht wanted ones to be seperated from the rest of holland.
Unfortunatly , you can never understand how the Dutch will act or think . If your not dutch , your not much is there mantra ....
There are always idiots. But usualy children of 4 dont get fireworks to play with, that would be insane. Maybe some sparkle sticks, and even those they dont get unsupervised. I understand you find some things a shock, but you make it sound like we are insane and unresponseble. The curtain thing is mostly in the northern part of the Netherlands. To the south they use more curtains. I cant remember that in Maastricht they they dont close the curtains at night. I come from the south. And my family always closed the blinds when the light came on.
The different approach we have to doctors, makes our system affordable and because we let the body do what's it made to do in such a case the people here are probably more healthy because we "train" our bodies to fight off minor infections. That's why we DONT have as much resistant strains of bacteria because we dont give a wide range antibiotics to treat something mild. It's using a bazooka to stop a muskito from buzzing. It's unnessesairy.
Most of the time it's a virus. And antibiotics dont work against viruses. So it's training the bacteria that survive the antibiotics to be stronger. We think it's strange that people want medicine of something like the sniffles.
Just ask us dutchies how often they go to the doctor and even concidder our selves ill. Because we cycle in any weather, dont want medicine when we cough only once, we probably much healthier. So we do something right...
I live in Zeeland. Curtains are closed here too. And I live in a city with loads of monuments and large windows and I walk through it every night. IMay be 2% or so leaves the curtain open.
Fireworks...indeed: I shoot them too. My little son of 4 is not allowed to be even outside with me shooting them 50 m away. Although chance he gets hurt isnext to zero, he can perfectly watch them from behind the glass. Fireworks are allowed from 18 years onwards (or 16). Only F1 is for kids above 12.
Porquê fazer o vídeo em inglês!? Português é quase raro no RUclips e ver uma portuguesa a dar tão bom conteúdo, mas inglês 🤦♀️. Não é uma crítica apenas um desabafo.
0:23
😍Okay, as a warmblooded Dutch guy with Moluccan roots I have to admit that you can kiss me anytime you want.
😗As many times as you want. No questions asked.
Just to be clear: guyz do not kiss each other as a greeting.
🙄That is, unless they're gay?
2:00
True, unlike most other countries where food is immediately offered to guests, the Dutch don't.
😁Guess where the saying *goin' Dutch* or *a Dutch treat* originated from?
A small hint: not the Netherlands.
😒I'm sure it has nothin' to do with the stereotype of the Dutch being a parsimonious people.
2:40
⏰We are nothin' if not punctual.
So when we agree to meet at 2 o'clock, I do mean at 2 o'clock and not 14:10pm or 13:50pm.
3:29
🥳Agreed, we, the Dutch, are incredibly dumb when it comes to celebrating New Year's Eve. We rather risk life & limb, or even our eye(s) than be smart & sensible.
🤑Me personally I don't waste 💵on 🧨, cauz it feels too much like setting my 💰on 🔥.
5:10
We cycle, cauz it's cheap........
🏋♂and healthy. But mostly cauz it's a cheap way to get around.
5:45
🍔A very cheap snack I've discovered recently is *Kaiser Brood* (German buns) *with Chili Cheese Bites.*
I buy 'em at the Jumbo where:
- there are 4 buns in 1 pack of Kaiser Brood
- 12 Chili Cheese Bites in 1 pack
You have to heat them in the oven so put 4 buns + 4 Cheese Bites on the plate and heat them at 220°C for 9 minutes. After they're heated split each Cheese Bite through the middle and put it in the bun.
👨🍳Bon appétit!
6:10
🌞We don't use curtains to let the sunlight in, which is a cheap way to heat the room.
Apparantly in the Netherlands privacy costs 💵so we don't see the need for it.
🕵♂Besidez, what do we have to hide?
7:09
Again, medicine ain't cheap so we either wait till it passes or take a paracetamol.
😎I prefer this approach over the American's where they give you the drug they're sponsored by from big Pharma.
🧠I find it simply irresponsible of the American government that lobbying (in politics & medicine) is legal in the US. So big Pharma 'lobbying' their products isn't in the best interest of the American citizen, but only in big Pharma's cauz in the US it's allowed to make as large a profit as possible sellin' medicine.
9:03
⏱= 💵which perfectly explains why we, the Dutch, are so direct.
We are nothin' if not efficient.
9:45
Normally I don't like to repeat myself, but because you're so.....
🥴....uh, I'll just make an exception:
We are nothin' if not efficient.