@@Crogatho I am Dutch and have lived in different parts of the Netherlands over the years, but it may depend on where you live, I would say 99.9% is still pretty safe. Most of the complaints I hear here, from those who actually/actively leave their house and walk around, are about dog owners who do not have their dogs under control and/or on a leash where necessary.
Eva. I literally needed this video, I'm moving to Europe with my husband soon but I cannot literally wait for the day. I dream every night about how much better my life and overall happiness will be improved in Europe and knowing that my children will eventually have a much better and safer childhood than I had in the USA.
Just came from a tripp from the states i didn't really feel unsafe but there certainly is that constant lingering feeling of uneasyness that probable would grind you down if you had to endure it for years. Just remember you make youre own happiness so make the most of the oppertuntys europe will bring you its not a magical place you will all at once feel happy. But take it easy go out and enjoy the weather if its nice and don't give a @#@$% about your job while you doing that and just relax and enjoy (yes you should care about your job but only in youre working hours). O and doing the cooking and get a healthy nice simple meal will make you feel much better (just also do some really nice and potentional unhealty ones). Guess what i want say welcome over here and make sure you put the quality of youre life first.
@@arturobianco848 my husband's from Spain and I've been there many times (not as a resident though) but he wanted to live here a bit so I told him I'll give him 3 years in exchange for the rest of our lives in Europe. But of course, happiness is based on how you define it. I just know that for me happiness isn't in the USA 😅
Well, Europe isn’t ‘Walhalla’, it also has it problems just as the States, so maybe manage your expectations? But when you make the effort to experience the right places, taste the right food it is suddenly worth it 😊
Hi there, please understand that moving to Europe is vastly different than moving to the States. The differences between the countries is immense. So moving to Spain is a whole different experience than moving to, say, the Netherlands. Have a look-see if there are expat-video’s on Spain and then watch this again. 😂😂😂👍🏻
@@kaydesignmpared to the States The Netherlands actually is Wallhalla as you call it. Sure it’s not paradise, but comparing healthcare, environmentally, work-life balance, interaction between people, public transportation, safety in the streets 24/7(NO gun-owners), infrastructure etc etc etc… that is really really really better A LOT. Oh, and overhere we do NOT take books out of the school system, woman are boss of their own body, religion is NOT mixed into law and freedom of speech is highly appreciated. We’re not prudish, we might be direct but honest and once we’re friends with you we will be honoring this friendship the rest of our lives.
As someone born in Utrecht, it gives me great pleasure to see how you enjoy "my" city so much. :) To many people only know about Amsterdam while we have so many more beautiful cities and towns. 7:00 Madam.. that is not "a random mill", that is grainmill Rijn en Zon (Rhine and Sun), a fairly "young" mill build in 1913 and rebuilld in 1977.
In 98 I spent 3 months w work in the Nederland, lived in Hovenlakin, visited weekly to Utrecht, I do really miss your country, wanting to come back for a visit, you are very lucky to have such a wonderful country!
@Peter Fijten while I was there I visited Maastricht too, a really nice town, and I also visited the tunnels(sorry I don’t remember their proper name), a very interesting tour, the carved reliefs inside them were beautiful!
Me 1) Biking waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more 2) Eating pastry more, appelflaps are just too good 3) Travelling more - mostly nearby towns, but it's so easy
Ijust need to say that after not seeing you videos for some time I can see you look much more relaxed. Even your voice sounds nicer and you speak a bit slower. I still enjoy your comparisons as I lived internationaly for a lot of years and releaned to appreciate my country.
I'm so happy you feel safe here. I must say that when I was in the states I did feel scared quite a bit and being stopt on the freeway by a state trouper in north Carolina was probably one of the scariest things i ever experienced.... Its binkers that you would be so scared of an authority figure
I recently bought a digital smart telescope and to test it out, I went outside (I don't have a garden), so I walked 25 meters from my front door, went 50 meters to the south and I am in a park with no lights, in the middle of the moonless night in pitch dark and I set up my telescope, start it up and it takes 200-300 sub photos which are stacked into 1 beautiful photo of a dark space object. This takes some time, so I have an easy chair and I'm in the middle of nowhere (50 meters from the small city center) and I hear each and every little freaking sound in the surrounding. I hear people coming out of the pubs and they go to their cars, about 20 meters from my position and they don't even know that I'm there (and probably don't even care). That's the Netherlands. You are safe during the day and even during the darkest nights. Does this mean you're always safe? Nope. There are crazy people everywhere you go on the globe. There are just not as many as in America haha 😂👍
I'm also an expat living in Utrecht. Though I'm not from the US, the things you mentioned are super relatable. Keep up the good work and the good vibes :) Maybe even share a favorite recipe for inspiration!
Ah yes Griftpark! There used to be a natural gas factory on that spot, teared down in the sixties. The grounds were strongly poluted. The park got the nickname 'Gifpark' . It was too expensive and dificult to clean out the polution. In the nineties they rebuild the park on top of the poluted ground. They carefully wrapped the poluted ground so it would do no harm to the environment. But the actual 'dirty' ground is still there.
I'm so happy I found this video! Coming from close to Philly myself I feel like I can trust your opinion on how different it is there. My family and I are heavily debating moving out of the US and The Netherlands is top of our list. So refreshing to see a relatable video talking about this.
Let me correct you just a little on the ‘how much money do you make’ issue. The Dutch in general can’t be bothered with ‘your money’ whatsoever. It simply doesn’t define you as a person. In fact it might actually be held against you if you show even a hint of arrogance exactly because you have money and think you are better than the rest of us. The Dutch detest ‘snoevers’ so if you want to fit in and have plenty of friends then act ‘normal’ and be ‘honest’ 😉👍🏻
So happy for you! I started watching around the time you moved here, so it feels like I've really followed you along on this journey and I'm glad it's working out.
NL is a nice country. I have lived there most of my life in Den Haag and Hengelo. Now we live in Brazil in a town Araruama, which is okay too. Here the sun always shines. So the weather is a lot better here, hehehe….
Being outside, I think, has something to do with urban planning. Just this morning I got a video of streetfilms about Manhattan, where they are very busy to give the street back to the people, by closing them for car traffic. You see people walking and cycling. There are terraces everywhere, full of people. That you feel more safe is not typical for the Netherlands, USA-expats from in other countries say the same. I wonder if this has something to do with this car centered orientation.
After living in the Netherlands for more than twenty years - I don't think anyone is interested in anyone else's salary, when work is discussed. It's all about work life balance and job satisfaction. Ottoleghi is fantastic - and yes you can get reasonably prices high quality ingredients in NL much more easily than you can in the USA. Although if you go to France or Italy, they put Holland to shame food-wise.
And for a reason! Dutch cuisine is not that good, but we fuse all other kitchens from the world. Partly because of the foreigners living here, but mostly because it simply is so much better. And as we are famous for our worldwide trades, we simply ger the ingredients in masses from where we need to get them ;)
Very true. As a gay American in the process of moving to the EU one major point of life being better in the NL (and other developed countries) is safety and not worrying about mass & school shootings, getting carjacked at gunpoint, mugged, assaulted, etc... And the freedom to be gay or lesbian without religious bigotry from the government and hate groups is a major plus too. Finally, work life balance is also a huge plus. Most American's base their identity and self worth to an unhealthy degree on work and their careers and have been conditioned to work to the point of burnout. I think American work culture is one of the things contributing to the mental health crisis in the US.
A school shooting has never happened here. The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, but having heavy regulations on guns (yes, you can still own one, but you don't need one) has really made a difference. Also, LGBTQ+ rights are pretty strong here, but social pressure has been increasing, and these rights are being threatened. I hate to point fingers, but it's mostly due to the "war on wokeness" rhetoric from the US that we also have increasing support for that here...
@@jeffafa3096 that is more a result of target selection and happenstance than it totally being impossible. Think of the Alphen aan den Rijn mall and Utrecht tram shootings, they both could've happend in a school. Also with the increase of bombings in Rotterdam, it is just a matter of time till one happens near a school.
I live in France and very few people care that you are gay because it's so common and accepted - except unless you happen to stumble in a bad part of town (Muslims) where there are gangs of guys roaming around looking for trouble. Political life generally isn't concerned with politicising sexual orientation. We have burnout in Europe too though it's more possible to find jobs with normal work conditions enforced by the law. By the way, having to work with people who don't want to work (while you do their work) is one byproduct of strong employement laws - so everything isn't as rosey as one might think. Still, its better than being in America.
Eva this video is so uplifting. I am so glad you have found happiness. I watch your videos and dream of someday living in a better place. Living in U.S. has its difficulties that only another Americans can understand. Keep doing your uplifting themes and videos. Thank you for what you do!
Did I hear you say "planning my free time"? How Dutch you have been becoming! :-) I seem to remember from maybe two years ago how you were getting accustomed to /planning/ social calls.
@@wout123100 Around 1970, Dutch broadcasting featured a weekly comic show (by KRO), first on radio, then on television (and flopped there), named "Cursief" ("italic"). One less famous sketch (it may be on the "Cursief 74" LP) represented a telephone call between two elementary-school children about scheduling a meeting. It ends with both deciding to bring their diaries to the birthday party of a mutual friend. (Better-known sketches from "Cursief" include those by Gerard Cox, speaking with a "Flemish" or "Surinam" accent or singing "Het is weer voorbij, die mooie zomer" ("City of New Orleans"). That song triggered a sketch with "Opa Cox" remembering.)
Your video's are very nice to watch. Thank you. It is good thing to hear from someone that grew up outside The Netherlands, what this country is about. It sometimes is hard to see the beauty of things when you are confronted with them daily. People are really good in adapting to their environment, which is a good thing. I have seen people in the poorest counties dealing with live, basically surviving on a daily basis and still managing to smile and love. The other side of this coin is that people can get used to a good live as well. And when you seemingly have everything and don't have to survive, for some reason we end up complaining a lot. Sometimes we need more challenges. It is a struggle between comforting safety and the need to explore and escape the save boundaries of the bubble we live in. So good to see your videos helping me to love my live more. So please keep it up! P.s. I work 3 days as a freelance IT consultant in, play padel twice a week and started a (three year!) woodworking course a month ago :-)
1. I can honestly say it never ever occurs to me what someone I've just met earns. I simply do not care. If we talk about jobs at all, it's because I want to know what kind of person they are, what their skillset is, what they enjoy. Mostly I wouldn't have a clue what they earn, and it isn't relevant to me whatsoever. 3. Yeah, it's kind of concerning when you have no hobbies at all. It probably means you're not taking care of yourself.
I'm a New Yorker who ended up in Copenhagen but am now dating a Dutchie. He lives in a suburb of Utrecht and the first time I saw women running alone on the streets at night, I was absolutely shocked. I mean, I feel much safer in Copenhagen than I did in the US, but NL takes it to another level. Also agree with the cooking part. One of my favorite things to do now is cook with my Dutchie. It's so gezellig... and I've noticed that the Dutch add WAY more veggies to dishes than Danes do. Makes for some very comforting and healthy dishes.
There are probably more people on the street and more socializing even in winter is because our cities are walkable. You can walk or take a bicycle easy to the store, park, restaurant. Even public transportation is so much better. In the USA you littely have to take your car for everything. Unless maybe when you live in NY.
@@honestr Canada, infamously not part of North America. (I mean, do you think there might be a reason I said “North American” as opposed to “American”?)
I would love to move out of the US but don't even know where to start. I will watch more of your videos! My Grandma was from there, so I've always been interested in Holland. Thank you!
As a Dutch person, I never really considered how much of a benefit safety is. I'll be making the opposite move soon as I'll move from Utrecht to LA in a few weeks, and this is a great reminder to be a bit more wary of surroundings. ;)
@brendadegroot well, I've come to realise that I absolutely love it here, but as a vacation destination. We're actually planning on moving back to the Netherlands next year. Don't let that scare you though, it's just a personal preference! 😊 either way, if you end up loving or hating it, it's definitely one hell of an experience compared to the Netherlands!
Hi Ava, it's a joy hearing you talk and keeping a mirror up to us. The Netherlands are not perfect, but -like most countries- it has it good points. I'm currently in Belgium but your video made me homesick for Utrecht, my city of birth where I spent half my life.
Hey Eva. You mentioned you started cooking. So probably you find a new hobby. ;-). As a Dutchie I am very interested in every state of the USA (went there a couple of times). When I came across the state of Pennsylvania, I was quiet shocked by what's happening over there (and in other states also). Especially "your" city of Philadelphia, the Kensington Ave. area where almost everyone is addicted to that weird drug Xylazine, also known as Tranq. I can remember it even was in the news here in the NL. I felt so sorry when I saw how these poor people walked and acting like zombies. Someone's brother, sister, daughter, son. I hope the USA will be fixed soon. The reason why I bring this up is that you don't have to be afraid to walk alone during every part of the day. As you heard, even the children are laughing and playing with their friends outside. Sure it can be dangerous over here also, but I think because of the ban on weapons here in the NL everybody has no reason to feel scared when they walked out the door. I know you are quiet some time here in the NL. Maybe you can someday pay a visit to the beautiful province of Limburg, especially the south of the province. Pay a visit to Maastricht and the surroundings. Maybe you will move to Maastricht some time. :-). Just kidding..... or .... WELCOME!! and enjoy your new life here.
Great analysis. Most Dutchies view work and free time as equally important. Most of us 'work to live', not 'live to work'. A dis-balance is usually considered a red flag. What kind of job you do is considered more interesting than your pay. Money is not really considered a suitable conversation topic. So when meeting new people they will usually ask about your origin - Dutch and expats alike - about your job, and how you spend your free time. Sport and hobbies are expected. 'What is your typical weekend like' and 'What was your last vacation' are Top2 questions. Emphasizing how hard you work and how much money you make and how little time you have to do nice things won't go down well in a conversation. Having an interesting job, and doing some volunteer work on the side will make you score points. Since you mention you'd like to cook more yourself, and I noticed you live in Utrecht-East, you may have noticed there are several organic gardens just outside the city at a few minutes bicycle distance. Most run by like minded people having fun together outside, doing some gardening, getting fresh produce.
I recently saw a video by another expat living in the Netherlands, who observed that people here smile so much. Seems to me you fit right in 😀 If you want a hobby _and_ exercise, consider horse riding. Find a riding school that offers regular trail rides rather than just dressage lessons.
@@megvander2231 I ride since 2005. Dressage, jumping and (my favourite) *lots* of trail and beach rides. These days I mostly ride friends' horses and do ground work / natural horsemanship with them too. Yeah, a minority of riding schools offer trail rides. Does yours?
@@Onwrikbaar After riding as a child, I started again 12 years ago. Because most riding schools don t offer trail rides I have my ' verzorgpaard ' now and only do trail rides with her. But now unfortunately she is a pensioner and I mostly go for walks with her but I do still go for a swim with her! Where do you ride?
There is a principle called social safety. Humans are a herd animal, we feel safe when there is space and frequent people, and light. and we try to design for that here in the netherlands
Make sure to visit Dutch music festivals, Dutch parties are the best in every way!! And make sure to ride a bicycle now and then, get your hands on one of those relaxed grandma bikes, happy blazing ma'am. Welcome home
Interesting that you mention Philly. I've been watching a number of videos regarding Kensington Ave. there recently. Hope you weren't near there (or had to travel the trains there), but that looks awfully grim. I can imagine that that has spread out over other areas of Philadelphia over the past few years, so I can see how the Netherlands feels safe in comparison ...
Indeed, I can't imagine that when you meet someone for the first time you ask what he or she does for a living ( job) That would be really strange and certainly not what someone has for a salary, it is almost unthinkable that you would ask about it and you definitely don’t talk about yours. Usually you ask where someone lives, in which city or village and gradually you will see where you end up in the conversation.
Most important thing in life is to share and love.. so if you want to learn the Dutch your welcome. You can sleep free here and I will show you the things you want to visit
Don't know if I should feel happy or sad: happy because you like 'my' country and it's always nice to be notified you just have a new video out and sad for my US friends and relatives. I see them struggle to make ends meet and/or to keep up appearances. It hurts me to see that some of them find it more important to have a more expensive car than the neighbours do instead of wanting to spend more time with their (grand)children and leavind those children behind with extra debts caused by studying and hospital bills. Still they prefer suffering instead of living in a more equal and friendly but 'socialist' society. You're right about the outdoor heaters on the terrasjes (what's the name for outside seating at US bars and restaurants? 'Terraces'?): they're not very good for the environment but really gezellig and (heart)warming. I really like it when I've worked until 1am or so, missed my last tram and have to walk an hour to get home, to have a drink at one of those heated places and just mellow out for a bit before I embark on the last bit of my walk home. So, I 'excercise' and reward myself with a nice drink when I do. ;-)
NL is a good country to live, but for me the problem is space. When I was in the US I loved the space they have. But otherwise I like living in the Netherlands. Thank you for positive view on NL😊
Sorry to hear about the lack of safety in Philadelphia! Yes, if kids bike home from practice/school/friends/grandparents and what not, such insecurity would seem unacceptable. It is! So sad that so many Americans 'choose' to harm that atmosphere! But not everywhere! Lived in Arlington VA for years, safe, clean, great! And there are lesser safe neighborhoods and places here too - but to a different degree. The country seems maybe more like how people percieve Vermont 😂 ... Thanks for your posts! You add such a positive vibe to each one!
Votulast is nice. Few cars, close to everything, and yet so quiet in many streets. Would you (or have you already) done something on Dutch local accents, like Utregs? #Utrecht #UtregMeStadsie
There is no such thing as 'life in America' because the country is so incredibly large and diverse - life in a city of a few 1000 in rural Idaho is nice, Skid Row, L.A. is hell on Earth.
I agree i grew/live in the Northeast, and it seems that people just want to know your job title and judge how much you make. For me I feel more relatable to the Dutch attitude, i'm interested/asked if they are happy with what they do and what challenges do they face.
Hello, fellow international lesbian here! It’s really wild seeing you just walk around in my neighborhood like that, in a way UA-cam just feels like such a different world to me. I’m also so happy to see that Utrecht is getting the love and representation it deserves 😊
The Netherlands has a high level of labor rights and respects workers unlike in the US and this is a HUGH difference in the translation of a full life.
Work to live or live to work.. But you knew that already.. 😍👍(Can't you cycle to work? That way you can build some stamina and get ready for the winter, you're Dutch now so can stand a little rain...!)
Thanks Eva I think the status are creepy but creative I don't know ottolenghi but looked him up. Keep up ur great hobby representing our beautiful country ❤️ Thanks from way up north in Groningen. Ps I love Utrecht
Omg the bicycle thing is still dont get it its so hard its only in big cities and i live in zoetermeer that isn't that big i never used the bicycle stands like that im honesty scared to used them because i have no clue and i dont wanna ask dutch people because they will give me a weird face
So I left NL more than 40 years ago because NL is not a great country for me,also I was born and raised there anyways Eva have a great life in NL, maybe we can talk a few years from now when Dutch reality sets in
Believe me...we lived in Miami Florida during 4 years (1985-1989) went back to the Netherlands and never ever considered to go back to the USA just once...and never regretted the decision , even though we earned a lot in the USA, it never compensated for the lack of quality of life we experienced in the Netherlands...we noticed that even in the eighties raw capitalism was very deteriorating for our mental health. Even having the most desired greencard didn't make us stay in the USA
@@hartjeslips4061 O wait a minute, in your former post it's like, ehh no you actually did say you left the NL (because no good) and never said for only 4 years. I hope you can see my confusion. PS, although i never actually lived in the US, i did spend quite some time over there, one period even over 4,5 months. In any way long enough to understand that it would never become my home.
@peet4921 the first post was not by me ...we were expats , my husband working for a Dutch trading company, like we were also expats in three Latin American countries. Miami seemed like a wonderful destination and we started the greencard process...but along the years there ..we decided not to want to stay ..no future for our daughters in a society where veterans were treated like dirt...no social or moral standards...
@@peet4921 Hi peet So yeah everyone has his or her reasons to leave to country you are born and raised in my case zero chance of improvement both work and living no change of accepteble housing super over crowding no matter where you go Never mind a political system that is far left wing ,and is very controlling in every aspect of my life,have great day
Nope. You are correct to work in the US takes up all your time. Housing in the Netherlands is a strange thing for me, "upholstered." no fridge and 24 months max, then you have to move. Do you Bike?
As a South African, the feeling of safety in NL is so wonderful. I could go on for hours, but soooo good and safe here.
As someone from Europe, I no longer feel 100% safe here. But in America it's 100% less safe...
No Plaasmoorden here !
As a dutch person I can tell you it is no longer safe due to intercultural clashes, mainly the muslim cultures clashing with the dutch.
The Netherlands is safe. Stuff can happen anywhere but this is a safe place so the chance something happening to you is miniscule.
@@Crogatho I am Dutch and have lived in different parts of the Netherlands over the years, but it may depend on where you live, I would say 99.9% is still pretty safe. Most of the complaints I hear here, from those who actually/actively leave their house and walk around, are about dog owners who do not have their dogs under control and/or on a leash where necessary.
Eva. I literally needed this video, I'm moving to Europe with my husband soon but I cannot literally wait for the day. I dream every night about how much better my life and overall happiness will be improved in Europe and knowing that my children will eventually have a much better and safer childhood than I had in the USA.
Just came from a tripp from the states i didn't really feel unsafe but there certainly is that constant lingering feeling of uneasyness that probable would grind you down if you had to endure it for years. Just remember you make youre own happiness so make the most of the oppertuntys europe will bring you its not a magical place you will all at once feel happy. But take it easy go out and enjoy the weather if its nice and don't give a @#@$% about your job while you doing that and just relax and enjoy (yes you should care about your job but only in youre working hours). O and doing the cooking and get a healthy nice simple meal will make you feel much better (just also do some really nice and potentional unhealty ones).
Guess what i want say welcome over here and make sure you put the quality of youre life first.
@@arturobianco848 my husband's from Spain and I've been there many times (not as a resident though) but he wanted to live here a bit so I told him I'll give him 3 years in exchange for the rest of our lives in Europe. But of course, happiness is based on how you define it. I just know that for me happiness isn't in the USA 😅
Well, Europe isn’t ‘Walhalla’, it also has it problems just as the States, so maybe manage your expectations? But when you make the effort to experience the right places, taste the right food it is suddenly worth it 😊
Hi there, please understand that moving to Europe is vastly different than moving to the States. The differences between the countries is immense. So moving to Spain is a whole different experience than moving to, say, the Netherlands. Have a look-see if there are expat-video’s on Spain and then watch this again. 😂😂😂👍🏻
@@kaydesignmpared to the States The Netherlands actually is Wallhalla as you call it. Sure it’s not paradise, but comparing healthcare, environmentally, work-life balance, interaction between people, public transportation, safety in the streets 24/7(NO gun-owners), infrastructure etc etc etc… that is really really really better A LOT. Oh, and overhere we do NOT take books out of the school system, woman are boss of their own body, religion is NOT mixed into law and freedom of speech is highly appreciated. We’re not prudish, we might be direct but honest and once we’re friends with you we will be honoring this friendship the rest of our lives.
As someone born in Utrecht, it gives me great pleasure to see how you enjoy "my" city so much. :) To many people only know about Amsterdam while we have so many more beautiful cities and towns.
7:00 Madam.. that is not "a random mill", that is grainmill Rijn en Zon (Rhine and Sun), a fairly "young" mill build in 1913 and rebuilld in 1977.
In 98 I spent 3 months w work in the Nederland, lived in Hovenlakin, visited weekly to Utrecht, I do really miss your country, wanting to come back for a visit, you are very lucky to have such a wonderful country!
@Peter Fijten while I was there I visited Maastricht too, a really nice town, and I also visited the tunnels(sorry I don’t remember their proper name), a very interesting tour, the carved reliefs inside them were beautiful!
@@Walt1119 de Mergelgrotten.
@@Walt1119Hoevelaken?
"Madam!" Made me LOL.
I have traveled on the Rotterdam metro for over 20 years, also late at night, and have never seen or experienced anything bad. Quite safe!
Your radiant happiness really comes across. Good for you.
Hi Ava... it really felt like having an actual walk with you.. I hope you had a wonderful afternoon ... and will have many alike in future.
Me
1) Biking waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more
2) Eating pastry more, appelflaps are just too good
3) Travelling more - mostly nearby towns, but it's so easy
Thank you for reminding me again and again what a great little country we are living in.
I have a few US friends and they have the urge to keep telling me how busy they are. At the same time they're surprised that I'm not busy at all.
Ijust need to say that after not seeing you videos for some time I can see you look much more relaxed. Even your voice sounds nicer and you speak a bit slower. I still enjoy your comparisons as I lived internationaly for a lot of years and releaned to appreciate my country.
I'm so happy you feel safe here. I must say that when I was in the states I did feel scared quite a bit and being stopt on the freeway by a state trouper in north Carolina was probably one of the scariest things i ever experienced.... Its binkers that you would be so scared of an authority figure
I recently bought a digital smart telescope and to test it out, I went outside (I don't have a garden), so I walked 25 meters from my front door, went 50 meters to the south and I am in a park with no lights, in the middle of the moonless night in pitch dark and I set up my telescope, start it up and it takes 200-300 sub photos which are stacked into 1 beautiful photo of a dark space object. This takes some time, so I have an easy chair and I'm in the middle of nowhere (50 meters from the small city center) and I hear each and every little freaking sound in the surrounding. I hear people coming out of the pubs and they go to their cars, about 20 meters from my position and they don't even know that I'm there (and probably don't even care). That's the Netherlands. You are safe during the day and even during the darkest nights. Does this mean you're always safe? Nope. There are crazy people everywhere you go on the globe. There are just not as many as in America haha 😂👍
currently feeling depressed af by this dutch weather and missing home (US) so I needed to hear this. life here really is so much better.
I'm also an expat living in Utrecht. Though I'm not from the US, the things you mentioned are super relatable. Keep up the good work and the good vibes :)
Maybe even share a favorite recipe for inspiration!
Ah yes Griftpark! There used to be a natural gas factory on that spot, teared down in the sixties. The grounds were strongly poluted. The park got the nickname 'Gifpark' . It was too expensive and dificult to clean out the polution. In the nineties they rebuild the park on top of the poluted ground. They carefully wrapped the poluted ground so it would do no harm to the environment. But the actual 'dirty' ground is still there.
I'm so happy I found this video! Coming from close to Philly myself I feel like I can trust your opinion on how different it is there. My family and I are heavily debating moving out of the US and The Netherlands is top of our list. So refreshing to see a relatable video talking about this.
You will enjoy the lack of diversity in NL. Racists like you love living in an echo chamber.
Ava, good to see you being so happy.
Let me correct you just a little on the ‘how much money do you make’ issue. The Dutch in general can’t be bothered with ‘your money’ whatsoever. It simply doesn’t define you as a person. In fact it might actually be held against you if you show even a hint of arrogance exactly because you have money and think you are better than the rest of us. The Dutch detest ‘snoevers’ so if you want to fit in and have plenty of friends then act ‘normal’ and be ‘honest’ 😉👍🏻
So happy for you! I started watching around the time you moved here, so it feels like I've really followed you along on this journey and I'm glad it's working out.
NL is a nice country. I have lived there most of my life in Den Haag and Hengelo.
Now we live in Brazil in a town Araruama, which is okay too. Here the sun always shines.
So the weather is a lot better here, hehehe….
As a proud Brit, I love The Netherlands and the friendly people ❤️
who cates we dont like brits
@@henkduym9430 The Exit is also one click away!>
Being outside, I think, has something to do with urban planning. Just this morning I got a video of streetfilms about Manhattan, where they are very busy to give the street back to the people, by closing them for car traffic. You see people walking and cycling. There are terraces everywhere, full of people.
That you feel more safe is not typical for the Netherlands, USA-expats from in other countries say the same. I wonder if this has something to do with this car centered orientation.
Just came back from a trip in the US and i can tell you it defently plays a part.
Struttin’ along. How nice!❤
After living in the Netherlands for more than twenty years - I don't think anyone is interested in anyone else's salary, when work is discussed. It's all about work life balance and job satisfaction. Ottoleghi is fantastic - and yes you can get reasonably prices high quality ingredients in NL much more easily than you can in the USA. Although if you go to France or Italy, they put Holland to shame food-wise.
And for a reason! Dutch cuisine is not that good, but we fuse all other kitchens from the world. Partly because of the foreigners living here, but mostly because it simply is so much better.
And as we are famous for our worldwide trades, we simply ger the ingredients in masses from where we need to get them ;)
Very true. As a gay American in the process of moving to the EU one major point of life being better in the NL (and other developed countries) is safety and not worrying about mass & school shootings, getting carjacked at gunpoint, mugged, assaulted, etc... And the freedom to be gay or lesbian without religious bigotry from the government and hate groups is a major plus too.
Finally, work life balance is also a huge plus. Most American's base their identity and self worth to an unhealthy degree on work and their careers and have been conditioned to work to the point of burnout. I think American work culture is one of the things contributing to the mental health crisis in the US.
A school shooting has never happened here. The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, but having heavy regulations on guns (yes, you can still own one, but you don't need one) has really made a difference.
Also, LGBTQ+ rights are pretty strong here, but social pressure has been increasing, and these rights are being threatened. I hate to point fingers, but it's mostly due to the "war on wokeness" rhetoric from the US that we also have increasing support for that here...
@@jeffafa3096 that is more a result of target selection and happenstance than it totally being impossible. Think of the Alphen aan den Rijn mall and Utrecht tram shootings, they both could've happend in a school. Also with the increase of bombings in Rotterdam, it is just a matter of time till one happens near a school.
stay in america
How did you go about moving to the EU? (I know, absurdly big question.)
I live in France and very few people care that you are gay because it's so common and accepted - except unless you happen to stumble in a bad part of town (Muslims) where there are gangs of guys roaming around looking for trouble. Political life generally isn't concerned with politicising sexual orientation.
We have burnout in Europe too though it's more possible to find jobs with normal work conditions enforced by the law. By the way, having to work with people who don't want to work (while you do their work) is one byproduct of strong employement laws - so everything isn't as rosey as one might think. Still, its better than being in America.
The man of my DREAMS lives in Holland!!
haha go quick then.
Is it me....❤
Ava, your last point, you told it with enthousasm, it is a hobby for you.
Very nice to see you being happy in our little country, wish you all the best and luck. And enjoy the summer!! :)
The first structures/statues in the park. In museum De Pont, in Tilburg, there are similar statues, probably from the same artist.
Eva this video is so uplifting. I am so glad you have found happiness. I watch your videos and dream of someday living in a better place. Living in U.S. has its difficulties that only another Americans can understand. Keep doing your uplifting themes and videos. Thank you for what you do!
Would love to see a collaboration between you, Exploring the Foreign and Jovie's Home 😊
Did I hear you say "planning my free time"? How Dutch you have been becoming! :-)
I seem to remember from maybe two years ago how you were getting accustomed to /planning/ social calls.
not everyone does that, but yeah all my freinds do, i never planned free time, i just see what will come along.
@@wout123100 Around 1970, Dutch broadcasting featured a weekly comic show (by KRO), first on radio, then on television (and flopped there), named "Cursief" ("italic"). One less famous sketch (it may be on the "Cursief 74" LP) represented a telephone call between two elementary-school children about scheduling a meeting. It ends with both deciding to bring their diaries to the birthday party of a mutual friend.
(Better-known sketches from "Cursief" include those by Gerard Cox, speaking with a "Flemish" or "Surinam" accent or singing "Het is weer voorbij, die mooie zomer" ("City of New Orleans"). That song triggered a sketch with "Opa Cox" remembering.)
Your video's are very nice to watch. Thank you. It is good thing to hear from someone that grew up outside The Netherlands, what this country is about. It sometimes is hard to see the beauty of things when you are confronted with them daily. People are really good in adapting to their environment, which is a good thing. I have seen people in the poorest counties dealing with live, basically surviving on a daily basis and still managing to smile and love. The other side of this coin is that people can get used to a good live as well. And when you seemingly have everything and don't have to survive, for some reason we end up complaining a lot. Sometimes we need more challenges. It is a struggle between comforting safety and the need to explore and escape the save boundaries of the bubble we live in. So good to see your videos helping me to love my live more. So please keep it up! P.s. I work 3 days as a freelance IT consultant in, play padel twice a week and started a (three year!) woodworking course a month ago :-)
1. I can honestly say it never ever occurs to me what someone I've just met earns. I simply do not care. If we talk about jobs at all, it's because I want to know what kind of person they are, what their skillset is, what they enjoy. Mostly I wouldn't have a clue what they earn, and it isn't relevant to me whatsoever.
3. Yeah, it's kind of concerning when you have no hobbies at all. It probably means you're not taking care of yourself.
Nice to see you enjoying my hometown of Utrecht.
I'm a New Yorker who ended up in Copenhagen but am now dating a Dutchie. He lives in a suburb of Utrecht and the first time I saw women running alone on the streets at night, I was absolutely shocked. I mean, I feel much safer in Copenhagen than I did in the US, but NL takes it to another level.
Also agree with the cooking part. One of my favorite things to do now is cook with my Dutchie. It's so gezellig... and I've noticed that the Dutch add WAY more veggies to dishes than Danes do. Makes for some very comforting and healthy dishes.
There are probably more people on the street and more socializing even in winter is because our cities are walkable. You can walk or take a bicycle easy to the store, park, restaurant. Even public transportation is so much better. In the USA you littely have to take your car for everything. Unless maybe when you live in NY.
I assume Ava has seen @notjustbikes channel before - he’s also a North American in NL and deals mostly with the urban design/car centric question.
@JasperJanssen actually he is Canadian, but same same. 😅
@JasperJanssen he is canadian...
@@honestr Canada, infamously not part of North America.
(I mean, do you think there might be a reason I said “North American” as opposed to “American”?)
@@JasperJanssen maybe they thought you meant that he's from Mexico,
because yes even Mexico is in North America.
I would love to move out of the US but don't even know where to start. I will watch more of your videos! My Grandma was from there, so I've always been interested in Holland. Thank you!
Oh, hoe leuk is toch Holland! Ava, I'm totally with you!
As a Dutch person, I never really considered how much of a benefit safety is. I'll be making the opposite move soon as I'll move from Utrecht to LA in a few weeks, and this is a great reminder to be a bit more wary of surroundings. ;)
Good luck! I moved from the Netherlands to (close to) LA about 3 years ago 😊 hope you'll love it!
@@deborahdrost171 That's so cool! I'm so curious what it's like, and also what you think of it? ;)
@brendadegroot well, I've come to realise that I absolutely love it here, but as a vacation destination. We're actually planning on moving back to the Netherlands next year. Don't let that scare you though, it's just a personal preference! 😊 either way, if you end up loving or hating it, it's definitely one hell of an experience compared to the Netherlands!
I love seeing my city in the backdrop of your video's
“My wife goes for a run, and I like to sit on the couch and eat pie.” Dude, I so respect that! lol
Hi Ava, it's a joy hearing you talk and keeping a mirror up to us. The Netherlands are not perfect, but -like most countries- it has it good points. I'm currently in Belgium but your video made me homesick for Utrecht, my city of birth where I spent half my life.
Hey Eva. You mentioned you started cooking. So probably you find a new hobby. ;-). As a Dutchie I am very interested in every state of the USA (went there a couple of times). When I came across the state of Pennsylvania, I was quiet shocked by what's happening over there (and in other states also). Especially "your" city of Philadelphia, the Kensington Ave. area where almost everyone is addicted to that weird drug Xylazine, also known as Tranq. I can remember it even was in the news here in the NL. I felt so sorry when I saw how these poor people walked and acting like zombies. Someone's brother, sister, daughter, son. I hope the USA will be fixed soon.
The reason why I bring this up is that you don't have to be afraid to walk alone during every part of the day. As you heard, even the children are laughing and playing with their friends outside. Sure it can be dangerous over here also, but I think because of the ban on weapons here in the NL everybody has no reason to feel scared when they walked out the door.
I know you are quiet some time here in the NL. Maybe you can someday pay a visit to the beautiful province of Limburg, especially the south of the province. Pay a visit to Maastricht and the surroundings. Maybe you will move to Maastricht some time. :-). Just kidding..... or ....
WELCOME!! and enjoy your new life here.
sadly enough every bigger city in the us has huge problems like in philadelphia...
Great analysis. Most Dutchies view work and free time as equally important. Most of us 'work to live', not 'live to work'. A dis-balance is usually considered a red flag. What kind of job you do is considered more interesting than your pay. Money is not really considered a suitable conversation topic.
So when meeting new people they will usually ask about your origin - Dutch and expats alike - about your job, and how you spend your free time. Sport and hobbies are expected.
'What is your typical weekend like' and 'What was your last vacation' are Top2 questions.
Emphasizing how hard you work and how much money you make and how little time you have to do nice things won't go down well in a conversation.
Having an interesting job, and doing some volunteer work on the side will make you score points.
Since you mention you'd like to cook more yourself, and I noticed you live in Utrecht-East, you may have noticed there are several organic gardens just outside the city at a few minutes bicycle distance. Most run by like minded people having fun together outside, doing some gardening, getting fresh produce.
Everbody works to pay taxes. So in the end we work to live. We have to pay to live on this planet
😂 #slavery
@@mjoezic3198 "No man is free who has to work for a living."
Great! Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
Also, cooking for you family is so rewarding-and bye the way, your Logo is quite sweet. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
12:30 my mother comes from brazil. She literally says she can’t go back.
I recently saw a video by another expat living in the Netherlands, who observed that people here smile so much. Seems to me you fit right in 😀
If you want a hobby _and_ exercise, consider horse riding. Find a riding school that offers regular trail rides rather than just dressage lessons.
Horse riding is my hobby too but I find that trail riding is not always offered. Do you ride yourself?
@@megvander2231 I ride since 2005. Dressage, jumping and (my favourite) *lots* of trail and beach rides. These days I mostly ride friends' horses and do ground work / natural horsemanship with them too.
Yeah, a minority of riding schools offer trail rides. Does yours?
@@Onwrikbaar After riding as a child, I started again 12 years ago. Because most riding schools don t offer trail rides I have my ' verzorgpaard ' now and only do trail rides with her. But now unfortunately she is a pensioner and I mostly go for walks with her but I do still go for a swim with her! Where do you ride?
There is a principle called social safety. Humans are a herd animal, we feel safe when there is space and frequent people, and light. and we try to design for that here in the netherlands
Nice to see you again Ava!
Make sure to visit Dutch music festivals, Dutch parties are the best in every way!! And make sure to ride a bicycle now and then, get your hands on one of those relaxed grandma bikes, happy blazing ma'am. Welcome home
Random mills, ahaha!
Interesting that you mention Philly. I've been watching a number of videos regarding Kensington Ave. there recently. Hope you weren't near there (or had to travel the trains there), but that looks awfully grim. I can imagine that that has spread out over other areas of Philadelphia over the past few years, so I can see how the Netherlands feels safe in comparison ...
If you haven't tried it yet, Ottolenghi's cauliflower recipe is amazing :)
Indeed, I can't imagine that when you meet someone for the first time you ask what he or she does for a living ( job) That would be really strange and certainly not what someone has for a salary, it is almost unthinkable that you would ask about it and you definitely don’t talk about yours. Usually you ask where someone lives, in which city or village and gradually you will see where you end up in the conversation.
Now imagine hom much things would be different if you’ve moved from Iran to the Netherlands 😅. For me, it’s just two different universes!
She came from the usa, and have a Indian background.
@@fkaptijn7111 yeah but you know America is America… Iran is much different 😅
@@Walkwithmeeyou came from Iran?
@@fkaptijn7111 yes!
@@Walkwithmeei have been there twice, about the people nothing more than positive.
But the government, they're criminals.
Ava is such a Dutchie 👌
really enjoyed this video
you are making great observations and show how shallow life is in the US
we spend time outside because of how our cities and infrastructure are designed its an integral part of our happiness
but but arent cities designed to live in?? the more i hear of these people that got away form america , is it really that bad over there?
Most important thing in life is to share and love.. so if you want to learn the Dutch your welcome. You can sleep free here and I will show you the things you want to visit
Don't know if I should feel happy or sad: happy because you like 'my' country and it's always nice to be notified you just have a new video out and sad for my US friends and relatives. I see them struggle to make ends meet and/or to keep up appearances. It hurts me to see that some of them find it more important to have a more expensive car than the neighbours do instead of wanting to spend more time with their (grand)children and leavind those children behind with extra debts caused by studying and hospital bills. Still they prefer suffering instead of living in a more equal and friendly but 'socialist' society.
You're right about the outdoor heaters on the terrasjes (what's the name for outside seating at US bars and restaurants? 'Terraces'?): they're not very good for the environment but really gezellig and (heart)warming. I really like it when I've worked until 1am or so, missed my last tram and have to walk an hour to get home, to have a drink at one of those heated places and just mellow out for a bit before I embark on the last bit of my walk home. So, I 'excercise' and reward myself with a nice drink when I do. ;-)
many people in the US call terraces “patios”
I sit on the couch and eat pie! 😅😅, nice video Ava, I hope you and your girlfriend will stay here! 👍keep on coocking! 👍
It Seems we Dutch can be spontanious when the weather is great.
NL is a good country to live, but for me the problem is space. When I was in the US I loved the space they have. But otherwise I like living in the Netherlands. Thank you for positive view on NL😊
yes spaces or rather lack of, is the big issues here.
Doesn't the US have the exact opposite problem though, ie too much space and being extremely pedestrian-unfriendly?
Yeah, yeah, thought you were walking Through "Vogelenbuurt" = Bird Burrough. All the the streets have birdnames.
Hey Eva, it's normal, the Dutch work to live, not live to work. Groetjes
Ik was een kind en wist niet beter
Dan dat nooit voorbij zou gaan
Sorry to hear about the lack of safety in Philadelphia! Yes, if kids bike home from practice/school/friends/grandparents and what not, such insecurity would seem unacceptable. It is! So sad that so many Americans 'choose' to harm that atmosphere! But not everywhere! Lived in Arlington VA for years, safe, clean, great! And there are lesser safe neighborhoods and places here too - but to a different degree. The country seems maybe more like how people percieve Vermont 😂 ... Thanks for your posts! You add such a positive vibe to each one!
I'm actually kind of surprised that's it not just Dutch people watching this video
Votulast is nice. Few cars, close to everything, and yet so quiet in many streets. Would you (or have you already) done something on Dutch local accents, like Utregs? #Utrecht #UtregMeStadsie
Leuk om te zien. Maar dat is niet de kortste route naar het park! Wel een route met een molen! 😊
I thought you were going to Oerol Ava, camping with your wife. I was curious if you liked it……❤️Hil
No one in my 72 years of life in the US has anyone asked me my job title.
You are too successful Eva. You send too many of us, Housing Anywhere is down now.
And thanks for sharing your experience.
There is no such thing as 'life in America' because the country is so incredibly large and diverse - life in a city of a few 1000 in rural Idaho is nice, Skid Row, L.A. is hell on Earth.
Nice little Idaho towns like Kellogg, where a family of four was literally executed by their neighbour less than two weeks ago?
Am i the only one who is wondering wat the white thread was, comming from under your hair, it was not your earpod.
Hi Ava! 🎉
I agree i grew/live in the Northeast, and it seems that people just want to know your job title and judge how much you make. For me I feel more relatable to the Dutch attitude, i'm interested/asked if they are happy with what they do and what challenges do they face.
I'am happy when you're happy
!!!Mmm not sure if you can compare US to NL...I am glad you feel comfi in The Netherlands and it's a honest video too
Hello, fellow international lesbian here! It’s really wild seeing you just walk around in my neighborhood like that, in a way UA-cam just feels like such a different world to me. I’m also so happy to see that Utrecht is getting the love and representation it deserves 😊
I don't want to be inpolite, but what do you do for work?
In Europe, we like to have free time and go on vacation 🥰
I think a job in the Netherlands says to a Dutchy more about your intellect then about how much money you make.
The Netherlands has a high level of labor rights and respects workers unlike in the US and this is a HUGH difference in the translation of a full life.
Work to live or live to work.. But you knew that already.. 😍👍(Can't you cycle to work? That way you can build some stamina and get ready for the winter, you're Dutch now so can stand a little rain...!)
Thanks Eva
I think the status are creepy but creative I don't know ottolenghi but looked him up.
Keep up ur great hobby representing our beautiful country ❤️
Thanks from way up north in Groningen. Ps I love Utrecht
Just don't ask anyone for help and you're good.
I love the dutch is better than America video do mooooreee ❤
We don't judge people on their income here, we just don't.. Poor and rich live in the same neighbourhood sometimes even living next to each other.
Omg the bicycle thing is still dont get it its so hard its only in big cities and i live in zoetermeer that isn't that big i never used the bicycle stands like that im honesty scared to used them because i have no clue and i dont wanna ask dutch people because they will give me a weird face
Bedankt leuk dat te horen na geemigreerd in 1957
The biggest difference between the Netherlands and the US is; In the Netherlands people work to live while in the US people live to work!!
Dank u wel
8 hours of work 8 hours of sleep 8 hours of fun...🎉
😊re hobbies: dont we all have things we like to spend time on without calling it an actual hobby?
Vertel van Oerol! Vertel van dat prachtige Terschelling!!!
❤️💙💚💛🤍
So I left NL more than 40 years ago because NL is not a great country for me,also I was born and raised there anyways Eva have a great life in NL, maybe we can talk a few years from now when Dutch reality sets in
I wonder why the NLwasn't good for you 40 years ago, the 80's were pretty good over here.
Believe me...we lived in Miami Florida during 4 years (1985-1989) went back to the Netherlands and never ever considered to go back to the USA just once...and never regretted the decision , even though we earned a lot in the USA, it never compensated for the lack of quality of life we experienced in the Netherlands...we noticed that even in the eighties raw capitalism was very deteriorating for our mental health. Even having the most desired greencard didn't make us stay in the USA
@@hartjeslips4061 O wait a minute, in your former post it's like, ehh no you actually did say you left the NL (because no good) and never said for only 4 years. I hope you can see my confusion.
PS, although i never actually lived in the US, i did spend quite some time over there, one period even over 4,5 months.
In any way long enough to understand that it would never become my home.
@peet4921 the first post was not by me ...we were expats , my husband working for a Dutch trading company, like we were also expats in three Latin American countries. Miami seemed like a wonderful destination and we started the greencard process...but along the years there
..we decided not to want to stay
..no future for our daughters in a society where veterans were treated like dirt...no social or moral standards...
@@peet4921 Hi peet
So yeah everyone has his or her reasons to leave to country you are born and raised in my case zero chance of improvement both work and living no change of accepteble housing super over crowding no matter where you go
Never mind a political system that is far left wing ,and is very controlling in every aspect of my life,have great day
Nope. You are correct to work in the US takes up all your time. Housing in the Netherlands is a strange thing for me, "upholstered." no fridge and 24 months max, then you have to move. Do you Bike?
I feel like I’m tarzan looking at his Jane 😂😂👍👍