7 Culture Shocks from Americans Living in The Netherlands
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
- Culture Shocks from Americans Living in The Netherlands
This week, we are taking you on a tour of the Leiden Singelpark and talking about culture shocks we've had during our time living in The Netherlands. We've been living in Leiden for eleven months now, and although we've become more comfortable living here, a few things have taken us a bit more time to adjust. We've compiled a list of 7 of the culture shocks we've experienced personally.
00:00 Introduction
02:05 Holiday Time
04:34 Bird Sanctuary
05:00 Slower Dining Pace
06:45 Gnome house
07:15 Dutch Directness
09:16 Thoughts on Singelpark
10:22 Mini Biebs
11:04 Dutch infrastructure
12:45 Open Windows
13:25 Closeness
15:18 Denseness
16:37 Close
If you like our video please subscribe for more food, travel, and life as an expat! / tandtgodutch
We're Tracey and Travis, an American couple who just moved with our Miniature Husky, Tabasco, from our home in Houston, Texas to the city of Leiden, The Netherlands. Our goal is to be interesting people, which is reflected in our channel. We appreciate all of your support on this crazy awesome journey!
The vlog continues on instagram! Follow us @tandtgodutch
#expats
#thenetherlands
#cultureshocks
Telling you to go back to the us isn’t directness, it’s xenophobic. I’m sorry you had to experience that. I guess we have our fair share of idiots too. You are doing great, love your content!
I agree with you about the xenophobia, but it is also direct. And I like directness. I like to know who I want to meet and who not. And for me not the xenophobic kind. I would like that to know upfront so I can meet someone else.
@@RealConstructor I guess someone showing their bigotry means you can avoid them, but they're still being a-holes to people.
Some Dutch are so proud of their 'directness', but it's usually these people who have forgotten that being rude is a different thing. Unfortunately more and more people now think it's OK to be rude and without manners under the guise of 'directness'. That said, there is a surge in our beautiful country that is very Xenophobic indeed (among other things). I prefer honesty to the lauded directness, to be honest.😉
I totally agree, shocking to hear some people are saying these things 😟
Especially in Leiden. I don't live there anymore but I still work on the bioscience park. a solid 30% of the people who work there aren't Dutch. the official language at any company there is English.
Even for the direct Dutch there’s a very distinctive line between being direct and being rude or mean or completely disrespectful. I fear that’s a thing in every society: so don’t be fooled by this when you encounter the occasional ***holes. I think you are more than welcome in our country and hope that your culture shocks will enrich your lives!
Goed gezegd
@@ratanashifu stereotypes and cliches were never helpful; let’s stop the polarization and try to find common ground instead, have a nice evening 🙏
@@ratanashifu Ha... Right... How much experience do you have with those other countries? You'll find a-holes and xenophobia everywhere, including in France, Germany, Belgium and the UK.
Move's to a foreign country.
Starts calling local inhabitants xenophobes right away.
WHY DON'T PEOPLE LIKE ME???!!
@@ispamalot Please stop polarizing anonymous texts (especially in those desperate capital letters): absolutely not helpful for a constructive exchange of ideas and please acknowledge the view from outsiders. You might learn something about yourself, although it could be confronting.
I really liked how you went on a walk and put some pretty shots in between your 7 culture shocks. It made the video a lot better. Well done.
Thank you for this awesome and honest video! It's wholesome to see your perspective about our country. And using your time here to make videos like this, says a lot about your beautiful intensions.
"Dank jullie wel".
I love to hear your story. Since 6 months I have a new job with pretty much only American collegues and I had the opposite culture shock where I thought: 'Why don't you just tell me what you want.' and 'Why do you act like you like me so much.'
It’s so interesting finding out about the cultural differences between countries!
The difference is that we actually REALLY like people here.. Especially in normal towns. Unfortunately in bigger cities like Rotterdam and Amsterdam people are more careful, so they aren't going to start a conversation as easy as in let's say, Halsteren or Stad Aan't Haringvliet 😂❤️
@@DjStinger Especially Amsterdam feels like being abroad for me. It's so different than all the other places in the Netherlands
@@joostdejongh3549 it's like being on holiday in your own country hahaha and I don't mean that bad all the way
Nice video, guys! The production value of your vlogs keeps improving and your personal experiences and the structure you choose, using the walk around the park as a frame, really kept me engaged.
Thank you, Jules! Travis handles most of the filming and editing, so he was absolutely elated to see your comment.
This was fun! I am going to see more of your video’s!
Hello from Memphis! I just returned from a lovely visit to Amsterdam, where my dear friend lives. She has visited me here in the U.S. many times, and I was fortunate to come experience the beauty and rich culture of the Netherlands. She is an avid follower of your videos, and I am sharing your site with my fellow travelers. Leiden is beautiful, and your video is right on the money! Thank you for being great ambassadors and offering great insights and travelogues of this great country.
Oh my gosh, Jeanna, that's so sweet. We are so lucky to live in a beautiful city like Leiden. We're so glad you found our videos helpful, thank you for helping to spread the word!
Actually Schiphol airport used to be very well organized. As people started travelling again suddenly they realized they did not have enough people to deal with this as many people had been laid off during Covid. I think in two years time Schiphol will be functioning very well again and we should be able to see improvements over the coming months too. But yes the airport made a mistake by increasing flights a lot whilst not having enough staff to accomodate for it.
When we first flew over to visit Amsterdam in 2019, that was one of the first things we noticed! Here’s hoping that the coming months are better for travel!
Yes, it hurts when foreigners say this about our precious airport, BUT we all know it's the unfortunate truth at the moment. An ex Schiphol employee ❤️
@@DjStinger What surprises me the most is that many people only seem to be talking about Schiphol, while the same problem struck many, many other airports as well.
I have been following you from the very beginning and your videos improve every week! I love watching them and to see which cities you go to. This week I will meet a friend in Leiden.
I am so looking forward to it, especially with all your info. I can’t wait! Keep up the good work!!! 😃👍😘
Oh, how lovely, we hope you enjoy your time in beautiful Leiden. And thank you for the kind remarks on the quality of our content, we try to get better every week!
Cool vlog! Welcome to the netherlands, hope you’ll have a great time here!
Watching this video makes me ❤ my country even more. Thank you!
This is the first time I saw you guys and you were just a delight. I can feel Holland helped you to slow down and blossom. You didn’t behave like those exhausting over excited Americans who live a million miles an hour. We only have one shot at living our best life and you are doing amazing. Good luck in your return to the US. You will have a second culture shock and it’s going to be brutal. All the best my friends. 😊
Another lovely video... its been almost a year already indeed and a thing I noticed that you both seem to look healthier then in your first videos. Might have been that you were more tired or stressed, but you two just seem more ehm... vibrant and energetic.
Thank you so much for noticing! We are definitely more active, much less stressed, and overall feel more energetic.
Thank you both for this very cool video, and being so honest. Much appreciated ❤️ ❤️ keep it going please 🙏
Never seen you before. I enjoyed your experiences. I like your laid back/calm style. Peaceful and interesting.
Thank you.
UK
Great video. I don’t recall Leiden as so gorgeous when I studied there. Tracey, thought you looked really well this week. Tot volgende week.
Thank you, Ellen, you're very sweet.
Telling you to go back to the States is just being a jerk. Not part of our directness :) People tend to ignore social norms or just manners in comment sections online.
Fair enough, I think it's easy to forget that there are actual humans on the other side of the screen.
It's a common Dutch reply to anything deemed reprehensible in a foreigner.
We really enjoy watching your videos! We're also from Leiden and my husband also moved her from a different country a year ago.
The places you show in your video's are instantly added to our to do list.
Thank you guys so much for showing me my own country with a complete fresh pair of eyes.
Ps you both seem so amazingly relaxed and grounded. Just a joy to watch!
Thank you so much for your kindness. Comments like yours keep us going! ❤️
Hey! I'm a Leiden resident, really nice to see our beautyful city on TH-cam. Thnx voor sharing.
Being direct does not mean being rude or onpolite, I apolgize for the rudeness. Watching this video is a good lesson for us Dutch. Thank you.
You should visit Deventer, Zwolle, Kampen, Zutphen. All Hanseatic cities with rich history. They used to be thriving economically when Amsterdam was still a fishing town. Loads to see and everything is very old.
En nu is Amsterdam geen vissersdorpje meer en wordt op de Zuidas wel lekker geld verdient. Happy now idiot.
You guys are AWESOME! Love this video!!!
Fun to see how this is for you guys. Very welcome to Friesland too. We've got our own language here. Enjoy the holliday in the sun and take care.
Great video, Tracey & Travis! Tracey, your hair looks amazing in it🤩🥰!!
Agreed! So beautiful!!
@soul to soul travels @expat ellen y'all are so sweet!
For you two to celebrate your 1st year soon, so are Soul to Soul Travels. I smell a crossover video celebration!😁
That would be an absolute blast!
Welkom in Leiden! I'm a new follower now ^^. What a fun and well-made video! Enjoy the summer holiday 😎 (fijne vakantie).
Thank you Deborah, we appreciate you following along!
Thank you for doing this vlog:) you seems to be so relaxed and calm…. And happy!
Wish you all the best
You should try visiting Friesland/Fryslân.
Almost another country in the Netherlands, different language, different people, still a lot of people walking on wooden shoes, much more open country.
Don't confuse directness with being rude or insulting. Part of dutch directness is that it enables you to confront a person if they're being a dick.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Michael. That’s very helpful. 🙂
@@TAndTGoDutch to clarify: If people insult you, call them out on it
And there is a big difference between saying "Hey, I really don't like this." and "WTF are you doing! Stop that you *insult*." The latter one is not being direct. That is just being a dick. That is also not okay in the Netherlands.
@@michaelvanlohuizen most of us foreigners would spend a significant part of our time in conflict if we called out every Dutch person who was offensive under the guise of directness.
That's in ANY cuIture though
Hey you guys ... I see you for the first time now. Love to see how others experience our little country! I live in the east so it is a bit different here than the wild west! I hope you two have a good time together and if you are ever up this way ..welcome !
Singelpark is great! I love to do that walk every now and then and everytime I notice something new. Wonderful tour. And all in your and my hometown.
I appreciate your modesty and honesty about everything that happens to you here. You enjoy the little things in life and you have become more Dutch than you might think. By the way, I walked in that park fifty years ago as a child with my grandparents and not much has changed.
How incredible. It was such a lovely place to walk and enjoy all the scenery.
Dear Tracey and Travis, I love to see you content. I love the positive perspective on live you send out. Living in the north of the Netherlands I can advise you to visit the cities of Groningen and Leeuwarden. Or even better book a weekend on one of our wonderful islands. Terschelling is our favorite. The nature is so beautiful over there. Kind regards. Frans
Frans, thank you so much for your kind words. We are itching to see Groningen and the islands. We appreciate you watching our channel!
As a resident of Groningen, who has seen most of the rest of The Netherlands, I can definitely vouch for Groningen :-) As it's the most remote city in the country (Leeuwarden is equally remote, but it's not really considered a city by rivalling Groningen, it's lovely and worth a visit though), there is a certain completeness to it you only find in cities that are much bigger. Recommended time to visit is in about 2 weeks, when student live resumes in all its vibrancy. The islands are not to be missed. They all got their specific charm, and you could include Schiermonnikoog, the smallest and quietest one (technically, there are even smaller ones, but they can't be visited normally) in a trip to Groningen. A day trip to Schiermonnikoog from Groningen is classic.
Yes go to the islands!
Just been to Terschelling a few weeks ago. It's so nice 😁
Nice content❤️ keep doing you. I enjoy your view on living here. And when interactions feel mean, feel free to bounce it right back. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
So nice to see that you like my city of Leiden (born and raised) hope to see more of your videos....
The Netherlands has "bouwvak" that is 3 weeks of holiday for construction and construction related businesses. In that periode even huge construction businesses completely shut down. But there are also non construction related businesses that closes down during 'bouwvak'.
It is done in 3 regions, for 2022:
- North Netherlands: 1st of August to 19th of August.
- Middle of the Netherlands: 25th of July to 12 August.
- South of the Netherlands: 8th August to 26th of August.
That's great information, thank you!
Thats true. But it will skip every year. The periods and the regions.
Buddy .. dit wist ik niet .. I was wondering why the buiIders stopped working next door
@@m.vantveer3475 Dat wist ik ook niet
@@LindaCasey 😂 weer wat nieuws geleerd👍
Nice video as always. Don’t listen to people saying you should go back to U.S. You are a super nice couple. We don’t want to see you move back to the U.S. Can’t wait for your next video. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, that’s so kind of you to say. It’s a very small amount of people, and most we encounter are just lovely. ❤️
Hey there! Love your content… and me for a Dutchie… you are so right about the directness or giving you advice without asking… gosh it gives me most of the time still panick attacks lol! You are doing awesome and keep it up! The Netherlands is such a beautiful little country with so much to offer. I don’t know if you have been de the Veluwe? Gorgeous nature…
Keep it up! And welcome here ..💕
Great vlog. Please continue and I love your pronounciation (like groningen, fantastic)
When going to the islands, try Terschelling, rent a tent or cabin and stay there a couple of days, cycle around the island eating cranberrycakes at every cafe. Don't forget De Vijfpoort for the best music.
Also, personally I think the most beautiful areas of the country are Twente (hospitality!!) and Limburg (you will love Maastricht, they eat even longer there ;)). And of course everywhere where you can rent a boat (Weerribben, Friesland etc.)
I stumbled onto this channel just now and I enjoyed this video. As a Dutchman I'd like to apologize for the ignorant 'go home' rude MF's who confuse being direct with being a douche. I hope you had a great trip to Ireland. Many Dutchmen give you tips on places to visit, here is mine: If you are able, come to Alkmaar some time. And not just the city and its cheese market (which feels a lot like Leiden in some ways, but a tiny bit smaller), but also the villages around Alkmaar. De Rijp, for instance, is post-card stereotypical rural Holland and something to be experienced. Alternatively, Zaandam is a nice visit, with the Zaanse Schans, though I suspect you may have already been there. Very touristy, but also very Dutch. Lastly, definitely see some of the East of the country, too. Places like Drenthe (with its prehistorical Hunebedden, burial sites with huge boulders, my fav!) and the area around Wageningen, Arnhem, Nijmegen ooze with history and beautiful sights (rolling hills, forests, fields you name it) to see.
perfect feedback ;) and indeed, there's so much more awesomeness to see in The Netherlands. the cheesemarket for example even my self as yong guys wass amazed about that market (and i'm dutch my self), i come frome the side where more forrest and (small)hills are but we have alot of WW2 history overhere. So be welcome to come over to Arnhem and take a look at the dutch historical museum (trip back in time 1900's) the zoo or many more things.
It is nice to shock you in a nice way !
We hope that you are still a long time in the Netherlands.
I like to listen to your point of view as this makes me realise things about our (and yours) country that I did not even know.
I hope this isn't irrelevant to you but I am English and often watch videos by Americans who are either visiting or living in various European countries. It always strikes me how many of the things they notice are applicable to many, sometimes all, European countries. So in the UK you would have the same position with holidays. In British cafés and restaurants there is no rush to pay and leave and you will not get your bill until you ask for it. I would find it really rude if a waiter just brought me my bill. It feels like "OK, you can leave now!" I would not say we are anywhere near as direct as the Dutch (who is? 😂). Our transport is good enough for me to not often have to use my car in the city I live in. We have trams and buses that go everywhere and there are several shops, eating places, clinics, pharmacies etc within five to ten minutes walking distance of my house. We are a comparatively small island so are pretty 'dense' too. I love the closeness of everything in Europe. I live in the north of England but it's only an hour by plane to Paris, Amsterdam, Hamburg. Two hours to Spain, Italy etc. By the way, I've been to The Netherlands several times and love it. I feel very at home there.
I must agree ite is very weird and rude the waiter bringing you the bill without asking. Now f* off I need new customers that spend money ;)
Most companies in the Netherlands don’t close shop and do require employees to negotiate with each other, who will go on vacation first and who will go after. I always had that and usually the families with kids get first pick because they need to go when the kids are off from school too. I was always able to figure out a schedule that was fine with me but I have heard of companies and people where it didn’t go smooth. Most companies even require employees to take at least two consecutive weeks off during the summer and I had many coworkers who took three or even four consecutive weeks.
Came to say this. The holidays thing only applies to the middles class. I worked the last 10 years in Horeca and struggle to get time off for medical appointments, let alone a holiday.
@@KB-qy8ps what a load of bs.....you are always allowed to get to see your doctor or medical appointment....even payed.
So dont tell this bs.
According to Dutch law you have a minimum of 20 days vacation per year....payed!....
Why the hell do you write this bullshit?
Hi this is the first video i see from you, it made me realise i need to see a lot more of my country! 😁 👍
Cool video! If you've enjoyed Antwerp, u should definitely visit Ghent and Brugge! Those cities have a real cool medieval feel to them.
Loved this video. I used to pay my bills as well with my holiday money. As do many people in financial distress.
When my kids were young I did that as well. As you said. It’s pretty common.
Learning to ride a bicycle is something I strongly recommend. Once you get the hang of it take a bicycle holiday on one of the islands while camping in a tent. But maybe that is for advanced culture shock.
For now I would suggest visiting museums around the Netherlands. It will give yo a sense of culture history and what is considered important enough to display. My favourite is the Kröller-Müller near Otterloo. It is however a bit of a hassle to get there by public transport as it is very remote in the middle of the largest national park It has a fabulous sculpture garden.
That sounds incredible! Great suggestion.
@@TAndTGoDutch When you visit national park De Hoge Veluwe, on each of its entrances there are free ('white') bikes you can take to ride around the park and to the museum. Highly recommended, especially if you are in to the expressionist artists (Van Gogh).
This, it's the ultimate Dutch experience! A tent on a camping in a bike holiday... You'll love it or hate it. In the morning you go to the camp store to buy fresh bread. Which is rubbish compared to french bread. But that too is part of the experience ;) If you want to do a lite version, rent a cottage instead of a tent.
Lovely video , I like how you have a positive look at almost all the culture shocks you mentioned. I would like to advise you to take the time to get more acquainted with the rest of the Netherlands, meaning outside the Randstad . You will find quite a different life style in Brabant and Limburg, a lot more laid back then where you are living. Hope you enjoy for many years to come.
Thank you for this video. I hope the positives outweigh the negatives and you enjoy your time in Europe. Greets From central Sweden.
During vacations (a few weeks off) for necessary services like a GP (Huisarts) there is always a replacement. When you call in you'll hear that you can contact another two others temporarily (Waarnemend arts).
The problems on Schiphol Airport are result of a labor conflict. The employer wants to grow, grow, grow at all costs and the luggage handlers want a raise and more employees to go back to normal work-schedule again. There is an agreement, so a solution is in sight, but because of lack of labor forces, so no extra workers, queues have gotten long.
Labor conflicts are rare, but normal in the Netherlands and usually resolved quickly, it's called 'polderen'.
That's great insight, thank you so much for sharing!
Also still a lack of employees as a result of corona. In the whole country there is a lack of security personel now. They ask for better pay now, as they should.
Thank you for an interesting new video!
First a question, just out of curiosity: approximately how much time does it take you to make one of these videos? I mean the entirety of it, planning, shooting, editing, selecting music, etc.
Of course, at work, in many teams that need a minimum degree of occupation you still have to do this 'coverage' thing. It's just that the time scales are different ('you take your holiday in July, I'll take mine in August)' For example those doctors have to make sure there's always someone on call those patients can go to in case of emergencies.
That 8% 'vakantiegeld' of your gross salary is not just 'for some people' - it's required by law to be at least that amount. Then again, it's taken from your salary in the first place so it's really just postponed pay.
4:43 LOL! ... but .... would you still be that courageous _without_ a fence ? :)
Leisurely pace of terrace dining. I think the focus here is more on the _experience_ and taking the time for that. It probably also means you are paying a bit more for that, as the place has to take into account that while you're dining on those chairs, they can't seat other people. Also, it is usually entirely possible to eat quickly if you want to, you just have to instruct the staff you have only time for an hour or so. They should tell you if they really can't manage that. If you don't tell them, they'll assume the default (which is that leisurely pace).
Directness vs. rudeness. Yeah, we can be direct, and that can be perceived as rude. Some Dutch people really _are_ rude though, and try to make it fly under the 'directness' banner. I would keep an eye on the ultimate goal of the remark (is it just needlessly hurtful or is it said to make something clear that really must be made clear, even if it's in a more direct way than you're used to? Admittedly this is just a subjective criterion).
As far as the content goes, our general breakdown is:
Planning: 1-2 hours
Filming: 2 hours to a full day (depending on topic)
Editing: 3 hours
Thumbnail, Description, Metadata, Socials, Comments: 2 hours
Hopefully, that's helpful! We generally try to plan for our topics 2-3 months in advance. It's quite a bit of work, but we do enjoy it!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, we appreciate you!
@@TAndTGoDutch So, a considerable amount of work as I expected. But I must say, it shows in the steadily increasing quality.
Is this information helpful to me? Well, yes, but simply to satisfy my curiosity, I'm not planning on making my own videos or anything like that :)
Also, I agree with some other posters here. You two definitely look healthier, more radiant, than you did a year ago.
Vakantiegeld is on top of your pay, it's not taken out of it
Thank you for sharing and being so positive about everything.
Thank you for watching, we appreciate you!
Really nice to see your vlog as a dutch person.. got some insight myself 😅
Hey Travis and Tracy i have a question for the both of you now that both of you live here in the Netherlands do both of you also use bicycles?
I highly recommend it it's not only fun but also very healthy as well and great for the environment wich is always great.
And congratulations🎉 with you're first year here in the Netherlands and hopefully many more years will follow.
Other than that a great video keep up the great work👍
En nog een prettige dag toegewenst😊
Hi Didier! Travis and I both have bicycles, but Travis definitely uses his way more than I do. I'm not 100% comfortable on a bike, so I prefer to walk, which is really nice. Thank you so much for the congratulations, we're so excited to be coming up on a year here!
I just stumbled upon your channel. I would like to thank you guys for taking such a genuine interest in our country and reporting about your experiences with such warmth and intelligence. Do not ever let yourself being insulted by an ill mannered Dutchman or woman. Rude is rude, all over the world. Next time respond: "you would not have said that to us in 1945 when our soldiers came all the way over to liberate you from the Nazis" (in fact, in Holland the liberators were mostly Canadians, but hey, it was a combined effort. I was raised to always be respectful and grateful to Americans for that very reason! Please feel very welcome here at all times....
Thank you for your kindness. It’s comments like yours that really help us overcome the negativity that can come with TH-cam comments. We appreciate you more than you know!
That's the worst advice you can give.
In 2022, do not ever say 'you would not have said that to us in 1945 when our soldiers came all the way over to liberate you from the Nazis'.
A dutch person's reply would be "ow wow, thank you for your service, you look really young for a world war 2 veteran... should I now give you a round of applause for being born out of your mom's vagina in the united states?"
Just let rude people make a fool of themselves and don't let it affect you. From the 'normal' dutch people: feel welcome and enjoy your time in NL :)
Hello you two! We got to Leiden September 16 from California. It’s so fun seeing your videos in all the places we walk everyday. We live in Pieterswijk. So happy anniversary on your arrival. Ours is coming up too. Tot ziens!
Happy anniversary to you as well! If you ever see us around Leiden, please come and say hello! We'd love to meet you.
Will do! We are Nardine and Rolin.👍
great vid again! thanx!
Thank you for watching!
Very nice video. Leiden certainly is beautiful. My daughter is studying there. Coming from Delft, she likes the place because Leiden reminds her of it... As for the (in)famous Dutch directness: yes, sometimes it's well-meant and refreshing openness. But it can also be coming from a mean individual with some character defect, and then it's just rudeness and spite. Keep the videos coming!
How exciting for your daughter! Delft and Leiden are definitely similar- equally as charming and beautiful. Thank you so much for watching, we appreciate you!
Nice to see you're positive culture shocks ( except Schiphol) hope you will stay with us for a long time and see your adventures in our country!
We made it to Cork relatively unscathed, hoping our journey back goes just as smoothly. Thanks for your continued support, Jack!
@@TAndTGoDutch Stay calm & collected (and drink a pint of Guinness to deal with the return flight/Schiphol;-). Have fun!
Hi Dutch guy here. Funny to see how you experience The Netherlands. You are so welcome! I am curious about the US, would love to see great places there. Enjoy your time here and best wishes.
I love listen to you both, I was born in Utrecht loved it there but everything was so small. So I moved to Canada lot of room there. But I’ve been here 50 some years and still homesick. It’s just because it’s very cozy in the Netherlands. I should have checked it out first.
I do hear from you both that you like it there but it is hard getting use to being so small.
But like vacation you can almost always go on vacation when you like too, what I miss being here its vacation pay that was always nice. I do miss Albert Hein, but having a car is nice too.
Thank you so much sharing your video.
Can’t wait to hear more. Enjoy.
Hi, I always love these kind of videos of foreigners or expats reviewing dutch customs.
But as always it is not the whole truth. Let me clarify some stuff:
Holiday - Most doctors have a replacement in their holiday periode. It could be somebody in the same building, because most doctors share an office or 'praktijk'. Or it could even be a doctors office elswhere in the same city or village. In most jobs, you actually do have to negotiate your time off with your colleagues for coverage, so there is no overlap in days off. Most people with kids are bound to school vacations, so what you will see is that someone takes the first three weeks, so there colleague can take the second 3 weeks. Or constructionworkers, they have there construction brake, which is roughly the same as the schoolvacation. In most jobs (more non office then others) you've got to have coverage.
I think 60% of people in the Netherlands use there holiday pay for bills, or a new tv/car etc.
Dining pace - I love our terras life, but in Europe I think the dutch are the fastest at slow dining.
Duth directness and mean people is not the same.
Closeness - The Netherlands is so small, I guess everything is a short drive for Americans ;-) . What also is typical, is that most cities of villages are adjacent to eachother. I live in Heemskerk, but if bike to the north I'm in Castricum, and if I bike to the south I'm in Beverwijk.
here ar some tips:
- Visit a vestingstad, like Naarden.
- Take a hike in national park Zuid Kennemerland
- Enkhuizen
- one of the Waddeneilanden, start with Texel. (completely different from mainland) (even more flat!!)
- Efteling themepark
- Science Museum Nemo in Amsterdam (for a real and fun, playfull science experience)
Only in the pandamic period have I recently visited all our 12 provinces for at least one overnight stay, so even the Dutch don't visit everything.
BUt i f you would like to travel further then off course go to Groningen, and Leeuwarden, but don't forget the province Drenthe with there ancient 3000BC hunebedden.
I always love the provinces Limburg and Noord Brabant because of the Burgundy lifestyle. So, visit Maastricht, Valkenburg and Den Bosch!
I loved seeing this video. I immigrated here from Southern California almost 7 years ago. In the beginning it was very difficult for me. I moved from a more wealthier suburb to a small village where you have to learn dutch because the small villages they dont all know english. the dutch directness upset me in the beginning but also my in laws are from Rotterdam so they are really direct and i finally became just like them. I love now
how direct the dutch are but it took time getting used to. Did you guys learn to speak dutch? have you planned to take the inburgering exams? maybe people are telling you guys to go back to america because you arent speaking the national language of the country. when i didnt speak it i was look at bad i was stared at and hate being stared at so i learned dutch. i also had to because my now mother in law cant speak english much at all. i came here alone my family is back in the states my husband is dutch he lived here and we met on a game on the cell phone. i love watching these videos if you stay here you guys will eventually get used to everything but try to learn dutch if you dont even if you live in a city you will get more respect 100%
Oh yes, we just finished a beginners Dutch course, and we actually made a video recently about some basic phrases. We still have a long way to go, of course, but are pursuing higher level courses soon. Thanks for watching, Penina!
Lol, your in laws are from Rotterdam, Rotterdammers are know for their very directness compared to other Dutch areas. I'm living in the north of Dutchyland and it surprises me every time I'm in the area of Rotterdam
Enjoyed your video!
Closed shops & restaurants has been a thing this summer indeed. More than other summers. But I feel that it has to do more with the tight labor market right now. Oh and I love your channel! Be back in 3 weeks from Italy to check in again :D
Oh man, I am sorry to hear about your brush with the meanness hiding behind Dutch directness. I hope you realize that 1) we don't all feel that way at all and 2) you are (also culturally) allowed to call out people who are mean to you, even if they call it directness. Directness is about cutting to the chase, not chasing people away.
But it seems like you're finding a lot of positive experiences here too :) Enjoy your trip! Our last Schiphol experience (last week) was 2,5 hours from the train to behind security. Unprecedented in other times but still with time to spare to board. Good luck!
It's a very, very small percentage of people. Sorry to hear about your Schiphol experience, we're hoping by the time we go back for our visit to the US, things may be a bit better.
@@TAndTGoDutch I think things should be better by then :) The busiest season should be behind us soon. I hope you have a great time there.
Love your little shots of Leiden, pretty!😀I really love the city center of Leiden. The 'hofjes' are so peaceful and the history is palpable on every street.❣
As has already been said about Dutch 'directness'. Please understand that there are people who hide behind that just because they're rude. There really is a difference & the Dutch should know. Also, because you're in the public eye due to TH-cam, they might feel even more emboldened to behave in a certain manner. However, a tip, if a Dutch person says something that makes you uncomfortable, you in turn can tell them off (politely;-) and they should accept that. If they ask for an explanation, again, you don't owe ppl answers to their intrusive questions. Stay comfortable & kind and things should fizzle out.
I'm probably not very Dutch in this concept, but I don't like open windows, because I HATE mosquitoes;-)) Especially with the heat I keep everything shut tight and only open my windows, on the first floor, during the night/evening with insect screens (?? can't come up with the proper English word:s). With the correct temp, I do of course have windows open in every room, but again, close them when you leave the house. Thieves love little gifts like open windows here... I think it's different in the US due to ACs?
The density of The Netherlands is quite specific to our little corner of the world (we're very heavily populated as you likely know). Not many countries come close, but Europe as a rule has a lot more to see per square mile than the US probably due to history. Just like infrastructure/boroughs etc. grew organically here compared to how fast everything went in the US (but also Canada etc). Design decisions have been made!🙃
The lack of screens was definitely a surprise to us, as they are so common in the US. Honestly, living in Texas, we had our AC on for the majority of the year, so they didn't get a ton of use anyway.
Thank you so much for being a wealth of knowledge, as always. We love seeing your comments, it makes us so happy!
@@TAndTGoDutch So happy my ramblings are useful to you;-) Your videos are such a joy to watch. It always make me appreciate our country more when two lovely people enjoy it as much you do. Talk to you soon!😀
Honest and respectful, very nice
No idea why this got recommended to me, but kudos to TH-cam. Happy I found this channel.
We’re happy you’re here, thank you so much for watching!
Try to book your flights from Rotterdam instead. I experienced some delay. But it’s much better organised. And you will not loose your luggage.
Maastricht is fascinating, because it's so close to the international border with Belgium and Germany. The cafes has menus is 5-6 different languages.
Also, the only place in The Netherlands I've ever gone deep into a mine. (not recommended)
Maastricht may happen for us this fall, we have been wanting to go for months, but are hoping to avoid the summer crowds.
A mine in Maastricht that you went into? Are you sure?
@@PetraStaal Pretty sure, but it was 25 years ago
@@spoonwinnipeg2021 I think you mean the lime stone caves, because the coalmines are not in Maastricht and they closed fifty years ago. There are museums.
@@PetraStaal there's a reconstructed coal mine in Valkenburg, Steenkolenmijn Valkenburg, 10/15km away from Maastricht. That's probably the place they visited.
I was at my parents in Leiden from 28th to yesterday.. Living in Italy . Since 1993...Great VID.... Thanks,,
Leiden! De stad waar ik woon en geboren ben leuk. De stamboom van mijn familie gaat terug tot het jaar 1570. Toen woonden mijn over over over overgrootmoeders al in Leiden. Fantastisch dat jullie Leiden laten zien. Jan van Houtkade ligt dicht bij mij. Misschien kom ik jullie een keer tegen. Dan even gezellig een bakje koffie komen doe. Dank!
Leiden is een prachtige stad, we zijn zo blij dat we hier wonen. als je ons in de buurt ziet, zeg dan hallo!
Sorry to hear some people are mean and telling you to go back to the US. Please know that most of the Dutchies are really welcoming and wont think like that at all! Great content and hope you guys have a nice life here the Netherlands!
It's a very, very, tiny percentage, but it can still sting a bit. Most people we've encountered are positively lovely.
@@TAndTGoDutch Glad to hear that!
Depends very much on your skin colour. You see that in Dutch politics too: Ukranians, welcome, here's your free passport and temporary housing for Ukranians. Afghan refugees: sleep outside in front of the immigration agency, we'd rather you weren't here.
@@urbandiscount Yes unfortunately that does happen... But still I believe that a lot of Dutch people are better than that
Please stay here, never go back! Having such nice and enthusiastic new fellow citizens here is such a gain for us and our country. I hope you'll always feel welcome here.
The story about the fan who asked about fertility in the middle of the street had me falling from my chair from laughing. That's a little bit more directness than is the norm, at least according to me.
Also, directness goes 2 ways. If you think someone is to "direct" (mean) you can throw some directness right back at them.
Really enjoyable to watch,
Thanks for sharing your Holland experience. I'm dutch and i was in California many years ago and for me it was an awsome experience. I never forget driving thrue the red lights in LA. you dont stop for a red light in some areas because you can get car jacked. 😅
I'm glad that we dont have that here.........YET 😅
I was driving the 101 from LA to San Francisco. The beauty of California i wil never forget.
Have a good time here guys.
Thanks for sharing 👍🙋♂️
Eating out in the US is definitely more of a fuel-stop, whereas in most countries it’s for socialising, not just eating. I worked in a handicrafts store in a tourist area once, and it was quite fun seeing what different nationalities think of as “standard” on holiday. Definitely, Americans stand out for their itineraries - like a work ethic! But also for their friendliness.
In the US, when you're on holiday, it is always time-bound due to the pure lack of time off and wanting to squeeze in as much as possible. We're enjoying not feeling the pressure of jamming so much in that we end up more exhausted than before our trip!
@@TAndTGoDutch It’s crazy how little time off US employees get. It’s as if life is for working instead of work being for living.
Many Dutch people with lower incomes also use their holiday pay for bills.
Some with higher incomes too
Makes so much sense with the higher inflation.
near Apeldoorn ; for a forest trip... aardhuis, koningin wilhelminahutje, and paleis het Loo, then via Hoog Soeren to Assel to radio kootwijk... you can do that in a nice bike adventure...
but also ; Bourtagne, or the old city of Elburg,( is where i live...😁)
Great video by two lovely kind people!
8:24
That's not Dutch directness, it's Dutch Idiotsy. Don't let it get to you. Great video btw!! Leiden looks a great city to live in. And you look like awesome people!!
Dutch directness is a thing, but I feel they were mislabeling youtube commenters being assholes as dutch directness. But you'd get shitty yt comments everywhere, that's not a dutch thing at all
Thanks, David, that's kind of you to say!
Dutch are direct (straightness). Ask our neighbours from Belgium, they will tell you the same. Belgiums are appreciate that from the Dutch. In Belgium they talking round and round, the Dutch goes straight to the point.
Most Dutch people like the softness from Belgians. So, best of both worlds are the best I think. Sometimes directness, sometimes softness.
David should not judge on something he didn't experience..
Do some travelling dude..
Its is not at all a Dutch thing. I am Dutch living in the US and get told to go back home at least once a day.
Although I can imagine certain situations where I would say "why not move back to the US" while not being a dick (e.g. you're terribly homesick), that is a very narrow window, indeed. I would immediately ask what they meant by that exactly, not leaving the situation unresolved. About getting paid vacation and being encouraged to go on vacation, that's just the way it has been for as long as I remember. It's the same as taking your time enjoying your dinner. Enjoy your vacation! Oh, and do you also get a "13th month" of salary? That's not nearly as common, but fun nonetheless.
I just asked Travis, and he said it’s very much like the 13th month of salary. So nice.
@@TAndTGoDutch Ah, I think you misunderstand. I get vacation pay like everyone else in May, but also what we call a 13th month in December. 😄 So I get 14 payments a year.
Oh wow, you’re right, I did misunderstand. That’s such an awesome perk!
Love your video about our country and I’m glad you like it here. A few tips for your travels: Middelburg is a beautiful city (hidden pearl, truly!) Maastricht is beautiful at christmastime. Spakenburg is a real Dutch village with boats and people in OldDutch clothes etc. Get a museumcard and explore beautiful musea like Openluchtmuseum Arnhem or Zuiderzeemuseum Enkhuizen en many others. When you go to the beach, go to Noordwijk aan Zee. You have the best beachclubs there and it will look like you are at Ibiza. Well, God bless you!!
please feel welcome and at ease here. I like your videos and it is so nice to have friends.
The Dutch directness is also region bound. People in the South and East (Brabant, Limburg, Gelderland and the North Provences) are way more friendly and easy going then people in the area you live (Leiden, A'dam, R'dam The Hague).
Interesting that you mention the North - I've encountered quite some down to earth directness and frankness there as well.
ho ho ho.... ik woon in een dorp naast Leiden maar ben harstikke vriendelijk 😂🤗🤗
@@19hen70 Gelukkig zijn er altijd uitzonderingen 😁
There are most definitely regional differences. I'm originally from the east (Overijssel), where people generally are more indirect. Had a bit of a culture shock myself in that respect when relocating to the 'Randstad' about 25 years ago. In my experience it has both positive and negative aspects. People can be more direct and confrontational here than where I came from, but also less closed off and friendlier.
@@RH-ro3sg ja idd wij zijn misschien directer maar niet minder vriendelijk...tenminste zo denk ik er zelf over 😂😂😂
I'm sorry you have been told to return to the United States, and I hope you didn't get the impression that lots of Dutch people think that way. Oh and welcome to Leiden! From a fellow Leiden resident. :)
Love the video! Another option to Schiphol is to fly in/out of Brussels and take a train. I did that once and it was actually really easy - the airport is smaller and there's a train station & I think you only have to change 1x. For future reference :) Looking forward to the next videos! 😀🧡🌷
Thanks for this entertaining video. The most of the culture shock items are exactly the reason why we love to go to the US for holidays actually ;)
I had very few culture shocks when I emigrated to NL. I suppose that my big cultural shock living in NL after the USA was feeling safe. Mostly, I felt relief that I had escaped from the USA to a country where most people are rational. I found the reduction of normal American paranoia enormously uplifting. Imagine it: I can walk everywhere in perfect safety, even with people almost rubbing shoulders with me! In USA, if someone comes closer than 6 feet, that seems threatening. I do agree that the Dutch propensity to ask questions, even of complete stangers, that seem quite personal -- even offensive -- can cause discomfort. For instance, a random guy, to whom no one had introduced me, once asked me why I "painted my hair." One would seldom, if ever, face such a question elsewhere.
T and T, I suspect you would experience less "push-back" if you could speak Dutch better. You've lived there 11 months, and you cannot pronounce basic words correctly (there's a bit of Dutch directness). I passed NT2-2 after nine months. If you can speak Dutch well, albeit with a recognizable accent, the Dutch will accept you without comment and find interest in your background and history. I highly recommend that you take classes, watch only Dutch television, and speak only Dutch at home and "out and about" (even if the person(s) opposite you insist upon speaking English to you) until you have achieved fluency. That worked for me! Good luck!
Most Dutch people don't demand that you speak Dutch. Most of us are more than happy to shift to English
@@martinsplinter6705 Yes, what you assert is true. I often had occasions when I would stubbornly continue to speak Dutch while someone in a shop continued to speak English back to me. I do not posit that Dutch people demand that immigrants speak Dutch. My point is that one will certainly remain a bit outside Dutch culture and broader acceptance if one does not speak Dutch. The couple in this video talked about Dutch people advising that they return to where they came from. My comment was meant to help them become MORE at home and MORE accepted in NL. Zelfs met een buitenlands accent, ben je beter geaccepteerd als je de taal goed beheerst. Ik hoop dat u mijn nuances snapt en waardeert.
@@davidhaley8542 i understand what you're saying
Hi guys, as a dutch this apears to me this is your first time in The Netherlands? I mean, your being a little harsh 😞 😉
Because first, the restaurants and shops did not close during the holiday, before Covid hit. Closed shops are understaffed, so it's pretty sad actually.
That also reflects on the slower dining pace, there's not enough staff to serve or cook... Also Dutch don't like to wait. 😉
Being mean, is not something Dutch. It doesn't define us. And being direct, is probably something you'd find more in the West, in the bigger cities.
I'd guess between New York and let's say Placerville CA, you'd find somewhat different mentalities in people 🙃
In the east/northeast the infrastructure is more car based. And getting around is not always easy like you experience.
And 4th, also the Airport Schiphol is a mess since Covid...but like you mention it later on, "when it works properly" again...
But love to hear you are enjoing your stay abroad, your welcome here, no matter what some idiots might say to you 😀
Don't go back :)
You are a wonderful couple and more then welcome in the Netherlands!
Keep enjoying Leiden and the rest of our country 👋👍
Loved your video. Perhaps you guys can check out the province Zeeland (the original Zealand) where I’m from. A lot more quiet. Lots of water, beaches and picturesque towns.
So nice to see you're exploring Europe and the Netherlands. I haven't thought about the open windows, it seems natural to me. Have you ever been to the east part of the country, Overijssel? Great cities that were trade centers in the Middle Ages. Love to show you around.
great video as always
Thanks for watching!
Lovely video! Made me subscribe.
You should go to Efteling. It's a fantasy theme park, a bit similar to Dinseyland. I, and most Dutch, have beautiful youth memories in this park.
Love the video about Leiden, also my hometown♡ .