The New Zealand Culture and My Upbringing

[@alexgilbert]

Thank you heaps for watching. Sorry that it’s a bit dark, I am still working out my new camera! 🎬😅 Have a great start to the week! Thank you!

[@juliesprik9479]

My paternal grandparents lived on a farm in Colorado, USA and it's still my favorite place. Thanks for sharing your travels with us, Alex! God bless you,love from the USA.

[@freedomexplorer360]

I am in Illinois, in the USA. I was born in New York. My biological son, whom I am close, and his wife and children are living in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Additionally, I adopted 2 children, who are now adults. Unfortunately they walked away from my family and went with their biological family, exclusively. I am so thankful that you keep your mom and dad, as your mom and dad. I am so happy that you have a relationship with your biological parents. Your mom and dad are your parents that chose you, sacrificed and raised you, your whole life. Please stay very mindful that your parents love you so much that they are willing to share you, because this is what you need and it is scary for your parents. Hold on to them as a precious jewel. You are awesome!!! I love you spirit!! I so enjoy your journey channel!!!

[@AndersGehtsdochauch]

I feel sorry for you that your 2 kids walked away... 😕 maybe some day you all can reconnect?

[@whiteribbonman1]

+Regina Evans Wow, your story is both wonderful and gut wrenching. I hope the day comes that your children that you adopted realize one day that the wonder of you is their wonder too.

[@robinellison6708]

Regina Evans I pray to God your sons come back to you with loving hearts. God help them to realize that they were specially chosen and she loves them as her own. God soften their hearts. In Jesus name. Amen.

[@freedomexplorer360]

@@robinellison6708 thank you so much!!

[@freedomexplorer360]

@@whiteribbonman1 thank you!!

[@natalija518]

I’m from Ukraine. Your videos are very interesting, you have a big open heart. Your NZ family is amazing. I wish you all the best in your life 😊

[@RS-xo3rb]

I am from India. India has got so many different cultures, languages, customs, religions, food, festivals, way of dressing etc. It is an ancient civilization.We had so many philosophers, philosophical ideas and vibrant way of debate. Though now it is all under stake due to the rise of far- right wing, politically. We have mountain ranges and seas and ocean, we have deserts as well as snow capped mountains, mighty rivers and deep forests and varied wild life. You will love it.I love your videos and I also love your simplicity. Keep it up!!!

[@katherinekeon7034]

Totally yes!!! To more videos. Love it. I love sheep too. So beautiful. NO you do not bore me, us

[@ljtong]

I'm a Canadian living in Ireland. But my parents are immigrants so I know all about the connecting with my background/roots. Best wishes.

[@evamangan101]

yes it definitely looks a lot like Ireland . Both beautiful countries and warm wonderful people ,👍👌

[@happyhandylife4101]

New Zealand looks like a beautiful country! We hope to visit someday. We're from Florida and the culture here at the moment is...terrifying. I don't recommend it lol. Enjoy living in a place where it's not every man for themselves and where they take health seriously. We are envious.

[@denysemcalister6218]

Been to Florida and I loved it. I'm from Sydney Australia. Hopefully things will get back to normal soon. :)

[@sharonstone3284]

Great to see some footage of NZ, you can embrace both cultures. That is the beauty. I am a melting pot of nations. I am an Afrikaans speaking South African from Cape Town. I am Celtic with Viking ancestry, with Dutch, French Hugenot, Italian and Khoi (1st indigenous people on the SA continent). So as you can see I am from everywhere. Thus I celebrate them all. 😁😁😁

[@NicoleFrancescaCes]

South Africa is absolutely beautiful. I am excited to visit there in the next few years! I have some extended family in SA. I cant wait to try the food... Especially, the braai 🙆🏻‍♀️ Alex should definitely look into visiting SA!

[@sharonstone3284]

@@NicoleFrancescaCes Do come and visit, although we are having a lot of political instability, it is a beautiful country

[@leony1612]

I am a Swiss citizen currently living in Canada. I was born in 1990 and was adopted in 1995. Always grateful to my parents for providing me with everything in life. Much love from North America.

[@simonkwong5380]

Hey Sasha, thank you for giving us a glimpse of beautiful NZ. I am glad that you feel fortunate to have been raised and growing up there with parents that love you unconditionally. Remember to continue to honour and care for them no matter how your life will turn out down the road. Any plan for Mikael and family to visit you in NZ in the future? Forgive me for being so bold as to suggest the following: I believe that the best possible outcome for you in the long run is to be a best friend ( with shared DNA) to both your birth parents. The reason is that it removes the emotional aspect of a sense of filial duty/ guilt toward them and free you up to help you and them to build a long lasting, loving and mutually fulfilling adult relationship. But you already know that. 😉👍🏻 🇳🇿🇷🇺

[@baritonejp1]

I laughed a bit when you said ,"back in the day; in the 90s" great video!

[@justynabuniowska6884]

Thanks for sharing your story and everything you share with us. Adoption is one of the best gifts one can give in life.

[@katherinekeon7034]

Yes more of both cultures food. You are great. Take care. N no u did not talk to long. U r great ty. Share on and on and on. We love you and all your share with us 🙋‍♀️👏👏👏✌💖

[@its_msk]

I was just re watching some of your videos again and saw you uploaded a new one. My parents are from Ireland and I am drawn to both Ireland and New Zealand. Your story is amazing. Never underestimate the importance and gift of sharing your story, even when it gets difficult. Cheers from Vancouver.

[@pelelupapele1325]

My father is Swiss. My mother is a native new Zealand Maori. I have lived all over the world and I last lived in New Zealand 20 years ago. I am moving back to live in New Zealand in 6 weeks time and cannot wait. My greatest possession is my New Zealand passport. Paradise here I come.

[@sofialee738]

Alex l am Sofia Lee from Malaysia. Nice knowing you. Stay safe, stay healthy. I love New Zealand and Rusia too. We all are oneness through the youtube we become closer and closer and we all are brothers and sisters. Keep going and stay strong.

[@itsgeraldine8837]

To give people an idea of how beautiful NZ is let me tell you a little story about my NZ first world problem. I'm jealous because the mountain range my cousin lives next to gets snow for winter activities and she has natural hot springs running behind her backyard, but the mountain range I live next to in Auckland *only* has waterfalls, amazing hikes and 3 of the most beautiful beaches in the world 😂. We definitely have our societal issues but we are so lucky to live here ❤

[@TheCati18]

I'm very happy for you, you have the opportunities to research your Russian roots. It's very interesting for me to watch you videos. I have never been to New Zealand, because it's way too far from my country. I am German. But I have been a lot of times to Ireland. Ireland is such a beautiful green country, I love the celtic music und mystic there, the pubs, the whisky....and who knows someday I hope I will also have the opportunity to go to New Zealand.

[@annelsner7124]

Alex, we have been to N.Z. and it is beautiful and the people are beautiful. We visited our friends, the Hubbards in Wangarei; I drove the Coromandel peninsula, and we drove up to the Bay of Islands. As we drove toward South Island, it began to sleet and we decided we were not prepared for winter in July! I'm enjoying your biographical story!

[@brucewayne6224]

I love New Zealand! I’m from the Netherlands, it is not very similar to New Zealand, but the country was named after one of our provinces (Zeeland). I have some ancestors from Germany and from the other side of the country but if I travel 500 years back in time I can find some who live 30 minutes from where I grew up. I always thought it would be cool to grow up on the other side of the earth than where my family is from, just to have that story of your great grandparents coming here back in 18 something something, but at the same time I’m actually very happy that I grew up in this country, and I’m proud to be from here.

[@AndersGehtsdochauch]

Funny, I am from Germany and my great-grandma came from the Netherlands. My grandpa was still fluent in Dutch, and I love how it sounds 💜

[@QuestionThingsUseLogic]

That's awesome Alex! I have very dear friends from New Zealand. We live on over 100 acres with sheep too but in South Australia. Bless you Alex.

[@barbaralong1469]

Hi Alex We love your story and videos. My husband comes from Whangarei as well. I am German and we live in Bavaria. We adopted 2 girls from Vietnam and Chile. Our Bio son was born in Sydney, Australia. Wishing you all the best and looking forward to more news from you and beautiful New Zealand ❤️

[@AndersGehtsdochauch]

Hello Alex, your country New Zealand is so beautiful, you can really be proud of that... I hope I will be able to visit there some day! You were lucky to grow up in such a wonderful country. 💜 I am from Germany, and there are very different kinds of landscapes in our country. Personally I come from Bavaria in the south of Germany, where we have lots of hills and mountains. Many cows (they say) and some sheep as well 🙃 In Northern Germany there are more flat landscapes, coast line and some islands. I really love how you appreciate your NZ side as well as your Russian side. And also how your parents always appreciated both and never made you somehow "ignore" or "forget" the country you came from. That's a big treasure I think, something that can really make your life rich. Thank you for sharing! 😉

[@Chrispy_thee_Critter]

Firstly, every time I see a video from a person in NZ, I get so jealous that you all have COVID under control. We just stink in the US in that regard. ☹️ Anyway, looking forward to the Russian food videos. I keep thinking about you mentioning Russian chocolate. 🍫🤔Rick Steves, who’s a US travel writer and has TV shows on European travel, has a great podcast App and there’s one podcast in particular called “Growing Up Under Communism.” One of the guests, Kasha from Warsaw, describes being a kid in the 80’s and how they ate “chocolate-like” candy for most of the year and would only get real chocolate for Christmas. I’d be interested to hear stories from your biological parents on how they dealt with living during Soviet times and what they think of life now in Russia. Thanks, Alex and NZ definitely IS a wonderful place to be from! xoxo Christine in blazin’ hot Colorado, USA 🥵☀️

[@AndersGehtsdochauch]

In my area in Germany, there are quite a lot of immigrants from Russia or other former Soviet countries, so in bigger supermarkets there is always a little "Russian corner" where we can get their very yummy food/ingredients, and chocolate as well. And I have to say, it's SO good! So I guess they improved it a lot, compared to Soviet times 😄

[@Chrispy_thee_Critter]

Anders Gehtsdochauch Hey Anders! That’s so interesting. I wonder if East Germany (DDR) was the same with the chocolate situation?

[@christinaandrade1386]

What a beautiful place!! Thank you for sharing. 😊

[@phiber9]

you're an awesome and inspiring person Sasha! greetings from Croatia

[@shirleyheath9309]

I love your story you are a brave soul. I live in a small town in Novato California that's norhern California it's beautiful here.

[@whitefam2000]

I'm currently in So-Cal, but looking to move back up to Oregon, where my son and his kids are. My background is diverse. Although I'm not adopted, my parents come from 2 entirely different backgrounds and cultures. My fathers family on his mothers side were among the first pilgrims, as well as new settlers way back, on my dad's father's side they came over from Sheffield England in the 1800's. On my mothers side her fathers family was from Germany and settled in Utah, and my mother's maternal family came from Tbilisi Georgia in Armenia and my great grandfather was some kind of ambassadors advisor for the Armenian Church to the king of Sweden. So I guess you could say I'm a Heinz 57 in my heritage. (Ketchup reference) Really enjoy your videos. Just came across them today, so binge watching as I can today, and I also subscribed. I envy you the journey your on, and you hit the nail on the head, family is VERY important. doesn't matter where they come from. The key is they don't define you. You learn as much as you can about your family then take on the traits you admire most and pick your own path using the skills you've acquired along the way. Пусть Всемогущий будет с вами и присматривать за вами. Короткий для Иеговы быть с вами. I hope I translated it right. Safe journeys.

[@nicolafigini784]

Very enjoyable video. I really like how you are developing your channel... and the way you have integrated your Russian and New Zealand identities and families is impressive and inspiring. Keep up the good work! (You asked us where we are from... I'm English, currently living in The Scottish Highlands. My mother is Irish and my father had an Italian father and a French mother, so I don't have a fixed place in England where I have roots... and as an adult I have lived in six different countries, so I very much feel that home is not a fixed place geographically for me, although Scotland very much feels like home right now.)

[@svetka2100]

pretty neat to see your videos. You got a unique story. I just bumped into your videos didnt watch all but have one question that arises... what has the journey been like for your adoptive parents? touches my heart very warm and uplifting to see your family photos and everyones genuine joy expressed.

[@carlmuhm3896]

Alex, congratulations on the new camera. I was born in mildenhall United kingdom my mother RAF my father American air Force which made me subject to the queen and a US citizen so as dual citizen I feel pulled in both directions. The store not too far I go there just to buy all my English stuff tea's and sweets. Enjoy the view and the sheeps

[@ruihmartins]

Hi Alex - just discovered your channel today. I have watched about 10 of your videos. I am enjoying it very much. I think you are a wonderful manner and are a natural at this. Interesting - I live in Kerikeri - about one hours north of where your - parents live (Whangarei - if they are still there). But my roots and identity is Portuguese born in East Africa (Mozambique) educated in South Africa and UK. I know this is a channel about your roots, but I must say - I am curious about your ‘day job’. I think I heard you say you do filming or something like that. Anyway Alex - I have subscribed and an keen to see how you evolve the channel .... cheers

[@kvartira1836]

I’m first!! Привет из России!🤗🤗🤗

[@JG-bi3he]

Good morning Alex, your video is crisp clear. Love the pictures of you and your brother so cute you two look like twins then. Its beautiful where you are. And Would love to see the Russian chocolates and food. I'm from Nevada USA.

[@janicelaurin7263]

You live in a beautiful country! Great video showing the beautiful countryside with the sheep. Would love to see more of the Russian foods that they sell in that store. Sadly, due to the Pandemic, international travel is banned or limited. So it may take a couple of years before it it safe to travel. One day at a time.

[@katherinekeon7034]

Yes a vaca life n 2nd home in Russia. Main home in New Zealand. Love your beautiful landscapes. I am a Michigander. I live in Florida. Somewhat different dialect. Same country. Very different food and lifestyle. I love both. Like you Michigan will always be home. I do live in Florida. 💚🌴🏝🌺🌊🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️💙

[@janeshea1798]

Hi Alex. Great video again . I know where you are Whangapararoa Peninsular on the Hibiscus coast. Fabulous area and scenery . I lived between Red Beach and Viponds Road. Enjoy that Russian chocolate too. X

[@georgepetrin1334]

The views were spectacular Alex. At about 43 seconds into the video, there is a city visible across the water. What city was it?

[@alexgilbert]

That would be just the houses for the Whangaparaoa area I think! :)

[@20EUR20]

💚

[@carolynrauch2801]

Hi Alex, I was born and raised in western Canada and my maternal grandparents immigrated from Poland and my fraternal from Sweden. I’m thoroughly enjoying your videos and your interviews with other adoptees. I’m surprised that often the birth parents are still together. Is this because of the economic situation in Russia at that time under communist rule when these children were born. I know my mother’s Polish relatives lived under very difficult conditions too. I’d this isn’t too intrusive it would be interesting to find out why this seems to be the case. Looking forward to more videos especially the cooking ones.

[@kamisafaeva1914]

Hi Alex :) from garden-like Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 мы здесь говорим по русски и по кыргызски 😁 New Zealand is so majestic 😍

[@danielcrow7881]

Unfortunately Kyrgyzstan is not that gardenlike you're representing it to be. I got robbed three times when travelling there and got contaminated twice when having a meal in Osh as it was found out later because the people cooking don't know what washing hands is about. So I think to get there where New Zealand is mentally and economically ye guys should change yer mindset and start loving yer country. Just my resentment...

[@kamisafaeva1914]

@@danielcrow7881 😞 that's so sad that you had such a bad experience... I am aware that economically Kyrgyzstan isn't so good, but I hope You could enjoy Nature and could visit the most beautiful lakes and waterfalls 😊😚

[@danielcrow7881]

I live in New Zealand too, so am eagerly subscribing to what you've said, but wouldn't advice you to ever ponder moving to Russia. From the last experience I have it gets tougher and tougher as long as Mr. Putin wields the sceptre in Russia. So travelling to there once or twice is okay but getting arranged in a country where you can fall prey of the all permeating state bereaving the people of their rights is pretty precarious. I used to live in Kamchatka (Russia) for three years learning the language, but stumped my chalks as soon as had seen people being accused of unprovable things but incarcerated almost instantaneously. You're fascinatingly enthusiastic guy, so positive. I guess you wouldn't consider the perspective of living in dictatorship to be bright. Greetings from Dunedin!

[@michaeldelia9048]

I get you, I know its what your used to, but new Zealand is one of the best purest beautiful places on earth. I've always been intrigued with the Russian language and culture and architectually. The people too. But politically I wouldn't move there. My personal perception. But you get down to the heart of the people that I appreciate, non political. The human aspect. That's my interest, not much different than the western world. No matter how they spin it. But I believe most humans are the same, irregardless of their birth place. Thank you brother for your posts, again. Damn, your Russian is getting better. I can only hope u create a toturial some day. Keep on keepin my friend 👍

[@hendo19742]

STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES!😉😉😉😉

[@hendo19742]

GREETINGS FROM THE UK, A SOUTH AFRICAN BEEN WATCHING YOU FOR A FEW YEARS NOW WHEN YOU 1ST MET YOUR BIOLOGICAL MOM!😉😉😉

[@vkgiotis]

...probably take the best of both cultures.

[@oncueblue]

Dude.. this is so lit!

[@alexgilbert]

😂😂 thanks mate

[@stripemedia7973]

Lit AF, in fact!

[@miralunadologuin347]

Maybe you can visit Philipines too someday we love to welcome you here..

[@chadleypeerman625]

Hey what about Stewart Island?

[@jodabney4358]

I stumbled across a couple of your videos today. You were going to meet your biological mother in Russia. My father in law and his wife and 3 children had to use the underground safty....he was a professor at Moscow university and he spoke against Lenin...one of papa's students told him he needed to flee with his young family...they were in grave danger. They moved around alot and stayed with many people during their escape. One day Mina got separated from papa....she had the three children and it was almost a year later that Mina with the children on a bus saw papa walking . (I still can't imagine their life),. They lost two daughters to pneumonia and had one son who became my husband. They were able to stay together and finally had a sponsor to live in Australia....but on the way they lost that sponsor and they would have to go to Germany. Very scared because papa was a political protester. Fortunately the USA said they would sponsor the family. I love the history of my in laws....and I'm so happy to see you know the value in your birth family as well as your beautiful adopted family. Your history is rich and it sounds to me you are making it richer every day of your life. Stay safe in your travels and if you come to the US visit Virginia.

[@jeffpagan7735]

New Zealand looks so unspoiled.

[@randallbutler4409]

Tulsa, Oklahoma

[@Chrispy_thee_Critter]

Oops! One more thing. Have you seen the Russian couple’s YT channel called “I_am_puma”? They have a rescued mountain lion that they take care off and it’s a good Russian vlog for language immersion purposes. Toodles and take care! Christine

[@robinellison6708]

Is Russian chocolate sweeter? I am Irish, Scot,English, and German. I can hear better on this video- camera?

[@alexgilbert]

It’s all sorts with their chocolate! :) Ah yes I have my microphone plugged into it! :)

[@robinellison6708]

@@alexgilbert I wish I could find Russian chocolate here in S.C. All I have found is European and German chocolate.