Simple Happy Zen

For my upcoming video, I'd love your help! 🌷 What are your assumptions about the Dutch and the Netherlands?

Anything you're wondering about whether it's true or false? Myths, misconceptions, or just ideas about the Dutch people, Dutch culture, or about life in the Netherlands?

Please leave them here in a comment and I'll react to them in a video and explain if they're true or not! 🚲☔🌷

EDIT: The video is finished! You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/40jzPqh6Lv8?si=VTVhe...

Looking forward to it! 🤗

Vera

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 461



@SimpleHappyZen 

Hi everyone, this video about the Netherlands is finished! You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/40jzPqh6Lv8?si=VTVhefrVeGroYwLI

1 month ago | 1

@Midwesthiker

Twenty years ago I visited for two weeks in Amsterdam from the US. My impression was... 1. People are very direct/not afraid to disagree while still being friendly and articulate. 2. People like order and common sense. 3. It's a magnet for people who want to buy/sell/try different drugs and sex. (I'm curious if you/most Dutch believe these activities hinder or improve your communities and why). 4. People are very educated and informed about language, history, technology, and the arts. 5. Communal chess is a thing. (That might be Europe in general) But the best players I met were in the Netherlands. 6. There are a lot of sporty people there/people prefer healthy lifestyles. P.S Love your channel:)

2 months ago (edited) | 27  

@alisonryckman7711

That you are frugal, very clean, bike/walk everywhere, shop for groceries daily/as needed only, everybody loves to garden and grow tulips, and that you all love that salty licorice candy. I had a Dutch friend growing up and she loved that candy. Now let me ask you: what are your impressions of Canadians? lol.

2 months ago | 15  

@mariamirolyubova6921

I have been to Amsterdam about 20 years ago. I absolutely loved the esthetics of the buildings & the canals & the people on bikes (including women with small chidren in the basket of the bike--that blew my mind) & tall lean blond people everywhere. I didn't see curtains in the windows & was wondering why the Dutch do that? I envy that freedom. Best regards from a subscriber in Ukraine. Peace.

2 months ago | 10  

@meatfreemomma266

I’ve been to Amsterdam several times and I can honestly say it’s one of the best countries I’ve ever been to. You all seem so nice, polite, straight to the point. You seem to appreciate the beauty and culture in your country. Very open minded which I think is why you seem more forward as a country in getting things ‘right’, especially environmentally

2 months ago | 4  

@justkellyloumtc

I work in the school system. I would love to hear about some of your childhood experiences in the education system there. Also, I would like to know what the school year schedule is for your area. I think learning more about your culture would be fascinating and how minimalism may play a role parallel to that. I live in the USA. Here it seems to be so fast paced and commercialized. I love my country, of course. But I have often wondered if there are more peaceful, slow living in other countries, yours specifically. Thank you for the opportunity to ask for more specific content. I appreciate your sharing. ♡

2 months ago | 8  

@ceciledunlap4273

My family is from Curacao, a former Dutch colony. We suffered under Dutch colonialism, and the current post colonialism is dismal and heartbreaking. The behavior of Dutch tourists on the island reinforces many negative stereotypes. I fear for the future of my homeland. But I still really enjoy your chan̈el!! You are a great citizen-ambassador for your country.

2 months ago | 0

@francineh.7825

I love hearing about the mystical realms of different countries. I know countries like Ireland, Scotland and Iceland have their stories about faeries and other places have their own unique stories so I'm wondering if the Netherlands has any mystical creatures in your folklore?

2 months ago | 19  

@TonyStark-ft4gs

I love visiting the Netherlands! ❤️ So here are my impressions: 1. The Dutch are very laid back drivers (compared to us Germans). 2. Technologically you prefer to stay ahead of things instead of reacting to problems as they arise. (I envy you so much for your intelligent traffic lights!!) 3. Your customer service (E.g. in restaurants) is very friendly and welcoming!

2 months ago | 6  

@Lovely-sv1ye

Your country sends my country tulips every year to commemorate our special friendship ❤️🇳🇱🌷🇨

2 months ago | 5  

@jmanopoulos

I have met people from Netherlands in the Airbnb frame in Greece and noticed that they are polite and with empathy. Besides, there is a fame that they respect eachother and that they keep the windows open at night without being nosy or spying.

2 months ago | 4

@nataliaborisova3250

I'll try to resume Russian / Mexican conception: 1) The Dutch have an excellent transport system, even though many people prefer biking / walking 2) W**d is legal and people get it easily. 3) Dutch are eco-friendly and shop organic groceries at farmer's markets. Also they recycle a lot. 4) Many people live in house-boats. 5) Dutch are good artists, there are a lot of art museums. 6) Many people speak good English and foreign languages in general, since Netherlands are surrounded by a big amounts of countries. 7) Netherlands did very good at the Eurovision lately - according to my music taste :)

2 months ago | 6  

@ewusiwaa7143

Education is free for citizens up to the tertiary level. That’s what I heard about the Netherlands

2 months ago | 3  

@rayeof_light

As an American, I spent a couple weeks in the Netherlands last summer and noticed how polite the Dutch are. Also they all seemed to love and accept children. My 6 year old isn't met with as much understanding and kindness by strangers in the states. Everyone I encountered was so kind. I always worry about being looked down upon being American. I can understand others frustration with us but was only met with kindness. Also noticed how tall the women are. I'm usually the tallest or 2nd tallest woman in any scenario at home but felt short in the Netherlands!

2 months ago (edited) | 4

@daniels5314

I lived most of my life in New Zealand and moved to the Netherlands when I was 20. We were more relaxed in NZ easy come easy go. Everything is more scheduled and less spontaneous. Feels more stressfull here

2 months ago (edited) | 2  

@smontone

I think it’s a fair assumption that Dutch people are overall pretty happy, often scoring high on the happiness index along with the Danes. As an American who believes in kindness and respect I’m often very sad at American politics. What role do politics play in the happiness of the Dutch?

2 months ago | 22  

@margarettownsley9500

I have a picture of a beautiful place nice buildings canal’s tulips and a slow pace of life with plight peaceful people going around on bikes and I’d love to visit the Netherlands

2 months ago | 1

@khirifrost5404

I’ve heard that it’s quite difficult to integrate into Dutch society if you’re from another country. I very much hope that’s not true, because I have some amazing family members that will soon be moving there and they’re so excited to embrace all things Dutch!

2 months ago | 4

@orvetakecskes9778

I was once at the airport in Amsterdam and just looked out the window. Otherwise I only know from YouTube videos. To me it's a place I'd like to live if the housing market was more reasonable and my husband wanted to move. All the pictures I've seen are beautiful. I'd enjoy the biking, the long stops at cafes, minimalist living style, and life in general. Although I know no Dutch. Thanks for this opportunity Vera to learn more.

2 months ago | 0  

@lilolith.

Hi Vera! I’m super curious about what your family thinks of you being a minimalist. My family ‘vindt het maar raar’ ;) love your videos. Groetjes uit Leiden!

2 months ago | 3