David Wen

How EXPENSIVE is The Netherlands in 2025?

I was shocked...at how housing prices have changed even in 2-3 years...

In this week's video, I go over cost of living for 3 Dutch cities/towns—Amsterdam/The Hague/Maastricht.

(I've lived in Amsterdam and Maastricht and spend a lot of time in The Hague)

I analyzed my 2023-24 expenses, market data, and salary information to create a "cost of living" calculator/model on Google Sheets for this video. If you're interested, you can find it in my Patreon community = patreon.com/davidwen

Watch video now 👉 https://youtu.be/gYJni3MOwDQ

2 months ago | [YT] | 33

David Wen

"Who are the Dutch Chinese?" ‪@igrien‬ is working on a project to tell the stories of the first Chinese immigrants to the Netherlands—it'll be a photo book titled "Chinatown."

It's a story that resonates with mine being Chinese American. The Chinese have enriched societies around the world with their cuisine, culture, and much more...but these stories are often untold. They're trying to showcase these stories and build a cultural bridge.

Hear about her story and project - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11gbX...

If you want to directly support their project, learn more here -
www.voordekunst.nl/projecten/17870-de-onbekende-ve…

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 19

David Wen

🎬 [BEHIND-THE-SCENES] How I spent 50+ hours on a 13-min video “Asking Amsterdam: How much do you make?”

From a lawyer who called security on me to conducting "research" in the Red Light District...

"Street interviews" are the hardest type of videos (for me) to make because approaching strangers is hard. And then the hundreds of rejections.

But I used to work in UX (User) Research, and we worked with global brands to conduct research from focus groups to user interviews. We’d come up with a research plan and recruit a group of 6-12 participants. So I thought, “I'll do the same!”

But there was a problem…

I didn’t have $30,000 to spend. And I was a team of one.

So I had to improvise. Especially if I wanted to talk to a few specific professions. But things never go according to plan...

Apparently, it’s not a good idea to approach lawyers about their salaries. And I certainly knew not to just walk into the Red Light District with just my camera…

🔮 Would you like to learn more about what happened, my process, and the learnings?

👉 Then join my Patreon community for more exclusive content (you'll be supporting me to do more "research," and you can also join for free): www.patreon.com/davidwen

🎥 You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/SvDRhXyIwzc

Thanks and take care,
David

2 months ago | [YT] | 36

David Wen

Happy holidays 🎄 I’ve been pretty quiet here, as I’ve been back in the US attending to personal matters (which I may discuss at some point).

I do have some videos in the backlog…so I hope to get to those at some point.

And I know the holidays can be a joyous time for many, but also a hard time for many too. So wishing you all good health and happiness to close the year and a fresh start in 2025.

🙏 David
(Picture: Oregon in the summer. I would post a picture of Oregon in the winter, but it's just raining a lot right now)

4 months ago | [YT] | 114

David Wen

🇺🇸 Why did world famous American celebrity trainer, Mark Jenkins, move to the Netherlands? 🇳🇱

He’s trained the biggest artists in the world from Beyonce to Diddy to Mary J Blige…and then he left it all behind...for the Netherlands.

I had a really fun and enlightening conversation with Mark about why he left the American Dream, the biggest differences between American and Dutch culture, being black in America (vs. The Netherlands), American and Dutch celebrities, and much more.

Mark has an inspiring story who hustled his way up from the projects of Brooklyn, New York…and he’s a great storyteller. I look forward to sharing our conversation soon and hearing your thoughts.

Have a nice weekend! ☀️
David

9 months ago | [YT] | 135

David Wen

People living in The Netherlands 🇳🇱, can I get your input? Does this monthly budget make sense for living in a big city? (Single person, assume they can afford to live in the city, lives alone, full-time job)

What's missing/wrong? (Would love any feedback you have)

Doing an analysis for a video...thanks so much 🙏

On another note...I just came back from the US (interesting times) and look forward to enjoying the summer in NL. Hope you have a nice one,
David ☀️

9 months ago | [YT] | 48

David Wen

🇺🇸 Hello from Portland, USA—one of America’s top cycling cities! 🚲

While it doesn’t compare to Dutch cycling infrastructure, Portland does have a very cool, vibrant cycling culture that the world can learn from.

It's summer here and “Pedalpalooza” time—3 months of community-organized cycling activities. Most rides are free, and anyone can organize/join a ride.

For example, I just attended a “Pizza” bike ride 🍕 where we cycled around the city visiting 8 pizza places. Other themed bike rides include ping pong, sewing, a live play, naked zombies, and many more.

Afterwards, I attended a bike “happy hour” where politicians, community leaders, and the community gathered to raise awareness about community issues.

I know cycling is the norm in The Netherlands...but I really enjoyed the community aspect. A great way to meet and connect with people, see the city, and have a lot of fun.

Cycling + Community...a great combo.

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10 months ago | [YT] | 63

David Wen

Hi there 👋 Whoever is reading…I just want to thank you all for the support and encouragement after I got laid off…I can’t tell you how much that means to me 🙏

I’m doing fine. A lot better. I’ve been taking some time off—me time. Reading. Writing. And exploring the Dutch countryside (and nature), where I’ve also been doing “live” research for my next video...

It's an interesting one and surprisingly…it's helped me reconnect with my Asian roots through ancient philosophies from thousands of years ago.

I look forward to sharing some time (soon).

Until then, take care, and have a nice day 🙂
David

10 months ago | [YT] | 156

David Wen

Comparing 10 Public Transport Network Densities in 10 European countries...

Thought this was an interesting visual by TravelTime. BUT...

👀 This is only one factor—other factors to think about include population density, geography, frequency, quality, and price of public transport!

Source: traveltime.com/blog/public-transport-density-maps

1 year ago | [YT] | 63

David Wen

Coming soon…

A philosophy that brings many Dutch ‘over the moon’,
But surprise many an American,
To not actually ‘shoot for the moon’,

Stay tuned...

Happy weekend,
David

1 year ago | [YT] | 31