Why I Will Never Come Back to the United States
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 7 май 2024
- Thanks to Musicbed for sponsoring this video: share.mscbd.fm/nathanieldrew
Use my coupon code NATHANIELDREW at checkout to get your first month free when you purchase an annual Personal subscription.
My Newsletter 🍦→ www.nathanieldrew.com/newsletter
My Podcast / Second Channel → / @nobackupplan
Instagram → / nathanieldrew_
My online courses → www.nathanieldrew.com/onlinec...
My Patreon → / nathanieldrew
My gear 📷 → www.nathanieldrew.com/my-gear
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:13 - Part I: Why I Left
8:11 - Sponsor
9:22 - Part II: Why I May Never Return
I wanted to make a little correction! At 7:23, Jana says that "People outside sometimes think that Luxembourg is just all about BANKS." This is a reference to a criticism the country receives on how its economy is run.
My goal here was to show that even a small country like Luxembourg, despite its size, has wonderful people and so much to offer culturally.
What do you think? Have you ever been to Luxembourg before?
I am from Luxembourg 😂😂😂 wasnt expecting you to mention Lux. when you talked about a country xD
I was born there and lived there for a few years though i moved to France for school and Ireland (for uni).
Luxembourg is a pretty cool place and i am thrilled you enjoyed it :)
Ech wenchen där en wonnersheinen dag 🤟✊
I spent a night in a van in Luxembourg - terrific and beautiful place with an interesting culture.
I was in Luxemburg last year, i'll be honest, in the beginning i didn't liked it as much because the day was so horrondeus hahaha like so cold and the rain was so annoying and the whole city was like sleeping, but then magically i got into one of those little internal cornerns with some friends and I drunk the best hot chocolate that i've ever had in my life and sitting on the coffee shop looking at the architecture and warming my body as the block of solid chocolate was melting in the milk made it all worth it. I laughed so much when Nathaniel included the rain intermission, very Luxemburg. Also as a South American im so sick of 'Americans' for people of the US and 'Usonian' felt like a victory really xD. Great vid!
Aaaah this is so fascinating! I am Luxembourgish and would never have thought that you would ever come here :D I always love hearing what other people think about our country and I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! Fingers crossed I'll run into you when you visit next hahaha
I loved the fact that you are only a few miles away from many interesting European countries like Belgium, France and Germany which also coined the languages and dialects in Luxemburg. Apart from that I loved the forests around Luxemburg and you aren’t too far away from the coast.
Greetings from Germany
"There are many ways to get an education and this is mine."
-Nathaniel Drew (2021)
Amen!!
So true! It's unfortunate that in modern society, we conflate formal 'schooling' with 'education'...
very educated spoken word, music and sensibility. It is overused but a member of the 'creative class' (too categorizing of course) comes to mind. However, for some of us more schooling and study of hi-tech was the way into our own future. or perhaps as was said to Dilbert, "you won't make it on your wits alone"..... so we make it in other ways. Great video - glad to see you again.
Schooling life
My new mantra.
Couldn’t agree more. 32 years ago I met a woman while working in Stockholm that summer. The next year, I left Brooklyn to live in Sweden. The best decision that I ever made. After a good career in the Swedish Royal Opera, I collected my pension and now live in a small village outside of Palermo. No regrets. I’ll never return to the states. 😂
Let's see when the bombs start to fall again in Europe... where are you going to flee to.
Those were both very smart moves!
Very smart. It's so bad in the US.
Stockholm syndrome
@@user-jy1sn6hh5o 🤣
I'm with ya bro, I left the USA in 2004 and haven't returned. Not all who wander are lost.
Where are u now?
I would give anything to get out of this divided country.
@@garybrunecz7785😥😥
Good for you I’m next I will not be back. 😇
@@kamelkani4051 Singapore
I went to Spain as an 18 yr old and sobbed like a child when I had to board the plane to come back after just 3 weeks. It has been part of my soul since then.
hello, i'm Jorge, a pilot from Lima peru, working with LATAM airline. i came across your page here through the utube suggestion for me, so i thought to write to you. where are you from?
Write me when you can and do have a nice day and may God bless you
??
@@jorgegiacchetti8719 ????
@@jorgegiacchetti8719 creep
That's how I felt when I brought my Sicilian (but American born) father to Italy in 1997. He was 75 and I was 45. I fell in love with the country and especially Florence. I went back to college in my early 60s, and in my junior year I had the opportunity to study in Florence for a year. I JUMPED at it and stayed an extra year. By that point, my parents were both gone and I was single, no kids. I knew it would absolutely break my heart to leave and return to L.A. but I had to when my permesso expired. I went home for four months and I was MISERABLE, but I obtained another Visa by signing up for an ESL school and I also started working very hard to acquire all the necessary documents to get my Italian citizenship Jure Sanguinis. I became an Italian citizen on March 9, 2021. This is my last stop in life. This is where my heart tells me I belong. So if it is in your soul, don't let go of your dream. It may still happen.
“To anyone who isn’t satisfied with the place they were born in.” Are you me?
And me?
✋
Why would I ever move from Norway? :)
Exactly what I was thinking
And me.
I'm an African American that did grow up on two continents: North America and Europe. (Military Brat) I have a mom that was super protective and didn't like to travel and hoped that I wouldn't either. But I craved and wanted adventure, I spent time in libraries, reading Atlases, Geography Books and really pushed for foreign language classes throughout Middle and High School. I was grooming and preparing myself for world travel. In my Junior and Senior HS year, I wanted to go abroad with friends to Europe and South America, but my mother was fiercely against it. I was PISSED that I couldn't go and swore that I will go on my own when I leave home. I mastered speaking French, German, Spanish and Portuguese, getting myself ready for a big adventure. At 19, I got my passport on my own and went abroad. (Much to my mother's chagrin) Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, South America, Europe and Asia...Spent my 20s traveling around. I'm now 34, a skilled Sushi Chef (I do indeed speak Japanese) about to start my own business that will allow me to travel and make money doing what I love.
I know what it's like when your World is instantly expanded and you are able to broaden your horizons and your question of "Home" is tested.
It's a Big world out there, you"ll never get enough of it. Happy for you,live your life on your terms, not by parents, friends etc. Explore, you only live once.
The beauty is that you don't need to end up in the same place as the person making this video.
It shows that it's not about finding a particular place, but your place. Somewhere YOU feel comfortable you know?
Don't be afraid to visit Africa! The propaganda is that its all dangerous. But in truth, as other places, it's some good, some bad, and you have to experience for yourself, (you may wish to type in a search for African RUclipsrs.)
☝🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
You should stop using the corporate designation of “African” American because it’s not a real thing. You’re an aboriginal
It is weird for me to say this as an American who grew up in the US but moved to Europe in 2008, but then moved back to the US last year (2022), I feel like moving back to the US was a huge mistake. When deciding with my family whether we should stay in France or move back to the US because of a job offer, I never wanted to go back to the US. But, because of the very limited choices that we had, we ended up moving to the US, and basically instantly regretting it. Hopefully God will allow us to move back to France soon. We miss Europe so much, especially France. The quality of life there is so much better than in the US.
Really? Usa ain't that bad
@@asecdsi4009You're right, but compared to Europe it's like a developing nation in many ways. Sudden healthcare costs bankrupt entire families ALL THE TIME, college/university is insanely expensive and you don't necessarily get a good education out of it, the vast majority of cities are not designed to be walkable or bikeable and you basically need a car to get everywhere, strongly contributing to obesity due to lack of exercise, healthy food is much more expensive here usually, while food that's terrible for you is the cheapest. Many chemicals and pesticides that Europe has banned America allows because our regulatory agencies have been captured by industry, including the FDA and the EPA to a certain extent. Privacy laws are much stronger in Europe as well, AND the majority of European nations have parliaments/congresses that are ACTUALLY REPRESENTATIVE of the people's wishes rather than a nonsensical deadlocked two-party first-past-the-post system that is simply way too outdated and isn't likely to change at all anytime soon. I'm sure I can go on but those are the main problems I thought of first. I also have issues with various aspects of the culture here, but that's not nearly as bad an issue usually.
any response to the reality mentioned by ghostsade3? @@asecdsi4009
You’re all incredibly illogical, comparing a Continent ( Europe) to a Country ( USA ). I enjoy visiting Germany, but that does not mean I want to live In Deutschland.
@@cannabislife1688 USA is not a continent. My god you are…wow.
I can relate. Growing up in the USA, I never connected with the traditions: prom, football, xmas, Tday.... I left over 25 years ago. I've lived in 6 different countries. I have never looked back. I'll never return.
Hi Maya. Which country have you settled on?
Yes, same question. Where are you living now?
Maya Mitchelle
It's a shit hole here!
I think it’s because the traditions are borrowed traditions all mixed up.
A similar story: I left the US in 1983 to study in Paris, after I graduated I got a job offer to work in Switzerland (1996). I thought that some European work experience would be good on my CV. In 1990 I decided to "return home" in the US: I already had a job in a large corporation lined up. I only stayed 6 months as I really hated the work environment and conditions. I almost felt like a foreigner in my own country and felt that I had little in common with my peers. I quickly decided to return to Switzerland and have been here ever since. I became a Swiss citizen in 2015 and renounced my US citizenship in 2016.
It's not citizenship - it's slaveryship.
@@semsemeini7905 I think it was about $2000
At least, you don't have to worry about filing taxes every year. Good for you. Best wishes to you.
I can certainly relate to feeling like a foreigner in my own country. I left in 1988. In the 33 years since I have made a total of 3 visits back to the States. The last being 2014. Saying good bye to family and good friends was difficult. All of us knew I would not be back.
This is so inspiring, I would love to move to Switzerland one day. Can I ask how you deal with the language barrier there, do they speak English much and what languages did you have to learn? :)
'In Search Of Where I Belong" so well said it's echoing in my head.
I love your vids broooooooo
You are leaving too?
@@Elsonoliveira716 There is a world out there to be explored right?
@@illneas yes my friend.
The perfect title for a song..
I am from Europe and spent my life wishing I could move to the US. I finally moved this year having worked hard to get sponsored for a work visa. For me Europe was a place I needed to escape. Its interesting to see it from the other side.
Yikes
@@nillyk5671 lol are you a european or an american saying yikes? :)
We sometimes tends to think grass are greener at the other side.
There's a place for everyone. Many people are born in the place where they want to be most, some people are not. No one place is better than all others, it can only be better or worse for you.
US American don’t have a clue about their own privilege ..
When I first traveled outside the country I knew immediately that I was not meant to grow old in the States. My soul literally needs to be else where. ❤️
I felt (feel) exactly the same way!
The west is a prison full of people that are overall hateful, greedy, violent, fearful of each other and anti social. There's good people but overall there's a lot of issues.
Omg felt this!
100% what I experienced as well. Not everyone is meant to live in the place they were born or where they grew up.
Dude!!! What the heck! How are these videos soooo good?! The amount of work you put into it is just mind blowing
Haha thank you bro!! That means a lot.
@@nathanieldrew hey, could you please add English subtitles 😊. As some of us are not that good at English.
I do agree. It’s like a mini movie production
I had the chance exact same thought. The editing and production is just next level
@@rodkakarot2553 there are English subtitles
Beautiful vid my friend! Come to Australia when I'm down here please and thanks 🙏
Thank you man! That would be my pleasure- I will let you know!!
Welp this is adorable
One of the Most totalitarian, Authoritarian , Nazi run countries in the world right now
Absolutely! I’d love to see the two of you together in Australia. Pleeeease…:)
over throw your NWO fascist regime you call a government before its too late
I was born in the UK, came to the US as a baby, lived in the US for a total of 40 years before I left for Europe. Like you, I didn't feel like I belonged. I felt culturally different. I just couldn't relate. My heart was always in Europe. I left California in 2004 for Ireland, lived there for 4 years before I fell in love and moved to France, been here since. I don't ever want to leave.
I was going to ask if you became outraged when people said you have a cool accent, but then I read you came as a baby. Did that infuriate your mum when people said that?
@@ascendant95 My mum felt discriminated from the get go because she was a foreigner. My grandma was the worst toward her. It was more or less making fun of the way she talked.
@@whatmeworry7184 I don't believe you for a second. Every Brit I've met in the United States has people fawning all over them and wanting to be their friend. Then they make the unforgivable faux pas of telling them they have a cool accent, and the British snobbery comes out. Sorry guy but I don't believe your story about your "mum's" hardships. I think everyone kissed her ass and it went to her head.
@@whatmeworry7184 My mother was treated poorly by her mother-in-law too. It was more "nobody is good enough for my son, let alone you" than the fact she was from the Royal Royalty land of England. Of course you can't see the forest for the trees and you blame Americans for your grandma's issues though. Nice.
@@ascendant95 Yes, Americans were xenophobic toward my mum....not just my grandmother. It's one of the many reasosn i left the US and to this day was best decision I ever made. What I find interesting is that Americans like yourself don't want to deal with actual social issues but constantly get offended by people's opinions. Stay offended and don't fix your issues.Nice!
I absolutely LOVED my time in Luxembourg. I took a year to leave the US and just enjoy Europe. Like you said, a few hours on the train, you’re in a whole other life and experience
Cars are not freedom. They are shackles and burden economically. And Americans are swallowing this poison fruit. I never feel cars are liberty pain in the ass finding parking if you don't have a garage if you live in a rent appartement . With parking it's very expensive. Trafic jam creat more pollution and it's expensive. More new cars are produced and more old cars which are still functioning thrown to the junkyard. Electric cars are not environmental friendly either. Even worse. Production process is super polluting. But train and bus are a way to improve this. And you can walk more. Which is super good for your health. When you get old you can still go to travelling with ease are something really more joyful . Public transport are cheap and leave you no burden and you save the money for future happiness or project. That's why i prefer Europe and Asia. I am in Canada. And i will leave one day.
@@garryli2030 it really depends on where you live and how much you enjoy traveling.
@@antwanthorogood4921 I just wanna travel when i get retired. Working hard and save most of my cash. As an Asian i feel Asian countries are still better option for my retiring. Earn USD or CAD and spend in south east Asia are excellent. And i don't like tips. I haven't been to restaurant or order any delivery for 5 years since i came to Canada. With a shitbox i drive i dare not go with it for long distance but sometime doing errand is convenient. But in the long run i will sale it cheap and don't own car anymore. It's just too much money still(I am too cheap 30$ cad for insurance each month,but the registration fee is 400$ each year and it's expensive)
@@garryli2030True. Very expensive. 💯
go to africa why Europe, go to roots.
*“You’ll watch an entire Netflix series even when the first episodes are slow just because someone told you that ‘it gets better’, but what if you looked at your goals like that and watched your life get better instead?”*
Love from a small RUclipsr💙
@Nick FL don't agree i think it does get better, just our perception of the carefree, no money trouble no responsibilities makes it `seem` better when we were kids. i am more happier to have a job having a career, being able to afford some experiences and having the age on my side to actually appreciate what i have now, not what i want in the future. i didn't have that perspective as a youngster. life's hard in any phase. age gives you the ability to appreciate it for what it is. just life
What if you found your life was full of tokenism and elements of a destructive agenda, as well as clumsy product placements? What if it gradually became evident the writers had no idea where the story should go, and all the characters seemed flaky and over- or under drawn? Yeah, you probably wouldn’t notice because you’re looking at your phone through the whole thing, anyway. Just like Netflix. Hey, maybe life is Netflix.
Never ever watch something someone says “gets better” theres so many things you can do with your time than watch a show you are not enjoying. If im not intrigued by the end of the first 2 episodes im out.😂
It's the opposite for me. I grew up in East Asia, moved to Germany, traveled many European countries, and finally California. I feel they are just different. None of them is perfect. You have to know what you are looking for at that point of time. I am grateful I traveled a lot in Europe in my 20s. Work in the most innovative tech hub in California, and I certainly look forward to travel to South America. Like many of you, travel is a huge part of my life. I am an Earthian, the planet earth is my country. Peace.
whwn you say you are the opposite, are you saying you love east asia more than california?
California = garbage
Earthling*
I agree with you. One thing I regretted was not being able to do a study abroad, but I’m glad I was able to travel to Europe since my 20s. And actually have traveled to Europe since 2001(all the way to Russia). But after so many travels to Europe , later in life I wanted to experience other places like the South Pacific which I absolutely loved also . Living in California, with an international airport , it’s more convenient to goto Australia and New Zealand, Paris , Costa Rica, Japan on non stop flights . My husband and I also saved enough money to have a 2nd home in France , which we’re able to take our kids every summer or during Christmas . In the tech industry so my husband and I are able To work anywhere remotely which really helps.
So, in a way I am able to get the best of both worlds, living in CA but at the same time having the freedom to travel every year .
@@arlenec3983 wich carrera did u study?
Dude, as a Colombian myself, I truly appreciate you for sharing this amazing video with us. I was born and raised in Colombia, and I moved to the United States when I was 16. It was a total cultural shock for me, because I was not used to life the way it is here. Fast forward, when I was in my junior year (2018) my high school was shot up and 17 of my peers died, it was a tough event and a unforgettable experience; even though it was a traumatic experience, our Hispanic community and Brazilian community got together as one and we became friends with each other, and that was honestly the best thing it could’ve happened, because I was close to a culture completely different from the one I grew up to, and the one I was living in. I started to get close to my Brazilian peers and I started to feel I finally fit in a culture, I totally felt like I was Brazilian my whole life. It’s been 4 years since the shooting in my school, and i thank God something good came out of that horrible day, the day I realized my heart belonged to Brazil. I’ve met the best people in Brazil, I started feeling like truly myself there and I can’t wait until I move to the country I’m truly happy in🇧🇷❤️
Seja bem-vindo
Can I get the school name? You said this was in the United States? If a school was shot up and 17 people died...usually that would be all over the news and a narrative would be pushed.
Será muito bem-vindo, amigo
Fuck man you went to Parkland?
@@alanr4845 Yeah bro he probably did man that's fucking crazy.
I felt the same way, I lived overseas for many years. I learned different languages. Now I’m back in the USA , many years later my 21 year old daughter is following in my footsteps
Your point that moving to a new country lets you "be who you want to be" me really resonated with me. I also left the USA a few years back, and I feel more free to be who I really am rather than follow some subtle (maybe imagined?) cultural pressure to be "American." Living in another country, people don't expect you to totally fit in 100%, so you can find this nice mix between different cultures that suites who you really are.
For sure, but it's also more than that. You don't bring all the history from the relationships you've formed with people and places. I don't mean that you forget about them, but they're not imposing themselves in any way when you meet new people in a new place. You don't need to live up to a persona that you've built up over the years, and talking about connections and places doesn't come with personal experiences and prejudices from the new people you meet. :)
Shut up
Wow you wrote that really well! I have been thinking about this exact situation for a few months and your comment summarised it perfectly
the production quality only gets better, happy for you nathaniel
Literally what I was thinking...
Was going to say!
I am blessed to be born and raised in Zimbabwe Africa. 🇿🇼
I tried living across our border while completing my education but my heart belongs to Zim and I went home as soon as I qualified. When I see people posting on their travels around this country, I feel so much pride. There is so much negative hype about my home country, but those who visit usually don't want to leave. My family are now on two continents but I have stayed.
Your dollar is funny. One trilion bank note. That always makes me happy.
I am glad you feel happy there. I unfortunately don't know much about Zimbabwe. That is sad.
I relate completely. My family in the US moved around a lot due to my dad’s work. I got used to being the new kid in school, having different experiences from my peers, and a sense of being able to reinvent myself over and over. Now in my 70s, I have lived in 7 different countries, and I will probably move again. Looking forward to more and more adventures, learning another language and culture, maybe falling in love again. Bravo to you, Nat. Keep exploring. Never let yourself get complacent. And keep a good journal.
I left the US in July 2017 on a one way ticket to NZ, at age 65 after I retired. I had no idea how long I’d be gone. Ended up spending 15 months in NZ and the rest of the time in Australia, with hop outs of 2-3 weeks to Hawaii, Bali and Fiji. I’d intended to go on to Japan in the spring of 2020, and then on to Greece as the beginning of taking the train all around Europe on a Eurailpass. Then Covid hit, so I’ve been in Sydney since Febrile 2020. I like it here, have met people from all over the world-had roommates who were Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, German, Brazilian (even a few Americans!), but still want to do Japan and Europe when things open up. People ask if I want to go back to the US. I lived there 65 years and traveled all over including 3 cross country drives, but I’m over it 😃. I’m having a wonderful time. Wish I’d done it when I was younger but always had commitments-family, school, jobs. Now I’m free as a bird!
I wish you health, prosperity and great experiences on your travels.
@@D33Lux thank you!
The draconian lockdowns of Australia? That's like going from the frying pan....into the fire!! Japan doesn't tolerate the Big Pharma foolishness, however.
@@domarq Be quiet nut, those lockdowns are saving lives. As someone with 14 months of long covid (31, fit, healthy, no underlying conditions, "mild" infection) with no end in sight I can say with certainty having a government competent enough to keep safety measures in place is a luxury. The dystopias are the shthole countries UK (where I am) & US that have done away with sensible restrictions causing hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of disabled
You are the real boss here! Choosing to leave the country for good where you lived for 65 years is a very tough decision. Many respects from me!
Always had the “I don’t belong here” feeling in my home country and wound up literally in the opposite corner of the world. Thanks for the video, explains my feelings better than I ever could.
I have the same feeling about my home country! As of now, I'm still living there, but next year I will explore some places in Europe and find out where I might like it. I have a strong affinity towards Japan and I've lived there for shorter periods before, but I value my friends here in Germany too much and the thought of moving so far away bugs me. As long as I stay in Europe, I'll still be able to meet my friends multiple times a year without taking an overseas flight.
Same
I too have a same feeling, I feel like trapped here, I don't have any sense of belongingness.
It seems like in the US , people are ‘labeled’ and pitted against each other constantly -especially since this new regime took power. Everything is turning into a war zone here. So frightening.
Same feeling. Can't wait to be abroad🛫✈️
“There are many ways to get an education, and this is mine”
This made me tear up, I don’t know why, but you put it beautifully ❤️
Learning by living. Really the only way :)
I’m decades older than you, yet we’re so much alike. I found your video intriguing and revealing; it felt as though you were speaking from deep within my heart. I too am from the US, where I spent most of my life but I recently found my real home in Panama.🇵🇦
This is the exact reason why I love being an EU citizen. All the different cultures, styles and epic things you can do in this part of the world and its only a couple of hours away!
Me, too!!!
As an American, I am jelly! 😆
Its a shame im a Brit and no longer have that freedom. :(.
@@Matthew_Ssali wtf yes you do
@@tobiisiba1641 As the UK has left the EU we no longer have freedom of movement.So in order to travel to nations in the EU I need to go through customs.I meant I no longer gave the freedom of being an EU Citizen.
"Never" is a strong word. I lived abroad for more than 10 years, in Europe and Costa Rica and other places, after a while, you realize that every country, every place, has problems, whether is the lack of space, cost of living, family thousands of miles away, not getting by the way locals do, etc. The grass is green where you water it, not on the other side. I lived like a nomad and had wonderful experiences but there's something to be said about responsibility, time loss, routine, etc. There's also a deep-rooted running away from stuff in the name of travel and adventure and that always bites you in the end. We all pay a price at the end. Nothing is truly free. Cheers!
In all fairness, though, there's a number of reasons why one would no longer be interested in coming back to the United States. The overall homicide rate and lack of universal healthcare come to mind. Realistically, Europe as a whole is just a better place to spend a lifetime - there's a reason why life expectancy is several years higher across the board. Money isn't everything.
@@somedudeinatunnel3102 I agree with you. I personally don't see myself retiring in the U.S, having said that, there are miserable people in Europe and around the world as well as very happy ones in the U.S, money is not all in life but it's a huge part and sadly European salaries are pretty low even with a career and taxes are pretty damn high, if you manage to convince yourself you don't want that new PS5, buy your mom a house or a nice hotel stay across the world then more power to you (one) but I'm telling you. it does get old and to some extent it does matter, maybe not so much when one's young but in the future. Walking in the cold rain to the cute town's coffee shop to finish your homework with your boo at 21 is not the same as walking that same rain at 45 looking for another job in a foreign language.
Very wise ..
It is my case too ..
100% taking my wealth out of the US. Not a good country to retire in culturally speaking
I'd agree. I spent a few years perhaps traveling too much and moved u's cities a lot. And have been in the Netherlands 2 years for grad school which is enough to see past the PR veneer. I'll be leaving soon enough and will be forever grateful I did this, but I'm wanting to spend my remaining days in the U.S where I'm familiar with the culture and I can plant roots in a city/community. There is something to be said about routine and I'd add close friend groups.
It is so worthwhile to learn about other cultures and other peoples perspectives. Just remember that the U.S. is not a monolith (no country, or people are) I wish some of the people who are travelers would also take that same care and interest they have in other countries and people and apply it to the United States. We are more than “just dumb Americans” and we are definitely more than NYC and LA. Our history may not be as long as others but it is certainly rich and diverse and worth learning about.
Sincerely,
someone from a “flyover town”
Agreed! Everywhere you go in the US the culture is a little different. I live in another flyover town 2 hours from Chicago but for me going to Chicago is almost like going to another country. The US is too big for everyone there to be the same.
The US is actually more correctly thought of as 50 distinct countries with their own laws, customs, histories. Each one also has distinct regions within it, each with their own dialects and ways of thinking and doing. There are certain assented to national norms, and not all the same are agreed upon everywhere, but there is at least some crossover and overlap within that broad range, there is some commonality, but you could spend a lifetime exploring and never get to know more than a portion of it.
It would like spending time only in Okinawa and claiming to therefore understand all of the cultures of vast Asia. Or visiting Heraklion and claiming to know all Europe. Or Cairo, and therefore all of Africa. I spent the better part of the last 46 years living off and on overseas.
All children everywhere have curiosity about other places and people, it isn't unique or different to feel that or to want to explore. What is different and rare is finding children without wanderlust or curiosity.
That is very true the US has to offer lot and has much more nuances than many critiques admit. Further, I learned it is important to keep in mind the simple truth that no country is perfect. Every nation has its advantages but also many problems. Sometimes it sounds that only the US has problems while the rest of the world is this perfect garden Eden which isn't true at all.
"Just dumb Americans', yet the most innovative country in the world. That statement is just ignorant people... well... being ignorant. Don't get me wrong, everyone has their reasons for living where they prefer or like different countries for different reasons. However to call Americans stupid is just categorically false, it's borderline nonsensical.
Then again one less liberal is always a blessing
I'm with you, I love Europe and its way of life. I was born and raised in California, and as diverse as it is, I think there is something very appealing about Europe. I think no matter where you go outside of the US or even the state you were born, you'll find it to be different and find something you like about it that you're not accustomed to, and what is different is what you fall in love with. Usually the last place I visit there is something I love about it. But what I think is different about Europe is how their cities and towns are built, not only in architecture, but how they are centered around community spaces and walkability, where you have the opportunity to interact more on a daily basis. Public transportation is better and not everyone is locked in their own cars trying to get where they need to go on their own. Also, their way of life is a lot more slower. They appreciate what their city and life has to offer and it's not all about hustle and work all the time. There is a greater work/life balance for sure. The culture is based around community and family and that is something that is quite appealing when it spills into your daily life. I have family in Spain and have seen it firsthand. You're still young and discovering these things, but when you get older like me, I'm now 53, you'll see that you can find those things wherever you live, even in the US. It's a matter of perspective and appreciating what's in front of you. I struggle with that sometimes but Europe is always my barometer for my perspective on my way of life.
I admire you for following your bliss and not letting fear of the unknown or unconventional deter you from exploring your passion and the world.
Well said. Kudos to him.
I connect more to "places" than people. I find it so easy to fall in love with geological areas, new towns , high mtns, winding roads etc.
I'd never thought of it like this before but me too. My physical surrounding has a massive impact on how I feel
Same!
I've been enjoying your videos for 3 years and think it's great you have such an explorative attitude with a deep experience of your journey. I enjoy tagging along LOL. I knew nothing about Luxembourg and I'm intrigued by it now.
I have to agree! As an American i never felt as culturally American as everyone else.
Theres this quantity over quality minded set in American culture. Especially the way Americans consume a lot of media, celebrity obsessed and material stuff. I love the simplicity of European culture. everything is like an art adventure, the architecture looks like a work of art, the low key life, simple living, natural living, minimalistic conscious , quality food without expensive prices, urban development spaces that have these beautiful hidden green spaces, old colonial style buildings mixed with modernism, lots of hidden gems!
You can tell the culture of the people in Europe isn’t as
over-indulgent in social media, food and material possessions the way Americans are, with a few exceptions. You see there’s a culture of living in the moment, having a small community, and appreciating the little things in life. I appreciate Americans for being go getters when it comes to money, but the ‘make your life about money’ seeking culture in America isn’t for me, the stress and not being able to live in the moment isn’t for me. Different strokes for different folks.
The privilege of being able to travel with a certain passport with no visa to almost all countries in the world cannot be ignored here. Nathaniel and many others can do that because they have very powerful passports to begin with. His US passport currently ranked no. 6 in Henley Passport Ranking, affording him 186 visa-free destinations. Comparatively, for instance, Indonesian passport ranks 73rd with 71 visa-free destinations, and Vietnam passport ranks 90th with only 54 free-visa destinations. Meanwhile, a US passport holder can travel visa-free to Indonesia and the reverse is not true: this is the unfair world that we live in where poorer countries are not being given the equal right to travel. For Indonesians and Vietnamese, to travel to any European countries would require them to apply visa with very stringent document requirements. Applying a US visa for instance is also expensive for many in these countries, and the chance of you getting rejected is very likely, and they won't return the application fee either.
So while I am happy that he can live the way he wants, many people don't travel as often not because they don't want to, but they simply can't logistically speaking.
it's not ignored, nathaniel does mention it (although briefly). in fact i think its only mentioned briefly because the emphasis throughout the entire video has been about his experience, his reasons, and his goals.
54 visa-free destinations is still a lot lol. i dont think thats a good excuse when it comes to travel/non-travel.
@@TheCinnamondemon 54 sounds a lot but many of these destinations are not exactly places people have in minds to go travel to. Some of these places are relatively dangerous and not so tourist friendly.
Personally I think the passport "rankings" are meaningless. Apply for a visa if you want to go to a place that requires a visa. Wherever you go, there are restrictions on length of stay and employment. Getting a visa is no worse than visiting the dentist.
That said, travelling on any passport is easier with money. That's the real visa.
Yes 🤔 My passport ranks 4th with 190 visa free destinations, but I can go everywhere. Rest you just get the visa.
What’s worse than feeling homesick when you travel to a place different then your own country ? Feeling homesick for the country you just returned from in your OWN country … Cheers to all the brave travelers out there who chose to step out of their comfort zone and go explore the world ..! 👏👏
I totally understand this.
@@borobhai1 I am glad you do .. Happens to me all the time but it’s a fact of life that I deal with now ..
@@mustafabaris9681 Same!
It's called reverse culture shock. I experienced it as well when returning to the US after living abroad for work.
I definitely understand what You mean!💕
I left Brazil for good in 2002 and I’ve been living in the USA ever since . I still find Brazil a beautiful place but not for me . I appreciate who I am due to Brazil but I’m quite happy being a Brazilian- American . I almost moved to London and I find London quite unique . The world is unique . I make Austin Texas unique for me .
I know this was a long time ago but I’m just now watching and am literally crying, ive watched your videos occasionally and you just are good and inspiration. Thank you for everything you do
I’m at the airport as we speak. Love your content homie
stay safe and safe flight homie
where are you going?
safe travels :)
we're in the middle of a pandemic stay the fuck at home
@@pandabear7216 chances are he/she is vaccinated and even if that’s not the case, he/she can do what he/she wants, no matter how inconsiderate or dangerous it might look to other people. also, there’s no reason for you to be rude.
I’ve never been very patriotic. Believing that your country is the best even makes me cringe a little, because to me it shows a lack of humility and openness.
I always travel whenever I get the chance to.
I’m glad you found a place to call home in Paris! Wishing you all the best!
Maybe, move?
Being patriotic doesn't mean you have to believe your country is the best, but to be proud of your country! I'm proud to be American, even though we have plenty of work to do. I'm also open minded to the way other countries operate & jealous of certain aspects of their cultures 😁
@@theyalwaysknow Of course, I definitely agree. I should have said excessively patriotic. I think it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate the place you’re from, but it should be a base and not a limitation.
Same here, that's a great way of putting it. It's a very close minded way to think, and some people barking and reciting patriotic non-sense seem to be very sensitive, almost like they have to get defensive and convince themselves their life is the best choice, because they're to scared and lazy to even try something else.
1000% agreed!
I've only been to Europe once during high school and it was amazing. Your videos make me want to go back soon.
I moved to usa 2 years ago from the country called Kazakhstan. I definitely changed my opinion a bit, but this country is going to open me the doors to explore other continents and countries more easy. Something that my birth country couldn't provide:( it's interesting how everyone has their own completely individual path. Sometimes, you just forget that part
Круто, а с какого ты города?
I find Jamestown very adventurous with Kazakhs, Russians, Uyghurs, Koreans, Dungans, Uzbeks, Ahiska Turks, and on and on. Plus mountains and steppe. But I'm an American.
А как же медицинские услуги? Почему-то всё говорят, что они хуже, чем в Европе. Чувствуешь ли ты там себя защищённым (в плане преступлений, медицины и тд) ?
Спасибо, если ответишь 👐🌍
Да, я чувствую себя примерно так же. Штаты дают отличные возможности для сбора средств, это очень помогает в такие тяжелые времена, когда твоей семье нужна поддержка. Но жаль, что не более того, назвать США домом не получается.
I'm leaving Canada to move to Italy in a couple of days and I'm nervous but so so excited to discover more of the world. I want to rediscover the country of my grandparents.
You won't regret it! Buon viaggio!
Make sure you watch your football🤭
LETS GET IT JESS!
I wish you the best, hope this experience is full of great knowledge, and groth, hope you can fulfill your dreams and hope this helps to get you a new... You, if you will.
Good Luck!!! I cannot wait for my turn.
I hope all huhuhu
Approaching 4 years in Costa Rica. A lot of what you said resonates with me. It sounds like you've found your place :)
A kindred soul! Lived in the middle of the US all my life but have never felt home here. Europe felt like home the second I arrived for a trip years ago. Just wish I’d made the move like you did! You inspire me! ❤️👏🏼
I left Venezuela 7 years ago and I'm ok with dying and never coming back to that place.
Where did you go?
Don't understand why people from the US make such a big deal to emigrate, you don't have to stay in the place where you were born, there's a big world you're missing out, the US is not the only country in the world, you can be happier and found better opportunities in other countries beside the US
It's because they've been brainwashed to believe that they are the only free people on earth, the only people that eats 3 times a day, the only place where you can visit a dr etc so don't blame them.
The answer is privilege. Most people in the us exist purely as wage slaves, and the country/system makes it very hard to leave. Or even see out. We are taught that America IS the world, so no need to leave. Getting around that takes an independent will, and most importantly, lots of money.
Because, Americans are raised by injecting America is the greatest country in the world narrative. A country is being social welfare is non existent, people don't realize that in other countries the tax you pay will come back to you unlike going overseas for " peace keeping "
I think Austin said it best. US Americans are constantly inundated with "you are in the best Country in the world, everyone wants to come here." Well traveling the world, I realized that majority come to the US for economic opportunities.
The ones who come for travel see nothing exclusive to the US, because as they finish with the US, they are off to Mexico, Canada etc. The US is truly behind (especially in geography terms). Most world Citizens speak at least 2 Languages. In the US, we hear that "English is everywhere, you don't need to learn another language".
It's shameful because outside the 5 Eyes Countries, no one has to speak English to Monolingual English Speakers. It's a courtesy NOT a right!
@@TuddsCrapshoot based! so many people don't see this, he is the 1%.
Great storytelling! Good luck with your adventure. When I was a soldier, I got to serve in Germany for five years. It was so awesome traveling around. I envy the freedom you have to follow your dreams.
you come across as happy, excited and content. more power to you!!
I love this mind set! I've never fit in here in the states. I married a French guy I met in Connecticut back in my 20s. He was more American than I and he hoped to achieve "the American Dream" and I longed to move to Paris. We eventually did move to France but back to the region he was from the Haut Savoir. I came alive even at the airport in Geneva. It was beautiful and everything was fascinating to me. I've never felt so alive. Living in different areas of the region that is so beautiful and finally moving above the fog line to his ancestral home in Chamonix was amazing. I loved the culture, the rhythm of life and mentality of the French people, the food and wine, conversation and the depth of reflection so many possess. I never wanted to move back to the states. Circumstances happened to forced me back and now I've been on the opposite coast in California for 2 decades missing like crazy the way of life I once knew. I'm 65 and with Covid craziness across the world I wonder if I'll ever get back to living my dream of life in France. You've boosted my hope monitor though and I thank you for that! Your videos are really wonderful😘
Haul arse Donna, it's a race against the clock, I'm irish in florida 56 and making a plan for the netherlands, it's a bit nerve wracking, I think I will go for 4-5 months and see how I feel. Good luck
@@patglennon9671 true enough! Hey all the best on your travel plans and execution!👍🙏. I appreciate your commenting back.
@@zoeymckeown3194 florida is a human zoo, i,v had my fun now its time to head over to europe, healthcare, no guns, civility. Ect
"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions". Love watching your growth Nathaniel
Love the quote!
AFTER, A FEW YEARS,~ IN SO. PASIFIK, BOARDING SCHOOL, 40 YRS BACK IT WAS A BIZAAR, REALITY, TOUCH DOWN, LA~X, NASEL, US ACCENTS, WHERE TOTALLY FORIGN, IS/ CULTURE, INFUSED, W/BRITTANIA? SO GLAD , I LEFT~
Thank you for sharing!! Your story is beautiful
I think many of the points Drew makes is true for anyone who has left the country they grew up in. Perspective is everything. And that’s why travel is the best education you can get. It opens your eyes to new ways of living, new realities.
Having just moved to the USA from South Africa, I completely relate to what Drew has described, and yet my feeling of freedom and appreciation of beautiful surroundings is all in relation to the USA.
So it seems less about the actual country and more about your own frame of reference and experience.
Another beautifully told story.
Your France is my Italy. The first time I set foot there 10 years ago I realized just how much I've never felt at home in the US. By no means is Italy a perfect country.. but I just feel different, more content, more fulfilled whenever I'm there. I'm working on getting my passport now (e so già parlare la lingua) and the moment I have it I will never live in the US again. BTW I've never watched a Super Bowl final either, I genuinely thought I might've been the only one 😅
I haven't watch it either
That's awesome! I am originally from Sicily came to the states and grew up here however return to visit every year (except the last 2 covid yrs) and have traveled up north aswell, beautiful country
I feel the same way about Italy. I studied abroad there 12 years ago and my heart aches to go back. I planned a trip but it was cancelled due to COVID. I can’t wait to go back.
had the same feeling with italy
Same here. The first time I went to Italy, I felt like it was home.
Right on Nathaniel, very inspiring.
Thank you!
Hi I've just found your video. My life is pretty similar to yours. I'm Japanese, but never had felt connected with my people and with my culture, and one day I left for abroad. I was in Thailand at first and then to Turky, and ended up in the Netherlands. It's been 17 years since I live in this country and I LOVE it. It's just wonderful being surrounded by super sweet Dutch and many other Europeans. I can't imagine myself not living in the Netherlands.
Watching Nathaniel's videos always feels like I have an older brother who cares about me dearly. Thank you for giving me that feeling through your craft.
Duh at first sight i thought were using Timothee Chalamet's photo as your profile picture :')
@@stellamay5711 BAHAHA what a compliment!!
I'm from the US myself living in Germany. After my service with the US army, I ended up staying here and making it my new home since 2011....I think and feel exactly like you do, as to living outside of the US and making Europe my home. Thanks for expressing exactly how I been feeling all these years because, I have always found hard on how to properly put it together in way that makes sence.
I've met a few ex military that decided to stay in Europe. They fell in love with a local .
I understand you, I was born in Sri Lanka, moved to Australia when I was 3, my dad worked for the French bank and I would constantly read about French history. I finished fashion school after 3 years and moved to France, I had an address to go to but no job, I had 5 years of school french and understood it on paper but was too scared to speak it..... I had saved money working part-time but that money ran out... I cleaned apartments, was a proctor for international exams.... whatever it took. I made my way, found a job in couture as a designer, and lived in France for 10 years visited many countries by train, and love European culture... I now live in New York and have lived here for 20 years...and am contemplating my next leap of faith.... life is a journey of constant encounters and offers that may or may not move you to make a change if you are willing to take on the challenge.
There is beauty everywhere we live and nice souls wherever we are . We just need to be open to it.
If everyone ran away from one place - the place becomes empty - thank God we all have different tastes and likes !
The world is but One Country, and MANKIND its citizens.
Let us be UNITED in our diversity ! “ WE ARE ONE ! Flowers of one garden , leaves of one tree..,” Bahá’u’llah
I have lived in Europe half of my life and in USA the second part . No matter where we live - we are always interconnected - our purpose here is to serve the humanity in whatever capacity we can .
I'm German and used to live in the U.S. for several years. I've also traveled the world, including some exotic places like Antarctica and Papua New Guinea. I appreciate all different cultures, but I do love being close to so many others here in Germany. Culture doesn't equal politics.
I've always loved your videos and your positive and life-hungry attitude. If you ever need a guide in Southern Germany, I'd love to show you around some beautiful places. I'm also a full-time RUclipsr and so thankful for the freedom it gives me.
Thanks for sharing your story,I recently made mine
ruclips.net/video/ytQ7JIz6coY/видео.html
Bist oiso a Bayra?
@Asta RUclips I want to visit Romania! One in my list is the Danube Delta, but I live in Uruguay, therefore we need all this virus stuff to get much better before travelling again !
Hey, I learned how to sing with a raspy voice from your video! Dankeschön!
I love your online courses, !!! How odd I find you here, commenting !!!!! 🙂
I REALLY want to do this when I grow up. Digital nomad seems like the dream job. Love your short films!
You can start now. All you need is ideas , camera and editing software
@@dearbrave4183 Well I've started my RUclips channel :D
same! All I got is an Iphone and a canon camera... how do I start?
We couldn't agree more! Let the possibilities and curiosities of life guide your journey.
Beautiful video essay
You inspired me to live outside of my comfort zone, and I moved from America to Switzerland for university. It’s only been a couple of months, and I feel so much better here than I did at home
i love this for you
tell me more please, i want to move out the usa whats your experience like
Excellent move Alex!
Whaaa the editing on this Nathaniel - unreal!!
This is so accurate. I feel like I don't belong to my home country, since I realised it's hard to connect with people here, besides the fact that people are very nice here in Colombia. I would really love the idea of going abroad and explore more things I could get a deeper connection with. Can't wait to do the adventure✨
I think this video is beautiful and I want to add when he’s talking about American culture that’s white wealthy American culture that he’s describing. There’s communities throughout the US that have historical, unique, and intimate cultures and communities. I want to add this because I know not everyone can leave, if they don’t have documentation to get on a plane, the funds, the language ability, they can’t leave family, also a US passport gives you access to a lot more places, etc.
I just believe for people who have a slim chance of leaving that there’s places to explore in the US too, I know my mind always goes to New Orleans (and the communities around it) in Louisiana, that’s a different world than the surrounding cities and states.
I know throughout the world there’s people who might not be able to leave, so I want to say there’s usually space to explore the countries we are currently in!
You’re absolutely correct.
He exemplifies the America for which he has such disdain. Typical arrogant leftist millennial.
@@alexk48 What you you mean "leftist"?
Ok jogger
Hi @Alex, I find your clarification condescending. It is obvious he is white and has a certain level of socioeconomic access just by looking at any of his videos. It's so obvious that not everyone can afford what he can, or have his opportunities. How come you think you need to make it clear? To whom? Who do you think needs the clarifications that you are sharing that may not have been able to notice it by just watching the same thing you just watched? He is sharing his perspective, very specific to who he is, and that's the case of everyone sharing a perspective of living. Why isn't it obvious he is not an authority claiming truths about the world but rather his very subjective experience that is not inclusive of the entire American experience since he is just one person?
3 reasons (recap):
1) I never felt culturally "American"
2) The freedom to be whoever I want to be
3) There's still so much world to see
Weird first point. Considering the general consensus of American culture is that of freedom. Which is the whole 2nd point.
It seems they really wanted freedom to try to 'become' a native Luxembourger.
@@mike-cc3dd it's a nuanced thing. Freedom isn't the only aspect of American culture
@@mike-cc3dd That's not how culture works, and you're still incorrect on that too. Culture and its values are defined by what the consensus of the country has done, and for almost all of America's history until very recently it has been doing the opposite of having freedom. Can you explain to me how a country has a culture of freedom but was founded on slavery, discrimination against women, as well as discriminated against non-Protestant religions for centuries?
There is a difference between how a country advertises itself and how it actually operates. It is actually the dumbest thing to tote around a country having a 'general consensus of that of freedom' when for almost all of its history it has spent its time going out of its way to suppress and oppress people, domestically and internationally.
As you get older in the USA and start having health problems, add number 4: unaffordable healthcare.
I never went to prom, no after school games, never watched football/baseball and never go clubbing. Traveling is my super bowl. I’m 24 and I’ve been to 20 countries in 4 continents and this is only the beginning. Get up and go!
Good for you, Nathaniel. This is inspiring. Keep expanding your bubble until it takes in the whole world! You go, guy!
I can so relate. I grew up in southern California and always felt like an alien. I moved progressively more north, eventually to Portland, but though the fit was better, and would appear on the surface to match, something deeper didn't click. So when my wife and I got the sense in late 2015 that we should move to the EU in Spring 2017 (thanks Mom for the dual citizenship option!) We followed that hunch, moving to the Netherlands with our son, where in so many ways we feel such ease, relief, and a better fit.
I think living with people in Pennsylvania is better
How nice that you had an option. The rest of us are stuck here. Borders and countries make no sense.
I’m sorry you feel that way. But actually, there’s an option that just about anybody in the US can use to move to NL: the DAFT program. Take a look, it’s quite wide in what people can do to be able to move here. And you don’t need to be an EU citizen.
It must be so awesome to find the place you feel you belong. I’m a woman in my 50s from east coast US. I have never been in a place I felt I really fit in. I have a family member who left the States and now lives in France as well. She, also, does not want to return to the US. I have always longed to travel to other countries.
"I have always longed to travel to other countries." Do it! It will change you. There are so many things you'll learn when you travel.
Never too early to start ..good luck ex-US swatter
take the leap and change your surroundings. wishing you luck x
East coast is a bit cold and uptight compared to most of America
Excellent video.. you and your parents have opened your boundaries. Good for all of you👏👏
What you are is wide open and your manner is so infectious. Keep doing what your doing your definitely on the right track . 👍👍👍
My entire family was born in southern Greece and one day I would love to live there for 6 months (at least) because when I visited there I felt so connected to the people, food, language and everything about it.. it’s a great place ✨
A lot of people are afraid of leaving their perceived comfort zones. I admire you for taking the challenge and growing your life experience in a positive way even with the occasional hurdles.
Nathaniel, I'm incredibly happy that I found your RUclips channel, it's been nothing short of inspiring. I'm currently in the early stages of planning my exit from the U.S. and you make it all feel very possible when my doubts start to invade, thank you.
this is an amazing video. I love the open mentally to share information about new languages and cultures.
I lived as an expat for a few years and it was a truly enriching experience that changed my life for the better in so many ways. There were even a few times I considered staying there permanently. However, there have also been times when I have been astonished by how vast and beautiful and truly diverse (in people, landscape, etc.) the US is. When I returned from being abroad, I went on a road trip and saw places and different lifestyles and cultures even here in the US that I’d never encountered before and it shifted my perspective further. Definitely not saying that the US is the best, far from it, but there is also something that I missed when I lived abroad that I can’t pinpoint. It’s almost like when you’re outside of the US (and your home country in general) you have a sense of objectivity about your country, but when you’re stateside, you can appreciate the nuances more than you did before.
Anyway, I think it’s awesome that you are exploring the world and sharing your experiences! Everyone should have the opportunity to travel and broaden their horizons.
Agree! Central PA and Central MD couldn't be more different in so many ways. Yet people have the same issues, problems, sins, etc., wherever you go. Many Central MDers would feel Central PAers are backwards, and Central PAers, interestingly enough, feel rather judged by people who criticize them and haven't even seen how they live. It's really interesting to see.
Totally feel you on this... Today is my two-year anniversary in Tokyo. Can't even fathom going back.
I love at the end where you state something along the lines of people looking down upon these decisions and that there are many ways to get an education. With the paradigm shift and the internet, getting a formal education is going to be obsolete soon which is what many Americans do not realize. And when their standard of “go to college” doesn’t do anything for them anymore they will be shocked they have believed in this the whole time. I have had so many people in US look down on me for not having a bachelors degree, however, I have so much knowledge and wisdom from traveling and following my heart/spiritual journey…thank you for sharing your experience Nathaniel!
Loved the ending! Totally and 100% agree! Mine is a similar story as yours! Keep it up
I grew in London. French was language we spoke at home. My lineage is mixed asf.
Coming from a family of polyglots and "nomads", I felt deep within my soul that London was just the beginning for me!
I still don't feel ready to find my "forever home"- but not all who wander are lost.
My first trip to Thailand was like that....a trip to Mars! Travel exposes possibility, I'm glad you have found your joy.
I went to China for 12 years from Canada. The cities are like science fiction. Yes. Asia is a trip to Mars.
Spain was my first destination abroad as an exchange student in high school! Loved Spain so much. And after that, I was hooked on travels throughout my 20's.
Drew!
You’re awesome bro.
Your videos are super informative! Tremendous job! Bravo!
I’m the same. I went back to the country of my ancestors and I will never leave it.
The US can keep its chaos and dysfunction.
Hey, out of curiosity, where did you go back to and what was it like? Greetings from Europe :)
Yeah, would be interesting to know what was the country of your ancestors?
And xenofobia :~
The chaos have aspects which are impossible to knock, let alone "beat". Chaos can not be messed up. Chaos means freedom which in turn is destruction to the fool and opportunity for the wise. In chaos the compliments are sincere. In orderly structure - values are facades. Of course-I would never expect anyone to agree! Be free.
chaos and dysfunction…lol. How much of the US can you really say you experienced? This country is so huge and diverse. Maybe you watch too much news and tv “about” the US. 😂
You are more articulate than probably 80% of all the people who went to College or University. I love how you organize your content.
College and university in the United States these days is more like high school of just a couple of generations ago. And it's getting worse.
@@sprezzatura8755 💀💀💀
Nathaniel, you have such a strong sense of inquiry. There are just so many interesting places and cultures all around the world and you are finding some of them. That’s a wonderful thing.
This was.a great video and one that I can relate very much to. I've done a lot of travel in my life (mostly in Asia) to the point where I now feel less interested in the exploration of my own country where I come from. Life is full of adventure and I seek more of it every time I have a new experience somewhere else.
I moved to Saarbrücken in Germany, literally yesterday. It's right on the French border, and very close to Luxembourg. Your videos are one of the reasons I'm choosing to explore the world.
Much love 🇬🇧🇩🇪
I'm from saarbrucken ! Hope you'll enjoy this little city. It's where i feel the most at home :)
@@Claerdelune thank you!! I'm excited, and it seems really nice here
Amazing Video Nathaniel. When uniqueness and quality combine its amazing. Keep up the great work!
I got an opposite situation - I live in eastern europe and I dream of going to the us. Dream, because I have totally squandered my waiver visa and any possibility of easy entry. That time in the airport in the US, before they sent me back, it felt more like home than Latvia ever did. Maybe I was delusional. I dunno, but it doesn't feel like home where I was born.
Just try Canada and you will forget US. It is like US but without all the cons
@@BaconatorYummy Canada is like Michigan but colder- Canada has 3 livable cities. No job pops- the rest is empty lands- we have at least 25 livable cities- better jobs opps- thousands and thousands of Canadians move here to make money esp doctors- plz don’t compare what’s not comparable 😂
@@eliaskardous4224 This is my opinion from European perspective. I lived in both countries. US, NJ and Canada, AB. Please go to the cities like Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver. Yeah only few but they are great, clean, safe. Canada is just much different, slower pace of life. Social services are much better, health care (Iknow about waiting times). I think USA is much better place for wealthier people, but for the average folks no doubt Canada is esier to live. I love USA tho, been to most of the cities.
@@BaconatorYummy you are delusional if you think healthcare is better in Canada. My aunt lives in Montreal. She needed an MRI. She had to wait 4.5 months for an appointment. She flew to NYC and was able to schedule one within days
@@eliaskardous4224 yeah, lets use one example and judge whole system lol. How about 31 mil citizens who are uninsured ? 112 mil have trouble paying for health care ?
You are SO LUCKY! You are living the life I want to live. It is coming.....but you beat me to it. I'm born and raised in America, but feel like a foreigner in my own land. BeNeLux, France, Germany, Poland - those are the countries where I feel like I belong. I can relate to how you feel. I want to live life the way I was born to.
Yep, free life for everyone, the life in us is programmed in the way of sleeping and working all the time on your life.
I've also left my country of birth (never to return): Finland. Not because Finland is not great, in fact, it is, objectively. It just doesn't excite me enough, and I would feel like I was wasting my life if I stayed there any longer as I've already experienced it. I want to experience as much of what the world has to offer as possible. I relate to you so much!
I love Finland. And I agree, no matter how great/comfortable/familiar/secure your hometown/country is, the world is too big to stay at the same place.
@@balahatun this 1000%
@ARC Commander CT-420 haha indeed!
Where did you go? :)
@@Kringeladida I left to London in 2018..although now I am leaving London too haha, still yet to decide where tho!
I really admire your passion for traveling, however I think it’s not about location, people or even food, it’s about being content with where you are currently. Novelty wears off, even if you live by the ocean and the palm trees, because in 3-5 years it becomes just “another” place with its own struggles, obstacles and disadvantages. Also you don’t have to be a true American in order to live in America or enjoy your culture, I don’t think it’s mandatory to watch super bowls and celebrate Halloween. You have the freedom of choice and location doesn’t define it.
I can totally understand te first part but the second part it not like people want to live America because of American traditions but want to leave for a new environment and a new way of doing things in life. Yes you can just do that in america but it not the same it just loneliness. It better to go out their and see the world 🌎
Being content with where you are is ENTIRELY about the people, location and even the food unless you are a misanthrope. Staying in a place you're unhappy at, (or perhaps unsafe at) and getting used to the conditions around you simply because that's where you are, is like being a child stuck in an abusive home. Many people in that situation learn to cope as well, but that type of contentment is really mental gymnastics. Unfortunately everybody isn't able to find that place in the world where they can feel honest contentment, but more power to those that can and seize the opportunity.
@@NelsonStJames good post nelson, I'm irish but found my home in the netherlands, such a calm smart country.
@@NelsonStJames Money can give people the options and opportunity's to go and find a place that suits their way of life. Someone poor is financially burdened to where they're been placed due to poor life choices by family.
@@saberswordsmen1 100% agree, the community and culture plays a huge factor on one's ability to live content.