Thanks 🎉. Gonna find a fun class that will help me move forward. People in USA dont interact because they are bombarded with Fears. So that causes more stress and so they take more anti depressants and then they just crash. I’m gonna joyfully find something good to Study.
Kristen I know you may not have a personal favorite place to live because you’ve been all over the world and I’m sure you love so many places you’ve been. But I’m curious, do you have a personal favorite Country or city in Europe that you love most?
Foods are not prepared in the restaurants. They come in large cans then served to the customers. That's why it tastes the same. I worked in restaurants in my youger days.It's all processed food.
My son went to study his masters in Brussels, Belgium. After one year studying there he came back to see his college friends in Salt Lake City (Utah State). The first cultural shock happened in a party that they threw for him. None he said to me, absolutely none Dad, asked me once a question about my life in Europe or anything related with my European experience (That really hurt his feelings), later, he noticed that all the conversations were related to money, possessions and banal topics and when he tried to talk about something more interesting he was treated with contempt. As a European, I always tried to teach my kids that as important as earning a living is, it is also important to feed our intellect and nurture our soul. His first months in Brussels were very difficult since he didn't know anybody there and he felt very very lonely, two years have passed on and he has friends from all over the world, last week took his test for French proficiency and passed it and I am extremely proud of him since he is 23, it is about to finish his masters and speaks fluently in English, Spanish and French.
My Dad was in the Air Force and we moved A Lot. Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Guam, and all over the States. We never made it to Europe though many people we know did. I remember in 7th grade, living in Portsmouth NH and a girl I had nursed a crush on for four years got transferred to Spain. It turned out much later, she got married there. One thing we never did in country was think about the language. I had no idea what I missed until I was in my 60s.
@@kimhorton6109 As an adult I feel those emotions as well. People rarely ask questions about my time in Europe, etc. it’s a very narrow minded point of view.
I have a similar experience just between different states in the U.S. I moved to another state as a young adult and most of my family have little curiosity about the state I live in now or have traveled to. So, it's come as no surprise that they have had zero interest in my experiences traveling to other countries. My chosen group of friends is much more diverse, and there's far more curiosity among them. So, it's not everyone.
During the Cold War we took a moral turn, from seeing capitalism as a handy tool, to treating it like a religion. We associate earning money with being virtuous, even when it robs our families of time with them. We charge more than we need to because we can, because we think that we're supposed to. Anything that doesn't earn money seems like a sinful waste of time. We regard the poor as sinners and try to make a low-cost lifestyle as punitive as possible. We treat people who do low-paying yet necessary work as disgraceful slackers, even when they work extremely hard; when they suffer from not getting paid enough we think of them as reaping their just desserts instead of asking why we pay so little for something that we honestly need. This is no way to live! We have become dysmoral.
@@DoloresJNurss That is so sad but true. What truly is amoral is when insurance companies profit off of people who are sick. No one should go bankrupt because of a disease no fault of their own. You won't find this in European countries.
Very well said, however, I feel the biggest change came in the 80’s. When RR told corporate America that their “job”, was th make money for their “shareholders”! This began the change that bankrupted the middle and lower class. However, this is how “capitalism” is designed! Hooray for me and f-- you!
I am a retired airline captain. I have been through thousands of checkpoints. The best I was ever treated, every single time, was entering a foreign country. If I was in uniform, or not, I was treated respectfully and with dignity. I was addressed as Captain or sir. “Step this way Captain or thank you sir.” I never once in my 32 year career was I ever made to feel as is I had done something wrong or there was any cause to be suspicious of my intentions or behavior. Not once. Coming to the USA meant all this went out the window. I was usually treated with little respect and often I exited the whole encounter feeling pissed off after the experience. I was, on several occasions, even asked to partially disrobe parts of my uniform in front of the passengers. Now that will really make a person angry. Europe has it figured out from checkin to deplaning at your destination.
When I first came to the us in 1957 everyone was friendly but it has change so much since then and now people are angry and worry and the media doesn't help by constantly telling us lies after lies.
@@mariadaido6715. Maria, what media lies are you referring to? In my experience - I don’t think I ever encountered a media falsehood about security. Don’t get me wrong, as a pilot, I appreciated tight security. I just believe TSA can do it without all the attitude and disrespect.
I lived in Finland from 1990 -> 2000. Nice, beautiful countryside, calmness, everyone is "taken care of". Really nice. Reverse culture shock coming back was difficult to adjust to. Everyone in the US seems to think that "more is better". Quite often this is entirely false. Happiness comes from within, I truly believe that now.
Last year I went to Europe for my first time I went to Barcelona, Madrid in Spain and Toulouse France. I have traveled for many years from Southeast Asia and I’ve traveled throughout the United States and all I can say about what I experienced in Europe was it was the most amazing place I’ve ever been. I never felt so alive in my life thank you to the wonderful people of Spain and France for that experience.
@@account-369 Hahaha, calm down, do not be so ridiculously jealous. I think the message was clear... You can keep all New York´s vibrancy for yourself.
@account-369 have you lived anywhere else? I lived in London, New York, Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong... and as much as I loved the vibe in NYC at first, it's not my first choice to live. Vibrant in NYC is the pace, it's not what she meant when she stated she felt alive
@jm7578 I went to Barcelona this year and it was just amazing, my wife and i stayed in a hotel in La Rambla and we were just walking distance away from many museums, historical sights and restaurants. Gaudi's Sagrada Familia was an architectural wonder. The Picasso museum was also within walking distance. Going up the hill to Montjuic only minutes away via metro and seeing Miro's art collection displayed at Fundació Joan Miró. It seems everywhere, every city block have deep cultural history. We needed more than the 5 short days we spent there. I've been many countries in Europe (UK, France, Germany, CZ, Austria, Italy, Hungary, etc) and Barcelona is in the top. We are planning a multi city trip to South of France May 2025 (via TGV rail city to city), I'm going to see if I can extend it a week and fly back to Barcelona. This was my second trip to Spain, the first time was when we went to Madrid and Malaga in 2016, I wanted to take the rail but found out it was cheaper to fly unlike the rest of Europe were train tickets are generally cheaper.
@@account-369 I lived in NYC for almost 30 years and I disagree with that and it really depends on what your comparisons are. NYC is way ahead in technology/innovation, opportunity (business & work), multi cultural food choices and entertainment. Let's compare it to my recent visit to Barcelona although not as diverse as NYC, Barcelona centuries culture easily beats NYC. NYC's art scene in the 1980s produced legendary artists but that culture no longer exists and nothing compares to Barcelona's Miro, Picasso and Gaudi which are the original inspirations to NYC's Warhol, Basquiat, Haring. It depends what you're comparing it to. Barcelona's metro and public transport beats NYC subways and access to it, like there are no elevator access to NYC subways whereas there's always elevators on all the metro stations I've been to in Barcelona. No matter where you want to go in Barcelona, there's always public transport which could be a combination of bus, train, tram to get you there. When I went to the Miro museum (Fundació Joan Miró) in Montjuïc which has a lot of hills and is similar to SanFrancisco. They have outdoor escalators to make it easy for their citizens to get around.
Kristin, this needed to be said; most Americans don’t have an idea of the truth you are saying, especially those who haven’t travelled outside the US. I was a truck driver for many years, and delivered to Sysco and US Foods. There are others though, but you are correct: whether you go to a $50/plate restaurant or a $500/ plate restaurant, with few exceptions the food is all the same. I know, I hauled it.
@@1chumley1 "Umm, that's a case for better food in the UK" The UK needs to work on better food, yes I agree. USA is 5th in the world for number of 3 Michelin star restaurants. We have 13, Italy has 14. Next one down is Germany with 10. The greatest number is found in France (home of Michelin) with 30. We're 6th in the world (still ahead of the UK) in number of restaurants with at least one Michelin star. That's 200 in UK and 239 in USA.
Everything you've talked about has resonated with me. The quality of life in the U.S. has declined precipitously over my lifetime. I'm ready to see what the rest of the world has to offer.
In 2018 my daughter and I returned to the U.S from a month long trip to Europe. Customs in Chicago was a nightmare. But what really struck me as strange was a restaurant we stopped at on the drive home. The waitresses surrounded us with this frenetic activity and false smiling, asking us constantly if our food was ok, how were we etc. I just wanted all that craziness AWAY from us. Can we just RELAX? I got used to more sincerity and calm in Europe. It was ok to wait for something. One other thing : bread in Rome TASTES LIKE BREAD.
Its a function of the truly terrible tips culture in the US. How about you guys in the US make a decision to pay more for your actual meals, so the staff can be paid a living wage? And then pay a LOT less in tips, to compensate? Sort of like how most of Europe does it...? So staff do not feel so pressured to maximise customer throughput, and avoid giving any excuse for not getting a "normal" tip? And yes, European bread indeed does not taste like sugary cake. Nor is all our food so laden with high fructose corn syrup and other nasties.
@@william-fla-321 If you have really fresh olive oil (that is still green), that's really all you need. But good luck getting that outside of the olive farming areas.
@@adriangoodrich4306 "How about you guys in the US make a decision to pay more for your actual meals, so the staff can be paid a living wage?" We do that here on the west coast (California, Oregon, Washington State, Nevada). And our minimum wage is higher than most cities in Europe. (salaries in general are quite a bit higher in the USA.) Unfortunately it doesn't erase tip culture. Personally, I don't normally go to full service restaurants that would require a tip. When I do, I go to Michelin Star restaurants that serve some of the best food in the world. There are five here in the San Francisco Bay Area that have earned Three Michelin Stars, the highest honor Michelin can bestow upon a restaurant, and a sixth one where they closed the original restaurant (that had three Michelin Stars) and replaced it with rotating popup restaurants featuring Michelin Star chefs from around the world. No fake smiles out here though. I feel like OP lives far away from Chicago itself. Chicago, like San Francisco, is one of the world's great cities.
There is nothing like moving to and living in a different country we moved to England in 2013 a few weeks after we were married, we were 18 and 21 just starting out when we moved here. I always knew he wanted to move to the England, just never dreamed it would happen so quickly. We both love England. We have both become citizens, I went to university here and now teach year two students, we have had all three of our children here. England is home. We have travelled back to the States to see family, but it no longer feels like home. I throughly admit it was strange at first to discover America now feels like a different world and a different time. We are happy here, as I said England is home.
@@sheilaterranovabeasley1966 Then start VISUALISNG, Honey (I'm, perfectly serious)! I know it can't be an easy move to make - but England ain't Mars, and we're not a bad bunch here in the UK😀!
@@sheilaterranovabeasley1966 from the US? I think we need to sort out our immigration system and that will hopefully be coming. We want to welcome those from culturally similar countries, especially commonwealth and ex-colonies! ;)
My best friend married a Brit & moved to England over 50 years ago . Last time she went through US Customs, the agent wanted to know why she was living in Britain and not the US. Then she practically yelled at her , “Well, what’s wrong with America?” (My friend didn’t have time to give her the list). Americans have a “what can you do for me” attitude toward friendships. They want instant friendships but will dump you just as quickly. I recently had a woman introduce me to her friend as “my new best friend” even though I had only met her once before. Often they want to know where you live to help them decide if you are worthy of their friendship. No thanks. Great video!
If the vast majority of Americans lived abroad for a while. In other developed countries, they wouldn't be so proud of the American way. America is never about the people, it's about corporations, profit and consumerism.
Your not alone - I feel the same way after coming back from Northern Italy - all your points are valid. I am a naturalized American but I hold citizenship in NZL and CAN I see so much changing in the USA not for the good actually especially now.
@@marilynrybak9154 " The closer you get to an American hospital or doctor the more likely it is you are going to die ." On " average " Europeans live five more years than Americans and have more healthy years . Corporate capitalism is toxic and destroys EVERTHING it touches from the food to the environment to political " leadership " ...
@@marilynrybak9154. Same in the U.S., especially in Florida. Takes months to get in to see a doctor or be scheduled for a much needed surgery. Then, you have to worry about the financial impact and trying to pay for it without ruining your financial life. Not conducive to healing, that’s for sure.
@@marilynrybak9154 I don't know how long does it take to get to see a doctor in Canada and I know that there are problems in the UK but that's not the point. Even without knowing everything about Canada or the UK I know for sure that you can see a doctor if needed and you'll wait only if you need a specialist and if you're not in any immediate danger/life threatening situation but you will see one and you'll get the treatment you need and this is true to all citizens/residents. In the US you can get the best and fastest care you need, if you have money. The more you have the faster and better it is and if you don't it's your problem. BTW, in every country I know, and I'm sure that it's the same in Canada and the UK, if you have money and you don't want to wait you can see a private doctor immediately if you want but, in the end, apart from a bit faster, maybe more convenient and certainly far mire expensive both you and the poorest man will get the treatment you need. I broke my leg a long time ago (bicycle accident - handle broke and I fell on the side and the bike completely broke my left leg bellow the knee). People called an ambulance that rushed to the nearest hospital. All went through checks and X-rays, they said that it's not clear but I'll probably need surgery but they put a cast just in case. In the morning I was moved in an ambulance to "my hospital" (the one in my area), they made more x-rays and a CT and said that I'll need surgery that includes taking bone from my pelvis and using it to full the gap in my leg. I had the operation 3 days later, stayed another 4 days in the hospital (with excellent food, which surprised me) and released with a prescription. The cost of the operation was almost 5000€, which I did not pay of course (they tell you the cost on the release papers), I collected my prescription, which was 160€ but I only paid 11€, during the three and a half months I could not step on my left leg (no cast was needed as it was connected by screws) every 3 week I had inspection in the outer clinic of the hospital that included an x-ray and an examination by a doctor and once I was given the OK to start stepping on my leg I got physiotherapy for as long as I needed (after 6 months I told hem I don't need more). I paid nothing for all of this. I do pay, of course, for the national health insurance but what I pay is not even close to a very basic health insurance that includes very little with high co-payments and low coverage that you get in the US, if you're lucky.
I moved back to the US after living in Europe and Asia for many years so that my daughter could finish high school. I'll leave again once she graduates.
You will always return to the US because it is home, regardless of what you may say, especially if they do not grant you citizenship in that country. I understand your perspective, as I tried living in Dubai for two years with a teaching job, a salary, housing, and transportation provided, yet I still found myself back in the US.
@@abdulaliakbar1175 It sounds like you were in Dubai pretty much just for the job. The countries I lived in (two in Asia, two in Europe, plus Mexico), I did so because I absolutely loved living in them--the culture, the food, the architecture. I'm not interested in getting citizenship in any of thses countries--I guess you could call me a slow traveler since I did this over a 20 year period. I do not dislike the USA, but I have no interest in staying here.
@@abdulaliakbar1175 Not true. Dubai is not what I would call a "long term" destination. People move there for a good job but I can't imagine living there forever.
I am Italian and I was an exchange student in the US. I got so badly sick because of the food. We ain’t used to eat so much sugar, fats and preservatives.
@@GianniDN I did an internship in the USA for 3 months. I THOUGHT I was eating the same as back home: bread, homecooked meals, etc. I gained 7 kg in 3 months...
Tady Čech, jsem rád že se ti u nás líbí, ale na druhou stranu, tady onemocníš když se nás pokusíš přechlastat. This is Czech, I'm glad you like it here, but on the other hand, you'll get sick here if you try to overdrink us. 😄 (translated by Google)
Being from Scandinavia myself but living in the US I agree with your observations. That there are more guns than people in the US really scares me. The US has a very weird love of killing machines. Also, the lack of concern for the environment is also something you definitely notice; the extensive use of one time use plates, cups, utensils, and bags etc. which is illegal at least in some countries in Europe. After a party there are usually several trash cans full of trash. Crazy amount of packaging. If I go though a drive through and asks for no bag some look at me like I am crazy. No, the crazy thing is to get one item in a bag just to deliver it 1 yard into the car window and then throw it away. The amounts of trash produced in the US is staggering compared to other countries. And people here find it completely normal and acceptable.
@@CaliSteve169 That is one of the reasons I have considered leaving. I don't feel safe here when anyone has the right have a gun. Crazy people don't have "crazy" written on their forehead. And I think people who are into having guns are somewhat crazy. Having a gun needs to be a privilege like in other western countries. Driving a car is a privilege as it can kill and requires courses and proper training. Same thing with a gun.
@Uncommonsensetoo I've lived in the US for 30 years. Guess how many shootings I've witnessed (personally, put aside what they show you on tv). Zero. Zilch. Nada. Guess how many people I know personally (not on TV) who have witnessed one. Come on, guess. That's right - zero, zilch, nada. Now be honest- how many have you witnessed personally? Be honest. Again not what your TV is telling you. I can already tell you - none. Now, the stabbings in Europe on the other hand are real since all of Africa and Middle East are now in Europe.
Wow! So well written. My parents emigrated to the US in the early 50’s from Sweden. We made multiple trips “back home”. Because of this, I was exposed to the European way of life. I love it and so does my wife (boy am I lucky)! However, I have a very difficult time, trying to talk to my friends about anything European! I try to tell friends that while US democracy has been good, other forms of democracy such as “social democracy” also work well. The difference between the two, to me is, capitalism is about ME and mine. Social democracy is about US and what can WE do to make life better! What a thought!
My experience returning to the USA after years in Europe: The JFK immigration guy was rude and arrogant , something I never experienced in Europe. When I balked at his many intrusive questions, he said, and I quote "You are not cooperating. Do you see that big man in the back? He will take you into that little room and make you cooperate". I was shocked and disgusted. This is how foreign visitors to the US are "welcomed".
But if you are an illegal Border crosser, you are treated with respect, health checked, put in a Bus to a 4 star hotel, along with a debit spending card for six months.
In six transits (never left the airport) through LAX, between the UK and NZ in recent years, the US immigration personnel were consistently very unpleasant and unwelcoming. And scary. Perhaps surprisingly, on our one trip to NYC a couple of years ago, the immigration staff at JFK were fine!
Kristin, you are spot on about the differences you've noticed and experienced. I have lived in 7 different countries myself and can confirm the same observations when returning to the US. Yes, reverse culture shock is a real thing. Thank you for your channel. Your personal experiences are very insightful.
It seems to me USA is the greatest company in the world. Even outside work it is all about work. If you don't have a great job or at least a job which pays very well that doesn't seem great. Work-work-balance.
I've been on many many journeys outside the US. Just spend 3 days in Ljubljana Slovenia, (drove from villach austria - no traffic) got to witness the Christmas lighting celebration, MASSIVE crowd of thousands... fun loving people, I saw only 2 police officers, 0 overweight people, 0 drunk assholes, 0 face/neck tattoos, 0 women with multicolored hair, 0 gun shots. It was an amazing time. Visited Lagos/Faro and Lisbon Portugal, 0 traffic lights, 0 police officers, fun loving people. American culture is toxic beyond measure. IMO. It's hard to explain just how great European culture can be to people who have never travelled overseas. One of the noticeable difference: there is no sense of desperation.
don't idealise too much. It's different when your are in a foreign country as a tourist than living in the country. But, as european, when i see that us culture is mostly about money, showing off materials things, living for work instead of working to live... it's a shame
You are 100% right. And this is why my husband and I will be retiring in France in a few years. We love the lifestyle there and want to live that ourselves. I am a fiber artist for relaxation and look forward to having a studio there to spend some time doing this hobby more freely. Also, personal safety is critical,especially as we get closer to the vulnerable age of the elderly. I am willing to sacrifice the closeness to family to have a safer, more relaxed life. No place is perfect, but France represents most of what we hope to live.
Thanks for this. We lived for 3 years in Denmark and really enjoyed the bike/train/walking lifestyle (our "car" was a Christania cargo bike, and my wife would use it to take our son to Danish børnehave every day). If you needed a car you could always rent one. Coming back to the US we immediately noticed the things you did. Also supermarkets which are enormous here and somewhat overwhelming after being away for a while. Now that my wife and I are middle-aged we want to return to this lifestyle and live without a car again.
I'm an American who has lived in Spain, Wales, and Poland as a digital nomad during the 2013 to 2019 time period. There, I walked to grocery stores, restaurants, pubs. I took the train to various cities for weekends away. I never worried about walking by myself after dark. And, my grocery bill was considerably lower than back home, with fruit and veggies being super fresh and inexpensive. Now that I'm back home in North Dakota (due to being close to family), I still walk to grocery stores and such--but am bullied, belittled, and questioned by the locals because of it. And taking the train? Forget it. One train comes through here at 3 AM, making it near impossible to use. If I wanted to visit my adult son who lives 200 miles away, I'd then have to rent a car as there are no other options transportation. Oh, and dating? It was really easy to meet intelligent, wise, traveled, witty men in the United Kingdom to date. That isn't the case here in my part of the American Midwest, at all.
"I still walk to grocery stores and such--but am bullied, belittled, and questioned by the locals because of it. " You know, as a Welshman who lives in Portugal (but who has worked in the US and who works with Americans every day), this sort of thing never ceases to amaze me about the US. At least in many parts of the interior and mid-West. I was speaking to a university friend (who has no less than four nationalities - British/Belgian through from her parents, Swiss by birth and American via naturalisation) the other day. She's lived around the US in places like North Carolina, New Jersey, Texas and California. And after recently moving back to Austin, TX after a decade close to San Francisco, she was recounting how she was treated with utter contempt as woman in Home Depot when asking for a particular type of nail. And how she got hassled, questioned and confronted when walking outside of her immediate neighbourhood. Part of my surprise is that this aspect of the US never seems to come across in popular culture such as film, television and media in general. In part, I suppose, because those industries are based largely in LA and NYC and don't really reflect the everyday reality in many other parts of the country. "Oh, and dating? It was really easy to meet intelligent, wise, traveled, witty men in the United Kingdom to date." Even though I'm well past all that - purely self-preservation, you understand, because I'm sure my Portuguese wife would take a pretty dim view if that weren't the case - that's good to know!!!! 😀I'd be surprised if most other parts of Europe and many other places beyond weren't pretty similar in this regard. What's strange it the next point that you make... "That isn't the case here in my part of the American Midwest, at all." That's a shame. But I understand what you mean given some of the things that I've experienced/witnessed myself in that part of the world. Anyway, best wishes to you. And you'll understand what I mean when I say that I hope that you find a way to eat healthy - with plenty of fresh fruit and veg - now you're back home in the States!" 🙂 My university friend makes ALL her own bread because of concerns about that sort of thing. Despite living in a large metro area.
Also in North Dakota and looking to leave to another country currently! I understand reasons to move back or stay but once I’m out I’m not sure if I’d want to come back lol
The problem is North Dakota. Move here to the San Francisco Bay Area. We voted 60/40 in favor of Harris. We have the public transit, we have the 15 minute streets, we have the world class institutions. 🙂
I left the USA half a century ago, never to return except to visit family. America since my departure has become incredibly superficial, loud, violent and toxic that it fills me with dread, and I am never happier than when I'm leaving. It is a tragedy really, and it's about to get a whole lot worse I fear...
You were wise to escape; I feel for you when you return to visit. Driving through Seattle & Tacoma to visit family is the worst part: draining & nerve-wracking. I’m glad you live in a better part of the world. 🌟
I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area, so I wouldn't know. You can get just as much culture shock by simply leaving your rural red state and moving to where most of us live. 🙂
@@christyviolet926 " Driving through Seattle & Tacoma to visit family is the worst part: draining & nerve-wracking" You realize, of course, that a train is provided along that route. 🙂 Seattle is definitely on the list of the world's great cities.
@@Blackadder75 "you were ahead of your time" Nah. The San Francisco Bay Area is amazing. I would definitely visit Europe, etc., but I'm not missing anything in terms of standard of living by being here versus there. I already live in a wonderful place. 🙂
After traveling fairly extensively in the past 2 years I agree. You get a completely different perspective on your life in America, even just traveling a little bit each year. We'll be retiring to Spain or Mexico in the next year. Can't wait.
@@CaliSteve169 He went from a 1100 ft home in U.S. to 6,0000 ft. which is approx. 6 times as big. If his home in Chicago was 6,000 sq. ft, his property tax would be 4500 x 6 = $27,000. That's his point.
@@CaliSteve169 He went from a 1100 ft home in U.S. to 6,0000 ft. which is approx. 6 times as big. If his home in Chicago was 6,000 sq. ft, his property tax would be 4500 x 6 = $27,000. That's his point. The difference between $27,000 and $120 is insane.
I'm an American living in America, and I work with a lot of foreigners. I noticed that there is a lot more camaraderie between these people. They share each other's food and it seems like they are more family than friends.
As an American living in the UK for coming on 8 years, I’m finding myself shouting ‘YES!!!’at my phone numerous times watching this video. I gave up a lot when I left the US, but I gained so so much more
Having high streets where shops are concentrated helps people come together . I love walking around in Europe and they have pretty good transport systems available as you say.
I agree with pretty much all of your observations - particularly life being a grind and food/groceries lacking quality. On the issue of loneliness, imo it's a matter of not being able to connect well with people in the US due to different perspectives gained after living abroad for so long (17 years for me). I noticed it my first year back (2012) on, interestingly enough, Thanksgiving. About eight friends and I were standing around a deep fryer in my friend's garage watching the turkey cook. They were all talking about home renovations and landscaping projects and I realized right then that the respective lives we had led to that point shaped what we valued in life in vastly different ways. They were all tuned in to each other's stories while to me it was a yawn fest. And vice versa when I tried to share stories of my experiences overseas.
It’s the gun violence that scares me the most. I just bought a pied a terre in a small town in rural France so I have a safe haven from life in the USA. I plan to relocate there over the next few years as I retire. I’m tired of Trump driven politics too, which are entirely idiotic.
I can definitely feel a lot of these! Almost all my friends live either in other parts of the US or in other countries, so I can definitely relate with the loneliness part. What doesn't help either is that everything is so spread out in the US with how far apart communities are due to the suburban sprawl. It can definitely be a challenge. Great video topic Kristin!
Great video, Kristin! You really hit so many of the main points, and thank you for ending on a positive note with ideas of how to handle all of the issues. I just flew home (Chicago) from visiting a friend in Nashville and spent $70 for an Uber home (11 miles). When I saw the price, I was going to take the train. However, there have been multiple shootings on the trains lately, so I invested in my safety. I was born in San Fran, was raised in a town of 4,000, have lived in major US cities (Dallas, Chicago, Milwaukee, Tampa, etc.) and have lived in Spain. I have never seen the US like this, and I also pray for it to get better.
Hi Anna, I’m so glad that you found the video helpful. That Uber pricing is so high! But it’s important for you to stay safe. I’m sorry to hear that about the public transportation, it’s a huge problem.
When I am early for public transport in my German midsized town I will probably hear 4 different languages before entering the tram. And I will be certain everybody speaks the local language as well, most of the younger people without any foreign accent.
We are Danes living in Germany on the border to Luxembourg, so yes, German, French, Portuguese (there are about 100.000 people of Portuguese origin living in Luxembourg), but also many other "foreign" languages. Because of the American military bases nearby, when we go to Trier, we hear a lot of American English, and due to the war in Ukraine, also a lot of Ukrainian (almost one million refugees are still living in Germany). In our village, the native tongue is almost the same as in Luxembourg, although the spelling is different. I am, of course, fluent in German after many years here, but when the locals at community meetings talk with the people from Luxembourg, I really have to listen carefully to understand it all 😂
"I feel so happy to be living in a place where i can hear 4 different native languages in only 1 hour drive. " I feel the same. Greetings from San Francisco.
You know it's crazy that I used to think about moving to Florida when I retired but now I just think of moving to Spain or Portugal : ) Once you go there you feel the difference!
Bad food, bad manners, bad public transportation no aesthetics, no real connections anywhere in any form. USA is a cold, artificial, expensive world; it is not near as nice as it was in the first half of the 20th century. People work long and hard but still can’t afford a descent home and family-life. Even women and men seem to be working against each other rather than helping each other.
exactly .... reading about their culture shocks/complaints like no AC, having to pay 50 cents to use a (very clean) public toilet and for water in a restaurant shows me that they don't even inform themselves before flying to another continent and culture.
The thing about food really puzzles me. I'm an European who's lived in the US for 30 years. I travel to Europe frequently. The commercially available food in Europe and the US sucks equally. I was in London this year and the food everywhere was absolutely horrible. Way worse than the US. Food grown in southern Europe by small farmers is very good, but that's definitely not the norm. It feels like people on this channel regurgitate things without actually having experienced any of them.
@@CaliSteve169as a Brit who lives in the USA I do think the bread in the usa is so unhealthy ....it s so hard not to find any that doesnt have a lot of sugar added.In the UK there are a lot of sweets but the savoury stuff does not have sp much added sugar and hfcs.
Hi Kristin. I've been living in Asia now (teach our military) for the past 16 years, and every time I return to the US to visit family/friends, I am reassured that in 2025, I will retire to Europe. I've been around the world, and have learned and experienced so much. Very few Americans ever ask us about our lives abroad. There is just no interest in any other culture or place than America. I enjoy my time with family and friends, but there is a limit to what I will talk about with them as we have expanded our horizons, and theirs are very insular. You said it all.
@@Alex-df4lt Why do Americans always focus on ‘the deal’? Sometimes the things you gain are purely intrinsic. But you would have to travel to find that out.
Thanks for sharing Kristin. I taught English in Japan and South Korea i my 20s. I remember seeing reverse culture shock when I moved back. I am at a point where I've considered teaching abroad again and I've also considered retiring abroad when that time comes. It's always interesting hearing your thoughts on similarities and differences between places.
Thanks for sharing your experiences! It’s fascinating to hear about your teaching journey and your reflections on reverse culture shock. Wishing you the best as you explore teaching or retiring abroad! 😊
I totally agree. I lived 32 years in Europe and I miss walking out of the door and walking to a sidewalk cafe. It is a shame that our zoning rules do not allow this. In Zurich you can walk or ride a tram to everything.
A very interesting view from a USA citizen, returning "home". I visit the States fairly often, having cousins and also a son there. It is amazing how visitors to any country often see what the locals miss. I try to get to know the thoughts of persons in as many places that we visit, and what helps is when they hear our English accent, and are surprised that we live in Italy. I really enjoy the smaller towns, especially Montana and Tennessee. All countries we have lived in, have made us learn many new views of the world, but which is often missing in the USA finding many that know very little outside they circle of friends, however we prefer to avoid cities, which we usually find impersonal.
Kristin, I just love your “safe place” videos. You are thoughtful (and thought-provoking) and polite. I have forwarded this video to several loved ones. Jorge, our Golden Retriever Buddy, and I (Joseph “Jody” Quillian) are about to celebrate 3 years of living in Querétaro, México. We are moving soon to a lovely rental home in the neighborhood we first lived in when we arrived in Querétaro on December 9, 2021. Currently we live in a high-rise apartment with lovely views of distant hills that envelop us in contentment. I lived in Dallas for 67 years … Jorge for 31 years (he is originally from Puebla, México). We are retired school teachers. We were happy in Dallas and are happy in Mexico … we’re just plain happy by nature. On November 15th we celebrated our 33rd anniversary. :-) One can create and hone a purpose in life, no matter where one lives … but I must say, life in Mexico is a happy one … maybe being retired helps. But we were also happy being school teachers and working a lot. “Energy flows where intention goes.” An expression I have always liked … and it is the way we have lived our life together … a fruitful life. Love to you, Kristin, and to anyone who happens to be reading this. :-) Jody
Excellent video! I’m a 72 yo retired woman who moved from the US to Mexico 7 years ago, primarily because of the cost-of-living issues I anticipated on my low teacher’s pension (and I’m from a state that does not allow Social Security benefits if one is a retired state employee). For the most part, I’ve been very happy with this decision, both for the reduced cost of living, and for the immersion in a different culture. The ability to participate in cultural activities here with some of the American and Canadian expats who have settled here, as well as with the Mexican citizens I’ve come to know, is also very rewarding. As you say, no place is perfect, but moving abroad is a wonderful life decision if one can do it! I will say that navigating the health insurance field and the health care costs here present a two-edged sword! Yes, many services and medications are less expensive, and paid out of pocket. But Medicare is generally not accepted here, and the older one gets, the more difficult it is to get insured with a private insurance agency - one of the most common options. This is one of the main reasons some people have to move back to the US: to be able to access the medical coverage they have in the States. Thanks for being an excellent source of information about living abroad!
I moved to Mexico 4 years ago and you have a very accurate description of it. I'm 65 and live in the Lake Chapala area. I will say that it's nice to access healthcare when you need it in Mexico and not have to wait 3 months to see a doctor. How refreshing!
Dear Kristin. French woman living now in Bali, I enjoyed so much the way you feel after living in Europe, especially about balance personal and professional life.
Canadian here. The last time I visited the US with a the American fellow I was dating at the time was in 2003. It was New Years Eve and he had packed a picnic and we drove to a park where we intended to watch the fireworks. Oh this was in Buffalo by the way. We had just parked in a park (it was empty at the time, but neither of us saw any signs stating that it was closed) somewhere in Tonawanda, and the next thing I was aware off, were police cars with their lights flashing, surrounding my date's car. IDs were demanded, numerous rude questions. After they were checked us out, they dumped the bottle of champagne we were about to ring in the New Year with. Needless to say, the experience left me with a very bitter aftertaste and I haven't been back to the US since. You can't pay me to cross the border. I don't foresee that ever changing for the rest of my life. This was 21 years ago and now I understand it's even worse, especially now that tRump's been voted back into office. Thanks but no thanks.
What’s wrong with Canadian television that you didn’t expect exactly this treatment before entering the country? Are they too polite to say what’s really going on south of the border?
A successful life the US is one in which you are financially wealthy. A successful life in Europe, and in many other countries, is one in which you are happy and contented. You can collect as many dollars as you like but you leave them all behind when you die. Rather die a happy and contented person - and leave no dollars behind
Totally agree. Just got back from two weeks in Europe. JFK was like a literal circus. Loud, disrespectful behavior, dirty eating areas, and people dressed like they were 14 years old and going to a sleepover.
I love your observations when comparing the U.S. to Europe or Latin America, I have heard your words echoed on nearly all of the other channels that I follow. It's too bad that the U.S. won't be changing for the better any time soon.
Hi Kristin, This piece is spot-on. Add to the U.S. list since the election: • Overwhelming urge to burst into tears daily • Overwhelming fear that my Social Security income & Medicare will be gutted. Your channel allows me to dream, focus, and save more money to LEAVE.
@@Mavmode I went to school in France and, trust me, you'll never regret moving there. Most locations aren't as affordable as other countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, but It's a magnificent place with thousands of years of grand history. Food and lifestyle are amazing. I'm 75 now, and because the dollar is likely to take a HUGE hit soon I'm rather stuck, as my retirement income is not likely to support me in another country. I looked into Mexico, which offers a very affordable way of life, but if your income is in American dollars, the exchange rate is not likely to favor the dollar. My house is paid for, and I have no debt, I make almost everything (even my own panties and handbags), so I'll stay here and grow my own fruits and vegetables to survive. If Social Security and Medicare are gutted, at least my investments should cover property insurance and taxes for another 25 or 30 years.
@@kathryncooper4001 thank you for this. We lived in Germany for several years when we first got married and although some good things have come from being back, we are ready to be done living in the US permanently. I live in Texas and several people I know have been personally impacted by gun violence, not to mention the other social and political ills. No country is perfect, but you can choose your hard if you’re fortunate enough to have options. Hopefully our worst predictions in the US don’t come true, but it sounds like you are prepared either way. I wish you the best of luck in the coming years!
@@Mavmode Good luck to you in your search for a good place to settle. The south of France is a good location -- close enough to visit Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece ... even north Africa.
My wife and I lived in Mexico for a while. We crossed into the US to visit and the customs agent was really angry that we lived in Mexico. He said "you two need to get out of Mexico and get back to the US!". Just a warped mentality. So sick of it.
I'm British but I lived in Mexico for 6 years. I used to fly from London to Mexico via Houston, where I would be entered into the country, then leave within an hour or two. The immigration officers were often disbelieving that I was not coming to the USA and had no intention of staying there more than about an hour. Coming back from Mexico, heading to London was even worse, as you can imagine ! I have visited the USA often as I have family there, but on the frequent transits through Houston I had the same experiences as you.
I am sure this is caused by telling each other all the time that the USA is the greatest country in the world. I don't think you could find any European telling that his or her country is the greatest country in the world. Still, they all love their country, and most of them would never want to live in the USA. We are Danish but have been living in Germany for almost 20 years and are soon leaving back to Denmark again, not because we don't love it here but we want to get closer to our family. 850 km is a long way to travel to see your grandchildren 😢.
@@gubsak55 "We are Danish but have been living in Germany" Neither of which is Mexico. Blue states in the USA have a standard of living equal to if not exceeding both of those places. (red states (the ones who like trump), not so much, but that's why in California and New York we call them "flyover states".)
@@Crusty_Camper " I have visited the USA often as I have family there, but on the frequent transits through Houston " Houston is better than the rest of Texas, as they voted against trump, however, it is not the major port cities on the West Coast and NorthEast Corridor. If you're looking for like-minded people, you will find them here in the San Francisco Bay Area, but not so much in Texas. 🙂
decades ago I traveled to Europe and like it so much I stayed nearly 7 years! Upon returning I was subjected to an intense interrogation at the airport. It was for no reason and was very intrusive and upsetting experience. Totally identify with your other points.
Thank you for this! I moved from San Francisco, a great city, 15 years ago to England. When I went back the place I left had changed so much I wouldn’t want to be there now.
Another brilliant video with excellent commentary and insights. In having this perspective you are definitely NOT alone. Your observations about American culture are spot on. Having said that, this is not even really about what is right or wrong. You are speaking of your own personal experience and it’s valid even if the experience of others is to the contrary. (Not that you need me to validate this for you.) Americans worship at the altar of the new, and one thing I miss about Europe is its reverence for oldness and its history even as it moves forward as well. Also, your comment about omnipresent strip malls in the United States exemplifies what author James Howard Kunstler writes about in his book, “The Geography of Nowhere.” The United States is moving deeper into the privatization of what should be public assets of the common good. And this is very distressing. We also tend to measure our standard of living solely by the acquisition of consumer goods and the money we make. And this is a soul-sucking ethos. We are rapidly devolving into a two-class society of server and served. And the system which has most codified this dynamic is the one we know by the name, feudalism. This rhetoric may seem hyperbolic or over-the-top, but I think we are like the folklore of the frogs in the frying pan - the temperature is so gradually turned up that we scarcely perceive it. Moreover, American food is processed to death for the sake of the capitalist agri-industry. And we are indoctrinated to believe that the solution is not to support regenerative farming and organics but just to turn to the high-priced pharmaceutical industry and medicate the problem. Also, I witness that we (U.S. Americans) are losing the art of conversation - genuine personal contact not orchestrated by corporate media. Your points in this regard resonate with me very much. Likewise, what you say about the lack of common spaces. In the United States, city officials would rather give up a public square to the gods of the tax base than to give people a place to mingle and revisit their spontaneity. And we just need time to breathe, to reflect, to rediscover our inner voice. For all our running around to serve the priorities defined by others, we scarcely can come to know ourselves, to say nothing of knowing each other. And thank you for the courage to speak of gun violence and America’s perverse and pathological love of guns. Virtually everything in the States is driven by a myopic and self-destructive focus on profit, and we work ourselves to death - often literally. As the adage goes, no one on their death bed ever has said, “If only I spent more time at the office.” To be sure, capitalism is practiced in Europe as well, but at least there it has modest and reasonable regulatory limits in place. Thanks again for sharing your insights about American culture - insights which originate in your expansive outlook. I give you a standing ovation for this. This video is your personal masterpiece.
Kristin, thank you so much for this video esp. we’re moving to France in 2025. And this solidifies our decision. We appreciate your experience and your effort in sharing it so clearly and honestly. Everything you say rings so true❤
You are getting a slightly jaundiced viewpoint….. most of the Americans answering here left for whatever reason. There are millions and millions that find USA just fine…. Actuslly 100’s of millions…. And millions more pouring in every year…. I say whatever floats your boat…. Would be more appropriate to say I “enjoy London more than nyc”… “I like the polish country side more than Vermont”…. These are very very big generalizations you’re reading
You know, if Americans actually travelled outside the US a lot more, there views on the US would likely change in a lot of ways and likely in a negative tone, most Americans being isolated from the rest of the world isn't doing them any favours, in fact, it's allowing the system to take advantage of them, hence why the US is the odd country out when it comes to social programs and protections out of almost all modern countries. Americans are really being screwed over by the system and most don't even realise it because the system brainwashes them, it's the ones that get out of the US for some time that open there eyes to how things really are and not how the system wants them to think, it's kinda sad that most Americans are blind to how badly the system treats them, especially lower to middle income Americans, which is the majority of them.
I live in the UK. I travel a lot. I've been to Romania and Hungary just in the last couple of months. I never recall a single time when I've come home being asked by passport control in the UK where I'd been or why. Ever.
Officers in the UK can be extremely rude though. The last time I went from Germany to the UK the officer asked me so many questions about my intended vacation (and not in a positive way), somehow implying I could overstay my visa and illegally settle in the UK before Brexit makes it impossible (this was after the Brexit vote but before that withdrawal was completed). The amount of tough questions and the scepticism was unsettling.
@@ag4444 I'm afraid, just like the effect Trump has had in the USA, Brexit allowed the very worst of our society to come out with their filthy attitudes openly. I left the UK in 2010, only visited twice since, last time in 2017. thankfully, no issues at the border but frankly, I wouldn't put up with any kind of rudeness and I am considered to be ...erm...rather "Direct" shall we say!
I have felt the same about US living. I LOVE my fellow US Americans! Nothing against the people YET the lifestyle seems hard on us US people. thank you Kristin for being brave enough to speak about our quality of life. Your suggestions for connecting with others positively and daily meditation practice to slow down our spirits for a little time every day and making connection time with others a priority
Why I moved to Europe and never looked back! The USA offers convenience but everything else is somewhat toxic. Life in Europe is so much nicer for us ❤
I was in Los Angeles airport. I was asked to take my shoes off. I couldn’t do that on the left side because I have a high above knee amputation. I was told to take my leg off to take my shoe off. I was standing in my underwear in front of everyone. On the better side I later had a good holiday in French Polynesia. I’m 70 now and live, where I was born in NE England
Three things that I can add... First, I get migraines trying to watch TV because they have ad breaks every 5 min and the ads are designed for people with zero attention span. The ads are loud, flashing, the camera angle changes every third of a second and the people are referencing some kind of shallow consumerism or pop culture item that I no longer understand or care about. Second, it's difficult to talk to people about your life because they have no reference point or don't understand why you would do that. I avoid telling people that I live abroad because the typical reaction I get is "but why would you move to a place and give up all of your freedoms and rights and get worse education and healthcare?" I get tired of explaining that all of that is false. When they find out that I was able to afford a house and get more vacation and many other things that make the quality of life better, the conversation seems to die off. Lastly, Americans are friendly and chatty, but I find it to be very hollow. People will chat you up in line at a cafe, but it's rare that those conversations turn into anything meaningful. When I'm abroad, people don't chat you up as often, but when they do it's because they have a genuine interest in talking to you about something.
I am a Brit, but have lived in Canada for 50 years, so have seen a lot of U.S TV. Went for a visit to the U.K. and was astounded by the Quality and sophistication of the TV advertising. U.S ads are pathetic and childish.
I'm from Finland and we're usually somewhat straight to the point people. Small talk doesn't really exist here; if we don't have something of substance to say, we stay quiet. A little while ago i started a company with a friend and we tried to get some customer contacting going to the USA, but we were fast to find out it's not for us. The people seem to have a priority of giving a happy, excited and polite impression even at the cost of being dishonest. Why be all "Super amazing! Absolutely fantastic!" if you're not interested..
The rail is very interesting. Sometimes i use it and I always get interesting conversations with the people next to me. Like in the movie Euro trip. I like it too.
I've always loved going on longer train trips through Europe. My father started this love, bringing me on overnighters down to for example Italy and southern France through Germany, eating a nice dinner in the restaurant wagon and seeing the countryside flowing by in the sunset. And then, experiencing new cultures in new exciting surroundings, it was great from the beginning. And, as mentioned, always interesting conversations with fellow passengers onboard. It's been a while now though.
As an American living abroad, I can totally relate to the palpable tension in the air that you feel as soon as you land in the US from elsewhere. And honestly it doesn't go away until you leave the US again. I don't think most people are aware of the toll that insecurity regarding healthcare, employment, childcare, safety etc. takes on their general wellbeing. I certainly wasn't aware of this until I moved abroad. But it adds up and creates a very tense society overall. Also, after my recent trip home I mentioned to my (Russian!) colleague that I had been questioned at border control and she was surprised that a US citizen would be questioned upon entering the US. It's really very unsettling when you think about it.
My parents retired in a major Western European city and absolutely love it. Health care coverage and services are never an issue for them. Ever. As opposed to when they lived in the U.S.
One thing that is still good here in Marin County, just north of San Francisco is that you can still find excellent and real food in some of the stores and that people are so much healthier here. Not cheap here nor is there much in the way of public transportation. However I can work from home and I don’t go far.
Excellent information here and I happen to agree with you on all the points. My husband and I moved to Nazare, Portugal in 2022 and never looked back. The people, the culture, the quality of the food, the weather - it all suits us perfectly. We made friends easily and have a strong sense of community here. We walk everywhere and take daily walks along the ocean. And we do this all on about $2500/month (which includes our mortgage). I love the quality of life here. Thanks for the video.
I liked your suggestions for how to cope with living in the states at the end of this video. All of them i have made a point to do. You always give such good advise and that's why i love your channel.
1:39: That is really interesting from a Norwegian point of view. I once took a train from Sweden back home to Norway and this guy came over and started chatting with us and I was somewhat hung over, so I wasn't in the mood for smalltalk. After a while, he left and I commented to my colleagues that I thought he was very nosy, but they laughed and told me that was customs and immigration. Plain clothed, nice and friendly, but a bit overly curious, asking the same types of questions you mention in your interrogation. But if nobody had told me, I would've thought he was just a bit odd or lonely or something. :)
You didn't mention the dirtiness. It's shocking, coming from European cities, Asian cities, how very dirty everything obviously is here. Cars, houses, spaces, bathrooms.
I left the USA for years so I know all too well what you're talking about. It's actually very depressing to be in USA, knowing life is so much better across the oceans. Carpe diem!
We spent part of last winter cycling in Spain. Towards the end of one of my rides, I had to take care of a work call and pulled over to a bench at the side of the road. While I was on the call, a police officer (on foot) came up to me. I wasn’t sure what he wanted, but turns out he was a triathlete and wanted to have a look at my bike. I still chat with him by text from time to time.
I completely agree on the transportation issue, I don't want another car. I'd rather find a place where everything is within walking distance. And US Customs is pretty rough, compared to, oh, everywhere else.
That was 100% dead on. I could not have said that better myself. We currently live in the USVI, which has all the same (and a few more) American issues you outlined in a pretty (and warm) setting. We have lived & sailed throughout the Caribbean and miss the vibes of the other islands, but it's easier to work in your home country so here we are. We are hoping to move to Europe or Latin America in the next few years. Residency seems much simpler (and sometimes comes with perks) internationally when you're retired, so we are waiting until we qualify for those visas, have more savings, and are (hopefully) assured that social security we put into the system will be there for us when we need it.
@@imogendunstan3603 US Virgin Islands. We are a territory of the US so American/US Citizens but can't vote for US president. We are not far from Puerto Rico.
Gratitude. I am grateful for your videos. I was in Krakow, Poland a few months ago. There is a place there called Planty Park in Stare Miasto (Old Town). It is a gathering place where people go, especially in the evening, to walk, jog, bike, visit, and take their kids. It was heart warming to experience such a sense of community.
OMG I swear I felt like you were talking directly to me. It was like everything you were saying it what I been feeling so thank you. I like they E U and had been thinking that is the area of going to end now I know so. Just need to figure out where.
Hello, I lived most of my life in Miami: however also in Brazil, Costa Rica, & now in Portugal for the past 2-1/2 years. I speak English, Portuguese & Spanish. I'd love to help, give my perspectives & experiences for people considering moving to Portugal.
On a trip back from China my dad recently had become a US citizen. We arrived in LAX. I was traveling with US tourist visa. I was stamped right away and let into the baggage claim in no time since I was staying in the US for a couple days, but my father was interrogated for half an hour. When he was released he was so upset and said to me: "it seems it makes no difference becomig a US citizen now" do get treated like trash at the airport!
Thank you for this video Kristin. I am leaving the US for Europe because I can no longer afford to live where I was born. You're exactly right, the cost of groceries in France is 1/3 the cost of the US. Literally. It's mind boggling. I want to enjoy life, not be chained to my work desk just to pay the bills. I’m 55 and my very basic, no frills health insurance was $1,000 per month…with a huge deductible. I’d go without insurance if I could in the US because it would be cheaper for me but I’d be penalized through the tax system. It’s all about profit for the healthcare and insurance agencies.
Besides it makes me think that the US has rising energy prices and higher cost for groceries although not having a war next door and a former supplier cut off over night. In Europe we do have inflation too but not as extreme as in the US how come? Profits over all? With the recent announcements of the president-elect you should get over here prior to his day one.
I was in the international terminal security line at SFO to leave the US after visiting family and saw a TSA agent yell "I said everybody move up in the line, don't you people speak English?" Then they got mad at me for confronting them about it. Seems like a lot of them are on a power trip of some kind. I've made it a point to be rude back to them if they are rude to me (which is pretty much every time).
Just came back to the US a few days ago and treated horribly at point of entry. This is happened every single time every single time I've returned to the US. The rudeness was off the chain! I was confused because of conflicting signs and instead of getting off her duff and speaking to me like a human being, the TSA employee didn't just shout so that I could hear her, she was yelling in a condescending manner and repeating herself in a jerky fashion. I wasn't doing anything wrong I was just trying to figure out where I was supposed to go because the signs were conflicting I wasn't in anyone's way I wasn't going anywhere I shouldn't go. It was completely uncalled for and I gave it right back to her. Before that the customs guy made a joke at my expense which wasn't funny. If I made such a joke they'd haul me in and claim I was suspicious. I'm so over this place.
The first 500 people to use my link skl.sh/travelingwithkristin11241 will get a 1-month free trial of Skillshare premium!
Thanks 🎉. Gonna find a fun class that will help me move forward. People in USA dont interact because they are bombarded with Fears. So that causes more stress and so they take more anti depressants and then they just crash.
I’m gonna joyfully find something good to Study.
Should add music as one of the skills, like learning guitar or any instrument.
Kristen I know you may not have a personal favorite place to live because you’ve been all over the world and I’m sure you love so many places you’ve been. But I’m curious, do you have a personal favorite Country or city in Europe that you love most?
Foods are not prepared in the restaurants. They come in large cans then served to the customers. That's why it tastes the same. I worked in restaurants in my youger days.It's all processed food.
How do you like living here in Miami? Make a video.
My son went to study his masters in Brussels, Belgium. After one year studying there he came back to see his college friends in Salt Lake City (Utah State). The first cultural shock happened in a party that they threw for him. None he said to me, absolutely none Dad, asked me once a question about my life in Europe or anything related with my European experience (That really hurt his feelings), later, he noticed that all the conversations were related to money, possessions and banal topics and when he tried to talk about something more interesting he was treated with contempt. As a European, I always tried to teach my kids that as important as earning a living is, it is also important to feed our intellect and nurture our soul. His first months in Brussels were very difficult since he didn't know anybody there and he felt very very lonely, two years have passed on and he has friends from all over the world, last week took his test for French proficiency and passed it and I am extremely proud of him since he is 23, it is about to finish his masters and speaks fluently in English, Spanish and French.
My Dad was in the Air Force and we moved A Lot. Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Guam, and all over the States. We never made it to Europe though many people we know did. I remember in 7th grade, living in Portsmouth NH and a girl I had nursed a crush on for four years got transferred to Spain. It turned out much later, she got married there.
One thing we never did in country was think about the language. I had no idea what I missed until I was in my 60s.
Nice 🎉👏😊
@@kimhorton6109 As an adult I feel those emotions as well. People rarely ask questions about my time in Europe, etc. it’s a very narrow minded point of view.
I have a similar experience just between different states in the U.S. I moved to another state as a young adult and most of my family have little curiosity about the state I live in now or have traveled to. So, it's come as no surprise that they have had zero interest in my experiences traveling to other countries. My chosen group of friends is much more diverse, and there's far more curiosity among them. So, it's not everyone.
Congrats from Brussels to your son and you !!!!
During the Cold War we took a moral turn, from seeing capitalism as a handy tool, to treating it like a religion. We associate earning money with being virtuous, even when it robs our families of time with them. We charge more than we need to because we can, because we think that we're supposed to. Anything that doesn't earn money seems like a sinful waste of time. We regard the poor as sinners and try to make a low-cost lifestyle as punitive as possible. We treat people who do low-paying yet necessary work as disgraceful slackers, even when they work extremely hard; when they suffer from not getting paid enough we think of them as reaping their just desserts instead of asking why we pay so little for something that we honestly need. This is no way to live! We have become dysmoral.
Perfectly said
Great post!
I could’nt have said it better.
@@DoloresJNurss That is so sad but true. What truly is amoral is when insurance companies profit off of people who are sick. No one should go bankrupt because of a disease no fault of their own. You won't find this in European countries.
Very well said, however, I feel the biggest change came in the 80’s. When RR told corporate America that their “job”, was th make money for their “shareholders”! This began the change that bankrupted the middle and lower class. However, this is how “capitalism” is designed! Hooray for me and f-- you!
My internet went down today for 5 minutes, and I had to talk to my family. They seem like nice people.
That really amused me. Very good !
yup....youtube is th etoilet of the internet.....
@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists what the hell does that mean?
😂😂😂😂😂
@@user-man-now80 It is a comment on how people nowadays seem to spend their life glued to the internet. It was alluded to in the video.
I am a retired airline captain. I have been through thousands of checkpoints. The best I was ever treated, every single time, was entering a foreign country. If I was in uniform, or not, I was treated respectfully and with dignity. I was addressed as Captain or sir. “Step this way Captain or thank you sir.” I never once in my 32 year career was I ever made to feel as is I had done something wrong or there was any cause to be suspicious of my intentions or behavior. Not once. Coming to the USA meant all this went out the window. I was usually treated with little respect and often I exited the whole encounter feeling pissed off after the experience. I was, on several occasions, even asked to partially disrobe parts of my uniform in front of the passengers. Now that will really make a person angry. Europe has it figured out from checkin to deplaning at your destination.
When I first came to the us in 1957 everyone was friendly but it has change so much since then and now people are angry and worry and the media doesn't help by constantly telling us lies after lies.
@@mariadaido6715. Maria, what media lies are you referring to? In my experience - I don’t think I ever encountered a media falsehood about security. Don’t get me wrong, as a pilot, I appreciated tight security. I just believe TSA can do it without all the attitude and disrespect.
Si true
Interesting … I guess it depends on the place.
This comment really resonates with me
I lived in Finland from 1990 -> 2000. Nice, beautiful countryside, calmness, everyone is "taken care of". Really nice.
Reverse culture shock coming back was difficult to adjust to. Everyone in the US seems to think that "more is better".
Quite often this is entirely false. Happiness comes from within, I truly believe that now.
1990 to 2000 was prime time for Europe, is a different place now and on the way down.
Yes. Buy the thing and fill the hole.
American here
Living in Finland since 1986 and its different nowdays because its even better! 🇫🇮
@@exriodonorte67 not in Finland
Last year I went to Europe for my first time I went to Barcelona, Madrid in Spain and Toulouse France. I have traveled for many years from Southeast Asia and I’ve traveled throughout the United States and all I can say about what I experienced in Europe was it was the most amazing place I’ve ever been. I never felt so alive in my life thank you to the wonderful people of Spain and France for that experience.
don't make a mistake, no place in europe is vibrant as new york to take one example, east asia is better than europe as well
@@account-369 Hahaha, calm down, do not be so ridiculously jealous. I think the message was clear... You can keep all New York´s vibrancy for yourself.
@account-369 have you lived anywhere else? I lived in London, New York, Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong... and as much as I loved the vibe in NYC at first, it's not my first choice to live.
Vibrant in NYC is the pace, it's not what she meant when she stated she felt alive
@jm7578 I went to Barcelona this year and it was just amazing, my wife and i stayed in a hotel in La Rambla and we were just walking distance away from many museums, historical sights and restaurants. Gaudi's Sagrada Familia was an architectural wonder. The Picasso museum was also within walking distance. Going up the hill to Montjuic only minutes away via metro and seeing Miro's art collection displayed at Fundació Joan Miró. It seems everywhere, every city block have deep cultural history. We needed more than the 5 short days we spent there. I've been many countries in Europe (UK, France, Germany, CZ, Austria, Italy, Hungary, etc) and Barcelona is in the top. We are planning a multi city trip to South of France May 2025 (via TGV rail city to city), I'm going to see if I can extend it a week and fly back to Barcelona.
This was my second trip to Spain, the first time was when we went to Madrid and Malaga in 2016, I wanted to take the rail but found out it was cheaper to fly unlike the rest of Europe were train tickets are generally cheaper.
@@account-369 I lived in NYC for almost 30 years and I disagree with that and it really depends on what your comparisons are. NYC is way ahead in technology/innovation, opportunity (business & work), multi cultural food choices and entertainment. Let's compare it to my recent visit to Barcelona although not as diverse as NYC, Barcelona centuries culture easily beats NYC. NYC's art scene in the 1980s produced legendary artists but that culture no longer exists and nothing compares to Barcelona's Miro, Picasso and Gaudi which are the original inspirations to NYC's Warhol, Basquiat, Haring. It depends what you're comparing it to.
Barcelona's metro and public transport beats NYC subways and access to it, like there are no elevator access to NYC subways whereas there's always elevators on all the metro stations I've been to in Barcelona. No matter where you want to go in Barcelona, there's always public transport which could be a combination of bus, train, tram to get you there. When I went to the Miro museum (Fundació Joan Miró) in Montjuïc which has a lot of hills and is similar to SanFrancisco. They have outdoor escalators to make it easy for their citizens to get around.
Kristin, this needed to be said; most Americans don’t have an idea of the truth you are saying, especially those who haven’t travelled outside the US. I was a truck driver for many years, and delivered to Sysco and US Foods. There are others though, but you are correct: whether you go to a $50/plate restaurant or a $500/ plate restaurant, with few exceptions the food is all the same. I know, I hauled it.
Great comment and insights
Well, the USA has 13 restaurants with three Michelin stars. Britain only has 9.
@@neutrino78xUmm, that's a case for better food in the UK when you consider how much larger the US is.
@@1chumley1
"Umm, that's a case for better food in the UK"
The UK needs to work on better food, yes I agree.
USA is 5th in the world for number of 3 Michelin star restaurants. We have 13, Italy has 14. Next one down is Germany with 10.
The greatest number is found in France (home of Michelin) with 30.
We're 6th in the world (still ahead of the UK) in number of restaurants with at least one Michelin star. That's 200 in UK and 239 in USA.
Correct. It's just presenation and location. Chicken will be chicken but to cost changes depending on what plate it's on.
Everything you've talked about has resonated with me. The quality of life in the U.S. has declined precipitously over my lifetime. I'm ready to see what the rest of the world has to offer.
Usa sucks
Me too!! I visited Ireland in 2023. I loved it.
@@cynthialeveque6606
That is my dream destination.
@@ceoa You'll love it. The Irish people are so nice. That was my dream destination too. My new dream destinations are now Greece and Italy.
me too bro, if only I wasn't in so much debt... many of us are just trapped here in the rat race
In 2018 my daughter and I returned to the U.S from a month long trip to Europe. Customs in Chicago was a nightmare. But what really struck me as strange was a restaurant we stopped at on the drive home. The waitresses surrounded us with this frenetic activity and false smiling, asking us constantly if our food was ok, how were we etc. I just wanted all that craziness AWAY from us. Can we just RELAX? I got used to more sincerity and calm in Europe. It was ok to wait for something. One other thing : bread in Rome TASTES LIKE BREAD.
Its a function of the truly terrible tips culture in the US. How about you guys in the US make a decision to pay more for your actual meals, so the staff can be paid a living wage? And then pay a LOT less in tips, to compensate? Sort of like how most of Europe does it...? So staff do not feel so pressured to maximise customer throughput, and avoid giving any excuse for not getting a "normal" tip? And yes, European bread indeed does not taste like sugary cake. Nor is all our food so laden with high fructose corn syrup and other nasties.
you are always welcome in Europe especially in Rome.❤🌴🌞
I laugh when my wife asked for butter and I told her they don’t use butter, they use olive oil.
@@william-fla-321 If you have really fresh olive oil (that is still green), that's really all you need. But good luck getting that outside of the olive farming areas.
@@adriangoodrich4306
"How about you guys in the US make a decision to pay more for your actual meals, so the staff can be paid a living wage?"
We do that here on the west coast (California, Oregon, Washington State, Nevada). And our minimum wage is higher than most cities in Europe. (salaries in general are quite a bit higher in the USA.)
Unfortunately it doesn't erase tip culture.
Personally, I don't normally go to full service restaurants that would require a tip. When I do, I go to Michelin Star restaurants that serve some of the best food in the world. There are five here in the San Francisco Bay Area that have earned Three Michelin Stars, the highest honor Michelin can bestow upon a restaurant, and a sixth one where they closed the original restaurant (that had three Michelin Stars) and replaced it with rotating popup restaurants featuring Michelin Star chefs from around the world.
No fake smiles out here though. I feel like OP lives far away from Chicago itself. Chicago, like San Francisco, is one of the world's great cities.
There is nothing like moving to and living in a different country we moved to England in 2013 a few weeks after we were married, we were 18 and 21 just starting out when we moved here. I always knew he wanted to move to the England, just never dreamed it would happen so quickly. We both love England. We have both become citizens, I went to university here and now teach year two students, we have had all three of our children here. England is home. We have travelled back to the States to see family, but it no longer feels like home. I throughly admit it was strange at first to discover America now feels like a different world and a different time. We are happy here, as I said England is home.
I wish I could move to England.
@@sheilaterranovabeasley1966
Then start VISUALISNG, Honey (I'm, perfectly serious)! I know it can't be an easy move to make - but England ain't Mars, and we're not a bad bunch here in the UK😀!
Great to have you here! Love our American brothers and sisters and you are always welcome.
@@stevejhkhfda I wish it was easier to move to England. Not accepting retirees from here anymore. 😢
@@sheilaterranovabeasley1966 from the US? I think we need to sort out our immigration system and that will hopefully be coming. We want to welcome those from culturally similar countries, especially commonwealth and ex-colonies! ;)
My best friend married a Brit & moved to England over 50 years ago . Last time she went through US Customs, the agent wanted to know why she was living in Britain and not the US. Then she practically yelled at her , “Well, what’s wrong with America?” (My friend didn’t have time to give her the list).
Americans have a “what can you do for me” attitude toward friendships. They want instant friendships but will dump you just as quickly. I recently had a woman introduce me to her friend as “my new best friend” even though I had only met her once before. Often they want to know where you live to help them decide if you are worthy of their friendship. No thanks.
Great video!
Great point. And the first sentence in the conversation is usually "what do you do"?
What total rubbish! That’s made up.
Absolutely correct ✅
If the vast majority of Americans lived abroad for a while. In other developed countries, they wouldn't be so proud of the American way.
America is never about the people, it's about corporations, profit and consumerism.
@ that is ridiculous and ignorant. Millions of us do travel and live abroad. Most return to the USA at some point. Where do you live, Boris?
Your not alone - I feel the same way after coming back from Northern Italy - all your points are valid. I am a naturalized American but I hold citizenship in NZL and CAN I see so much changing in the USA not for the good actually especially now.
Good luck if you need a doctor in Canada and now it’s almost the same in England.
@@marilynrybak9154 " The closer you get to an American hospital or doctor the more likely it is you are going to die ." On " average " Europeans live five more years than Americans and have more healthy years . Corporate capitalism is toxic and destroys EVERTHING it touches from the food to the environment to political " leadership " ...
@@marilynrybak9154. Same in the U.S., especially in Florida. Takes months to get in to see a doctor or be scheduled for a much needed surgery.
Then, you have to worry about the financial impact and trying to pay for it without ruining your financial life. Not conducive to healing, that’s for sure.
Dual citizenship is ridiculous. Something else the U.S. needs to change, Choose a country and be loyal to it.
@@marilynrybak9154 I don't know how long does it take to get to see a doctor in Canada and I know that there are problems in the UK but that's not the point. Even without knowing everything about Canada or the UK I know for sure that you can see a doctor if needed and you'll wait only if you need a specialist and if you're not in any immediate danger/life threatening situation but you will see one and you'll get the treatment you need and this is true to all citizens/residents.
In the US you can get the best and fastest care you need, if you have money. The more you have the faster and better it is and if you don't it's your problem.
BTW, in every country I know, and I'm sure that it's the same in Canada and the UK, if you have money and you don't want to wait you can see a private doctor immediately if you want but, in the end, apart from a bit faster, maybe more convenient and certainly far mire expensive both you and the poorest man will get the treatment you need.
I broke my leg a long time ago (bicycle accident - handle broke and I fell on the side and the bike completely broke my left leg bellow the knee). People called an ambulance that rushed to the nearest hospital. All went through checks and X-rays, they said that it's not clear but I'll probably need surgery but they put a cast just in case. In the morning I was moved in an ambulance to "my hospital" (the one in my area), they made more x-rays and a CT and said that I'll need surgery that includes taking bone from my pelvis and using it to full the gap in my leg. I had the operation 3 days later, stayed another 4 days in the hospital (with excellent food, which surprised me) and released with a prescription. The cost of the operation was almost 5000€, which I did not pay of course (they tell you the cost on the release papers), I collected my prescription, which was 160€ but I only paid 11€, during the three and a half months I could not step on my left leg (no cast was needed as it was connected by screws) every 3 week I had inspection in the outer clinic of the hospital that included an x-ray and an examination by a doctor and once I was given the OK to start stepping on my leg I got physiotherapy for as long as I needed (after 6 months I told hem I don't need more).
I paid nothing for all of this.
I do pay, of course, for the national health insurance but what I pay is not even close to a very basic health insurance that includes very little with high co-payments and low coverage that you get in the US, if you're lucky.
I lived in Europe in the mid-80's; I didn't want to come back, and as soon as I landed, it hit me hard, and it has stuck with me ever since.
I moved back to the US after living in Europe and Asia for many years so that my daughter could finish high school. I'll leave again once she graduates.
You will always return to the US because it is home, regardless of what you may say, especially if they do not grant you citizenship in that country. I understand your perspective, as I tried living in Dubai for two years with a teaching job, a salary, housing, and transportation provided, yet I still found myself back in the US.
@@abdulaliakbar1175 It sounds like you were in Dubai pretty much just for the job. The countries I lived in (two in Asia, two in Europe, plus Mexico), I did so because I absolutely loved living in them--the culture, the food, the architecture. I'm not interested in getting citizenship in any of thses countries--I guess you could call me a slow traveler since I did this over a 20 year period. I do not dislike the USA, but I have no interest in staying here.
@@abdulaliakbar1175Thats soooo not true 😂😂😂
I am moving to Switzerland.
USA is a shi*hole right now.
@@abdulaliakbar1175 Not true. Dubai is not what I would call a "long term" destination. People move there for a good job but I can't imagine living there forever.
As an American who lives in Prague I get sick every time I visit the USA. It takes me a few days to adjust to the bad food.
I am Italian and I was an exchange student in the US. I got so badly sick because of the food. We ain’t used to eat so much sugar, fats and preservatives.
@@GianniDN I did an internship in the USA for 3 months. I THOUGHT I was eating the same as back home: bread, homecooked meals, etc. I gained 7 kg in 3 months...
My cousin from Germany said he tastes copper in his mouth when he comes to the U.S.? Any biochemists out there?
Tady Čech, jsem rád že se ti u nás líbí, ale na druhou stranu, tady onemocníš když se nás pokusíš přechlastat. This is Czech, I'm glad you like it here, but on the other hand, you'll get sick here if you try to overdrink us. 😄 (translated by Google)
@ 🤣🤣🤣
Being from Scandinavia myself but living in the US I agree with your observations. That there are more guns than people in the US really scares me. The US has a very weird love of killing machines. Also, the lack of concern for the environment is also something you definitely notice; the extensive use of one time use plates, cups, utensils, and bags etc. which is illegal at least in some countries in Europe. After a party there are usually several trash cans full of trash. Crazy amount of packaging. If I go though a drive through and asks for no bag some look at me like I am crazy. No, the crazy thing is to get one item in a bag just to deliver it 1 yard into the car window and then throw it away. The amounts of trash produced in the US is staggering compared to other countries. And people here find it completely normal and acceptable.
I agree, I'm always shocked by the amount of plastic packaging and waste that's in the US.
As a European who lives in the US, I appreciate the 2nd amendment more than any other freedom.
@@CaliSteve169 That is one of the reasons I have considered leaving. I don't feel safe here when anyone has the right have a gun. Crazy people don't have "crazy" written on their forehead. And I think people who are into having guns are somewhat crazy. Having a gun needs to be a privilege like in other western countries. Driving a car is a privilege as it can kill and requires courses and proper training. Same thing with a gun.
@Uncommonsensetoo I've lived in the US for 30 years. Guess how many shootings I've witnessed (personally, put aside what they show you on tv). Zero. Zilch. Nada. Guess how many people I know personally (not on TV) who have witnessed one. Come on, guess. That's right - zero, zilch, nada. Now be honest- how many have you witnessed personally? Be honest. Again not what your TV is telling you. I can already tell you - none. Now, the stabbings in Europe on the other hand are real since all of Africa and Middle East are now in Europe.
Wow! So well written. My parents emigrated to the US in the early 50’s from Sweden. We made multiple trips “back home”. Because of this, I was exposed to the European way of life. I love it and so does my wife (boy am I lucky)! However, I have a very difficult time, trying to talk to my friends about anything European! I try to tell friends that while US democracy has been good, other forms of democracy such as “social democracy” also work well. The difference between the two, to me is, capitalism is about ME and mine. Social democracy is about US and what can WE do to make life better! What a thought!
My experience returning to the USA after years in Europe:
The JFK immigration guy was rude and arrogant , something I never experienced in Europe.
When I balked at his many intrusive questions, he said, and I quote "You are not cooperating. Do you see that big man in the back? He will take you into that little room and make you cooperate".
I was shocked and disgusted.
This is how foreign visitors to the US are "welcomed".
Ugh! I’m sorry for your back experience in your return to the US. It has become truly toxic.
But if you are an illegal Border crosser, you are treated with respect, health checked, put in a Bus to a 4 star hotel, along with a debit spending card for six months.
You really believe all those maga lies?@@cookmaster3626
In six transits (never left the airport) through LAX, between the UK and NZ in recent years, the US immigration personnel were consistently very unpleasant and unwelcoming. And scary. Perhaps surprisingly, on our one trip to NYC a couple of years ago, the immigration staff at JFK were fine!
@@cookmaster3626Nice try, but that is not how real life works. Stop watching Fox News.
Kristin, you are spot on about the differences you've noticed and experienced. I have lived in 7 different countries myself and can confirm the same observations when returning to the US. Yes, reverse culture shock is a real thing. Thank you for your channel. Your personal experiences are very insightful.
It seems to me USA is the greatest company in the world. Even outside work it is all about work. If you don't have a great job or at least a job which pays very well that doesn't seem great.
Work-work-balance.
You're very welcome, Steve.
I've been on many many journeys outside the US. Just spend 3 days in Ljubljana Slovenia, (drove from villach austria - no traffic) got to witness the Christmas lighting celebration, MASSIVE crowd of thousands... fun loving people, I saw only 2 police officers, 0 overweight people, 0 drunk assholes, 0 face/neck tattoos, 0 women with multicolored hair, 0 gun shots. It was an amazing time. Visited Lagos/Faro and Lisbon Portugal, 0 traffic lights, 0 police officers, fun loving people. American culture is toxic beyond measure. IMO. It's hard to explain just how great European culture can be to people who have never travelled overseas. One of the noticeable difference: there is no sense of desperation.
I’d love to be there; so tired of the toxicity of my own country.
Europe 🇪🇺 is beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤
Me as a European love multi coloured hair on girls :D
@@Delibrome as a European does not like multi-coloured hair on girls. It usually indicates extreme left-wing politics and misandry.
don't idealise too much. It's different when your are in a foreign country as a tourist than living in the country. But, as european, when i see that us culture is mostly about money, showing off materials things, living for work instead of working to live... it's a shame
You are 100% right. And this is why my husband and I will be retiring in France in a few years. We love the lifestyle there and want to live that ourselves. I am a fiber artist for relaxation and look forward to having a studio there to spend some time doing this hobby more freely. Also, personal safety is critical,especially as we get closer to the vulnerable age of the elderly. I am willing to sacrifice the closeness to family to have a safer, more relaxed life. No place is perfect, but France represents most of what we hope to live.
It sounds like you've found a great place to spend your retirement! France is always a good idea 🙂
Just beware that the locals won't be interested in making friends with you
@@TravelingwithKristin why not live in Taiwan
Just much better
Voulez-vous un atelier en france? Oh, le reve!
How though? It seems retiring is almost impossible now to Europe, especially England, no more retirement visas. I don’t have grandparents from Europe.
Thanks for this. We lived for 3 years in Denmark and really enjoyed the bike/train/walking lifestyle (our "car" was a Christania cargo bike, and my wife would use it to take our son to Danish børnehave every day). If you needed a car you could always rent one.
Coming back to the US we immediately noticed the things you did. Also supermarkets which are enormous here and somewhat overwhelming after being away for a while.
Now that my wife and I are middle-aged we want to return to this lifestyle and live without a car again.
I'm an American who has lived in Spain, Wales, and Poland as a digital nomad during the 2013 to 2019 time period. There, I walked to grocery stores, restaurants, pubs. I took the train to various cities for weekends away. I never worried about walking by myself after dark. And, my grocery bill was considerably lower than back home, with fruit and veggies being super fresh and inexpensive. Now that I'm back home in North Dakota (due to being close to family), I still walk to grocery stores and such--but am bullied, belittled, and questioned by the locals because of it. And taking the train? Forget it. One train comes through here at 3 AM, making it near impossible to use. If I wanted to visit my adult son who lives 200 miles away, I'd then have to rent a car as there are no other options transportation. Oh, and dating? It was really easy to meet intelligent, wise, traveled, witty men in the United Kingdom to date. That isn't the case here in my part of the American Midwest, at all.
What the hell do you expect in North Dakota???
"I still walk to grocery stores and such--but am bullied, belittled, and questioned by the locals because of it. "
You know, as a Welshman who lives in Portugal (but who has worked in the US and who works with Americans every day), this sort of thing never ceases to amaze me about the US. At least in many parts of the interior and mid-West.
I was speaking to a university friend (who has no less than four nationalities - British/Belgian through from her parents, Swiss by birth and American via naturalisation) the other day. She's lived around the US in places like North Carolina, New Jersey, Texas and California. And after recently moving back to Austin, TX after a decade close to San Francisco, she was recounting how she was treated with utter contempt as woman in Home Depot when asking for a particular type of nail. And how she got hassled, questioned and confronted when walking outside of her immediate neighbourhood.
Part of my surprise is that this aspect of the US never seems to come across in popular culture such as film, television and media in general. In part, I suppose, because those industries are based largely in LA and NYC and don't really reflect the everyday reality in many other parts of the country.
"Oh, and dating? It was really easy to meet intelligent, wise, traveled, witty men in the United Kingdom to date."
Even though I'm well past all that - purely self-preservation, you understand, because I'm sure my Portuguese wife would take a pretty dim view if that weren't the case - that's good to know!!!! 😀I'd be surprised if most other parts of Europe and many other places beyond weren't pretty similar in this regard. What's strange it the next point that you make...
"That isn't the case here in my part of the American Midwest, at all."
That's a shame. But I understand what you mean given some of the things that I've experienced/witnessed myself in that part of the world.
Anyway, best wishes to you. And you'll understand what I mean when I say that I hope that you find a way to eat healthy - with plenty of fresh fruit and veg - now you're back home in the States!" 🙂
My university friend makes ALL her own bread because of concerns about that sort of thing. Despite living in a large metro area.
Girl get up out of there as soon as you can!! That’s draining!!!
Also in North Dakota and looking to leave to another country currently! I understand reasons to move back or stay but once I’m out I’m not sure if I’d want to come back lol
The problem is North Dakota.
Move here to the San Francisco Bay Area.
We voted 60/40 in favor of Harris.
We have the public transit, we have the 15 minute streets, we have the world class institutions. 🙂
So thoughtful, Kristin. I feel very aligned with your points of view. Thank you for putting this together in a such a clear and informative way.
I left the USA half a century ago, never to return except to visit family.
America since my departure has become incredibly superficial, loud, violent and toxic that it fills me with dread, and I am never happier than when I'm leaving.
It is a tragedy really, and it's about to get a whole lot worse I fear...
You were wise to escape; I feel for you when you return to visit. Driving through Seattle & Tacoma to visit family is the worst part: draining & nerve-wracking. I’m glad you live in a better part of the world. 🌟
I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area, so I wouldn't know. You can get just as much culture shock by simply leaving your rural red state and moving to where most of us live. 🙂
you were ahead of your time , well done
@@christyviolet926
" Driving through Seattle & Tacoma to visit family is the worst part: draining & nerve-wracking"
You realize, of course, that a train is provided along that route. 🙂
Seattle is definitely on the list of the world's great cities.
@@Blackadder75
"you were ahead of your time"
Nah. The San Francisco Bay Area is amazing. I would definitely visit Europe, etc., but I'm not missing anything in terms of standard of living by being here versus there. I already live in a wonderful place. 🙂
After traveling fairly extensively in the past 2 years I agree. You get a completely different perspective on your life in America, even just traveling a little bit each year. We'll be retiring to Spain or Mexico in the next year. Can't wait.
Hear hear
Our yearly property tax in the Chicago area for an 1100 square foot house--$4500. Our property tax in Serbia for our new 6000 square foot villa--$120.
Well america has been richer than serbia for about 300 years.
Let’s all move to Serbia
I'm sure property tax is even lower in Afghanistan ot South Sudan. What's your point?
@@CaliSteve169 He went from a 1100 ft home in U.S. to 6,0000 ft. which is approx. 6 times as big. If his home in Chicago was 6,000 sq. ft, his property tax would be 4500 x 6 = $27,000. That's his point.
@@CaliSteve169 He went from a 1100 ft home in U.S. to 6,0000 ft. which is approx. 6 times as big. If his home in Chicago was 6,000 sq. ft, his property tax would be 4500 x 6 = $27,000. That's his point. The difference between $27,000 and $120 is insane.
I'm an American living in America, and I work with a lot of foreigners. I noticed that there is a lot more camaraderie between these people. They share each other's food and it seems like they are more family than friends.
Brilliant video - so thoughtful and reflective.
Thank you so much, Rachel!
As an American living in the UK for coming on 8 years, I’m finding myself shouting ‘YES!!!’at my phone numerous times watching this video.
I gave up a lot when I left the US, but I gained so so much more
same here. what was odd coming back to the Netherlands I was treated better as a war veteran then in USA.
This is a very valuable video. I think many would agree with you on the food quality and overall culture!
Having high streets where shops are concentrated helps people come together . I love walking around in Europe and they have pretty good transport systems available as you say.
I agree with pretty much all of your observations - particularly life being a grind and food/groceries lacking quality. On the issue of loneliness, imo it's a matter of not being able to connect well with people in the US due to different perspectives gained after living abroad for so long (17 years for me). I noticed it my first year back (2012) on, interestingly enough, Thanksgiving. About eight friends and I were standing around a deep fryer in my friend's garage watching the turkey cook. They were all talking about home renovations and landscaping projects and I realized right then that the respective lives we had led to that point shaped what we valued in life in vastly different ways. They were all tuned in to each other's stories while to me it was a yawn fest. And vice versa when I tried to share stories of my experiences overseas.
Same story here!!! New power tools, home renovations, and other trivial things. Nothingness. I feel your pain.
Things, rather than experiences.
It’s the gun violence that scares me the most. I just bought a pied a terre in a small town in rural France so I have a safe haven from life in the USA. I plan to relocate there over the next few years as I retire. I’m tired of Trump driven politics too, which are entirely idiotic.
I can definitely feel a lot of these! Almost all my friends live either in other parts of the US or in other countries, so I can definitely relate with the loneliness part. What doesn't help either is that everything is so spread out in the US with how far apart communities are due to the suburban sprawl. It can definitely be a challenge. Great video topic Kristin!
Yes, the suburban sprawl is definitely a unique challenge in the US! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Scott! I always appreciate your comments.
Nice to see an American with a healthy objective view of the States.
Great video, Kristin! You really hit so many of the main points, and thank you for ending on a positive note with ideas of how to handle all of the issues. I just flew home (Chicago) from visiting a friend in Nashville and spent $70 for an Uber home (11 miles). When I saw the price, I was going to take the train. However, there have been multiple shootings on the trains lately, so I invested in my safety. I was born in San Fran, was raised in a town of 4,000, have lived in major US cities (Dallas, Chicago, Milwaukee, Tampa, etc.) and have lived in Spain. I have never seen the US like this, and I also pray for it to get better.
Hi Anna, I’m so glad that you found the video helpful. That Uber pricing is so high! But it’s important for you to stay safe. I’m sorry to hear that about the public transportation, it’s a huge problem.
@ Thx Kristin! It sure is important. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁 All the best to you and yours as you continue to adjust in this chapter 🎊❣️💫
I feel so happy to be living in a place where i can hear 4 different native languages in only 1 hour drive.
Greetings from Belgium :)
When I am early for public transport in my German midsized town I will probably hear 4 different languages before entering the tram. And I will be certain everybody speaks the local language as well, most of the younger people without any foreign accent.
Welcome to belgium😊
We are Danes living in Germany on the border to Luxembourg, so yes, German, French, Portuguese (there are about 100.000 people of Portuguese origin living in Luxembourg), but also many other "foreign" languages. Because of the American military bases nearby, when we go to Trier, we hear a lot of American English, and due to the war in Ukraine, also a lot of Ukrainian (almost one million refugees are still living in Germany).
In our village, the native tongue is almost the same as in Luxembourg, although the spelling is different. I am, of course, fluent in German after many years here, but when the locals at community meetings talk with the people from Luxembourg, I really have to listen carefully to understand it all 😂
@@gubsak55 Reminds me of my time in Switzerland and the French speaking Swiss people asking their German speaking country men not to use Mundart ...
"I feel so happy to be living in a place where i can hear 4 different native languages in only 1 hour drive. "
I feel the same. Greetings from San Francisco.
You know it's crazy that I used to think about moving to Florida when I retired but now I just think of moving to Spain or Portugal : ) Once you go there you feel the difference!
Florida is WAY different than California. ❤😊🎉
@@ExtremelyRadiant Way different than Spain and Portugal too
Thank you for your honest reflections. Much appreciated.
You're welcome 🙏
Bad food, bad manners, bad public transportation no aesthetics, no real connections anywhere in any form. USA is a cold, artificial, expensive world; it is not near as nice as it was in the first half of the 20th century. People work long and hard but still can’t afford a descent home and family-life. Even women and men seem to be working against each other rather than helping each other.
exactly .... reading about their culture shocks/complaints like no AC, having to pay 50 cents to use a (very clean) public toilet and for water in a restaurant shows me that they don't even inform themselves before flying to another continent and culture.
The thing about food really puzzles me. I'm an European who's lived in the US for 30 years. I travel to Europe frequently. The commercially available food in Europe and the US sucks equally. I was in London this year and the food everywhere was absolutely horrible. Way worse than the US.
Food grown in southern Europe by small farmers is very good, but that's definitely not the norm. It feels like people on this channel regurgitate things without actually having experienced any of them.
@@CaliSteve169as a Brit who lives in the USA I do think the bread in the usa is so unhealthy ....it s so hard not to find any that doesnt have a lot of sugar added.In the UK there are a lot of sweets but the savoury stuff does not have sp much added sugar and hfcs.
@@pwood6532 pretty much everything in the US is unhealthy, unless you produce it yourself. The price is that the same goes for Europe as well.
I love it
Hi Kristin. I've been living in Asia now (teach our military) for the past 16 years, and every time I return to the US to visit family/friends, I am reassured that in 2025, I will retire to Europe. I've been around the world, and have learned and experienced so much. Very few Americans ever ask us about our lives abroad. There is just no interest in any other culture or place than America. I enjoy my time with family and friends, but there is a limit to what I will talk about with them as we have expanded our horizons, and theirs are very insular. You said it all.
💯💯💯
What makes you think Europe needs American pensioners?
@@Alex-df4lt perhaps it’s the other way around - perhaps American pensioners need Europe.
@@bar-d1423 One sided deal is not a good deal.
@@Alex-df4lt Why do Americans always focus on ‘the deal’? Sometimes the things you gain are purely intrinsic. But you would have to travel to find that out.
Thanks for sharing Kristin. I taught English in Japan and South Korea i my 20s. I remember seeing reverse culture shock when I moved back. I am at a point where I've considered teaching abroad again and I've also considered retiring abroad when that time comes. It's always interesting hearing your thoughts on similarities and differences between places.
Thanks for sharing your experiences! It’s fascinating to hear about your teaching journey and your reflections on reverse culture shock. Wishing you the best as you explore teaching or retiring abroad! 😊
I totally agree. I lived 32 years in Europe and I miss walking out of the door and walking to a sidewalk cafe. It is a shame that our zoning rules do not allow this. In Zurich you can walk or ride a tram to everything.
The strong isolation between retail and residential zoning in america is absolutely appalling, the rest of the world does it so much better.
walking is for homeless people in the US.
@@sal78saland there are a lot of them. 😶
@@sal78salyeah go usa usa usa yohaaa😂
Why did you return after 32 years?
A very interesting view from a USA citizen, returning "home". I visit the States fairly often, having cousins and also a son there. It is amazing how visitors to any country often see what the locals miss. I try to get to know the thoughts of persons in as many places that we visit, and what helps is when they hear our English accent, and are surprised that we live in Italy. I really enjoy the smaller towns, especially Montana and Tennessee. All countries we have lived in, have made us learn many new views of the world, but which is often missing in the USA finding many that know very little outside they circle of friends, however we prefer to avoid cities, which we usually find impersonal.
I am really excited about this one! Kristin consistently offers the most remarkable insights. ❤️
Kristin, I just love your “safe place” videos. You are thoughtful (and thought-provoking) and polite. I have forwarded this video to several loved ones. Jorge, our Golden Retriever Buddy, and I (Joseph “Jody” Quillian) are about to celebrate 3 years of living in Querétaro, México. We are moving soon to a lovely rental home in the neighborhood we first lived in when we arrived in Querétaro on December 9, 2021. Currently we live in a high-rise apartment with lovely views of distant hills that envelop us in contentment. I lived in Dallas for 67 years … Jorge for 31 years (he is originally from Puebla, México). We are retired school teachers. We were happy in Dallas and are happy in Mexico … we’re just plain happy by nature. On November 15th we celebrated our 33rd anniversary. :-) One can create and hone a purpose in life, no matter where one lives … but I must say, life in Mexico is a happy one … maybe being retired helps. But we were also happy being school teachers and working a lot. “Energy flows where intention goes.” An expression I have always liked … and it is the way we have lived our life together … a fruitful life. Love to you, Kristin, and to anyone who happens to be reading this. :-) Jody
Excellent video! I’m a 72 yo retired woman who moved from the US to Mexico 7 years ago, primarily because of the cost-of-living issues I anticipated on my low teacher’s pension (and I’m from a state that does not allow Social Security benefits if one is a retired state employee). For the most part, I’ve been very happy with this decision, both for the reduced cost of living, and for the immersion in a different culture. The ability to participate in cultural activities here with some of the American and Canadian expats who have settled here, as well as with the Mexican citizens I’ve come to know, is also very rewarding. As you say, no place is perfect, but moving abroad is a wonderful life decision if one can do it! I will say that navigating the health insurance field and the health care costs here present a two-edged sword! Yes, many services and medications are less expensive, and paid out of pocket. But Medicare is generally not accepted here, and the older one gets, the more difficult it is to get insured with a private insurance agency - one of the most common options. This is one of the main reasons some people have to move back to the US: to be able to access the medical coverage they have in the States. Thanks for being an excellent source of information about living abroad!
I moved to Mexico 4 years ago and you have a very accurate description of it. I'm 65 and live in the Lake Chapala area. I will say that it's nice to access healthcare when you need it in Mexico and not have to wait 3 months to see a doctor. How refreshing!
@@jbw53191I love being able to WhatsApp my dentist and see him within 24-72 hours and talk to HIM, not a DH or secretary!
Dear Kristin.
French woman living now in Bali, I enjoyed so much the way you feel after living in Europe, especially about balance personal and professional life.
Thank you, Micheline, I'm so glad you liked it.
Canadian here. The last time I visited the US with a the American fellow I was dating at the time was in 2003. It was New Years Eve and he had packed a picnic and we drove to a park where we intended to watch the fireworks. Oh this was in Buffalo by the way. We had just parked in a park (it was empty at the time, but neither of us saw any signs stating that it was closed) somewhere in Tonawanda, and the next thing I was aware off, were police cars with their lights flashing, surrounding my date's car. IDs were demanded, numerous rude questions. After they were checked us out, they dumped the bottle of champagne we were about to ring in the New Year with. Needless to say, the experience left me with a very bitter aftertaste and I haven't been back to the US since. You can't pay me to cross the border. I don't foresee that ever changing for the rest of my life. This was 21 years ago and now I understand it's even worse, especially now that tRump's been voted back into office. Thanks but no thanks.
What’s wrong with Canadian television that you didn’t expect exactly this treatment before entering the country? Are they too polite to say what’s really going on south of the border?
Good riddance.
Don't expect any tRump supporters to sacrifice their lives for you and yours.
It is a new Moon tonight. Great time to set new intentions about what you want for yourself.
YES.... I'll put my crystals out and put some intentions on my Vision Board...
A successful life the US is one in which you are financially wealthy.
A successful life in Europe, and in many other countries, is one in which you are happy and contented.
You can collect as many dollars as you like but you leave them all behind when you die.
Rather die a happy and contented person - and leave no dollars behind
In Europe you can be both perfectly.
tRump is the perfect example. This man cannot be happy
Totally agree. Just got back from two weeks in Europe. JFK was like a literal circus. Loud, disrespectful behavior, dirty eating areas, and people dressed like they were 14 years old and going to a sleepover.
I love your observations when comparing the U.S. to Europe or Latin America, I have heard your words echoed on nearly all of the other channels that I follow. It's too bad that the U.S. won't be changing for the better any time soon.
Usa sux
@@TravelinRosy2025Big time!
Hi Kristin,
This piece is spot-on.
Add to the U.S. list since the election:
• Overwhelming urge to burst into tears daily
• Overwhelming fear that my Social Security income & Medicare will be gutted.
Your channel allows me to dream, focus, and save more money to LEAVE.
Where do you want to go? We’re in Texas and saving to get out asap. Hoping to get to France!
Stop the nonsense none of that is going to happen!
@@Mavmode I went to school in France and, trust me, you'll never regret moving there. Most locations aren't as affordable as other countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, but It's a magnificent place with thousands of years of grand history. Food and lifestyle are amazing. I'm 75 now, and because the dollar is likely to take a HUGE hit soon I'm rather stuck, as my retirement income is not likely to support me in another country. I looked into Mexico, which offers a very affordable way of life, but if your income is in American dollars, the exchange rate is not likely to favor the dollar. My house is paid for, and I have no debt, I make almost everything (even my own panties and handbags), so I'll stay here and grow my own fruits and vegetables to survive. If Social Security and Medicare are gutted, at least my investments should cover property insurance and taxes for another 25 or 30 years.
@@kathryncooper4001 thank you for this. We lived in Germany for several years when we first got married and although some good things have come from being back, we are ready to be done living in the US permanently. I live in Texas and several people I know have been personally impacted by gun violence, not to mention the other social and political ills. No country is perfect, but you can choose your hard if you’re fortunate enough to have options. Hopefully our worst predictions in the US don’t come true, but it sounds like you are prepared either way. I wish you the best of luck in the coming years!
@@Mavmode Good luck to you in your search for a good place to settle. The south of France is a good location -- close enough to visit Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece ... even north Africa.
Thank you for your very valuable and insightful perspective.
I’m glad you found it helpful @vnrjn8!
My wife and I lived in Mexico for a while. We crossed into the US to visit and the customs agent was really angry that we lived in Mexico. He said "you two need to get out of Mexico and get back to the US!".
Just a warped mentality. So sick of it.
I'm British but I lived in Mexico for 6 years. I used to fly from London to Mexico via Houston, where I would be entered into the country, then leave within an hour or two. The immigration officers were often disbelieving that I was not coming to the USA and had no intention of staying there more than about an hour. Coming back from Mexico, heading to London was even worse, as you can imagine ! I have visited the USA often as I have family there, but on the frequent transits through Houston I had the same experiences as you.
I am sure this is caused by telling each other all the time that the USA is the greatest country in the world.
I don't think you could find any European telling that his or her country is the greatest country in the world. Still, they all love their country, and most of them would never want to live in the USA.
We are Danish but have been living in Germany for almost 20 years and are soon leaving back to Denmark again, not because we don't love it here but we want to get closer to our family. 850 km is a long way to travel to see your grandchildren 😢.
He's right. Mexico has a drug war going on right now. There's a reason the state department says to reconsider travel except to the resort areas.
@@gubsak55
"We are Danish but have been living in Germany"
Neither of which is Mexico.
Blue states in the USA have a standard of living equal to if not exceeding both of those places.
(red states (the ones who like trump), not so much, but that's why in California and New York we call them "flyover states".)
@@Crusty_Camper
" I have visited the USA often as I have family there, but on the frequent transits through Houston "
Houston is better than the rest of Texas, as they voted against trump, however, it is not the major port cities on the West Coast and NorthEast Corridor. If you're looking for like-minded people, you will find them here in the San Francisco Bay Area, but not so much in Texas. 🙂
decades ago I traveled to Europe and like it so much I stayed nearly 7 years! Upon returning I was subjected to an intense interrogation at the airport. It was for no reason and was very intrusive and upsetting experience. Totally identify with your other points.
why didnt you take the 5th?
STASI lives on!!
Thank you for this! I moved from San Francisco, a great city, 15 years ago to England. When I went back the place I left had changed so much I wouldn’t want to be there now.
Yeah democrats ruin everything.
You're welcome, Steve. I've heard SF has changed a lot.
Well, the weather is much nicer here in California.
Another very well argued video Kristin. Well done.
Thank you - Glad you enjoyed it!
Another brilliant video with excellent commentary and insights. In having this perspective you are definitely NOT alone. Your observations about American culture are spot on. Having said that, this is not even really about what is right or wrong. You are speaking of your own personal experience and it’s valid even if the experience of others is to the contrary. (Not that you need me to validate this for you.)
Americans worship at the altar of the new, and one thing I miss about Europe is its reverence for oldness and its history even as it moves forward as well.
Also, your comment about omnipresent strip malls in the United States exemplifies what author James Howard Kunstler writes about in his book, “The Geography of Nowhere.”
The United States is moving deeper into the privatization of what should be public assets of the common good. And this is very distressing. We also tend to measure our standard of living solely by the acquisition of consumer goods and the money we make. And this is a soul-sucking ethos.
We are rapidly devolving into a two-class society of server and served. And the system which has most codified this dynamic is the one we know by the name, feudalism.
This rhetoric may seem hyperbolic or over-the-top, but I think we are like the folklore of the frogs in the frying pan - the temperature is so gradually turned up that we scarcely perceive it.
Moreover, American food is processed to death for the sake of the capitalist agri-industry. And we are indoctrinated to believe that the solution is not to support regenerative farming and organics but just to turn to the high-priced pharmaceutical industry and medicate the problem.
Also, I witness that we (U.S. Americans) are losing the art of conversation - genuine personal contact not orchestrated by corporate media. Your points in this regard resonate with me very much. Likewise, what you say about the lack of common spaces. In the United States, city officials would rather give up a public square to the gods of the tax base than to give people a place to mingle and revisit their spontaneity.
And we just need time to breathe, to reflect, to rediscover our inner voice. For all our running around to serve the priorities defined by others, we scarcely can come to know ourselves, to say nothing of knowing each other.
And thank you for the courage to speak of gun violence and America’s perverse and pathological love of guns.
Virtually everything in the States is driven by a myopic and self-destructive focus on profit, and we work ourselves to death - often literally. As the adage goes, no one on their death bed ever has said, “If only I spent more time at the office.”
To be sure, capitalism is practiced in Europe as well, but at least there it has modest and reasonable regulatory limits in place.
Thanks again for sharing your insights about American culture - insights which originate in your expansive outlook. I give you a standing ovation for this. This video is your personal masterpiece.
Well said. And unfortunately things are about to get much, much worse, in my opinion.
I’m giving you a standing ovation for your post. Bravo🍷I agree with everything you said!
Intelligent and well developed comment. Completely agree.
Excellent comment.
@@shellyswanner3069, I wish I could say that I disagree with you, but alas I must agree.
Kristin, thank you so much for this video esp. we’re moving to France in 2025. And this solidifies our decision. We appreciate your experience and your effort in sharing it so clearly and honestly. Everything you say rings so true❤
You are very welcome! I am so happy to hear that! Feel free to reach out anytime. 🙂
I am German and it is very interesting for me reading what Americans thinking about their own country and about Europe
You are getting a slightly jaundiced viewpoint….. most of the Americans answering here left for whatever reason. There are millions and millions that find USA just fine…. Actuslly 100’s of millions…. And millions more pouring in every year…. I say whatever floats your boat…. Would be more appropriate to say I “enjoy London more than nyc”… “I like the polish country side more than Vermont”…. These are very very big generalizations you’re reading
Why land in South Florida???
You know, if Americans actually travelled outside the US a lot more, there views on the US would likely change in a lot of ways and likely in a negative tone, most Americans being isolated from the rest of the world isn't doing them any favours, in fact, it's allowing the system to take advantage of them, hence why the US is the odd country out when it comes to social programs and protections out of almost all modern countries.
Americans are really being screwed over by the system and most don't even realise it because the system brainwashes them, it's the ones that get out of the US for some time that open there eyes to how things really are and not how the system wants them to think, it's kinda sad that most Americans are blind to how badly the system treats them, especially lower to middle income Americans, which is the majority of them.
Exceptional insight and well said. Thank you for your commentary. There’s a lot to digest here.
Thank you for watching!
I live in the UK. I travel a lot. I've been to Romania and Hungary just in the last couple of months. I never recall a single time when I've come home being asked by passport control in the UK where I'd been or why. Ever.
Officers in the UK can be extremely rude though. The last time I went from Germany to the UK the officer asked me so many questions about my intended vacation (and not in a positive way), somehow implying I could overstay my visa and illegally settle in the UK before Brexit makes it impossible (this was after the Brexit vote but before that withdrawal was completed). The amount of tough questions and the scepticism was unsettling.
Wow
@@ag4444 I'm afraid, just like the effect Trump has had in the USA, Brexit allowed the very worst of our society to come out with their filthy attitudes openly. I left the UK in 2010, only visited twice since, last time in 2017. thankfully, no issues at the border but frankly, I wouldn't put up with any kind of rudeness and I am considered to be ...erm...rather "Direct" shall we say!
I have felt the same about US living. I LOVE my fellow US Americans! Nothing against the people YET the lifestyle seems hard on us US people. thank you Kristin for being brave enough to speak about our quality of life. Your suggestions for connecting with others positively and daily meditation practice to slow down our spirits for a little time every day and making connection time with others a priority
The same is true for living in Mexico-all smiles every day ❤
The only question the customs officer should ask is: "Why on earth did you come back ?"
Why I moved to Europe and never looked back! The USA offers convenience but everything else is somewhat toxic. Life in Europe is so much nicer for us ❤
Convenience helps you fall asleep, for the American dream!
@ no it gets one fat 🤣
@@macaccount4315 that too 😊 😊
💯💯💯
I was in Los Angeles airport. I was asked to take my shoes off. I couldn’t do that on the left side because I have a high above knee amputation. I was told to take my leg off to take my shoe off. I was standing in my underwear in front of everyone. On the better side I later had a good holiday in French Polynesia. I’m 70 now and live, where I was born in NE England
There is an aggressive theme at the airport and society in general.
Three things that I can add... First, I get migraines trying to watch TV because they have ad breaks every 5 min and the ads are designed for people with zero attention span. The ads are loud, flashing, the camera angle changes every third of a second and the people are referencing some kind of shallow consumerism or pop culture item that I no longer understand or care about.
Second, it's difficult to talk to people about your life because they have no reference point or don't understand why you would do that. I avoid telling people that I live abroad because the typical reaction I get is "but why would you move to a place and give up all of your freedoms and rights and get worse education and healthcare?" I get tired of explaining that all of that is false. When they find out that I was able to afford a house and get more vacation and many other things that make the quality of life better, the conversation seems to die off.
Lastly, Americans are friendly and chatty, but I find it to be very hollow. People will chat you up in line at a cafe, but it's rare that those conversations turn into anything meaningful. When I'm abroad, people don't chat you up as often, but when they do it's because they have a genuine interest in talking to you about something.
Thanks for sharing your experience - I can relate. 🙏❤️ Although there are very nice people here and everywhere in the world.
@@TravelingwithKristinwhy not live in Taiwan
It’s just great
I am a Brit, but have lived in Canada for 50 years, so have seen a lot of U.S TV. Went for a visit to the U.K. and was astounded by the Quality and sophistication of the TV advertising. U.S ads are pathetic and childish.
I'm from Finland and we're usually somewhat straight to the point people. Small talk doesn't really exist here; if we don't have something of substance to say, we stay quiet.
A little while ago i started a company with a friend and we tried to get some customer contacting going to the USA, but we were fast to find out it's not for us. The people seem to have a priority of giving a happy, excited and polite impression even at the cost of being dishonest. Why be all "Super amazing! Absolutely fantastic!" if you're not interested..
I miss that, in Europe you can travel almost the entire continent via rail, bus and, on occasion, rental car.
The rail is very interesting. Sometimes i use it and I always get interesting conversations with the people next to me. Like in the movie Euro trip. I like it too.
I've always loved going on longer train trips through Europe.
My father started this love, bringing me on overnighters down to for example Italy and southern France through Germany, eating a nice dinner in the restaurant wagon and seeing the countryside flowing by in the sunset. And then, experiencing new cultures in new exciting surroundings, it was great from the beginning.
And, as mentioned, always interesting conversations with fellow passengers onboard.
It's been a while now though.
60, retired vet. I'm leaving January 17 and never coming back.
Good for you! Where are you going, if I may ask?
@@rytterli guess we’ll never know….
Great idea! Enjoy your new life's adventure. Been living in a German speaking country for 32 years, never looking back. 😊😊😊
As an American living abroad, I can totally relate to the palpable tension in the air that you feel as soon as you land in the US from elsewhere. And honestly it doesn't go away until you leave the US again. I don't think most people are aware of the toll that insecurity regarding healthcare, employment, childcare, safety etc. takes on their general wellbeing. I certainly wasn't aware of this until I moved abroad. But it adds up and creates a very tense society overall.
Also, after my recent trip home I mentioned to my (Russian!) colleague that I had been questioned at border control and she was surprised that a US citizen would be questioned upon entering the US. It's really very unsettling when you think about it.
My parents retired in a major Western European city and absolutely love it. Health care coverage and services are never an issue for them. Ever. As opposed to when they lived in the U.S.
@ronreagan What country did they move to?
One thing that is still good here in Marin County, just north of San Francisco is that you can still find excellent and real food in some of the stores and that people are so much healthier here. Not cheap here nor is there much in the way of public transportation. However I can work from home and I don’t go far.
For a person like me who lives in Scandinavia, I felt they treat me very unfriendly when I arrived in Seattle.
Thanks!
You're welcome! 😄
Excellent information here and I happen to agree with you on all the points. My husband and I moved to Nazare, Portugal in 2022 and never looked back. The people, the culture, the quality of the food, the weather - it all suits us perfectly. We made friends easily and have a strong sense of community here. We walk everywhere and take daily walks along the ocean. And we do this all on about $2500/month (which includes our mortgage). I love the quality of life here. Thanks for the video.
I liked your suggestions for how to cope with living in the states at the end of this video.
All of them i have made a point to do. You always give such good advise and that's why i love your channel.
Since November 6, the american dream is finally over. Great video and beautiful host!
Great tips at the end. Thank you, Kristin!
Thank you for watching and for your kind feedback @AThirstyPhilosopher! 😊
Both are fine places. It is not about the place, but about the people who care about you.
1:39: That is really interesting from a Norwegian point of view. I once took a train from Sweden back home to Norway and this guy came over and started chatting with us and I was somewhat hung over, so I wasn't in the mood for smalltalk. After a while, he left and I commented to my colleagues that I thought he was very nosy, but they laughed and told me that was customs and immigration. Plain clothed, nice and friendly, but a bit overly curious, asking the same types of questions you mention in your interrogation. But if nobody had told me, I would've thought he was just a bit odd or lonely or something. :)
You didn't mention the dirtiness. It's shocking, coming from European cities, Asian cities, how very dirty everything obviously is here. Cars, houses, spaces, bathrooms.
Not in Arizona. 🏜🤠 There are 50 States, Ya'll🇺🇸
I left the USA for years so I know all too well what you're talking about. It's actually very depressing to be in USA, knowing life is so much better across the oceans. Carpe diem!
You reminded me of an old saying in America, “I’m too busy working to make any money” of course you can substitute any other thing for the word money.
To quote Meatloaf's song, Piece of the Action: "Working so hard, I can't remember much about the freedom I've been working for."
I love your views on these topics. Your vast experience makes this far most relevant. Also, your use of b reels is exquisite. Great job
We spent part of last winter cycling in Spain. Towards the end of one of my rides, I had to take care of a work call and pulled over to a bench at the side of the road. While I was on the call, a police officer (on foot) came up to me. I wasn’t sure what he wanted, but turns out he was a triathlete and wanted to have a look at my bike. I still chat with him by text from time to time.
I completely agree on the transportation issue, I don't want another car. I'd rather find a place where everything is within walking distance. And US Customs is pretty rough, compared to, oh, everywhere else.
That was 100% dead on. I could not have said that better myself. We currently live in the USVI, which has all the same (and a few more) American issues you outlined in a pretty (and warm) setting. We have lived & sailed throughout the Caribbean and miss the vibes of the other islands, but it's easier to work in your home country so here we are. We are hoping to move to Europe or Latin America in the next few years. Residency seems much simpler (and sometimes comes with perks) internationally when you're retired, so we are waiting until we qualify for those visas, have more savings, and are (hopefully) assured that social security we put into the system will be there for us when we need it.
What is USVI?
@@imogendunstan3603 US Virgin Islands. We are a territory of the US so American/US Citizens but can't vote for US president. We are not far from Puerto Rico.
@@reneep.9075 thank you…thats so interesting i will have to look into it a little more, have a lovely evening
U.S.Virgin Islands
Valid observations! Thx!
Glad you found it helpful!
Gratitude. I am grateful for your videos.
I was in Krakow, Poland a few months ago. There is a place there called Planty Park in Stare Miasto (Old Town). It is a gathering place where people go, especially in the evening, to walk, jog, bike, visit, and take their kids. It was heart warming to experience such a sense of community.
OMG I swear I felt like you were talking directly to me. It was like everything you were saying it what I been feeling so thank you. I like they E U and had been thinking that is the area of going to end now I know so. Just need to figure out where.
Hello, I lived most of my life in Miami: however also in Brazil, Costa Rica, & now in Portugal for the past 2-1/2 years. I speak English, Portuguese & Spanish. I'd love to help, give my perspectives & experiences for people considering moving to Portugal.
On a trip back from China my dad recently had become a US citizen. We arrived in LAX. I was traveling with US tourist visa. I was stamped right away and let into the baggage claim in no time since I was staying in the US for a couple days, but my father was interrogated for half an hour. When he was released he was so upset and said to me: "it seems it makes no difference becomig a US citizen now" do get treated like trash at the airport!
Thank you for this video Kristin. I am leaving the US for Europe because I can no longer afford to live where I was born. You're exactly right, the cost of groceries in France is 1/3 the cost of the US. Literally. It's mind boggling. I want to enjoy life, not be chained to my work desk just to pay the bills.
I’m 55 and my very basic, no frills health insurance was $1,000 per month…with a huge deductible. I’d go without insurance if I could in the US because it would be cheaper for me but I’d be penalized through the tax system. It’s all about profit for the healthcare and insurance agencies.
You are welcome. I’m happy to help. If you ever want to go abroad feel free to reach out on my website :)
Besides it makes me think that the US has rising energy prices and higher cost for groceries although not having a war next door and a former supplier cut off over night. In Europe we do have inflation too but not as extreme as in the US how come? Profits over all? With the recent announcements of the president-elect you should get over here prior to his day one.
I was in the international terminal security line at SFO to leave the US after visiting family and saw a TSA agent yell "I said everybody move up in the line, don't you people speak English?" Then they got mad at me for confronting them about it. Seems like a lot of them are on a power trip of some kind. I've made it a point to be rude back to them if they are rude to me (which is pretty much every time).
Just came back to the US a few days ago and treated horribly at point of entry. This is happened every single time every single time I've returned to the US. The rudeness was off the chain! I was confused because of conflicting signs and instead of getting off her duff and speaking to me like a human being, the TSA employee didn't just shout so that I could hear her, she was yelling in a condescending manner and repeating herself in a jerky fashion. I wasn't doing anything wrong I was just trying to figure out where I was supposed to go because the signs were conflicting I wasn't in anyone's way I wasn't going anywhere I shouldn't go. It was completely uncalled for and I gave it right back to her. Before that the customs guy made a joke at my expense which wasn't funny. If I made such a joke they'd haul me in and claim I was suspicious. I'm so over this place.
@@sparklemotion86This is my exact experience nearly every time! Leave that crazy place permanently if you can! It’s not worth the headache.