Why am I living in the UK?? | ASK A FOREIGNER!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- I answered YOUR questions about living in the UK! Do I feel at home here as a foreigner? Will I ever move back to Canada? Why am I in the UK in the first place?? Find out!
Thanks so much for everyone who submitted a question - I really appreciate it!
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Hey! I'm Alanna - a twenty-something documenting my life as a Canadian living in England.
I share the ups and downs of an expat living abroad and what it's really like living in the UK. It's not always easy, but there's been so many wonderful experiences, too. I post a TH-cam video every Tuesday and an additional video every Saturday on my Patreon account. I also livestream every Wednesday and Sunday at 6:30pm GMT on Twitch.
Alanna x
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As an American, I would gladly pick a British pub over an American bar. I can't stand lots of loud music & crowds, so a place where I can have a conversation and a pint is most welcome.
Same. I wish we had more of a pub culture. Fortunately, we have a fair number in LA, but not nearly enough!
@Tembsi Hardly the case across the board though is it.
@Tembsi It's not the case.
@Tembsi You're wrong about too many things now. I'm going to stop talking to you.
@Tembsi Incorrect. Last word.
When foreigners compliment British trains, I don't feel pride - I feel really really sad imagining what the trains must be like in their county.
As an American I’m urged to compliment the British railroads however as an American who’s been living in China and frequently uses the high speed trains there and in Japan that urge usually dies before reaching my lips. Everything is relative 😂
Trains in America are basically non-existant. There's subways in some big cities and trains as a vacation travel option but for daily transport, not a thing. Same with buses.
"You guys can explain the charm and appeal of pantomimes" - oh no we can't.
Just booked for Beauty and the Beast for me and a friend! 😁😎
Its behind you!
Oh yes I can
@@wilmaknickersfit "Oh no you didn't!"
Badoom tish!
I used to be a carer and I found it incredibly hard to make new friends as people thought that Caring wasn't a real job when in fact it's one of the hardest jobs there is.
Have to agree mate. Caring is very rewarding, but not a lot of appreciation. 👍💜
I asked a Scottish friend what a Hindu was? She said "it's a lasses night oot before a wedding" lol. 🎉
People always argue the best reason for the Monarchy is tourism. Personally, as someone interested in politics, my favourite reason is the benefit of having a constitutional Monarchy, that is to say the head of state and head of government are two different people. More than that, the head of state is trained from birth to be careful and impartial, not a political hack who can cajole and convince people to give them authority. The elected leader knows the power they have is granted by another ceremoniously. It's still not perfect but I see the benefit.
Yes! This exactly! If you take a look at the most stable countries in the world, over the past 60 years or so, almost all are constitutional monarchies. I'm sure that the separation of state and government has a lot to do with that. The elected head has lots of power, just not all the power.
@@adfe8921 utter bullshit. Where TF are you getting this drivel?
Well said! Republics and presidencies end up with leaders who want more and more power - they act like Kings that they can never be.
Why do you need a head of state at all?
@@timothyduggan2263 All the heads of states in the world have different powers and responsibilities but governance of human societies for millennia have generally worked best, or at least naturally developed, with a primary figurehead to act as the ideological leader of society even if not wielding complete control.
It's a human thing. We appreciate avatars for aspects of our cultural identities. Celebrities, elected officials, favourite characters, mythological beings, etc. Their existence provides us comfort, inspiration, guidance and hope.
When I first moved to England (1987), being German, of course, I was Adolf. That's not my name, that's the British humour. But it was easy, integration was quick, finding a flat was quick, finding a job was quick, for my British wife as well (of course). Just the cats (3 of them) had to go straight off the boat into quarantine for 1/2 year. They survived.
Nice hair, Alanna, radiant!
I lived in Germany for nearly 10years I was in the army stationed in hameln found locals to be friendly and easy to get on with really enjoyed my time in germany
Lol @ the British humour thing, we are a strange breed but mostly harmless.
@@petew5289 Wow, 10 years I used to work for the US Army in Bremerhaven, Germany, Supply Division, APO 09069.
Made many American friends. Listening to AFN Radio and watching US TV was awesome.
@@scottwigham I loved the English humour. 'One foot in the grave' is still one of my faves. 'Fools and Horses', classic, endless list really
I love the brick wall background! It makes the videos seem even more friendly and pleasant.
☺️
@@AdventuresAndNaps Natural light is good too.
I used to live in Spain and had a Canadian friend who had lived in England. She found English winters harder to bear than those in Canada. She believed it was because England has a humid cold while Canada's cold is dry. Perhaps it what you are used to.
That's interesting. Perhaps theres some truth in that. I have Canadian friends who have told me horror stories of Winter where theyve had to put on goggles and cover their faces whilst just walking to their car because it's so cold their eyes will start to freeze, or when they get like 1m of snow overnight and have to spend an hour shovelling it out from the doorway and driveaway so they can get in their car and go to work. And these people live in Ontario which is one of the warmer regions of the country. I honestly dont know how any other that could be preferable to UK winter. Winter in Europe can be grim because it's often cloudy and wet and not bright and clear like North America winter but its rarely extreme.
This is also my experience, but IMO, it is mainly that the cost of heating in the UK is prohibitively expensive and/or inefficient (many wall mounted radiators) so it is often cold inside AND outside, whereas in Canada if you want to get warm you just go inside. 🤷♂ I also think this partly explains the perpetual drinking of hot tea to warm up!
I totally agree. I find -15 in Canada feels less cold than -5 here
My partner is arriving to the UK tomorrow from Canada on his partner visa. So excited, but a little nervous after your story with the shock of winter and the lack of sun And we are further north. Wish him luck!
Good luck!!
OMG, good luck!!! So exciting 😊
None of my business why you’re here Alanna - just pleased that you are!
It's been said many many times you're not a foreigner you are our cousin from the commonwealth,glad to have you in this fantastic country
Thanks for watching!
Love your cut, it really makes your hair look fuller & bouncy, the highlights add dimension and brings attention to your pretty face
Meeting kind, reliable and genuine people is really difficult Alanna, no matter where you are in the world ! And if you’re an introvert it’s even harder !!!
I agree with everything here, bar the Air Conditioning, It's just not needed here. There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing 👍🏻.
Also the whole British pub atmosphere vs American bar.... We should find a way to export that.
I was taught whenever I heard a North American accent to ask if they were Canadian. Americans aren’t offended if you ask if they’re Canadian and Canadians are happily shocked when you do.
Listen for the ou vowel sounds. Western Canadians say "about" like "a boat" and eastern Canadians say it like "a boot." Central Canadians say it "uhBOWWt."
Are you from New Zealand ? works well for the upside-down folk too...
I was once on the bus with my Canadian friend, it was very busy. We were just talking when someone shouted across "excuse me love, what part of America are you from? "My Canadian friend replied, "the Canadian part!" She gets mistaken for American all the time!
As you say it's hard to make friends when you're an adult, speaking as an introvert I think it's overrated!! In my book one and two good friends is fine by me. I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you're an extrovert. 😊
I agree. Pets are more interesting. Good neighbors are a real blessing but friends are vastly overrated. Even there I have a transactional approach to neighbors. We help each other out. It's not even about empathy. It just makes sense. My neighbor is a MUCH better gardener than me. I run errands for her partner because it's much easier for me. So we play to our strengths and everyone wins. People generally give me the squirts. It's why I live alone. Well except for the pets.
Although I am good with accents and like to think I can tell Canadians from Americans - I always recommend that when you hear an American- ALWAYS ask if they’re Canadian - they’ll never get upset (and a couple of times people have even said I have a great ear - because they have a Minnesota, Wisconsin or even Northern New York accent) there’s no real downside …….same as asking South Africans/Australians if they’re from New Zealand……nobody gets upset with Canucks or Kiwis! 🇨🇦🇳🇿😂
You've inspired me to start my own business: Burglar Besties. We'll break into houses to befried shut ins and social recluses. The Stockholm Syndrome assures my success!
Ah! So the little Canadian thinks we Britis are condescending, huh.
Only joking. Love ya, mate. 💜
I response to the "is it hard to get a job as a foreigner" question. Usually yes, but I (as a Brit) have been turned down many times for jobs and the job given to a foreigner. Purely because the foreman hiring is foreign, and more likely to hire a fellow countryman
Great video! I've said it before & I'll say it again, I'd never have the courage to move to another country, hats off to you!
I believe your plant was creeping up on you there to give you a high five for all your hard work! 😄
Thank you!! ☺️
Most of us Brits have long memories and therefore do not regard Canadian's, Aussie's Kiwi's etc as "foreigners"" and speaking/writing personally I would/and do welcome you to my country and god bless you all for your help in the past.
The word pantomime was adopted from the Latin word pantomimus, which in turn derives from the Greek word παντόμιμος (pantomimos), consisting of παντο- (panto-) meaning "all", and μῖμος (mimos), meaning a dancer who acted all the roles or all the story. (Wikipedia)
Love your channel! So fun! Thank you!
Thanks so much!
I'm rooting for CANZUK to eventually become a thing
Wanting to move to Europe: Visas, visas, visas etc plus do your research. Europe is a very diverse continent.
As a fellow Canadian I like hearing your perspective on the UK.
I visited London in Dec 2004.
A friend was working there at the time. When I first arrived I got to stayed in a 300 year old house for 3 days very cool.
We did little driving but was suprised narrow roads that look like they should only be one way are actually 2 way roads. I also couldn't believe believe the number of pubs. There was even a Canadian pub in London.
I'm sure so much has changed since then.
Thanks for sharing!
Not really, or at least not those things :-)!
With regard to being recognised as a Canadian. Always used to make me smile seeing Canadian backpackers with Canadian flags on their backpacks while travelling accross Europe. So not to be confused with being an American by others.
Implying it's bad to be American. Anyone who judges a stranger based on where they were born is an asshole, plain and simple.
@@thebatmanwhoposts9600 :Interesting that you draw that conclusion. My experience is that Canadians what to be recognized as the country thy are from and not be confused as Americans. Most Europeans and GB can't tell the difference from their accents. However it is safer to travel not being a US citizen in many parts of the world
@Haris Holmes you can hate a country all you want but hating every citizen from that country is beyond stupid.
I don't like companies like Amazon and Disney but I don't hate all of their employees.
Hay sweetie, lucky to have ya, greetings from Scotland ✌️🦌🇨🇦
Getting on a train and going to the next town used to be almost universal across the country until the rail system was drastically pruned in the 1960s
It was more that once people got cars they didn't use the trains than they took the trains away and then they all moved to cars.
I completely understand feeling different as an expat. I haven’t met one American in 2.5 years I’ve been in Manchester and only a few Canadians. Although I have some lovely friends through my English husband I can’t help but feel isolated at times due to cultural differences etc. It’s definitely tough!! Great video as always x
I know what you mean!
Ahh brilliant video I thought I new a lot about you with being in the Discord for so long but I learned so much new stuff today. Great questions by everyone. Happy Mon/Tuesday and I hope you have a great week :)
Thanks so much Brian!!
I knew you couldn’t spell.that’s nothing new.
My nearest pub, is about 90 seconds away, or it is on the way there, and its not a Weatherspoons. My grandfather was the landlord there from 1918 until 1948, although the current building is only 12 years old, the third pub on the site.
Very honest video, great answers. I hope you have a long and happy life living here in the UK.
Thank you!
I moved from Scotland to Buffalo NY. Very difficult - but my company moved me there and paid all the costs. I’m now a US citizen and love it here. When I first arrived I thought Canadians and Americans sounded the same, but now see a big difference and can tell them apart quite easily. Yeah ur right, Britain is damp…gets into your bones and you just can’t get warm in winter.
Always have a little chuckle to your vids Alana. You're funny. 🤣
Very informative answers, thank you.
Thanks for watching!!
If you are ever in the West Country please note that we not only have the best cider but we now have a Tim Hortons in Gloucester. It's described as the legendary Canadian coffee and doughnut store! I'll give it a go. Cheers. 🇨🇦
Hi, Alanna, really interesting and enjoyable. The A & N family are really glad you're here. I hope your plant has survived a badly bruised leaf.
Thanks so much!!
I too prefer a good British pub. I find that American bars are usually full of Americans and they can be a bit much. :)
As an "American" I find much about our culture has become "much too much"... too loud, too big, and too obnoxious!
You’re an absolute legend, I’m truly glad you chose to come and live in England, thanks for making a positive input to the country.
I hear you about the cold. Here in the Yukon, -20 is fine; you don't even need a coat if you are working outside. Whereas Vancouver at -2 is bone chilling cold! I think it is the humidity - makes any cold (or heat) brutal.
Great video Alanna, both interesting and entertaining. Thank you for the upload. 👍😁
Thanks so much!
Great video, really enjoyed. Glad to part of A&N family, you've built up a great community, as a socially awkward person its helped me open up more & I'll always be thankful for that.
Thanks so much pal!
Our version of Thanksgiving is the Harvest Festival followed by a Harvest Supper. Very much connected to church and countryside, so probably a diminishing tradition nowadays.
Great range of topics covered Alanna and with your usual honest approach as always - let's hope that anyone else wanting to take the plunge takes a bit of inspiration from your experiences!
Best video that I’ve seen of yours. Very honest. Really enjoyed it 👍🏻
Admirable candour, Alanna! Here's to you meeting and making many friends as the next year unfolds.
I love your videos. Thank you!
Wonderful insights into what you have done and continue to do into the future, I liked your comments about public transport and how a car is not entirely necessary for living in the UK, the little addition to this was the icing on the cake regarding this and something that people from all over the world have difficulty with, the getting on a train for one stop and going to the next town/village, I can understand how many people struggle with this concept, but that's how it is in places around the UK, I did feel a pang of sadness when you mentioned about weddings/gatherings etc and others having long-term friends there and of course you don't, that really tugged at my heartstrings, it had never occurred to me before, but I can now see that as being a big drawback for many people in your situation, it also explains why many people claim a place they are familiar with is better, I'm not suggesting for a moment that you do that, but I can now understand why it happens with some.
You are really well thought of on here, you say very occasionally about some people not being pleasant, that I don't understand (why they would do it) but you seem to brush them off without too much trouble, hopefully it's not too often.
Thank you for sharing this with everyone.
Take care and stay safe :)
It’s easy to take pubs for granted when you’re British. Very interesting video, thanks Alanna.
Thanks for watching!
Your videos make me smile x
This was great, I want to move abroad, so I really like hearing your perspective, I really appreciate your videos! Hope you’re having a great day!
Thank you! You too!
Awesome video! I definitely relate to what you said as a Canadian living in Europe! Keep up the great work Alanna!
Thanks so much! 😊
I really enjoyed that Alanna. You never fail to lighten and brighten my day. :-)
Thanks for watching!!
As an Englishman I appreciate your enthusiasm about living in England, your open mindedness, the honesty about your opinions gracefully given, your choice of topics, your unscripted, natura and freshl presenting style. In this video I really liked how you choose to answer loads of questions without faffing about and every one was illuminating. Well done! We are lucky to have you here 🍻
Hiya Alanna, Im from India and started watching your videos since last one month and got addicted to watch it as I ❤️ Uk soo much... And you are fabulous.. ❤️ you...
Hi Alanna looking well love the content as always ❤️❤️❤️
After having had a rather rubbish week this week an uplifting A&N video was just what I needed to brighten the mood. Thank you Alanna. 🙂
Happy to help!
That was really nice, great video. Loved how you talked about VISA's. Many dont think about them at all.
Thanks! 😃
When it comes to public transport, in the north we have big cities with trams. They're fun to travel on.
When I first moved to England, a lot of people thought I was Canadian, some thought I was Australian, and many guessed I was American. Now I confuse people as I sound, from their comments, I sound Canadian and English. I can really confuse some people as they can't always understand me. I have to talk slower and pronounce my words more.
I still have a hard time remembering to say skipping or skipping rope instead of jumping rope.
So who was correct
I used to work for a tool company in England that had bought up some smaller tool companies in Canada. One time we had a visitor from one of said Canadian factories and not only did the guy have a Scottish name, he also had a broad Scottish accent! We asked him and he had lived all his life in Canada but everyone in his town talks like that!
@@sie4431 I was born in America, near Canada. I have been living here for many years and I have picked up the language. I'm a naturalised citizen.
Great video, Alanna! I was tempted to shout "it's behind you" about the houseplant! 😄
😂
Thanks for answering our questions with so much charm, humour and honesty.
Not really got much else to say but you mention that a 'like' and a comment helps the channel, so, er, here is my contribution! As you were, people... ;o)
Thank you!!
Hey Alanna,
I think making friends if you work from home (as we both do) is super hard. It's a challenge I see discussed on marketing forums I belong too. I have met some great people by doing charity volunteering. The other way in the UK if you are brave enough is to go and have a drink at your local pub and people generally will start to interact with you there but appreciate it's not for everyone to go into your local on your own.
Spoons are good if you take them at face value, which is you'll get a good meal/drinks at a good price. I say this as a mystery shopper for wetherspoons.
Great video as always Alanna. It takes real courage to move to another country, you are an inspiration. 🙂
Thank you so much!
@@AdventuresAndNaps It's true, though. Making the decision to live and work in another country is a huge step. You're right about panto.
About A/C- look for"Fully Self Evaporating Portable Air Conditioners". They are for sale in the UK. In the US, expect to pay around $400 for the entire set up.
Thanks Alanna, cheese not mentioned once?!😲😂
Looking forward to hear about the next Adventures!
My British husband is appalled by how expensive cheese is in America 😂
@@christina5545 As so he should be! He will hunt out the best ones for you though. Sounds like he's a 'Keeper'! 😂
I think there is a similar accent problem between Aussies and New Zealanders. Very few brits can tell the difference and mostly assume someone with either is Aussie.
I did the same thing when I visited London. I would be thinking about how much in Canadian stuff would be. But anything is gonna be expensive using that kinda mind set. You have to be considering it compared to the location you're in. I love the public transport options in England. It's pretty easy to figure out and learn how it works, and it's relatively inexpensive unless you're going all around the city from zone to zone doing different things day after day. I did spend quite a bit on oyster cards in 2 weeks lol.
Could not agree more. Spoons is the absolute pits. Would not want to die in one though. Don't forget that their main purpose is to keep the rif-raf out of the decent pubs. Great vids, keep up the good work. 👍
BS. Spoons is incredible. Cheap drinks, cheap but tasty food, comforting environment. I guess it's fine to go to other pubs if you've got lots of money though -_-
Brilliant video Alanna! Honest and incisive!!
I guess a built in closet is what I call a wardrobe? Lots of older house have them! My 60's house does (well in 2 bedrooms 😄)
Love watching your travel videos when you visit castles and historical places you been to a Roman baths house or a Roman wall yet York is a beautiful place and Lancaster
Adore your channel !
Such friendly people the Canadians, had a fantastic 2 months in Alberta - you guys rock :)
You can usually tell a Canadian by the way they say the word "about".
It's been fun reading the comments as well. Alanna you've brought together such a friendly, appreciative crowd.
It's Alannaday. Woo-hoo!! Excellent video and 'why' is a great thing to explain, especially as you've highlighted before - it ain't easy. There's so many reasons that change for each person.
"Wetherspoons. I'd rather die." That made me laugh. Spend enough time in one and that'll happen naturally. ;-)
When you are eligible for UK Citizenship, then I am sure this group would crowd fund you. You are a credit to Canada and will be a mighty fine addition to the UK electorate. Cheers 🍻
Thanks so much!
Love the video's as alway's. Nite Nite love
10:28 It’s very reminiscent of Jeannie the flight attendant’s Let’s Go pointer finger!
people in Commonwealth aren't foreigners, most of them are family! It's not like you came from France!
I've heard other Canadians saying they hate the damp cold of UK winters, very cold air holds much less moisture so Canadian winters will be much drier than the UK.
I'm looking forward to a video next year in which you prepare a Thanksgiving dinner.
You don't need air conditioning in the UK. You really don't. I'm sure it would be handy for 1-2 months a year, but the rest of the year? Forget it. And I live in the hottest part of the UK!
AC for 1-2 months a year? You're kidding, 1-2 days if at all. Far too expensive to install and run.
@@jillhobson6128 Yes, you're right, actually! August/heatwaves would be good, but absolutely - a fortune given you wouldn't use it 95% of the year
Hello Alanna, Once again...great video. I think that I'm hooked on your channel. I would pick a British pub over any bar. Have a super week. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦🍻🍻🥂🥂
Thanks for watching!!
"Wetherspoons. I'd rather die" We all think that but it's under £10 for burger chips and a beer!
I'm of the same opinion, but usually get dragged there on a night out. I was £14 for three pints in a normal pub ... same three pints in Spoons was £7.50 ... no brainer if all you want is to get pissed ... but it has to be ordered on their app and delivered to your table. No way am I standing in the long queue as they only have staff to serve one person at a time at the bar despite it being about 100m long. Only in Spoons.
Spoons is ok if you want a pint and a cheap steak dinner - anything else and it's a bit rough, isn't it?
If you’re ever in Manchester, come out with me and my Canadian wife, we can show you around and go to the pubs! She’s been here for 20 years because of me!! So very similar situation to yours.
That's a great video, I thought it might be too long. But its very interesting.
I admire you for moving to a new country and am really pleased that you are happy here. Its a brave move by anyone to move from everything they know and love.
The pandemic makes making friends, seeing friends, working from home can be lonely.
Can't explain panto, sorry!
Keep doing what you're doing!
Thanks for watching!
Hi Alanna
Great Q&A and insight into everything you are doing.
I was wondering where ‘Lets’s go!’ came from.
Traveling by Train is Great.
Air conditioning, very nice.
All dressed chips, If I go back to Canada, noted!
Thanks for watching!!
Hi Alanna. Interesting vid and you're so delightful that I'm sure the making friends thing will be a breeze.
Also, I would never say the British way is the best way...however, the Yorkshire way, that's a whole different question 😁
Great Q & A you are right to stay in Kent, Weather on the whole is better in the South East of U.K. but sometime Kent can get hit by snow.
Thanks for watching!
Hi.....
Got to be the best video. So honest.
Thanks for watching!
Awesome video, thanks so much! Whenever I go to England, I struggle with the currency conversion as well, lol. My husband keeps telling me to to let it go and just be mindful of prices and how much I've got. I can't wait to move there! If the country will have me that is.
Please don't be thoughtful or sad about the fact that you don't have a certain support group of certain old time friends.. we are many in the same situation , but as far as you are concerned, first off, due to your channel, there are many people who dont just follow you but also really appreciate you. Secondly, really really close and die-hard friends can be made at any age, its only a matter of finding the right person but this is a problem that occurs in every age. The childhood friends are not always the best suited for you and usually the most special and intelligent/talented or the most sensitive people don't have, find or keep a lot of people around them but really really a few ones and it's only normal.. You Alanna, having your channel and your voice out to the world , have definitely more chances to find the right people than the chances that other (lonely or less lonely) people have. I m not saying that you are supposed to get to know every person that follows you but still, a voice is a voice and a communication is a communication, many things can be brought up by them and its definitely better having them than not having them in terms of getting to know other people..// greetings from Greece -you should visit for a vacation, i m never gonna get tired of saying this ;)
Alanna if you go through life and count on one hand the amount of true friends your doing ok our kid 🍻
Glad ŷou got back to England love always lindsey ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Alanna, I’ve been here from the start, so really nice to see you happy and getting on well 😊
My burning question (and I hope you answer) is:
If you got a cat, would you call it Claude? 😂🤣😂
That’s a brilliant question that is.
Lmao I’m American Ive be been asked if I was Canadian, my mother has been asked if she was Canadian and just recently my father has been asked if he was Canadian he was baffled and insulted! Lol