I've noticed the videos where I speak to you all get WAY more views so I hear you loud and clear and am striving to do more. :) I hope you enjoy it! Also, almost 100 subs away from 5,000!!!! Thank you so much!!!
Hey Sonnie, Scottish slang is contagious, I've lived all over the UK and found that people around me start using Scottish words like wee, och, gonnie and whit etc.... without even realising it.
Something (I dunno if I'd say it's changed me but yeah lol) plaid is actually the Gaelic word (not sure if its Scots, Irish or Manx Gaelic) cloth/blanket (there's really no difference in the words usage. The pattern is of course called Tartan, originates from Queen Victoria (or they do rather being plural lol) since with her romanticism of scotland, comes from the French word (I think but don't quote me on this) Tiretan.
I have been living in Aberdeen for almost a year and a half. Now im moving back to India and will surely miss Scotland. After watching your video im getting bit emotional. I think the word 'Cheers' will be the difficult one to let go. Anyway, god speed to your channel. Cheers !!
Being a proud Scot. I'm happy to hear you used our words. It's nice to see someone embracing our culture. Hope you had a haggis roll and a can of irn bru 😂
Ignore those idiots who said you were trying too hard, they probably will never leave their own towns and don't realise that most language changes are unconscious as proven by the fact you would use both lift and elevator in the same sentence.
+Paul Crawford Aww thanks! It does bother me a bit, but I just remind myself that if they knew me they wouldn't be thinking that stuff. Also, you're right. It was 100% subconscious.
Exactly! I was in the Shannon region of Ireland for just 10 freaking (but blessedly wonderful) days on holiday and by the end of it I was having locals tell me that they could just barely tell that I was foreign. Granted some of that was probably just natural politeness but still, most humans do pick up the local mannerisms of an area pretty quickly when completely submerged in a culture.
You're so lucky that your body re-climatized itself!! I guess I've gotten used to the cold a little bit, but I moved here after living for years in Florida, so I'd say even after 8 years in Europe I'm still pretty freezing in the winter and have to wear a HUGE jacket to keep warm😄
+Wanted Adventure Oh no! If probably helped that I'm from NJ and CT mostly so I was used to cold winters and hot summers. We made it to Berlin and Dresden during the summer, (but not Munich) and it was pretty warm at that time at least :)
You said "flat" instead of apartment! Yaaay! Keep up the good work. I moved from Scotland to Spain and now I eat really late and find Scottish weather so cold. We made a Scotland video if you have time you can watch it if you like! What's your favourite Scottish word?
+Lailandi Adventures I'd love to watch! Thanks for letting me know :) Do you like Spain? How long have you lived there? Hmm my favourite Scottish word is probably, "dreich" Hbu?
Sonnie Travels That's so weird, Dreich is my favourite Scots word too. The phonics of it suit the meaning so well. I do love the word glekit too. I'm loving Spain, I actually see more similarities between the two than differences. They like to fiesta and Scots like to party. That's enough for me!
Hahaha awesome! It's a damn good word. Did you see my Scots Quiz video?? That sounds amazing. Sadly, we never made it to Spain, but we're planning on going there once we're back in Europe :)
+spreadthelove77 Thanks so much! I honestly had a bit of a tough time adjusting and am planning on discussing that in a video. Culture Shock is sometimes not so fun, but I think in getting better. Loving my job helps
I lived in Scotland for three months working on a strawberry farm. I also picked up a lot of the accent in a short space of time. So much so that some people thought I was from Scotland. I loved my time in both Scotland and England. I will be visiting Scotland again soon. I found this video very helpful in learning more about what life is like in Scotland.
I wish you were still in Scotland!! I'm an American who just moved to Scotland and it would have been nice to meet up with a fellow American youtuber haha 😄
+Jodi's Expat Life That's great! When we moved to Edinburgh, we had never been to Scotland before and Joe had never left the country at all so we lucked out that we loved it so much lol
really enjoyed watching many of your videos. They're very well done. Just came across them while browsing stuff and ended up watching a few. Thanks for sharing ;)
Sonnie. You are so honest. I love your videos. Love that you reference Edinburgh sometimes. Anyhoo! Enjoy your travels and can't wait to follow your blogs.
+Royal Caymanian My family used to be like that lol We rescued animals and at one point had 18 (all different kinds though). Joe and I move around too much to have any more so we're happy with out little family right now :)
Sonnie Travels Very decent of you folks. When I was a traveller, I didn't have any animals to miss, now I miss them if i'm gone just for a day LOL. BTW I just brought a new cat home that some tourists found. Sadly, she got away, hope she doesn't wander to far off. Safe travels!
Hello fellow cat person :-) Been glancing through some of the comments here. Just to say that folk with your attitude will always be welcome in Scotland. You may however be better out of it for the time being, 2018 looks like being 'interesting times' (as in the Chinese curse) for the UK as a whole, but hopefully a very good year for Scotland ;-)
I'm glad that you touched on the speech changes. It only makes sense to adjust your vocabulary to your environment. It helps people to understand what you are saying and it shoes that you want to be respectful of the culture.
+Fine Ass Amy Fresh I totally agree! But there's definitely people out there who don't. I often wonder if they've ever moved to a new place with different speech though. Maybe it's just something they have to experience.
As a Scot, I'm enjoying your videos. I notice you still say Scattish and Scatland, that's a dead giveaway. Edinburgh's different from the west in weather, we get much more rain than they do in the East. And I'm surprised about your ripped jeans experience. Only yesterday I was thinking, "When is the ripped jeans trend going to be over? (it's been a 'thing' for years), but that was in Glasgow, not Edinburgh. Going out in your pjs? Never!!!
OK I am British but have an issue with queues. What annoys me is when there are several cash machines in a bank yet just one queue that goes out the door and blocks off everyone in the street and in the bank. Just make a smaller queue for each cash machine and choose one. Stop making unnecessarily long queue!!!!!
Hey Sonnie, Thanks for sharing this... I love learning about situations I may find myself in from someone who has been there. So helpful! I would love to hear more about your (and Joe's) teaching jobs. What grades are you working with? How big is the school? The difficulty of the language barrier and cultural differences are great topics too. I can't wait to hear more. Are you familiar with Rachel and June, Sharla in Japan and Taylor R? When I saw the troubles you had with your bank card in Korea I thought you might find some good tips on these vlogs. You might even make some you-tuber friends 💑
I'm planning on making a video all about my experiences teaching here in Japan for sure. :) We both teach Junior High School and love it. I teach at one school (because it has so many students), while Joe teaches at 2 smaller schools. I have been watching Rachel and Juns videos for years now actually :) I thought she was so inspiring! I've also watched Sharla's videos and a few of Taylor's :D Thanks for the suggestions though! I'll send one your way too: check out Simon and Martina. They're wonderful in every way. I haven't met any other you tubers here in Japan, but most of them are in Tokyo (plus I'm just a wee, little channel haha)
I saw you on Princes Street one day when I was rushing to work. I recognised you immediately from your Scotland videos. I was going to say hello but I was in a rush.
You had your camera at the time. I love seeing people exploring edinburgh, I take it for granted having lived here my whole life. Glad you had a nice time here, I hope you come back.
@@SonnieTravels yes well what a bloody mess that's going to be. Better to talk over a fence as shout over a wall, don't need any more. Stay sunny, Sonnie.
I hope you get used to the warmer weather in Japan so that you'll live it and love it. As for the lingo changes in Scotland I think that one always picks up some local vernaculer and some will stay with you for life. Enjoy Japan. If you get to the Philippines while your in that part of the globe I think you will love the kind and gentle people there. I know that I do.
+Paul Price I hope I get used to it too! I'm sure I will after a bit. We definitely want to visit the Philippines! We made a few friends from the Philippines here :)
I would LOVE to know more about the process of moving to the UK in general! I've always been interested, but I don't know where to start (aside from finally getting my passport...lol). Thanks for making these videos!
+Melinda Meginness Moving to the UK is very similar to moving to the US. The government is very anti-immigration so it's incredibly difficult to live there long-term without being a citizen. It is possible, but it takes devotion. The more education you have, the easier it is, but it's still not easy. I've avoided making a video on the subject because Brexit will make it null and void most likely. The main question is do you have relatives in the UK? Aka, can you get dual citizenship? If not, what's your education level and would you want to go back to school? That's how I was able to move to the UK with my husband, but after our visas expired, we had to leave the country. Thanks so much for watching! I'm so glad you like my videos 😀
Have to say I've just found your vids and have really enjoyed watching them. Thank you. Re. language; it varies so much within Scotland itself. I moved to different region when I was at school and I might as well have been from a different country.
Totally agree with the whole patter thing, you do pick it up. There isn't really a homogenised language anywhere, and if the people you talk have certain words, and even pronunciation you will pick them up through conversing with them. My brother is the prime example, he moved up to the Central Belt, and has picked up a pretty general West Edinburgh accent quickly. Down here in SW Scotland, the words, phasing, accent is completely different from up the road. You don't even have to live in a place to pick up some of it, my partner grew up in Gourock, in Inverclyde, and we both have noticed that in the time we've been together we have been using each others patter.
I’m from Orkney, way up in the north of Scotland, and because Orkney was Norwegian until the fifteenth century, there are a lot of words spoken there which come from the old Norse dialect of ‘Norn’. I did not know this until I moved to Edinburgh for uni. It’s funny now, remembering it, but at the time I was so confused because I understood everyone perfectly, but they only understood me about half the time. I remember someone dropped their shrug on the floor, and I tried draw her attention to it, only I said ‘peedie gansey’ (small sweater) instead of shrug. Everyone agreed that ‘gansey’ wasn’t a real word, and only the other Scottish folk in the room knew ‘peedie’, and that was the point that I realised my dialect was practically a different language.
Haha That's so funny! We just got back from a trip to Australia and were surprised that multiple people there couldn't understand us! I've never experienced that before. I understand your situation better though haha I wouldn't understand you either ;)
I have been going back and forth to Scotland every Summer for the last couple of years. It is CRAZY how quickly you pick up the accent! Have fun in Japan!
I Love it when people try and speak Scottish. Im Scottish and I see it as A Compliment as your trying to be like us and talk how we talk and yea its respectful. Yea sure because you dont have The Accent certain words might sound a little off but who cares you try its fair enough. Anyone that tells you that your trying to hard just tell them tae. "Get Tae". Or "Get Tae Falkirk". Also your vlog videos are great keep up The Good work and thanks for liking Scotland.
As an Englishman I find these so refreshing. It sometimes seems as though our youngsters have become american. 'Won't you 'instead of 'will you'. 'If you will' instead of 'if you like'.
So much. As the French say vive la difference. I like France to feel French . Italy to feel Italian. I just feel that the UK has gradually become too american since 1946, which means that over time there would be no point in americans coming to the UK on vacation/ holiday. In the US I enjoyed a short stack with maple for breakfast but I like not having it in the UK. It is something to look forward to. Please do more to embrace and celebrate the differences.
I'm Canadian, but a few years back I moved to Scotland for uni. After I graduated, I taught in a couple of different secondary schools in and around the Glasgow area. I felt so strange at first when I started saying things like jotters, rubbers, and bin-it always felt unnatural. Over time, these adjustments just became natural. I would get teased for saying things like washroom, garbage can, and no problem. I moved back to Canada a couple of years ago after living in Scotland for five years, and I was then teased for saying things like toilet, "where do you stay?" (instead of "where do you live?"), and no bother. Some Scottish words/sayings still come out every now and then.
Yessss! I can TOTALLY relate! I'm supposed to only speak American-English here in classes in Japan, but sometimes I slip up and still say, "flat" instead of apartment for example haha Luckily, they also say, "toilet" here ;)
I vacationed in the Philippines for a month and I picked up saying air con instead of air-conditioning. When I got back to the states, I confused many of my friends.
+A & B Photography Hmm I wouldn't say, "all" I know men who don't and have accidentally seen some stuff when a man spun too hard during Strip The Willow!
I have a very good friend who lives in Inverness. I really enjoy dialoguing with her on many subjects. I find myself trying to express myself in metric for better understanding.
I never got a chance to go up to Inverness! It's such a shame because it looks like a beautiful city. I still struggle with the metric system personally. I think it's way better and more logical, but my brains just not used to it anymore. BUT I mostly think in celsius now :)
I chat online with rather a few people in the UK (all but Wales) and I find that I automatically will use "Queen's English" or Scottish dialect (especially if swearing) as well as adding the extra U in words such as colour. Theeeeen I'll be chatting with a friend here in the US and I keep having to backspace since it has become habit, like you said about lift and flat. And having lived in Germany for five years (US Army), oh yeah I can relate to temperature. 65F was a sweaty Summer and everybody went swimming. Didn't matter that we were on the north coast and the Arctic Circle was just at the horizon, we went to the sea :D PCS'd to NC in the Summer... right after a hurricane. 95F and like 500% humidity. That was many years ago, but I find that I am still cold-proof. Worked at a convenience store... "How can you work in the (34F) cooler so long??" Me: "Iiiiii put on a hat?" I would put on gloves and a coat when working in the freezer for an hour because -10F was just a little chilly ;) I think you were in the "suggested for you" since I'm subbed with 4 or 7 Scottish 'Tubers. Already shared your vid on FB and tweeted this video, so hopefully you will break 5K soon. Thank you for the videos and I do also like scenery as well as sit-downs, so whatever you create is fine by me. Now to go watch even more of your creations ^_^
+Tempvs Frangit Oh my goodness! Thank you so much!!! 😀😄😊 Also, I love your profile picture haha I made some videos on Germany, but only Berlin and Dresden. I wish we got to see more of it!
And further congrats for breaking 5K :) I have friends on Facebook who are rather fans of Japan and I'm sure we are looking forward to your continued adventures in a new-to-you country :)
A funny but awkward thing that happened to me when I was on holiday in Florida it was to do with the difference in UK and US language. I'm from the North East of England and instead of saying 'Mum' we say 'Mam' which is just a regional thing the rest of the UK says Mum and Americans obviously say 'Mom'. Anyway me and my family were in Walmart shopping my parents were half way down the aisle so I started shouting for my Mam to come here. She couldn't hear me so I kept shouting and then I realised this Walmart worker was looking at me strangely. It then clicked that the word 'Mam' sounds very similar to the word ma'am so the Walmart working was probably thinking I was really rude shouting at her.
Jessica Coyle there's a few linguistic similarities with the north east and certain areas of Scotland,given the geographic closeness.for example here in Fife we say bairns,blootered,having the craic,aboot,etc!we say maw instead of mam though! there's a few others that escape me for now,but my sister in laws from south shields n she comes out with a lot of familiar phrases!where they originally came from is harder to say,but I imagine mostly up here,as it's more likely a country influences an area than vice versa!
It's soo annoying being from our area trying to find mother days cards. Have to look at proper local shops to find one that says mam instead of mum, mine would kill me if it said anything other than mam
I'm an American I live in nj♥️ but I have a fascination with Scotland! Do many Americans live in Scotland? If I moved there would I feel very culturally different? Do ppl like Americans there lol I hope😊♥️ Dundee looks nice! Idk I just desperately feel I need a change and why not Scotland! I'll probably never do it I'll just daydream about it. It's not just me.. I have 2 kiddos and hubs so...
When I was young, I flipped fast. At 71, I don’t know. I haven’t been in a new environment for a long time. Now, I’m surrounded by Vietnamese, because of my wife and her folks, but I dug in my heels to stick to English for their sakes for getting used to the U.S. I’m willing to give it a go.
I assimilated quickly, mimicking accents and mannerisms without thinking about it. That was here in the U.S. and not needing to learn a different language. It is true that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." In 2002 I married a woman in Vietnam and lived there for almost 2 years waiting for her to be able to move to the U.S. Even though nobody around me spoke English I couldn't learn Vietnamese language no matter how hard I tried.
Sonnie Travels I didn’t. I was there to be with my wife. I wanted to make sure that our marriage would be good. So many marry for the ticket to the U.S., then once here run off and can’t be found. They had secretly arranged things with relatives who are here and are illegal always hiding from authorities. It’s an ugly life they fall into, tragic! Sigh!
Yeah I've heard stories about that. It happens here in Japan too. To about half of those type of marriages anyway. It's a pity those women are so desperate to leave their country.
The change in climate is quite amusing. When I was a kid I remember being "absolutely boiling" during a Scottish winter with the central heating set to 69F. Meanwhile, when living in Florida, settingf the cold AC to 76F because 75F felt too bloody cold!
You mentioned ripped jeans. Do you buy them ripped or rip them yourself? I only found out a couple of weeks ago that the process of creating pre-ripped jeans which happens mostly in places like India, involve pollutants which mostly go into the local rivers etc. I had no idea about this. I'm advising my son and his girlfriend to start ripping their own jeans and contribute something towards making the world a safer place. No judgement, just information.
Hiya. Another enjoyable vid and OF COURSE you speak colloquially when in another place for a long time. Years ago I was in Australia for 6 months and in no time at all, not only was I saying "G'day", "Sport" and "Cobber", etc., but I had picked-up an Australian accent!!! By the way, have you found that new microphone you were looking for?
+Andy U Thanks for understanding :) What part of Australia did you live in? We're heading there next year for my friends wedding! Sadly no. They're super expensive in Japan so I'm trying to find a used one.
I was in NSW, at a place called Taree, about 250 miles North of Newcastle. Had a Christmas there and, yep, I went through all the standard clichés - which was GREAT! To this day, I still say the biggest regret/mistake in my life was coming back, but, hey, hindsight's a wonderful thing. Not.
I'm glad you were adapting when in Scotland, and it is so easy to pick up the slang, anyone saying you shouldn't, or you were trying to do it, we'll they are just rude. Hopefully you enjoyed your stay and you guys will come back to sunny Scotland soon 😆
Thanks so much! We LOVED it there! We're waiting to see what happens with Brexit and the borders (hard or soft) to see if we can come back. If not, we'll at least be going back to Europe to settle down :)
Sonnie Travels don't let Brexit frighten you, there are alot of things being said to frighten people, alot if it was lies to make us stay. Both you, and Joe will be able to still come here the same as anywhere else hen. I hope you get to come back, you seemed to fit in just nice 😊. God Bless xx frm Kelly xx
We can come to visit, but if the UK has hard borders with the EU we can't live there again... And that's what May and the Torries are pushing for. So I'm not very optimistic.
Thanks for your video. I liked the typed version too. I lived in Japan age 16-22. I am 45 now and will take my first visit to Scotland this summer. Your observations resonate with a lot of own experiences. I had a lot of British friends when living in Tokyo. I remember saying cheers a lot and getting criticized as being a poser. Now as a more grown up person I would have ignored it like you.
Partly due to seeing your channel, I decided to create my own youtube channel, mostly for myself and my kids/wife. I going on a solo trip to Scotland this summer. I have Scottish heritage but have never been. I will stay a Scottish friend's home in Kirkcaldy, Fife. He will take off work so we can tour some. I decided to learn some Scottish songs on my flute to get more connected to Scotland. I am posting some videos showing my playing and my adventures there. I call my channel "Scot in Scotland". My name is Scot. ruclips.net/video/EDHqxcRN5F4/видео.html
I'm glad that Sonnie (I don't know about her husband) changed her lingo when she was in Scotland. I mean, if you go to another country, you should do things their way. Continuing to do it your own way can be considered rude, ignorant, and/or even disrespectful. You wouldn't go to a non English-speaking country and demand that the locals speak English. No, you should learn their language and their way of living.
+GuanoLad Like never allowed to leave and travel abroad live permanently or like a UK citizen instead of a US citizen permanent? If it's the former, idk. If it's the latter, in a second. I actually began the process to get my EU citizenship so I could stay in Scotland, but now with Brexit, idk what will happen.
Sonnie Travels no worries about that, Scotland will become independent but within the Commonwealth with the next decade, and return to the EU... mark my words LOL
Scotland would welcome you and your husband with open arms Sonny . I love the way you tell the truth about things , as you see them , hopefully one day both of you will be allowed to stay in the land of my birth , for as long as you like .Duncan Pitkeathly.
+duncancallum I can't tell you how much that means to me 💗 Before the Brexit vote I actually started the process to get my dual-Italian citizenship so that I could continue to live in Scotland as an EU citizen. You can imagine my heartbreak when Brexit happened. I'm still in the process, but I'm really waiting and hoping the Brexit deal will entail open borders. I miss the only place that really felt like home to me.
Dear Sonnie, We will move to Scotland and I'm in between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Renting a flat is more expensive in Edinburgh than Glasgow. Could you please tell me if Shawlands is a good place to raise a family? I have a 8-year-old son.
If you said holiday menu in the UK people would have to stop and think what you meant. The image of a menu for people who are on their holidays would spring up which is just odd, especially in Winter when noone goes away on holiday! Hence why you'd have to change your vocab, it's normal.
Heck I noticed changes in myself (especially in how I speak) just moving from Ayrshire to Edinburgh! It's amazing how much we acclimatise to new surroundings. Don't think I'll ever start saying "shan" though tbh 😂 lol I doubt you'll be missing Scottish weather too much right now, it was only 6 degrees out yesterday morning and my parka was dirty so I thought I was gonna die walking home from the Kilby! Missing you girlie! Hopefully Japan doesn't change you tooooo much xxx
I hope it doesn't either! Keep crossing your fingers for a soft Brexit so I can move back! I'm working hard on my dual Italian citizenship! I should be back in Europe one of these days at least lol I miss you too! I need to record that script we wrote! Do you still have a copy? Whenever you record it, I'll record my part and get it up as soon as I can! :D
Sonnie Travels that would be awesome! I think I wrote it on my phone which actually got stolen recently (I was planning on doing a story time video on it so no spoilers here lmao!) But I'd you could send it to me again I'd be happy to record it :)
Have you seen "Trainspotting"? - the best ever British film, about a bunch of junkies in Edinburgh ... Trainspotting 2, also, has some awesome wide shots of Edinburgh, you would recognise all the places. Danny Boyle is the director of both movies - his first film, Shallow Grave, also set in Edinburgh, was his first proper movie.
I've heard of it (obviously haha) but never got around to watching it. I need to! I'm just worried that if I watch it right now, I'll start crying over how much I miss Scotland lmao).
I understood the moment you "loved" my comment from 5 months ago, on New Year's Day. [thanks! really made my day! :)] ... You deserve to be back in Scotland, where you belong. "Sunshine on Leith" ... there's another good movie I watched over Xmas. You would be in floods of tears - it's a musical by The Proclaimers, including "500 miles" and "Letter from America". But it's so upbeat and awesome. About two soldiers coming back from Afghanistan to Edinburgh. A song a minute obviously follows! (haha)
+chanchensoo. In America or internationally? We moved to Scotland to get our MScs for way cheaper than in the US, then didn't want to go back so we found jobs in Japan teaching English. It's easy enough to get. 😁
I watched the videos of you in Edinburgh as that's where I'm from. I miss it immensely. . When you have time check out the channel Kingin It on You Tube. Two friends of mine from Wales who travel everywhere. Having watched one of your Edinburgh videos I recognised Gorgie Road. I'm from that side of the city not too far from the zoo. Safe travels.
+Mr Shanchat I miss it too. We live in Japan now. I'll check them out :) Thanks for the suggestion. Yeah I lived on Stewart Terrace right off of Gorgie Road. That's cool that you used to live around there too! :)
I've had friends and at least on cousin that lived in that street. My brother used to live in Slatefor overlooking that street. He lives in New Zealand now. Now that is a great country.
Haha I love how you said, "The American"! Do you get asked all those questions as if you're an ambassador for your country? I really struggle to explain our current political affairs lmao
ALWAYS!! And, they are believers in EVERYthing they see on the telly! I come from Atlanta (originally) and moved here from Miami. Lol......they say, "oh, the city with all the drugs?" because all they know about Miami is that it's WARM (I say it's HOT!) and what they've seen on Miami Vice! What I tell them that I feel MORE at home in the U.K. than Miami because everyone speaks English here - and they don't in Miami!!
Eh we have family members like that too... One of them just said something really stupid about how amazon is only around becaue of millenials.... Huh, drugs are definitely not one of the first things I think of when I think of Miami haha But HOT certainly is haha I felt more at home in the UK than the US, but not because of the language.
+Iain Alexander Hmm In Japan having your obi (Kimono belt) tied on the front instead of the back meant the woman was a prostitute (easier to take on and off by yourself).... I wonder
The whole rain thing is a myth haha. Rained like 1 day during summer where i live. I think people assume it only rains in the UK because London is often dull with pollution.
+Banginyermamsince93 Well it definitely rains more in Scotland than most parts of the US (the North West being a big exception) for sure. However, it wasn't enough to bother me at all :)
Hello! Can't help but notice your gryffindor shirt - have you heard of the edinburgh uni harry potter society? We meet every wednesday night, just google us for more info! We do a lot of events like pub quizzes, debate nights, craft nights, our most popular event is our sorting ceremony but we also have christmas at the weasleys, a popular event for those who are a little bit homesick! Would be awesome to see you there!
+Sparky Thanks so much for the invite! I saw you guys at the midnight showing of Fantastic Beasts actually! But I thought I could only join if I went to Edinburgh University (I went to Napier) Is that not the case? Also, I actually had to move because my visa expired so I'm living in Japan now
You don't even have to be a student to come along - I went to Napier and was even vice president a couple of years back. The fantastic beasts showing was excellent, we booked out an entire cinema screen for the society! Awww I'm sorry your visa expired :( Hopefully we can welcome you back to Scotland at somepoint :)
+Sparky I'd love that! I'm waiting to see what happens with Brexit to know if I can return one day. I saw that!!! That's so cool! That week was awesome! Did you go to the pop up Leaky Cauldron??
Travel broadens the mind and as they say, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Hope you enjoyed your time in Scotland and travelling throughout Europe, my son was in Japan last year (Tokyo & Kyoto) said it and people were incredible, hope you find the same. You have to visit the temple's. Cheers.
Thanks so much! We've visited a few temples, but haven't been to Tokyo or Kyoto yet. Luckily, we still have time :) We'll be in Japan for at least another year and we're really enjoying it, but eventually, we'll make our way back to Europe and settle down there.
hi sonnie, i discovered your vlog cause i might be moving to scotland, glasgow. i think u spent most of your time in edimburgh..... so you lived a year and a half over there? missing or just keep going and enjoying your new life every day? by the way, if it's not to much to ask....... what do you do for living guys? are u doing a world tour or you move because of work? (i might have missed some info) thanks, cheers and i have to confess i'm a bit jealous of u guys :D cheers again and congrats!
That's awesome! Glasgow is a cool place, but don't let them talk crap about Edinburgh to you ;) I miss Edinburgh sooooooooooooo much! A felt like I fit in in Scotland, but here in Japan that's impossible as a foreigner. We teach English here :) We purposely chose jobs that we could travel with (^_^) If English is your native language and you have you Bachelors, you could do it too! Thanks so much and thanks for commenting!
@@SonnieTravels thanks sonne, Fortunately I've already visited both cities, and edinburgh was pretty cool indeed (did you know it was planned/designed by a young architect, 23 years old he was!, in the xviii? Unbelievable!). For now it's just a job opportunity that might take me there, from Toulouse, let's see ! 🤞 Aligato and sayonara! Cheers!
The people that are saying that your trying to hard are probably saying it because your using scottish lingo with an american accent and it sounds off. They aren't justified in that opinion but i think that's the basis of their point but it't not a very good one.
So i have never traveled outside the U.S. other than Niagara falls Canada. I am orgionaly from cape may county N.J. but since I started driving an 18 wheeler, with most of my loads taking me aloung southern routs i am told that i have picked up a slight southern draw. I can not realy hear it though.
+Coldburn. Winterborn My family used to have holiday weekends down in Cape May /Wild Wood every summer! :D I've heard southern accents are very easy to pick up. It's also supposed to be a sign of being an empathetic person (to pick up accents quickly) according to some studies :)
+Nicholas Joe Williams Advice on the backpacking part of staying your life in Scotland? :) Do you have dual citizenship? The immigration laws make living there long term incredibly difficult. Scotland is amazing and I hope you love it!
Another travel advantage of Europe is the amount of time off work. You can't go far without having time to do it. As far as using the local lingo? Ignore the nay sayers and get on with immersing yourself in the local culture, it will open your eyes and your mind. Travel is the best educator.
I've noticed the videos where I speak to you all get WAY more views so I hear you loud and clear and am striving to do more. :) I hope you enjoy it! Also, almost 100 subs away from 5,000!!!! Thank you so much!!!
+Outlander Thanks so much!! 😁
Hey Sonnie, Scottish slang is contagious, I've lived all over the UK and found that people around me start using Scottish words like wee, och, gonnie and whit etc.... without even realising it.
+Steve Whyte Nice! Haha I don't blame them. Did you see my Scots Quiz video? Gotta love the language :D
Something (I dunno if I'd say it's changed me but yeah lol) plaid is actually the Gaelic word (not sure if its Scots, Irish or Manx Gaelic) cloth/blanket (there's really no difference in the words usage.
The pattern is of course called Tartan, originates from Queen Victoria (or they do rather being plural lol) since with her romanticism of scotland, comes from the French word (I think but don't quote me on this) Tiretan.
Also clan being the Gaelic word for children lol
I have been living in Aberdeen for almost a year and a half. Now im moving back to India and will surely miss Scotland. After watching your video im getting bit emotional. I think the word 'Cheers' will be the difficult one to let go. Anyway, god speed to your channel. Cheers !!
Being a proud Scot. I'm happy to hear you used our words. It's nice to see someone embracing our culture. Hope you had a haggis roll and a can of irn bru 😂
I had both! (^_^)
It is sweet isn’t it? I think Sonnie is a Scot now, by adoption. I hope she had a guid new year.
With brown sauce on it
Scots are just lazy like the aussies lol
Ignore those idiots who said you were trying too hard, they probably will never leave their own towns and don't realise that most language changes are unconscious as proven by the fact you would use both lift and elevator in the same sentence.
+Paul Crawford Aww thanks! It does bother me a bit, but I just remind myself that if they knew me they wouldn't be thinking that stuff. Also, you're right. It was 100% subconscious.
Exactly! I was in the Shannon region of Ireland for just 10 freaking (but blessedly wonderful) days on holiday and by the end of it I was having locals tell me that they could just barely tell that I was foreign. Granted some of that was probably just natural politeness but still, most humans do pick up the local mannerisms of an area pretty quickly when completely submerged in a culture.
+Eric Montford I agree. ALSO!!! I LOVE YOUR PROFILE PICTURE!!!! 😍😍😍😍
lol ur as bad as my wee cousin Harry Potter daft too
+Paul Crawford Your cousin and I would get along 😉
Always nice to see intelligent objectivity. Glad you liked Scotland and best wishes for you and partner on your travels
+Tattie Boy Thanks so much! 😀😄
You're so lucky that your body re-climatized itself!! I guess I've gotten used to the cold a little bit, but I moved here after living for years in Florida, so I'd say even after 8 years in Europe I'm still pretty freezing in the winter and have to wear a HUGE jacket to keep warm😄
+Wanted Adventure Oh no! If probably helped that I'm from NJ and CT mostly so I was used to cold winters and hot summers. We made it to Berlin and Dresden during the summer, (but not Munich) and it was pretty warm at that time at least :)
+Wanted Adventure You'd probably adjust way better to summers in Japan than I will! 😅
After going to america from scotland i could handle the heat, literally dying on the streets
+Prestwick Oh no! Haha!
You're not having enough currywurst, Dana . :)
You said "flat" instead of apartment! Yaaay! Keep up the good work. I moved from Scotland to Spain and now I eat really late and find Scottish weather so cold. We made a Scotland video if you have time you can watch it if you like! What's your favourite Scottish word?
+Lailandi Adventures I'd love to watch! Thanks for letting me know :) Do you like Spain? How long have you lived there? Hmm my favourite Scottish word is probably, "dreich" Hbu?
Sonnie Travels That's so weird, Dreich is my favourite Scots word too. The phonics of it suit the meaning so well. I do love the word glekit too. I'm loving Spain, I actually see more similarities between the two than differences. They like to fiesta and Scots like to party. That's enough for me!
Hahaha awesome! It's a damn good word. Did you see my Scots Quiz video??
That sounds amazing. Sadly, we never made it to Spain, but we're planning on going there once we're back in Europe :)
Yeah I did, it was the first one I watched and I was hooked. As my girlfriend is Spanish I might have to do one myself!
+Lailandi Adventures Do it! Haha that's be awesome! I saw her in your most recent video. :) You seem like an awesome couple
What i can take away from this video is we are much more civilised in Scotland
Super civilised. Since its just the letters. Lol
@Bob Will I was making a joke
I forgot how much I love your videos. You have such an open mind to everything and its really lovely to watch! :)
+Emma Houston Aww! Thank you so much! 😀😄
You're definitely an honorary Scot now. Love your videos.
Always look forward to your videos, Sonnie. Hope you're both adapting well to Japan. 👍🏼👍🏼😀
+spreadthelove77 Thanks so much! I honestly had a bit of a tough time adjusting and am planning on discussing that in a video. Culture Shock is sometimes not so fun, but I think in getting better. Loving my job helps
Soory about lag in comments had to come back a few times to finish of your video. Positive and upbeat can't ask for more.
I lived in Scotland for three months working on a strawberry farm. I also picked up a lot of the accent in a short space of time. So much so that some people thought I was from Scotland. I loved my time in both Scotland and England. I will be visiting Scotland again soon. I found this video very helpful in learning more about what life is like in Scotland.
I don't know where you guys are at now? But I do hope you find your way back home to Scotland. Haste ye back. Home is where the heart is.
Thanks so much. I miss Scotland.
I wish you were still in Scotland!! I'm an American who just moved to Scotland and it would have been nice to meet up with a fellow American youtuber haha 😄
+Jodi's Expat Life How are you liking it so far?? I wish I was still in Scotland too lol
We love it!! We've only been here for a week but I've been to Scotland two times before and England once :)
+Jodi's Expat Life That's great! When we moved to Edinburgh, we had never been to Scotland before and Joe had never left the country at all so we lucked out that we loved it so much lol
You'll get used to it mate. Don't be afraid to ask people for help, we may look miserable but we're quite sociable people.
Scotland is a grim, horrible, depressing place ... except for the people that inhabit it!
You'll be fine .. nae bother at a'
Glad you had a good time in Scotland,good luck on yer future travels,love the accent by the way
+Michael Clark Thanks so much! :)
really enjoyed watching many of your videos. They're very well done. Just came across them while browsing stuff and ended up watching a few. Thanks for sharing ;)
+reggie gimmix Thanks so much! I work hard on them. I'm so glad you enjoy them 😀😄
So interesting to get another perspective of living in Scotland! Great series of videos.
+Caledonia Wild Thanks so much!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 😁
Sonnie. You are so honest. I love your videos. Love that you reference Edinburgh sometimes. Anyhoo! Enjoy your travels and can't wait to follow your blogs.
+Raymond Hogg Thanks so much! I'm so glad you like them and I always try to be honest for sure :)
LOL Kitty cat taking a bath in the background, gingerly cute!!! Safe travels!
+Royal Caymanian Thanks so much! Yeah We've got two cute little girls hehe
Sonnie Travels Nice. I used to have around 15, now down to 6, and also take care of many more.
+Royal Caymanian My family used to be like that lol We rescued animals and at one point had 18 (all different kinds though). Joe and I move around too much to have any more so we're happy with out little family right now :)
Sonnie Travels Very decent of you folks. When I was a traveller, I didn't have any animals to miss, now I miss them if i'm gone just for a day LOL. BTW I just brought a new cat home that some tourists found. Sadly, she got away, hope she doesn't wander to far off. Safe travels!
+Royal Caymanian Thanks so much! I wanted to rescue all the dogs in Tobago and all the cats in Greece lol
Sorry, but the cat stole the show ;-)
She often does ;)
Hello fellow cat person :-)
Been glancing through some of the comments here. Just to say that folk with your attitude will always be welcome in Scotland. You may however be better out of it for the time being, 2018 looks like being 'interesting times' (as in the Chinese curse) for the UK as a whole, but hopefully a very good year for Scotland ;-)
Aww Thank you so much!
I'm glad that you touched on the speech changes. It only makes sense to adjust your vocabulary to your environment. It helps people to understand what you are saying and it shoes that you want to be respectful of the culture.
+Fine Ass Amy Fresh I totally agree! But there's definitely people out there who don't. I often wonder if they've ever moved to a new place with different speech though. Maybe it's just something they have to experience.
As a Scot, I'm enjoying your videos. I notice you still say Scattish and Scatland, that's a dead giveaway. Edinburgh's different from the west in weather, we get much more rain than they do in the East. And I'm surprised about your ripped jeans experience. Only yesterday I was thinking, "When is the ripped jeans trend going to be over? (it's been a 'thing' for years), but that was in Glasgow, not Edinburgh. Going out in your pjs? Never!!!
There is no better system than the queue.
+Joe Ninety Agreed. It's very fair :) but wait... Does taking a number count as a queue? Because I like the freedom of movement with that one.
Yes, you take your number and get your turn when they call it. Fair also, on a first come-first served basis. ;0)
+Joe Ninety AGREED! 😁
OK I am British but have an issue with queues. What annoys me is when there are several cash machines in a bank yet just one queue that goes out the door and blocks off everyone in the street and in the bank. Just make a smaller queue for each cash machine and choose one. Stop making unnecessarily long queue!!!!!
You are so cute! Thank you for these entertaining videos about Scotland!
Aww! Thank YOU for watching 😍😊
Hey Sonnie, Thanks for sharing this... I love learning about situations I may find myself in from someone who has been there. So helpful! I would love to hear more about your (and Joe's) teaching jobs. What grades are you working with? How big is the school? The difficulty of the language barrier and cultural differences are great topics too. I can't wait to hear more.
Are you familiar with Rachel and June, Sharla in Japan and Taylor R? When I saw the troubles you had with your bank card in Korea I thought you might find some good tips on these vlogs. You might even make some you-tuber friends 💑
I'm planning on making a video all about my experiences teaching here in Japan for sure. :) We both teach Junior High School and love it. I teach at one school (because it has so many students), while Joe teaches at 2 smaller schools.
I have been watching Rachel and Juns videos for years now actually :) I thought she was so inspiring! I've also watched Sharla's videos and a few of Taylor's :D Thanks for the suggestions though! I'll send one your way too: check out Simon and Martina. They're wonderful in every way. I haven't met any other you tubers here in Japan, but most of them are in Tokyo (plus I'm just a wee, little channel haha)
As a Scot who has travelled quite a lot - I think you have nailed it hun
+Craig Seath Thanks so much! That's so awesome! 😁
Great videos 😃 I hope you and Joe have a great time on your travels 😃😃😃 you make a great couple 😆😆
+Did Ye Aye ? Thanks so much! 😃 I'm so glad you like them! Btw I love your profile name haha
I saw you on Princes Street one day when I was rushing to work. I recognised you immediately from your Scotland videos. I was going to say hello but I was in a rush.
+ChrisMinusHumour No way?! That's so cool! I used to work on Princes Street so maybe I was on my way there. I would've loved to say hi :)
You had your camera at the time. I love seeing people exploring edinburgh, I take it for granted having lived here my whole life. Glad you had a nice time here, I hope you come back.
+ChrisMinusHumour Oh cool! I hope we can come back too, but it all depends on Brexit. So we're waiting to find out :)
@@SonnieTravels yes well what a bloody mess that's going to be. Better to talk over a fence as shout over a wall, don't need any more. Stay sunny, Sonnie.
I hope you get used to the warmer weather in Japan so that you'll live it and love it. As for the lingo changes in Scotland I think that one always picks up some local vernaculer and some will stay with you for life. Enjoy Japan. If you get to the Philippines while your in that part of the globe I think you will love the kind and gentle people there. I know that I do.
+Paul Price I hope I get used to it too! I'm sure I will after a bit. We definitely want to visit the Philippines! We made a few friends from the Philippines here :)
I would LOVE to know more about the process of moving to the UK in general! I've always been interested, but I don't know where to start (aside from finally getting my passport...lol). Thanks for making these videos!
+Melinda Meginness Moving to the UK is very similar to moving to the US. The government is very anti-immigration so it's incredibly difficult to live there long-term without being a citizen. It is possible, but it takes devotion. The more education you have, the easier it is, but it's still not easy. I've avoided making a video on the subject because Brexit will make it null and void most likely.
The main question is do you have relatives in the UK? Aka, can you get dual citizenship? If not, what's your education level and would you want to go back to school? That's how I was able to move to the UK with my husband, but after our visas expired, we had to leave the country.
Thanks so much for watching! I'm so glad you like my videos 😀
Have to say I've just found your vids and have really enjoyed watching them. Thank you.
Re. language; it varies so much within Scotland itself. I moved to different region when I was at school and I might as well have been from a different country.
+nor doal I'm so glad you like them! I completely agree about the language too :)
When you think about it, there is no fairer system, than the queue.
Totally agree with the whole patter thing, you do pick it up. There isn't really a homogenised language anywhere, and if the people you talk have certain words, and even pronunciation you will pick them up through conversing with them. My brother is the prime example, he moved up to the Central Belt, and has picked up a pretty general West Edinburgh accent quickly. Down here in SW Scotland, the words, phasing, accent is completely different from up the road. You don't even have to live in a place to pick up some of it, my partner grew up in Gourock, in Inverclyde, and we both have noticed that in the time we've been together we have been using each others patter.
Yeah! Exactly! That's so cool about your brother :)
You said "flat". You truly are Scottish.
+stevenlennie Hahaha thank you! ::bows::
I’m from Orkney, way up in the north of Scotland, and because Orkney was Norwegian until the fifteenth century, there are a lot of words spoken there which come from the old Norse dialect of ‘Norn’. I did not know this until I moved to Edinburgh for uni. It’s funny now, remembering it, but at the time I was so confused because I understood everyone perfectly, but they only understood me about half the time. I remember someone dropped their shrug on the floor, and I tried draw her attention to it, only I said ‘peedie gansey’ (small sweater) instead of shrug. Everyone agreed that ‘gansey’ wasn’t a real word, and only the other Scottish folk in the room knew ‘peedie’, and that was the point that I realised my dialect was practically a different language.
Haha That's so funny! We just got back from a trip to Australia and were surprised that multiple people there couldn't understand us! I've never experienced that before. I understand your situation better though haha I wouldn't understand you either ;)
I have been going back and forth to Scotland every Summer for the last couple of years. It is CRAZY how quickly you pick up the accent! Have fun in Japan!
That's so awesome! I'm jealous :) Japan has been great! We're living in Fukuoka now and we're really loving it! (^_^)
I Love it when people try and speak Scottish. Im Scottish and I see it as A Compliment as your trying to be like us and talk how we talk and yea its respectful. Yea sure because you dont have The Accent certain words might sound a little off but who cares you try its fair enough. Anyone that tells you that your trying to hard just tell them tae. "Get Tae". Or "Get Tae Falkirk".
Also your vlog videos are great keep up The Good work and thanks for liking Scotland.
Thanks! Did you see my Scots Quiz video?? You might enjoy it haha
As an Englishman I find these so refreshing. It sometimes seems as though our youngsters have become american. 'Won't you 'instead of 'will you'. 'If you will' instead of 'if you like'.
+John Hawthorn I'm glad you like it! :)
So much. As the French say vive la difference. I like France to feel French . Italy to feel Italian. I just feel that the UK has gradually become too american since 1946, which means that over time there would be no point in americans coming to the UK on vacation/ holiday. In the US I enjoyed a short stack with maple for breakfast but I like not having it in the UK. It is something to look forward to. Please do more to embrace and celebrate the differences.
haha so true I remember when I lived in CA I was soooo shocked to see people with PJ trousers in college!
+Marie-Line Villers Oh yeah! College is the biggest community of PJ wearers most likely lmao
I'm Canadian, but a few years back I moved to Scotland for uni. After I graduated, I taught in a couple of different secondary schools in and around the Glasgow area. I felt so strange at first when I started saying things like jotters, rubbers, and bin-it always felt unnatural. Over time, these adjustments just became natural. I would get teased for saying things like washroom, garbage can, and no problem. I moved back to Canada a couple of years ago after living in Scotland for five years, and I was then teased for saying things like toilet, "where do you stay?" (instead of "where do you live?"), and no bother. Some Scottish words/sayings still come out every now and then.
Yessss! I can TOTALLY relate! I'm supposed to only speak American-English here in classes in Japan, but sometimes I slip up and still say, "flat" instead of apartment for example haha Luckily, they also say, "toilet" here ;)
You are very right about the queues. Very critical but I love that. People do not make a line in Paris or Berlin.
Oh that would drive me nuts!
I vacationed in the Philippines for a month and I picked up saying air con instead of air-conditioning. When I got back to the states, I confused many of my friends.
+A Bullock Haha That's so funny
Oh cool! They say Air Con in the UK too! I'll be nice and prepared when we go ;)
Is the Love Kilts, the thought of lack of under garment worn😉 Cute cat, did I spot an ear of another? Cheers..
+Kevin Duval Yeah! Haha I have two. They make random appearances throughout my videos haha
Lmao I think that adds to the allure!
+A & B Photography Hmm I wouldn't say, "all" I know men who don't and have accidentally seen some stuff when a man spun too hard during Strip The Willow!
@A & B Photography Rest assured, you certainly don't speak for all us
It's a really hoary old joke, but the reply to "is anything worn under the kilt?" is "No, Madam, everything is in fine working order!" (Oh dear!) :-)
+marconatrix Oooo! Hahaha
I have a very good friend who lives in Inverness. I really enjoy dialoguing with her on many subjects. I find myself trying to express myself in metric for better understanding.
I never got a chance to go up to Inverness! It's such a shame because it looks like a beautiful city.
I still struggle with the metric system personally. I think it's way better and more logical, but my brains just not used to it anymore. BUT I mostly think in celsius now :)
The U.S. started to convert, as an initiative by Pres. Carter in the late '70's, but when Reagan took office, his Administration gave up on it. Sad.
I don't see why both shouldn't be taught side by side then we can easily switch.
It’s only polite to try and talk in the local language even if it is just colloquial.
I chat online with rather a few people in the UK (all but Wales) and I find that I automatically will use "Queen's English" or Scottish dialect (especially if swearing) as well as adding the extra U in words such as colour. Theeeeen I'll be chatting with a friend here in the US and I keep having to backspace since it has become habit, like you said about lift and flat. And having lived in Germany for five years (US Army), oh yeah I can relate to temperature. 65F was a sweaty Summer and everybody went swimming. Didn't matter that we were on the north coast and the Arctic Circle was just at the horizon, we went to the sea :D PCS'd to NC in the Summer... right after a hurricane. 95F and like 500% humidity. That was many years ago, but I find that I am still cold-proof. Worked at a convenience store... "How can you work in the (34F) cooler so long??" Me: "Iiiiii put on a hat?" I would put on gloves and a coat when working in the freezer for an hour because -10F was just a little chilly ;) I think you were in the "suggested for you" since I'm subbed with 4 or 7 Scottish 'Tubers. Already shared your vid on FB and tweeted this video, so hopefully you will break 5K soon. Thank you for the videos and I do also like scenery as well as sit-downs, so whatever you create is fine by me. Now to go watch even more of your creations ^_^
+Tempvs Frangit Oh my goodness! Thank you so much!!! 😀😄😊 Also, I love your profile picture haha I made some videos on Germany, but only Berlin and Dresden. I wish we got to see more of it!
And further congrats for breaking 5K :) I have friends on Facebook who are rather fans of Japan and I'm sure we are looking forward to your continued adventures in a new-to-you country :)
+Tempvs Frangit Thanks so much!!! 😍 I have a new video I'm rendering right now to celebrate it! Hehe
A funny but awkward thing that happened to me when I was on holiday in Florida it was to do with the difference in UK and US language. I'm from the North East of England and instead of saying 'Mum' we say 'Mam' which is just a regional thing the rest of the UK says Mum and Americans obviously say 'Mom'. Anyway me and my family were in Walmart shopping my parents were half way down the aisle so I started shouting for my Mam to come here. She couldn't hear me so I kept shouting and then I realised this Walmart worker was looking at me strangely. It then clicked that the word 'Mam' sounds very similar to the word ma'am so the Walmart working was probably thinking I was really rude shouting at her.
+Jessica Coyle Hahahaha aww that's funny. Poor employee, but also poor you haha
Jessica Coyle there's a few linguistic similarities with the north east and certain areas of Scotland,given the geographic closeness.for example here in Fife we say bairns,blootered,having the craic,aboot,etc!we say maw instead of mam though! there's a few others that escape me for now,but my sister in laws from south shields n she comes out with a lot of familiar phrases!where they originally came from is harder to say,but I imagine mostly up here,as it's more likely a country influences an area than vice versa!
It's soo annoying being from our area trying to find mother days cards. Have to look at proper local shops to find one that says mam instead of mum, mine would kill me if it said anything other than mam
+Kelly Wilson Maybe find them online or make them yourself? Idk if I've ever seen one that says, Mam lol
Same! And it’s also really difficult to find cards that say ‘Gran’ it’s the only name my Gran likes being called she hates Nana or Grandma.
I'm an American I live in nj♥️ but I have a fascination with Scotland! Do many Americans live in Scotland? If I moved there would I feel very culturally different? Do ppl like Americans there lol I hope😊♥️ Dundee looks nice! Idk I just desperately feel I need a change and why not Scotland! I'll probably never do it I'll just daydream about it. It's not just me.. I have 2 kiddos and hubs so...
When I was young, I flipped fast. At 71, I don’t know. I haven’t been in a new environment for a long time. Now, I’m surrounded by Vietnamese, because of my wife and her folks, but I dug in my heels to stick to English for their sakes for getting used to the U.S. I’m willing to give it a go.
Flipped how? :)
I assimilated quickly, mimicking accents and mannerisms without thinking about it. That was here in the U.S. and not needing to learn a different language. It is true that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." In 2002 I married a woman in Vietnam and lived there for almost 2 years waiting for her to be able to move to the U.S. Even though nobody around me spoke English I couldn't learn Vietnamese language no matter how hard I tried.
Ahh I understand now! Sorry about that. Vietnamese is a tough language though! I've given up on Japan haha How did you like living in Vietnam? :)
Sonnie Travels I didn’t. I was there to be with my wife. I wanted to make sure that our marriage would be good. So many marry for the ticket to the U.S., then once here run off and can’t be found. They had secretly arranged things with relatives who are here and are illegal always hiding from authorities. It’s an ugly life they fall into, tragic! Sigh!
Yeah I've heard stories about that. It happens here in Japan too. To about half of those type of marriages anyway. It's a pity those women are so desperate to leave their country.
The change in climate is quite amusing. When I was a kid I remember being "absolutely boiling" during a Scottish winter with the central heating set to 69F. Meanwhile, when living in Florida, settingf the cold AC to 76F because 75F felt too bloody cold!
+gtd65 😂 Yes! Great example! That's so awesome
Sonnie Travels I even started wearing a fleece in winter when it was 70F! It's madness!
+gtd65 That's so funny!!
So glad for this vid. Want to go to Scotland. Maybe live there. I think I was Scottish in a previous life. ☺
That's awesome! You should definitely go! It's the best!
I like this video. I'm planning to live for a year or so in Scotland. Nice pointers. Thanks
I was distracted by the lovely Ginger furball in the corner 😍🐈
She has that effect on people lol
You mentioned ripped jeans. Do you buy them ripped or rip them yourself? I only found out a couple of weeks ago that the process of creating pre-ripped jeans which happens mostly in places like India, involve pollutants which mostly go into the local rivers etc. I had no idea about this. I'm advising my son and his girlfriend to start ripping their own jeans and contribute something towards making the world a safer place. No judgement, just information.
The standing in line will come in very handy in Japan!
+MEISSOUN Definitely! :)
Hiya. Another enjoyable vid and OF COURSE you speak colloquially when in another place for a long time. Years ago I was in Australia for 6 months and in no time at all, not only was I saying "G'day", "Sport" and "Cobber", etc., but I had picked-up an Australian accent!!! By the way, have you found that new microphone you were looking for?
+Andy U Thanks for understanding :) What part of Australia did you live in? We're heading there next year for my friends wedding!
Sadly no. They're super expensive in Japan so I'm trying to find a used one.
I was in NSW, at a place called Taree, about 250 miles North of Newcastle. Had a Christmas there and, yep, I went through all the standard clichés - which was GREAT! To this day, I still say the biggest regret/mistake in my life was coming back, but, hey, hindsight's a wonderful thing. Not.
+Andy U Aww Maybe plan another adventure there? :)
I'm glad you were adapting when in Scotland, and it is so easy to pick up the slang, anyone saying you shouldn't, or you were trying to do it, we'll they are just rude. Hopefully you enjoyed your stay and you guys will come back to sunny Scotland soon 😆
Thanks so much! We LOVED it there! We're waiting to see what happens with Brexit and the borders (hard or soft) to see if we can come back. If not, we'll at least be going back to Europe to settle down :)
Sonnie Travels don't let Brexit frighten you, there are alot of things being said to frighten people, alot if it was lies to make us stay.
Both you, and Joe will be able to still come here the same as anywhere else hen. I hope you get to come back, you seemed to fit in just nice 😊. God Bless xx frm Kelly xx
We can come to visit, but if the UK has hard borders with the EU we can't live there again... And that's what May and the Torries are pushing for. So I'm not very optimistic.
Thanks for your video. I liked the typed version too. I lived in Japan age 16-22. I am 45 now and will take my first visit to Scotland this summer. Your observations resonate with a lot of own experiences. I had a lot of British friends when living in Tokyo. I remember saying cheers a lot and getting criticized as being a poser. Now as a more grown up person I would have ignored it like you.
That's so awesome! Scotland is amazing! I hope you love it! 😁
Partly due to seeing your channel, I decided to create my own youtube channel, mostly for myself and my kids/wife. I going on a solo trip to Scotland this summer. I have Scottish heritage but have never been. I will stay a Scottish friend's home in Kirkcaldy, Fife. He will take off work so we can tour some. I decided to learn some Scottish songs on my flute to get more connected to Scotland. I am posting some videos showing my playing and my adventures there. I call my channel "Scot in Scotland". My name is Scot. ruclips.net/video/EDHqxcRN5F4/видео.html
That's so amazing!!! I started my channel to share my journey with my family and friends back home too. I think it's a great idea!
I'm glad that Sonnie (I don't know about her husband) changed her lingo when she was in Scotland. I mean, if you go to another country, you should do things their way. Continuing to do it your own way can be considered rude, ignorant, and/or even disrespectful. You wouldn't go to a non English-speaking country and demand that the locals speak English. No, you should learn their language and their way of living.
If you could choose to live permanently in the UK, would you?
+GuanoLad Like never allowed to leave and travel abroad live permanently or like a UK citizen instead of a US citizen permanent? If it's the former, idk. If it's the latter, in a second.
I actually began the process to get my EU citizenship so I could stay in Scotland, but now with Brexit, idk what will happen.
Sonnie Travels no worries about that, Scotland will become independent but within the Commonwealth with the next decade, and return to the EU... mark my words LOL
+Royal Caymanian I'm waiting to find out. I'd love to be able to return.
Scotland would welcome you and your husband with open arms Sonny . I love the way you tell the truth about things , as you see them , hopefully one day both of you will be allowed to stay in the land of my birth , for as long as you like .Duncan Pitkeathly.
+duncancallum I can't tell you how much that means to me 💗 Before the Brexit vote I actually started the process to get my dual-Italian citizenship so that I could continue to live in Scotland as an EU citizen. You can imagine my heartbreak when Brexit happened. I'm still in the process, but I'm really waiting and hoping the Brexit deal will entail open borders. I miss the only place that really felt like home to me.
You said Edinburgh correctly! So many Americans can’t say it 🎉🎉
Dear Sonnie,
We will move to Scotland and I'm in between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Renting a flat is more expensive in Edinburgh than Glasgow. Could you please tell me if Shawlands is a good place to raise a family? I have a 8-year-old son.
If you said holiday menu in the UK people would have to stop and think what you meant. The image of a menu for people who are on their holidays would spring up which is just odd, especially in Winter when noone goes away on holiday! Hence why you'd have to change your vocab, it's normal.
Keep using Scottish words like quid,lift and cheers ,and mind and get the messages in (shopping),from a fellow Scot :)
Haha Thanks! 😊
Heck I noticed changes in myself (especially in how I speak) just moving from Ayrshire to Edinburgh! It's amazing how much we acclimatise to new surroundings. Don't think I'll ever start saying "shan" though tbh 😂 lol I doubt you'll be missing Scottish weather too much right now, it was only 6 degrees out yesterday morning and my parka was dirty so I thought I was gonna die walking home from the Kilby!
Missing you girlie! Hopefully Japan doesn't change you tooooo much xxx
I hope it doesn't either! Keep crossing your fingers for a soft Brexit so I can move back! I'm working hard on my dual Italian citizenship! I should be back in Europe one of these days at least lol I miss you too! I need to record that script we wrote! Do you still have a copy? Whenever you record it, I'll record my part and get it up as soon as I can! :D
Sonnie Travels that would be awesome! I think I wrote it on my phone which actually got stolen recently (I was planning on doing a story time video on it so no spoilers here lmao!) But I'd you could send it to me again I'd be happy to record it :)
+Chell Ray I have it on my computer so I can send it to you tomorrow if that's cool? :) It's almost 10 and I gotta teach tomorrow
Sonnie Travels sure that's fine chica :)
Have you ever been to Eyemouth in the borders? It’s lovely up there
wow. what a great idea for a show. and you seem very honest and pleasant. go you!
Thank you SO MUCH! 😍😁
Wow, hard to believe you went out in pyjamas!
They're comfy and cute!
At least they drive on the left in Japan with right hand drive cars, so you'll be used to that :-)
+Stevesixty7 My license expired though :( So it prepared Joe, but I can't drive here sadly. Yay for bikes!
Love the vids and yer positive persona
Thanks so much! 😁 I'm glad to hear that
I kind of agree on Scottish fashion sense. A common joke:
What do you call a Scotsman in a suit and tie? Answer - The defendant.
+Pi Squared Hahaha I like that one! I haven't heard it before :)
Have you seen "Trainspotting"? - the best ever British film, about a bunch of junkies in Edinburgh ... Trainspotting 2, also, has some awesome wide shots of Edinburgh, you would recognise all the places.
Danny Boyle is the director of both movies - his first film, Shallow Grave, also set in Edinburgh, was his first proper movie.
I've heard of it (obviously haha) but never got around to watching it. I need to! I'm just worried that if I watch it right now, I'll start crying over how much I miss Scotland lmao).
I understood the moment you "loved" my comment from 5 months ago, on New Year's Day. [thanks! really made my day! :)] ...
You deserve to be back in Scotland, where you belong.
"Sunshine on Leith" ... there's another good movie I watched over Xmas.
You would be in floods of tears - it's a musical by The Proclaimers, including "500 miles" and "Letter from America". But it's so upbeat and awesome. About two soldiers coming back from Afghanistan to Edinburgh. A song a minute obviously follows! (haha)
Thanks so much
Im curious as to why you move so much. Such a cool job.
+chanchensoo. In America or internationally? We moved to Scotland to get our MScs for way cheaper than in the US, then didn't want to go back so we found jobs in Japan teaching English. It's easy enough to get. 😁
Try just moving from Edinburgh to Cardiff.. That 400 miles is a massive change in language and slang and terms and we're still on the same island.
+Mr Shanchat That would be a big change! I love that though. :) So much diversity in such a small place. That's how Europe can be described too.
I watched the videos of you in Edinburgh as that's where I'm from. I miss it immensely. . When you have time check out the channel Kingin It on You Tube. Two friends of mine from Wales who travel everywhere.
Having watched one of your Edinburgh videos I recognised Gorgie Road. I'm from that side of the city not too far from the zoo. Safe travels.
+Mr Shanchat I miss it too. We live in Japan now. I'll check them out :) Thanks for the suggestion. Yeah I lived on Stewart Terrace right off of Gorgie Road. That's cool that you used to live around there too! :)
I've had friends and at least on cousin that lived in that street. My brother used to live in Slatefor overlooking that street. He lives in New Zealand now. Now that is a great country.
+Mr Shanchat That's so cool! Omg another crazy coincidence! New Zealand is the country we're planning on moving to next (in 2019)
is that a Maine Coon cat? It's beautiful!
Living in Scotland as 'The American" in a small seaside town west of Glasgow, I can TOTALLY relate to everything you experienced!
Haha I love how you said, "The American"! Do you get asked all those questions as if you're an ambassador for your country? I really struggle to explain our current political affairs lmao
ALWAYS!! And, they are believers in EVERYthing they see on the telly! I come from Atlanta (originally) and moved here from Miami. Lol......they say, "oh, the city with all the drugs?" because all they know about Miami is that it's WARM (I say it's HOT!) and what they've seen on Miami Vice! What I tell them that I feel MORE at home in the U.K. than Miami because everyone speaks English here - and they don't in Miami!!
Eh we have family members like that too... One of them just said something really stupid about how amazon is only around becaue of millenials....
Huh, drugs are definitely not one of the first things I think of when I think of Miami haha But HOT certainly is haha I felt more at home in the UK than the US, but not because of the language.
Kilt guy #2 has it on back to front.
+Iain Alexander Hmm In Japan having your obi (Kimono belt) tied on the front instead of the back meant the woman was a prostitute (easier to take on and off by yourself).... I wonder
The whole rain thing is a myth haha. Rained like 1 day during summer where i live. I think people assume it only rains in the UK because London is often dull with pollution.
+Banginyermamsince93 Well it definitely rains more in Scotland than most parts of the US (the North West being a big exception) for sure. However, it wasn't enough to bother me at all :)
love the cat - nice effect
Thanks! 😸
Standing in line was introduced during WW2. We’ve never grown out of it.
Your cat is so adorable!
Thanks so much! (^_^) We actually have two and yeah, they're both super cute! Hehe
Hello! Can't help but notice your gryffindor shirt - have you heard of the edinburgh uni harry potter society? We meet every wednesday night, just google us for more info! We do a lot of events like pub quizzes, debate nights, craft nights, our most popular event is our sorting ceremony but we also have christmas at the weasleys, a popular event for those who are a little bit homesick! Would be awesome to see you there!
+Sparky Thanks so much for the invite! I saw you guys at the midnight showing of Fantastic Beasts actually! But I thought I could only join if I went to Edinburgh University (I went to Napier) Is that not the case? Also, I actually had to move because my visa expired so I'm living in Japan now
You don't even have to be a student to come along - I went to Napier and was even vice president a couple of years back. The fantastic beasts showing was excellent, we booked out an entire cinema screen for the society! Awww I'm sorry your visa expired :( Hopefully we can welcome you back to Scotland at somepoint :)
+Sparky I'd love that! I'm waiting to see what happens with Brexit to know if I can return one day.
I saw that!!! That's so cool! That week was awesome! Did you go to the pop up Leaky Cauldron??
IT'S always CHRISTMAS! EVERYWHERE!
Travel broadens the mind and as they say, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Hope you enjoyed your time in Scotland and travelling throughout Europe, my son was in Japan last year (Tokyo & Kyoto) said it and people were incredible, hope you find the same. You have to visit the temple's. Cheers.
Thanks so much! We've visited a few temples, but haven't been to Tokyo or Kyoto yet. Luckily, we still have time :) We'll be in Japan for at least another year and we're really enjoying it, but eventually, we'll make our way back to Europe and settle down there.
hi sonnie, i discovered your vlog cause i might be moving to scotland, glasgow. i think u spent most of your time in edimburgh..... so you lived a year and a half over there? missing or just keep going and enjoying your new life every day? by the way, if it's not to much to ask....... what do you do for living guys? are u doing a world tour or you move because of work? (i might have missed some info)
thanks, cheers and i have to confess i'm a bit jealous of u guys :D
cheers again and congrats!
That's awesome! Glasgow is a cool place, but don't let them talk crap about Edinburgh to you ;) I miss Edinburgh sooooooooooooo much! A felt like I fit in in Scotland, but here in Japan that's impossible as a foreigner. We teach English here :) We purposely chose jobs that we could travel with (^_^) If English is your native language and you have you Bachelors, you could do it too! Thanks so much and thanks for commenting!
@@SonnieTravels thanks sonne, Fortunately I've already visited both cities, and edinburgh was pretty cool indeed (did you know it was planned/designed by a young architect, 23 years old he was!, in the xviii? Unbelievable!). For now it's just a job opportunity that might take me there, from Toulouse, let's see ! 🤞
Aligato and sayonara! Cheers!
I don't think I knew his age, no. That's awesome! (^_^) o0o0 Let me know what happens! I definitely wish you the best!
The people that are saying that your trying to hard are probably saying it because your using scottish lingo with an american accent and it sounds off. They aren't justified in that opinion but i think that's the basis of their point but it't not a very good one.
+Clee I agree completely! :) Also, Shaun?! Hi! Good profile pic!
Clee ... Your doing great !! Welcome to our country ! But come to Glasgow and the west...
+George Job Wait is this reply for Clee? He's Scottish haha If it's for me, I've been to Glasgow and out west :D
So i have never traveled outside the U.S. other than Niagara falls Canada. I am orgionaly from cape may county N.J. but since I started driving an 18 wheeler, with most of my loads taking me aloung southern routs i am told that i have picked up a slight southern draw. I can not realy hear it though.
+Coldburn. Winterborn My family used to have holiday weekends down in Cape May /Wild Wood every summer! :D I've heard southern accents are very easy to pick up. It's also supposed to be a sign of being an empathetic person (to pick up accents quickly) according to some studies :)
Sonnie Travels i did not know that. Interesting
Need 2 watch again 👌
A few people told me they've watched this more than once. It makes me so happy to hear that 😍😁
Hey Sonnie, any tips for someone backpacking to Scotland who is looking to stay there and start their life there.
+Nicholas Joe Williams Advice on the backpacking part of staying your life in Scotland? :) Do you have dual citizenship? The immigration laws make living there long term incredibly difficult. Scotland is amazing and I hope you love it!
You are absolutely darling!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
😍😍😍 Thank you so much! 😁😁😁
Do you say “hiya” when addressing someone?
Hahaha Yeah! That's another one!
Sonnie Travels is everything also “just there”? :)
+1st1shot Hmmm Idk. I'll have to pay attention to see if I do that one too haha
in Scotland you can definitely cut line if you are a child , elderly etc London is not Scotland by any means .
Another travel advantage of Europe is the amount of time off work. You can't go far without having time to do it.
As far as using the local lingo? Ignore the nay sayers and get on with immersing yourself in the local culture, it will open your eyes and your mind. Travel is the best educator.
I agree with everything you said! 100% 😁💯👍I miss Europe! Luckily, here in Japan, we teach so when the kids have off, so do we and we can travel ✈️❤️
RyanAir, sore point for many people just now. :-(
+Big Dooze Definitely! But still way cheaper than the "budget" airlines in Japan. So I miss them lol
Thumbnail. Every island apart from a few small hebrides but the shetlands?
My son moved from Scotland to American last October and he finds the heat difficult. I’ve also noticed his accent changing
Oh no! Don't let him lose that amazing Scottish accent! What part of America is he living in now?
Sonnie Travels he’s living in San Diego
+Kirsty Doolan Oh cool! I've never been there, but I have a few friends who moved there and love it. I hope he does too :)
Sonnie Travels he’s having a fab time he’s coming home for Christmas but his younger brother and sister don’t know so it’ll be a lovely surprise
+Kirsty Doolan That sounds wonderful! I'm so glad he's enjoying it 😊
Love your little friend,😻
+I love Animals Me too 😻 I actually have two cats. They pop up randomly in videos. You can clearly see both in my trying natto one though :)
good one sonnie,you will always be an honorary scot,,,ps joe as well.
Awww! Thanks (^_^) Hehe!
Ok plus point regarding Kilts. I own two. And wear them.
Haha Awesome!
Turned up volume to hear her voice then came the intro ears bleeding thanks
You, sir, are welcome!