I had a friend who was a bit of a workaholic and he would get very stressed up at work but wouldn't take holidays. He finally managed to convince himself he needed a break and asked if he could visit. He flew here and I met him at the airport. He was not a happy bunny, it was clear. Within a few hours he was worrying about work and talking about flying back. I told him that was a sure sign about how badly he needed a holiday, and convinced him that if he went back, his senior managers would think he was crazy! He had a nice fortnight away and went back to work much more relaxed and cheerful.
When you've been through so many wars, invasions, and disasters that the British have endured over the centuries you eventually develop a sense of humor to cope with life's ups and downs. And of course, if that doesn't work we go down the pub and drown our sorrows.
Not necessary, you can be burdened by the karma of past endeavours even through generations. Don't forget the British invented concentration camps.The British are very uptight and angst, this manifests many ways such as binge drinking etc.
It is hard to define what makes Britain special sometimes. My favourite recent example was in early 2021. Covid was back with a frightening new variant, the Brexit negotiations were going terribly. the French had closed the ports and life here, well, it just went on, really. Not a ripple. So many disasters have occurred over the years from the Norman Invasion to the Fire of London, terrible military defeats (but great successes too) that the country just seems to absorb it all. Whatever happens, life in Britain, just goes on, as it has done for the last 7000 years of settlement. The hills, fields, woods and rivers remain much as they always were and outside the cities it remains a warren of little villages and micro environments. Returning here after any prolonged spell abroad is like putting on a tatty and much loved old jumper. It may have seen better days, but you wouldn't want to wear anything else, not really..
Agreed. When the British let loose in war, in patriotic songs or a strongly worded letter to the council, we break the stiff upper lip and go for it. And once the heat of battle has passed, we stop, make tea and apologise for causing a scene.
My favorite thing about British lifestyle (that you mentioned) is something intangible and that’s making light out of heavy situations. I cannot tell you how valuable that is. It’s also better for your health. Some Americans need a sense of humor, just saying.
@@fionagregory9147 You remind me of my neighbor I saw at a gas station parking lot once. It’s a big one here in the town center. She was sitting on the trunk of her car wearing the brightest colored pants and a gray sweater. Nothing to be skeptical about, but after eating a cookie she threw her liter bottle of water onto someone’s front yard. I said “there’s a trashcan here at the gas station”. She didn’t apologize. Despite her weird behavior I took no offense. When I saw her back at the apartment I asked how she was doing. She said she was mad. Apparently, someone had left a note on her windshield that simply said “humor”.
It doesn't matter where you live, in the UK, it is not that far to reach the countryside. To either go for a walk, cycle or drive in the countryside is so relaxing. I live in a city which borders countryside, within a few minutes I am free of the city.
Well, if it's raining it means our water butts are filling up and the garden is getting the water it needs (and we can go the the pub ), if it's sunny that means my solar panels are working well, and I can go to the beach (and then we can go to the pub garden). If there is some rain and some sun, it means we can look out for rainbows.
There is probably nothing more British than going to the seaside for a picnic and then having it while sitting in the car looking at the sea because it's raining. Keep calm and carry on. If you don't go out when it's raining, you'll never go out at all.
Just about everything that you mentioned is part of my life. I live in a 14th Century house, go to Cowes, Glyndebourne, Covent Garden, and Goodwood. I am a lifetime enthusiast of Jaguar cars, but walk whenever I can and will take the train to Bristol tomorrow for a business meeting, rather than drive. I share your sense of appreciation of these aspects of British life and they are the main reason that I never accepted any of the offers of employment in the USA that I received over the years. I learnt how to lose the formality that is often associated with the UK work environment when I was in Silicon Valley in the 1980s and 90s. The can-do, task-focused, approach of US technology startups is in sharp contrast with much of UK industries that are often stuffy, bueaucratic and a bit pompous. I wouldn't say that I am a typical, modern, British citizen, however. I think that my wife and I are a bit 'fossilised' in our views, values and lifestyle which we hold dear for all the reasons that you do, as well. One major part of our typically English middle-class lives, that you only to touched upon, is the connection with our agrarian past. My wife spends much of her time in the garden during Spring, Summer and Autumn. At this time of the year that might be three or four days every week. She is an expert gardener and works hard to create a beautiful outdoor space which we use as an extension to the house on warm days. I spend an equal amount of time in our allotment, which is an almost unknown concept in the USA. Most of the food that we eat for much of the year is either grown by us, or is locally produced and is of known provenance. Although allotments were created as a method of giving working class Victorian families the means to supplement their diet, they are now firmly part of English life that provides high quality food and both physical and mental therapy. We give away 80% of the food that we grow to friends and neighbours, which is quite typical for allotment holders.
All I can say is well done you! You’re absolutely right though. As soon as I finished this I thought but wait… gardening! That’s truly on the top of the list isn’t it ☺️
@@sirrodneyffing1 Possibly, but in a Harry Enfield sketch the person would be a solicitor, whereas I run a US/UK business that uses AI and quantum photonics as the basis of a range of products. Our lifestyle is down to personal choice, not because we have rigid, narrow horizons. We have tried many alternatives, travelled exensively, are both well educated and these are the things that give us the greatest happiness. If Harry Enfield was still making programmes, my giues it would be about a couple who are equality managers in HR, taking their transgender grandparents to Glastonbury in the Tesla.
Yes you have captured our British lifestyle so well. Even in the presentation you are just so correct. You had no "Look at me" examples, no glamorous presentation, just you, happy and content. The essence of of our British style is to be happy for ourselves, not for other people, so that avoids all the need to 'show off' new tech toys or acquisitions, Indeed the 100 year old house we may live in, is just where we live, neither a flagrant flag of our success, nor a symbol of our failure. We ARE British and live in an country of long history.
I'm british and our holidays are fantastic and everyone takes them you are encouraged to take them they are important for mental health..and your right people love down time to relax to see different places ancient places to visit beautiful countryside quaint villages tea shops ....I wouldn't live anywhere else
Normal job in the UK goes with 4 weeks holiday with pay + the 8 bank holidays.If you work a bank holiday you are normally paid overtime + another day off,called a lieu day.
You may know this but if you live in UK you probably know of John Lewis/Waitrose.when you work for them you start with the 4 weeks + bank holidays.After 10 years you get an extra weeks holiday after 25years you get your "Long Leave" which is 6 months off on full pay.How would that go down in the US.
Glad you are enjoying it. You did not mention cricket (as a spectator, you can combine it with a picnic, a G&T and a cup of tea - as a player, it is proper sport because the teams stop for lunch and for tea). And if you are on the beach and it is windy and rainy, at least it is warm rain and that it why one has windbreaks and umbrellas. We like to do things properly, but the proper way is unwritten, not about blindly following rules. As George Mikes wrote: "An Englishman, even if he is alone, forms an orderly queue of one." That is true - one will find the right place to start a queue and stand there. You are giving the impression that we are all workshy drunks, but that is not true of all of us. Having worked in New York and lived mostly in London, I'd say that Londoners can work longer hours than New Yorkers. But we mostly do not regard work as the measure of our lives. Especially in the world of constant work demands on our time facilitated by modern technology, it is important to draw a line around work, otherwise it will take over your life. Instead of machines serving people, it is becoming the other way round. The past is present here but we should not live in it - we should respect the past and future generations, as we are just one part of a continuum in society over time. You also did not mention the healthcare systems. The UK system is far from perfect or best, but the US is terrifying.
Walking. We love a good walk. In the city. In the countryside. On the coast. Just taking a train somewhere picturesque and spending the day wandering, stopping for a pub lunch and later on in the afternoon, tea, is one of the great pleasures here.
@@HipOverFifty We have 150,000 miles of Public Footpaths & lots of walking/rambling clubs. Also the Health & Well-being walking scheme all over the country.
You forgot to add our humour (unique around the world,we even have a category “British Comedy” and everyone knows you are guaranteed a laugh or ten) And our music !! God,our music,with standards set through the 60’s,70’s and 80’s and which elevated this Little Rock in the North Atlantic to global attention.
I think the main difference is as you said we work to live not live to work. In the USA when I worked there it was all about 'working hard' and you were made to feel guilty if you had time off or maybe even lose your job. Well we can and do put the work in when needed but we are not victims of the 'work hard' blackmail because we know we need to take time with our families and recharge the batteries of life. Employers know this as well. We can also walk to local places to shop, eat or just 'be somewhere' and not rely on cars for every journey. As you said public transport (while it has faults) is also pretty good.
A country or coastal walk that ends at a beautiful old pub for a spot of lunch, in the summer I'll sit in the beer garden with a ploughman's Lunch and a cold cider, in the winter its inside by a roaring fire for a hot meal and dark ale. We can adopt traditions as well, in recent years the best example is the Christmas Markets, you'd think they were something we've been doing for a 1000 years.
I thought this was very good but you missed out the fact that though our summers are short the days are really long. At the height of summer you can have daylight from sometime after 4 in the morning to dusk before 10 at night. So on a really nice day you can find us still outside with friends on the patio at 9 o'clock having a glass of wine after a barbecue. Also the stubborn insistence on wearing summer clothes at the slightest hint of sun you will find some men in shorts when in the US you would still be in a winter coat. I know you have mentioned before the fact we find a 100 mile car journey really far but we also think a 2 mile hike up a mountain a leisurely weekend activity. Or how we love to walk our dogs. Or how irate we get when people do not pick up the poo and put it in the dog poo bins (I suppose an example of our love for social niceties). Or how many different huge bins we have. I have a huge garden so I have 2 green bins for composting. So 5 huge wheelie bins. I like that we are committed to learning to recycle. I do think that is something the US could learn from us.
It's actually even better than that! Almost all people classed as workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks (28 days) paid holiday a year* + bank holidays (8 days) = 36 days in total. *From gov.uk
Wow, if I didn't already live here you would have persuaded me to move! now I feel all warm and fussy because I'm English. You say the nicest things ! 🥰
Let's not forget, for those aging hippies and the like, the great tradition of going to Glastonbury Festival, it's raining, and no-one cares 😊. Also, I think we are generally tolerant of general "odd behaviour" (e.g. The Official Monster Raving Loony Party standing at general elections, official mouser at Downing Street, rolling down hills after cheese etc.)
@@HipOverFiftyYes, perhaps the more unexpected things rather than castles and thatched cottages. I'm guessing the media in the USA portrays England as something out of an Agatha Christie's book, so the fun and slightly bonkers side might be worth while.👍
Thank you for sharing your views of us... I like to think that we have a beautiful country too, that we are solid and dependable with a great sense of humour, especially able to laugh at ourselves 🙂
Goodwood revival is amazing- people dress up in 30s to 60s clothes and there are classic cars and planes. People properly (aggressively) race classic cars worth half a million pounds, because that is what they are for.
Yes, you must go to the Revival. It is the Kentucky Derby of vintage car racing. I vintage race in the US and plan trips back to the UK to see family, relax and go to the Revival every other year. And yes, you need to go to a few vintage stores and pick up some clothing. It is an incredible event!!!
Some great observations. It is a magical island like you say and it's amazing how varied it is. It's a largely rural island with so much countryside because we have a strong planning system that resists building in the open countryside and protects natural beauty/heritage. London can be quite fast paced but the rest of the country generally isn't!
Great video! I've visited a few times and it's a very respectful culture, respect for others and self, from what I saw. At least that was my experience. I really enjoyed it, especially since it's not like that in Southern California.
Thank you for reaffirming my love of this country, I've lived here all my life and sometimes it's good to be reminded how lucky I am. (Over 70s hippy) x
You’re welcome. I think England is one of the most beautiful countries, if not the most beautiful country in the world especially when the sun is shining!
Now i understand why a certain librarian at Cambridge I had the honor to meet with smelled of slo gin and was so comfortable with it! My interest in retiring there apart from a family interest, is the belief that the lifestyle you describe would be just the shift to low gear I need. Thanks again for a helpful video.
Well, if you’re seeing drinking as a part of the culture here you’re right 😁, could be they just had a nice aftershave or perfume on though 😂 Yes I’d say we spend a lot of time in third gear here! 🙏
It's interesting what you said about Keeping up with the Jones'. Maybe not so much now, but that sort of attitude typified the aspiring middle classes until very recently.
I'm going to be in the UK in July (two writers' retreats, Torquay, Exeter, the countryside, London, and Isle of Man). I ❤ the UK for the exact reasons you just mentioned.
you got this so spot on, you missed glastobury lol, i also know about cowes, i lived on the isle of wight for a time the following the rules part, and you got that spot, with the hardship and suck it up, That is in our DNA, we went through 2 world wars, rationing on food and clothing, sweets candy as you say, we have the stiff upper lip, as well that proud resolve, bring it on, That as you quite rightly said, comes through generations of history, wonderful video, you so spot on,
Well I put in a hard day's work but still managed to put in a 90min lunch break for my 20 mile bike ride along quiet country lanes with cafe stop avec croissant. 30 days holiday + 4 bank holidays. Normally a weeks skiing in France (drive takes 14 hours) and perhaps another week in France during the summer (Provence) .
England Scotland, Wales and N.I also have lots of wild areas with old historic villages and resorts. A great British passtime is walking ,hiking, and camping or staying in these areas, exploring the villages, stopping for a pint or a meal. I recently as boxing day went out on my motor bike, and Matlock Bath in Derbyshire was buzzing,the roads were full of tourists, motorists, walkers, dog walkers, bikers, scooter riders,and 95% of places were open for business. I was recently speaking to someone from Kent who came up here on holiday, and decided they would only go back to sell up, they now live in one of the historic Buxton villages. There will be lots more examples of that all over the U.K, it truly is a beautiful land, and sometimes we just need a different perspective to see it.
This might be something as British Lifestyle part 2. Do a video on the Proms. Americans are famous for not being cultured and yet here we are with eight weeks of classical music concerts culminating in the Last Night Of The Proms, the main event as it were. So popular they have to hold a lottery for who gets the tickets for the events.
I know many Americans who are followers of the arts, and many who participate in artistic pursuits to a high standard. The cost of accessing international standard performances in the USA is higher in general and will probably involve a flight and a hotel. The Met played to 70% capacity audiences throughout the last season which, at first sight, supports your hypothesis. However, I think that is mostly about the commitment in time and money, rather than demand. I have an American friend who lives in NY State who comes to London each February. He can go to a good quality concert, ballet performance, play, every night without spending as much as he would do in New York.
@@glynnwright1699 Every four months I would have to do a training course with a group of about twenty Americans. To say that one in a hundred would raise their hand if I mention the names of Liszt, Mozart, Handle, or Debussy is being generous. I've found that for most it's down to their Isolationist attitude. If it's not American then it's not promoted. Don't get me wrong, if you play certain parts of concertos, they'll say they've heard it, but in an advert or a movie but have never heard the whole concerto. And yes like your friend you will find the odd one who is cultured, who appreciates the arts, and who doesn't get offended when seeing a nude statue. Hell, most Americans are shocked to find out that, We Are the Champions or We Will Rock You, is by Queen. I took one group to Covent Garden for coffee just so they could hear the Opra singers in the shopping center. Even walking about London and hearing classical music being played by street performers astonished them. As one said, "We only get want to be singers promoting their songs and dancers".
@@educatednumpty71 All I can say that it is not my experience of the many Americans that I know. My American daughter-in-law achieved a high degree of competence in ballet. In fact there are many American principal and solo perfomers in the Royal Ballet. My American friends include musicians, dancers, operatic singers and artists. The vitality and technical excellence of baroque music groups in New York, Boston and San Francisco, often specialising in works by English composers such as Byrd, Purcell and the later works of Handel, is on a par with productions that you would see in London. The musicality of the Presbyterian church services that I attend in South Carolina is every bit as accomplished as our local Church of England services, albeit a different style. Their director of music is a retired Broadway producer.
@@glynnwright1699 As I stated, there are exceptions. But if you take the population of America as a whole, the vast majority is uncultured. The American education system is to blame as it's designed to put America first above all other countries and produce unquestioning drones. World history lasts only a few weeks whereas the rest of the lessons are taken up with American history. Even that is bare bones and filled with inaccuracies. Take slavery, ask any American when slavery was outlawed in America, then watch their jaws drop when you tell them it's still legal. The owning and selling of people as property is outlawed, but using people as slave labour hasn't been. Name one country where there is a push to teach Creation science in schools. Or have their children Pledge Allegiance to a flag or leader and sing the National Anthem at every event. Is willing to strip 50% of the population of basic human rights. All this is by design to brainwash the populous. So when it comes to teaching the arts, it's way down the list of their agender.
The Brits have to thank our forefathers and trade unions for our current lifestyles. They were the ones who fought for paid holidays, sickness benefit, state education and state health. They had the foresight to see that a country was only as good as its people, they invested their time and efforts to bring that about. We now take that for granted. The US by comparison had little tolerance for unions and this can be seen in the long working hours, holiday allowance and health care system that workers are given. I am not saying that everything in the UK is rosie but by comparison I think we have a better way of life all told.
As an American, I agree. Things are much slower in the UK and it is safe to take walks. You can also be outside all day in the sun, without being burned. You can walk safely in most places, so it is easier to be healthy. I will be in England in a little over a week. I’m looking forward to my walks where you find berries on the side of the road. I’m about your age and thinking of retiring in the UK.
With the greatest respect; the picture you paint is only really available to someone with a comfortable income and the luxury of free time. Which is absolutely what you rightly deserve if you're at a stage of life and have earned it. BUT..if not, life in the UK for many people is a VERY different story.its very difficult to make ends meet, stressful and very expensive.
I would agree with you. Life is very difficult here for many people, children are living at home longer as buying a house or renting has become extortionate. The reality is our high streets are dying, the NHS is falling apart because we cannot staff it ( I know, I worked in the NHS), and many of the industries that provided life long employment have long gone. Yes, ours is a beautiful green and pleasant land, but if you scratch beneath the surface you will see that for many there is another reality. Not everyone can afford to stop and have a cup of tea and a piece of cake!
Great video with positive vibes, I was born and bred in South Wales by the coast beautiful area Wales is truelly beautiful like all UK is. My travelling the world days are over been to USA few times great memories. Im 46 now since covid been doing mainly short breaks main holiday in Wales or accross England. Like my childhood in the magical 1980s traditional UK caravan park holiday love it so special. Your video made me realise more how we tend to take life UK for granted.. Diolch welsh word thanks us welsh like love n hate relationship with England lol as all the CELTS here do. Have a lovely time here you be very welcome in UK more friendlier in Wales Scotland Ireland etc lol... x
Thanks, just seeing this now! You are very welcome. It's easy to take what we've known all our lives for granted. YOu can travel the world but it's not the same as living somewhere. I'm now appreciating more in the US and of course all that GB has to offer, I'm like a kid in a sweetie shop! Always somewhere new to explore and beauty all around.
@@HipOverFifty Aww very true words I get homesick im very fiercely passionate proud to be Welsh a very special feeling Cymru am byth. I was born in 1976 grew up still live in coastal village in between Swansea and Cardiff outside seaside town porthcawl South Wales beautiful area. The 1980s was magical best music decade British music the best with the sub cultures new wave casuals etc youth scene. Going out with your mates to pubs clubs in the 90s was incredible special music dance scene was amazing old school. Im quiet natured these days a quite pub crawl lol especially rugby international days. I been all over UK in my life everywhere here last few years more short breaks hols here my home. Rediscovering mid n west n North Wales areas. The countryside beaches particularly west Wales most beautiful in UK nature surrounds us the high mountains waterfalls lakes streams in Wales is incredible. There lots of you tube travel vloggers travel UK the English blown away how beautiful Wales is it truelly is surprised me how many Americans travel here get culture shock our slang talk accents lol and move live here it inspiring. I speak in all slang sayings n phrases comes naturally welsh speak faster lol I can speak welsh but not fluent some parts of Wales welsh spoken first, I went to English grammar schools but had welsh classes in school there welsh only speaking schools here it is oldest language in UK out dates English by 3000 years here other celtic language here also a briton brythonic native languages. Right this weekend a relaxing one for me few cold beers take away food or pub grub and chill out I love life I dont work to live no one really does here more laid back cultures in UK appreciate yourself and life more. Have wonderful weekend and keep researching UK history culture etc the national parks nature everything it beautiful. You be very welcome anywhere in UK keep smiling you do great positive videos thanks... Diolch yn fawr... Kind Regards... Gareth..x
We enjoyed your views on this. It seems weird that you think our pace of life is slow, it must be frantic in the US. We do love our holidays! Lovely to hear your views 🍻
Perhaps you could have mentioned our self deprecating, slightly sarcastic sense of humour, as displayed in Blackadder. We can also have the sense of the absurd, as in The Goons(what time is it eccles?). Monty Python as well displayed this.
And one can walk to the shops. A colleague of mine told me in the US he was stopped by the cops for walking. Americans thought it suspicious to see someone walking; the cops said nobody walks in America, they drive.
0:46 Lucky are the ones whose work is so essential to, and seamlessly a part of, their life that “work” is not work. It is engaging and enjoyable; they don’t think much about taking a vacation. These individuals seem to be most prevalent in the arts and sciences.
I know of no "British Lifestyle", but up here in Yorkshire we have a lighter point of view, that doesn't take life too seriously. I was always caught out while living in DC when I had a 'flip' response to people's utterances, and I was regarded as being frivolous. Happier that I can talk to people here and switch into humour most of the time.
What do you reckon to bonfire night thats a massive day for us brits we go all out with firework display to food and drink stalls to funfairs like we have in Sheffield every year at a place called don valley its a great night out with family
I'm Scottish but did part of my schooling in California and lived there on and off for years. I would never settle there permanently because of the work culture.
Hard to believe American's only get 2 weeks holidays per year. I get 26 days (5 weeks plus one floating day) per year. And that is excluding bank holidays. I never realised when it came to Christmas for example, the American's don't have Boxing Day. The 26th. If i am wrong on that i am sorry. Canada does have Boxing day i think.
I think they do celebrate Boxing Day in Canada but only because they’re taking a cue from their British cousins but yes America gets short changed on holidays
I've been to Great Britain and it has changed over the years, and not entirely for the better. Thank you, but I prefer my American lifestyle. If you want to be an expat, go ahead. We have many British expats living in the USA. To each his own.
I’ve been a Police Officer for 21 years in this country. The most British thing I can recall was when I was policing the Lib-Dem conference in Sheffield in 2011. There was a good deal of very peaceful protest there, and our bosses were obviously very worried it might turn worse. We were asked to stop people wearing masks at the demo. I refused to do this but I asked one of the demonstrators if he would remove his face mask when he left the demonstration. “Oh yes,” He replied, “I don’t want to scare any little old ladies on the way home.” Throughout I would often be stood next to people shouting “F- the Tory’s! F the Liberals!” Then 2 seconds later they would see me, apologise for the language and we would talk about the weather. I explained to them I was there to facilitate their protest also and to carry on. On the last day the protest turned quite frankly into a party. It was one of the most heart warming and British things ever.
@@HipOverFifty just something about sitting in your garden in the evening with a glass or 3 of wine watching the day slowly winding down as the light slowly fades and sky changes colour
You offer a superb analysis of this country. 99% is en pointe. One thing you neglected to mention was the toxic class culture which petmiates every level of British society. Its not so marked today, but still exists. As an American I'd imagine its a lot harderfor you to identify this nuanced class element. The irony for some, is that even discussing class, put you in a class!
I agree with all you say on the differences , but I do concede U.S. sitcoms are better than present day British ones, which have all been snuffed out by the 'Woke Brigade'. I like third rock from the sun, Modern family, Futurama even! They are not so held up by sensitivity as British ones tend very much suffer. The best of recent British comedy sitcoms is " Not going out"😂
@@HipOverFifty and all the other stuff, our ants are a pain yours are a major pain, having said that I did once walk along a ditch past the entrance to a wasps nest (really regretted that )
My Favourite thing is all of the THOUSANDS of mile of Public Rights of Way that we are allowed to walk along, EVEN if that field has a full Crop ready for Harvesting in it, if there is a Public Right of Way ANYONE can walk through what Americans would call a Private Field, or the right to roam along the byways and Footpaths of Northern England. Open skys on a Sunny Day will brighten anyones Day. Tony in Essex, a Long Distance Hiker
Just as long as you turn a blind eye to the gratuitous crime,poverty and inequality,yes it's a great place when the sun shines.Beautiful countryside,and despite it's bad reputation some very good food,if you can afford it.Better off in France or Italy.
I don’t know what part UK you live in, but as for high crime I guess you live in large Northern city, yes there is poverty as there is across Europe. You have obviously not travelled much inEurope or world.
One tradition that we got from Asia not too many decades ago is the Dragon Boat Race. Even though I'm from Oxford, the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race doesn't compare. Teams are made up from companies, the emergency services, just about anyone who wants to set up a team and take part whilst wearing fancy dress. If there is a team short of a person they wander through the crowds asking if anyone would like to be the replacement.
1. In the UK, people work to live, in other words work is a means to an end. True and some of it is rubbing off in the USA. 2. Celebrates a slower pace of life. True but there are places in the USA that do that as well. 3. Take part in traditions that are uniquely British. True and we wish we had traditions like the UK. 4. Take all of your holidays and there are quite a few. True. The USA has 11 holidays and most companies offer 21 days of vacation. So that is 31 days total. 5. Make the most of the Great British summer. Let's not forget gardening. Brits love their gardens. True but the USA is catching up and in some areas, the USA has surpassed the UK in these areas. 6. Drinking is very much part of the British lifestyle. True and you got us there. 7. It's a softer gentler way of living here. It's a bit like living in the past sometimes. There's a whimsy and magical quality to the surroundings here. True. The USA has a lot of catching up in this area. 8. Embracing hardship is seen almost as a virtue and life is very much lived by the rules here. Actually the British stiff, upper lip has been surpassed by the cold and stoic American life style.
The great British lifestyle tea in the garden with homemade cakes and crumpits shooting high pheasents and woodpiegons fishing on the buitifull rivers in buitifull countryside with no building going to the 14 centry pubs drving your mg in the countryside stopping at the tea rooms o wait a minute that was before the invation and it was allways expensive but it was duable but not today and of course great trout fishing plus crickett on the green aboabsolutly fantastic
The official announcements are becoming more Soviet by the day....and as for the Minister of Emergency Situations..... sounds very Monty Python to me. :)
I used to work in financial services and you were required once a year to take two weeks holiday in one block as an anti fraud measure. I have heard of cases where fraudulent behaviour was uncovered because the corrupt employee was on their compulsory holiday and was unable to hide their actions.
@@HipOverFifty In the insurance company that I used to work for one person effectively set up his own insurance company, taking and pocketing insurance premiums but not setting up policies. When claims were made on these policies he was able to set up policies on the main system and allow the claim. He was able to get away with it for years because he never took holidays, and was discovered only when he was forced to take time off. Admittedly this was 20 years ago in a relatively small company but my understanding is that compulsory holidays are now a thing in most major financial services companies.
I think you ought to record you voice by a different Microphone because your quiet. Most videos I watch I need to turn down but your recorded volume is low
@@paradisekohchangstyle2150 There's always that negative individual showing up somewhere..... congratulations for being that person. Feeling better now?
@@ellvee4261 It's not a case of 'feeling better' is it? Just pointing out the poor grammar. I'm being constructive. TH-cam is filled with people who are pretty sloppy with how they write. What's wrong with my comment and what's 'negative' about it? If you genuinely feel it's negative, then you also need to jump on your sounding-board with regards to the original person who was commenting about the poor sound quality. Judging by your logic, that is also a 'negative' person.
@@HipOverFifty that's the kind of reply that a britnat english would use.If it was all about the celtic nations I've no doubt you would be calling them all nationalists.
Don't forget the 1966 World Cup. Using the trusted 4,2,2 formation of West Ham, we in England defeated Germany yet again. Greavzy, Hurstzy, Ballzy and the boys did us proud. That's how we remonis. Also, perhaps our greatest asset is our faith. We in England are now of the Islamic faith. This is our greatest achievement and pays clear dividends now that we've left European Christianity.
Its not true that American citizens lack appreciation of cultural events..certainly classical entertainment is to be had in places like San Francisco...which has a wonderful opera house...as a British born visitor..i can vouch for its popularity
Love America,wouldn’t live there. I had a day at the Motown museum in Detroit,then we went down to New Orleans,then finally,the Everglades. Best holiday i ever had,but live there? Nah,I’m too British. They don’t do pisstaking very well,we are masters at it.
@@krissyg7026 all liberals don't live in real Alita they Bettendorf gangs arn there thers no heat for the winter I lived there when it was nearly normal except for freedom good luck
A colleague of mine many years ago was asked about the definition of a failure, he said 'it is somebody who doesn't take all their holidays'.
I had a friend who was a bit of a workaholic and he would get very stressed up at work but wouldn't take holidays. He finally managed to convince himself he needed a break and asked if he could visit. He flew here and I met him at the airport. He was not a happy bunny, it was clear. Within a few hours he was worrying about work and talking about flying back. I told him that was a sure sign about how badly he needed a holiday, and convinced him that if he went back, his senior managers would think he was crazy! He had a nice fortnight away and went back to work much more relaxed and cheerful.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing 😁
When you've been through so many wars, invasions, and disasters that the British have endured over the centuries you eventually develop a sense of humor to cope with life's ups and downs. And of course, if that doesn't work we go down the pub and drown our sorrows.
Well said 😁
And don't forget that universal panacea, a cup of tea.
Great comment and so it must be time to put the kettle on 🫖
Not necessary, you can be burdened by the karma of past endeavours even through generations. Don't forget the British invented concentration camps.The British are very uptight and angst, this manifests many ways such as binge drinking etc.
@@RichiewormilingEr The British didn't invent concentration camps, that's utter crap. And the rest is just a laughable cliche.
It is hard to define what makes Britain special sometimes. My favourite recent example was in early 2021. Covid was back with a frightening new variant, the Brexit negotiations were going terribly. the French had closed the ports and life here, well, it just went on, really. Not a ripple. So many disasters have occurred over the years from the Norman Invasion to the Fire of London, terrible military defeats (but great successes too) that the country just seems to absorb it all. Whatever happens, life in Britain, just goes on, as it has done for the last 7000 years of settlement. The hills, fields, woods and rivers remain much as they always were and outside the cities it remains a warren of little villages and micro environments. Returning here after any prolonged spell abroad is like putting on a tatty and much loved old jumper. It may have seen better days, but you wouldn't want to wear anything else, not really..
Oh what a lovely description I really enjoyed that thank you 🙏
Agreed. When the British let loose in war, in patriotic songs or a strongly worded letter to the council, we break the stiff upper lip and go for it. And once the heat of battle has passed, we stop, make tea and apologise for causing a scene.
Love this
Bloody well put!
My favorite thing about British lifestyle (that you mentioned) is something intangible and that’s making light out of heavy situations. I cannot tell you how valuable that is. It’s also better for your health. Some Americans need a sense of humor, just saying.
Humour*
@@fionagregory9147I know, right?🤣 The irony of using the American spelling of the word after that diatribe. Head to the back of the class, dunce.
It’s called American English and she spelled it correctly thank you very much
@@fionagregory9147I love a bit of passive-aggressive grammatical correction 😂
@@fionagregory9147 You remind me of my neighbor I saw at a gas station parking lot once. It’s a big one here in the town center. She was sitting on the trunk of her car wearing the brightest colored pants and a gray sweater. Nothing to be skeptical about, but after eating a cookie she threw her liter bottle of water onto someone’s front yard. I said “there’s a trashcan here at the gas station”. She didn’t apologize. Despite her weird behavior I took no offense. When I saw her back at the apartment I asked how she was doing. She said she was mad. Apparently, someone had left a note on her windshield that simply said “humor”.
It doesn't matter where you live, in the UK, it is not that far to reach the countryside. To either go for a walk, cycle or drive in the countryside is so relaxing. I live in a city which borders countryside, within a few minutes I am free of the city.
I know it’s the best thing isn’t it?
Well, if it's raining it means our water butts are filling up and the garden is getting the water it needs (and we can go the the pub ), if it's sunny that means my solar panels are working well, and I can go to the beach (and then we can go to the pub garden). If there is some rain and some sun, it means we can look out for rainbows.
you have completely sold it to me and I am English. i shall never complain again.
but then you arent british.. LOL.. we brits love to complain, too hot, too cold, too dry too wet, if it was perfect we'd complain.
Good to know I got through to you it’s all downhill from here 😆
There is probably nothing more British than going to the seaside for a picnic and then having it while sitting in the car looking at the sea because it's raining. Keep calm and carry on. If you don't go out when it's raining, you'll never go out at all.
Your comment about the English lifestyle Work to live is spot on , life is to short and valuable.
Thank you 🙏
Just about everything that you mentioned is part of my life. I live in a 14th Century house, go to Cowes, Glyndebourne, Covent Garden, and Goodwood. I am a lifetime enthusiast of Jaguar cars, but walk whenever I can and will take the train to Bristol tomorrow for a business meeting, rather than drive. I share your sense of appreciation of these aspects of British life and they are the main reason that I never accepted any of the offers of employment in the USA that I received over the years.
I learnt how to lose the formality that is often associated with the UK work environment when I was in Silicon Valley in the 1980s and 90s. The can-do, task-focused, approach of US technology startups is in sharp contrast with much of UK industries that are often stuffy, bueaucratic and a bit pompous.
I wouldn't say that I am a typical, modern, British citizen, however. I think that my wife and I are a bit 'fossilised' in our views, values and lifestyle which we hold dear for all the reasons that you do, as well.
One major part of our typically English middle-class lives, that you only to touched upon, is the connection with our agrarian past. My wife spends much of her time in the garden during Spring, Summer and Autumn. At this time of the year that might be three or four days every week. She is an expert gardener and works hard to create a beautiful outdoor space which we use as an extension to the house on warm days.
I spend an equal amount of time in our allotment, which is an almost unknown concept in the USA. Most of the food that we eat for much of the year is either grown by us, or is locally produced and is of known provenance. Although allotments were created as a method of giving working class Victorian families the means to supplement their diet, they are now firmly part of English life that provides high quality food and both physical and mental therapy. We give away 80% of the food that we grow to friends and neighbours, which is quite typical for allotment holders.
All I can say is well done you! You’re absolutely right though. As soon as I finished this I thought but wait… gardening! That’s truly on the top of the list isn’t it ☺️
Perfect Harry Enfield sketch.
@@sirrodneyffing1 Possibly, but in a Harry Enfield sketch the person would be a solicitor, whereas I run a US/UK business that uses AI and quantum photonics as the basis of a range of products.
Our lifestyle is down to personal choice, not because we have rigid, narrow horizons. We have tried many alternatives, travelled exensively, are both well educated and these are the things that give us the greatest happiness.
If Harry Enfield was still making programmes, my giues it would be about a couple who are equality managers in HR, taking their transgender grandparents to Glastonbury in the Tesla.
@@HipOverFifty In Canada, allotments are called community gardens. Do you have something similar in the US?
Yes you have captured our British lifestyle so well. Even in the presentation you are just so correct. You had no "Look at me" examples, no glamorous presentation, just you, happy and content. The essence of of our British style is to be happy for ourselves, not for other people, so that avoids all the need to 'show off' new tech toys or acquisitions, Indeed the 100 year old house we may live in, is just where we live, neither a flagrant flag of our success, nor a symbol of our failure. We ARE British and live in an country of long history.
So nice to hear your thoughts and so eloquent. I'm pleased you approve!
I'm british and our holidays are fantastic and everyone takes them you are encouraged to take them they are important for mental health..and your right people love down time to relax to see different places ancient places to visit beautiful countryside quaint villages tea shops ....I wouldn't live anywhere else
Normal job in the UK goes with 4 weeks holiday with pay + the 8 bank holidays.If you work a bank holiday you are normally paid overtime + another day off,called a lieu day.
You may know this but if you live in UK you probably know of John Lewis/Waitrose.when you work for them you start with the 4 weeks + bank holidays.After 10 years you get an extra weeks holiday after 25years you get your "Long Leave" which is 6 months off on full pay.How would that go down in the US.
Your videos have been really helpful to me! My husband and I are moving to the UK from Portland and this is getting me really excited :)
Oh good that’s great I’m so glad they’re helpful best of luck with your move!
Glad you are enjoying it. You did not mention cricket (as a spectator, you can combine it with a picnic, a G&T and a cup of tea - as a player, it is proper sport because the teams stop for lunch and for tea). And if you are on the beach and it is windy and rainy, at least it is warm rain and that it why one has windbreaks and umbrellas. We like to do things properly, but the proper way is unwritten, not about blindly following rules. As George Mikes wrote: "An Englishman, even if he is alone, forms an orderly queue of one." That is true - one will find the right place to start a queue and stand there. You are giving the impression that we are all workshy drunks, but that is not true of all of us. Having worked in New York and lived mostly in London, I'd say that Londoners can work longer hours than New Yorkers. But we mostly do not regard work as the measure of our lives. Especially in the world of constant work demands on our time facilitated by modern technology, it is important to draw a line around work, otherwise it will take over your life. Instead of machines serving people, it is becoming the other way round. The past is present here but we should not live in it - we should respect the past and future generations, as we are just one part of a continuum in society over time. You also did not mention the healthcare systems. The UK system is far from perfect or best, but the US is terrifying.
I definitely do mention healthcare in another video but thank you for your perspective I appreciate you taking the time to share it with us
Such a good video, Glad you like Great Britain, our American cousins are always welcome here.
Thank you! 😃
Walking. We love a good walk. In the city. In the countryside. On the coast. Just taking a train somewhere picturesque and spending the day wandering, stopping for a pub lunch and later on in the afternoon, tea, is one of the great pleasures here.
I do love the walks that you can do here too! the countryside is really fabulous when the weather behaves itself.
@@HipOverFifty We have 150,000 miles of Public Footpaths & lots of walking/rambling clubs. Also the Health & Well-being walking scheme all over the country.
You forgot to add our humour (unique around the world,we even have a category “British Comedy” and everyone knows you are guaranteed a laugh or ten)
And our music !!
God,our music,with standards set through the 60’s,70’s and 80’s and which elevated this Little Rock in the North Atlantic to global attention.
Oh don’t get me started on the music…. best in the world. No question.
I think the main difference is as you said we work to live not live to work. In the USA when I worked there it was all about 'working hard' and you were made to feel guilty if you had time off or maybe even lose your job. Well we can and do put the work in when needed but we are not victims of the 'work hard' blackmail because we know we need to take time with our families and recharge the batteries of life. Employers know this as well.
We can also walk to local places to shop, eat or just 'be somewhere' and not rely on cars for every journey. As you said public transport (while it has faults) is also pretty good.
Thanks and we’re of the same mind.
A country or coastal walk that ends at a beautiful old pub for a spot of lunch, in the summer I'll sit in the beer garden with a ploughman's Lunch and a cold cider, in the winter its inside by a roaring fire for a hot meal and dark ale.
We can adopt traditions as well, in recent years the best example is the Christmas Markets, you'd think they were something we've been doing for a 1000 years.
It’s the best isn’t it?
I thought this was very good but you missed out the fact that though our summers are short the days are really long. At the height of summer you can have daylight from sometime after 4 in the morning to dusk before 10 at night. So on a really nice day you can find us still outside with friends on the patio at 9 o'clock having a glass of wine after a barbecue. Also the stubborn insistence on wearing summer clothes at the slightest hint of sun you will find some men in shorts when in the US you would still be in a winter coat. I know you have mentioned before the fact we find a 100 mile car journey really far but we also think a 2 mile hike up a mountain a leisurely weekend activity. Or how we love to walk our dogs. Or how irate we get when people do not pick up the poo and put it in the dog poo bins (I suppose an example of our love for social niceties). Or how many different huge bins we have. I have a huge garden so I have 2 green bins for composting. So 5 huge wheelie bins. I like that we are committed to learning to recycle. I do think that is something the US could learn from us.
This clearly needs to be a series 😉thanks for the inspiration!
Regarding holidays, you should also add that the average UK citizen gets 25 days holidays + bank holidays...on average 32 days a year
It's actually even better than that! Almost all people classed as workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks (28 days) paid holiday a year* + bank holidays (8 days) = 36 days in total. *From gov.uk
Wow, if I didn't already live here you would have persuaded me to move! now I feel all warm and fussy because I'm English. You say the nicest things ! 🥰
Aw you’re so very welcome 😌 ( unless you’re being ironic 😂)
@@HipOverFifty lol No, it was meant 🥰
Let's not forget, for those aging hippies and the like, the great tradition of going to Glastonbury Festival, it's raining, and no-one cares 😊.
Also, I think we are generally tolerant of general "odd behaviour" (e.g. The Official Monster Raving Loony Party standing at general elections, official mouser at Downing Street, rolling down hills after cheese etc.)
Yes this really needs a part 2 doesn’t it! Festivals and summer bacchanalia. 🌸
@@HipOverFiftyYes, perhaps the more unexpected things rather than castles and thatched cottages. I'm guessing the media in the USA portrays England as something out of an Agatha Christie's book, so the fun and slightly bonkers side might be worth while.👍
Thank you for sharing your views of us... I like to think that we have a beautiful country too, that we are solid and dependable with a great sense of humour, especially able to laugh at ourselves 🙂
I am part of that us and I’m very proud to be British… thanks for sharing
Well said, and what a lovely, gentle, lady. ❤
Glad to be English and not any other nationality.
Goodwood revival is amazing- people dress up in 30s to 60s clothes and there are classic cars and planes. People properly (aggressively) race classic cars worth half a million pounds, because that is what they are for.
I’m going to have to go as this sounds like heaven. Actually I don’t care aboit dressing up just give me speed!
@@HipOverFifty When you get there you will wish you had gone round some vintage shops for an outfit- it's all part of the experience.
Yes, you must go to the Revival. It is the Kentucky Derby of vintage car racing. I vintage race in the US and plan trips back to the UK to see family, relax and go to the Revival every other year. And yes, you need to go to a few vintage stores and pick up some clothing. It is an incredible event!!!
I'm sold!
Some great observations. It is a magical island like you say and it's amazing how varied it is. It's a largely rural island with so much countryside because we have a strong planning system that resists building in the open countryside and protects natural beauty/heritage. London can be quite fast paced but the rest of the country generally isn't!
Well said!
Great video! I've visited a few times and it's a very respectful culture, respect for others and self, from what I saw. At least that was my experience. I really enjoyed it, especially since it's not like that in Southern California.
If you love picnics and tradition I very highly recommend the Henley Royal Regatta, a fantastic experience
Oh that’s another great one 👍🏻
I usedvto trout fish at 9.30 at night and go at 5 in the morning bright daylight at 5 am in july good time to go fishing
We are good at country fairs as well, they are held all over the country especially in the summer months.
True.
Thank you for reaffirming my love of this country, I've lived here all my life and sometimes it's good to be reminded how lucky I am. (Over 70s hippy) x
You’re welcome. I think England is one of the most beautiful countries, if not the most beautiful country in the world especially when the sun is shining!
You've hit the nail on the head. Good video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Welcome home,so glad you're happy! Best wishes from Mike in Solihull, England.
Now i understand why a certain librarian at Cambridge I had the honor to meet with smelled of slo gin and was so comfortable with it!
My interest in retiring there apart from a family interest, is the belief that the lifestyle you describe would be just the shift to low gear I need.
Thanks again for a helpful video.
Well, if you’re seeing drinking as a part of the culture here you’re right 😁, could be they just had a nice aftershave or perfume on though 😂
Yes I’d say we spend a lot of time in third gear here! 🙏
It's interesting what you said about Keeping up with the Jones'. Maybe not so much now, but that sort of attitude typified the aspiring middle classes until very recently.
I see a bit here now (England) but I attribute that to the Americanization effect 😉
I'm going to be in the UK in July (two writers' retreats, Torquay, Exeter, the countryside, London, and Isle of Man). I ❤ the UK for the exact reasons you just mentioned.
Oh how wonderful Yvonne aren’t you a lucky girl! Sounds like a fabulous trip 🙌
@@HipOverFifty ❤
Yep, keep calm and carry on.😊
Thank you for your video comments.All the best to you and yours. Rab x
Same to you!
you got this so spot on, you missed glastobury lol, i also know about cowes, i lived on the isle of wight for a time
the following the rules part, and you got that spot, with the hardship and suck it up,
That is in our DNA, we went through 2 world wars, rationing on food and clothing, sweets candy as you say,
we have the stiff upper lip, as well that proud resolve, bring it on,
That as you quite rightly said, comes through generations of history, wonderful video, you so spot on,
Aw thank you ….so glad it hit the spot 😀
Thank you for the enjoyable interlude.
You’re very welcome ☺️
Well I put in a hard day's work but still managed to put in a 90min lunch break for my 20 mile bike ride along quiet country lanes with cafe stop avec croissant. 30 days holiday + 4 bank holidays. Normally a weeks skiing in France (drive takes 14 hours) and perhaps another week in France during the summer (Provence) .
England Scotland, Wales and N.I also have lots of wild areas with old historic villages and resorts. A great British passtime is walking ,hiking, and camping or staying in these areas, exploring the villages, stopping for a pint or a meal. I recently as boxing day went out on my motor bike, and Matlock Bath in Derbyshire was buzzing,the roads were full of tourists, motorists, walkers, dog walkers, bikers, scooter riders,and 95% of places were open for business. I was recently speaking to someone from Kent who came up here on holiday, and decided they would only go back to sell up, they now live in one of the historic Buxton villages. There will be lots more examples of that all over the U.K, it truly is a beautiful land, and sometimes we just need a different perspective to see it.
I agree. In my opinion it is the most beautiful country in the world, Even more so when the sun is shining!
This might be something as British Lifestyle part 2. Do a video on the Proms.
Americans are famous for not being cultured and yet here we are with eight weeks of classical music concerts culminating in the Last Night Of The Proms, the main event as it were. So popular they have to hold a lottery for who gets the tickets for the events.
I know many Americans who are followers of the arts, and many who participate in artistic pursuits to a high standard. The cost of accessing international standard performances in the USA is higher in general and will probably involve a flight and a hotel.
The Met played to 70% capacity audiences throughout the last season which, at first sight, supports your hypothesis. However, I think that is mostly about the commitment in time and money, rather than demand. I have an American friend who lives in NY State who comes to London each February. He can go to a good quality concert, ballet performance, play, every night without spending as much as he would do in New York.
@@glynnwright1699 Every four months I would have to do a training course with a group of about twenty Americans. To say that one in a hundred would raise their hand if I mention the names of Liszt, Mozart, Handle, or Debussy is being generous.
I've found that for most it's down to their Isolationist attitude. If it's not American then it's not promoted.
Don't get me wrong, if you play certain parts of concertos, they'll say they've heard it, but in an advert or a movie but have never heard the whole concerto.
And yes like your friend you will find the odd one who is cultured, who appreciates the arts, and who doesn't get offended when seeing a nude statue. Hell, most Americans are shocked to find out that, We Are the Champions or We Will Rock You, is by Queen.
I took one group to Covent Garden for coffee just so they could hear the Opra singers in the shopping center. Even walking about London and hearing classical music being played by street performers astonished them. As one said, "We only get want to be singers promoting their songs and dancers".
@@educatednumpty71 All I can say that it is not my experience of the many Americans that I know.
My American daughter-in-law achieved a high degree of competence in ballet. In fact there are many American principal and solo perfomers in the Royal Ballet.
My American friends include musicians, dancers, operatic singers and artists.
The vitality and technical excellence of baroque music groups in New York, Boston and San Francisco, often specialising in works by English composers such as Byrd, Purcell and the later works of Handel, is on a par with productions that you would see in London.
The musicality of the Presbyterian church services that I attend in South Carolina is every bit as accomplished as our local Church of England services, albeit a different style. Their director of music is a retired Broadway producer.
@@glynnwright1699 As I stated, there are exceptions. But if you take the population of America as a whole, the vast majority is uncultured.
The American education system is to blame as it's designed to put America first above all other countries and produce unquestioning drones.
World history lasts only a few weeks whereas the rest of the lessons are taken up with American history. Even that is bare bones and filled with inaccuracies.
Take slavery, ask any American when slavery was outlawed in America, then watch their jaws drop when you tell them it's still legal.
The owning and selling of people as property is outlawed, but using people as slave labour hasn't been.
Name one country where there is a push to teach Creation science in schools.
Or have their children Pledge Allegiance to a flag or leader and sing the National Anthem at every event. Is willing to strip 50% of the population of basic human rights.
All this is by design to brainwash the populous.
So when it comes to teaching the arts, it's way down the list of their agender.
I bought a new jacket and my friends dragged me out to celebrate the fact. Not complaining though. 🇬🇧
You forgot to mention the fabulous canal and river system we have here where you can travel and live and explore
The Brits have to thank our forefathers and trade unions for our current lifestyles. They were the ones who fought for paid holidays, sickness benefit, state education and state health. They had the foresight to see that a country was only as good as its people, they invested their time and efforts to bring that about. We now take that for granted. The US by comparison had little tolerance for unions and this can be seen in the long working hours, holiday allowance and health care system that workers are given. I am not saying that everything in the UK is rosie but by comparison I think we have a better way of life all told.
As an American, I agree. Things are much slower in the UK and it is safe to take walks. You can also be outside all day in the sun, without being burned. You can walk safely in most places, so it is easier to be healthy. I will be in England in a little over a week. I’m looking forward to my walks where you find berries on the side of the road. I’m about your age and thinking of retiring in the UK.
Have to agree with you! How exciting…. welcome and enjoy your visit!
With the greatest respect; the picture you paint is only really available to someone with a comfortable income and the luxury of free time. Which is absolutely what you rightly deserve if you're at a stage of life and have earned it. BUT..if not, life in the UK for many people is a VERY different story.its very difficult to make ends meet, stressful and very expensive.
Respectfully I would disagree! …everybody can stop and have a cup of tea and a piece of cake after a nice walk 😀
I would agree with you. Life is very difficult here for many people, children are living at home longer as buying a house or renting has become extortionate. The reality is our high streets are dying, the NHS is falling apart because we cannot staff it ( I know, I worked in the NHS), and many of the industries that provided life long employment have long gone. Yes, ours is a beautiful green and pleasant land, but if you scratch beneath the surface you will see that for many there is another reality. Not everyone can afford to stop and have a cup of tea and a piece of cake!
Number 9, America is going down the tubes!
Great video with positive vibes, I was born and bred in South Wales by the coast beautiful area Wales is truelly beautiful like all UK is. My travelling the world days are over been to USA few times great memories. Im 46 now since covid been doing mainly short breaks main holiday in Wales or accross England. Like my childhood in the magical 1980s traditional UK caravan park holiday love it so special. Your video made me realise more how we tend to take life UK for granted.. Diolch welsh word thanks us welsh like love n hate relationship with England lol as all the CELTS here do. Have a lovely time here you be very welcome in UK more friendlier in Wales Scotland Ireland etc lol... x
Thanks, just seeing this now! You are very welcome. It's easy to take what we've known all our lives for granted. YOu can travel the world but it's not the same as living somewhere. I'm now appreciating more in the US and of course all that GB has to offer, I'm like a kid in a sweetie shop! Always somewhere new to explore and beauty all around.
@@HipOverFifty Aww very true words I get homesick im very fiercely passionate proud to be Welsh a very special feeling Cymru am byth. I was born in 1976 grew up still live in coastal village in between Swansea and Cardiff outside seaside town porthcawl South Wales beautiful area. The 1980s was magical best music decade British music the best with the sub cultures new wave casuals etc youth scene. Going out with your mates to pubs clubs in the 90s was incredible special music dance scene was amazing old school. Im quiet natured these days a quite pub crawl lol especially rugby international days. I been all over UK in my life everywhere here last few years more short breaks hols here my home. Rediscovering mid n west n North Wales areas. The countryside beaches particularly west Wales most beautiful in UK nature surrounds us the high mountains waterfalls lakes streams in Wales is incredible. There lots of you tube travel vloggers travel UK the English blown away how beautiful Wales is it truelly is surprised me how many Americans travel here get culture shock our slang talk accents lol and move live here it inspiring. I speak in all slang sayings n phrases comes naturally welsh speak faster lol I can speak welsh but not fluent some parts of Wales welsh spoken first, I went to English grammar schools but had welsh classes in school there welsh only speaking schools here it is oldest language in UK out dates English by 3000 years here other celtic language here also a briton brythonic native languages. Right this weekend a relaxing one for me few cold beers take away food or pub grub and chill out I love life I dont work to live no one really does here more laid back cultures in UK appreciate yourself and life more. Have wonderful weekend and keep researching UK history culture etc the national parks nature everything it beautiful. You be very welcome anywhere in UK keep smiling you do great positive videos thanks... Diolch yn fawr... Kind Regards... Gareth..x
We enjoyed your views on this. It seems weird that you think our pace of life is slow, it must be frantic in the US. We do love our holidays! Lovely to hear your views 🍻
It’s all perspective isn’t it! Thanks for the 👍🏻😁
I think it’s the fact that Britain is a small island with a temperate climate, you learn not to get too excited about anything.
🤔
Perhaps you could have mentioned our self deprecating, slightly sarcastic sense of humour, as displayed in Blackadder. We can also have the sense of the absurd, as in The Goons(what time is it eccles?). Monty Python as well displayed this.
Well that’s not so much lifestyle but definitely worth another video thanks for the idea!
And one can walk to the shops.
A colleague of mine told me in the US he was stopped by the cops for walking.
Americans thought it suspicious to see someone walking; the cops said nobody walks in America, they drive.
True
0:46 Lucky are the ones whose work is so essential to, and seamlessly a part of, their life that “work” is not work. It is engaging and enjoyable; they don’t think much about taking a vacation. These individuals seem to be most prevalent in the arts and sciences.
Well said!
I know of no "British Lifestyle", but up here in Yorkshire we have a lighter point of view, that doesn't take life too seriously. I was always caught out while living in DC when I had a 'flip' response to people's utterances, and I was regarded as being frivolous. Happier that I can talk to people here and switch into humour most of the time.
Life cannot be lived without a sense of humor!
dont forget Henley Regatta where you can dress up all week and watch the rowing from the riverbank. Very posh
Oh there’s so many I need to do another video ha ha
What do you reckon to bonfire night thats a massive day for us brits we go all out with firework display to food and drink stalls to funfairs like we have in Sheffield every year at a place called don valley its a great night out with family
Oh of course, what a night! I’ve lived in Lewes where they do a proper Bonfire 🔥 night! 😁
@@HipOverFifty Then you've luckily seen one of the best Bonfire Nights!
Very insightful.
Glad you think so!
An english breakfast eggs , bacon, sausage , beans, tomatoes, fried bread, cup if tea and a 2 hour break
Oh yes I’ve already got the idea for doing a video on food because how can you not mention the English breakfast!’
The British way is to take the good and the bad and make the most of it. Enjoy your own journey.
I'm Scottish but did part of my schooling in California and lived there on and off for years. I would never settle there permanently because of the work culture.
The US work culture can feel relentless- I had to quit a job in order to take a 2 week holiday back to the UK.
@@HipOverFifty However much you do, most often more is demanded.
Hard to believe American's only get 2 weeks holidays per year. I get 26 days (5 weeks plus one floating day) per year. And that is excluding bank holidays. I never realised when it came to Christmas for example, the American's don't have Boxing Day. The 26th. If i am wrong on that i am sorry. Canada does have Boxing day i think.
I think they do celebrate Boxing Day in Canada but only because they’re taking a cue from their British cousins but yes America gets short changed on holidays
I've been to Great Britain and it has changed over the years, and not entirely for the better. Thank you, but I prefer my American lifestyle. If you want to be an expat, go ahead. We have many British expats living in the USA. To each his own.
I’ve been a Police Officer for 21 years in this country. The most British thing I can recall was when I was policing the Lib-Dem conference in Sheffield in 2011. There was a good deal of very peaceful protest there, and our bosses were obviously very worried it might turn worse. We were asked to stop people wearing masks at the demo. I refused to do this but I asked one of the demonstrators if he would remove his face mask when he left the demonstration. “Oh yes,” He replied, “I don’t want to scare any little old ladies on the way home.”
Throughout I would often be stood next to people shouting “F- the Tory’s! F the Liberals!” Then 2 seconds later they would see me, apologise for the language and we would talk about the weather. I explained to them I was there to facilitate their protest also and to carry on.
On the last day the protest turned quite frankly into a party. It was one of the most heart warming and British things ever.
The actual equivalent of saying sorry when someone bumps into you 😂 thank you for sharing!
Twilight during the summer months
Yup
@@HipOverFifty just something about sitting in your garden in the evening with a glass or 3 of wine watching the day slowly winding down as the light slowly fades and sky changes colour
Here's another British thing.....allotments!
youtube.com/@themaplevegpatch
Oh yes! 👍🏻
you are only ever about 60 miles from the sea in the UK, plus the public transport,
Love it!
You offer a superb analysis of this country. 99% is en pointe. One thing you neglected to mention was the toxic class culture which petmiates every level of British society. Its not so marked today, but still exists. As an American I'd imagine its a lot harderfor you to identify this nuanced class element. The irony for some, is that even discussing class, put you in a class!
Thank you for your perspective!
You can tell you're English. You said the 'sea'. I've noticed Americans nearly always say the 'ocean'.
when in Rome 😁
I agree with all you say on the differences , but I do concede U.S. sitcoms are better than present day British ones, which have all been snuffed out by the 'Woke Brigade'. I like third rock from the sun, Modern family, Futurama even! They are not so held up by sensitivity as British ones tend very much suffer. The best of recent British comedy sitcoms is " Not going out"😂
I have not been into sitcoms for a while maybe because they just don’t seem that funny anymore!
@@HipOverFifty We need comedy, it relieves stress of the week and helps cope. 👍
love ya vids and this off topic but you remind me of meg ryan ..how she used to look before she had bad cosmetic surgery .
Thank you for that although never fancied myself as Meg!
@@HipOverFifty she was a beautiful woman and you are too ,believe me im gay i know beauty when i see it . x
@@ianjohnboy you are too kind
Picnics - avoid wasps as much as possible and check for ants nests before setting up
You don’t know 🐜 Try living where you can step on a fire ant mound! 😂
@@HipOverFifty and all the other stuff, our ants are a pain yours are a major pain, having said that I did once walk along a ditch past the entrance to a wasps nest (really regretted that )
My Favourite thing is all of the THOUSANDS of mile of Public Rights of Way that we are allowed to walk along, EVEN if that field has a full Crop ready for Harvesting in it, if there is a Public Right of Way ANYONE can walk through what Americans would call a Private Field, or the right to roam along the byways and Footpaths of Northern England. Open skys on a Sunny Day will brighten anyones Day. Tony in Essex, a Long Distance Hiker
Just as long as you turn a blind eye to the gratuitous crime,poverty and inequality,yes it's a great place when the sun shines.Beautiful countryside,and despite it's bad reputation some very good food,if you can afford it.Better off in France or Italy.
I don’t know what part UK you live in, but as for high crime I guess you live in large Northern city, yes there is poverty as there is across Europe. You have obviously not travelled much inEurope or world.
British lifestyle depends on where you are in the class system. Homeless and hungry or millionaire mansion?
You are absolutely right. There is no such thing as a generic British lifestyle.
There are homeless and hungry people as well as millionaires in the US also. So what's your point?
One tradition that we got from Asia not too many decades ago is the Dragon Boat Race. Even though I'm from Oxford, the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race doesn't compare. Teams are made up from companies, the emergency services, just about anyone who wants to set up a team and take part whilst wearing fancy dress. If there is a team short of a person they wander through the crowds asking if anyone would like to be the replacement.
That sounds like a lot of fun thanks for sharing
@@HipOverFifty it's a pleasure. There are various dragon boat races around the country, the Oxford one moved to Abingdon I think.
You're a long time dead, so just live life while you can. You never know what's round the corner but as you say, we just keep calm and carry on!
Amen to that
Yes I worked out some time ago that I'm a human being, not a human doing 🙂
👍🏻😎
1. In the UK, people work to live, in other words work is a means to an end. True and some of it is rubbing off in the USA.
2. Celebrates a slower pace of life. True but there are places in the USA that do that as well.
3. Take part in traditions that are uniquely British. True and we wish we had traditions like the UK.
4. Take all of your holidays and there are quite a few. True. The USA has 11 holidays and most companies offer 21 days of vacation. So that is 31 days total.
5. Make the most of the Great British summer. Let's not forget gardening. Brits love their gardens. True but the USA is catching up and in some areas, the USA has surpassed the UK in these areas.
6. Drinking is very much part of the British lifestyle. True and you got us there.
7. It's a softer gentler way of living here. It's a bit like living in the past sometimes. There's a whimsy and magical quality to the surroundings here. True. The USA has a lot of catching up in this area.
8. Embracing hardship is seen almost as a virtue and life is very much lived by the rules here. Actually the British stiff, upper lip has been surpassed by the cold and stoic American life style.
Thanks for commenting!
Fun fact You are never more than 73 miles from the sea in the UK
Rain? We hardly have any rain these days.
The great British lifestyle tea in the garden with homemade cakes and crumpits shooting high pheasents and woodpiegons fishing on the buitifull rivers in buitifull countryside with no building going to the 14 centry pubs drving your mg in the countryside stopping at the tea rooms o wait a minute that was before the invation and it was allways expensive but it was duable but not today and of course great trout fishing plus crickett on the green aboabsolutly fantastic
The official announcements are becoming more Soviet by the day....and as for the Minister of Emergency Situations..... sounds very Monty Python to me. :)
I used to work in financial services and you were required once a year to take two weeks holiday in one block as an anti fraud measure. I have heard of cases where fraudulent behaviour was uncovered because the corrupt employee was on their compulsory holiday and was unable to hide their actions.
Wow that’s a definitely unique perspective thanks for sharing
@@HipOverFifty In the insurance company that I used to work for one person effectively set up his own insurance company, taking and pocketing insurance premiums but not setting up policies. When claims were made on these policies he was able to set up policies on the main system and allow the claim. He was able to get away with it for years because he never took holidays, and was discovered only when he was forced to take time off. Admittedly this was 20 years ago in a relatively small company but my understanding is that compulsory holidays are now a thing in most major financial services companies.
In Scotland we are never. more than a hour drive from the sea
Yes and you’re very lucky to be in Scotland beautiful place
I think you ought to record you voice by a different Microphone because your quiet. Most videos I watch I need to turn down but your recorded volume is low
Agree with this. Likewise, though, you might want to consider using English grammar, correctly.
I thought it was perfect.
Something wrong with your king lears mate.
I used my new microphone for this!
@@paradisekohchangstyle2150
There's always that negative individual showing up somewhere..... congratulations for being that person.
Feeling better now?
@@ellvee4261 It's not a case of 'feeling better' is it? Just pointing out the poor grammar. I'm being constructive. TH-cam is filled with people who are pretty sloppy with how they write. What's wrong with my comment and what's 'negative' about it? If you genuinely feel it's negative, then you also need to jump on your sounding-board with regards to the original person who was commenting about the poor sound quality. Judging by your logic, that is also a 'negative' person.
This is all about english life styles
Chip. Meet shoulder.
@@HipOverFifty that's the kind of reply that a britnat english would use.If it was all about the celtic nations I've no doubt you would be calling them all nationalists.
Well Brits buy the most convertibles than the rest of europe lol although I prefer A/C lolol oh don't forget Glastonbury Music Festival,
I agree!
I think the descriptor is 'civilised'
Don't forget the 1966 World Cup. Using the trusted 4,2,2 formation of West Ham, we in England defeated Germany yet again. Greavzy, Hurstzy, Ballzy and the boys did us proud. That's how we remonis. Also, perhaps our greatest asset is our faith. We in England are now of the Islamic faith. This is our greatest achievement and pays clear dividends now that we've left European Christianity.
Oh and sport is a whole other video that is uniquely British cricket tennis rugby… 😎
@@HipOverFifty I'm not to be taken seriously. I'm as mad as a balloon.
Taking the train that’s when there not on strike
They're.
Its not true that American citizens lack appreciation of cultural events..certainly classical entertainment is to be had in places like San Francisco...which has a wonderful opera house...as a British born visitor..i can vouch for its popularity
Love America,wouldn’t live there.
I had a day at the Motown museum in Detroit,then we went down to New Orleans,then finally,the Everglades.
Best holiday i ever had,but live there?
Nah,I’m too British.
They don’t do pisstaking very well,we are masters at it.
Oh I would never say Americans aren’t culturally tuned in, but our traditions here are uniquely ours.
Ask yourself on your deathbed will you be saying I wish I’d worked harder!
All this seems southern English
Grow some food before the stores run out just to many people but you know that im worried for all of you
I know you are trying to make a point, the point is, nobody knows what that point is? All your silly comments are doing, are making you look silly 😂
@@krissyg7026 all liberals don't live in real Alita they Bettendorf gangs arn there thers no heat for the winter I lived there when it was nearly normal except for freedom good luck
@@krissyg7026 there was 64 thousand stabbing last year don't worry about it don't depend yourself it's up to you me and all my friends will
@@michaelplank8966I hope you get the help you need x
Now you got terrific morgage rates going up you must be independently wealthy
Jeremy hunt is going to help