As a greek I understand going to the Usa in order to have more opportunities and leaving your comfort zone, but describing Greece as a third world country and a gentrified one and expating in the USA where basic human rights like health have a price and you can get shot in every corner is absurd. Don’t get me wrong, we are way behind as a country compared to our european counterparts but you have to acknowledge that you are experiencing the ideal New York, the one reserved for those with a following online or come from money.
Live and let live. Most foreigners that move to new countries undergo a "honeymoon phase". I know I would if I moved to somewhere like New York or e UK.
True I know many New Yorkers who grew up poor and the experience of New York was very different then what Kristen is experiencing. Your experiences of growing up in Athens is the same as my friends in New York, men harassing women is everywhere, small cramped apartments are in New York too
Idk if I would say you can just get shot on the corner in the USA that’s not true there is a real problem with police brutality and many people have been working to change that but I wouldn’t exaggerate.
I think you're in a honeymoon stage with the US. None of Europe is a third world country. And definitely not Greece. It's wild that you'd say something like that. The US has its own set of problems (gun violence, lack of affordable healthcare, racism, eroding abortion rights, no paid leave, no maternity leave, etc.). I like the US for a variety of reasons, but in no way do I think it's "better" than anywhere else.
talk about gentrification. i grew up in NY and can't afford to live there safely. it's extremely gentrified. it's so frustrating to see influencers moving there all the time. NYC will be nice to you for a visit, but once the reality of poverty, mental health crisis, and violence reveal themselves it hits different.
There was a time when I used to screen Kristen's video to my high school students in Greece. The screenings included different forms of activism against the contemporary problems on the planet and of different political aspects and backgrounds. The students were free to make any observations they wanted according to their own political and social status. Most of them were negative about Kristen's videos. They thought that this kind of activism is elitist, and promotes a type of consumerism as well, like processed vegan foods, thrifted goods, etc., and also relative to the elites only. They said that this kind of activism doesn't confront neoliberal politics which creates problems and doesn't apply to poor people. Seeing this video today, I applaud my students' insight and empathy and I hope that they are still politically conscious wherever they are. @tyxeri48 welcome back to Greece. That's the Greek youth you were talking about.
As a Greek-American that loves and respects both of my countries and has been living in New York city for his last five years, I can tell you that you are definitely still in a honeymoon stage. I don't wont to judge you, but in order to express an opinion about any place that your are living you should spent at least a certain amount of time there, otherwise it is a bit immature to express any opinion. So as someone that has already spent 5 years in New York city and another 25 years in Athens I can tell you that the life quality in Greece is way better than in New York City and I can give you a lot of evidence to support my statement, such as food quality (I am talking about the ingredients), partially free health services (not a 30k bill for one night that you spent in the hospital), way better transportation system (just take any line in New York city's subway and you will understand) and most important luck of criminality (visit east Harlem, Jamaica, Bronx, Brooklyn "not dumbo", etc). By the way as a Civil Engineer that is working in the construction industry for couple of years, and since I saw that you are interested in sustainability I can assure you that Greece is a way more sustainable country than the US and especially in my field which is one of the main pollutants when it come to carbon dioxide emissions. No offence, but calling Greece as a third world country is immature and unjustified, so please since you are a person that is expressing your opinion in public be a little bit more careful about what you are saying.
Anyone who says that ANY European Country is "third World" has no clue about how poor third World countries truly are and how priviliged we as Europeans are.
Exactly. It's a big exaggeration to say you basically live in a third world country while living in Europe, and I say that as someone who lives in non-EU, Balkan country. That being said, I completely understand the issues that she mentioned existing in Greece and overall it's no secret that not all EU countries have the same standards, but there are still many benefits one has by simply holding EU citizenship. I'm surprised that Kristen made that comparison, considering the content she makes and what she stands for...
@@evangeliar.7600 Ok if you say so . I honestly don't know who officialy decides and provides the list. I did a quick search on google and see Croatia (my homecountry) in called first world and I think that's not correct, more 2nd world. I lived in ireland and germany for a couple of years, in US for less than a year and Croatia is nowhere close. But still what Kristen saidis just nonsense, Greece has higher Gdp per capita and higher average salary that Croatia, and Croatia is not 3rd world. She actually lost some credibility for me as a social commentator after this...
I feel like you can only call Greece a third - world country if you have money. Yes, US is better for the upper-middle and upper class because you can pay less in taxes and buy more freely, but being poor in the US is far worse than being poor in the EU, even if we're talking Greece or central European countries like Poland. Moving to NYC is super fun if you have money for health insurance, a nice apartment or food. I don't mean to undermine your experiences of sexism, lack of everyday beauty etc and of course I love that you're happy now, but moving to US from EU is beneficial only if you have certain status and money like you have.
Girl, don't be so hard on Greece! It's an amazing country with amazing people. Once the honeymoon phase is over, you will realize that the US is far from the dream place you see it as now.
Yeah i used to live in new mexico and there are literally people with no running water or internet, and you are priveleged if you have a microwave. Very odd coming from Kristen, glad she's enjoying her time so far though!
the honeymoon phase with "The United States of America" tends to go quickly. The honeymoon phase with "New York City" can last a lifetime, if you let it.
Honestly saying Greece is "third-world" is freaking wild. It *is* bad living here but have you ever been to am actual "third-world" country? Not a chance.
Yeah, I wanted to say this too. I've been living in/visiting second-world countries my entire life (Russia, Ukraine, Armenia), and I've been to Germany to know the difference, but i always try to keep in my mind that after all it is not the third-world countries...
I am also greek american and I have lived in Greece and visited the Us often, and disagree that Greece is a third world country. First of all Greece is a highly educated coutry that is industrialised and works mainly in the service sector. My mom works in Africa, Mali and I have also visited there and the difference between Greece and Mali are huge, the infrastructure is underdeveloped and highly unplanned people live mainly on farming and education is scarce. Its not because Greece is not as progressive as western Europe and Us that its a third world country.
It was weird for me to watch that video right after I talked to my frustrated New Yorker friend who wants to leave New York and the USA so badly and move to Athens. People's experiences and desires are so controversial! Good luck, Kristen.
Every immigrant goes through a "honeymoon phase" and I wish Kirsten luck. US is terrible for a lot of reasons, but that doesn't change the fact that people still want to move there for economic or social reasons.
I was wondering if you have reconsidered your anti-capitalist views? Praising Germany and France, countries with much more capitalist economies than Greece, as advanced and progressive, while also describing Greece as a third-world country and saying that the US provides a better environment for children to grow up in comes as a bit of a contradiction to your past arguments against capitalism...
Honestly, I have no idea wtf she is talking about. I am Greek have lived in Greece (duh), England, Germany and now considering moving to the USA. The only reason I consider Greece lacking behind the rest and not optimal for child rearing is that ramp and homophobia and racism that is so natural in the whole society that people don’t even register it. The reason I move to the USA? Capitalism. I am a high earner and I don’t like to pay all my money in taxes for subpar public healthcare (Germany). This doesn’t quite fit Kirsten’s profile, I am sure she would mega cringe at me. But yeah I guess she is pro capitalism now. Let’s see how this will go for her.
I think its hard for us Americans to see someone leaving the things we want not realizing that others want different things. Also, when you have the ability to move abroad why not. If even only for a little while.
Greece is NOT a 3rd world Country - You are so wrong. Before I move to NYC from Athens Greece, I really thought NY was everything. I bought into NYC being the greatest city in the world, but slowly the veils were removed from my eyes, and I saw New York for what it is, a DIRTY, ANGRY city teaming with disenfranchised people scrambling for existence.
NYC is great if you have a lot of money, it always amazed me that I could feel poor making over 100K a year. Eventually the big city lights go off, and NYC catches up with you.
So as a born Greek who lives in Greece and has lived her entire life here I understand some complaints you have for here it has been bad in some cases but never in a million years I would call this country third world country. I don’t know the area where you were staying but my area is super nice and I don’t get harassed so creating this environment for an entire country is misinformation. Με όλη την αγαπη Κρίστεν ως μια κοπέλα από Αγία Παρασκευη 😂
The State Department’s annual report on the state of human rights in the world, in 198 countries, for the year 2022, presented by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The report is divided into chapters such as respect for the integrity of the individual, corruption and lack of transparency, discrimination, workers’ rights, respect for freedoms, while there are also subsections such as freedom of expression, conditions of detention and gender violence. It is worth noting that in most of these categories Greece gets an extremely low grade, reminding more of a third world country and not a modern bourgeois democracy.
The funny thing is that the US is the richest third world country like this country has one of the highest maternal mortality in the west, an insane opioid crisis and very high degree of gun violence
Hi there! Kristen you have amazing videos and I love your lifestyle but as many people stated already in the comments Greece is not a "third-world" country AND Greece is not only Athens... You maybe had some weird experiences in Athens but Greece is a lot more than Athens! Thank you :)
Yes! I moved from Poland to Crete (Heraklion) 4 years ago and no one ever harassed me here and I feel completely safe. Athens is a different story, different world.
As someone who's lived their whole life in a poor European country (Portugal) I totally get you for moving. The US is definitely not perfect, but it is just so frustrating to live in a country where you know you will have shitty low paying jobs forever and will never be able to live comfortably. And the gentrification...gosh. Lisbon is now one of the most expensive cities in the EU to rent and our minimum wage is miserable compared to the other EU countries. I'm sure you'll thrive in the US. And I mean, you deserve to do whatever you want to. No one has the right to judge you.
As she said in her video, everything depends on her point of reference. She mention her childhood as a horrible experience, saying about the earthquake and the older ladies throwing water at them for being loud. I’d take the buckets of water any day, if that meant not being afraid of going to school and getting shot by a classmate, having drills for a possible shooting?? Abortion laws?? Indoor smoking is a thing of the past for most European countries, sexism is also a horrendous thing that needs to get under-control as we still live an hetero- patriarchy. I don’t see anything wrong of her moving to the US, or any other place at all, loving your context makes you happier too. And all her new experiences of being a a major city and all the good and bad that comes with it, will show up sooner of later. The excitement of the new last until you are settle in a routine. It takes time for us to see the little daily frustrations that made us realise “it’s just like back home” Having said that, in a way is refreshing that she’s loving Americans, and the city. I personally wouldn’t move there.
I’m also from Lisbon, it’s maddening to see the reality of actually living and working in Portugal, and this is very different from when foreigners come here and earn the origins country’s wage. Nothing to compare. Portugal is amazing, I still love it for so many things but at the same time, if you aren’t in some way privileged, it’s often times a pretty shitty reality. While I can understand her reasonings in moving to the US, considering all the other factors, I’d much rather live in Europe and have a state health care (which yeah still sucks sometimes but at least it exists and is an option :D), among many other things I won’t list now. But hey if Kristen wants to experience the US, if she is happier there, then it’s her choice.
Ποσο δικιο😂 έχεις....η Ελλάδα είναι μόνο για διακοπές.....κι αυτό. ...δύσκολο γιατί..όταν ήρθα μετά από καιρό έπαθα κατάθλιψη από Αθήνα........το κέντρο....απλησίαστο.. από τα αδέσποτα εδω κι εκεί....και όχι μόνο είμαστε Αυστραλία....και δεν μετανιωσαμε ποτε που φύγαμε!!! Σου εύχομαι καλή επιτυχία...να βρης αυτο που ψάχνεις
I live in Athens as well, and i've grown up on a small Cycladic island, although i understand some points you made about living in Greece , i really don't agree, Greece and especially Athens is what you make of it. Yes Athens is , full of history, amazing places, but also dirty, ugly , and just generally a lot, but this is what makes it beautiful ! And Greece is deffinately not a third world country , compared to real third world countries . Living in a capitalist society no matter if your'e in Greece or the US if you have a low income , you will struggle to make ends meet , so the struggles and difficulties also apply to the US , its all a matter of perspective.
I first came to Athens in the early 80s. I stayed there for 15 years. The best years of my life. Since then I lived in several cities around the world. Because of my job. I never stopped coming back. I am retiring now and I am returning this time forever, I hope. I can't wait to get involved in improving the worst parts of life there along with the best part of the city, its vibrant youth.
Yes I agree and I see that it might be easier for her to make a living in nyc is an English speaking influencer but that doesn’t mean that you are able to make more money in the us in general
I think you haven’t lived in the US for long enough to realize it’s just a very rich third world country built on capitalism. When I moved to New York, I had very naive and excited perception about it too, but after living there for 3 years I would say I started seeing the REAL New York, the real US and it’s flaws. It’s like in a new relationship, you think the person is perfect and amazing until you really get to know them and learn about their flaws too. You either keep on loving them or you leave. You haven’t been there long enough to say anything negative because you’re on high right now. Just wait until you need medical insurance or visa. And it’s absolutely impossible to get green card unless someone will sponsor you and it takes years, and while you’re waiting you won’t be able to leave the country. It’s not a fairytale like you’re presenting it. It’s a very hard country and you need to be built and prepared to give it all.
How on earth does she not know all these things is beyond me. She is a freaking TH-camr. All the other activist TH-camrs talk about these issues all day. I know all about them and I don’t even work in this field. More likely she is romanticising it cause she wants to make it big in the USA. Her sponsorship options will be vastly different there for sure. I guess anyone can sell their ideals for these sweet dollars 😂
@@BioBioLove im from europe (slovenia) & i also fell in love with new york a few years ago & stayed for a few months. We all know what america is but is the land of opportunities for foreigners. Obviously is a different picture for someone being born there, but she wasnt, so whats the issue
respectfully disagree with your point of view on Greece. I was raised in Athens and even though I live abroad I still can see many of the benefits the country can offer (culture, people coming together, even the education system). Economic situation has little to do with the country to be honest-in capitalism, small countries suffer the most unfortunately-but US and specially New York is far from perfect (rents, health care. safety etc). I understand you are lost and trying to find your place, but because you have a big audience, I would suggest to be clear on your disclaimers and highlight that this is YOUR experience and that only
I find that a bit unfair on Greece. I an applied math engineer myself and have lived in Greece all my life. My field is very male dominated all around the world. I have been working since I was second year of university, so I can speak for my experiences from having work experience and being a woman and in a very male field. I have only one experience with very bad sexist behaviour and all in all it is from much older people who are also very religious. I have never found difficulty because I am a woman in Greece to be honest. Not more than the rare idiot you will find everywhere in the world. While there are a lot of things that are not good here, it is definitely not a "third world country".
The State Department’s annual report on the state of human rights in the world, in 198 countries, for the year 2022, presented by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The report is divided into chapters such as respect for the integrity of the individual, corruption and lack of transparency, discrimination, workers’ rights, respect for freedoms, while there are also subsections such as freedom of expression, conditions of detention and gender violence. It is worth noting that in most of these categories Greece gets an extremely low grade, reminding more of a third world country and not a modern bourgeois democracy.
lucky you lol - just read the workplace harassment stats in greece, just because your individual experience was good does not mean that's the rule for every woman in greece
I live in Athens and i don't agree with you at all. People here aren't the way you present them at least most of them. I have different experiences than yours. I understand that Greece is not for you and things are difficult especially with the economy but Greece is a beautiful country and there are a lot of benefits living here. I wish you the best in NY❤
As a country...of course is beautiful and the land blessing.....but the system.....destroying....everything....the land....the Greeks.......and.....unfortunately
The way your happiness exudes through the screen…I’m tearing up from how happy I am for you Kristen, you deserve more joy! More sponsorships!! More of anything and everything you want!!!
As someone who just left the US for the UK I can relate very much. People will judge you on your decisions regardless. Personally, I would not want to go back to the US, but I also recognize the privilege I have had growing up there and making the choice to leave. I’m glad you’re starting to build a life again. Hope it goes well.
As a person that have lived in Greece, Germany and Switzerland I wanted to commend on the way you talk about Greece.. Of course for some people living in Greece might be the way you experienced it but for others its nothing like that. I can't relate with the majority of what you complained about. And some uncomfortable things I have experienced in all 3 countries I have lived in. As you said, no country is perfect but let's try to see the whole spectrum and not judge too fast or be extrem. With that being said, good for you for moving out of an environment like this. Hope you have better luck there!
I am Greek and currently live in Greece. It saddens me when I hear your excessive criticism about Greece every single video. I acknowledge that Greece, like any other country, is not perfect and faces its fair share of challenges. However, derogatory comments or labeling it as a "third world country" are unjustifiable. The presence of greenery in schools or the absence of it should not be the sole criterion for assessing the value of education or the value of a whole country. Many schools in Greece offer quality education that goes beyond aesthetics. Smoking indoors, which is no longer allowed in many places, doesn't necessarily reflect the overall enjoyment of people's time with friends or the peaceful and authentic (!) moments spent in coffee shops or restaurants. MY experiences with men staring at me or even catcalling me, have been more positive in Greece than in any other country I've visited. Having the ability to move to the other side of the planet, afford a luxury apartment, go to coffee and library dates every day with influencers while thinking about which outfit to wear, doesnt accurately represent the realities of many hardworking individuals, whether in Greece or the US. If you genuinely believe that life in New York is better, I would encourage you to experience the reality of working a normal job, rather than spending the day filming vlogs in cafes. This experience might help you develop a deeper appreciation for the hardworking people in Greece who work tirelessly but still manage to find joy in the simple pleasures of life and smile every day....
If Greece it's a third world country then India, Bangladesh and so many countries are considered a fourth world countries???😂😂😂 Greece is a European Union member....
It totally is a NYC thing to respectfully compliment people on their outfits! The fashion game here is unmatched so real recognizes real. Edit: I’d also like to add that after doing a bit of international traveling, it really hard to find somewhere where the people are as open-minded and accepting as they are in NYC. I haven’t felt compelled to leave for a reason 🤷🏼♀️
I live in Michigan and the schools in Detroit are some of the worst. If you leave the nice areas of New York, I think you will see the US has some very real issues with poverty on a large scale.
Greece is a 3rd world country? Get your facts straight girl and don’t forget where you’re coming from. Just because you’re trying out NY (where I genuinely wish you to succeed), it doesn’t mean you need to be ignorant or rude about your country. I’m confident that knowing us Greeks, you would expect these comments to come back at you, so maybe be a bit more conscious about the way you speak about Greece unless you don’t mind the negative comments. All the best with your new endeavour otherwise.
She is lucky that she was able to make enough money in Greece without being really productive or contributing anything for Greece. Us Greeks, we love to complain about Greece. But with the money you were able to make you had the opportunity to rent a house in New York with a laundry inside your apartment!! Which the majority of New Yorkers do not even have that. If you hadn’t made the money that you were able to make there you wouldn’t have any of the opportunities you have here in New York.
Define productive? Cause making videos educating people on sustainability and creating tools to help them live a more eco friendly life, as well as become more intersectional in the way that they tackle environmental issues is pretty productive imo. I’ve worked basically unpaid for the majority of my youtube career, lived at my parents house for a big part of it as well, as a matter of fact I have not made ENOUGH money considering the value of my work and living in Greece wildly limited my financial opportunities. Please leave and go contribute something to Greece 🩷
@@KristenLeo if you think that creating aesthetically pleasing videos on the internet is an actual contribution to the society then be my guest. Especially in your videos I don’t think that education, and especially education of the Greek audience, was your priority, since you are not even including Greek subtitles. Your purpose was to have as many viewers as possible and please the majority by taking about trending topics. What you’re doing wasn’t something that was actively benefiting Greece or the people of Greece. And the main purpose is not education either. Spreading you ideas and beliefs, maybe. But you are not a teacher here. Also, calling Greece 3rd world country was also insensitive to the people that are actually going through difficult times in countries that are considered 3rd word countries. Moreover isn’t it normal to not have a stable income when you’re working on videos online? Even the biggest channels do not have the same income every month. And TH-cam is mainly for entertainment purposes and not actual education. Just like you have mentioned in the video, you are changing clothes in every video to keep the audience pleased since you do not want to bore them by repeating the same outfit. You’re not doing something bad by creating videos in general. But you should be more careful about how you are presenting some of your opinions and ideas. You are considered a public figure so what you are saying is going to be visible and you are creating opinions to people that are not aware of every aspect of your life. You are creating pictures that you see through your lenses. And that is not considered educational. As a human you should know that what you’re saying is not always a fact, so be careful about making big statements.
@@KristenLeoyou’re the definition of a privileged white girl. You clearly cannot make that much money from a small channel like yours to afford such good apartment in New York.
I just lost it in the comparison of the US and Greece. Maybe it‘s a great time to look at Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine, how the US intervened in the politics of countries like Greece and Turkey in the post-war era, supported corrupt governments, and how it resulted in poor development, almost no development in these countries. It‘s funny how you make this judgment for Greece from the heart and core of capitalism , as you can find people living in dehumanizing conditions and human rights being violated every single day in the US. I just don‘t understand why this country deserves so much praise like this, as you constantly pointed out how unaffordable food is, and how you spent all your money on accommodation which left you without food in NYC. I‘ve been following you for years, and I love what you stand for, I know and understand the problems in Greece but the US only looks better because of the capitalist illusion and doesn‘t deserve this praise at all.
I’m so thrilled to see you in this new chapter of your life! I lived in New York for a year between 2021 and 2022 and I come from the reference point of Germany. I went back because my life is home in Berlin but I totally get your feeling about how this city makes you dream and how positive and and wonderfully fun the people can be. I lived in central Harlem and I adored it but I must admit I struggled with not becoming the arrogant European at the sight of missing healthcare and unemployment support. I hope the downsides do not sour anything for you and you find inspiring friendships and a loving place you can call home ✨
Αντιλαμβανομαι οτι μαλλον ηταν ονειρο, και ειναι ολοφανερο ποσο το απολαμβανεις (και χαιρομαι γι αυτο),αλλα νομιζω πως ησουν ελαφρως υπερβολικη...δεν ειναι ΟΛΑ σκατα εδω,οπως δεν ειναι και ΟΛΑ τελεια εκει.Η ιδια ταλαιπωρια και παρομοιες δυσκολιες υπαρχουν σε πολλα μερη της Αμερικης. Αισθανθηκα λιγο σαν να ισοπεδωνεται απολυτως το ποιοι και που ειμαστε.Δεν ειναι ολα τα μερη αθλια (σε περιοχη του κεντρου μεγαλωσα και εγω),και δεν ειναι ολοι οι αντρες αγροικοι,και δεν ειναι ολοι οι ανθρωποι αγενεις απεναντι σε ενα κοπλιμεντο. φιλικα!να το ευχαριστηθεις!
Εδώ θα συμφωνήσω - παρατήρησα κι εγώ μια ισοπέδωση και είναι κρίμα. Γεννήθηκα και μεγάλωσα Αθήνα και είμαι εδώ και κάποια χρόνια Βερολίνο, που είναι και hyped πόλη. Η Γερμανία είναι κυριολεκτικά πολύυυυ πίσω σε πολλά πράγματα, όσο κι αν δεν της φαίνεται με το image που έχει χτίσει. Επίσης η Ελλάδα δεν είναι τριτοκοσμική χώρα - εδώ γνώρισα άτομα από πραγματικά τριτοκοσμικές χώρες με βιώματα ασύλληπτα και είναι άδικο να μπαίνουν όλα στο ίδιο τσουβάλι.
I'm not Greek but her 'take' on Greece was really hard to listen to. So snobbish, rude and out of touch. Greece is not a third world country...not in the slightest 🤦♀I love France but France and Germany are not perfect either, not to mention there are historical reasons why these countries are this wealthy that don't exactly put them in the best light (especially Germany). I would muuuuch rather live in Greece than Germany.
@@roksana1736 I think she is snobbish irrespective of this video, but people who expose their lives do have certain traits...and it's quite fine. I mean, I do not care. I've stayed in the States for 3 years for studying purposes. It is way different when you just run around and watch the birds and the bees and get paid by sponsors and enjoy your bubble... and it is way way different when you actually have to make a living. I just felt that we are presented as apes. Sorry, but no.
For those watching I am a Greek, I’ve lived here since the day I was born but I don’t quite agree. Yes the ideas here are more traditional and yes we’ve been going through it with the country’s economy and yes the politics suck. But I’ve not even had to think about school shootings growing up. I’ve been to the emergency room for free more times than I can think of. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing unique parts of our culture that can’t be found elsewhere. The people here are not as awful as you describe either. Of course you can find rude people everywhere. I don’t think that it’s fair to call our country “third world”. Greece is a beautiful place, but not everything is for everyone. I’m sure New York is beautiful too, and maybe it’s more well suited for some. Οι περισσότεροι θελουμε να φύγουμε και νομίζω πως το ξες αυτό, αλλά κυρίως για την οικονομική κατάσταση και όχι γιατί δεν μας αρέσει η κουλτούρα.. Ελπίζω ολα σε αυτό το νέο σου ξεκίνημα να πάνε κατ’ευχήν!
As a Greek from Zakynthos who moved to England in the midlands, I think you are unlucky to live in Athens. There's many issues with Greece, pros and cons, but Athens is the shithole more so than any other area of Greece. I think Im personally taken aback from you choosing the most "glamorous" place to move that is long term unsustainable, and actually not that glamorous anyway. It's instagrammable. I dont know how Athens to New York is an upgrade realistically.
I would love to see a video on how politically left person fits in one of the most capitalist countries. It looks like a big clash. I live in Bulgaria, which is worse than Greece, haha, but I don't think I'll ever feel comfortable living in the States because of my political views. I mean.. its just me, of course, no judgement, I genuinely would be interested to hear more of your point of view.
Here, to help the algorithm push Kristen's videos because more people need to see them so she can get awesome sponsorships and stay in NY, because Kristen is happier in NY and she deserves to be happy
I’m so grateful you’re sharing this experience. It’s so pure and wholesome honestly. Your enthusiasm and your awe in experiencing certain things for the first time and being seemingly happy with your own life decisions, is not only encouraging but touching to witness. I feel like you’re on a high because this experience is fresh, and it’s beautiful. When time passes and the high wares off and you get occustomed to the mundane, you’ll have these videos to remind you of the things you found special. Lots of love ❤
hi think you must've read my comment maybe idk if other people also said the same thing, first off i was never trying to upset you. secondly i understand, i am afghani, now living in india because you know a little something happened to my country. my issue really was just you saying new york is the world's best country or something like that. and i do still stand by that, honestly that is romanticisation. i understand your experience in greece but and i am being truly honest that could be the exact experience of a poor poc person in america. like i said its not the country its the class and i guess priveledge. i donot need to explain to you how that priveledge works you know well enough. i am very glad that you are happy and i feel the only reason people have pointed out the issues is because 1. you've cultivated an audience that understands the problems of capitalism and a hyper capitalist country like ny. 2. we think you'd understand. (also take anythng i say with a grain of salt because i do really dislike any american glorifications you can guess why. the imf also ruined greece so its not far off a war.) i apologise for any hurt i caused. just wanted to clarify why i and many people could be upset by the whole new york america very good thingies.
This video is full of banal depictions and prejudices of the well organised, clean and dignitary west (America) and the poor, ugly, filthy and dangerous east (Greece) silencing and ignoring the huge differences between these countries concerning the capital and economy that have been built in this capitalistic, imperialistic and unequal system that we live.
As a fellow Brooklynite, I know the importance of food and an iced oat latte and keep being able to do those Prospect Park walks and going to Unnameable books so I will forever keep watching you and supporting all of your dreams!
I hope you truly take the time to learn about all the educational inequity that is the reality here too and all of the other issues that are the reality for many immigrants in New York and elsewhere. My family came from Mexico and obviously we are better off economically here but immigrants from real third world countries often face a lot more backlash, racism and oppression than white European immigrants. I just hope you keep all that in mind. We all have different experiences.
It is so difficult to critique which country does what better and which one is the worst. If there was one perfect country and everyone moved there how long would that place stay perfect? Being critical of important issues where we live is crucial to bettering our society and definitely inspires me to want to volunteer and do what I can to help my community and to vote for issues that matter to me and those that I love. Wishing you lots of luck and happiness on this exciting adventure!
People think you are harsh with Greece. As someone who left Greece to live in the UK, I completely get your point of view and need to leave. I can’t wait to follow your journey as your excitement reminds me of my first years in London ❤. I spent 6 months sharing rooms in a hostel with people I didn’t know and everyone I met would ask why I would rather do that instead of staying in a beautiful country like Greece, especially Brits who adore travelling there in the summer. Regardless of the difference in the culture which was the number one reason for me to leave, I also managed after 6 months to share a house with strangers, after another 4, I was sharing a house with colleagues, after another 6 I was sharing with only one person and after a year I was in a studio by myself. Two more years and now I am in a one bedroom with my partner and loving life. That would never happen in Greece. Back in Greece I finished uni to go back to my parents’ house and get jobs that offered pocket money only to be treated like a servant and think I was lucky because I at least had a job unlike the majority of my friends. I could never go back.
Είσαι τόσο υπερβολική με την Ελλάδα! Και πήγγες στην καρδια του καπιταλισμού, την αιτία όλων των προβλημάτων του κόσμου, την όαση της οπλοκατοχής.. Δηλαδή, εντάξει... Anyway, Εύχομαι να βρείς τον τόπο που σου ταιριάζει και γενικώς να βρείς τι θέλεις στη ζωή σου. :)
I was wondering how you were able to move to the US - but if your parents used to live there, I guess it might be easier. Have you already talked more about the topic of your parents living in the US, if you also used to live there as a kid/were born there, and also what the reasons were for your parents moving to Greece? Also the topic of how you are able to move to the US? Would love to hear more. Or read more if you have written somewhere about these topics. :)
SO happy that you got paid!!!! Commenting to help you get more sponsorships and push the algorithm. I hope that you'll be able to stay in NYC and be happy there!
I haven't even watched the whole video yet but that was a really weird thing to say,you should perhaps at least google third world countries.. don't mean to be mean but thats a terrible thing to say
@@natalieandersson2606 Yes, people are upset about that, because it's something that a person like Kristen wasn't expected to say. The term is insulting and racist.
Greece feels like a non first world country. So does Italy. Some places are just not functioning as efficiently as other first world countries so much that it does feel that way
The term "third world" is super dated and carries a lot of negative connotations that date back to colonialism and western superiority. Developing countries or low/mid income countries are generally the acceptable terms used today. But I would not classify Greece as one of these either. I understand what she is trying to say and I don't think her intention was to be offensive. But as someone from a "third world country" it is like nails on a black board. 🙉
dont you think you are romanticizing america too much and being too harsh on greece? im someone who has wanted to live in the US from greece since i was a child. But Greece isnt a third world country (an outdated term) but we are very privivleged in comparison to actual developing countries. We have privileges some other women especially would do anything for. Not saying we shouldnt be critical, Greece still sucks but we should be mindful of your (our) privilege. NY isnt a paradise, america has huge issues like drug epidemics, very high homelessness, insane prices for housing, gun violence, education debt etc.
lol as a Swiss I'd say the US is a third world country from my point of view. I mean if you look at the definition you have def. high rates of poverty, economic and political instability and high mortality rates. I have been many times in Greece since I had been in a relationship with a Greek and would say it really depends where you are living and how much money and education you have. I'd say that's for both countries but perhaps in the US you'd have more freedom and possibilites to grow a business and a career. Also I want to point out that I have never experienced any rude behavior of Greeks and includint Greek men. Sure like in a lot of southern country they grow up with more machismo but I feel that this is slowly changing. But anyways you don't really have to explain yourself in that. People move to other countries not always because of any rational reason but just because they love the culture and landscape and so on and that is reason enough. I wish you all the best!
Everything really is relative! Thanks for sharing your childhood experiences.The US has a myriad of issues, but after studying abroad in Tanzania, I definitely came home and thought about all the things I take for granted like knowing that my electricity won't randomly shut off or being able to drink my tap water. Living in other countries can definitely put certain things in perspective. I live in the mid-Atlantic and I would say in my experience, strangers do compliment each other. Really enjoying this series so far!
It's always been a little bit of a sore spot for me that people are able to just up and move to another country without having to jump through endless hoops to make it happen, especially if someone is from a third world country (I have to agree Greece doesn't count as one) and the like. So I'm a little jealous of you. But honestly, you should do what makes you happy and if New York brings you joy, that is where you should be. Although I will miss your more unique perspectives from your life in Greece, which I don't hear about much on social media.
She's not from a third world country. There are no 3rd world countries in Europe LOL This is such a privileged take. Wonder how people from the actual 3rd world would feel hearing that. And she was able to move easily because she has a us citizenship.
@@roksana1736 I'm aware how she was able to move. I'm not sure whose take you're saying is privileged but as someone from the third world myself albeit somewhat privileged from being middle class, I know first hand how much more effort it is to try to travel to another country because of a weak passport let alone move to another one.
Do you have anything like Patreon or a way to tip you for the content you create? I’ve been religiously watching your videos for probably almost five years now and I’d love to support what you do. Your personality shines so bright and your content for people like me looking to live more sustainably is like no other creator’s.
A lot of nyc schools are like prisons. Some even have metal detectors and bars in the windows. There is a great podcast called “nice white parents” that talked about nyc public schools.
Well as a German, I absolutely envy the nature and the weather that you have in Greece. Besides me liking to live in Germany. And I would love to visit Amerika, but all the guns and the the health care system definitely scare me over there. But America is so big and such an interesting Place to be❤ the word is a wonderful and sometimes scary place
Yeah guns and healthcare are no problem for any but a tiny proportion of Americans and zero foreign visitors. Avoid doomscrolling and come see the Grand Canyon. You'll never forget it.
Hey, Kristen, I hope that you are alright, eating well, resting well, and that your financial reserves are becoming stable. I also tried living in the North America. I survived for one year, gave up the idea of finding a glamorous job after six months and just spent the remainder of the time working shifts in a bakery before returning to my home country. I am not convinced that your current videos will age well. Your vehemence in denying how bad is living in the US exist likely because you have not experienced the dark side yourself _yet._ I hope I am wrong...
Different areas of all countries will be completely different from one another. You moved from a shitty place in Greece to one of the most artistic booming places in America. Its all very relative, alot more relative than one might think, and so its not fait to base an entire country from one area, or even one person's experience. That doesnt exclude your experience ofc. Greece can and does fucking suck. But thankfully theres alot of will to fight for our rights here, we are a pretty roudy bunch and i truly wish my generation gets some changes going, cause we crave it and we need it and we demand it.
As an American that moved to Europe (Italy) I really think it depends on your priorities. All countries have trade-offs. I think if you care about affordable education, quality of life on a "normal" salary, guaranteed vacation time, and healthcare that won't make you bankrupt, Europe is better for you (more socialist). If you want to earn a lot of money, have availability of a lot of goods, more diverse services and lifestyles, and possibly, POSSIBLY, the potential to earn more then the US is better (capitalistic). Of course, this is a huge generalization. But for Europeans without student debt (like most USA millennials) yea USA is likely a good risk to take in life if your goals align with it. For the USA millennial, USA can be a hellscape. We do NOT have social security, which I think a lot of Europeans take for granted.
Glad you got paid and things and things are getting better for you Kristen! Also I appreciate your reference points and I can relate because I don't have a rosy colored image of my country of origin (Kenya) as well. So I really cannot complain about life in the states in many ways I am really grateful.
I was talking to my boyfriend about your move and he simply said “she’s been there long enough” in reference to you leaving Athens. I thought that was an awesome way to put it. You’re so inspiring!! We’re Canadians hoping to move to Colorado and get similar reactions asking why we would ever leave. The world is so big to not spend time living other places and trying new things! I am so happy for you! And I’m so happy you found an affordable grocery store!! I can’t wait for your next episode of Kristen in Brooklyn!! lol
CO is a good place to be, born and raised there, the people are happy and the beer is good if you drink! Hope you make a lot of happy memories in Sunny CO ☀️
You talk so negatively about Greece in each video after you moved (third world, harassment everywhere etc.). I mean understand your frustration but it's kind of a bummer and awkward for some ppl watching yr videos to hear these things. But maybe you need this frustration right now. I did not have such extreme experiences growing up there. And I would have loved it if u commented on my outfit in the streets of Athens.
I have the opposite scenario to yours- I was living in the States for 9 years pre Covid… Now I’m currently back to my hometown in Vietnam. After 4 years being back, I’m experiencing the shitty low paying job problem while the city is getting so gentrified. The worst problem is that I’m still being discriminated against in my own country- white expats and just expats in general get paid almost triple my salary 😂 Sometimes I think I’d rather just be back to the US - at least it makes more sense to be treated as an outsider there than in my own country… People here tell me to just accept it because you’ll just be hurting yourself otherwise. But it surely is a hard pill to swallow
I never comment on videos and I really like the content of this channel in general. I just wanted to make a comment to express another perspective about living in Greece.(mine obv) I never in my life could characterize Greece a third world country. I have also lived in Madrid which is a bigger European city and my point of view is that: yes Athens is not the best city to live..it's really chaotic and unorganized and yes salaries are pretty low in comparison to the living cost in Greece - and especially Athens. Yes, we are ideologically a decade behind in terms of acceptance, racism etc, BUT I never felt threatened walking in Athens alone and honestly nothing really bad has happened to me (at least nothing worse than any other city I've traveled in my life abroad), people of my generation or younger (I'm 27) are massively changing their learned opinions from older generations about feminism, racism, LGBTQIA+ community etc. There are brutal behaviors at times, (as in every country) but it's the minority of the population. Plus, we have completely free education even in universities and all the books that we take are also free. And we have a free healthcare system. Both of them lack of a lot of things, especially the healthcare system needs a great change in so many aspects to be considered proper, but people with low income have the chance to be treated for free. (Although the waiting lists are usually long.) It's important to add that guns are not allowed to be owned by citizens in Greece, except for hunting purposes. I want to conclude by saying that comparing Athens to a bigger city like NY ofc makes Athens seem a bad city to live... but comparing Athens to cities that truly belong to third world countries like idk Iraq, Bangladesh or Uganda for example (I found the information about them online, can't be 100% sure if it's true) clearly shows that Athens is pretty okay to live in, in terms of basic humans rights, education, health etc. But yeah, in Greece becoming wealthy is usually hard if you are starting from scratch, as it is being and living open if you belong in any minority of it's society.
But your cat, Gigi, your house you decorated, all the talk about living in nature and according to nature, Greece as lovely beautiful not 3rd world country (I don't even think Serbia is 3rd world and I live there), now you are like skinny, white, young woman living in super fancy apartment in NY... not really relatable tbh and a lot like any other "influencer". Not even with all the talk about thrift stores makes this channel what it used to be.
Experiences are definitely relative and dependent on so many factors! Oddly enough, as an Asian, I've always felt more comfortable visiting Europe where no one seems to care about tourists whereas in America I've definitely faced plenty of racism and uncomfortable stares even in the big cities.
Hey Kristen. First of all I wanted to say, if you feel good in the US and you are enjoying your time there so far, that is great and nobody should take that away from you. But I just wanted to comment on how you argued that your impression of the US is a good one because your reference point is coming from Greece, which to you is comparable to a "third world country". Surely I wouldn't characterize Greece as such, even though I can see that there are many things wrong in Greece, having grown up there myself. But you said that, if you were moving from Germany to the US, you would probably be more critical of the US, since Germany is a developed and rich country. But... I would argue that how developed a country is isn't the most important or the only criteria which I would use to judge whether I am a fan of that country or not. For example, I have been living in Germany since 2017 for my studies, and even though it's developed and "progressive", as you said, it has never managed to win me over and I will leave as soon as I can. I actually miss Greek culture and the warmth of Greek people very much, among other things. I also used to go to Germany as a kid to visit my grandparents every summer and I used to love it and idealize it in comparison to Greece. But I realized very quickly that it was just a little fantasy I had created in my head. But yea, we all have our own unique experiences that shape our point of view I guess. But as someone that misses Greece very much, it hurts me a bit when people bash it like that, not gonna lie haha
It’s so true that tourists have a different experience to residents. I’ve lived all over the UK, and I live in Cornwall now. The contrast is huge between those people who visit and those who live here. I consider myself as pretty privileged in that we can afford to keep a roof over our heads and we can feed ourselves, but there is a lot of poverty here. The tourists don’t always see it. It’s also pretty hard to get a job down here, especially one that isn’t just for the summer season. We moved here as two professionals with good qualifications and experience. Five years after moving, we’re finally settled in terms of our jobs and finances. I love Cornwall. It’s beautiful - but as is often said here: ‘you can’t eat the view’.
I just came across your channel and I'm very interested in following along with you on your journey in the U.S. I don't live in New York, although I've visited a few times (I live in Maryland and my city is close to Washington, D.C.). I'm glad to hear you're having a positive experience so far and I'd be very interested to hear what you think about New York and the U.S. after being here for a few months. I've lived in Maryland my entire life and while I wouldn't change it I will say that U.S. can be challenging at times. I think I've been pretty lucky with the hand I've been dealt and the life I've been able to carve out for myself but it's a lot easier to live comfortably in this country the more you have and the more privileged you are. Good luck, and I hope things continue to go well for you. I'll be lookong forward to more videos.
Με αγάπη το λέω, κρατά λίγο μικρό καλάθι… αν δεν ήταν τα λεφτά στην Αμερική όλοι οι συγγενείς σου θα ήταν στην Ελλάδα. Επίσης σε επόμενα βίντεο να λες New Yorkers instead of Americans. Οι άνθρωποι εκεί είναι όντως πιο κουλ και διαφορετικοί, ναι μεν αμερικανς, αλλά από πολλούς διαφορετικούς πολιτισμούς και backgrounds. Όλα τα states έχουν διαφορετικά vibes
As a TH-camr with almost 400k subs you can afford living even in greece. Just say that you just want to live in the US and dont pretend like greece from when you were a child is still the same. NY draws a lot of left wing people to it because it caters to their habits of consumption and lifestyle. Eastern Europe is more conservative and religious.
i know you don't owe anyone information but if you are an american citizen maaaaaaybe say that for all the people watching this going "damn, how'd it work out for her" who have loved ones in the US but not the privilege to even visit on a one-way ticket without being interrogated for hours by cbp :( at the same time, cause two things can exist at once right? very excited for you! i hope this is a grand adventure hope that is fine to say, idk, words are hard
i think everyone, including Kristen and people in the comments, are forgetting that no matter where you are, the experience of living in a major city is very different than if you werent in a major city
Ok now I get why you left. It kinda reminded me of my childhood in Italy ( the very south of Italy). Still happy you are in a better place and I can’t wait for New York vlogs and hope you get a lot of Sponsorships!
your school experience was pretty similar to my school experience, + chemicals in the drinking water that gave me and half of my classmates debilitating lifelong chronic health issues, and also never knowing who is going to snap and bring a gun to school. You're right, it is all relative, and poverty exists everywhere. i'm glad you are not in that world anymore and are getting to enjoy the better sides of my country!
@@crimsonghost4107 the school got shut down a couple years ago and it was a really big thing, so telling you would dox myself, but look up PFAS and dioxin poisoning. It is widespread in the environment all over the world, especially the US, and they're forever chemicals, so it doesn't ever go away or break down. They used to use it in teflon cooking pans and water treatment facilities before the truth came out in the 90's that it's actually poison. Some places are worse than others, but it's pretty difficult to avoid completely. The kids at my school got a much higher dose than most places, unfortunately.
I’m so happy for you Kristen! 🎉 I think it’s easy to criticize the US as the worst place possible because it becomes all we know and it seems like it never gets better. I appreciate your perspective because it reminds me of when I first moved from Puerto Rico here and the opportunities that it allowed me to have.
And then theres me who moved from Germany to Greece 😅 but I think when you live in Greece it makes all the difference if you live in a big city or the countryside 😊
@@originalmix2546 I've lived here for a bit over a year now. I definetly think it's a very beautiful country, amazing landscape. I dont live in a very touristy area so I feel like not as much money is invested here in infrastructure, public health, etc....the doctors in our hospital are amazing but they dont have the funding to work properly. Still the people are very welcoming and try to help if they can. So I definetly don't regret moving here 😊
New York is great for vacations, but I would never want to live there unless I'm millionaire. It's nice to feel the energy of this incredible city for a few days or weeks and than leaving back. I wouldn't want to live in such hard and competitive city if I wouldn't feel financially secure. The stress is not worthy. It's all nice to feel that you are brave enough to step outside of your comfort zone. Or open your wings and follow your dreams, but it is all very romantic and not very realistic.
As a greek I understand going to the Usa in order to have more opportunities and leaving your comfort zone, but describing Greece as a third world country and a gentrified one and expating in the USA where basic human rights like health have a price and you can get shot in every corner is absurd. Don’t get me wrong, we are way behind as a country compared to our european counterparts but you have to acknowledge that you are experiencing the ideal New York, the one reserved for those with a following online or come from money.
100%
Live and let live. Most foreigners that move to new countries undergo a "honeymoon phase". I know I would if I moved to somewhere like New York or e UK.
True I know many New Yorkers who grew up poor and the experience of New York was very different then what Kristen is experiencing. Your experiences of growing up in Athens is the same as my friends in New York, men harassing women is everywhere, small cramped apartments are in New York too
You’re 100% right
Idk if I would say you can just get shot on the corner in the USA that’s not true there is a real problem with police brutality and many people have been working to change that but I wouldn’t exaggerate.
I think you're in a honeymoon stage with the US. None of Europe is a third world country. And definitely not Greece. It's wild that you'd say something like that. The US has its own set of problems (gun violence, lack of affordable healthcare, racism, eroding abortion rights, no paid leave, no maternity leave, etc.). I like the US for a variety of reasons, but in no way do I think it's "better" than anywhere else.
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talk about gentrification. i grew up in NY and can't afford to live there safely. it's extremely gentrified. it's so frustrating to see influencers moving there all the time. NYC will be nice to you for a visit, but once the reality of poverty, mental health crisis, and violence reveal themselves it hits different.
There was a time when I used to screen Kristen's video to my high school students in Greece. The screenings included different forms of activism against the contemporary problems on the planet and of different political aspects and backgrounds. The students were free to make any observations they wanted according to their own political and social status. Most of them were negative about Kristen's videos. They thought that this kind of activism is elitist, and promotes a type of consumerism as well, like processed vegan foods, thrifted goods, etc., and also relative to the elites only. They said that this kind of activism doesn't confront neoliberal politics which creates problems and doesn't apply to poor people. Seeing this video today, I applaud my students' insight and empathy and I hope that they are still politically conscious wherever they are. @tyxeri48 welcome back to Greece. That's the Greek youth you were talking about.
Interesting..I hope this comment gets a lot of upvotes..
girl.. Greece is not a third-world country don’t spread misinformation
As a Greek-American that loves and respects both of my countries and has been living in New York city for his last five years, I can tell you that you are definitely still in a honeymoon stage. I don't wont to judge you, but in order to express an opinion about any place that your are living you should spent at least a certain amount of time there, otherwise it is a bit immature to express any opinion. So as someone that has already spent 5 years in New York city and another 25 years in Athens I can tell you that the life quality in Greece is way better than in New York City and I can give you a lot of evidence to support my statement, such as food quality (I am talking about the ingredients), partially free health services (not a 30k bill for one night that you spent in the hospital), way better transportation system (just take any line in New York city's subway and you will understand) and most important luck of criminality (visit east Harlem, Jamaica, Bronx, Brooklyn "not dumbo", etc). By the way as a Civil Engineer that is working in the construction industry for couple of years, and since I saw that you are interested in sustainability I can assure you that Greece is a way more sustainable country than the US and especially in my field which is one of the main pollutants when it come to carbon dioxide emissions. No offence, but calling Greece as a third world country is immature and unjustified, so please since you are a person that is expressing your opinion in public be a little bit more careful about what you are saying.
Anyone who says that ANY European Country is "third World" has no clue about how poor third World countries truly are and how priviliged we as Europeans are.
Literally. Imagine having a EU pasaport… so annoying
Greece is 2nd world country. Not ideal, not the worst. She is definitely exaggerating.
Exactly. It's a big exaggeration to say you basically live in a third world country while living in Europe, and I say that as someone who lives in non-EU, Balkan country. That being said, I completely understand the issues that she mentioned existing in Greece and overall it's no secret that not all EU countries have the same standards, but there are still many benefits one has by simply holding EU citizenship. I'm surprised that Kristen made that comparison, considering the content she makes and what she stands for...
@@anja0ant Greece is officially a first World country. It's on the lower part of the scale, but it's not second.
@@evangeliar.7600 Ok if you say so . I honestly don't know who officialy decides and provides the list. I did a quick search on google and see Croatia (my homecountry) in called first world and I think that's not correct, more 2nd world. I lived in ireland and germany for a couple of years, in US for less than a year and Croatia is nowhere close. But still what Kristen saidis just nonsense, Greece has higher Gdp per capita and higher average salary that Croatia, and Croatia is not 3rd world. She actually lost some credibility for me as a social commentator after this...
I feel like you can only call Greece a third - world country if you have money. Yes, US is better for the upper-middle and upper class because you can pay less in taxes and buy more freely, but being poor in the US is far worse than being poor in the EU, even if we're talking Greece or central European countries like Poland. Moving to NYC is super fun if you have money for health insurance, a nice apartment or food. I don't mean to undermine your experiences of sexism, lack of everyday beauty etc and of course I love that you're happy now, but moving to US from EU is beneficial only if you have certain status and money like you have.
Girl, don't be so hard on Greece! It's an amazing country with amazing people. Once the honeymoon phase is over, you will realize that the US is far from the dream place you see it as now.
Fr after just a few months in the US I’m sure she’ll see things very differently lol…
Yeah i used to live in new mexico and there are literally people with no running water or internet, and you are priveleged if you have a microwave. Very odd coming from Kristen, glad she's enjoying her time so far though!
the honeymoon phase with "The United States of America" tends to go quickly. The honeymoon phase with "New York City" can last a lifetime, if you let it.
Honestly saying Greece is "third-world" is freaking wild. It *is* bad living here but have you ever been to am actual "third-world" country? Not a chance.
Lets even stop calling countries "third-world" cause those are simply destabilised countries that were exploited by the West/Europe in general.
Was about to comment this
2nd World haha. It is SHIT.
Yeah, I wanted to say this too. I've been living in/visiting second-world countries my entire life (Russia, Ukraine, Armenia), and I've been to Germany to know the difference, but i always try to keep in my mind that after all it is not the third-world countries...
Uh oh, everyone get the pitchforks, she said a word!!! A WORD WE DONT LIKE!!!
🙄
I am also greek american and I have lived in Greece and visited the Us often, and disagree that Greece is a third world country. First of all Greece is a highly educated coutry that is industrialised and works mainly in the service sector.
My mom works in Africa, Mali and I have also visited there and the difference between Greece and Mali are huge, the infrastructure is underdeveloped and highly unplanned people live mainly on farming and education is scarce.
Its not because Greece is not as progressive as western Europe and Us that its a third world country.
It was weird for me to watch that video right after I talked to my frustrated New Yorker friend who wants to leave New York and the USA so badly and move to Athens. People's experiences and desires are so controversial! Good luck, Kristen.
Every immigrant goes through a "honeymoon phase" and I wish Kirsten luck. US is terrible for a lot of reasons, but that doesn't change the fact that people still want to move there for economic or social reasons.
I was wondering if you have reconsidered your anti-capitalist views? Praising Germany and France, countries with much more capitalist economies than Greece, as advanced and progressive, while also describing Greece as a third-world country and saying that the US provides a better environment for children to grow up in comes as a bit of a contradiction to your past arguments against capitalism...
Honestly, I have no idea wtf she is talking about. I am Greek have lived in Greece (duh), England, Germany and now considering moving to the USA. The only reason I consider Greece lacking behind the rest and not optimal for child rearing is that ramp and homophobia and racism that is so natural in the whole society that people don’t even register it. The reason I move to the USA? Capitalism. I am a high earner and I don’t like to pay all my money in taxes for subpar public healthcare (Germany). This doesn’t quite fit Kirsten’s profile, I am sure she would mega cringe at me. But yeah I guess she is pro capitalism now. Let’s see how this will go for her.
I think its hard for us Americans to see someone leaving the things we want not realizing that others want different things. Also, when you have the ability to move abroad why not. If even only for a little while.
Greece is only good if you earn a lot of money and not their minimum salary.
girl werent you renovating your own property with a huge backyard like a year ago? stop this 20$ on my revolut storyline. its not realistic.
Sha said in her previous video she has savings she doesn't want to use
Greece is NOT a 3rd world Country - You are so wrong.
Before I move to NYC from Athens Greece, I really thought NY was everything.
I bought into NYC being the greatest city in the world, but slowly the veils were removed from my eyes, and I saw New York for what it is, a DIRTY, ANGRY city teaming with disenfranchised people scrambling for existence.
NYC is great if you have a lot of money, it always amazed me that I could feel poor making over 100K a year.
Eventually the big city lights go off, and NYC catches up with you.
If you wanna talk about your moving i would be super happy.
So as a born Greek who lives in Greece and has lived her entire life here I understand some complaints you have for here it has been bad in some cases but never in a million years I would call this country third world country. I don’t know the area where you were staying but my area is super nice and I don’t get harassed so creating this environment for an entire country is misinformation. Με όλη την αγαπη Κρίστεν ως μια κοπέλα από Αγία Παρασκευη 😂
my latin american ass hearing greece is a 3rd world country was shook
@@AlliesBeautyTipsit shouldn’t be. Just checkout the state department’s report for the yet 2023
The State Department’s annual report on the state of human rights in the world, in 198 countries, for the year 2022, presented by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
The report is divided into chapters such as respect for the integrity of the individual, corruption and lack of transparency, discrimination, workers’ rights, respect for freedoms, while there are also subsections such as freedom of expression, conditions of detention and gender violence.
It is worth noting that in most of these categories Greece gets an extremely low grade, reminding more of a third world country and not a modern bourgeois democracy.
Correct
The funny thing is that the US is the richest third world country like this country has one of the highest maternal mortality in the west, an insane opioid crisis and very high degree of gun violence
Hi there! Kristen you have amazing videos and I love your lifestyle but as many people stated already in the comments Greece is not a "third-world" country AND Greece is not only Athens... You maybe had some weird experiences in Athens but Greece is a lot more than Athens!
Thank you :)
Yes! I moved from Poland to Crete (Heraklion) 4 years ago and no one ever harassed me here and I feel completely safe. Athens is a different story, different world.
As someone who's lived their whole life in a poor European country (Portugal) I totally get you for moving. The US is definitely not perfect, but it is just so frustrating to live in a country where you know you will have shitty low paying jobs forever and will never be able to live comfortably. And the gentrification...gosh. Lisbon is now one of the most expensive cities in the EU to rent and our minimum wage is miserable compared to the other EU countries. I'm sure you'll thrive in the US. And I mean, you deserve to do whatever you want to. No one has the right to judge you.
I'm portuguese too but the US would be the last country I'd move to. It's too scary. If I could afford to, I'd be moving to Iceland or Norway.
As she said in her video, everything depends on her point of reference. She mention her childhood as a horrible experience, saying about the earthquake and the older ladies throwing water at them for being loud. I’d take the buckets of water any day, if that meant not being afraid of going to school and getting shot by a classmate, having drills for a possible shooting?? Abortion laws??
Indoor smoking is a thing of the past for most European countries, sexism is also a horrendous thing that needs to get under-control as we still live an hetero- patriarchy.
I don’t see anything wrong of her moving to the US, or any other place at all, loving your context makes you happier too. And all her new experiences of being a a major city and all the good and bad that comes with it, will show up sooner of later. The excitement of the new last until you are settle in a routine. It takes time for us to see the little daily frustrations that made us realise “it’s just like back home”
Having said that, in a way is refreshing that she’s loving Americans, and the city. I personally wouldn’t move there.
I’m also from Lisbon, it’s maddening to see the reality of actually living and working in Portugal, and this is very different from when foreigners come here and earn the origins country’s wage. Nothing to compare. Portugal is amazing, I still love it for so many things but at the same time, if you aren’t in some way privileged, it’s often times a pretty shitty reality.
While I can understand her reasonings in moving to the US, considering all the other factors, I’d much rather live in Europe and have a state health care (which yeah still sucks sometimes but at least it exists and is an option :D), among many other things I won’t list now. But hey if Kristen wants to experience the US, if she is happier there, then it’s her choice.
@@aenwynn950 But it's so cold there :(
Ποσο δικιο😂 έχεις....η Ελλάδα είναι μόνο για διακοπές.....κι αυτό. ...δύσκολο γιατί..όταν ήρθα μετά από καιρό έπαθα κατάθλιψη από Αθήνα........το κέντρο....απλησίαστο.. από τα αδέσποτα εδω κι εκεί....και όχι μόνο είμαστε Αυστραλία....και δεν μετανιωσαμε ποτε που φύγαμε!!! Σου εύχομαι καλή επιτυχία...να βρης αυτο που ψάχνεις
I live in Athens as well, and i've grown up on a small Cycladic island, although i understand some points you made about living in Greece , i really don't agree, Greece and especially Athens is what you make of it. Yes Athens is , full of history, amazing places, but also dirty, ugly , and just generally a lot, but this is what makes it beautiful ! And Greece is deffinately not a third world country , compared to real third world countries .
Living in a capitalist society no matter if your'e in Greece or the US if you have a low income , you will struggle to make ends meet , so the struggles and difficulties also apply to the US , its all a matter of perspective.
Yeah, I actually live in a 3rd world country and hearing Greece is one is a huge wtf
I first came to Athens in the early 80s. I stayed there for 15 years. The best years of my life. Since then I lived in several cities around the world. Because of my job. I never stopped coming back. I am retiring now and I am returning this time forever, I hope. I can't wait to get involved in improving the worst parts of life there along with the best part of the city, its vibrant youth.
State Department: Greece is a third world country
Friday 24th March 2023 07:40 AM
Yes I agree and I see that it might be easier for her to make a living in nyc is an English speaking influencer but that doesn’t mean that you are able to make more money in the us in general
I think you haven’t lived in the US for long enough to realize it’s just a very rich third world country built on capitalism. When I moved to New York, I had very naive and excited perception about it too, but after living there for 3 years I would say I started seeing the REAL New York, the real US and it’s flaws. It’s like in a new relationship, you think the person is perfect and amazing until you really get to know them and learn about their flaws too. You either keep on loving them or you leave. You haven’t been there long enough to say anything negative because you’re on high right now. Just wait until you need medical insurance or visa. And it’s absolutely impossible to get green card unless someone will sponsor you and it takes years, and while you’re waiting you won’t be able to leave the country. It’s not a fairytale like you’re presenting it. It’s a very hard country and you need to be built and prepared to give it all.
i think she can get visa because her parents are both americans
How on earth does she not know all these things is beyond me. She is a freaking TH-camr. All the other activist TH-camrs talk about these issues all day. I know all about them and I don’t even work in this field. More likely she is romanticising it cause she wants to make it big in the USA. Her sponsorship options will be vastly different there for sure. I guess anyone can sell their ideals for these sweet dollars 😂
@@BioBioLove im from europe (slovenia) & i also fell in love with new york a few years ago & stayed for a few months. We all know what america is but is the land of opportunities for foreigners. Obviously is a different picture for someone being born there, but she wasnt, so whats the issue
respectfully disagree with your point of view on Greece. I was raised in Athens and even though I live abroad I still can see many of the benefits the country can offer (culture, people coming together, even the education system). Economic situation has little to do with the country to be honest-in capitalism, small countries suffer the most unfortunately-but US and specially New York is far from perfect (rents, health care. safety etc). I understand you are lost and trying to find your place, but because you have a big audience, I would suggest to be clear on your disclaimers and highlight that this is YOUR experience and that only
a lot of what u said about Greece came across snobbish, rude and entitled tbh…. not sure it was the way about raising issues u encountered
I find that a bit unfair on Greece. I an applied math engineer myself and have lived in Greece all my life. My field is very male dominated all around the world. I have been working since I was second year of university, so I can speak for my experiences from having work experience and being a woman and in a very male field. I have only one experience with very bad sexist behaviour and all in all it is from much older people who are also very religious. I have never found difficulty because I am a woman in Greece to be honest. Not more than the rare idiot you will find everywhere in the world. While there are a lot of things that are not good here, it is definitely not a "third world country".
The State Department’s annual report on the state of human rights in the world, in 198 countries, for the year 2022, presented by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
The report is divided into chapters such as respect for the integrity of the individual, corruption and lack of transparency, discrimination, workers’ rights, respect for freedoms, while there are also subsections such as freedom of expression, conditions of detention and gender violence.
It is worth noting that in most of these categories Greece gets an extremely low grade, reminding more of a third world country and not a modern bourgeois democracy.
lucky you lol - just read the workplace harassment stats in greece, just because your individual experience was good does not mean that's the rule for every woman in greece
@@foteiniilektra9730 amen
@@Siss2012you copy paste this comment everywhere,can we get some links? I will read it thoroughly
I live in Athens and i don't agree with you at all. People here aren't the way you present them at least most of them. I have different experiences than yours. I understand that Greece is not for you and things are difficult especially with the economy but Greece is a beautiful country and there are a lot of benefits living here. I wish you the best in NY❤
As a country...of course is beautiful and the land blessing.....but the system.....destroying....everything....the land....the Greeks.......and.....unfortunately
Me, an Indian watching you call Greece a third world country: 😶😶
The way your happiness exudes through the screen…I’m tearing up from how happy I am for you Kristen, you deserve more joy! More sponsorships!! More of anything and everything you want!!!
🥹 wow thank you so much!
As someone who just left the US for the UK I can relate very much. People will judge you on your decisions regardless. Personally, I would not want to go back to the US, but I also recognize the privilege I have had growing up there and making the choice to leave. I’m glad you’re starting to build a life again. Hope it goes well.
As a person that have lived in Greece, Germany and Switzerland I wanted to commend on the way you talk about Greece.. Of course for some people living in Greece might be the way you experienced it but for others its nothing like that. I can't relate with the majority of what you complained about. And some uncomfortable things I have experienced in all 3 countries I have lived in. As you said, no country is perfect but let's try to see the whole spectrum and not judge too fast or be extrem. With that being said, good for you for moving out of an environment like this. Hope you have better luck there!
I am Greek and currently live in Greece. It saddens me when I hear your excessive criticism about Greece every single video. I acknowledge that Greece, like any other country, is not perfect and faces its fair share of challenges. However, derogatory comments or labeling it as a "third world country" are unjustifiable.
The presence of greenery in schools or the absence of it should not be the sole criterion for assessing the value of education or the value of a whole country. Many schools in Greece offer quality education that goes beyond aesthetics.
Smoking indoors, which is no longer allowed in many places, doesn't necessarily reflect the overall enjoyment of people's time with friends or the peaceful and authentic (!) moments spent in coffee shops or restaurants.
MY experiences with men staring at me or even catcalling me, have been more positive in Greece than in any other country I've visited.
Having the ability to move to the other side of the planet, afford a luxury apartment, go to coffee and library dates every day with influencers while thinking about which outfit to wear, doesnt accurately represent the realities of many hardworking individuals, whether in Greece or the US.
If you genuinely believe that life in New York is better, I would encourage you to experience the reality of working a normal job, rather than spending the day filming vlogs in cafes. This experience might help you develop a deeper appreciation for the hardworking people in Greece who work tirelessly but still manage to find joy in the simple pleasures of life and smile every day....
If Greece it's a third world country then India, Bangladesh and so many countries are considered a fourth world countries???😂😂😂 Greece is a European Union member....
It totally is a NYC thing to respectfully compliment people on their outfits! The fashion game here is unmatched so real recognizes real.
Edit: I’d also like to add that after doing a bit of international traveling, it really hard to find somewhere where the people are as open-minded and accepting as they are in NYC. I haven’t felt compelled to leave for a reason 🤷🏼♀️
I think the west coast can be quite similar to this as well ☺️ it’s nice to make people feel good!
I live in Michigan and the schools in Detroit are some of the worst. If you leave the nice areas of New York, I think you will see the US has some very real issues with poverty on a large scale.
Greece is a 3rd world country? Get your facts straight girl and don’t forget where you’re coming from. Just because you’re trying out NY (where I genuinely wish you to succeed), it doesn’t mean you need to be ignorant or rude about your country. I’m confident that knowing us Greeks, you would expect these comments to come back at you, so maybe be a bit more conscious about the way you speak about Greece unless you don’t mind the negative comments. All the best with your new endeavour otherwise.
She is lucky that she was able to make enough money in Greece without being really productive or contributing anything for Greece. Us Greeks, we love to complain about Greece. But with the money you were able to make you had the opportunity to rent a house in New York with a laundry inside your apartment!! Which the majority of New Yorkers do not even have that.
If you hadn’t made the money that you were able to make there you wouldn’t have any of the opportunities you have here in New York.
Define productive? Cause making videos educating people on sustainability and creating tools to help them live a more eco friendly life, as well as become more intersectional in the way that they tackle environmental issues is pretty productive imo. I’ve worked basically unpaid for the majority of my youtube career, lived at my parents house for a big part of it as well, as a matter of fact I have not made ENOUGH money considering the value of my work and living in Greece wildly limited my financial opportunities. Please leave and go contribute something to Greece 🩷
@@KristenLeo if you think that creating aesthetically pleasing videos on the internet is an actual contribution to the society then be my guest.
Especially in your videos I don’t think that education, and especially education of the Greek audience, was your priority, since you are not even including Greek subtitles.
Your purpose was to have as many viewers as possible and please the majority by taking about trending topics.
What you’re doing wasn’t something that was actively benefiting Greece or the people of Greece. And the main purpose is not education either.
Spreading you ideas and beliefs, maybe. But you are not a teacher here.
Also, calling Greece 3rd world country was also insensitive to the people that are actually going through difficult times in countries that are considered 3rd word countries.
Moreover isn’t it normal to not have a stable income when you’re working on videos online? Even the biggest channels do not have the same income every month.
And TH-cam is mainly for entertainment purposes and not actual education.
Just like you have mentioned in the video, you are changing clothes in every video to keep the audience pleased since you do not want to bore them by repeating the same outfit.
You’re not doing something bad by creating videos in general. But you should be more careful about how you are presenting some of your opinions and ideas. You are considered a public figure so what you are saying is going to be visible and you are creating opinions to people that are not aware of every aspect of your life. You are creating pictures that you see through your lenses. And that is not considered educational.
As a human you should know that what you’re saying is not always a fact, so be careful about making big statements.
@@KristenLeoyou’re the definition of a privileged white girl. You clearly cannot make that much money from a small channel like yours to afford such good apartment in New York.
I just lost it in the comparison of the US and Greece. Maybe it‘s a great time to look at Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine, how the US intervened in the politics of countries like Greece and Turkey in the post-war era, supported corrupt governments, and how it resulted in poor development, almost no development in these countries. It‘s funny how you make this judgment for Greece from the heart and core of capitalism , as you can find people living in dehumanizing conditions and human rights being violated every single day in the US. I just don‘t understand why this country deserves so much praise like this, as you constantly pointed out how unaffordable food is, and how you spent all your money on accommodation which left you without food in NYC. I‘ve been following you for years, and I love what you stand for, I know and understand the problems in Greece but the US only looks better because of the capitalist illusion and doesn‘t deserve this praise at all.
I’m so thrilled to see you in this new chapter of your life! I lived in New York for a year between 2021 and 2022 and I come from the reference point of Germany. I went back because my life is home in Berlin but I totally get your feeling about how this city makes you dream and how positive and and wonderfully fun the people can be. I lived in central Harlem and I adored it but I must admit I struggled with not becoming the arrogant European at the sight of missing healthcare and unemployment support. I hope the downsides do not sour anything for you and you find inspiring friendships and a loving place you can call home ✨
Αντιλαμβανομαι οτι μαλλον ηταν ονειρο, και ειναι ολοφανερο ποσο το απολαμβανεις (και χαιρομαι γι αυτο),αλλα νομιζω πως ησουν ελαφρως υπερβολικη...δεν ειναι ΟΛΑ σκατα εδω,οπως δεν ειναι και ΟΛΑ τελεια εκει.Η ιδια ταλαιπωρια και παρομοιες δυσκολιες υπαρχουν σε πολλα μερη της Αμερικης. Αισθανθηκα λιγο σαν να ισοπεδωνεται απολυτως το ποιοι και που ειμαστε.Δεν ειναι ολα τα μερη αθλια (σε περιοχη του κεντρου μεγαλωσα και εγω),και δεν ειναι ολοι οι αντρες αγροικοι,και δεν ειναι ολοι οι ανθρωποι αγενεις απεναντι σε ενα κοπλιμεντο. φιλικα!να το ευχαριστηθεις!
Εδώ θα συμφωνήσω - παρατήρησα κι εγώ μια ισοπέδωση και είναι κρίμα. Γεννήθηκα και μεγάλωσα Αθήνα και είμαι εδώ και κάποια χρόνια Βερολίνο, που είναι και hyped πόλη. Η Γερμανία είναι κυριολεκτικά πολύυυυ πίσω σε πολλά πράγματα, όσο κι αν δεν της φαίνεται με το image που έχει χτίσει. Επίσης η Ελλάδα δεν είναι τριτοκοσμική χώρα - εδώ γνώρισα άτομα από πραγματικά τριτοκοσμικές χώρες με βιώματα ασύλληπτα και είναι άδικο να μπαίνουν όλα στο ίδιο τσουβάλι.
Τι ειπε μετα οτι ειμαστε third world country😂😂😂
I'm not Greek but her 'take' on Greece was really hard to listen to. So snobbish, rude and out of touch. Greece is not a third world country...not in the slightest 🤦♀I love France but France and Germany are not perfect either, not to mention there are historical reasons why these countries are this wealthy that don't exactly put them in the best light (especially Germany). I would muuuuch rather live in Greece than Germany.
@@roksana1736 I think she is snobbish irrespective of this video, but people who expose their lives do have certain traits...and it's quite fine. I mean, I do not care. I've stayed in the States for 3 years for studying purposes. It is way different when you just run around and watch the birds and the bees and get paid by sponsors and enjoy your bubble... and it is way way different when you actually have to make a living.
I just felt that we are presented as apes. Sorry, but no.
Girls, you just heard someone express themselves under certain emotions. No one can be 100% objective when is MAD
lol im sorry when she started going off about athens, how dirty it was and the men and everything, i had to laugh, cause it sounded like new york LMAO
For those watching I am a Greek, I’ve lived here since the day I was born but I don’t quite agree. Yes the ideas here are more traditional and yes we’ve been going through it with the country’s economy and yes the politics suck. But I’ve not even had to think about school shootings growing up. I’ve been to the emergency room for free more times than I can think of. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing unique parts of our culture that can’t be found elsewhere. The people here are not as awful as you describe either. Of course you can find rude people everywhere. I don’t think that it’s fair to call our country “third world”. Greece is a beautiful place, but not everything is for everyone. I’m sure New York is beautiful too, and maybe it’s more well suited for some.
Οι περισσότεροι θελουμε να φύγουμε και νομίζω πως το ξες αυτό, αλλά κυρίως για την οικονομική κατάσταση και όχι γιατί δεν μας αρέσει η κουλτούρα.. Ελπίζω ολα σε αυτό το νέο σου ξεκίνημα να πάνε κατ’ευχήν!
Wow since when is Greece a third world country?!?
since NEVER !
As a Greek from Zakynthos who moved to England in the midlands, I think you are unlucky to live in Athens. There's many issues with Greece, pros and cons, but Athens is the shithole more so than any other area of Greece. I think Im personally taken aback from you choosing the most "glamorous" place to move that is long term unsustainable, and actually not that glamorous anyway. It's instagrammable. I dont know how Athens to New York is an upgrade realistically.
I would love to see a video on how politically left person fits in one of the most capitalist countries. It looks like a big clash. I live in Bulgaria, which is worse than Greece, haha, but I don't think I'll ever feel comfortable living in the States because of my political views. I mean.. its just me, of course, no judgement, I genuinely would be interested to hear more of your point of view.
Here, to help the algorithm push Kristen's videos because more people need to see them so she can get awesome sponsorships and stay in NY, because Kristen is happier in NY and she deserves to be happy
I am here commenting bc the algorithm looooves when we interact yay interactions
We love interacting 💅💕
Interacting!? Uh… Yums!!
Did anyone say interacting to make Kristen happy?❤❤❤
Exactly 💯!!
I’m so grateful you’re sharing this experience. It’s so pure and wholesome honestly. Your enthusiasm and your awe in experiencing certain things for the first time and being seemingly happy with your own life decisions, is not only encouraging but touching to witness. I feel like you’re on a high because this experience is fresh, and it’s beautiful. When time passes and the high wares off and you get occustomed to the mundane, you’ll have these videos to remind you of the things you found special.
Lots of love ❤
So true! / well said / etc.
hi think you must've read my comment maybe idk if other people also said the same thing, first off i was never trying to upset you. secondly i understand, i am afghani, now living in india because you know a little something happened to my country. my issue really was just you saying new york is the world's best country or something like that. and i do still stand by that, honestly that is romanticisation. i understand your experience in greece but and i am being truly honest that could be the exact experience of a poor poc person in america. like i said its not the country its the class and i guess priveledge.
i donot need to explain to you how that priveledge works you know well enough. i am very glad that you are happy and i feel the only reason people have pointed out the issues is because
1. you've cultivated an audience that understands the problems of capitalism and a hyper capitalist country like ny.
2. we think you'd understand.
(also take anythng i say with a grain of salt because i do really dislike any american glorifications you can guess why. the imf also ruined greece so its not far off a war.) i apologise for any hurt i caused. just wanted to clarify why i and many people could be upset by the whole new york america very good thingies.
This video is full of banal depictions and prejudices of the well organised, clean and dignitary west (America) and the poor, ugly, filthy and dangerous east (Greece) silencing and ignoring the huge differences between these countries concerning the capital and economy that have been built in this capitalistic, imperialistic and unequal system that we live.
spot on...
As a fellow Brooklynite, I know the importance of food and an iced oat latte and keep being able to do those Prospect Park walks and going to Unnameable books so I will forever keep watching you and supporting all of your dreams!
I hope you truly take the time to learn about all the educational inequity that is the reality here too and all of the other issues that are the reality for many immigrants in New York and elsewhere. My family came from Mexico and obviously we are better off economically here but immigrants from real third world countries often face a lot more backlash, racism and oppression than white European immigrants. I just hope you keep all that in mind. We all have different experiences.
It is so difficult to critique which country does what better and which one is the worst. If there was one perfect country and everyone moved there how long would that place stay perfect? Being critical of important issues where we live is crucial to bettering our society and definitely inspires me to want to volunteer and do what I can to help my community and to vote for issues that matter to me and those that I love. Wishing you lots of luck and happiness on this exciting adventure!
People think you are harsh with Greece. As someone who left Greece to live in the UK, I completely get your point of view and need to leave. I can’t wait to follow your journey as your excitement reminds me of my first years in London ❤.
I spent 6 months sharing rooms in a hostel with people I didn’t know and everyone I met would ask why I would rather do that instead of staying in a beautiful country like Greece, especially Brits who adore travelling there in the summer. Regardless of the difference in the culture which was the number one reason for me to leave, I also managed after 6 months to share a house with strangers, after another 4, I was sharing a house with colleagues, after another 6 I was sharing with only one person and after a year I was in a studio by myself. Two more years and now I am in a one bedroom with my partner and loving life. That would never happen in Greece. Back in Greece I finished uni to go back to my parents’ house and get jobs that offered pocket money only to be treated like a servant and think I was lucky because I at least had a job unlike the majority of my friends. I could never go back.
Είσαι τόσο υπερβολική με την Ελλάδα! Και πήγγες στην καρδια του καπιταλισμού, την αιτία όλων των προβλημάτων του κόσμου, την όαση της οπλοκατοχής.. Δηλαδή, εντάξει... Anyway, Εύχομαι να βρείς τον τόπο που σου ταιριάζει και γενικώς να βρείς τι θέλεις στη ζωή σου. :)
I was wondering how you were able to move to the US - but if your parents used to live there, I guess it might be easier. Have you already talked more about the topic of your parents living in the US, if you also used to live there as a kid/were born there, and also what the reasons were for your parents moving to Greece? Also the topic of how you are able to move to the US? Would love to hear more. Or read more if you have written somewhere about these topics. :)
She's a US citizen. Her parents were born and raised in the US and grandparent on one side greek and the other portuguese.
If Greece is 3rd World I honestly don't know what Argentina is... 10th World?
SO happy that you got paid!!!! Commenting to help you get more sponsorships and push the algorithm. I hope that you'll be able to stay in NYC and be happy there!
Appreciate it 😭🩷
Greece is not a third world country...have you ever been to a third world country?
I haven't even watched the whole video yet but that was a really weird thing to say,you should perhaps at least google third world countries.. don't mean to be mean but thats a terrible thing to say
@@natalieandersson2606 Yes, people are upset about that, because it's something that a person like Kristen wasn't expected to say. The term is insulting and racist.
@@theycallmefreedom-z4x And very far from reality I must add. She is very snobbish anyway, but it skyrocketed after moving to the US.
Greece feels like a non first world country. So does Italy. Some places are just not functioning as efficiently as other first world countries so much that it does feel that way
The term "third world" is super dated and carries a lot of negative connotations that date back to colonialism and western superiority. Developing countries or low/mid income countries are generally the acceptable terms used today. But I would not classify Greece as one of these either. I understand what she is trying to say and I don't think her intention was to be offensive. But as someone from a "third world country" it is like nails on a black board. 🙉
People are not smoking indoors but you can be homeless because you had a bad teeth. Usa all the way! Yayyyy omg
LOUDER
dont you think you are romanticizing america too much and being too harsh on greece? im someone who has wanted to live in the US from greece since i was a child. But Greece isnt a third world country (an outdated term) but we are very privivleged in comparison to actual developing countries. We have privileges some other women especially would do anything for. Not saying we shouldnt be critical, Greece still sucks but we should be mindful of your (our) privilege. NY isnt a paradise, america has huge issues like drug epidemics, very high homelessness, insane prices for housing, gun violence, education debt etc.
lol as a Swiss I'd say the US is a third world country from my point of view. I mean if you look at the definition you have def. high rates of poverty, economic and political instability and high mortality rates. I have been many times in Greece since I had been in a relationship with a Greek and would say it really depends where you are living and how much money and education you have. I'd say that's for both countries but perhaps in the US you'd have more freedom and possibilites to grow a business and a career. Also I want to point out that I have never experienced any rude behavior of Greeks and includint Greek men. Sure like in a lot of southern country they grow up with more machismo but I feel that this is slowly changing.
But anyways you don't really have to explain yourself in that. People move to other countries not always because of any rational reason but just because they love the culture and landscape and so on and that is reason enough. I wish you all the best!
When she said Greece is a third world country, when the USA is literally the worst country to currently be at.
Hey! What happened to remote island life plans? Why did this have to change, was there a video about it? I was quite invested in this lifestyle 😂
Everything really is relative! Thanks for sharing your childhood experiences.The US has a myriad of issues, but after studying abroad in Tanzania, I definitely came home and thought about all the things I take for granted like knowing that my electricity won't randomly shut off or being able to drink my tap water. Living in other countries can definitely put certain things in perspective. I live in the mid-Atlantic and I would say in my experience, strangers do compliment each other. Really enjoying this series so far!
It's always been a little bit of a sore spot for me that people are able to just up and move to another country without having to jump through endless hoops to make it happen, especially if someone is from a third world country (I have to agree Greece doesn't count as one) and the like. So I'm a little jealous of you. But honestly, you should do what makes you happy and if New York brings you joy, that is where you should be. Although I will miss your more unique perspectives from your life in Greece, which I don't hear about much on social media.
She's not from a third world country. There are no 3rd world countries in Europe LOL This is such a privileged take. Wonder how people from the actual 3rd world would feel hearing that. And she was able to move easily because she has a us citizenship.
@@roksana1736 I'm aware how she was able to move. I'm not sure whose take you're saying is privileged but as someone from the third world myself albeit somewhat privileged from being middle class, I know first hand how much more effort it is to try to travel to another country because of a weak passport let alone move to another one.
Do you have anything like Patreon or a way to tip you for the content you create? I’ve been religiously watching your videos for probably almost five years now and I’d love to support what you do. Your personality shines so bright and your content for people like me looking to live more sustainably is like no other creator’s.
She has a patreon in the description box
A lot of nyc schools are like prisons. Some even have metal detectors and bars in the windows. There is a great podcast called “nice white parents” that talked about nyc public schools.
Well as a German, I absolutely envy the nature and the weather that you have in Greece. Besides me liking to live in Germany. And I would love to visit Amerika, but all the guns and the the health care system definitely scare me over there. But America is so big and such an interesting Place to be❤ the word is a wonderful and sometimes scary place
Canada is the better and safer option than USA ❤😅
@@holisticmaya I would love to visit Canada one day 💜
Yeah guns and healthcare are no problem for any but a tiny proportion of Americans and zero foreign visitors. Avoid doomscrolling and come see the Grand Canyon. You'll never forget it.
@@holisticmayaNo one asked you though.
@@faaaduma6876that’s not very nice…
Hey, Kristen, I hope that you are alright, eating well, resting well, and that your financial reserves are becoming stable.
I also tried living in the North America. I survived for one year, gave up the idea of finding a glamorous job after six months and just spent the remainder of the time working shifts in a bakery before returning to my home country.
I am not convinced that your current videos will age well. Your vehemence in denying how bad is living in the US exist likely because you have not experienced the dark side yourself _yet._
I hope I am wrong...
Different areas of all countries will be completely different from one another. You moved from a shitty place in Greece to one of the most artistic booming places in America. Its all very relative, alot more relative than one might think, and so its not fait to base an entire country from one area, or even one person's experience. That doesnt exclude your experience ofc. Greece can and does fucking suck. But thankfully theres alot of will to fight for our rights here, we are a pretty roudy bunch and i truly wish my generation gets some changes going, cause we crave it and we need it and we demand it.
As an American that moved to Europe (Italy) I really think it depends on your priorities. All countries have trade-offs. I think if you care about affordable education, quality of life on a "normal" salary, guaranteed vacation time, and healthcare that won't make you bankrupt, Europe is better for you (more socialist). If you want to earn a lot of money, have availability of a lot of goods, more diverse services and lifestyles, and possibly, POSSIBLY, the potential to earn more then the US is better (capitalistic). Of course, this is a huge generalization. But for Europeans without student debt (like most USA millennials) yea USA is likely a good risk to take in life if your goals align with it. For the USA millennial, USA can be a hellscape. We do NOT have social security, which I think a lot of Europeans take for granted.
bro i got paid today and it is the best feeling ever
What do you mean by the words third world country? Greece has never been a third world country….
!!!!!!!!!!!!!! right
Glad you got paid and things and things are getting better for you Kristen! Also I appreciate your reference points and I can relate because I don't have a rosy colored image of my country of origin (Kenya) as well. So I really cannot complain about life in the states in many ways I am really grateful.
You seem so much happier in New York! Hwppy to see you like that❤
I was talking to my boyfriend about your move and he simply said “she’s been there long enough” in reference to you leaving Athens. I thought that was an awesome way to put it. You’re so inspiring!! We’re Canadians hoping to move to Colorado and get similar reactions asking why we would ever leave. The world is so big to not spend time living other places and trying new things! I am so happy for you! And I’m so happy you found an affordable grocery store!! I can’t wait for your next episode of Kristen in Brooklyn!! lol
Love that you and your bf were talking about me randomly 😂 he’s making a good point though lol
CO is a good place to be, born and raised there, the people are happy and the beer is good if you drink! Hope you make a lot of happy memories in Sunny CO ☀️
@@simonechristians5319 that’s so great to hear!! thank you so much!
loving this new chapter for you!! wish you all the best
You talk so negatively about Greece in each video after you moved (third world, harassment everywhere etc.). I mean understand your frustration but it's kind of a bummer and awkward for some ppl watching yr videos to hear these things. But maybe you need this frustration right now. I did not have such extreme experiences growing up there. And I would have loved it if u commented on my outfit in the streets of Athens.
I don’t understand what happened to you, you ended up being a basic influencer without appreciating where you come from
I have the opposite scenario to yours- I was living in the States for 9 years pre Covid… Now I’m currently back to my hometown in Vietnam. After 4 years being back, I’m experiencing the shitty low paying job problem while the city is getting so gentrified. The worst problem is that I’m still being discriminated against in my own country- white expats and just expats in general get paid almost triple my salary 😂 Sometimes I think I’d rather just be back to the US - at least it makes more sense to be treated as an outsider there than in my own country… People here tell me to just accept it because you’ll just be hurting yourself otherwise. But it surely is a hard pill to swallow
I never comment on videos and I really like the content of this channel in general. I just wanted to make a comment to express another perspective about living in Greece.(mine obv) I never in my life could characterize Greece a third world country. I have also lived in Madrid which is a bigger European city and my point of view is that: yes Athens is not the best city to live..it's really chaotic and unorganized and yes salaries are pretty low in comparison to the living cost in Greece - and especially Athens. Yes, we are ideologically a decade behind in terms of acceptance, racism etc, BUT I never felt threatened walking in Athens alone and honestly nothing really bad has happened to me (at least nothing worse than any other city I've traveled in my life abroad), people of my generation or younger (I'm 27) are massively changing their learned opinions from older generations about feminism, racism, LGBTQIA+ community etc. There are brutal behaviors at times, (as in every country) but it's the minority of the population. Plus, we have completely free education even in universities and all the books that we take are also free. And we have a free healthcare system. Both of them lack of a lot of things, especially the healthcare system needs a great change in so many aspects to be considered proper, but people with low income have the chance to be treated for free. (Although the waiting lists are usually long.) It's important to add that guns are not allowed to be owned by citizens in Greece, except for hunting purposes. I want to conclude by saying that comparing Athens to a bigger city like NY ofc makes Athens seem a bad city to live... but comparing Athens to cities that truly belong to third world countries like idk Iraq, Bangladesh or Uganda for example (I found the information about them online, can't be 100% sure if it's true) clearly shows that Athens is pretty okay to live in, in terms of basic humans rights, education, health etc. But yeah, in Greece becoming wealthy is usually hard if you are starting from scratch, as it is being and living open if you belong in any minority of it's society.
But your cat, Gigi, your house you decorated, all the talk about living in nature and according to nature, Greece as lovely beautiful not 3rd world country (I don't even think Serbia is 3rd world and I live there), now you are like skinny, white, young woman living in super fancy apartment in NY... not really relatable tbh and a lot like any other "influencer". Not even with all the talk about thrift stores makes this channel what it used to be.
I’m living for this Kristen nyc-vlogger era. I love your personality so much
Oooh you are really angree with Greece. Greece is the vilified ex 😂😂😂
Hope things work out with the new (shiny, idealized) love!
Experiences are definitely relative and dependent on so many factors! Oddly enough, as an Asian, I've always felt more comfortable visiting Europe where no one seems to care about tourists whereas in America I've definitely faced plenty of racism and uncomfortable stares even in the big cities.
Funny because some American in this comment section said that US is better than Europe because of anti-asian racism in Europe.
Hey Kristen. First of all I wanted to say, if you feel good in the US and you are enjoying your time there so far, that is great and nobody should take that away from you. But I just wanted to comment on how you argued that your impression of the US is a good one because your reference point is coming from Greece, which to you is comparable to a "third world country". Surely I wouldn't characterize Greece as such, even though I can see that there are many things wrong in Greece, having grown up there myself. But you said that, if you were moving from Germany to the US, you would probably be more critical of the US, since Germany is a developed and rich country. But... I would argue that how developed a country is isn't the most important or the only criteria which I would use to judge whether I am a fan of that country or not. For example, I have been living in Germany since 2017 for my studies, and even though it's developed and "progressive", as you said, it has never managed to win me over and I will leave as soon as I can. I actually miss Greek culture and the warmth of Greek people very much, among other things. I also used to go to Germany as a kid to visit my grandparents every summer and I used to love it and idealize it in comparison to Greece. But I realized very quickly that it was just a little fantasy I had created in my head. But yea, we all have our own unique experiences that shape our point of view I guess. But as someone that misses Greece very much, it hurts me a bit when people bash it like that, not gonna lie haha
Third world country? Greece?
Just wondered what about your Azores dream now you are in New York?? Love all your thrifting ❤
It’s so true that tourists have a different experience to residents. I’ve lived all over the UK, and I live in Cornwall now. The contrast is huge between those people who visit and those who live here. I consider myself as pretty privileged in that we can afford to keep a roof over our heads and we can feed ourselves, but there is a lot of poverty here. The tourists don’t always see it. It’s also pretty hard to get a job down here, especially one that isn’t just for the summer season. We moved here as two professionals with good qualifications and experience. Five years after moving, we’re finally settled in terms of our jobs and finances.
I love Cornwall. It’s beautiful - but as is often said here: ‘you can’t eat the view’.
i love these vlogs so much. i'm so excited for you!
I just came across your channel and I'm very interested in following along with you on your journey in the U.S. I don't live in New York, although I've visited a few times (I live in Maryland and my city is close to Washington, D.C.). I'm glad to hear you're having a positive experience so far and I'd be very interested to hear what you think about New York and the U.S. after being here for a few months. I've lived in Maryland my entire life and while I wouldn't change it I will say that U.S. can be challenging at times. I think I've been pretty lucky with the hand I've been dealt and the life I've been able to carve out for myself but it's a lot easier to live comfortably in this country the more you have and the more privileged you are. Good luck, and I hope things continue to go well for you. I'll be lookong forward to more videos.
Με αγάπη το λέω, κρατά λίγο μικρό καλάθι… αν δεν ήταν τα λεφτά στην Αμερική όλοι οι συγγενείς σου θα ήταν στην Ελλάδα. Επίσης σε επόμενα βίντεο να λες New Yorkers instead of Americans. Οι άνθρωποι εκεί είναι όντως πιο κουλ και διαφορετικοί, ναι μεν αμερικανς, αλλά από πολλούς διαφορετικούς πολιτισμούς και backgrounds. Όλα τα states έχουν διαφορετικά vibes
Grass is always greener on the other side 😂 I’ve been looking at places in Greece! Idk if I’m gentrifying since I can’t afford much.
As a TH-camr with almost 400k subs you can afford living even in greece. Just say that you just want to live in the US and dont pretend like greece from when you were a child is still the same.
NY draws a lot of left wing people to it because it caters to their habits of consumption and lifestyle. Eastern Europe is more conservative and religious.
i know you don't owe anyone information but if you are an american citizen maaaaaaybe say that for all the people watching this going "damn, how'd it work out for her" who have loved ones in the US but not the privilege to even visit on a one-way ticket without being interrogated for hours by cbp :(
at the same time, cause two things can exist at once right? very excited for you! i hope this is a grand adventure
hope that is fine to say, idk, words are hard
Hair is looking LUSH! ❤
i think everyone, including Kristen and people in the comments, are forgetting that no matter where you are, the experience of living in a major city is very different than if you werent in a major city
Ok now I get why you left. It kinda reminded me of my childhood in Italy ( the very south of Italy).
Still happy you are in a better place and I can’t wait for New York vlogs and hope you get a lot of Sponsorships!
your school experience was pretty similar to my school experience, + chemicals in the drinking water that gave me and half of my classmates debilitating lifelong chronic health issues, and also never knowing who is going to snap and bring a gun to school. You're right, it is all relative, and poverty exists everywhere. i'm glad you are not in that world anymore and are getting to enjoy the better sides of my country!
Where are you from? Trying to learn more about how to avoid toxins in my environment.
@@crimsonghost4107 the school got shut down a couple years ago and it was a really big thing, so telling you would dox myself, but look up PFAS and dioxin poisoning. It is widespread in the environment all over the world, especially the US, and they're forever chemicals, so it doesn't ever go away or break down. They used to use it in teflon cooking pans and water treatment facilities before the truth came out in the 90's that it's actually poison. Some places are worse than others, but it's pretty difficult to avoid completely. The kids at my school got a much higher dose than most places, unfortunately.
I’m so happy for you Kristen! 🎉 I think it’s easy to criticize the US as the worst place possible because it becomes all we know and it seems like it never gets better. I appreciate your perspective because it reminds me of when I first moved from Puerto Rico here and the opportunities that it allowed me to have.
And then theres me who moved from Germany to Greece 😅 but I think when you live in Greece it makes all the difference if you live in a big city or the countryside 😊
Hi, Miriam, for how long do you live in Greece and how does it seem now with an eyes of insider not the tourist anymore?
@@originalmix2546 I've lived here for a bit over a year now. I definetly think it's a very beautiful country, amazing landscape. I dont live in a very touristy area so I feel like not as much money is invested here in infrastructure, public health, etc....the doctors in our hospital are amazing but they dont have the funding to work properly. Still the people are very welcoming and try to help if they can. So I definetly don't regret moving here 😊
New York is great for vacations, but I would never want to live there unless I'm millionaire. It's nice to feel the energy of this incredible city for a few days or weeks and than leaving back. I wouldn't want to live in such hard and competitive city if I wouldn't feel financially secure. The stress is not worthy. It's all nice to feel that you are brave enough to step outside of your comfort zone. Or open your wings and follow your dreams, but it is all very romantic and not very realistic.