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Thank you for watching us into your home. It's obvious that you are grateful for your quality of life, which always makes for welcome guests in any country! 🙏🕊️
I can fully appreciate this kind of video now because my hubby and I were in Amsterdam just a week ago wondering what those homes by the canal were like. So, thank you for creating this amusing video. Your apartment looks clean, cozy, and comfortable.
If I'm not mistaken, those houses belonged to wealthy sea merchants at the time. I was reminded by the beautiful beams supporting the ceiling. It looks like the same craftsmanship that would have gone into one of their seafaring vessels. Every detail is just beautiful!
Nice video. I moved to Utrecht from the USA in 2017 with my husband. We've never been happier. I've been learning Dutch but I still struggle to speak and understand. Dutch people have been very kind letting me practice with them.
Hi Rebecca! Thanks for the kind words. Oh great to hear you two have never been happier (I can relate in many ways!). Are you taking Dutch classes or how are you learning? I took a virtual during COVID, but it was not very motivating to be on Zoom all day long. I’m hoping to do an in person one. But good for you and practicing with Dutch people (it’s so easy to just fall back on English because everyone speaks English here)
@@hidavidwen I have taken Dutch classes, via zoom, online dutch courses, now I have a private weekly tutor, I have done two week long in-person intensive classes, and teach myself with grammar books I have picked up. I try to speak Dutch when I go to shops or with people I meet. I ask people to write down what they've said. Teaching myself from grammar books and from people I meet has been the best way for me to learn. The courses not so much.Have you been to the American Book Center bookstore in Amsterdam? They had a big selection, the last time I was there. You might find a book you like for continuing onto the next level. Good luck!
@@rebeccaalbrecht771 Wow I'm inspired by your discipline! I actually spent time over the past 2 years during COVID learning Spanish instead of Dutch! But I'd like to start learning Dutch again. Yes I love book stores and have been to the American Book Center many times! I'll have to pay another visit soon then =)
A great habit is to watch dutch news daily. It's available online too. Follow a local dutch news channel is great for keeping up with what's happening in town. At5 is Amsterdam but most cities have there own.
@@michellezevenaar We have here in Utrecht RTV Utrecht and I've been sporadically watching stories in NOS Jeugdjournaal. I think I will follow them more regularly now thanks to your suggestion.
Yes, for me too! Living in the centre of A'dam for several years in the seventies was wonderful. Winters in the city, when tourists were minimal, was pure gezelligheid! I too lived at the top of a house, but not on a canal, and built about the 1900s. I couldn't manage those stairs now unfortunately! I do so miss that time.
This apartment is so cool! It's like living in a small museum. Wouldnlove to live there. Also I would put a fake fire into that fireplace. There are lamps that are made to look like glowing ashes. I think it would look really cozy
David, just discovered your video. I used to work in Eindhoven and lived in Maastricht. I’m back in SF bay area now. You’ve made the RIGHY CHOICE of moving to Europe!!! Don’t come back - it sucks here in the Bay Area (in so many ways) housing is through the roof n lots of long hours n lay offs. Try to work on your permanent residence the min you arrived. Seriously, you don’t want to come back to the US. If you haven’t made it down south, ck out Maastricht n the surrounding small villages (by train or bike) it’s BEAUTIFUL green and charming! Ahh, watching your video makes me want to go back - crossing my fingers that I can find a job 🤞 that’ll sponsor me a visa. Have fun! Happy for you that you’re experiencing the expat life.
Thanks for your kind words. I studied and lived in Maastricht for one year =) It's a beautiful town. What made you move back to SF Bay? I'm very curious to hear because I love NL...but my family is back in SF Bay...
Wow what a great place you live in. I am Dutch but living in Switzerland (so an expat as well) and for some reason your video got recommended to me by UA-cam. Thank you for showing your place and giving us a house tour. I’m sort of envious of you living in such a historical place… literally everything “breaths history” including those beautiful wooden beams in the ceiling. And yes, your rent is indeed a steal! Amazing (especially compared to Swiss prices lol, I pay double for a 50m2 one bedroom). And you’re right in the city center! I actually lived in SF for a year as well but back then my place had rent control and I rented a room for $450 in Inner Sunset… but that was in 2003, I suppose times have changed since then….Enjoy you time in Amsterdam!
Hey hey! Oh wow Switzerland, that is like another dream place for me to live (I miss the mountains)...how has it been living there for you? Haha yeah not sure how UA-cam knows to recommend videos...but perhaps it knows that you are Dutch and I secretly dream of living in the Swiss Alps plus you lived in the Sunset (that's where I'm from!)...$450 for a room in San Francisco...yes things have definitely changed since then, houses in the Sunset are selling for almost $2 million and rent is like $3K/1 bedroom (of course still a bit cheaper in Sunset though!) Thanks!
What a beautiful house. My friend and I visited the city exactly two years ago and we stayed in a hotel by the canal. Loving it and we walked across the canal houses everyday. Always thought that if we could live in one. Was planned to visit again in a few months after but of course it didn't happen. Please share more...... such a beautiful city!
02:39 Is your flatmate from Perú? That looks like the basic/standard Peruvian cebiche, with sweet potato and Peruvian corn (the kernels' size gives it away).
It’s more here in Stuttgart, Germany. 2700 Euro & up for a modest house (duplex) & tiny garden. Reason? Not a few expats. But a lot of international companies & foreign military that pay the rent for their staff. So locals charge as much as they can. TBH, it’s not the fault of the foreign renters - they are present because they are fulfilling a host nation business or defense requirement. Fault truly lies with local landlords & rental regulators.
I am into spirituality and stuff, and first this video has 111 comments which is a lucky number for me, and the message „you soon will experience a miracle“ just made me smile 😂 Beautiful apartment. And such a nice guy, too
Perhaps a tip regarding the weather, visit a military dumpstore and buy clothes there (regular army clothes are legal in the Netherlands as long as you don't show any patches or claim you are military if you are not. Military personnel are not allowed to wear their gear outside of work hours either). It isn't so much the outfit that does the trick, but it's the fabric and that it's a little wider fitted on your body. This wider fit adds a layer of air between your skin and the clothes which allows together with the material to dry your clothes quicker. Even if completely soaked, keep your clothes on and it will be dry with about 30 minutes to a hour maximum. The wind helps you dry your clothes even faster. Also it feels warmer on the skin so also good for winter.
2000 eu/month is crazy, even for Amsterdam standards. The fact that expats can pay this amount is devastating to the Dutch people. Expats are paying absurd rental prices, making it impossible for Dutch people to rent anything. Some area's of Amsterdam are solely occupied by expats. The Duchies that are still living in Amsterdam are really frowning on expats because of this.
Hi Vic - thanks for commenting. 2000EU is shared...but it's still very expensive. The same thing is happening in other big cities like where I am from (San Francisco). I can understand your frustration. The idea is that expats bring in highly needed skills/knowledge/businesses that can stimulate the economy...but yeah I don't know what to do about rising housing prices (which is happening everywhere)
@@hidavidwen but why would you pay an absurd amount? There is plenty of affordable homes outside of amsterdam with amazing public transport. We dutchies would like to protest against these prices, but the expats are just going with the flow.
@@vic8497 I paid half of that for a shared apartment...I agree 2000 is a lot. It's great that there are a lot of affordable homes outside of Amsterdam and accessible by public transportation...but why would people pay those amounts? Well if you move abroad to say New York or London...most would pay for the experience of living in the city first few years (and then move away after)...especially if you don't have a family.
You’re saying it like expats want to pay such a price for rent. If you want to place the blame for increasing rent prices, look at the big companies buying out properties and then setting a high price. Expats are humans just like you are and also would much prefer affordable homes. #smh
I lived in a similar home in Amsterdam but your view is sooo much better! And no, now that I live in a bungalow I do not miss those terrible staircases ;)
Hey Vincent - oh yeah the view is definitely something! (The stairs are definitely a workout..going down is still...well let's just say I have to really hold on tightly depending on type of shoes I'm wearing!) Are you still in Amsterdam and do you miss your old place?
Haha you know it! Funny because another Peruvian also commented that he saw the ceviche. I love ceviche. And I hope you can meet more Peruvians-they are there!
Not expensive €2.000,- People pays 1.400€ for an smaller apartment in the city! This house is super unique....the kitchen is veryyyyy old fashion ..the view over the canal is sooooo pretty and pleasant!!!! Your apartment is very cosy and charming🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Amsterdam is soooo energic and unique🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@@rosanijbroek7328 Attic, they live in the Attic of the Canal House, 1950 for an attic is not expensive? Thats exactly the problem today, foreigners and expats thinking its a normal price and thus renting for abnormal prices and with that driving up the prices for other rental properties in the same area, while the normal working class cant even afford a house in their birth city anymore!
@@petewall13 Yes Shure it is very expensive for an attic, ppfffzzz! These house owners are such clever and heartless businessman! And yes Amsterdam Centrum is very expensive! But there are areas, the houses are not that expensive! Like Amsterdam North, West or East...but it is also true...the houses market is very tied!!!
@@rosanijbroek7328i’m looking for a house in Amsterdam north or Zaandam. Please let me know where I can get information about the affordable prices houses. Thanks a lot
I love your videos, very calm, informative and interesting. Your house has so many characters, eventhough it’s small but very lovely. I appreciate the age house, that makes it beautiful imo.
Thanks, that means a lot to me! Yeah it’s a beautiful house. I am moving to a new place soon so I wanted to make a video to cherish it and perhaps give others a view into how housing is like here (you have very old and very modern!)
Hey there Yvonne - haha yeah I remember my first day...I had quite the time trying to transport my luggage up the stairs (and I didn't even have that much stuff). Very different from what we're used to in LA!
That canal-facing window is spectacular! I saw you have atomic habits, one of my favorites. Architecturally this is such a gem to live in, despite old age. Price is a steal for 1 person.
Hey Henry! Haha not surprised you would be intrigued by the architecture! (Maybe you can draw it? hah) Yeah I was just talking to a friend recently about Atomic Habits...one of the better books I've read over the past few years. And yeah 1,950€ is for 2 persons...imagine this in San Francisco...it'd prob be 1,950€ for 1 person!
Beautiful house. I have been Travelling for 2 months and It makes me actually more grateful towards my own country. I think more Dutch people should travel to see how much freedom we have here, compared to so many countries, so we will not complain so much anymore 😂🙂🧡
If most Dutchies would travel more, as you suggest, they would actually LIVE abroad.. I personally travelled all over the world, and found fellow Dutchies everywhere. The comment about all that freedom suggest to me you are from the USA, so does the remark of the whole two months of travel to broaden the mind, LOL.
@@almanoor-bakker5964 why would they live abroad then..? :) , I personally got 'homesick' (missing Holland things) after few months ha ha and more grateful for some things (bikes, good public transport, great restaurants, freedom of speech, etc.) that I could not find abroad (in some countries) . But some things like weather and nature (mountains and sea) ... For that you certainly need to travel a bit😬👍
David, Your home is so amazing. 975€ is really cheap for such an amazing place in a great location. (Everything is relative...I think it's cheap because I grew up in Silicon Valley and you can't find anything as beautiful as that with such an amazing view... period, but if you did it'd be outrageously priced...at least $3,000+ per flatmate.) Silicon Valley, which was formerly San Jose, Santa Clara, Campell, Cupertino, and other areas became unaffordable for people living there when the computer companies were mere start-ups in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The engineers and techies who moved there for jobs from around the U.S. were not to blame. It was the Silicon Valley landlords and housing developers that were to blame for the outrageously priced housing. Great video. 👍 👊
You forgot to tell us what you thought about your gorgeous ceiling beams! Thank you for this video -really exciting to see the interior of a Dutch Canal house!!!!
Thanks for watching! Haha the high ceiling beams...you know it definitely doesn't fit the modern day Dutch person (very low ceilings for very tall people)
Hi David, we lived right across the street from you for years! I can't believe I never saw you on the street (although maybe I did but I didn't realize). The frame at 9:09 is right next to our apartment, we could wave at each other through the window. Keep up the fun videos!
Lucky you! I love Amsterdam. How relaxing your view and how beautiful: the house, the canal..... everything. Here in the States I live surrounded by honking cars, traffic jams, highways... everything ugly and stressful.
I had to pause on your book collection - I was glad to see "The Culture Map" in your collection. That book has helped me understand so many subtleties amongst varying backgrounds and even personalities here in the US. Thank you for sharing your experiences and giving hope to an American like me who hopes to be a expat one day!
I honestly would rather have your cameraman properly show us the details of the house and hear you talk about the house’s history than hear you describe how you do your laundry
I just love old houses as a kid my mom and i use to go four walks and she would point at old houses guessing the time period we have alot of old houses in Sweden so it was allways fun going for those type of walks my point is thank you for sharing youre house i really appriate it 😊♥️
Very nice home! Thanks for sharing:) I’m gonna be living in Amsterdam next year so your channel has been really helpful, thanks! and i can’t wait to move🎉 (Ps the way you introduced your painting was kinda cute haha I’m looking forward to your next piece of art
You’re welcome and glad it has been helpful! Oh wow congrats on the move…I’m sure it’s a lot of different emotions but sounds like you’re excited (I think you’ll enjoy it, most do). From where are you moving? (And haha about the art…I am also looking forward to whatever I may paint next!)
I cook a lot with my microwave 😄 It’s for more than just reheating coffee and frozen dinners - get a microwave cookbook, you’ll be amazed at what it can do !
Great video David. I am glad to hear you enjoy living in my home town. I myself lived for several tears in the Bay Area, Oakland (rock ridge neighborhood) and Pleasanton. It is wonderful experience to live abroad for sometime. I miss California for reasons you also touched in another video. Keep on making these great videos.
Thanks Hans! I used to work in Pleasanton (hated the drive from SF though haha). But yeah, I'm still really enjoying Amsterdam (especially now post-COVID). Thanks for the motivation!
@@hidavidwen My friend's daughter at Sarah Lawrence is doing her junior year abroad in Amsterdam this upcoming fall. I sent her the link to your video. Thank you for your content!
Dude! Did you learn Dutch yet? Thank you for sharing the tour of your cool apartment! Your price is not bad ar all, when you break I down to your individual expense. I've been there 3 times now. My son lives in Nieuw West. Love it! Thanks for the book title, too.
The aesthetics! Love this! Now, fun question, how much cleaning is involved? Sometime, someone has to dust this place? Ha ha, lol! Housecleaning meditation? Also, that book by Erin Meyer is excellent for anyone that has no idea that people think/do things differently depending on the local culture. You could probably do an 8 hour long video loop of that window scene with added sound to let everyone not there have the experience you enjoyed. I'm quite curious about the history of this 400 year old structure. Any old pictures of it before any recent renovations? How do they maintain it for preservation purposes? Interesting structure!
I remember renting a room in Amsterdam when I was a student for 200 gulden a month. Single pane windows, and the facade was leaning forward towards the streetside so much that the windows won’t open anymore in the summer. The rent has gone up crazy since then, absolutely unaffordable! I still remember the smell, the landlady kept like a hundred cats😂😂😂
@@hidavidwen I was renting for 350 euro huurtoeslag incl also lived 5 mins from central station and was living in a house from the 1600. Rents were controlled and was reserved for students.
Love the obvious statements. "This is the kitchen. This is where a lot of cooking happens" "This is our stove and oven, really useful for baking" "This is our dining room table. This is where a lot of eating happens" In the space where the toilet is: "We use our toilet here" "This is my bedroom, this is where I sleep" Lol
hi , the fortune cookie is actualy very beautiful , we can learn from it in different ways, what i heard is : diplomacy before fight . Beautiful house by the way , you are fortuned. Doei .
Wow, that's beautiful!! I love the view from your desk and your favorite chair! The house seems to have such a good vibe to it.. And all the old stuff, the stairs. I can understand why you will miss it once you move
I really like this video, David! You made me laugh a bit and I guess I really needed that. I will come back for more :) Amsterdam is my dream destination! I will get there one day...hopefully soon.
Crazy euro prices, I mean 2000 euro per month? I remember my very first rental at the Herengracht in the year 1981. Paying just 750 Dutch guilders (which was a lot at that time) including gas and electra. I’d lived next to the Toneelmuseum for 3 years and after that bought a house in the Jordaan. My apartment was on the first floor and had a canal view, the entrance was very grande with marble floor, wooden stairs and crystal chandeliers.
Do you know you are lucky with sub 1K including everything? Hollllyyyyy shttttttt i mean.. yeah roommate. But! Lots of space and in such a great location. Wow. Thanks for sharing man! I live in noord. The Amsterdam housing issue like any other city. Is broken 💔.
Thanks Hellmuth. I enjoy living here so far and making the most out of it. It’s such a beautiful and unique city (Amsterdam) as compared to more modern US cities. It hasn’t been easy with COVID but it was hard everywhere. How about you in the US?
@@hidavidwen My family emigrated to the states a long time ago and I've been in the US for most of my life. I live in the Detroit area but always wonder what my life would be like if my family would have stayed in the Netherlands. We lived in Utrecht and it looks like it might have been a pretty nice life.
Wow! That is such a charming place there, David. If your flatmate ever moves out and you're looking for a new one! C'est moi! We read the same books, I can actually cook us a proper meal if you won't mind sharing that window view with a buddy 😇! Hihi, just lovely. The price is a steal, indeed.
2000 eur/month rental for the whole unit is very cheap as of 2024. They could put it on a market for short term rental and could easily ask that much per week
Wow, many people will envy you for your living place and for A'dam rather low rent. I only "know" you for 3 days, but the person you are, it must be good luck to have a flatmate that fits with you and make you feel good in that house! making an enemy into a friend is almost a miracle....lol
Hey again Rob! Yeah I feel very grateful to have lived in such an old place (you don't houses/apartments like this in California!)...it's been a very nice experience.
Hi David. Just subscribed to your channel. I really enjoyed the insights you shared about life in the Netherlands but also of life generally throughout the video. I also appreciate how simply you live. Less clutter and all that. Just room for the more important stuff. I like your thoughts on community, sharing meals and relaxing together in your apartment's living areas. I look forward to watching all your other videos and can't wait for new ones too. All the best in your endeavours! Take care!
Who afforded to live by the canal. Can you make a video on the canals and recent problems (like in VENICE). I have never been there, but I guess I would be interested in the environmental issues, the cleanliness living nearby a water-place...
So nice to watch your videos, David! I'm a Californian who translocated to Switzerland about 35 years ago, so I can very well comprehend what you're experiencing.....Amsterdam is a beautiful city! Enjoy....you just might get "stuck" over there, too ;-)
Thanks so much for the kind words! Oh wow…I’ve always wanted to live in Switzerland! I miss the mountains. Maybe one day…how do you like it there? Well I mean you’ve been there 35 years…
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What do you think about the apartment? Are there ghosts?
Thank you for watching us into your home. It's obvious that you are grateful for your quality of life, which always makes for welcome guests in any country! 🙏🕊️
I can fully appreciate this kind of video now because my hubby and I were in Amsterdam just a week ago wondering what those homes by the canal were like. So, thank you for creating this amusing video. Your apartment looks clean, cozy, and comfortable.
If I'm not mistaken, those houses belonged to wealthy sea merchants at the time. I was reminded by the beautiful beams supporting the ceiling. It looks like the same craftsmanship that would have gone into one of their seafaring vessels.
Every detail is just beautiful!
It's a walk and living in time-old and new. The view is spectacular and walking distance to everything.
Thanks for the pictures of the skating on the canal. Great!
I LOVE the quaintness of this apt. This is so my style.
What a lovely home. Nothing beats the look and feel of an old house. The views are amazing as well!
I truly love your smiling honesty : "the microwave is my favourite tool". I don't have a microwave by choice.LOL. Refreshing to see your appreciation.
Nice video. I moved to Utrecht from the USA in 2017 with my husband. We've never been happier. I've been learning Dutch but I still struggle to speak and understand. Dutch people have been very kind letting me practice with them.
Hi Rebecca! Thanks for the kind words. Oh great to hear you two have never been happier (I can relate in many ways!). Are you taking Dutch classes or how are you learning? I took a virtual during COVID, but it was not very motivating to be on Zoom all day long. I’m hoping to do an in person one. But good for you and practicing with Dutch people (it’s so easy to just fall back on English because everyone speaks English here)
@@hidavidwen I have taken Dutch classes, via zoom, online dutch courses, now I have a private weekly tutor, I have done two week long in-person intensive classes, and teach myself with grammar books I have picked up. I try to speak Dutch when I go to shops or with people I meet. I ask people to write down what they've said. Teaching myself from grammar books and from people I meet has been the best way for me to learn. The courses not so much.Have you been to the American Book Center bookstore in Amsterdam? They had a big selection, the last time I was there. You might find a book you like for continuing onto the next level. Good luck!
@@rebeccaalbrecht771 Wow I'm inspired by your discipline! I actually spent time over the past 2 years during COVID learning Spanish instead of Dutch! But I'd like to start learning Dutch again.
Yes I love book stores and have been to the American Book Center many times! I'll have to pay another visit soon then =)
A great habit is to watch dutch news daily. It's available online too. Follow a local dutch news channel is great for keeping up with what's happening in town. At5 is Amsterdam but most cities have there own.
@@michellezevenaar We have here in Utrecht RTV Utrecht and I've been sporadically watching stories in NOS Jeugdjournaal. I think I will follow them more regularly now thanks to your suggestion.
Oh, Amsterdam in the winter; unforgettable! My twenties and thirties... Next year again...yes!!
YES! ✅
Yes, for me too! Living in the centre of A'dam for several years in the seventies was wonderful. Winters in the city, when tourists were minimal, was pure gezelligheid! I too lived at the top of a house, but not on a canal, and built about the 1900s. I couldn't manage those stairs now unfortunately! I do so miss that time.
What a beautiful and lovely place. Love the cozy kitchen!
Nice home. I lived in Amsterdam more than a decade ago. Your video makes me miss it.
Thanks Vinh! Where did you live in Amsterdam when you were here? Wow, 10 years ago...I wonder how things have changed (or stayed the same)...
@@hidavidwen i lived in uilenstede, metro 51, tram 5
This apartment is so cool! It's like living in a small museum. Wouldnlove to live there. Also I would put a fake fire into that fireplace. There are lamps that are made to look like glowing ashes. I think it would look really cozy
Haha thanks for the tip. It is a really cool place indeed. Amsterdam is very charming =)
David, just discovered your video. I used to work in Eindhoven and lived in Maastricht. I’m back in SF bay area now. You’ve made the RIGHY CHOICE of moving to Europe!!! Don’t come back - it sucks here in the Bay Area (in so many ways) housing is through the roof n lots of long hours n lay offs. Try to work on your permanent residence the min you arrived. Seriously, you don’t want to come back to the US.
If you haven’t made it down south, ck out Maastricht n the surrounding small villages (by train or bike) it’s BEAUTIFUL green and charming!
Ahh, watching your video makes me want to go back - crossing my fingers that I can find a job 🤞 that’ll sponsor me a visa.
Have fun! Happy for you that you’re experiencing the expat life.
Thanks for your kind words. I studied and lived in Maastricht for one year =) It's a beautiful town.
What made you move back to SF Bay? I'm very curious to hear because I love NL...but my family is back in SF Bay...
Many Americans and Canadians move to Europe.
Some even to Russia, especially the farmers.
North American is decaying
The Cultural Map is also my favorite book ❤
Wow what a great place you live in. I am Dutch but living in Switzerland (so an expat as well) and for some reason your video got recommended to me by UA-cam. Thank you for showing your place and giving us a house tour. I’m sort of envious of you living in such a historical place… literally everything “breaths history” including those beautiful wooden beams in the ceiling. And yes, your rent is indeed a steal! Amazing (especially compared to Swiss prices lol, I pay double for a 50m2 one bedroom). And you’re right in the city center! I actually lived in SF for a year as well but back then my place had rent control and I rented a room for $450 in Inner Sunset… but that was in 2003, I suppose times have changed since then….Enjoy you time in Amsterdam!
Hey hey! Oh wow Switzerland, that is like another dream place for me to live (I miss the mountains)...how has it been living there for you?
Haha yeah not sure how UA-cam knows to recommend videos...but perhaps it knows that you are Dutch and I secretly dream of living in the Swiss Alps plus you lived in the Sunset (that's where I'm from!)...$450 for a room in San Francisco...yes things have definitely changed since then, houses in the Sunset are selling for almost $2 million and rent is like $3K/1 bedroom (of course still a bit cheaper in Sunset though!)
Thanks!
I loved your reading spot and your stairs. You present very well xXx
Thank you!
What a beautiful house. My friend and I visited the city exactly two years ago and we stayed in a hotel by the canal. Loving it and we walked across the canal houses everyday. Always thought that if we could live in one. Was planned to visit again in a few months after but of course it didn't happen. Please share more...... such a beautiful city!
Hey Laurence! Yeah it's such a magical experience. The city is beautiful. I hope you get to visit again!
Are you still there? Your home is charming and so soothing. Beautiful.
02:39 Is your flatmate from Perú? That looks like the basic/standard Peruvian cebiche, with sweet potato and Peruvian corn (the kernels' size gives it away).
You must be Peruvian
Wonderful home thanks for sharing best wishes from hot Australia. I love reading too so relaxing, a great view also.
It’s more here in Stuttgart, Germany. 2700 Euro & up for a modest house (duplex) & tiny garden. Reason? Not a few expats. But a lot of international companies & foreign military that pay the rent for their staff. So locals charge as much as they can. TBH, it’s not the fault of the foreign renters - they are present because they are fulfilling a host nation business or defense requirement. Fault truly lies with local landlords & rental regulators.
Wow David. I am so impressed. BEAUTIFUL HOME.
Haha thanks Judy well glad you were able to check it out!
I am into spirituality and stuff, and first this video has 111 comments which is a lucky number for me, and the message „you soon will experience a miracle“ just made me smile 😂 Beautiful apartment. And such a nice guy, too
Nice, it's a sign! A miracle will appear soon...
Thanks for being 112 and appreciate the kinds words. Hope you have a wonderful day and week =)
Perhaps a tip regarding the weather, visit a military dumpstore and buy clothes there (regular army clothes are legal in the Netherlands as long as you don't show any patches or claim you are military if you are not. Military personnel are not allowed to wear their gear outside of work hours either). It isn't so much the outfit that does the trick, but it's the fabric and that it's a little wider fitted on your body. This wider fit adds a layer of air between your skin and the clothes which allows together with the material to dry your clothes quicker. Even if completely soaked, keep your clothes on and it will be dry with about 30 minutes to a hour maximum. The wind helps you dry your clothes even faster. Also it feels warmer on the skin so also good for winter.
Thanks for sharing, great tip!
2000 eu/month is crazy, even for Amsterdam standards. The fact that expats can pay this amount is devastating to the Dutch people. Expats are paying absurd rental prices, making it impossible for Dutch people to rent anything. Some area's of Amsterdam are solely occupied by expats. The Duchies that are still living in Amsterdam are really frowning on expats because of this.
Hi Vic - thanks for commenting. 2000EU is shared...but it's still very expensive. The same thing is happening in other big cities like where I am from (San Francisco). I can understand your frustration. The idea is that expats bring in highly needed skills/knowledge/businesses that can stimulate the economy...but yeah I don't know what to do about rising housing prices (which is happening everywhere)
I totally agree. It's what makes most Dutch people dislike expats.
@@hidavidwen but why would you pay an absurd amount? There is plenty of affordable homes outside of amsterdam with amazing public transport. We dutchies would like to protest against these prices, but the expats are just going with the flow.
@@vic8497 I paid half of that for a shared apartment...I agree 2000 is a lot. It's great that there are a lot of affordable homes outside of Amsterdam and accessible by public transportation...but why would people pay those amounts? Well if you move abroad to say New York or London...most would pay for the experience of living in the city first few years (and then move away after)...especially if you don't have a family.
You’re saying it like expats want to pay such a price for rent. If you want to place the blame for increasing rent prices, look at the big companies buying out properties and then setting a high price. Expats are humans just like you are and also would much prefer affordable homes. #smh
So cozy. Amazing view and vibe. Greetings from Tricity in Poland
I lived in a similar home in Amsterdam but your view is sooo much better!
And no, now that I live in a bungalow I do not miss those terrible staircases ;)
Hey Vincent - oh yeah the view is definitely something! (The stairs are definitely a workout..going down is still...well let's just say I have to really hold on tightly depending on type of shoes I'm wearing!)
Are you still in Amsterdam and do you miss your old place?
2:36 omg ceviche and causa rellena!! It's so exciting to me because I haven't meet so many Peruvians (like me) living in NL
Haha you know it! Funny because another Peruvian also commented that he saw the ceviche. I love ceviche. And I hope you can meet more Peruvians-they are there!
Such a beautiful vlog! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
So wonderful to see what it is like living in a very old house.
Thanks for watching!
Not expensive €2.000,-
People pays 1.400€ for an smaller apartment in the city!
This house is super unique....the kitchen is veryyyyy old fashion
..the view over the canal is sooooo pretty and pleasant!!!! Your apartment is very cosy and charming🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Amsterdam is soooo energic and unique🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thanks, Amsterdam is beautiful!
@@hidavidwen Have an nice weekend! Amsterdam is beautiful..with beautiful 😍😍 people!!!
@@rosanijbroek7328 Attic, they live in the Attic of the Canal House, 1950 for an attic is not expensive? Thats exactly the problem today, foreigners and expats thinking its a normal price and thus renting for abnormal prices and with that driving up the prices for other rental properties in the same area, while the normal working class cant even afford a house in their birth city anymore!
@@petewall13 Yes Shure it is very expensive for an attic, ppfffzzz!
These house owners are such clever and heartless businessman!
And yes Amsterdam Centrum is very expensive! But there are areas, the houses are not that expensive! Like Amsterdam North, West or East...but it is also true...the houses market is very tied!!!
@@rosanijbroek7328i’m looking for a house in Amsterdam north or Zaandam. Please let me know where I can get information about the affordable prices houses. Thanks a lot
I like your painting!
very cool apt
What a fantastic house you call home in the city centre.
I love your videos, very calm, informative and interesting. Your house has so many characters, eventhough it’s small but very lovely. I appreciate the age house, that makes it beautiful imo.
Thanks, that means a lot to me! Yeah it’s a beautiful house. I am moving to a new place soon so I wanted to make a video to cherish it and perhaps give others a view into how housing is like here (you have very old and very modern!)
2:35 is your flatmate peruvian by any chance? i recognize a ceviche when I see one 😄
Haha good guess. His partner is Peruvian :)
@@hidavidwen i'm also from Perú and I'll be moving to Amsterdam in February! pretty cool video and thanks for the book recommendations!
@@rivasugaz8270 Thanks and any time! Let me know if you have questions about NL, good luck!
nice home but the stairs made me scare. Recall my experience in Amsterdam many years ago. Thanks for sharing.
Hey there Yvonne - haha yeah I remember my first day...I had quite the time trying to transport my luggage up the stairs (and I didn't even have that much stuff). Very different from what we're used to in LA!
Very nice and unique place!
GOD bless you!
That canal-facing window is spectacular! I saw you have atomic habits, one of my favorites. Architecturally this is such a gem to live in, despite old age. Price is a steal for 1 person.
Hey Henry! Haha not surprised you would be intrigued by the architecture! (Maybe you can draw it? hah) Yeah I was just talking to a friend recently about Atomic Habits...one of the better books I've read over the past few years.
And yeah 1,950€ is for 2 persons...imagine this in San Francisco...it'd prob be 1,950€ for 1 person!
@@hidavidwen I already have a few drawings of Amsterdam. One of them actually looks like the unit you have from the canal.
Beautiful house. I have been Travelling for 2 months and It makes me actually more grateful towards my own country. I think more Dutch people should travel to see how much freedom we have here, compared to so many countries, so we will not complain so much anymore 😂🙂🧡
😁 True. I learned so much about myself and the world through travel. Made me so much more grateful of what I have too
If most Dutchies would travel more, as you suggest, they would actually LIVE abroad.. I personally travelled all over the world, and found fellow Dutchies everywhere. The comment about all that freedom suggest to me you are from the USA, so does the remark of the whole two months of travel to broaden the mind, LOL.
@@almanoor-bakker5964 why would they live abroad then..? :) , I personally got 'homesick' (missing Holland things) after few months ha ha and more grateful for some things (bikes, good public transport, great restaurants, freedom of speech, etc.) that I could not find abroad (in some countries) . But some things like weather and nature (mountains and sea) ... For that you certainly need to travel a bit😬👍
@@almanoor-bakker5964 Europeans are the biggest travelers worldwide and Dutchies are amongst the top travelers
Spectacular bro! Count your blessings I'd say! ❤
David, Your home is so amazing. 975€ is really cheap for such an amazing place in a great location. (Everything is relative...I think it's cheap because I grew up in Silicon Valley and you can't find anything as beautiful as that with such an amazing view... period, but if you did it'd be outrageously priced...at least $3,000+ per flatmate.) Silicon Valley, which was formerly San Jose, Santa Clara, Campell, Cupertino, and other areas became unaffordable for people living there when the computer companies were mere start-ups in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The engineers and techies who moved there for jobs from around the U.S. were not to blame. It was the Silicon Valley landlords and housing developers that were to blame for the outrageously priced housing.
Great video. 👍 👊
the rent is 1,950€, not 950€
You forgot to tell us what you thought about your gorgeous ceiling beams! Thank you for this video -really exciting to see the interior of a Dutch Canal house!!!!
Thanks for watching! Haha the high ceiling beams...you know it definitely doesn't fit the modern day Dutch person (very low ceilings for very tall people)
Hi David, we lived right across the street from you for years! I can't believe I never saw you on the street (although maybe I did but I didn't realize). The frame at 9:09 is right next to our apartment, we could wave at each other through the window. Keep up the fun videos!
Hahah small world! Perhaps we may have bumped into each other. I used to a lot of walking around the neighborhood (especially during COVID) =)
Thanks for this nice video.
Lucky you! I love Amsterdam. How relaxing your view and how beautiful: the house, the canal..... everything. Here in the States I live surrounded by honking cars, traffic jams, highways... everything ugly and stressful.
I had to pause on your book collection - I was glad to see "The Culture Map" in your collection. That book has helped me understand so many subtleties amongst varying backgrounds and even personalities here in the US. Thank you for sharing your experiences and giving hope to an American like me who hopes to be a expat one day!
Thanks Raime, love the book! I use and recommend it all the time. Wish you the best of luck!
It's a darling apt, not a bad price since it is 2 bedrooms . Just low ceilings are kinda claustrophobic 😮 good 👍 deal
Wow lucky guy! to live in such nice house! You must be proud :-) Nice you like and love my country!
Thanks, it's been a great experience so far!
I honestly would rather have your cameraman properly show us the details of the house and hear you talk about the house’s history than hear you describe how you do your laundry
I just love old houses as a kid my mom and i use to go four walks and she would point at old houses guessing the time period we have alot of old houses in Sweden so it was allways fun going for those type of walks my point is thank you for sharing youre house i really appriate it 😊♥️
Very nice home! Thanks for sharing:) I’m gonna be living in Amsterdam next year so your channel has been really helpful, thanks! and i can’t wait to move🎉
(Ps the way you introduced your painting was kinda cute haha I’m looking forward to your next piece of art
You’re welcome and glad it has been helpful! Oh wow congrats on the move…I’m sure it’s a lot of different emotions but sounds like you’re excited (I think you’ll enjoy it, most do). From where are you moving?
(And haha about the art…I am also looking forward to whatever I may paint next!)
I cook a lot with my microwave 😄 It’s for more than just reheating coffee and frozen dinners - get a microwave cookbook, you’ll be amazed at what it can do !
Haha thanks! I’m not alone!!
Great video David. I am glad to hear you enjoy living in my home town. I myself lived for several tears in the Bay Area, Oakland (rock ridge neighborhood) and Pleasanton. It is wonderful experience to live abroad for sometime. I miss California for reasons you also touched in another video. Keep on making these great videos.
Thanks Hans! I used to work in Pleasanton (hated the drive from SF though haha). But yeah, I'm still really enjoying Amsterdam (especially now post-COVID). Thanks for the motivation!
Beautiful! Simple yet elegant.
Thanks Yvonne =)
@@hidavidwen My friend's daughter at Sarah Lawrence is doing her junior year abroad in Amsterdam this upcoming fall. I sent her the link to your video. Thank you for your content!
@@yvonneyork1263 How exciting! She's going to have such a great time here. And you're welcome. Thank you!
A few years after that house was built the Dutch founded New Amsterdam on the other side of the pond.
It looks lovely and what a view!
=) Thanks Carrie
Thank you; it's very cool!
I thought he said $975 euros? Exceptional deal for anybody anywhere these days. Thank you for sharing!! Loved it !!!!
1.975, i.e. 2000
What a wonderful atmosphere! Charming !
Dude! Did you learn Dutch yet? Thank you for sharing the tour of your cool apartment! Your price is not bad ar all, when you break I down to your individual expense.
I've been there 3 times now. My son lives in Nieuw West. Love it! Thanks for the book title, too.
The aesthetics! Love this! Now, fun question, how much cleaning is involved? Sometime, someone has to dust this place? Ha ha, lol! Housecleaning meditation? Also, that book by Erin Meyer is excellent for anyone that has no idea that people think/do things differently depending on the local culture. You could probably do an 8 hour long video loop of that window scene with added sound to let everyone not there have the experience you enjoyed. I'm quite curious about the history of this 400 year old structure. Any old pictures of it before any recent renovations? How do they maintain it for preservation purposes? Interesting structure!
this video was beautiful thank you
Thanks :)
great video! You must have very strong leg muscles from all the stairs!
Hahah from the stairs to the cycling lanes…the country is designed to build strong legs
Charming video, and a very charming guy. I'm happy for you and your outlook on life. ❤
Thanks for the nice words =)
I remember renting a room in Amsterdam when I was a student for 200 gulden a month. Single pane windows, and the facade was leaning forward towards the streetside so much that the windows won’t open anymore in the summer. The rent has gone up crazy since then, absolutely unaffordable! I still remember the smell, the landlady kept like a hundred cats😂😂😂
Thanks for sharing...wow 200/month? How long ago was this? =)
I don't think you can even rent a parking space for 200/month now haha
@@hidavidwen I was renting for 350 euro huurtoeslag incl also lived 5 mins from central station and was living in a house from the 1600. Rents were controlled and was reserved for students.
@@anom3897 That's a great price! I hope they are good memories you had =)
Love the obvious statements. "This is the kitchen. This is where a lot of cooking happens"
"This is our stove and oven, really useful for baking"
"This is our dining room table. This is where a lot of eating happens"
In the space where the toilet is: "We use our toilet here"
"This is my bedroom, this is where I sleep"
Lol
hi , the fortune cookie is actualy very beautiful , we can learn from it in different ways, what i heard is : diplomacy before fight . Beautiful house by the way , you are fortuned. Doei .
Thanks Heelal for the nice message - I love fortune cookies
Wow, that's beautiful!! I love the view from your desk and your favorite chair! The house seems to have such a good vibe to it.. And all the old stuff, the stairs. I can understand why you will miss it once you move
Love the tour thank you
The house is beautiful, but I would be scared to climb those stairs, especially when carrying heavy items like luggage etc.
I really like this video, David! You made me laugh a bit and I guess I really needed that. I will come back for more :) Amsterdam is my dream destination! I will get there one day...hopefully soon.
Thanks Anna and happy it made you laugh haha. We all need more of that (me too). Thanks for laughing and wish your dreams come true!
Crazy euro prices, I mean 2000 euro per month? I remember my very first rental at the Herengracht in the year 1981. Paying just 750 Dutch guilders (which was a lot at that time) including gas and electra. I’d lived next to the Toneelmuseum for 3 years and after that bought a house in the Jordaan. My apartment was on the first floor and had a canal view, the entrance was very grande with marble floor, wooden stairs and crystal chandeliers.
What a phantastic flat! Very expensive though.
Het is erg leuk om te zien hoe je leeft in ons land. Altijd al benieuwd geweest hoe een grachtenpand er van binnen uitziet.
David, I love that chair. Any place where i could find it here in the USA
Well knowing that you are a Trojan….
But I also don’t know, it was there when I arrived from the landlord! Would help you if I did though
Do you know you are lucky with sub 1K including everything? Hollllyyyyy shttttttt i mean.. yeah roommate. But! Lots of space and in such a great location. Wow. Thanks for sharing man! I live in noord. The Amsterdam housing issue like any other city. Is broken 💔.
Yeah it was a really good deal! Housing is crazy here…it’s like applying for a lottery ticket…
Nederlander now living in the US. It looks like you have a very nice life there in Amsterdam.
Thanks Hellmuth. I enjoy living here so far and making the most out of it. It’s such a beautiful and unique city (Amsterdam) as compared to more modern US cities. It hasn’t been easy with COVID but it was hard everywhere. How about you in the US?
@@hidavidwen My family emigrated to the states a long time ago and I've been in the US for most of my life. I live in the Detroit area but always wonder what my life would be like if my family would have stayed in the Netherlands. We lived in Utrecht and it looks like it might have been a pretty nice life.
@@hellmuthschreefel9392 Oh got it. Well it could be a possibility in the future? =)
How much again ?
wish I could afford this! Looks so cozy
It's quite cozy! I think you could get lucky and find something like this!
Wow! That is such a charming place there, David. If your flatmate ever moves out and you're looking for a new one! C'est moi! We read the same books, I can actually cook us a proper meal if you won't mind sharing that window view with a buddy 😇! Hihi, just lovely. The price is a steal, indeed.
Hi Nona - haha thanks for the kind words and your offer! It's a charming place. Are you looking for a new place?
2000 eur/month rental for the whole unit is very cheap as of 2024.
They could put it on a market for short term rental and could easily ask that much per week
David! Who's your hairdresser in Amsterdam? Pretty cool style! I need for a recommendation :)
Haha thanks, at that time it was someone different and I was experimenting so I am not entirely sure
Good price, considering people pay around a 1000 for 33 m2 here in Zaandam.
Yes, me too! Thank you, thank !!
Oh my gosh,i cant believe your home !!Just beautiful and historic♥️
It’s a beautiful place, happy 2024!
Wow, many people will envy you for your living place and for A'dam rather low rent. I only "know" you for 3 days, but the person you are, it must be good luck to have a flatmate that fits with you and make you feel good in that house!
making an enemy into a friend is almost a miracle....lol
Hey again Rob! Yeah I feel very grateful to have lived in such an old place (you don't houses/apartments like this in California!)...it's been a very nice experience.
Hi David. Just subscribed to your channel. I really enjoyed the insights you shared about life in the Netherlands but also of life generally throughout the video. I also appreciate how simply you live. Less clutter and all that. Just room for the more important stuff. I like your thoughts on community, sharing meals and relaxing together in your apartment's living areas. I look forward to watching all your other videos and can't wait for new ones too. All the best in your endeavours! Take care!
When visiting Amsterdam, I stay at the Singel hotel. Near you?
The Singel hotel is very central!
Who afforded to live by the canal. Can you make a video on the canals and recent problems (like in VENICE). I have never been there, but I guess I would be interested in the environmental issues, the cleanliness living nearby a water-place...
So nice to watch your videos, David! I'm a Californian who translocated to Switzerland about 35 years ago, so I can very well comprehend what you're experiencing.....Amsterdam is a beautiful city! Enjoy....you just might get "stuck" over there, too ;-)
Thanks so much for the kind words! Oh wow…I’ve always wanted to live in Switzerland! I miss the mountains. Maybe one day…how do you like it there? Well I mean you’ve been there 35 years…
0:35 0:57 landlord 2:56 microwavable 6:24 reflective place 9:07 10:30 11:43
Nice video David!
Thank you, very much appreciated! 🙏
I kept being confused about what canal you're on. But then I realised you're not saying "the single canal", but "the Singel canal". 😀
Haha yes, I can see the confusion if you don't know the canals of Amsterdam (which most don't if you don't live here) haha
I bet its now 3 or 5 k a month
I really love your place. Amazing !!! I'll check more of you vlogs 🤩👍
Hey Comex - thanks! Appreciate the kind words 😊
I love your house david it looks so cozy. I have family in holland so I have been there many times .
Thanks =) It's a beautiful country! Where are you from?
So nice that I had to watch twice. 🌷
Thanks for watching twice!
Nice video!
Thanks Ruben!