Recording summary · January 2021
why I HATED living in The Netherlands 🇳🇱
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Overview
Daniel lived in the Netherlands for four to five months ending on December 27 and considers it the worst country he has lived in, providing reasons why he would never recommend living there.
Daniel's complaints about the country include a pervasive weed smell in streets and residential buildings, high living costs compared to Asian cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Osaka, and safety issues in South Rotterdam.
An estimated $22,000 spent on accommodation, transit, and food across Germany and the Netherlands led to Daniel expressing regret over financial losses, disappointing video viewership, and failed relationship efforts.
While walking home in South Rotterdam, Daniel experienced a confrontation where a man grabbed, shoved, tripped, and pushed him to the ground based on an allegation of throwing stones at a car, while a bystander did not intervene.
The driver followed Daniel, filmed him while mentioning police, and took €20 from him before driving off, leading Daniel not to contact police due to poor eyesight and unobserved identifying details.
Following the altercation, Daniel reported feelings of fear and paranoia, contrasted Dutch safety unfavorably with Japan, rated the Netherlands 2.2 out of 10, and stated an intention never to return.
Themes
Prevalence of cannabis odor across public spaces and apartment living in the Netherlands.
Comparative expenses of accommodation and living between Rotterdam and cities like Osaka, Tokyo, and Seoul.
Breakdown of trip expenditures across Germany and the Netherlands alongside reflections on financial, personal, and content outcomes.
Safety concerns, physical altercations, stone-throwing accusations, and bystander reactions in South Rotterdam.
Street confrontations involving video recording, monetary extortion or payment, and police non-involvement.
Psychological reactions, appearance concerns, and country safety comparisons between Japan and the Netherlands.
Developments
Daniel stayed in a hotel upon reaching Rotterdam, followed by a month in an Airbnb in central Rotterdam and roughly three months in South Rotterdam until December 27.
An unidentified man stopped Daniel on bridge stairs, spoke in Dutch, and grabbed, shoved, and forced him to the ground.
A bystander observed the altercation without intervening and stated the man believed Daniel threw a stone at his car.
The driver pursued Daniel, recorded him on camera while referencing police, and drove off after receiving €20 from him.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether Daniel will receive the rental deposit back for the South Rotterdam apartment following a scheduled video call with the landlord.
Whether the driver understood English or anything Daniel communicated during the confrontation.
The driver's physical appearance and vehicle license plate number.