You spot on about if you learn about the culture of the country you visit it means so much to local people to just try or attempt to speak a few words ...don't always think it's the best thing just after a holiday to move to a country or place you've been the first experience is always a little special ... I love Egypt and the Greek islands but it's not the UK so moving there I would miss so much about home but I believe it's two countries I possibly could adapt to anyway it's only about 4 to 5 hours flying back to the UK ... my advice try make friends with English British people or European people Europe's beautiful try to get to stay with people to get a better insite and visit different times of the year winters are cold and dark in Britain but can be just as beautiful ... but spring summers it stays light until about 10.00 pm day light comes back about 4 am Autumn's even beautiful but chilly weather's alot of British people's biggest problem it's so unpredictable..at times but you have so many countries in Europe to visit for the sun turkey Greece Cyprus Italy south of France Spain Portugal.and many many more with airports all over the uk to travel from even Egypt Tunisia are about 4 to 5 hours flying the red sea is stunning but your in Africa .... European cities to visit 1 hour by plane and Britain in summer is beautiful from England Scotland Wales Ireland stunning beaches and many places inland to visit ..just a little advice hope it helps .
I really like the last point. Not just people moving to the UK, just anywhere. It makes sense to assimilate at least part of the local culture, whatever it is.
You definitely see that within certain communities. The Indians are more British than the British sometimes yet, the Pakistan's tend to see us as secondary.
I see that as more of a religious thing, than a cultural thing. Indian people understand UK values from the British empire. Pakistanis don't. I suppose you could say why should they?. But I get your point.
@@jeffreymonks8507 And yet all of Pakistan was part of British India, so Pakistanis have as much historical background in that as Indians do. I think it suits Indian culture better, they've embraced it to an extent, whereas that isn't the case for Pakistan with it's obviously much more Islamic culture.
Wow, I really appreciate your last point about assimilating into UK and not trying to turn it into your country of origin. Thank you for that, the first time I have EVER heard anyone say such a thing.
Well said. I've heard far too many complaints because some expect the UK to be somehow a carbon copy of the US because we speak similar versions of English. We don't have McDonalds on every corner and we don't celebrate Thanksgiving!
We used to encourage assimilation but then 'multiculturalism' took over and we were told 'diversity is our strength'. Sadly we are seeing the results with fragmented communities all with different needs/wants.
@@jonnyhost3795 It started with the English flag decades ago, I moved to England from Scotland where we are very proud of the Saltire. It really shocked me how people in England reacted towards their own flag. It also makes sense because people can't become English, I've lived here most of my life and I will never become English (nor would I want to). Then it progressed onto the Union Jack as a symbol of 'Brexit', I originally voted remain but then changed to pro-Brexit the more hate I saw towards my Country. Its classic 'Divide and Conquer', if we are all too busy fighting each other the Globalists push there agenda unnoticed. Dangerous times ahead for the West because the hate is unsustainable.
@@vcrossCelticfc Its weird. I class myself as English and am, I also had a Scottish step grandfather so I know all about the proudness of that flag, yet that flag is a copy of the English flag of Mercia except for the cross being white on the Scottish one. I think the EU is very no no on any form of nation state flag waving and anthems, it's ok to play Ode De Joe and wave the Gold Star flag around but not your Union Jack or English flag, those who voted remain see the English and UK flag as disgusting. Weird !!
You must be an honorary Brit, you started off your conversation with chat about the weather! You sound like a really nice chap, I hope you continue to enjoy your life here.
Your children are very lucky to have a dad like you who is so loving and open and willing to learn from everyone and everything so it will pass on to them and they will have a beautiful life
I find it interesting his outlook seems much closer aligned to what it once meant to be British which seems to be increasingly lost sight of by many people native to Britain today :( We seem to be increasingly losing sight of, or some might just not have the experience to appreciate, what is so great about this country.
most Brits will know the whole sneakers & trainer, chip & fries, car trunk/hood is boot/bonnet thing. we've seen enough American TV and films (movies!) to know exactly what you're talking about. i really wouldn't worry too much about the little differences in our languages. we're just happy that you're here, bringing a breath of fresh, American air!
@@timash4101 Yeah I agree. I’m from England and I think more people understand Americans because a lot of our media comes from America. Stuff like films and social media mostly come from America.
Anyone looking to move anywhere in the world should start by forgetting any media enforced image they have of a place and starting fresh. Learn as much as you can about a place and the people. Not only is that just courteous but it could also keep you safe in the long run.
such wise advice for your fellow Americans, Mack. It's so incomprehensible to us when you see Americans who think other countries should be like the US, a bit as if they are travelling through some theme parks. You are so obviously not like that, thank you thank you !
My husband moved to the U.K. from the States quite a few years ago. We met, got married (eventually) and he has said he never wants to go back because he considers England to be his home
I lived in the U.S. for 20 years, I perfer the UK. In the U.S. there is a sense of having the safety net pulled out from under you once you step on U.S. soil, your on your own type of thinking, every man, women, child, dog, cat for themselves. The UK is a more secure place to live overall.
I’m sure that 99% of the time if you used an American word that people would understand what you mean. Maybe not so much the older generation, but definitely the younger ones. We watch a lot of American films and tv shows, so we know just about every American word. Sneakers, pants, crib, fries, etc. Some of the younger people where I live use the American word rather than the British one.
I had a friend( English) who worked in London for Merrill Lynch ,the huge American company. She had been with them for many years and I remember her saying that of all the places round the world that the top employees had to spend time ,the U.K. was the one that they all said was the most problematic to begin with. It was required that getting to the top of the ladder meant that they had to spend periods of time in all the countries where Merrill Lynch operated to gain experience ,so when they knew it was to be Berlin or Paris or wherever, they would spend a lot of time preparing for a different culture . The U.K. caught them all out ,for just the reasons you sensibly expressed
The single most important word in that video was "assimilate". Everybody is welcome but, as the saying goes, "..when in Rome....". Hope you and your family are well and still enjoying the U.K. Good luck.
I'm born and bread here in England and I still have never assimilated to the uk culture. And I'm british I'm an outsider though and despised by my town
@@cyberash3000 What area do you live in? I live in Kent and we have a huge Nepalese (military) community and the populace love them (even protesting to help them stay). I'm sorry you have had a different experience.
@@vcrossCelticfc poulton near ccleveleys homw to the BNPs old main stronghold, where they held their meetings, where the EDL are regulars. where its 98% white its a shame its a beautiful area. just the old racists let the place down. blackpool is much friendlier and thats 10 mins away
@Athos Aramis money unfortunately to emigrate you need money. and in 2 jobs ive had they where quite honest in their racism, i worked in a far right tory restaurant w where they paid me me apprentice pot washer wages 2.60 an hour. but i was desperate as no one will hire me., they told me i could work there as long as no customers could see me, as seeing a black person would put them off their food. cos i have brown skin i wasnt eligible for the free transport home and it was in the middle of noware. no street lights nothing. and i had to walk in the pitch black hom 21 and a half hour walk in the pitch black. i was earning less than the 16 year old waitresses, who also got the left over food and ta share of tips i wasnt eligible. i didnt have this trouble when i lived in liverpool for a bit or northampton, just in my home town. i have a long list of things done to me from beign 6 mon ths old by racists. if i could afford to move i would
Nobody insults you quite like your friends and family do. Love is expressed verbally in many forms but it probably is a habit that seems more than a little bit odd to many.
Agreed, men especially, if they don’t know you or dislike you tend to be polite, if they like you they will insult you, and expect you to give as good as you get.
I've been living here in the UK for almost 15 years. I love it! I'm so glad so many more of us are here and enjoying it too 💜 love and light to you and your family
As someone who rents out a small flat, I can tell you that it’s the law that all landlords have to check the tenant is allowed to be in the UK. The British government decided that they would force landlords to police this, or face a huge fine.
Yeah which was an extremely ill thought out Tory policy. What it did, at least initially is give landlords and agents an incentive to discriminate against anyone who they suspected weren't from here. This was particularly a problem where demand for rentals was high. It was basically a case of: "want less hassle as a landlord? Just avoid brown people and those without a British accent"...
Love this! Especially the last point about accepting the UK or whatever country you move to, as THAT county and not your home country. It was definately a lesson I had to learn living here.
Biscuits and gravy is a completely different thing here in the UK and they shouldn't be put together at all...unless you are a bit weird. A biscuit over here is like a cookie and gravy isn't the white kind it is usually brown and meat stock based. Also please do not freak out if you hear someone asking for a fag, it is slang for a cigarette and if you hear the word 'faggot' it is a meat dish usually served with chips (fries) and mushy peas in a chip shop (takeout). I know it will be very confusing at first but you will get the hang of it :)
Some other things for Americans to watch out for. Pants are called trousers here, pants in British English are underpants. The small bags you carry around your waist are known here as bum bags, do NOT call them fanny packs. Fanny is the slang term for the female genitals!
@@stevebarlow3154 I've heard people from Manchester call trousers, pants…"I'm wearing my new pants out Friday night" I just imagined all these people in Manchester in just their underpants…
In the UK we have a lot of ways of saying the same thing, and we seem to use a lot more phrases than most. The same phrases handed down through generations. If my mum ever saw me climbing on something dangerous when I was a child she would say "If you fall off that and break both ya legs, don't come running to me!"
I love this family. Polite, earnest, well mannered, and respectful. There is no 'US does this better,' or 'UK does that wrong'. They only point out the differences.
If you come from the US the good thing is most English people will understand what you are saying. You may however not understand everything they are saying 😅
We watch a lot of American shows and films, so generally we normanly get what you're saying or mean. Maybe this changes depending on age of the person or background.
To be honest, I can go 40 miles up the A1 and can't understand what the "Thee Thou's" are saying in Yorkshire. Likewise, a friend from Margate says the same to me. Aye up mi duck from Nottinghamshire.
Wise words. We've been travelling to the US for the last 25 years. We love it. Would we live there? Most probably not. It's very different to the UK. But glad to see you like it here.
I like your suggestions that visitors should research our language, culture etc before they come, but equally we must do the same when we visit other countries. It's respectful and improves your experience and your fun ❤
I think the average Brit is far more familiar with the American language and idioms, than the average American is with British English. And that comes from television and films (movies). From an early age we are exposed to American TV programmes and films, and through them the US culture. So we grow up on a diet that consists of a large amount of Americana. Things aren't the same in the other direction, British TV programmes don't proliferate among US networks to the extent that US programmes do here. British cinema isn't nearly as prolific as American cinema is - and often the content probably isn't to American tastes. We will watch an American TV series or sitcom on British TV without any reservations, whereas US TV networks rather than buy a British prog/series, are more likely to buy the idea and then make their own version for an American audience, and so when they visit here our language and culture is still so much of a mystery.
Some places in the UK especially inner cities there are petrol stations every 2 mins away. The more out in the sticks you go the fewer the petrol stations
I've never come across anywhere nowadays in the UK where they're 'every 2 mins away'. The supermarket petrol stations have largely wiped out the opposition of stand alone petrol stations over the past 30 years. Unlike the US, you'll never find anybody to fill the tank for you. 100% self-service, which can be difficult for disabled drivers.
Very wise! After 42 years since arriving in the UK with my family, your words ring as true today as when we arrived. We've been very fortunate and prospered, mainly because we made sure to assimilate. Even so it took at least 5 years to understand "where the Brits are coming from" in conversation. It still amazes me how not only the North Americans but people from other English speaking former colonies are "nations divided by a common language". National cultures play a very big part!
Great advice. The checking for residency is a legal requirement for landlords and it might also be required for employers. The paperwork side of stuff is well worth looking up because for one thing, a driving licence, while useful, is not the universal form of ID that it is in the States (and you don't have to carry it when driving, although most do). I've lived in six countries on four continents and what you said is spot on. The things that I've found, other than what you already mentioned, are first, that the levels display of patriotism vary greatly from one country to another. In Europe, it's there but much more subdued than in the US. That's not to say people are not proud of their countries, they just don't do it like Americans do and it may come as a shock coming to Britain - which falls somewhere between Europe and the US on this but it's a controversial subject - don't expect to have to salute the flag or even _hear_ the national anthem except at international sports events. Secondly, the relationship between the population and its police and laws. In this, Britain is er, ...relaxed compared to many other countries. The police here generally don't bother people going about their business* and they are much more informal compared to many countries. We still get itchy bitchy types like are found in US Home Owners' Associations but they're limited in power to flicking the net curtains and writing bitter letters. Texas is the only place I've had someone physically _measure_ the length of my grass and instruct me to cut it or risk a penalty (that would be _Sieg Heil_ territory in Britain). Obviously, there's variation on all this and it's also a controversial subject for some, but on the whole, I rather like British coppers and the approach to civil life. *Unless that business is breaking the law.
Flags in the uk are a strange subject. The Union Jack is an amalgamation of the flags of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick, the national saints of England, Scotland and Ireland. St David of Wales isn't represented. The union jack should maybe have a red dragon at its centre. The constituent flags are considered slightly nationalistic and the English flag is both nationalistic and some say misappropriated by some racists. I can understand being proud of one's constituent country, but doing so through a constituent flag is problematic nowadays.
@@davidhoward2487 That subdivision HOA, north east of Dallas was pretty bad but the next one along the highway had these structures that looked like watchtowers straight from The Great Escape around it. Somewhere I still have photos of them. So weird, no idea what they were supposed to be. Some of the stuff I saw around law enforcement there certainly gave the lie to the idea of The Land of the Free.
I've had someone physically measure the length of my grass and instruct me to cut it , that sentence actually stopped me dead. Gobsmacked comes to mind ( another british word ) . Cut your grass ! .... You are not my God or my Dad , one is dead and the other doesnt exist, so you can walk away , or go home in an ambulance, your choice. How Very Dare You !
@@richard6440 the missus has a tenant now who's omitting to keep the house and garden tidy/clean. Neighbours whinging now. Halfway expect a summons to do it for him. Outrageous.
Your advice of doing proper research is so perfectly said. So lovely to have you in the UK :) As an immigrant (I've been in England for 17 years) I totally agree.
We will miss you a lot, when you leave the UK. So eloquent, and a beautiful family. The English culture is not what is once was. Thank you for your stay here and I will follow wherever you go.
Lovely words! Please enjoy your time in the UK ❤️❤️ Being born here, I do tend to view the country in a somewhat negative way (litter, vandalism, general decline, weather!!) and often wonder what tourist/people from outside of the country think... I'm glad you are positive about the country ❤️❤️❤️
The language in the UK is very diverse by region, and even city / town so I would recommend anyone coming here to google sayings and words from where they plan to visit. I am from England, but there are still a lot of places in England that I find it hard to understand peoples accents and local words.
I must say that if you are from USA and want to live in England depending on your work/career /family and social life and financial status you need to really think about where in the UK you want to settle, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and LONDON. and the midlands or up north like Liverpool and Manchester or Leeds and places like Brighton or Portsmouth, Kent or Dover and Cambridge are totally different from one another. You really got to do your research, Like should I live in LA, New York, Utah, Hawaii, Detroit, Chicago, Louisana or Alabama and why...??/ Exactly... the same thoughts and reasoning applies here.
@@MacandBlair Member of the British Empire, it is a non military award for services to the country. However as I guess you are not a citizen of the U.K. nor a Commonwealth citizen it would be an “ honorary “ award only, ie you could not refer to yourself as Mr Smith MBE.
I love watching your videos. This is a good one especially the last point. That’s what I have learnt when I moved in the UK 28years ago. God bless you and your family.
Would love to move to the UK but don't have a job waiting for me, don't have a visa and don't have any money. I am Australian. Didn't know about shopping and petrol stations in the USA. That was interesting. In Australia crisps and chips are both called chips.
Culturally you Aussies get an easier ride, we're not as dissimilar in terms of humour and outlook as US citizens tend to be. We drink and swear properly etc lol
Would be great to have more Aussies’s here. It’s a pity and unfortunate about your circumstances This may sound cynical (Which it is!)…come over on a dinghy; you’ll be welcomed with open arms!
Really amazing advice!! I used to hear ridiculous things from Americans when I was growing up, comments like "I can't even get Oscar Myer Weiners here" (in the UK). Like they thought the UK would just have all the same things. America has a wider choice of American products, just like the UK has a wider choice of British products. Thank you for your realistic advice.
I lived in the U.S. for 20 years, many people paid with a ''cheque'' and still do. Seems very old fashion, bc in the UK most people pay for things with credit or debit card. Or Direct debit for bills.
Hey man another great videos, you really do your country proud, love how chilled out you are and how much your enjoying your new home, your family are amazing, keep up the great content.
The most important thing is.....We live on an island which makes the weather changeable, how boring to live in a place that is always very hot or very cold but we do get nice fresh air from the Atlantic.
@@stevebettany8778 shouldn't you go back there then? As an aside, we're semi retiring to France next year and Brittany is definitely an area we're looking at, I too have distant French ancestors apparently, but I'm more than happy to go with the cultural flow because I'm not an arse.
Isn't it wonderful to hear a person from another country ask other foreign nationals to accept the UK for what it is! This man and his family are wonderful! Good luck to all of you!
I love to listen to what you like about our Country, there are so many bashers so it’s refreshing to hear a like minded soul offer positive opinion , Thank you and enjoy being a part of the UK 🥰
Its a very good point you make there about assimilating into a culture. I am an American living overseas and I get so embarrassed when another American comes and immediately says something like "Well, in America, we do it this way!" or look immediately for a McDonalds to eat at rather than something more local (like fish and chips). If you aren't there to experience something new, why did you leave home?
Its only like the UK Benidorm crowd who go to Spain and expect English food. Its not just an American thing. Its about having an open mind about other cultures. I don't like the slow Americanization of British culture. We really are the "51st state" sometimes.
Your attitude is exemplary. There are certainly Americans in England that think the country should adapt to them. It's possible that you've worked the following out over the last year. Most English people know what sneakers and fries are. :)
Anyone who moves to another country and wants/expects it to be like their home country really would be better off staying at home! Good vid's by the way. :-)
Very wise advice. I moved from England to Scotland years ago and I had to learn new words and sayings. There are different cultures even within the UK.
Ok this is really cool of you. I live in London and there are shops everywhere in every town and we have high streets but not like malls in USA in every town. London has boroughs 32 in fact and there are large shops or shopping centres in each one depending on if they are a tourist area or affluent or gentrified. The royal boroughs have deluxe markets like areas such as Chelsea, Greenwich, Covent garden, Bethnal Green but there are major department stores and shops and superstore supermarkets like ASDA ( owned by Walmart by the way) in central London towns. Also, we call potato chips CRISPS.... ( stress on the elongated 's', not crisp) ps. IF you ever visit London come in the springtime, because it's beautiful and the energy is so awesome and unique... visit Greenwich park! Visit Hyde park on a Sunday ( rollerskaters) Visit Colombia road market! All the museums if your children are coming! Westfield shopping centre and YOU must visit Peckham and Brixton.
You are spot on, the UK has a temperate climate. In general, this means that the UK gets cool, wet winters and warm, wet summers. It rarely features the extremes of heat or cold, drought or wind that are common in other climates. The weather conditions are also very changeable.
Based on the video on Dunotter Castle I did some "further reading" from your videos. It's a wonderful energy that you communicate, man: hats off. I appreciate it, it's motivation for me to make that kind of (what comes across as) calm and engaging positivity more of a tenant in my character than a visitor. Keep being you!
if you ask for sneakers in an american accent you will probably get a peanut filled chocolate bar and told how it used to be a marathon hope you are still enjoying the weather - oh wait it changed again
I would definitely echo the importance of getting a UK bank account at the earliest opportunity. Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease agreement, local tax bill etc. Also apply for UK credit card and driver's licence.
One thing that I've been told by American friends of mine is that they are surprised by the changes that happen in short distances in the UK. You can go to the next village over and the accent changes - 20 miles down the road and the style of buildings are different - cross a river and the word for one thing may be different. This doesn't seem to happen in the USA and they have found it fascinating and sometimes confusing. So if you are looking to move to the UK - don't visit London and then plan to move to Devon - totally different experience.
It's down to development and density of population. The UK which is the size of California has been relatively highly populated for hundreds if not thousands of years. And we had frequent invasions until 1066 so we have historical evidence of all that across the country. The geographic area that became the USA of course also had many indigenous cultures and populations but the size of the USA is the equivalent of ALL of Europe. The population has not been so dense in the USA historically. For example greater London has a BIGGER population than my entire state (Washington) which is the size of England. So England has 45m people + and Washington State has about 8m in total. Then most development in the UK happened BEFORE the car, so villages, towns etc are made for walking and carts with more small roads and narrow.lanes. The USA has developed the fastest in the 20th century especially since the car. We have so many accents in the UK because people luved in the same local areas all their lives until the industrial revolution. Our histories are very different.
your last point sort of says it all 👍 I can confirm that as a Brit living on the continent for quite some years now. Yes I will always stay a Brit but very much enjoy the multi cultures of the different countries and especially the languages. Best way to connect with the country you are living in is to get involved. Join sports clubs, St. John‘s ambulance, Women’s Institute etc. Enjoy your time in good ole England x
When we went to New York we were the same. We had heard of “jaywalking” which we don’t have here in the UK. I had to remember your “pants” are actually underwear here - we call pants trousers!
Sound advice. As you say, if you do your research first, whether for a holiday or to live in another country it will always be better. Doing research even for a short stay is fun and people, wherever you are in the world appreciate it,
There is an a pink rose bush that has blown my mind at the house. It has bloomed non stop for over two months... it just keep going. I wish I had featured it in my background along with the red rose.
Absolutely brilliant vlog, as usual 👏🏻. I know you will cover this yourself but I wanted to add that you have to be financially stable and have savings to get residency and leave to remain in the UK. My husband moved here in 2002 and we had to jump through so many hoops financially. The system, back then……we had to have couriers take documents to LA (We lived in Texas) There was always something that wanted extra money for (paperwork) Eventually we decided to stay in the UK and once he could prove he had a stable job, money in the bank etc, he got his ILTR. Also, he was told he had no recourse to public funds when he first got here. Ie: benefits, (welfare) if he lost his job and he ‘should’ pay for NHS treatment etc. I think they changed the NHS bit now, but I’m not 100% sure on that. You can of course come for holidays here, (vacations) but if you plan to stay, make sure you do your homework. Lots of love to you all on this wonderful channel 😘💕💕💕🇬🇧
Mate, you're not wrong. I went on a visit to Boston to learn some US history, phenomenal place, gorgeous, but I did something so silly. I went to a café for a burger and asked for a burger and chips. When the waitress brought out a burger and a pack of crisps I howled with laugher, said I'm sorry and explained my mistake. They were cool about it but yeah, learning the small things is important!
Excellent advice, and you delivered it in a very nice way that got my attention. I’m serial watching your vids, very entertaining and the informational stuff is delivered in a well organized way. Cheers from San Diego
I would say with petrol stations, depending on where you live is choosing wisely where to fill up regularly, prices vary greatly and the fuel prices are always expensive, always aim to fill up at supermarket stations, as they’re always the cheapest.
The worst thing I saw an American couple do was in a local supermarket. They were standing back at the end of the checkout, watching their shopping being scanned and piling up. While all the other customers around them were packing their own bags. Then they just stood there for an embarrassingly long time without paying, until a store manager rushed across and packed their shopping into bags for them. The US is about the only country that employs baggers in their stores.
A lovely, thoughtful approach as ever. 👍 Another big difference that is worth considering is the difference between our schools and education system and the American system. Superficial stuff like wearing uniforms, but also more significant differences, and getting to grips with our exams (for families with older children).
What a lovely chap! Welcome to the UK! Perhaps some other things to consider - we can drink from 18 in the UK but you can’t drive until you are 17. We also drive on the other side of the road to you and we love a good roundabout on the roads. We also have the NHS which basically means you don’t need to worry about health insurance. Hope you enjoy your life in the UK! Xx
You Sir should be the US Ambassador........pure common sense (which is not so common these days). Love this channel......what a lovely family.
Hi Jamie, you are so right.
Yes he is good.
We call vacations holidays. We also have some bank holidays when banks are closed.
You spot on about if you learn about the culture of the country you visit it means so much to local people to just try or attempt to speak a few words ...don't always think it's the best thing just after a holiday to move to a country or place you've been the first experience is always a little special ... I love Egypt and the Greek islands but it's not the UK so moving there I would miss so much about home but I believe it's two countries I possibly could adapt to anyway it's only about 4 to 5 hours flying back to the UK ... my advice try make friends with English British people or European people Europe's beautiful try to get to stay with people to get a better insite and visit different times of the year winters are cold and dark in Britain but can be just as beautiful ... but spring summers it stays light until about 10.00 pm day light comes back about 4 am Autumn's even beautiful but chilly weather's alot of British people's biggest problem it's so unpredictable..at times but you have so many countries in Europe to visit for the sun turkey Greece Cyprus Italy south of France Spain Portugal.and many many more with airports all over the uk to travel from even Egypt Tunisia are about 4 to 5 hours flying the red sea is stunning but your in Africa .... European cities to visit 1 hour by plane and Britain in summer is beautiful from England Scotland Wales Ireland stunning beaches and many places inland to visit ..just a little advice hope it helps .
What his later Vids. The Video editing is pretty bad
What a kind & considerate & well spoken man! People like you would always be welcome in the U.K.! Your blogs are excellent. ..as is your family!
I really like the last point. Not just people moving to the UK, just anywhere. It makes sense to assimilate at least part of the local culture, whatever it is.
You definitely see that within certain communities. The Indians are more British than the British sometimes yet, the Pakistan's tend to see us as secondary.
I see that as more of a religious thing, than a cultural thing. Indian people understand UK values from the British empire. Pakistanis don't. I suppose you could say why should they?. But I get your point.
@@jeffreymonks8507 And yet all of Pakistan was part of British India, so Pakistanis have as much historical background in that as Indians do. I think it suits Indian culture better, they've embraced it to an extent, whereas that isn't the case for Pakistan with it's obviously much more Islamic culture.
Many Brits don't in Spain. Don't expect Americans or Pakistanis to assimilate either.
@@THOMASCOLTON1
But those British should.... and so should the Americans and Pakistanis.
What a wise and kind hearted man. I feel honoured that you and your family live here in the United Kingdom. x
Wow, I really appreciate your last point about assimilating into UK and not trying to turn it into your country of origin. Thank you for that, the first time I have EVER heard anyone say such a thing.
Well said. I've heard far too many complaints because some expect the UK to be somehow a carbon copy of the US because we speak similar versions of English. We don't have McDonalds on every corner and we don't celebrate Thanksgiving!
We used to encourage assimilation but then 'multiculturalism' took over and we were told 'diversity is our strength'. Sadly we are seeing the results with fragmented communities all with different needs/wants.
@@vcrossCelticfc Who'd have thought that UK or England flag waving would become insulting to some people in this country, and mostly to the left !
@@jonnyhost3795 It started with the English flag decades ago, I moved to England from Scotland where we are very proud of the Saltire. It really shocked me how people in England reacted towards their own flag. It also makes sense because people can't become English, I've lived here most of my life and I will never become English (nor would I want to). Then it progressed onto the Union Jack as a symbol of 'Brexit', I originally voted remain but then changed to pro-Brexit the more hate I saw towards my Country. Its classic 'Divide and Conquer', if we are all too busy fighting each other the Globalists push there agenda unnoticed. Dangerous times ahead for the West because the hate is unsustainable.
@@vcrossCelticfc Its weird. I class myself as English and am, I also had a Scottish step grandfather so I know all about the proudness of that flag, yet that flag is a copy of the English flag of Mercia except for the cross being white on the Scottish one. I think the EU is very no no on any form of nation state flag waving and anthems, it's ok to play Ode De Joe and wave the Gold Star flag around but not your Union Jack or English flag, those who voted remain see the English and UK flag as disgusting. Weird !!
You must be an honorary Brit, you started off your conversation with chat about the weather!
You sound like a really nice chap, I hope you continue to enjoy your life here.
Your children are very lucky to have a dad like you who is so loving and open and willing to learn from everyone and everything so it will pass on to them and they will have a beautiful life
Yes, visitors and guests should always follow the house rules. That applies across the world.
Totally agree. Behave as a guest!
Few do though.
Disagree. Live how you want. Only little Englanders think this.
@@THOMASCOLTON1 what on earth do you mean its only little Englanders think this? Its general politeness and common sense to do this
@@THOMASCOLTON1 its called respect. That and manners go a long way. Respect different cultures and if you can't, stay at home.
If everyone shared your outlook the world would be a better place...we need more people like you! 👍
I find it interesting his outlook seems much closer aligned to what it once meant to be British which seems to be increasingly lost sight of by many people native to Britain today :(
We seem to be increasingly losing sight of, or some might just not have the experience to appreciate, what is so great about this country.
yeah this guy is legit in all areas. Look at his family, soo respectful(at least on camera) Great channel!!
most Brits will know the whole sneakers & trainer, chip & fries, car trunk/hood is boot/bonnet thing. we've seen enough American TV and films (movies!) to know exactly what you're talking about. i really wouldn't worry too much about the little differences in our languages.
we're just happy that you're here, bringing a breath of fresh, American air!
Brits tend to have an easier time understanding Americans than vice versa, though
Yeah there’s only gonna be a few odd words that people won’t understand which is usually particular items. Common stuff like that is understandable
@@timash4101 Yeah I agree. I’m from England and I think more people understand Americans because a lot of our media comes from America. Stuff like films and social media mostly come from America.
What a lovely man you are
Anyone looking to move anywhere in the world should start by forgetting any media enforced image they have of a place and starting fresh. Learn as much as you can about a place and the people. Not only is that just courteous but it could also keep you safe in the long run.
such wise advice for your fellow Americans, Mack. It's so incomprehensible to us when you see Americans who think other countries should be like the US, a bit as if they are travelling through some theme parks. You are so obviously not like that, thank you thank you !
So well put.....🙌🏽
@MrAbletospeak Thank you xx
@@sebastianbolt6905 Thank you :)
It is odd but true. You are spot on.
Isn't that what the English did when they occupied other countries like India,south Africa, etc 🤷🏻♂️
My husband moved to the U.K. from the States quite a few years ago. We met, got married (eventually) and he has said he never wants to go back because he considers England to be his home
I lived in the U.S. for 20 years, I perfer the UK. In the U.S. there is a sense of having the safety net pulled out from under you once you step on U.S. soil, your on your own type of thinking, every man, women, child, dog, cat for themselves. The UK is a more secure place to live overall.
My son has been in the UK for over 20 years...Americans can’t understand why he’s not moving back to the US...I do!
I’m sure that 99% of the time if you used an American word that people would understand what you mean. Maybe not so much the older generation, but definitely the younger ones. We watch a lot of American films and tv shows, so we know just about every American word. Sneakers, pants, crib, fries, etc. Some of the younger people where I live use the American word rather than the British one.
My husband is the same. Since he got his dual citizenship he’s been seriously considering renouncing his US citizenship.
@@lyndakling901 bless you and your son
I had a friend( English) who worked in London for Merrill Lynch ,the huge American company. She had been with them for many years and I remember her saying that of all the places round the world that the top employees had to spend time ,the U.K. was the one that they all said was the most problematic to begin with. It was required that getting to the top of the ladder meant that they had to spend periods of time in all the countries where Merrill Lynch operated to gain experience ,so when they knew it was to be Berlin or Paris or wherever, they would spend a lot of time preparing for a different culture . The U.K. caught them all out ,for just the reasons you sensibly expressed
The single most important word in that video was "assimilate". Everybody is welcome but, as the saying goes, "..when in Rome....". Hope you and your family are well and still enjoying the U.K. Good luck.
I'm born and bread here in England and I still have never assimilated to the uk culture. And I'm british I'm an outsider though and despised by my town
@@cyberash3000 What area do you live in? I live in Kent and we have a huge Nepalese (military) community and the populace love them (even protesting to help them stay). I'm sorry you have had a different experience.
@@cyberash3000 Not surprised going by the foul language you used to someone.
@@vcrossCelticfc poulton near ccleveleys homw to the BNPs old main stronghold, where they held their meetings, where the EDL are regulars. where its 98% white its a shame its a beautiful area. just the old racists let the place down. blackpool is much friendlier and thats 10 mins away
@Athos Aramis money unfortunately to emigrate you need money. and in 2 jobs ive had they where quite honest in their racism, i worked in a far right tory restaurant w where they paid me me apprentice pot washer wages 2.60 an hour. but i was desperate as no one will hire me., they told me i could work there as long as no customers could see me, as seeing a black person would put them off their food. cos i have brown skin i wasnt eligible for the free transport home and it was in the middle of noware. no street lights nothing. and i had to walk in the pitch black hom 21 and a half hour walk in the pitch black. i was earning less than the 16 year old waitresses, who also got the left over food and ta share of tips i wasnt eligible. i didnt have this trouble when i lived in liverpool for a bit or northampton, just in my home town. i have a long list of things done to me from beign 6 mon ths old by racists. if i could afford to move i would
Don't forget, we all have a weird sense of humour and poking fun is a sign of friendship in the UK.
I believe this should be top of the list.
Nobody insults you quite like your friends and family do. Love is expressed verbally in many forms but it probably is a habit that seems more than a little bit odd to many.
Agreed, men especially, if they don’t know you or dislike you tend to be polite, if they like you they will insult you, and expect you to give as good as you get.
I've been living here in the UK for almost 15 years. I love it! I'm so glad so many more of us are here and enjoying it too 💜 love and light to you and your family
We love you too
As someone who rents out a small flat, I can tell you that it’s the law that all landlords have to check the tenant is allowed to be in the UK. The British government decided that they would force landlords to police this, or face a huge fine.
Yes. The UK govt can't be bothered so forces landlords to be border control instead.
yep. Even EU tenants.
@@Sandra-A Even British tenants.
Yeah which was an extremely ill thought out Tory policy. What it did, at least initially is give landlords and agents an incentive to discriminate against anyone who they suspected weren't from here. This was particularly a problem where demand for rentals was high. It was basically a case of: "want less hassle as a landlord? Just avoid brown people and those without a British accent"...
@@Talkathon408 Absolutely true, enabling the racists, which is exactly why I only rent my flat to non-British people.
Love this! Especially the last point about accepting the UK or whatever country you move to, as THAT county and not your home country. It was definately a lesson I had to learn living here.
Never make fun of the inhabitants of a country you are visiting.
Biscuits and gravy is a completely different thing here in the UK and they shouldn't be put together at all...unless you are a bit weird.
A biscuit over here is like a cookie and gravy isn't the white kind it is usually brown and meat stock based.
Also please do not freak out if you hear someone asking for a fag, it is slang for a cigarette and if you hear the word 'faggot' it is a meat dish usually served with chips (fries) and mushy peas in a chip shop (takeout).
I know it will be very confusing at first but you will get the hang of it :)
Lol
Imagine my surprise when I first had Chicken and Biscuits in the states 🤣
Some other things for Americans to watch out for. Pants are called trousers here, pants in British English are underpants. The small bags you carry around your waist are known here as bum bags, do NOT call them fanny packs. Fanny is the slang term for the female genitals!
@@stevebarlow3154 I've heard people from Manchester call trousers, pants…"I'm wearing my new pants out Friday night" I just imagined all these people in Manchester in just their underpants…
LOL good to know...
In the UK we have a lot of ways of saying the same thing, and we seem to use a lot more phrases than most. The same phrases handed down through generations. If my mum ever saw me climbing on something dangerous when I was a child she would say "If you fall off that and break both ya legs, don't come running to me!"
😂😂😂😂
I love this family. Polite, earnest, well mannered, and respectful. There is no 'US does this better,' or 'UK does that wrong'. They only point out the differences.
You sir are a really nice guy who offers great advise . You are right when in Rome should always apply to anyone who moves to another country
You sir, give me a good impression of a wholesome intelligent and courteous American man and his family. Good human alert right here!
If you come from the US the good thing is most English people will understand what you are saying. You may however not understand everything they are saying 😅
Unless your from Kentucky.
You can't always understand people from one village to the next
We watch a lot of American shows and films, so generally we normanly get what you're saying or mean. Maybe this changes depending on age of the person or background.
To be honest, I can go 40 miles up the A1 and can't understand what the "Thee Thou's" are saying in Yorkshire. Likewise, a friend from Margate says the same to me. Aye up mi duck from Nottinghamshire.
Wise words. We've been travelling to the US for the last 25 years. We love it. Would we live there? Most probably not. It's very different to the UK. But glad to see you like it here.
I like your suggestions that visitors should research our language, culture etc before they come, but equally we must do the same when we visit other countries. It's respectful and improves your experience and your fun ❤
Loved your phrase.... when coming here(SIC UK) get in the queue not the line
I think the average Brit is far more familiar with the American language and idioms, than the average American is with British English. And that comes from television and films (movies). From an early age we are exposed to American TV programmes and films, and through them the US culture. So we grow up on a diet that consists of a large amount of Americana. Things aren't the same in the other direction, British TV programmes don't proliferate among US networks to the extent that US programmes do here. British cinema isn't nearly as prolific as American cinema is - and often the content probably isn't to American tastes. We will watch an American TV series or sitcom on British TV without any reservations, whereas US TV networks rather than buy a British prog/series, are more likely to buy the idea and then make their own version for an American audience, and so when they visit here our language and culture is still so much of a mystery.
There is no such thing as the American language.
Some places in the UK especially inner cities there are petrol stations every 2 mins away. The more out in the sticks you go the fewer the petrol stations
sticks meaning countryside
I've never come across anywhere nowadays in the UK where they're 'every 2 mins away'. The supermarket petrol stations have largely wiped out the opposition of stand alone petrol stations over the past 30 years. Unlike the US, you'll never find anybody to fill the tank for you. 100% self-service, which can be difficult for disabled drivers.
@peterblythe1 you certainly have all the Tescos covered in your town 😂
Sounds like Great Yarmouth?
Good point
Very wise! After 42 years since arriving in the UK with my family, your words ring as true today as when we arrived. We've been very fortunate and prospered, mainly because we made sure to assimilate. Even so it took at least 5 years to understand "where the Brits are coming from" in conversation. It still amazes me how not only the North Americans but people from other English speaking former colonies are "nations divided by a common language". National cultures play a very big part!
Great advice. The checking for residency is a legal requirement for landlords and it might also be required for employers. The paperwork side of stuff is well worth looking up because for one thing, a driving licence, while useful, is not the universal form of ID that it is in the States (and you don't have to carry it when driving, although most do).
I've lived in six countries on four continents and what you said is spot on. The things that I've found, other than what you already mentioned, are first, that the levels display of patriotism vary greatly from one country to another. In Europe, it's there but much more subdued than in the US. That's not to say people are not proud of their countries, they just don't do it like Americans do and it may come as a shock coming to Britain - which falls somewhere between Europe and the US on this but it's a controversial subject - don't expect to have to salute the flag or even _hear_ the national anthem except at international sports events.
Secondly, the relationship between the population and its police and laws. In this, Britain is er, ...relaxed compared to many other countries. The police here generally don't bother people going about their business* and they are much more informal compared to many countries. We still get itchy bitchy types like are found in US Home Owners' Associations but they're limited in power to flicking the net curtains and writing bitter letters. Texas is the only place I've had someone physically _measure_ the length of my grass and instruct me to cut it or risk a penalty (that would be _Sieg Heil_ territory in Britain). Obviously, there's variation on all this and it's also a controversial subject for some, but on the whole, I rather like British coppers and the approach to civil life.
*Unless that business is breaking the law.
Flags in the uk are a strange subject. The Union Jack is an amalgamation of the flags of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick, the national saints of England, Scotland and Ireland. St David of Wales isn't represented. The union jack should maybe have a red dragon at its centre. The constituent flags are considered slightly nationalistic and the English flag is both nationalistic and some say misappropriated by some racists. I can understand being proud of one's constituent country, but doing so through a constituent flag is problematic nowadays.
Pedro Conejo: Glad that doesn't happen here, our grass is nearly up to the window sill!..And it's still raining!...
@@davidhoward2487 That subdivision HOA, north east of Dallas was pretty bad but the next one along the highway had these structures that looked like watchtowers straight from The Great Escape around it. Somewhere I still have photos of them. So weird, no idea what they were supposed to be. Some of the stuff I saw around law enforcement there certainly gave the lie to the idea of The Land of the Free.
I've had someone physically measure the length of my grass and instruct me to cut it , that sentence actually stopped me dead. Gobsmacked comes to mind ( another british word ) . Cut your grass ! .... You are not my God or my Dad , one is dead and the other doesnt exist, so you can walk away , or go home in an ambulance, your choice. How Very Dare You !
@@richard6440 the missus has a tenant now who's omitting to keep the house and garden tidy/clean. Neighbours whinging now. Halfway expect a summons to do it for him. Outrageous.
Your advice of doing proper research is so perfectly said. So lovely to have you in the UK :) As an immigrant (I've been in England for 17 years) I totally agree.
You would be brilliant doing professional voice overs!
You guys really have me thinking about it. Before I started making videos... I never heard it before.
We will miss you a lot, when you leave the UK.
So eloquent, and a beautiful family.
The English culture is not what is once was.
Thank you for your stay here and I will follow wherever you go.
I think they've moved here permanently. They don't have to leave .😊
@@jamesguitar7384 they will leave after they find out how bad the country really is
This should be a PSA at Heathrow, glad to have you here Mac, could listen to your silky voice all day.
Lovely words! Please enjoy your time in the UK ❤️❤️ Being born here, I do tend to view the country in a somewhat negative way (litter, vandalism, general decline, weather!!) and often wonder what tourist/people from outside of the country think... I'm glad you are positive about the country ❤️❤️❤️
The language in the UK is very diverse by region, and even city / town so I would recommend anyone coming here to google sayings and words from where they plan to visit. I am from England, but there are still a lot of places in England that I find it hard to understand peoples accents and local words.
I must say that if you are from USA and want to live in England depending on your work/career /family and social life and financial status you need to really think about where in the UK you want to settle, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and LONDON. and the midlands or up north like Liverpool and Manchester or Leeds and places like Brighton or Portsmouth, Kent or Dover and Cambridge are totally different from one another. You really got to do your research, Like should I live in LA, New York, Utah, Hawaii, Detroit, Chicago, Louisana or Alabama and why...??/ Exactly... the same thoughts and reasoning applies here.
Really good advice I lived in a few countries and continents and just getting on with everyone is essential .
👍
Amazing video! I love this country, I feel at home! The UK is great, feeling very blessed to be here with my family.
love your videos , so respectful of us in the uk , so polite and love that your voice is so relaxing . a good bloke and a welcome addition to the uk
And that’s why I love following your channel!
Should point out that Walmart bought ASDA, so there is Walmart in the UK but under a different trading name.
Love the message fantastic post 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸🏴
Thank you.
Keep this up and you'll end up with an MBE.
No he won’t. He is a resident not a UK citizen. He does deserve it though. Very nice family & I hope they stay.
@@twoodward1162 assume he'll naturalize.
An honorary knighthood is possible though!
MBE?
@@MacandBlair Member of the British Empire, it is a non military award for services to the country. However as I guess you are not a citizen of the U.K. nor a Commonwealth citizen it would be an “ honorary “ award only, ie you could not refer to yourself as Mr Smith MBE.
I love watching your videos. This is a good one especially the last point. That’s what I have learnt when I moved in the UK 28years ago. God bless you and your family.
Would love to move to the UK but don't have a job waiting for me, don't have a visa and don't have any money. I am Australian.
Didn't know about shopping and petrol stations in the USA. That was interesting.
In Australia crisps and chips are both called chips.
It'd easier to move to tbe uk from Australia now since brexit. I believe
Culturally you Aussies get an easier ride, we're not as dissimilar in terms of humour and outlook as US citizens tend to be.
We drink and swear properly etc lol
Would be great to have more Aussies’s here. It’s a pity and unfortunate about your circumstances This may sound cynical (Which it is!)…come over on a dinghy; you’ll be welcomed with open arms!
Seems were going in opposite directions. I'm applying for roles in Perth as we speak :D
Hey id love to move to Australia! We should do a swap 😂
Really amazing advice!! I used to hear ridiculous things from Americans when I was growing up, comments like "I can't even get Oscar Myer Weiners here" (in the UK). Like they thought the UK would just have all the same things. America has a wider choice of American products, just like the UK has a wider choice of British products. Thank you for your realistic advice.
I've seen a few of his vids and this is a really nice chap. You wasn't born in England but you have the right outlook
In Britain you pay a bill with a cheque, in America you pay a check with a bill.
only if you're old enough to know what a cheque book is.
I lived in the U.S. for 20 years, many people paid with a ''cheque'' and still do. Seems very old fashion, bc in the UK most people pay for things with credit or debit card. Or Direct debit for bills.
@@lovejetfuel4071 They have tried to phase out cheques in the UK, in the past. They are generally used by older folk now.
And they have a serious dislike for the letter "u" 🙄
@@lovejetfuel4071 what are you on about most if not all Americans pay with a credit or debit card only a handful of the elderly pay with a check.
What a calming voice.
Hey man another great videos, you really do your country proud, love how chilled out you are and how much your enjoying your new home, your family are amazing, keep up the great content.
Hit the nail on the head. Thank you. We are fortunate to have you and your family want to come live here!
The most important thing is.....We live on an island which makes the weather changeable, how boring to live in a place that is always very hot or very cold but we do get nice fresh air from the Atlantic.
Apparently as a native Englishman I’m expected to bend to every culture that lands here. Great video and much appreciated.
Are you still mad at the Romans hun?
@@jangomoonstomp nice one but with my surname guess where we came from.
@@stevebettany8778 shouldn't you go back there then?
As an aside, we're semi retiring to France next year and Brittany is definitely an area we're looking at, I too have distant French ancestors apparently, but I'm more than happy to go with the cultural flow because I'm not an arse.
Like how your people forced there culture on the the people of India and south Africa.
Sage advise from a wise man.....
Isn't it wonderful to hear a person from another country ask other foreign nationals to accept the UK for what it is! This man and his family are wonderful! Good luck to all of you!
I love to listen to what you like about our Country, there are so many bashers so it’s refreshing to hear a like minded soul offer positive opinion , Thank you and enjoy being a part of the UK 🥰
Its a very good point you make there about assimilating into a culture. I am an American living overseas and I get so embarrassed when another American comes and immediately says something like "Well, in America, we do it this way!" or look immediately for a McDonalds to eat at rather than something more local (like fish and chips). If you aren't there to experience something new, why did you leave home?
Its only like the UK Benidorm crowd who go to Spain and expect English food. Its not just an American thing. Its about having an open mind about other cultures. I don't like the slow Americanization of British culture. We really are the "51st state" sometimes.
You and your family are lovely. It is so interesting looking at ourselves, our history and culture through your eyes. ❤️
You won't have to worry about remembering tax when you're shopping
Hi Kyle, yes I forgot that one, my wife an I moved to Canada 14+ yrs ago, still a pain in the behind paying 11% more than ticket price...
@@tonyfurneaux3399 Thats such a bizarre thing! Can't believe u have to do some mental maths while shopping! xD
@@tonyfurneaux3399 Canada does that too that so weird only heard of America doing it
I'm born and raised in the UK, don't need any of this information, but love these videos anyway. They're just so chill.
Your attitude is exemplary. There are certainly Americans in England that think the country should adapt to them.
It's possible that you've worked the following out over the last year. Most English people know what sneakers and fries are. :)
Sir you and your family are are amazing and I love following your journey .
Anyone who moves to another country and wants/expects it to be like their home country really would be better off staying at home!
Good vid's by the way. :-)
Very wise advice. I moved from England to Scotland years ago and I had to learn new words and sayings. There are different cultures even within the UK.
What a lovely bloke! Love watching your videos. The world would be a better place with a few more families like yours!
Ok this is really cool of you. I live in London and there are shops everywhere in every town and we have high streets but not like malls in USA in every town. London has boroughs 32 in fact and there are large shops or shopping centres in each one depending on if they are a tourist area or affluent or gentrified.
The royal boroughs have deluxe markets like areas such as Chelsea, Greenwich, Covent garden, Bethnal Green but there are major department stores and shops and superstore supermarkets like ASDA ( owned by Walmart by the way) in central London towns.
Also, we call potato chips CRISPS.... ( stress on the elongated 's', not crisp)
ps. IF you ever visit London come in the springtime, because it's beautiful and the energy is so awesome and unique... visit Greenwich park! Visit Hyde park on a Sunday ( rollerskaters) Visit Colombia road market! All the museums if your children are coming! Westfield shopping centre and YOU must visit Peckham and Brixton.
Everything about this video is on point. Well said my friend.
You are spot on, the UK has a temperate climate. In general, this means that the UK gets cool, wet winters and warm, wet summers. It rarely features the extremes of heat or cold, drought or wind that are common in other climates. The weather conditions are also very changeable.
What a refreshing attitude, I wish more people who come to the UK held your belief to integrate 👍🏻
He's a lovely chap and has a beautiful family too!
Based on the video on Dunotter Castle I did some "further reading" from your videos. It's a wonderful energy that you communicate, man: hats off. I appreciate it, it's motivation for me to make that kind of (what comes across as) calm and engaging positivity more of a tenant in my character than a visitor. Keep being you!
🙂
if you ask for sneakers in an american accent you will probably get a peanut filled chocolate bar and told how it used to be a marathon
hope you are still enjoying the weather - oh wait it changed again
LOL
Frombrum, good point LOL Never bought one since they changed the name. Sounds too much like "knickers" to me. (Snickers)
@@keithparker5103
Then never ask for nut packed snickers as you may get a slap
I wish everyone would be as considerate as this.
Very well spoken and intelligent message, glad to have you over here in the UK
I would definitely echo the importance of getting a UK bank account at the earliest opportunity. Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease agreement, local tax bill etc. Also apply for UK credit card and driver's licence.
The final point you made about adapting your behaviour/culture etc to the country you have moved to is a universal truth.
One thing that I've been told by American friends of mine is that they are surprised by the changes that happen in short distances in the UK. You can go to the next village over and the accent changes - 20 miles down the road and the style of buildings are different - cross a river and the word for one thing may be different. This doesn't seem to happen in the USA and they have found it fascinating and sometimes confusing.
So if you are looking to move to the UK - don't visit London and then plan to move to Devon - totally different experience.
It's down to development and density of population. The UK which is the size of California has been relatively highly populated for hundreds if not thousands of years. And we had frequent invasions until 1066 so we have historical evidence of all that across the country. The geographic area that became the USA of course also had many indigenous cultures and populations but the size of the USA is the equivalent of ALL of Europe. The population has not been so dense in the USA historically. For example greater London has a BIGGER population than my entire state (Washington) which is the size of England. So England has 45m people + and Washington State has about 8m in total. Then most development in the UK happened BEFORE the car, so villages, towns etc are made for walking and carts with more small roads and narrow.lanes. The USA has developed the fastest in the 20th century especially since the car. We have so many accents in the UK because people luved in the same local areas all their lives until the industrial revolution. Our histories are very different.
your last point sort of says it all 👍 I can confirm that as a Brit living on the continent for quite some years now. Yes I will always stay a Brit but very much enjoy the multi cultures of the different countries and especially the languages. Best way to connect with the country you are living in is to get involved. Join sports clubs, St. John‘s ambulance, Women’s Institute etc. Enjoy your time in good ole England x
When we went to New York we were the same. We had heard of “jaywalking” which we don’t have here in the UK. I had to remember your “pants” are actually underwear here - we call pants trousers!
Sound advice.
As you say, if you do your research first, whether for a holiday or to live in another country it will always be better. Doing research even for a short stay is fun and people, wherever you are in the world appreciate it,
Good. We could do with some good vets.
Happyness is everything move where you are happy .But i am so pleased you chose to live in uk WELCOME HOPE YOU STAY HERE .
Ooh - have you deadheaded those roses at last? That was really annoying me in previous videos. 😆
LoL
There is an a pink rose bush that has blown my mind at the house. It has bloomed non stop for over two months... it just keep going. I wish I had featured it in my background along with the red rose.
Absolutely brilliant vlog, as usual 👏🏻.
I know you will cover this yourself but I wanted to add that you have to be financially stable and have savings to get residency and leave to remain in the UK. My husband moved here in 2002 and we had to jump through so many hoops financially. The system, back then……we had to have couriers take documents to LA (We lived in Texas) There was always something that wanted extra money for (paperwork)
Eventually we decided to stay in the UK and once he could prove he had a stable job, money in the bank etc, he got his ILTR.
Also, he was told he had no recourse to public funds when he first got here. Ie: benefits, (welfare) if he lost his job and he ‘should’ pay for NHS treatment etc. I think they changed the NHS bit now, but I’m not 100% sure on that.
You can of course come for holidays here, (vacations) but if you plan to stay, make sure you do your homework.
Lots of love to you all on this wonderful channel 😘💕💕💕🇬🇧
Mate, you're not wrong. I went on a visit to Boston to learn some US history, phenomenal place, gorgeous, but I did something so silly. I went to a café for a burger and asked for a burger and chips. When the waitress brought out a burger and a pack of crisps I howled with laugher, said I'm sorry and explained my mistake. They were cool about it but yeah, learning the small things is important!
Excellent advice, and you delivered it in a very nice way that got my attention.
I’m serial watching your vids, very entertaining and the informational stuff is delivered in a well organized way.
Cheers from San Diego
Thank you Julian.
I would say with petrol stations, depending on where you live is choosing wisely where to fill up regularly, prices vary greatly and the fuel prices are always expensive, always aim to fill up at supermarket stations, as they’re always the cheapest.
The worst thing I saw an American couple do was in a local supermarket. They were standing back at the end of the checkout, watching their shopping being scanned and piling up. While all the other customers around them were packing their own bags. Then they just stood there for an embarrassingly long time without paying, until a store manager rushed across and packed their shopping into bags for them. The US is about the only country that employs baggers in their stores.
I keep checking in, just to make sure that you folks are doing okay. It seems like you’re all good.
Thanks for checking. 🙂
A lovely, thoughtful approach as ever. 👍
Another big difference that is worth considering is the difference between our schools and education system and the American system. Superficial stuff like wearing uniforms, but also more significant differences, and getting to grips with our exams (for families with older children).
Welcome to the UK, nice to hear you've adapted to the culture, hope your family is safe and happy
What a lovely chap! Welcome to the UK!
Perhaps some other things to consider - we can drink from 18 in the UK but you can’t drive until you are 17. We also drive on the other side of the road to you and we love a good roundabout on the roads. We also have the NHS which basically means you don’t need to worry about health insurance.
Hope you enjoy your life in the UK! Xx
Such a respectful video - what a great chap you are with such a beautiful family. Many thanks
Good luck on your next adventure, haste ye back!
i always prefer the other phrase said by fonzie in happy days..........when in rome, do as the romanians do!!!!
google priti patek before even moving here - a belgian 26 years here ,
auch x