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
Always thought , it was rude, disrespecful towards the locals not to learn the language. Should be a very English privilege attitude among monolingual native english speaker who think that everybody should speak their language .,
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!
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 TH-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 TH-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 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?
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!!!
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 💔.
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!)
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.
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.
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😬👍
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! 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.
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!
always stings a bit as a dutch person and ex amsterdammer when u see outlanders doing 10 times better and meanwhile i can barely eat or have any luxury. just because i happen to have a debilitating disease. gets punished with 70% of the social norm. and im not allowed to get an education. smh
I don't know what to say but wish you the best. There will always be people who are doing better and worse than you (and me) on the outside. But I hope you don't allow that to hate on others. Systems aren't fair...life isn't fair, unfortunately. I also don't know what it's like to have a debilitating disease, but I can imagine it to be very difficult. I hope you can find the good out of life. I wish you well and have a nice day.
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
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. 👍 👊
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 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!
This is good news last in Singapore me and friends meet 2 Dutch guy which working on Cruises ship making £10,000 monthly but The Law for Dutch can not money more than £ 50,000. In Bank Accounts above that is Tax to government. Which you tell on your Website.
I love it I really do !! I think you are so lucky to live in such o wonderful place ! I am in Amsterdam 2 months now and i try to find a place live this in this amazing area with the canals but David it’s so difficult I think . Could you give me any advice to find a place like this ? Thank you in advance !
Hey there - yeah finding a place to live in Amsterdam is just difficult in general. If you want to share...try Facebook groups (there's a bunch of them if you search Amsterdam housing or rental)...you can find something if you put in the effort but beware of scammers. Happy new year!
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.
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!
Thanks for the tour of your home. Must say that I would love to move to Amsterdam and live on a canal. The only downside I can see to your living space, from my perspective? I'm 6'8", 206cm, And, that attic space and I would not be compatible!
You’re welcome! Oh wow…yeah you’re not going to fit! Haha but there are some canal houses with high ceilings (for example, I’ve seen that the ground floor usually has high ceilings)
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!
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!
Hello David. Great video. I will be moving to Amsterdam in January. Can you please list some resources especially those facebook groups to find a place to live as I would need to find one myself. I hope I find a place similar to yours. Its just perfect.
Hi Sajjad - nice that you will be moving here soon! There are so many Facebook groups, just search "Amsterdam housing" in Facebook and you will find many. Be careful of scammers (you can usually tell who they are based on their profile). Other sites include: - funda.nl/ - www.pararius.com/apartments/amsterdam Best of luck! David
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)
How does it feel to live in a house that pre-dates the USA? :P but hold on, its 1900 per month? ..... i rent for 460 per month... (3 bedroom apartment) but not in Amsterdam though...
How the frick have ya bought an appartment soooooo big in Amsterdam center With the chaotic housing market here and being in the center where its normal being more than a 1,000,000 euro per house.
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 probably have watched your 4 or 5 videos, and you mentioned "the culture map" by Erin Meyer almost in every single one😃 have to watch for more to find where you don't mention it😅
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 .
Can you tell me how tall you are? It looks to me as if I would not be able to stand there without touching the ceiling with my head all the time. Otherwise it looks fantastic. Very charming to say the least.
Great tour of your home. I want to live there! your work space: what a view - I'd never leave that chair! And: that is a beautiful painting. And it's your first!!!!!! amazing! Wow, and the chair for your book reading! Just the perfect place. I stay at the Singel hotel for a few nights on my trips to AMS, so you might be near - I will look out for you!@
@@jimwarren9947 Enjoy Jim! I actually do not know anyone renting anything near the canal. It's quite difficult, especially right now. Try Airbnb. Good luck!
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!
David are you sure you want to go back to the States? I know missing family and friends is hard and maybe you want to take some Dutchness back home and make things better over there but you're welcome to stay just you know.
Hey Robert - I'm staying in Amsterdam! I'll be moving a bit East and will experience a different side of the city. I'll miss this place for sure. But thanks so much for asking and for making me feel welcome, I really appreciate it =)
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.
Hello ! I love your videos you are very informative and helpful. I'm currently living with my girlfriend in the UK. We've been saving up money for some time and we've been a few times in Amsterdam. Therefore, we are planning to move on next June. Was it very hard for you to find a flat ? how long do you think the procedure could take? 4 months? We are both EU-citizens. Thank you in advance !
Hey there Brian - oh wow I didn't see this comment until now. It's always been quite hard to find a flat (probably very similar to London)...it depends on what you're looking for and your budget. Of course, if you have a budget 2,000€+ for 2...will be a lot easier than if you only have 1200€. I am assuming you two may be looking for a 1-bedroom...assume it will be 1300€ - 1600€. Try looking on funda.nl and pararius-they're both legit websites. The other option is Facebook groups (of which there are many but also many scammers). Facebook can be great if you want to share...but you will also have people advertising 1-bedrooms as well. Of course it's always easier to be here in person...but video viewings are more popular now due to COVID. I've moved 2x already in Amsterdam...took me around 2 months of active searching each time. So think 2-4 months could be a good estimate. Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions!
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.
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.
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
Always thought , it was rude, disrespecful towards the locals not to learn the language. Should be a very English privilege attitude among monolingual native english speaker who think that everybody should speak their language .,
I'm trying =) Though learning a new language is not the easiest thing in the world to do
@@hidavidwen Not the easiest for sure ,but you are living there ( many opportunities)and dutch is the closer language to english .
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.
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 TH-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 TH-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 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?
Very nice and unique place!
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!!!
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…
Very charming 🕊🇺🇲💕
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!)
Damn that's crazy for just 975 per person, I think a small studio is normal for that there. Bless you man
Prices have gone up since! Inflation...
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.
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.
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
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...
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
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?
Charming video, and a very charming guy. I'm happy for you and your outlook on life. ❤
Thanks for the nice words =)
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 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!)
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!
I loved your reading spot and your stairs. You present very well xXx
Thank you!
What a beautiful and lovely place. Love the cozy kitchen!
Wait never mind. I just saw a UCLA hat........#USC #Trojans, #Fighton!
Hahaha goooo bruinsssss!
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
Wow David. I am so impressed. BEAUTIFUL HOME.
Haha thanks Judy well glad you were able to check it out!
always stings a bit as a dutch person and ex amsterdammer when u see outlanders doing 10 times better and meanwhile i can barely eat or have any luxury. just because i happen to have a debilitating disease. gets punished with 70% of the social norm. and im not allowed to get an education. smh
I don't know what to say but wish you the best. There will always be people who are doing better and worse than you (and me) on the outside. But I hope you don't allow that to hate on others. Systems aren't fair...life isn't fair, unfortunately. I also don't know what it's like to have a debilitating disease, but I can imagine it to be very difficult. I hope you can find the good out of life. I wish you well and have a nice day.
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 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 =)
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. 👍 👊
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!!
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!
This is good news last in Singapore me and friends meet 2 Dutch guy which working on Cruises ship making £10,000 monthly but The Law for Dutch can not money more than £ 50,000. In Bank Accounts above that is Tax to government. Which you tell on your Website.
❤ Beautiful, history matters
I love it I really do !! I think you are so lucky to live in such o wonderful place ! I am in Amsterdam 2 months now and i try to find a place live this in this amazing area with the canals but David it’s so difficult I think . Could you give me any advice to find a place like this ? Thank you in advance !
Hey there - yeah finding a place to live in Amsterdam is just difficult in general. If you want to share...try Facebook groups (there's a bunch of them if you search Amsterdam housing or rental)...you can find something if you put in the effort but beware of scammers. Happy new year!
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!
V nice sharing my dear respected friend Big Likes from Ahmed Ali nizamani,.
Hey Ahmed - hope all's well and thanks for the kind words! - Big thanks from David and take care
950 for this is cheap!
It’s hard to find that nowadays :/
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!
Thanks for the tour of your home. Must say that I would love to move to Amsterdam and live on a canal. The only downside I can see to your living space, from my perspective? I'm 6'8", 206cm, And, that attic space and I would not be compatible!
You’re welcome! Oh wow…yeah you’re not going to fit! Haha but there are some canal houses with high ceilings (for example, I’ve seen that the ground floor usually has high ceilings)
It just said that we’re not allowed to live or have our own homes
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!
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!
So nice that I had to watch twice. 🌷
Thanks for watching twice!
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!
Thank you for the tour. I don't know if you still live here, but maybe you like Duolingo?
many humans have stepped on these stairs 🤣
Hahahhaha yes!
Omg we are neighbours
Are we? 😁
Hello David. Great video. I will be moving to Amsterdam in January. Can you please list some resources especially those facebook groups to find a place to live as I would need to find one myself. I hope I find a place similar to yours. Its just perfect.
Hi Sajjad - nice that you will be moving here soon! There are so many Facebook groups, just search "Amsterdam housing" in Facebook and you will find many. Be careful of scammers (you can usually tell who they are based on their profile).
Other sites include:
- funda.nl/
- www.pararius.com/apartments/amsterdam
Best of luck!
David
Thanks for this nice video.
How do you move the furniture up to the apartment?
From the outside and up through the windows =)
@@hidavidwen moving must be expensive.
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)
I bet it’s haunted AF
I'm sure it is...makes it even more special, don't you think?
A few years after that house was built the Dutch founded New Amsterdam on the other side of the pond.
very cool apt
Hey David , last Saturday around midday, were you passing by Amsterdam-Centrum by bike? I saw a guy look really like you 😅😂
HMM I don't remember haha. I've been cycling everywhere lately. It could've been me!
How does it feel to live in a house that pre-dates the USA? :P but hold on, its 1900 per month? ..... i rent for 460 per month... (3 bedroom apartment) but not in Amsterdam though...
Feels like being in a movie. 460 per month...wow, don't ever leave!!
What a wonderful atmosphere! Charming !
It looks like the inside of a boat turned upside down. Appropriate for a canal side home.
Android, said CNN. THANKS , DAVID. HOME SOLD??£®\=\|\`
How the frick have ya bought an appartment soooooo big in Amsterdam center
With the chaotic housing market here and being in the center where its normal being more than a 1,000,000 euro per house.
No it’s not mine. It’s a rental. I wish it was mine…😂
Great apartment !! ❤❤
Thanks for watching!
Is it not haunted ? 😃
Maybe maybe….
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!
Prachtig
I probably have watched your 4 or 5 videos, and you mentioned "the culture map" by Erin Meyer almost in every single one😃 have to watch for more to find where you don't mention it😅
Haha I love the book! It's probably in my Top 5 books of all time =))
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
Can you tell me how tall you are? It looks to me as if I would not be able to stand there without touching the ceiling with my head all the time. Otherwise it looks fantastic. Very charming to say the least.
I'm around 182cm. Yeah it's not very accommodating for most Dutch people haha
Great tour of your home. I want to live there! your work space: what a view - I'd never leave that chair! And: that is a beautiful painting. And it's your first!!!!!! amazing! Wow, and the chair for your book reading! Just the perfect place. I stay at the Singel hotel for a few nights on my trips to AMS, so you might be near - I will look out for you!@
Thanks Jim. Well hopefully you get the chance soon enough, I’m sure you’ll love Amsterdam :)
@@hidavidwen Headed to the airport now, Amsterdam tomorrow! do you know of anyone renting out an apartment on or near a canal?
@@jimwarren9947 Enjoy Jim! I actually do not know anyone renting anything near the canal. It's quite difficult, especially right now. Try Airbnb. Good luck!
He sais somewhere in the kitchen tour, “this is our stove and oven, very useful for baking”. Mate, please explain how to bake without an oven? 🧐
The oven is below the stove :) though I would love it if someone taught me how to use an oven and bake!
Comparing to Geneva… 2 bedrooms for 2k! Jesus Christ!
How much would it cost in Geneva?
Wow, you are wealthy, huh? Most dutch cant afford this
What a fantastic house you call home in the city centre.
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) =)
David are you sure you want to go back to the States? I know missing family and friends is hard and maybe you want to take some Dutchness back home and make things better over there but you're welcome to stay just you know.
Hey Robert - I'm staying in Amsterdam! I'll be moving a bit East and will experience a different side of the city. I'll miss this place for sure. But thanks so much for asking and for making me feel welcome, I really appreciate it =)
This is my whole salary at 30 years old. WTH am I doing wrong?
🤷♂️ this is a shared apartment by the way
When visiting Amsterdam, I stay at the Singel hotel. Near you?
The Singel hotel is very central!
As far as art don’t quit your day job
this was part of a much larger house
The whole time you were walking in the house, I was screaming "don't bump your head on the ceiling!!"
Hahaha it’s ok for me but definitely not meant for the modern day Dutch person!
It was a roommate high class style.
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
Yes, me too! Thank you, thank !!
wish I could afford this! Looks so cozy
It's quite cozy! I think you could get lucky and find something like this!
Such a beautiful vlog! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
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
So wonderful to see what it is like living in a very old house.
Thanks for watching!
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 =)
Hello ! I love your videos you are very informative and helpful. I'm currently living with my girlfriend in the UK. We've been saving up money for some time and we've been a few times in Amsterdam. Therefore, we are planning to move on next June. Was it very hard for you to find a flat ? how long do you think the procedure could take? 4 months? We are both EU-citizens. Thank you in advance !
Hey there Brian - oh wow I didn't see this comment until now. It's always been quite hard to find a flat (probably very similar to London)...it depends on what you're looking for and your budget. Of course, if you have a budget 2,000€+ for 2...will be a lot easier than if you only have 1200€.
I am assuming you two may be looking for a 1-bedroom...assume it will be 1300€ - 1600€. Try looking on funda.nl and pararius-they're both legit websites. The other option is Facebook groups (of which there are many but also many scammers). Facebook can be great if you want to share...but you will also have people advertising 1-bedrooms as well.
Of course it's always easier to be here in person...but video viewings are more popular now due to COVID. I've moved 2x already in Amsterdam...took me around 2 months of active searching each time. So think 2-4 months could be a good estimate.
Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions!
You are so adorable. I wish I had my ish together like you do!
Thanks 😊
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.
I like your painting!
I have the feeling that your roommate is Peruvian 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
Haha how did you know? The roommate's partner is Peruvian.
@@hidavidwen Because I am Peruvian (living also in Amsterdam) and I saw the food and the Acurio's cook book lol
Haha yeah another Peruvian commented and also noticed. I love Peruvian food! =)
You did a lot of reading, yes we know.....
📚
Nice Peruvian food 👍
I really love your place. Amazing !!! I'll check more of you vlogs 🤩👍
Hey Comex - thanks! Appreciate the kind words 😊
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? =)
Love your videos, it would be great if they had subtitles, it would be very friendly for non-native English speakers
Hi Anna - On TH-cam, you can go to settings and add English subtitles
David