You guys are such great storytellers. Daz I think you are my Dad reincarnated. No matter where our family went my Dad always knew someone or had someone in common with them. Dad taught school for 30 years at an inner city school then in the summers when school was out he was a State Lake Patrolman. The diversity of the people he met and befriended was amazing. When Dad passed his funeral was so full of past students , restaurant owners and workers, bar owners and all the friends. As I looked around at all the different people all I could think of was "What a life, well lived." He never met a stranger. Nobody could tell a story or a joke like him. Sorry for rambling on but you and your family just touch my heart. Thanks so much for this channel. 🤗🤗
Daz, I’ve been watching Office Blokes for a couple years. This is one of your best videos in regards to stories and learning about your time in the US. I’ve had a kind of similar life. I’m an American who studied abroad at Lancaster University in Lancashire in 1994 when I was 21. i absolutely loved it. Later, same as you my company gave me a opportunity to work abroad as I was one of their top sales reps. I worked and lived in Sydney, Australia for 4 years then Hong Kong for 6 years. I still visit my best British Mate from Lancaster Uni. And he’s been over a hand full of times as well and we did a trip across Route 66. Some of my absolute best memories of my life are being at Lancaster and making friends. Studying abroad and later working abroad is the best thing I ever did. And my best friend is my British Mate from High Wycombe who I met at Lancaster in 1994.
Daz you bringing up the PBA card was so awesome. It feels like you interacted with so many people during your time here you know and get America more than a lot of us that lived here our whole lives. Your optimism about the place actually inspires me, it can be easy to be cynical about here (or probably wherever you’re from), but you point out so much of the good.
I’m American but I’ve mostly stayed in the southwestern portion of the country and I can honestly say Daz probably knows more about what it’s like to be in America than I do. He’s definitely seen far more of the country and has had a greater variety of “American” experiences than I have.
Yesss mate! We americans work hard fight hard and play hard If your our friend no one can touch you without dealing with all of us. Love the new format with the family! Thanks again, Alan
What a great storyteller you both are. I was completely enthralled listening to you go down memory lane. I am so happy that you both enjoyed you time living here and were treated well. And you are right about most Americans having an affinity for British people. I certainly do. I feel like you both would have found success and friendships anywhere you had landed here, Europe, Asia etc... Honestly it was a great pleasure to hear you recollect you stay in America. You gave as much as you got. ♥♥♥ And you are still giving.♥♥
Loving all the stories and experiences you guys are sharing. You’re right about people Daz. People run the world and just getting know each other will makes a positive impact in every aspect of life.
I 100% agree. Being open and talking to people opens up so many experiences. It's a great way to live, especially in this day and age when people are face down in technology. 👍
I watch the Office Bloke's here and there so when this popped up on my feed I thought, let me watch this for a bit to kill time until the show I want to watch comes on. Now here I am missing the show I was going to watch cause I can't stop watching this. LOL.
Loved this, thanks for the laughs both of you. New Jersey gets a bad rap sometimes, I was fortunate to live a little north of you guys, and know the areas you lived in, good people, good food, good schools. It's not perfect but it's an eye opener. Lot's of wonderful creative people from all over the world chasing the American dream. Daz, you married well, Gayna is special and I can tell you know that. Well done.
I’m fortunate to be an American. There’s no other country I’d want to be from. We’re blessed to be able to live any life we want. And all those that would cry about it haven’t the stomach to pursue the one they desire.
You are very business savvy. Turn this into both a British, and American reality show. The story and dynamic speak to all of us. There are so many things that even your wife thinks that she figured out she actually didn't. I love all of you. Time to subscribe and see what I'm missing! Cheers 🥂
I love Daz's mentality. I think it's like he says, as long as you aren't a dick and be respectful and try to get to know and talk to people anywhere you go, you more often than not will be fine, here in the US or anywhere in the world. Especially here in NYC where you can meet literally anyone from somewhere in the world. I try to be the same, visit bars and areas that have different ethnicities and try their food and just chat about life, no matter your upbringings or circumstances you always learn something and sometimes make friends for life.
Love your story... Live in NY but am often in NJ..know many of the places you mention. Keep up the good conversation.. Cheers! PS. Would love to buy. Daz n Gay a chilled beer n a hard cider .. Gday mates
As an American I have always felt that the Revolution was like a big fight between family. Over time you just kind of make-up and stop being angry with each other. It also helps that we have bled in wars together so many times. I think of the U.K. as our closest friends and the only true country in the world that we could trust.
You should have gotten a PBA sticker to put on your back window (or wind screen...whatever y’all call it). It depends on your license plate too with cops. I had an incident where I was in a rental car with NY plates and got pulled doing 100 in a 70 zone in SC. The trooper came to my window and said “ I’ve been waiting for you all day”, and I replied “well, I got here as fast as I could”. As soon as I showed him my SC license he tipped his hat and said “goddamn boy, that must have been one hell of an escape...welcome home”. 😂🥃
@@officeblokedaz with THAT PBA YOU MUST DISPLAY it's like being in a secret society...I bought a US Marines novelty license plate that I thought looked cool at a thrift store...I decided to stick it right behind my backseat of my car so cars behind me could see it...safe to say...I haven't been pulled over since I put it up 2 yrs ago...I know it's wrong I have no association with the Marines but it's like being in a secret society were cops and military give each other passes that they wouldn't do normal folks...cops will give you pass on things like having one headlight being out or running a stop sign when they know your in "the club"...there brain just switches to " ahh I'll get another guy I'll let this fella Pass"
Such a great video! So cool to learn about your experience in depth. Lifelong NJ resident here. Live in the northern part of the state so not quite where you were, but have heard of most of the towns you stayed in. Newark is definitely dangerous, try to steer clear whenever possible.
Tremendous Daz!! I love the Brits they get humor. I'm a native Jersey Boy from Bayonne. Born & raised. "Cheers" to Manchester!! I'm retired Navy "mate" but never been to England cause I was stationed in San Diego.
Why in the Fug am I sitting here on a Friday, drinking a nice bourbon, and watching your videos?!?!?! LOL Just ran across your channel by accident earlier and now I'm sitting here binge watching your videos! Instantly Subbed to your channel. Loving your content mate!
Can relate to alot of what y’all are saying living in the states. My parents live in one of those woodlands type communities except in pearland tx (so just across Houston) and I also don’t like it. The landscaping is all similar, super clean, Truman show like. They were given magazine of allowed home styles (not many styles) to pick from when they decided to build, and every other block someone had picked the same exact house as theirs but in a slightly different brick color. … we call them subdivisions and they are fairly common. I live in SLC now, and subdivision I visited a few weeks ago had a ton of personality but many just dont…
I'm in the Boston, MA suburbs, and had many times with snow that high. As for guns, in Texas it is common, but I'm 51 and have never even seen anyone, except a police officer, with a gun. We don't have the Bring your own been/liquor establishments here, but I went to a few when visiting Houston in '98 and thought it was the strangest thing.
Wow haha I am from Wall Township, New Jersey, hearing all the places where you lived near there and went to eat was pretty funny 😂 It makes me proud to know that you guys enjoyed Jersey in yout time living here, Greetings from 07719 ✌️
This was amazing 🥰. We LOVE the Brits-particularly the Ball family. I know y’all are English, but to me, you embody the ideal of “dual-citizens.” You’re fam. FYI I carry a gun just about everywhere I go; I was raised to place firearms safety above all else. Those of us who are responsible gun owners aren’t the problem-and our rights won’t be stripped by those who choose to surrender their freedom to criminals. But I digress 😜… Thank you for sharing your story, loves xo 😊!
@mikehunt368 being pro 2A is now "q"??? I've never even held a gun in my life and I whole heartedly support the second Amendment but I have no idea how "q" has anything to do with this. Isn't q just a bunch of conspiracy theories?
Apologies deep question here Daz, but when you say you would be content with dying tomorrow because you have had a successful life, what do you mean by success? I have severe death dread and I am very curious as to which success/successes are so fulfilling that it prevents you from getting anxious about death.
Hi mate, yeah it’s a tough question to explain I guess. I don’t have any anxiety about passing. I’ve done many good (and bad) things in life that I’m lucky enough to have done. I hear many people haven’t experienced anywhere near so I’m quite comfortable in that knowledge and we all have to go one day. I just try and pack as much in whilst I’m here. I don’t think we get a second chance. 👍🏻. Be brave and go for it.
Lol no way, small world! My dad worked for Air Liquide and I lived in the Woodlands (right off Terramont Dr.) for many years. We also disliked it, he said it was Beverley Hills except the millionaires still own trucks for some reason.
About guns, when my grandson was maybe 3 or 4 years old, my daughter was teaching him to keep away from guns. She told him What would you do if you are at a friend's house and he shows you a gun? He says I run away. She told him What if he says to you the gun is not loaded? He replied, Then is OK. His mother goes: NO NO NO.
Most Americans do not own guns. 42% of households have at least one gun. Many people own multiple guns and that is why there are more registered guns in the US than the number of residents. I'm a 67 year old middle income American and have never owned a gun or felt a need to own one. I do know there are areas that are not safe to live in without one though so I am a supporter of the right to bear arms but not semi-automatic weapons, esp. AR's with high velocity ammo. Of course, that's just my opinion.
I worked in an all black post office and neighborhood and never had a problem. Not living in New Jersey where you were at, and at that time, I can't judge if the neighborhood was truly dangerous. For some white people any black neighborhood is dangerous, but as I said, I can't judge.
I judge a place by visiting it and seeing for myself. There’s obviously some places you don’t want to go but for the main part most places are ok. Just be normal and respectful I’d say 👍🏻
America is so big, so diverse, so different in so many ways from itself-all depends on where you are. Several geographic regions with different attitudes and cultures. I live in a state that is so big it dwarfs the entire U.K., but we’ve only got 2-3 million people. It’s great to have the room to live and not have the urban downers in our life. You’ve got to travel a bit to have certain things in your life, if you want them bad enough. But generally it’s up to speed with the rest of America. Politics here are the democrats fraudulently in office. We were first to institute “Mail-in voting” and since that very moment, only democrats win elections here. A very occasional republican is allowed to serve, but never at National levels. I hate that, and want to point out the absolute theft by the Democratic Party. We’ve dropped to the lowest rating in history. Our last governor was rated #50 in the best state Governor’s poll. Only one way to go…but they stay the same.
I agree, the best time of my life was when I went to Europe. I was in my 20's, people would just come up to me and ask "Are you American?" They were always so happy to talk to me. I would explain that I didn't speak Italian or German, they always said it's OK, that they never got to speak English! Not so sure what Europeans think about Americans now, but when I was there, it was incredible!
I'm from Trenton, New Jersey, and you can hear a bad reputation. To the capital of New Jersey it's not as bad as you think. Honestly, I'm just sitting by the construction workers. Just bought some beers, and they let me sit next to them I'm a little hungover so I just drink a beer before I go home.
You guys are such great storytellers. Daz I think you are my Dad reincarnated. No matter where our family went my Dad always knew someone or had someone in common with them. Dad taught school for 30 years at an inner city school then in the summers when school was out he was a State Lake Patrolman. The diversity of the people he met and befriended was amazing. When Dad passed his funeral was so full of past students , restaurant owners and workers, bar owners and all the friends. As I looked around at all the different people all I could think of was "What a life, well lived." He never met a stranger. Nobody could tell a story or a joke like him. Sorry for rambling on but you and your family just touch my heart. Thanks so much for this channel. 🤗🤗
Nice Jennifer. People like people for the most part 👍🏻
Daz is 100% right about talking to people and hearing their experiences and views.
Daz, I’ve been watching Office Blokes for a couple years. This is one of your best videos in regards to stories and learning about your time in the US. I’ve had a kind of similar life. I’m an American who studied abroad at Lancaster University in Lancashire in 1994 when I was 21. i absolutely loved it. Later, same as you my company gave me a opportunity to work abroad as I was one of their top sales reps. I worked and lived in Sydney, Australia for 4 years then Hong Kong for 6 years. I still visit my best British Mate from Lancaster Uni. And he’s been over a hand full of times as well and we did a trip across Route 66. Some of my absolute best memories of my life are being at Lancaster and making friends. Studying abroad and later working abroad is the best thing I ever did. And my best friend is my British Mate from High Wycombe who I met at Lancaster in 1994.
Daz you bringing up the PBA card was so awesome. It feels like you interacted with so many people during your time here you know and get America more than a lot of us that lived here our whole lives. Your optimism about the place actually inspires me, it can be easy to be cynical about here (or probably wherever you’re from), but you point out so much of the good.
I’m American but I’ve mostly stayed in the southwestern portion of the country and I can honestly say Daz probably knows more about what it’s like to be in America than I do. He’s definitely seen far more of the country and has had a greater variety of “American” experiences than I have.
Yesss mate! We americans work hard fight hard and play hard If your our friend no one can touch you without dealing with all of us. Love the new format with the family! Thanks again, Alan
What a great storyteller you both are. I was completely enthralled listening to you go down memory lane. I am so happy that you both enjoyed you time living here and were treated well. And you are right about most Americans having an affinity for British people. I certainly do.
I feel like you both would have found success and friendships anywhere you had landed here, Europe, Asia etc... Honestly it was a great pleasure to hear you recollect you stay in America. You gave as much as you got. ♥♥♥ And you are still giving.♥♥
I love that you're sharing your lives with us. I could hear your stories until there weren't anymore! Thank you all!
These are great stories. Thank you for sharing them with all of us.
I love this format. Just freestyle stories from you guys on any topic never gets old 🍻
I should be doing an essay for uni but listening to your storytelling is a lot more interesting.About to watch part 2.
Loving all the stories and experiences you guys are sharing. You’re right about people Daz. People run the world and just getting know each other will makes a positive impact in every aspect of life.
How fun. Seen some of the office bloke reactions and heard you speak about living in America but didn’t realize it was so long. Great stories.
I 100% agree. Being open and talking to people opens up so many experiences. It's a great way to live, especially in this day and age when people are face down in technology. 👍
I watch the Office Bloke's here and there so when this popped up on my feed I thought, let me watch this for a bit to kill time until the show I want to watch comes on. Now here I am missing the show I was going to watch cause I can't stop watching this. LOL.
Daz said he been around GP!!! My respect had always been high for you but now it’s ten fold. You are a g 😂 💪🏾
Loved this, thanks for the laughs both of you. New Jersey gets a bad rap sometimes, I was fortunate to live a little north of you guys, and know the areas you lived in, good people, good food, good schools. It's not perfect but it's an eye opener. Lot's of wonderful creative people from all over the world chasing the American dream. Daz, you married well, Gayna is special and I can tell you know that. Well done.
I’m fortunate to be an American. There’s no other country I’d want to be from. We’re blessed to be able to live any life we want. And all those that would cry about it haven’t the stomach to pursue the one they desire.
Outstanding!! I love the family reaction, so much fun! It's really enjoyable, keep it up.
You are very business savvy. Turn this into both a British, and American reality show. The story and dynamic speak to all of us. There are so many things that even your wife thinks that she figured out she actually didn't. I love all of you. Time to subscribe and see what I'm missing! Cheers 🥂
I love Daz's mentality. I think it's like he says, as long as you aren't a dick and be respectful and try to get to know and talk to people anywhere you go, you more often than not will be fine, here in the US or anywhere in the world. Especially here in NYC where you can meet literally anyone from somewhere in the world. I try to be the same, visit bars and areas that have different ethnicities and try their food and just chat about life, no matter your upbringings or circumstances you always learn something and sometimes make friends for life.
There should be like a part 4 or part 5 series for this
Love your story... Live in NY but am often in NJ..know many of the places you mention. Keep up the good conversation.. Cheers! PS. Would love to buy. Daz n Gay a chilled beer n a hard cider .. Gday mates
As an American I have always felt that the Revolution was like a big fight between family.
Over time you just kind of make-up and stop being angry with each other.
It also helps that we have bled in wars together so many times.
I think of the U.K. as our closest friends and the only true country in the world that we could trust.
You should have gotten a PBA sticker to put on your back window (or wind screen...whatever y’all call it). It depends on your license plate too with cops. I had an incident where I was in a rental car with NY plates and got pulled doing 100 in a 70 zone in SC. The trooper came to my window and said “ I’ve been waiting for you all day”, and I replied “well, I got here as fast as I could”. As soon as I showed him my SC license he tipped his hat and said “goddamn boy, that must have been one hell of an escape...welcome home”. 😂🥃
I was told not to display the sticker unless you were a cop 🤷♂️
🤣😂😂😂, that’s proper British...following the rules... that looked like something OB Mike would say/post🤣👍🥃...following the rules
@@officeblokedaz with THAT PBA YOU MUST DISPLAY it's like being in a secret society...I bought a US Marines novelty license plate that I thought looked cool at a thrift store...I decided to stick it right behind my backseat of my car so cars behind me could see it...safe to say...I haven't been pulled over since I put it up 2 yrs ago...I know it's wrong I have no association with the Marines but it's like being in a secret society were cops and military give each other passes that they wouldn't do normal folks...cops will give you pass on things like having one headlight being out or running a stop sign when they know your in "the club"...there brain just switches to " ahh I'll get another guy I'll let this fella Pass"
Such a great video! So cool to learn about your experience in depth. Lifelong NJ resident here. Live in the northern part of the state so not quite where you were, but have heard of most of the towns you stayed in. Newark is definitely dangerous, try to steer clear whenever possible.
Tremendous Daz!! I love the Brits they get humor. I'm a native Jersey Boy from Bayonne. Born & raised. "Cheers" to Manchester!! I'm retired Navy "mate" but never been to England cause I was stationed in San Diego.
Why in the Fug am I sitting here on a Friday, drinking a nice bourbon, and watching your videos?!?!?! LOL Just ran across your channel by accident earlier and now I'm sitting here binge watching your videos! Instantly Subbed to your channel. Loving your content mate!
What bourbon you on?
@@officeblokedaz I believe I was enjoying a nice Makers Mark on the rocks! LOL :)
Love your videos! You just do a podcast I would definitely listen to it!
Can relate to alot of what y’all are saying living in the states. My parents live in one of those woodlands type communities except in pearland tx (so just across Houston) and I also don’t like it. The landscaping is all similar, super clean, Truman show like. They were given magazine of allowed home styles (not many styles) to pick from when they decided to build, and every other block someone had picked the same exact house as theirs but in a slightly different brick color. … we call them subdivisions and they are fairly common. I live in SLC now, and subdivision I visited a few weeks ago had a ton of personality but many just dont…
Wow! I'm a couple years older than you and I joined the US Navy. I saw the world and lived abroad. Good stories. Good times!
Hey! My son lives in Brick (used to be called Bricktown). And I live in Toms River… we were almost neighbors!
Spent a lot of time in Toms river. Had a bunch of friends there. 👍🏻
I love Darren. You have a great father.
If you guys wanna live near the big city it doesn’t get better then Long Island really expensive but it’s a great place and really close to the city
The day you came to the US is the day my English-born wife became a US citizen!
I'm in the Boston, MA suburbs, and had many times with snow that high. As for guns, in Texas it is common, but I'm 51 and have never even seen anyone, except a police officer, with a gun. We don't have the Bring your own been/liquor establishments here, but I went to a few when visiting Houston in '98 and thought it was the strangest thing.
Great stories! (:
Wow haha I am from Wall Township, New Jersey, hearing all the places where you lived near there and went to eat was pretty funny 😂 It makes me proud to know that you guys enjoyed Jersey in yout time living here, Greetings from 07719 ✌️
Get down to Lubrano’s on 34 or azzuri in brick. Tell them you’re mates with me 😂👍🏻
I've never heard it called a "snow thrower", we usually call it a snow blower.
Howell and freehold and brick are by where I live in Toms River hell yeah
This is a good man that has common sense
I lived in East Brunswick NJ
How about a photo or two of young Gaynor and young Daz in the USA
I can sort that. Can’t post on here though so get on insta 👍🏻
@@officeblokedaz Will do. Thanks
I would do the same thing in a heartbeat, "Hey you want to work in England?" "hell yea! Im down... when do I leave? Tomorrow? alright lets go".
That was the longest answer I've ever seen to the first question 😂
So motivating. Good stuff
People are friendly in the US
Good stories!
shout out to LINCROFT!! All these ppl you mention from USA, have they found you here now? or on the office blokes channel?
Yeah we still keep in contact with most people we have met. Easier with social media I guess
This was amazing 🥰. We LOVE the Brits-particularly the Ball family. I know y’all are English, but to me, you embody the ideal of “dual-citizens.” You’re fam. FYI I carry a gun just about everywhere I go; I was raised to place firearms safety above all else. Those of us who are responsible gun owners aren’t the problem-and our rights won’t be stripped by those who choose to surrender their freedom to criminals. But I digress 😜… Thank you for sharing your story, loves xo 😊!
Q has you by the damn balls
Take it easy, Beverly
Guns are literally the problem. You can’t have shootings if there are no guns. They need to be regulated on a federal level.
@mikehunt368 being pro 2A is now "q"??? I've never even held a gun in my life and I whole heartedly support the second Amendment but I have no idea how "q" has anything to do with this. Isn't q just a bunch of conspiracy theories?
@@jschwizzle1323hahahahaha
The Ivy League, about two miles from my house, We must have crossed paths several times!
My favorite bar of all.
Daz and Gaynor need an honorary citizenship. Next time you guys come to California. I can show you around if u want.
Appreciate that mate 👍🏻
Love this guy. Not all Americans are racist or all about guns.
Most Americans arent racist. US rampant racism is a myth.
Apologies deep question here Daz, but when you say you would be content with dying tomorrow because you have had a successful life, what do you mean by success? I have severe death dread and I am very curious as to which success/successes are so fulfilling that it prevents you from getting anxious about death.
Hi mate, yeah it’s a tough question to explain I guess. I don’t have any anxiety about passing. I’ve done many good (and bad) things in life that I’m lucky enough to have done. I hear many people haven’t experienced anywhere near so I’m quite comfortable in that knowledge and we all have to go one day. I just try and pack as much in whilst I’m here. I don’t think we get a second chance. 👍🏻. Be brave and go for it.
@@officeblokedaz Wow, what a refreshing perspective and great advice. I will try and do that! Thank you for the Kind response Daz, I appreciate it.
Lol no way, small world! My dad worked for Air Liquide and I lived in the Woodlands (right off Terramont Dr.) for many years. We also disliked it, he said it was Beverley Hills except the millionaires still own trucks for some reason.
I don't even like going to a city, I like my middle of nowhere
About guns, when my grandson was maybe 3 or 4 years old, my daughter was teaching him to keep away from guns. She told him What would you do if you are at a friend's house and he shows you a gun? He says I run away. She told him What if he says to you the gun is not loaded? He replied, Then is OK. His mother goes: NO NO NO.
Most Americans do not own guns. 42% of households have at least one gun. Many people own multiple guns and that is why there are more registered guns in the US than the number of residents. I'm a 67 year old middle income American and have never owned a gun or felt a need to own one. I do know there are areas that are not safe to live in without one though so I am a supporter of the right to bear arms but not semi-automatic weapons, esp. AR's with high velocity ammo. Of course, that's just my opinion.
In the USA, we call a snow throwers, a snowblower.
You sure? Single stage is thrower, two stage is a blower. 🤷♂️
So you are back in England and you get warm beer. How does that work for you?
It’s not warm. Cellar stores so cold. Not iced but right temp
I worked in an all black post office and neighborhood and never had a problem. Not living in New Jersey where you were at, and at that time, I can't judge if the neighborhood was truly dangerous. For some white people any black neighborhood is dangerous, but as I said, I can't judge.
I judge a place by visiting it and seeing for myself. There’s obviously some places you don’t want to go but for the main part most places are ok. Just be normal and respectful I’d say 👍🏻
Thank u for saying that becuase some of the comments telling daz to stay away from Newark mainly because it's a high black population there
I think that the name is Fuddruckers, not Mother Fuddruckers.
Nah always mother fuddruckers 😂
We know 😂
Daz and Gaynor, the type of neighborhood your describing in Texas we call those cookie cutter neighborhoods where every house is the same.
Wait so if you gave birth in New Jersey, your child automatically becomes American right?
Do you still live in USA or UK?
Uk
There's a myth about American suburbia that is all looks the same. Some do, but a good percent do not.
America is so big, so diverse, so different in so many ways from itself-all depends on where you are. Several geographic regions with different attitudes and cultures. I live in a state that is so big it dwarfs the entire U.K., but we’ve only got 2-3 million people. It’s great to have the room to live and not have the urban downers in our life. You’ve got to travel a bit to have certain things in your life, if you want them bad enough. But generally it’s up to speed with the rest of America.
Politics here are the democrats fraudulently in office. We were first to institute “Mail-in voting” and since that very moment, only democrats win elections here. A very occasional republican is allowed to serve, but never at National levels. I hate that, and want to point out the absolute theft by the Democratic Party. We’ve dropped to the lowest rating in history. Our last governor was rated #50 in the best state Governor’s poll. Only one way to go…but they stay the same.
I agree, the best time of my life was when I went to Europe. I was in my 20's, people would just come up to me and ask "Are you American?" They were always so happy to talk to me. I would explain that I didn't speak Italian or German, they always said it's OK, that they never got to speak English! Not so sure what Europeans think about Americans now, but when I was there, it was incredible!
I'm from Trenton, New Jersey, and you can hear a bad reputation. To the capital of New Jersey it's not as bad as you think. Honestly, I'm just sitting by the construction workers. Just bought some beers, and they let me sit next to them I'm a little hungover so I just drink a beer before I go home.