WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED to the USA! (REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK)

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In August 2022, we took an emergency trip to the United States to help Amelia's family. After spending a month in Texas and several days in Kansas, we now understand what reverse culture shock means.
We left the United States 5 years ago to start a new life abroad in Ecuador. The last time we went back to the USA was over 3 years ago before the pandemic
Lots of things have changed since the pandemic, but even the things that stayed the same seem very weird to us now.
In this video, we'll talk about the 22 things that were very shocking to us as Americans after being gone for so long.
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[@becmiberserker]

As a Brit who was a teenager in the 80s and envious of the American lifestyle, I only travelled to the States for the first time just before Covid. What cut straight through my rose-tinted glasses was just how cheap everything looked. But the real culture shocker was when talking with friends and associates, and how they talk about monetisation of as much activity as possible. I couldn’t even talk about hobbies without someone saying “you could charge for that!” Or “that would be a great business idea.” The intrusion of having to constantly think about making money must be exhausting. I know it’s important to get by, but this was complete obsession with the dollar.

[@sarahmason8154]

One thing that impresses us about Ecuador is how many fun activities are free, or just cost a dollar or two. There are many community celebrations that do not charge admission. One of our first days here we were treated to a free concert by the Ecuadorian National Orchastra. This seems to have a good impact on community pride, and the mental health of the community in general.

[@logician3641]

This is the reason US is the richest country in the world...

[@camthesaxman3387]

I hate how when I'm being introduced to someone, the first question out of their mouth is "What do you do for a living?". People are so obsessed with jobs and how much money you make.

[@Lysandra-8]

@@logician3641 yes, but does it also make you the happiest country?

[@thestarseeker8196]

Oh, if you liked that, you’d *love* dating here.

[@gregbuser4690]

I've lived in Mexico for 30 years and the most shocking thing when I return to the states, is the soulless corporate homogenization of every aspect of life there.

[@stop08it]

That’s extremely true, it’s worse when you live here and constantly notice it. What’s worse is many of those same corporations treat their majority American employees like paid slaves and have no care or concern for the well being of their employees just maximizing profits. This country is owned by corporations it is sad.

[@jeremybeau8334]

The USA has allways been like that.

[@robdoe5433]

@@jeremybeau8334 not really. there used to be alot more family owned businesses in the 70s which differentiated areas in differnt states. from the 80s on, the franchises took over and made every place look the same.

[@antediluvianatheist5262]

@@robdoe5433 Capitalism. what were you expecting?

[@mikec6733]

Soulless Corporate Homogenization Nice phrase, really hits the nail in the head A dystopia with a vapid smile on it's face

[@jimjohnston5092]

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED to the USA? Believe me - there's a LOT of us (still) here that are asking the same question.

[@drkarenswrld]

@@Killswitch1411 the US in reality is a lot worse than the myth. I teach children of immigrants and part of their trauma is that US isn’t what they thought it would be 😢

[@tenofivelips]

@@Killswitch1411 For the same reason your family immigrated here, if I had to take a guess.

[@mikewurlitzer5217]

@@drkarenswrld They are welcome to leave! Be interesting to know if the "immigrants" of whom you speak are LEGAL immigrants who had the character and civility to obey our immigration laws or those who are criminal trespassers. The LEGAL immigrants make for the BEST USA Citizens.

[@drkarenswrld]

@@mikewurlitzer5217 you don’t know much about migration if you think it’s that simple to go back. Plus they are minors and couldn’t leave anyway. I’m wondering why you assume they are undocumented, hope you aren’t as much of a bigot as you sound like.

[@bradc6199]

Demhole policies.

[@LeeFKoch]

I'm an American ex-pat who has been living overseas for 35 years. I try to fly to the States at least every other year (with the exception of the Corona-lockdown years), and I always get the reverse culture shock. I think what shocks me most is the huge increase in homelessness and drug addiction, as well as the political polarization. Back in the 80s, you could discuss politics with others, even if you didn't agree, and in the end you stayed friends.

[@marcor5886]

They're preparing the population for ww3. I'm italian and just can't help realize what's happening in eastern Europe

[@josephyoung6749]

people are deluded into thinking they can do something about "huge increase in homelessness and drug addiction" etc..., that's where the political tension comes from

[@planetbell1]

I totally agree about the politics. My parents are very conservative but we could have productive conversations about politics. Since about 2015 we haven't been able to discuss anything. It is sad.

[@kennedy7955]

@@josephyoung6749 I believe the basis of the problem is we have an extremist right wing party that is holding onto an awful lot of power.

[@rb98769]

@@kennedy7955You ask people on the right and they tell you the exact same thing about the left lol

[@BlackCoffeeee]

In reverse, I live in Europe and I have noticed that the US visitors here are getting more and more edgy and aggressive. The older ones are still okay but the younger ones have an aggressive air about them, like they're always switched on 100%, super defensive and can't relax. It's such a huge contrast to our culture where people are more relaxed. For example, I was waiting in line to order at a beach bar and a 30 something American woman was in the queue ahead of me. I gently reached to one side of her to take a tray and she threw out her arm to seemingly stop me from jumping the queue. Like, what? Relax! This permanent on edge vibe will send them all to an early grave. It's very sad to see.

[@rais1953]

That's the disease of "I must have my rights."

[@henrykrecklow817]

Ya that generation is out of control even in the states.

[@SheonEver]

It's noticeable even if you live here.. Current political outlooks and social media culture are producing an absolutely toxic culture.

[@beth8775]

Much of our generation *is* always switched on. With formative events like Columbine (and every mass shooting since) and 9/11, how competitive everything became when we became adults with the Great Recession, and the rising neo-fascism... Yes, it's unhealthy all around. Most haven't connected the dots to try to deal with it all. And even those with the greatest need have trouble getting mental healthcare either because of money or just lack of availability. Yep, it's a mess.

[@MrVidification]

It's probably linked to social anxiety. It's closer to being switched off

[@Aiko2-26-9]

I am an American who has lived in Asia (Japan) for decades. We return to the US every few years for a few months and know all about reverse culture shock so this was interesting. Of course our experiences are different from yours because the country where we live is so different from Ecuador. The thing that stands out the most to us is the danger/fear levels in the US are off the charts. Living in a low-crime country where we are in one of the biggest cities in the world yet hardly think about danger to us or our children we are shocked in the US about the "lock the doors", "learn to defend yourself", "never let your children out of your sight", mentality. Fear all the time.

[@timothywilliams1359]

Note: Japan is not overrun by illegal, undocumented aliens, who now number nearly 20 million in the U.S. Japan does not have one political party that has created poverty conditions in the inner city on a massive scale, while outsourcing most manufacture and tech jobs overseas. It is simply a fact that the American government has worked AGAINST the best interest of Americans - especially the industrious middle class -for the past 30 years at least.

[@mr.robokat7993]

@@timothywilliams1359 You are spot on Tim. Those gosh darn Republicans with their crazy policies, like tax breaks for the ultra wealthy, and trying to dismantle social security. Spot on analysis my friend, keep up the good work.

[@mabehall7667]

@@timothywilliams1359 And we see why the fear is there. Hype by political fear mongers who want to convince others that if you will just elect us, we will fix everything. Like the Texas attorney general campaign add saying Texans are sick of crime. Vote for me and I will institute a,b, & c all the while ignoring the minor detail that he and his party have been in power since Mosses parted the Red Sea.

[@timothywilliams1359]

@@mabehall7667 Texas has no control over its own border. Just look what is happening to Arizona as they try some initial attempts to gain control of theirs. They are being threatened by the DOJ.

[@geraldbutler5484]

@@timothywilliams1359 yes Tim,here in Australia we recently booted out our Conservatives who were still advocating neo liberalism, privatisation of everything and trickle down economics. First started by Thatcher and Reagan in the 1980’s those policies are now totally discredited here and in my old homeland, the UK. Big money in politics is the evil killer!

[@shaunsteele8244]

I'm only 42, but I've seen such drastic changes in this country in just the last 20 years. It's not the same country I grew up in

[@bluewaters3100]

I grew up in Anchorage, AK in the 60's an 70's. When I left to go to the lower 48 it was a shock because people were not as close knit and resilient as in Alaska. It has only gone downhill since then.

[@annaclarafenyo8185]

The reverse culture shock points were just the same in the 80s as today.

[@colleenhutchison4794]

Amen to that. And I am 63.

[@-Reagan]

@@bluewaters3100 I think it really depends on where you live, and how. There are places like that in the lower 48, but rural areas, or tight knit religious groups or places prone to extreme weather. If people have a very reliable infrastructure, including income and it’s not threatened as much types of weather, these are the main determining factors. If they aren’t taught from life experiences that there’s any situation where it’s safer in numbers, or that one blizzard or hurricane can wipe out their infrastructure and leave them with basically worthless money, or no employment, in need of help from their neighbors, they might not ever learn to treat each other with that type of respect and responsibility. Unfortunately, once isn’t enough to make humans change their behavior. There’s a delicate balance that allows people to live that way, in harmony. If they’re too deprived it will have similar consequences. Of course, addiction and drugs threaten this, but somehow cannot eradicate it. Alaska is one of those places where they maintain the balance. I’d argue that certain other places in the states do, too. There are places in Florida, where I live, for instance, but it’s definitely not a large place. It’s just far enough outside the main and small enough.

[@-Reagan]

I agree 100% it’s not. I do feel like we’ve reached the peak and self-destruction lies over it.

[@mlmontalvo]

We have boiled America down to maximizing profits over quality of life. The shocking part is how well we have gradually adapted to this downgraded lifestyle.

[@billshepard2908]

Corporate Greed, Americans have been programmed to be consumers.

[@klaramathilda9929]

Thats an interesting thought - i think humans can adapt to very horendous conditions and survive but its not living in quality - so you really have to step out for a longer time to see the difference but i heard a lot of citizen of the USA cant affort to go abroard or even Canada or countries in the South of America or they dont have passports…. So i hope they watch these videos and see it doesnt have to be like this

[@SSimonMr]

... except people on drugs and on the street... "You don't have to be on drugs (also psychiatric) to work for us but it helps."

[@inothome]

Exactly and American Capitalism will end in failure.

[@mlmontalvo]

@@inothome , it’s much more than capitalism, it’s unbridled greed. It’s what happens to capitalism when it’s left unregulated, and any regulations are designed to punish labor.

[@matt-qf4hq]

My wife and I moved back to the U.S. after 5 years in Northern Italy just 1 month ago. I feel like a stranger in a strange land. America is not feeling like home anymore at all.

[@Edelwiess1066]

Why'd you move back? I would stay gone gone gone..

[@enough1494]

I returned 3 years ago, planni,no on leaving, permanently. Sad to see what has happened here

[@Ghorda9]

@@enough1494 that second part is a little hard to read with the typo.

[@enough1494]

@@Ghorda9 planning to leave, permanently! US is done!

[@eaglesfan109]

I came back to the US in 2015 after 2 years in Germany. You're not alone. I still feel like an outsider surrounded by people who just don't understand.

[@marciocoelho2481]

I'm from Brazil, the thing about vegetables and fruits not having any taste is spot on. Was really surprised when visiting Boston a few years ago and realizing apples, bananas, red peppers, tomatoes and other veggies had no taste at all when compared to the stuff I'm used to getting here in my country.

[@zijun01]

Yeah, it is one of the side effect of globalization + capitalism. Varieties of produce are chosen based on a combination of how durable they are (i.e. can be shipped long distances without spoiling, less affected by weather conditions, etc.) and to a lesser extent on how attractive they are (large size, bright and uniform colors). As a result, a lot of the 'favorite' varieties of those things you mentioned can be very bland.

[@sigmundgroth6452]

@@zijun01 : The reason for that is that most of the fruits and vegetables in the U.S. are now genetically engineered; bigger, more colorful, uniform in shape, longer shelf life, more resistant to pests, etc. Same thing happened to us when we made a trip to several Latin American countries and couldn't believe how tasteful a tomato was or any other vegetable or fruit, like peaches, oranges, strawberries, etc.

[@samsmom1491]

The tomatoes, lemons, artichokes and strawberries in Italy are to die for. My taste buds want me to move there and my brain agrees!

[@michaelmaas5544]

Most Americans don’t eat fruits and vegetables, as long as the Big Mac still tastes good they’re happy.

[@magnolia8626]

Not to mention the Boston and NYC subway systems look about a hundred years old. The same trains and stations that they never updated. One of the lines in Boston was shut down for a month cuz a bridge collapsed.

[@diyentomologist159]

After living in Germany in the early 2000s going home to America was a start of a huge depression.

[@drunkensailor112]

Did you move back again?

[@lezleysuleiman3543]

I came back to Ecuador just over a month ago after having been in the US for two and a half years. I almost kissed the ground! I’ve been living here off and on for 13 years and won’t even pretend i’m going to return to the US for more than extended visits. There is a dark cloud hovering above what was once a healthy and vibrant country up there.

[@LB-uo7xy]

Or maybe, just maybe...you were just LIED about the US of old just as much as you were lied about current US and that the US was never actually great. Every empire is as weak as it weakest period.

[@carlinetorweihe4246]

Sad. Optimism gone.

[@aniedav7075]

@@LB-uo7xy as a visiting lecturer to the US about 20 years ago, it was shocking how practically every US American touted 'we are the best country in the world - we are FREE and everyone wants to be here' .... we usually just smiled and resisted saying NO WE DON'T and you are NOT as free as you are brainwashed to believe, mate.

[@marknewton6984]

Ecuador?

[@outtahere321]

Yeah, the US is a byword among the nations or it will be soon. We have embraced the god of humanism and socialism/communism so we as a country are only reaping rhe bad decisions we have made.

[@kirianema5524]

I've lived in USA my whole life and I'm cultured shocked at all the changes over the last few years myself! Two more weeks and I'll be visiting Ecuador for vacation. I'm so excited!

[@PolishBehemoth]

God bless you kiri. From texas!

[@mariaquinzo7299]

Ecuador is amazing! You will love, visit everything you can do,

[@carlsontravelsandwildlife]

Have a safe trip🙂

[@LeeHill66]

I've lived here my whole life and I'm shocked on a daily basis at the changes

[@bren42069]

yea i came here to say the same thing

[@dirtwhisperer658]

My wife and I lived in S Korea for 7 years. We got back to the states last year and yes we were shocked by a lot of things. #1 was the size of people. I noticed it as soon as we got off the airplane in Atlanta. Just HUGE waddling people everywhere so fat they could barely walk or walking with a limp in one or both feet. You don't see that in Asia. The other big one was the architecture or lack of it in the US. It's nothing but spread out strip centers. One store after the other in a long line down the street. Also it doesn't matter what town or city you go to you see the same things over and over again and they look exactly the same except the name of the town changed. It's rare to see even a 2 story building. We also noticed how people dress now. Women wearing pajamas and crocks out in public and so many people covered in tattoos. Many other things we noticed too but those are the main ones. I hate to say but the US is going downhill. Fast.

[@emersonblake7]

There’s not a homogeneous culture in the US. If you show up at NYC marathon, you’ll see 50,000 skinny people.if you go to a football game you’ll see 100,000 screaming people. If you show up to a pow wow, you’ll see a different culture entirely. Atlanta and the South in general is more overweight than the rest of the US it is theorized to be because of traditionally greasy, sugary diet combined with oppressive humidity. Go to Denver for fit people. Americans love to find their own way snd find like minded people. That’s why we have 50 United States!

[@PS-gw8sm]

Yeah the lack of aesthetics in the US towns and cities is shocking bit there are some cities that are v pretty and some small towns have lively main streets - the strip malls are disgusting

[@Rachelleluluful]

I like tattoos

[@samdp8497]

@@emersonblake7 That is absolutely NOT why we have 50 states Blake.

[@lordblazer]

come to DC you will rarely see a fat person, but yes in the South you will find fat people for days.. that's just how it is... dating sucks now a lot of people are just BIG... somehow I managed to stay in shape but mostly because I have celiacs disease and can't eat gluten.. without the ability to digest gluten, I have been spared from all the processed food and fast food that's available. it's basically just inedible for me. So I stopped registering anything with gluten in it as food including bread.

[@jwt1035]

I went to Tulum for a week to attend my cousin’s wedding, and everything was slow and peaceful there. People were quiet and happy, food was great, and you could walk or bike everywhere. When I flew back home, landing in Orange Country during evening rush hour, my wife picked me up and drove me to a nearby restaurant, and the craziness of negotiating traffic sent me into a panic attack. When we sat down at the restaurant, I felt like I didn’t even know where I was, and I started crying in the middle of the restaurant. She had no idea what was going on with me. I also noticed the same thing, that food, particularly produce was completely flavorless here. Cilantro and onions taste like nothing here. America is so overrated. Frankly, despite being the so-called richest nation, to me it looks like a 2nd world nation. The urban design is basically a stroad hellscape. Buildings are ugly, the same damn franchises exist everywhere, and ugly asphalt parking lots litter the landscape. The sound of cars is everywhere. Nobody has any money. Cities don’t have any money. Schools don’t have any money. Yet hospitals charge a bankrupting sum, and contractors aren’t very far behind.

[@recyclespinning9839]

Scarey thing is how everything us Franchises as far as food . It's like you really need to cook, going to restaurants is either fast food , and even the supposedly good restaurants are a fortune between tipping and a small meal , you drop $100 or more .. I just don't get how anybody turns a profit or can afford any thing ..

[@Arltratlo]

my last hospital bill been €6000, cost myself €60.... they can charge me this year an additional €220, after that, every day in hospital is for free, after i spend €280/year.... did i mention, i am living in Europe, my country got health care since 1883!

[@jwt1035]

@@Arltratlo Which country?

[@Arltratlo]

@@jwt1035 make a guess.... its not the USA or Africa....

[@jwt1035]

@@Arltratlo Well, your payments were in euros, and there are almost 30 countries in the union. Not narrow enough for me to hazard a guess, and I’m not going to look up which European country got healthcare in 1883. So how about just answering the question?

[@AlPao-h2e]

I left the United States in 2013 and came back in 2022 and I can hardly recognize that it’s the same country in such ways that everything is more expensive, salaries haven’t increased, businesses are collapsing on both sides of the street, the country is both more stupid and more divided and yet at the same time everyone’s more convinced that they’re right. So that’s why I left the country again. 1:16 I grew up in Texas and 104 temperature is pretty typical even 20 years ago. 7:34 agreed on the monoculture because we drove many times between Florida and Pennsylvania and all the corporate stores and restaurants are exactly the same… And the food is tasteless. 10:56 Totally and completely agreed about the tastelessness of American food

[@debbieg8951]

I enjoyed this video so much. As an expat who has lived in Morocco for the past 5 years, all of this really resonated with me. Especially the part about the flavorless fruits and veggies and the exorbitant food prices. When I first moved to Morocco I was blown away by how juicy and bursting-with-flavor the seasonal fresh produce is. I feel so lucky to have access to affordable, high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

[@juliacatlin9576]

We went back to the mainland, my boyfriend a veteran was mistreated by several American airline staff even though he offered papers on his disability. But how he saw people treating each other dwarfed that. A man in a wheelchair spilled a milkshake and no one helped clean it up. An elderly woman slipped hard and there was blood on the floor and everyone treated her like a giant inconvenience. He went to a hotel in New Jersey where the concierge was openly arguing loudly with a guest over his polite request. People just seem to have gotten alot meaner. Only southwest airlines treated our situation with any compassion.

[@D-Fens_1632]

Yeah that sounds like Jersey.

[@seancrowe3353]

Mainland what?

[@jeanlundi2141]

I'm portuguese and spent a few months in the US once. Went to Dallas. The airport experience was slightly scary. They divide people by countries. Portugal was lumped in with a lot of north african and middle eastern countries, which is totally fine...except it was the first time in an airport I was stopped to give a personal interview explaining why I was in the country. Probing questions mind you. Wtf. Who will you be with? What's your relation to that person etc etcThat never happened to me in my life. The tone of the airport security and everyone working there was slighty menacing too. It made me think I'd never survive long term in the US....issues of fairness and how government and police treat people is important to me..........I could see myself trying to defend myself verbally in an interaction and somehow things escalating. Not a cool feeling to feel authorities are not on your side. That being said...actual americans on average are super nice people. One thing that struck me, both with my gf (american) at the time and other stories, was just how divided families can be. Families of 4 totally divivded, living in totally different states is much more common. There is a distinct individualism ...........but ALSO........there was fear in the air. This was back in 2010 mind you....but you can taste the anxiety in the air compared to Portugal.

[@juliacatlin9576]

@@seancrowe3353 sorry from Hawaii that is a nickname for mainland usa. In general Hawaiian culture is much more easy going

[@soundsambient]

@@jeanlundi2141 oh they do that to us Americans too. I am mexican american born in California and I get questioned A LOT

[@MrGchiasson]

I live near Atlanta. I recently did a car road-trip to Montana to visit my daughter and her family. About 2300 miles. When I got to Montana...it was like I'd driven a Delorean time machine..hit 88 mph and went back in time 50 years. It was wonderful!! Quiet, peaceful, beautiful. We walked downtown and ate at a nice restaurant. I have the habit of 'keeping an eye out' for any dangers on dark streets. My daughter told me that we never had to do that kind of thing here. I'd love to have a log cabin near a stream and live there.. Coming back home.. I noticed the bad roads, loud music, traffic, rude and lifeless people. You don't have to completely leave the USA to see the decline over the last 20-50 years.

[@bluefish4999]

Left Atlanta 15 years ago after a 14 year run, didn't recognize the place last year, they crammed so many high rises all over the place, I lived off Ponce and Briarcliff, had the Highlands 5 min walk away and Little 5 a 10 min walk so lot of chooses for food/drinks, heard rent went sky high. I left for S FL, it's almost like another country down here.

[@rynolascavio3381]

Covid turned the south into a refuge for blue state people. Its ruining us.

[@mnob1122]

My reasons for wanting to leave are to escape the gun culture-the escalating violence and more affordable healthcare. Doesn’t matter if I’m in Florida or Montana…it’s still the United States. You come here to work and leave once you retire.

[@phulanadethal]

I live in Atlanta and I agree with everything you said. Violent, rude, dirty. I can't wait to leave

[@tomweiss9600]

That's amazing. Just saw a friend of mine that left New York (Long Island) and moved to Montana a couple years ago while she was back visiting New York. She had lost a lot of weight and was literally glowing, she was so happy. Incredible the transformation she had while living in Montana. Made me want to move as well!

[@monolabmusicstudio2373]

I returned to the US for 6 weeks in Sept-Oct and it was just as you have described. Although I was delighted to visit with my friends, I couldn't wait to get the hell out of there. The strain and energy drain, physically, mentally, spiritually, and monetarily is too much to take anymore.

[@Find_Amelia_Island]

I understand all these differences and concerns. They seem to be a problem only for tourists or ex-pats who have money enough to follow à pillow-path. But how do we answer the call from the mass of humanity bracing deadly climate change and societal privation who struggle toward the "streets of gold" in the USA???? If Ecuador is wonderful for an average worker than why are Venezualans trekking 2500 miles to the US instead of 500 to Ecuador? Hello?

[@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13]

@@Find_Amelia_Island HELLO because its a 3rd world country HELLO HELLO HELLO

[@jvs333]

I left the U.S. in 2013. Last time I visited was 2018 daughters wedding. The entire environment seemed like a police state. There are so many cops just driving around “hunting” for next victim. The road rage, the feeling of angst in public. I felt so relieved boarding my flight to leave

[@Kyle-sr6jm]

In Germany the only time I see Polizei is at the airport.

[@tedpreston4155]

I'm glad I'm not the only one to notice police behavior in the US. Some places are worse than others, of course. I had the misfortune to live in a neighborhood in Wyoming where I had to cross I-80 everyday to get to work. The police agencies are convinced that busting drug couriers is a winning budget strategy, so they pull over a huge percentage of cars on I-80 and near the I-80 interchanges, checking paperwork, and conducting unwarranted searches, looking for signs of drugs, or even better, drug money. I got so tired of being pulled over regularly for no reason, that I left the state. Freedom in the US is a sick mythology.

[@jvs333]

@@tedpreston4155 amen brother!

[@rainerm.8168]

​@@Kyle-sr6jmOf course you don't see them because they are only driving around in their cars. I live in Berlin and I certainly would love to have patrol officers on the streets again like there used to be. But that maybe just a very personal thing.

[@jdwilmoth]

Well, with that b******* you don't have to worry about the police unless you're a criminal

[@vaska1999]

Now you understand how Europeans feel when they visit or move to the States. 😉 And about the food: the one time I lived in the US for 10 months, I had chronic stomach upset nobody could account for. The moment I was back to eating normal food in Europe, the problem disappeared. I suspect I'm a little more sensitive than average, but I've heard the same from other foreigners who had to spend a month or more in the States.

[@tedpreston4155]

You're not alone, Vaska. I I know several people who suffer from gluten intolerance in the US, but when they travel, (in Europe and Asia, at least) it's not a problem. There's something malfunctioning in our agriculture sector in the U.S. I suspect it's the reliance on chemical fertilizers to grow crops instead of humus. So much of our produce in the U.S. comes from places in California where it is planted in huge mono-crop fields, on sandy soil, and relies on heavy application of nitrogen and pesticides, and imported water. I grew up in Wyoming, surrounded by wheat fields, and the same is true there. Farmers simply cannot be bothered to improve their soil with natural compost. Instead, they rely on chemical fertilizers that are promoted so heavily by the fertilizer industry. I'm convinced that foods taste better and are likely more nutritious when farmers concentrate of feeding the soil with manure, crop residues and compost, instead of feeding the plants with chemical nitrogen applications.

[@ClaudiaDolfi]

Same with milk and supposed milk intolarance. Once in Europe (Switzerland) suddendly they have no more problem drinking milk.

[@trolloftheyear7963]

GMO food everywhere in the US. More people here are sick with intestinal disorders than anywhere else in the world. Our government Flouridates the water to keep the people from starting a revolution. Poverty and hunger is everywhere. Families living in cars. It's so scary to be stuck here. Everything is artificially expensive to make it impossible for people to save enough to escape.

[@RWL-bv9bq]

I just found out US farms use sewage sludge to make fertilizer with high levels of pfas and other forever chemical contamination. This is not allowed in Europe. I had chronic undiagnosable stomach problems in the states until I went all organic... and then I moved to Europe and never had to worry about buying only organic...

[@LMB222]

You're not the only one who talks about "upset stomach". I'm far from following just random comments on the internet, but what you describe follows a certain pattern that I've noticed in the last few years (say, 5-6 years): everyone in your group complains about gastro problem that don't exist abroad (outside US).

[@thomaskenny7592]

I left Denver in 2006, now in Ireland. When I went back for vacation I experienced most of what you mentioned. The commercials for prescription drugs are so pervasive I can't watch U.S. TV anymore. And I resent being expected to tip for take out food. But the worst is the constant concern for physical safety. I cannot see any return to the U.S. the way things are going.

[@Terika-]

Don't blame you. Working on leaving the USA, take my cats 🐈 😻 and go.

[@dollimelaine]

I just went to Calf. and booked my return for 6 months later...within 3 weeks I rebooked my flight...I lasted 5 weeks total and was so happy to be on the plane out!

[@amywalker7515]

I live in upstate NY and we never worry about physical safety when out unless it is late at night in some nearby larger city. We were scammed several times in South America, so you have to be vigilant wherever you go. Isn't the cost of living really high in Ireland?

[@millerforester6237]

You tip for good service and pleasant service. Little or no tip when you don't get that. There is no guilt about not tipping.

[@barrysteven5964]

@@amywalker7515 Interesting comment. I heard an American girl who studied in Scotland for a year talking about how she felt about her return to the USA. One thing she mentioned was anxiety about safety. But interestingly she said it was caused by people saying 'don't go there, don't do this, don't speak to that person' etc and a general sensitivity to the potential of danger. In reality, she lived in a fairly small town where the crime rate was no higher than it was in Scotland where people just didn't think about these things much and just got on with life. So in places like hers it was the fear of crime rather than crime itself.

[@soundsambient]

I have lived in Japan for over 9 years now... I went back to visit the US last summer... I can't believe how bad things have gotten.

[@thomas1699]

We live in Japan. Overall "Gurreat!!" 1 problem is: it is hard for a non-Japanese to buy a home. Even renting requires a co-signer. That IS a real bummer. Medical System is light-years better than the US of Astronomical Medical bills. People and public safety are vastly different. So SAFE here. You can send a 5 year old child to the store by himself. He will return home with his purchase and correct change. Try THAT in the US...😮

[@inkbold8511]

Try that in the US and you will lose that money and that kid. 😂

[@KDSima]

It isn’t that much worse. You just didn’t know how bad it was before. It does suck.

[@lindadorman2869]

When I came back to the US in 2018, I was surprised how LOUD everything was, and how people would have the most private conversations in public on their phone...from negotiating business deals, fighting with their partner, talking about medical conditions, etc...To this day, I wear headphones to block out the noise and avoid hearing the intimate details!

[@luisdetomaso867]

In Ecuador you won't have to worry about hearing anyone's conversation because it will be drowned out by the motorcycles, busses, barking dogs, reggaeton music, and alarms going off

[@mvs3553]

Yeah Americans shout a bit when they talk.

[@johansilwouden3403]

Happens also in Europe! We do it however in our own language(s)! I am Dutch. On my last trainride to Amsterdam, I overheard the guy behind me announcing a divorce through his cellphone and calling his wife a f***ing bitch in Dutch!

[@zaklex3165]

That's the best part about going out....the people watching and listening.

[@emailsender7139]

It's called no manners. Another indicator of a falling nation.

[@gomaze3082]

I would like to comment on the weight gain issue. Most of the food in the US is laced with high fructose corn syrup. This product has 2 properties that most people are not aware of. It is 20 times sweeter than sugar so it feeds the sugar addiction. The other thing that it does is it blocks your sense of being full so you tend to eat more food than necessary. I hope this helps.

[@bluewaters3100]

It is amazing that people do not know anything about their food. I eat organic and never eat at a restaurant. I was in Target the other day. I had on nice shorts and summer top with sandals. An older woman dressed rather sloppy was starting at me. I thought she might need help so I asked her if she needed help. She looked a little embarrassed and said no. I have this happen to me alot in grocery stores. I think my appearance confuses people and they are trying to decide whether or not I am a senior citizen. I do not look good in grey hair so I keep it my natural color and long. It is healthy and full so it looks good. I take care of myself so I have some muscle and my face has a nice healthy glow to it. I am 70. I want to tell the people with kids in the grocery stores to please think about what you are buying. Their carts are full of Lay's potato chips, coke, processed food, and just junk. The healthy items are more expensive but in the long run it is cheaper because you will not need to visit the doctor or be on medication for diabetes.

[@amywalker7515]

That and all the hidden fats. Most fast food is deep fried and not good for you at all.

[@Decrepit_Productions]

@@bluewaters3100 I'm 71. These days the bulk of my diet consists of fresh (sometimes frozen) fruits and veggies. Alas, I can't often afford organic, and at any rate notice that when I can it usually tasts just as flavorless as most non-organic produce. I too have taken to noticing shopping carts at grogery stores. Where I live, it's not just the younger crowd whose carts are piled high with junk. Part of the problem is, as you state, that healthy foods tend to more expensive that junk foods. Too, junk foods are often addictive and hard to abandon once hooked. I've been hooked on them a few times in my life. Thankfully, I've been on the straight and narrow for over two decades now. Or rather, as straight and narrow as my somewhat limited funds allow.

[@clamato54]

It also hinders the conversion of Vitamin D into Calcifediol for proper immune system function

[@rcas350pilot8]

Nasty stuff, I read every ingredient label and if it contains that crap it goes back on the shelf.

[@zekeiirodriguez9514]

Welcome to part of the Center of the Globe: Ecuador, where the climate is excellent, food is not expensive, delicious, and in abundance; and the people are friendly.

[@paigemichelesargent]

As an American still living in the US, this was a very depressing video for me!

[@avril.227]

Depressing but true.

[@Kinsale1333]

Of your life circumstances permit but, I would urge you to go overseas to a good country for awhile and see the differences for yourself. The U.S. has become a corporate pit.

[@lorrainemagarian2677]

Take heart, that's the reason people are going back to real farming and living off grid. They too are sick of living sick!

[@briansavage1408]

It is only when you go outside the US that you realise what you are missing and how bad America has become.

[@JamesMichael-qi9ov]

You are a lucky guy who can call himself American. The USA is even better than some developed countries in Europe. I think only 10-12 countries have a higher standard of living than the US, the US is an amazing place to be and call home.

[@warrendourond7236]

It’s funny when returning from Latin America to North America and realizing the US is actually the broken society. I’ve experienced it too.

[@LB-uo7xy]

What's funnier is that you had to go OUTSIDE of the US to realize that. Most other citizens realize the wrongs of their society while still living inside it. Guess it's true that Americans really are very efficiently brainwashed.

[@ernst91]

Cope.

[@alicequayle4625]

​@@ernst91individuals shouldn't have to just cope with a rubbish society.

[@Riu-bw4bl]

@@ernst91 except reality that some things in society will get worse if it doesn’t get better and some things will need to be fixed including, yes, many many things in America. Actually going to other countries or listening to others who have may help you realize that.

[@janetchristian]

We moved to Spain 5 years ago. I have no doubt my jaw would be on the floor were I to go back to the US. Thankfully I have no intention of doing that and no family to lead to an emergency need to go back. BTW as for weight gain, almost all food in the US includes sugar. Bread, lunch meats, hot dogs, canned goods, heck even Lowry's Seasoned Salt includes sugar! My husband commented when we moved that it was so amazing to eat food that tastes like actual food instead of sugar and fat.

[@LMB222]

Hey, where are you (roughly), and what's your age group? I'm 49, still working (for 20 years no less), and I'm looking for a quiet place to Live and WORK

[@x2y3a1j5]

@@LMB222 Hi, Spanish here, 53 y.o., was married to an American and lived in the US when a little kid. That to say that perhaps my opinion could be relevant. In Spain I lived in Andalusia, in Seville and also in a small town/city not too far from Córdoba. My mum's side is from Galicia, and I also lived in Madrid. All of Spain is really very GREAT to move in and make it your home. We of course speak Spanish, so you really need to start taking Spanish lessons to be +/- conversant when you arrive. Now, depending on your line of work, you may be considering exciting international places like Barcelona. Word of caution about that: they also speak their own language there (Catalan) and they'll expect you to learn it over time, on top of Spanish too. Spain has several regions with their own distinctive languages, they're all very close to Spanish bc all descended from Latin, common linguistic heritage and stuff. Except for Basque, which is so different that it cannot be connected to any other language, much like Finnish and Hungarian. Now, OF COURSE we Spaniards we'll give you a free pass bc of you being a foreigner learning Spanish, you'll be allowed your mistakes and won't be harassed to learn an additional regional language, we're not like that. Except that, after say 10 years, your friends and neighbors and usual shop sellers will start asking questions why aren't you bothered to say please and thank you and good morning in their own regional language (which from our point of view makes total sense, but to each their own). Bureaucracy is usually quite speedy in Spain, average 3 weeks. Everywhere is superhot in the summer, so many shops close down for siesta times (at least in Andalusia) so usually you end up your lunch at say 1400, go home have your siesta (your clients and employers will do the same) and then resurface to work not before 1700 (since there's no one in the streets between 1400 and 1700 except tourists, it makes total sense for us). Of course if you work in an office with AC (like most of Spain, we have AC everywhere) then there's absolutely NO siesta, I repeat, NO siesta. So in theory you'd work your regular 0900-1800, EXCEPT we have this thing of casually going down to have another breakfast anytime between 0900-1000, then probably another snack between 1100-1200, then of course 1 hr lunch, maybe 1.5 hours, then another snack at 1500, so that in the end you usually end the day between 1800-1900. You go home, shower, watch tv, phone your friends and make plans for the night, and it'll usually be beers for start around 2000 before you finally sit down for dinner NOT before 2100 (is too hot and still too sunny, and obviously you have dinner at night, right?) and then more walking around from bar to bar, hot spot to hot spot, and ice creams around 2300 (plenty of children still playing around you even if school starts at 0730, just suck it and enjoy your night around with parents and family and friends, kiddo!). Be prepared to feel under constant CIA survelliance if you choose a nice little town to live in, bc elderly people really LOVE spying on other people and are very nosy, so it may well happen that you just cross the street to have a café at the bar and the owner will tell you that you've been watched 5 minutes ago getting your newspaper 3 blocks away and how's the newspapers lady and yourself and your family in the States and the dog and don't you like bullfights and which one is better in your opinion, Real Madrid or Barcelona, and they KNOW for a fact you last went to the toilet at exactly 0813 and does it mean you don't really like last night dinner at Loli's? Whodunnit, all that info?? Literally ALL of the elderly ppl spying behind courtains and patrolling around the streets, but you can play games with them too and enjoy giving everyone a completely different and totally made up story and enjoy your coffee watching and listening to them bicker about bitterly on whether or not you teach English or are a retired writer or are a diplomat or are a secret agent or a bullfight student, the list is endless. But in big cities of course we're all transparent and everyone goes about their business. You won't make many friends if you cut the fun to go to bed before 0000 "bEcAuSe I hAvE tO gEt uP eArLy tOmOrRoW", we Spaniards KNOW for a fact that you only sleep really well ONLY IF you've been having fun at least until 0200 and so can go to bed with a clear conscience, no matter you get up at 0600, period, signed and sealed in blood. If there's only one rule you should remember is this: only VERY elderly ppl stay home, anybody from 4 y.o. to 70 y.o. MUST, by law, be out socializing in the streets 0800-0200 (except in weekends, of course, when you really do back-to-backs).

[@runswithraptors]

Yeah if you buy food made in a factory it's going to have added junk, who knew 🤯

[@janetchristian]

@@runswithraptors You clearly don't understand just how bad even "organic" food is in the US. Perhaps you should do some research, if you are able to read big words.

[@carmenl163]

@@x2y3a1j5 You seem like a very proud Spanish person! I am Dutch, but I have visited your country many times. I must say, though, that my favorite Spanish place is the Canary Islands.

[@leplane_]

Oh no, they aren't exaggerating as you found out! I was only out of the US for three months. The biggest reverse shock I had coming back, was the prices for everything, specially food. The one story I always tell everybody. The french baguettes I was paying 57 cents for a baguette, and with ham and cheese it was about 2-3 bucks. For the same thing, I'd easily pay $8-$14 here. Now, get this. I could get an actual orange juice from the grocery store or at any cafe/bakery! They had a machine. You put full oranges inside this machine, the thing processes them and extracts the juice and you get some sweet healthy natural orange juice. None of this bottled tasteless franchise brand junk. I have gone to hundreds of coffee shops and bakeries in the US. None of them offers real orange juice. It's as if they don't want to go through the trouble. If it's liquid, it has to come in some "official" package. Same with food. We're getting poisoned with the food here. We don't have real freedom to choose our food, unless you plant it yourself or buy from like-minded people, which is difficult to find sometimes.

[@whatworkedforme]

Hi from the UK! I admire your honest/realistic video.. you both have a great buzz between yourselves! It can be difficult to be critical of your own culture; whoever you are or where you live. I guess it would be similar for us here. No wonder that they say travel broadens the mind. We really need a perspective other than our own. Well done both of you. A great atmosphere you created.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to leave a comment! We're glad you enjoyed our video and appreciate your acknowledgement of the importance of gaining perspective through travel. It's true that sometimes it can be difficult to critique our own culture, but we believe it's important to have an open mind and be willing to see things from different perspectives.

[@whatworkedforme]

@@AmeliaAndJP I have watched it three times now.. (no I'm not stalking you.. LOL) apart from the content (enlightening) it is you two together that make it watchable.. I showed my wife the last two (21,22) her face was much like Amelia's!!!. I still can't believe it 😁😁 Keep going. Ps Ecuador sounds a place I'd like to live .. not least for smarter dress sense.. Isn't it sad that the media portrays a place in a certain narrow way and you have no real reason for your feelings other than a bias in the media; no facts. Some places you think are just arid desert and then you see some fabulous cities there via a travel program! I guess Ecuador is no different.

[@573998]

I have lived out of the USA for a decade. When I go back to the USA I'm freaked out by the prices at restaurants and meanness of the people. It's a shame.

[@MoonlightSonata214]

What's weird about your comment and some other similar ones on here is that I've been watching culture shock videos of people from Europe and the UK who have come here or moved here to the US, and one of the big things with them is how NICE everyone is.

[@jeanlundi2141]

@@MoonlightSonata214 Well everyone has diff experiences. Im portuguese,. was there back in 2010 an on average people are really friendly. But police, or people in certain restaurants etc were the opposite.

[@michaelsotomayor5001]

@@MoonlightSonata214 That depends. Everyone knows their experience right.. but I can reach further. I've been in Ecuador Colombia Mexico Venezuela and now back in USA. Here's the gist of it. To be polite varies by culture/country. In venezuela they don't say hello or good morning its more like a "ah-huh" (meaning what do you want) Sorry but it's true. I'm sure a lot of caribbean countries are like this. I dated a VI girl her family was a bit like this too. That is just the way they are comfortable. Which is VERY NOT NORMAL in other countries like Ecuador or in states like Texas where you actually get a "good morning good afternoon" To be polite is to be friendly and that really depends which state you are in. NJ/NYC has a lot of that "venezuela" vibe. If you go to the DMV in NJ, it feels like you are bothering the employees. Here in Dallas they literally will help you fill out your application. That's how extremely different it is. So it depends. James point is valid. Some people here in USA are MEAN as hell. But that depends where you are. Most of that mean impolite behavior will be in the NYC area in my opinion. I haven't lived in Florida where a lot of caribbeans reside from Cuba for example... but I'm sure a lot of people are generally angry in that state as well. If someone can confirm please lol.

[@robertcroft8241]

I am English and visit the US often. On the contrary, i find friendliness and kindness everywhere .. I was in Savannah GA last week . You should go there !

[@karlabritfeld7104]

​@@MoonlightSonata214they don't live here

[@TagusMan]

Grew tomatoes in the back yard this summer. The difference in flavor from the supermarket tomatoes was astounding. Grow your own food if you can. You won't regret it.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We tried growing tomatoes. We had 12 beautiful plants. They produced 1 beautiful tomato. One morning I went out to inspect it and a bird pecked a big hole in it, ate all the insides and pooped on the top. I walked to the mercado and bought some beautiful tomatoes for 50 cents. That was the end of my gardening career 😂

[@susanma4899]

One thing I like about Japan is the neighborhood vegetable gardens. There are little vegetable stands that operate on the honor system, drop a coin in a box to buy something. Some houses also set up a little stand by their front gate and sell produce. And this is in a suburb of Tokyo.

[@Cyanitecture]

The biggest shock I’ve experienced after living in Germany for 7 years is how run down the US is. Everything looks like it’s falling apart or is super run down. Especially government buildings in DC which used to be meticulously maintained. Pretty sad to see my home in such a sad state.

[@angeebb3080]

Germany is a very clean country. The people really do take pride in their surroundings. I loved my stay over there .

[@blue18404]

Americans have fucked up priorities. The truth is it is a democracy. The will of the people is course of the nation. Blacks are the most powerful and smartest. When they don't get their way, they riot and destroy. And they Win. They then become the Voice of the country. White Americans have no love of life. Or they would have stopped them. White Americans love labor. Work is their true God. Not Justice, not Family, not even Money. Whites comprehend only Work.

[@TheVaughan5]

That’s very sad. I remember Washington from the 70’s to the 90’s and how impressed I was with the quality and condition of the great public buildings. So pleased I was privileged to visit in far better times.

[@blue18404]

@@TheVaughan5 You should look at Pittsburgh. It is run down again. It is like people want the end of the world.

[@TheVaughan5]

@@blue18404 When I was younger I would never have believed the U.S. would decline like it has in my lifetime. Even though I’m not a U.S. citizen it makes me very sad.

[@kenweiss8565]

I did like this video. I currently live in Alaska and we plan on retiring within two years and even I am shocked at what the USA is turning into. It is not the country I grew up in or even raised my kids in, it has changed for the worse! You’re talking about Ecuador, Paraguay, Spain and Portugal is really intriguing. My Spanish is atrocious, but I hear if you live in the culture you pick it up more quickly. I am really enjoying your videos.

[@BlackhawkPilot]

When my wife and I had a huge culture shock when returning in 2003 after 15 years in Europe. To the point that we are discussing retirement in Europe.

[@jenniminder1362]

​@@randymillhouse791 We are "retired" and have 80 acres in Minnesota which we farm, have two large gardens and currently collecting sap for maple syrup which we used to sell at a Farmer's Market but now just make for our family and friends. We ski in the winter and swim and fish in the summer when time permits because everyone wants to come to Minnesota lake country. We are happy with our retirement life where we are and we have the financial resources to live anywhere. North Dakota is our home and Minnesota is our secondary home as it has been since the 1870"s when my family came from Europe for a better life. My husband's father's family arrived in 1910 for the same reason. I am sorry you think the grass is greener somewhere else. That is not always the case.

[@mardus_ee]

​@@jenniminder1362 Good for you. Your ancestors arrived in America, because at the time, the grass was 'greener somewhere else' to them, and that happened to be United States. They worked hard, prospered, and passed their prosperity and strong work ethic down to their descendants. The number of Americans leaving the United States for a better life is being compensated by all the new arrivals from India and South America, all hard-working and determined to improve their lives. There are millions of them who dream of being in the Land of the Free.

[@stevenhull5025]

From one fire into another then??? Head for Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia or Vietnam). I guarantee you WILL be much happier and richer too.

[@BlackhawkPilot]

@@stevenhull5025 lived in Asia six years nice to visit but don’t want to live in a 2d or 3d world country again.

[@sarahchan5604]

​@@stevenhull5025Do not go to Cambodia ,a lot of scammer there, this is a well known fact for asians

[@majtom5421]

Not having to drive and being within walking distance for shopping and entertainment is my #1 why I like living outside the US.

[@mystictraveler8642]

The US starting to copy this idea of having everything in one place. US gets most of their ideas from the outside world.

[@xsw882]

i have that in the US, i live in NJ

[@sct4040]

I have that here in NYC. Find a city with walking neighborhoods.

[@xsw882]

@@sct4040 theyll say "NYC is way too expensive!! muhhh!!!", which its not if you live outside manhattan, especially in NJ

[@brunoprimas1483]

You don't have to leave the U.S. for that. You just have to live in a area that the West and East coast makes fun of. The laugh is on them.

[@sharonlahaye5803]

I lived in France for 15 years. When we moved back to The US, I was literally dizzy from the constant advertisements on billboards on the roads. I experienced visual overstimulation.

[@nitanice]

I came back to the US after 13 years in the 80s and couldn't believe all the commercials about how you're sick, ugly, etc. Horrible.

[@lioneldemun6033]

.... although French suburbs are very ugly with lots of billboards

[@mikieemiike3979]

@@lioneldemun6033 Were they like that in the 80s?

[@lioneldemun6033]

@@mikieemiike3979 yes already

[@mikieemiike3979]

@@lioneldemun6033 That's why I don't travel abroad. Waste of time and money.

[@noellewest4347]

I had to see a therapist due to reverse culture shock (which had nothing to do with weather) when I moved back to the States from South Korea. Now I live in Germany, and I cannot return to the States... maybe ever.

[@carlfenger]

I moved from California to Switzerland 35 years ago. Best thing I've ever done.

[@rainerm.8168]

Switzerland is the best anyway. And maybe the only real democracy in the world. If I could afford the super high cost of living there I would certainly retire there l

[@h.neubert8770]

Switzerland. Interesting, thats a strong contrast.

[@morgan97475]

Came back to the USA in 2019 after roughly 10 years away. I can relate to your perspective. I cannot believe this is the same country I defended for 20+ years.

[@whatabouttheearth]

Most of these things were the exact same thing ten to twenty years ago

[@eattherich9215]

@@whatabouttheearth: except you stop noticing after a while.

[@keithslade9379]

@@eattherich9215 the frog in a pot of water on the stove

[@mardus_ee]

Defending the country was the right thing to do, so it is one of those things you should not be feeling bad about. Further, additional skillsets, personal discipline (in a good way), greater focus, and better physical form (bar any injuries) would all be pluses in my book.

[@WestHTH]

I was only in Zambia for 2 weeks on a missions trip and I can relate to every one of your points especially the flavorful produce. My training is in Agriculture and I was shocked about the flavor of produce. I have never eaten so much amazing produce! The US is losing its mind.

[@oscarsusan3834]

That’s hat happens when the city folk don’t understand the true value chain. Those cooking food shows are just insult to injury

[@vasantpatel6986]

Agree with you

[@stevenhull5025]

Losing??? You mean "lost"

[@Riu-bw4bl]

As a American growing up and seeing all this slowly get worse and effect your life and everyone you know is truly heartbreaking. I see people getting meaner and more stressed and culture become more fast pace and commercialized. Makes me feel alittle helpless on how to stop things from going this way but I can’t even pin down a time when it started to get this bad.

[@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13]

Obama

[@Yoyigarzon]

I came from my country in South America to US 4 years ago, I was in shock with all these ad about medicine and health insurance, also with so many people overweight and sick from different conditions (even children). I was confused too because people was wearing gym clothes or pajamas always even for going to work 😆😅

[@kennixox262]

Because as they stated the "high calorie foods" in restaurants, while not exactly that so much is the high amounts of carbohydrates, bad ultra processed seed oils, and other cheap ingredients in restaurant foods will put the weight on. This is why the majority of Americans are obese. Ultra process food kills. The reasons for lack of employees at a lot of places is that workers got smart and refuse to work for slave wages with no benefits and horrible work hours/conditions. Same goes for transportation and the over reliance of imports from China.

[@rudygracia5573]

​@@kennixox262 Slave wages...Regardless of income;People don't know how to live below their means.Consumerism is a big problem here in the U.S.Ex;I personally know someone making $50k+ per year,in S.Texas(renting and owns 1 vehicle),who suddenly started making an additional $2k+ per month.They told me that"they don't feel it"!They quickly adjusted to it!

[@JW-uy2on]

@@kennixox262 And a lot of companies are deliberately understaffing to minimize their labor costs.

[@kennixox262]

@@JW-uy2on Understaffing has been an issue for a very long time from what I see.

[@MidnightAspec]

Great observations. My wife and I are looking forward to an expat life in a few years. For those who haven’t traveled abroad, please do so. It’s an eye opening experience that makes you realize that we don’t have it as good as you think you do here in the states.

[@MW-nr3lg]

At least you can leave your country. Not everyone can due to restrictions like in Canada.

[@360decrees2]

@@MW-nr3lg It also costs money.

[@amywalker7515]

We have been told that there is a criminal behind every lamppost in every other country on earth. Then you visit those countries and notice this isn't true at all. Most people go about their daily lives without fear and seem a lot like you and me, only they are kinder and less anxious than we are.

[@RKmndo]

@@360decrees2 That's a big difference from it costing your life. Try defecting from someplace like N Korea, USSR, Cuba, E Germany, etc. "It costs money." BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA! Modern Westerners are spoiled and soft. A Western passport and a plane ticket are nothing, comparatively speaking.

[@kwaintraub2]

I'm an American who's lived abroad for over two decades in both Argentina and Mexico. For two different reasons, i was forced back to the US. However, I'd also forgotten what it was like, what a strong car culture there is there, and on general, high fees for everything. Good grief! One day, I'd had enough and bought a one-way ticket for my kids and I back to México. Best decision ever!

[@tyroneshoelaces9742]

Forced? That sucks!

[@markroc]

I am leaving back to Mexico on wednesday. I've had it with America!

[@markroc]

I am leaving for Mexico

[@jamesmedina2062]

Where is good down there? Its safe?

[@talesfromtheleashexpatdogl1426]

Thank God for Mexico💚❤️

[@hisbigal]

I have had a number of these culture shocks as well. I moved to Glasgow, Scotland about 18 years ago, and the few times I’ve been back to the states, it just becomes more violently surreal. I’ve not been back since 2019, when I was there to go to a friend’s funeral. Mass shootings just don’t happen in Scotland. And as a person of colour, I don’t have to worry about racist cops possibly using me as target practice.

[@paulgreen758]

you made a good move mate, if I was a person of colour the States is the last place id want to live, im up the road in Perth and love it in the countryside

[@mollyfilms]

Welcome to the U.K. keep on living the life you want and hope you enjoy beautiful Scotland.

[@albin2232]

Race isn't an issue in Scotland. Never has been.

[@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13]

Why would you go to Glasgow??

[@hisbigal]

@@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13 I originally moved to Glasgow to earn my PhD at Glasgow Uni, but I also really like being here, so I stayed.

[@butchieblock9118]

I have lived in the United States and in England for quite a long time. And I visited a LOT of countries. So I do realize how the other half lives. What really seems to help is having a partner that shares the same feelings, thoughts, beliefs, concerns as you two do!

[@ivareskesner2019]

I can certainly relate. I moved to Australia from Latvia (just after the 1991 collapse) and have lived in Australia ever since. At times still feeling like an outsider in some aspects. Then I finally went back to Latvia for the first time in 20+ years in 2018. I must say I experienced a feeling very similar to yours. You realise that time has changed a lot of things. Not just you but your old home too are different now. You're suddenly looking at everything from a completely different perspective. It's almost like slowly rediscovering your old home as you explore your old stomping grounds. I'm actually quite enjoying it now, having just come back from a trip. You do feel like a man with no country to an extent because you're not fully assimilated to either, your new or old home. But on the upside you are now also living in two worlds. A unique privilege that I would say more than makes up for any small level of disconnect with either of the countries which has inevitably happened. Anyway. Best of luck to you and yours. Hope your travels and joys are many and your troubles and obstacles few 👍🏻

[@shaunmckenzie5509]

Did you permanently move back to Latvia?

[@ivareskesner2019]

@@shaunmckenzie5509 I'm still living in Australia. But I do plan to go back every year...or at least as often as I can. It's also a great base of operations for further travel. You spend a few weeks in Latvia and a few more travelling to other countries.

[@8675-__]

You're extremely blessed to live in Australia! I would say you were very lucky to be accepted into Australia. It's not easy to get in. 🙏🙏🙏

[@killingtime7350]

@@8675-__ jeez Ann I don’t know about that, I’m in Sydney and it’s spot the Aussie in 70% of the place, jus saying as I know from the horses mouth that Aus immigration is riddled with agents only too willing to accept the old brown paper bag.

[@ivareskesner2019]

@@patricksweeney5308 Latvia is unrecognisable now, yes. Much better. It looks like most other European countries. Paris seems to be very different to how it looked too. And I guess whether it's better or worse depends on who you ask.

[@lisamonalisahikes]

I lived abroad in the 90s and still travel for a living. The weight gain is cause they put so much crap in the food. You hit the nail on the head for so many things … we are in a sad state here in the USA. Most countries it’s illegal to have Pharma commercials on TV but not in the USA

[@tommiddlefinger6188]

Why are the South Pac1fic Islnds the most overwe1ght on e a r th?

[@sunshinet3058]

I did the same, around 1990. In Guatemala. Came back, couldn't enjoy eating fruit in canada for a year because it had no flavor

[@ephennell4ever]

If a person/business wants to let folks know about something they have/do, they should be forbidden from doing so? Freedom Of Speech should be absolute - or, *eventually,* you end up with *everybody* being restricted from saying various things "because ______ finds it offensive/objectionable".

[@mrwilliamwonder]

YES, they put you in jail for pot, then when you’re in jail, all you see are pharma ads on TV

[@Timithos]

@@tommiddlefinger6188 Probably because they grow up dreaming about being professional sumo wrestlers.

[@desertcogo]

I moved to Ecuador over four years ago and I am so happy with my decision. Crime has increased in the time I've been here but I will take living in Ecuador over the United States any time. When I hear from my old friends and they tell me about skyrocketing prices in the United States and especially the crazy expensive rental and home prices it's just unbelievable. I moved here from Key West and housing has gotten so bad there that homeowners are listing renting out a spare bedroom in their home and charging $1,500 a month for that. Now the latest trend in the United States is paranoid and scared people shooting people who knock on their door or pull into their driveway because they are lost. It's sad to hear what is becoming of the United States. I'm glad to hear that you're both staying in Ecuador while checking out other possible options.

[@runswithraptors]

Pro tip don't let media narratives dictate your life

[@JohnSmith-fo5cx]

@@runswithraptors on that note.....The media in the US is so so bad. I feel like local news is alright, but those big corporation news channels are super bad.

[@bruhbutwhytho]

Meanwhile Ecuadorians are talking about how much more expensive things are now that Americans are moving in.

[@jackiedelvalle]

I often say that the US seems to be a land of hate and fear.

[@wout123100]

@@bruhbutwhytho that sure is going to be a thing too, they should limit the influx.

[@13squier]

I experienced reverse culture shock when I came home from Germany, but it wasn't like this. Americans don't realize this about themselves but we are CRAZY with many transgressive behaviors that are considered antisocial in other cultures. No respect for personal boundaries and aggressive personal interactions are two particular problems that make public spaces feel hostile in America. The car dependency you point out probably is a contributor- we are totally alienated from each other and don't feel a part of a community.

[@tonytomahawk5160]

I called it fundamentally dysfunctional when I first encountered the reverse culture shock.

[@robfolks]

Well...the USA has a million cultures now....they love to call it multiculturalism... Goodbye first world, hello third world. But hey...we aint racist!!!! We destroyed our country and our kids future to prove it!

[@13squier]

@@robfolks Exhibit A

[@tonytomahawk5160]

@@robfolks That's the dumbest thing I've read today. Because of that type of mentality we were 3rd world long before this

[@robfolks]

A country has to be united to survive long term. Everyone and their momma knows the USA is divided due to too many different cultures intermingled. Different cultures, different beliefs. Tribal mentality. Hell, the blacks can't even get along with each other, muchless other races. The same with Hispanics. The USA is done...stick a fork in it.

[@markkiss6188]

Very interesting observations. Especially about the foodstuffs. That is a very common observation by foreign visitors to the US. My wife and I like to favor farmer’s markets, where the product is more expensive but a lot more flavorful that store bought. But I also believe the general poor quality of our foodstuffs is also a factor in the poor nutrition so many Americans experience.

[@kilsestoffel3690]

I really don't get it. The US is such a big country, it should be possible to grow fruits, vegetables appropriate quality with a appropriate price. At least seasonal and regional stuff. I can differentiate between organic (tastefull, but expensive), imported (tasteless and expensive) and regional, saisonal fruits and veggies.

[@rscaht]

A long time ago I spent 3 months traveling the States and I Remember good and affordable food . May Be not all the variety we have in Italy but I enjoied eating in all the States I visited . Now 30 years later Is worse ?

[@Kimberly26]

​@@kilsestoffel3690

[@lifeisawesome3662]

@@kilsestoffel3690 i think it’s a political issue, the government pay their farmers to not grow anything and keep their lands empty. The U.S buys the best food to other countries, and my guess is , just as they do with their oil, they buy from other countries and when that will be gone they will use theirs.

[@markborok4481]

We lived in France for 9 months in 1985. The food tasted better, and not just the fresh produce either. The instant couscous and other prepared foods did, too. I think part of it is what people expect; the French (among others) expect their food to taste good, Americans will settle for Wonder Bread. I was just in Spain and I think I saw an ad on a bus shelter for a brand of olive oil. You know you're in a country that values home cooking when olive oil is advertised on bus shelters.

[@dirk7816]

I cashed out of America and moved abroad last year and am so thankful I finally made that move. I spent 6 months in a beach town in Costa Rica then flew to Medellin Colombia to check it our after hearing very positive reviews from some friends. The city is beautiful, very convenient to live in, extremely affordable, the whether is perfect and the locals have been awesome. Not sure if I will retire her but it's on the list and I have no plans of going anywhere else soon. I renewed my passport here it was surprisingly easy and only took 3 weeks, then applied for a one year student visa that was approved in 2 weeks. I have been watching you guys for years and your channel helped inspire me to seek a better life abroad and I found one. Thank you for that..

[@worldobserver3515]

Dirk, do you speak Spanish? Is there enough to do there to keep you busy? I have thought about Medellin, as well.

[@dirk7816]

@@worldobserver3515 No I didn't speak Spanish when I first left America other then knowing a handful basic words having grown up in Southern California. My visa is actually a student visa and I am enrolled with LCN langue school which is the most reasonably priced and studying it here. If you are not shy speaking Spanish won't be a problem and Colombians are very helpful and accepting people. As far as busy I guess that depends I met a local women I am in a relationship with. I joined a gym and started working out again. There are abundant entertainment and dinning options and it's all extremely cheap, Greek, Italian, steakhouse, vegan it's all here in abundance and they have a very efficient and easy to use public transit network.

[@dirk7816]

@@overlandecuador4872 Fighting the system is a spot on observation. I am living now on what it use to cost me to own and operate the two vehicles I owned. I remember when I left it was strange because I didn't own any keys to anything anymore. I would instinctively check my pocket for my keys and I had none. Once I settled it was so liberating not to have a key, I had always had a set in my pocket since I was a teenager back in the 70's. They may sound strange but it ended up being symbol of liberating myself from the bonds of responsibility. Key will be in my pocket again soon but in the meantime I am enjoying the art of living without them.

[@christiancalderon3821]

Dirk, Next year, I am ready to pull the trigger. Either living in Colombia Medillen or Cartagena or Ecuador Cuenca or lojas. But theses are my main concerns 1. I need strong wifi? 2. Good hospital 3. Nice affordable rent in a nice area. Between 400 to 600 dollars. Anyone who can provide me some good advice I would kindly appreciate it 👏💪🤙

[@marytica123]

@@christiancalderon3821 Can only speak about Costa Rica, as we lived there for 5 years and visit frequently. Houses (2 bedroom) rent for about $500-600/month, and apartments go for around 1/2 that amount. Keep in mind - typical CR rentals do NOT include furniture or appliances ! If they DO, they are more expensive.

[@davidc.w.2908]

You think the USA is modern? I came to the USA from the Netherlands and to me most things are 30 years behind…

[@lisagrace6471]

I am curious what this means! LOL. I was born and raised in the USA.

[@RasMosi]

This guy is coming from the Netherlands, probably one of the most progressive and modern countries in the world (I'm from Denmark) and like most of Europe our culture is wastly different from the american culture - mainly based on trust to our community rather then competition and distrust. If ýou can't comprehend the mindset, it is a complete waste of time to explain the difference. (Yes, they are at least 30 years behind, with regard to relationships they are more like 70 years behind)

[@garydavisguatemala6185]

We bought in antigua Guatemala but don’t live there full time yet. But just got back from antigua and there for a month and down 15 pounds! As you said you can walk everywhere and I averaged 8 miles or so a day just walking -but with a purpose to go buy or do something. I hate walking in the neighborhood in the USA it’s specifically to exercise In antigua I’m not setting out to exercise. It’s just a natural part of daily life And losing the weight is a big healthy benefit !😊

[@sue3745]

I would love to hear more about Life in Antigua Guatela

[@garydavisguatemala6185]

@@sue3745 Antigua is the Cuenca of Ecuador/San Miguel de Allende of Mexico I would say. Lots of expats and lots of tourists. From many parts of the world. Europe, U.S., Israel---you will hear many languages being spoken in Antigua. It is a jumping off spot to hike volcanos, go to the most beautiful lake in the world (Atitlan) & there are over 30 Spanish language schools. So you have many individuals & non profits that go to study Spanish. Housing ini Antigua proper is EXPENSIVE--if you want to be in the walkable area where you dont need a car. RIght outside of Antigua, you can buy a nice retirement home for $100k (but you will need a car/uber/tuk tuk to get into Antigua, as it wont be within walking distance). World class restaurants--more than you can shake a stick at, as we say in Texas. Antigua is also famous for SEMANA SANTA (google it). Another difference from maybe Cuenca or San Miguel, is it's only about 45 minutes away from Guatemala City, so many from the city go to Antigua for the weekend & traffic can be horrible on the small cobblestone streets (that's why you want to get a place you can walk everywhere from!) Lastly--it's only a 2 hour, 45 minute flight from Dallas & you're back in the USA. So if proximity is important to you for familial reasons, it's a great alternative. OH YES--it's also call the city of the Eternal Spring--it's about 72-74 degrees there all year long & around 59 at night. The best weather!

[@mp-kq3vc]

The taste of food... I'm still based in the US but I travel to Peru as often as possible. One time there we ordered strawberry shakes. The restaurant made them from fresh ingredients nearly as fast as you could get a shake from McDonalds back in the US. Wow! The explosion of flavor was like an intoxication. What an experience! With all of these same-looking shopping malls and instant food something is lost. We get used to everything tasting like cardboard.

[@BluebonnetShelley]

I agree with so many of these. When we moved back after 4 years in Germany, I wasn’t used to the credit card usage, air conditioning blowing on me all the time, fast pace, consumerism, and I had totally forgotten about pay at the pump gas, which I thought was weird because we were only gone for a few years. We had also lived in Korea for a couple of years, and it was very hard to come back after that culture change. Also have to agree about the drug commercials. I’m glad I don’t watch TV.

[@davidguy209]

I'm from the UK, and have visited the USA 3 times. I recently told a friend of mine, who's been there many times (he loves it), that I could feel Anger hanging in the air when i was in the States - even when there's no-one around. Even he agreed with me.

[@jackiedelvalle]

Land of fear and hate

[@bogardsparks2801]

I am an American citizen and you are correct. A lot of people in the country is angry!

[@Cincy32]

Give Blood Meridian a read if you haven't.

[@taraann-ms1oi]

So sad.

[@jert33]

I left America in 2015 and haven't been back since. I see the culture via the internet and am often shocked. I'm so glad I don't have to be there any more.

[@lazarjd]

I live in a neighborhood in the U.S. (Hammond, IN) where I'm lucky enough to be able to walk to a small Mexican grocery store and a good pizza place. But it's amazing that you feel so odd doing it. Walking anywhere in the U.S. is such a foreign idea and that's wrong.

[@Hello-rl6lp]

Wow! Well said..."Walking anywhere in the U.S. is such a foreign idea and that's wrong." That is part of why Americans are the most unhealthiest people.

[@lazarjd]

@@Hello-rl6lp I don't know if we're necessarily the unhealthiest. We have clean water, good doctors if you can afford them and FDA-regulated everything, so you probably won't get salmonella. But, you'd get some good cardio exercise and keep the diabetes away. Maybe someday we'll figure it out....

[@channahnoyb4803]

I live 10 miles from any grocery store and we have to walk on state roads to get there. MANY Americans live rurally and in the subs. It’s simply not possible for many Americans to walk every where, however I’ve visited quite a few cities where we did walk everywhere. You simply can’t compare the vastness of the US to many other countries. It would be great to get out from where you live and get a better understanding of the rest of the country.

[@lazarjd]

@@channahnoyb4803 I've been to rural areas and they're very nice. Actually, a lot of the rural small towns are very walkable in southern Indiana. Nobody locks doors; very peaceful. Up here we spend a lot of time in traffic going to some stupid Walmart so we can wait in construction on the way home. But they don't usually allow a convenience store in the neighborhood unless it's zoned and approved by a politician, homeowners association, etc, etc. It's more or less the areas that JP and Amelia are talking about in video.

[@sct4040]

Being able to walk to the shops is the #1 reason we live in NYC. It’s loud, but convenient.

[@daleaustin9595]

The weight gain was the one thing I noticed when we went back to the States from Africa. I gained 7-8 lbs in 6 months. And everything has so much preservatives.

[@stevenhull5025]

Why eat it then??

[@jackiedelvalle]

​@@stevenhull5025Why does anyone eat?

[@jeremywilliams5107]

Ha! 6 weeks, put on 6 kilos. But that was in 1996 and largely because of infinite soda and the portions were massive, tasty, and I was taught to clear my plate.

[@Scrunchie_777]

​@stevenhull5025 preservatives are in nearly every food in the US, you honestly can't avoid them unless you're privledged enough to spend $500 on "organic" groceries.

[@jeanlundi2141]

The most glaring difference for me as a portuguese spending a few months there in the Dallas region back in 2010 was the ammount of franchise food chains etc.........good lord........no brick and mortar establishments.....a Starbucks or McDs at every corner........and also the HUGE parking lots and needing to use a car to get anywhere. It's totally impossible to get anything done by foot. Obviously there are more densely populated regions in the US and with places within walking distance....but it was still a reality I never excperienced in Europe.

[@TheRongy]

I used to visit San Francisco, CA; i have done a lot of legwork there! Great city to explore on foot or a bicycle!

[@amysanchez3699]

I've been living abroad for 12 years and have only been back to the US 3 times to visit. Each time it's been worse for me. I'm having to return for the next several years because we're doing my husband's residency. All my friends tell me not to. Everything's expensive and dangerous. I'm not looking forward to it. It's an alien lifestyle. We never go out to eat or party etc. We visit our friends at home and have tea, I cook 3 meals per day from scratch, we have cars but hardly use them, our total monthly bills are about $40. There is virtually no crime. I can walk anywhere in this city very safely, any time day or night.

[@VeteranofthePsychicWars]

My wife and I have not lived abroad but have been watching and commenting on these very points over the last 20 years. Food flavor is our topic now when you compare what we get out of our garden versus the store, it’s no contest. And worse, most of the fresh fruits and vegetables from the store tend to rot before they ripen.

[@aaronsmith5433]

Ice, you have to use ice! Sometimes I think I learned more from the jobs I had in college than college itself. Worked in Italian veg / b fruit market. Chipped ice continuously over every thing. Keeping it close to 33F No bacteria & they stay fresh. Half a century later I still do it. The next day much of the stuff is fresher in my homer fridge then was in the store. They love ice!

[@angelaatwood46]

Walmart produce is the rotting kind.

[@oblivianation9759]

I had a tomato on my windowsill for over 2 months and it looked like it did the day we got it. Finally cut it open and the seeds were growing inside.

[@BulletTheEnforcer]

@@angelaatwood46 My local Kroger suffers from the same malady.

[@Timithos]

At one point in recent history only TWO countries in the entire world of ~200 countries allowed pharmaceutical companies to advertise on TV - U.S. and New Zealand. I don't know if that list has expanded. However recently, I'm seeing pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. aiming commercials at CHILDREN! This is new to me in 2022.

[@mardus_ee]

I'm often seeing Estonian-language pharma ads on the KZbin app, if I feel like I'd have to use it for engagement.

[@JustYFriend]

Nah! We have the same annoying commercials in Spain too. 😉

[@Timithos]

@@JustYFriend On cable, satellite, or broadcast TV though? I'm not talking about other mediums.

[@JustYFriend]

@@Timithos Regular TV. I guess you would call that broadcast TV.

[@danielmyles7416]

America is so different now its inevitable to become miserable. Constantly needing money and the prices are ridiculous. Excellent video Amelia and J thanks for the truth👍

[@NJItalianGal747]

No life in usa no community no social life

[@Harlem-ub3tn]

I have always lived here in the US but I agree with you. People are dressing more sloppy and just looking crazy . Sometimes, I'm surprised by how little the amount of clothing they wear. They just don't care anymore about appearances or social graces.

[@whatabouttheearth]

😂 social graces? People can wear whatever they want, this isn't the early 60s anymore. What are you a 65 years old conservative?

[@Harlem-ub3tn]

Yes, and you should hope that you make it to 65 and I'm very much conservative.

[@gary9933]

The problem is the amount of apathy rampant in society. If everybody says "I don't give a crap" and are narcissists, society will crumble.

[@jessicascoullar3737]

@@gary9933 it isn’t necessarily narcissism. It is also what you see when the social contract collapses. It used to be that if you worked hard and were respectful you could be successful in life. That is no longer true. People are working three jobs and still on the poverty line, they are expected to work hard but treated like disposable robots by their bosses. Of course people become apathetic. Why bother trying if all it gets you is more work and no benefits?

[@joandsarah77]

@@whatabouttheearth What young people like you don't realize is that social graces are small acts of kindness that makes both the doer and the receiver just that small bit happier while many smaller selfish acts are small doses of toxic that lead to an unhappier more selfish overall population.

[@michellebordiere]

I thought I was going crazy but I kept saying the food doesn’t taste like it used to. My garden taste much better than the grocery stores. I want to come to Ecuador to visit and possibly to relocate. I am not a proud American. Thank you for all that you do, my dad referred me to your KZbin.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It’s not your imagination. The food doesn’t taste like it did when we were kids. Glad you found us!

[@dejijames4516]

@@AmeliaAndJP Perhaps the unpleasant tastes of the foods explain why we have some many health problems in the US.

[@noway5347]

Supermarkets controlling the food chain, and thus quality is a problem. People need to grow your own if there is space. Very simple. Live simply. Sophistication is mostly BS.

[@dickcastle]

i remeber watermelon being way sweeter when i was a kid... every watermelon ive had for more than a decade sucks compare to that

[@jadedjhypsi]

My husband and I moved to Portugal from Denver 6 years ago and I been getting homesick, but after watching this video I am renewed on my gladness of leaving the states when we did =) Only thing different here that you mentioned is that gas is VERY expensive. All of Europe has a realistic price which runs around 2 euros a liter..... fuel in the Americans is severly underpriced when you take into account the resource supply. =) enjoyed this video

[@Orson2u]

No. Gas is costly in Europe because of excessive taxation. In the US, gas taxes are almost only about road building and maintenance, and thus much cheaper. Canadians do most of their inter-Province driving…via the USA! Why? EXCESSIVE TAXATION is there, too.

[@mardus_ee]

​@@Orson2u Canadians doing inter-province driving through United States is probably either due to toll roads on the way, or a straighter line from point A to point B. Many would skip such cross-border driving due to the potential of bad treatment on the U.S. side of the border.

[@carmenl163]

@@Orson2u That's why the roads in the US look like that of 3rd world countries. No tax, no road maintenance.

[@gabrielleal9363]

The Us is the most depressing place I have been to. It shokes me how happier I feel when I go somewhere else.

[@FortunateXpat]

I’ve lived in Europe for over 30 years now and just returned to Sweden after a two week trip to Northern Virginia. On past trips to the states I always brought back a suitcase of clothes, spices, etc. Not this time. Unbelievably, most things are now the same price in Stockholm. Also, I just find everything in the US so plastic and fake… so corporate. Including the food. It’s difficult to find a small private owned store or market.

[@bjcee1108]

I'm with you on some things, but criticizing people because they don't speak another language is just stupid.

[@FortunateXpat]

@@bjcee1108 It’s not just languages. Take the fact that most Americans can’t point to the US on a world map. Or don’t know anything about how their government works….

[@bjcee1108]

@@FortunateXpat I think you are making that up. Most? Most Americans can't point out America on a world map? Please point out concrete information, where a study was done, to prove it.

[@MsAppassionata]

@@bjcee1108 No it’s not. Most people in foreign countries can speak more than one language. I’ve met Europeans, Africans, Latin Americans, etc. who can speak at least two, and sometimes as many as five or six, languages. And,as the OP said, you have Americans who can barely speak or write their own language. I should know, because I am an American who has watched the decline in the American educational system. It really is appalling. Kids are not even taught basic civics anymore. They aren’t even being taught cursive writing anymore. Many schools have abandoned music programs which have been shown to improve children’s ability to learn all other subjects. And, I don’t know what they’re being taught as far as spelling and basic grammar are concerned.

[@rcas350pilot8]

@@MsAppassionata Most people in foreign countries can speak more than one language. So what? Does that make them superior in some respect? Maybe a lot of Americans have different priorities or interests other than learning multiple languages.

[@fernandojalon6339]

I love your Chanel and I have to say that you guys and others put Ecuador on everyone's map. That been said,I believe that when the people is not making $400a month to live there sure things are great. As an Ecuadorian who is living in the USA for over 30 years I can tell you that I get shocked when I visit Ecuador. Yes, it is beautiful and people are great for the most part but at the end of the day you alway have to watch yourself for any trouble. I served in the Ecuadorian army and I love the country but the governments and the corruption doesn't help . We live thru many episodes of trouble on those days. Military governments and unrest for quiet sometime and when we left that was the best thing we did and never look back. But things change, as I see and you and your wife are enjoying and that makes a lots of people see their options. But you have to agree that if you have income coming from outside of Ecuador sure things are pretty cheap,but for the regular folks is not the same. Maybe one day I will be back, who knows but for now I just keep my family here. So,enjoy yourselves and keep up the good work,it is refreshing to see that you have a great experience down there. We'll keep watching your videos and the best of luck to all expatas. 🍷🍷🍷

[@suzannahmontreal1051]

I just a Canadian still living in Canada but I love that you point out the disparity between the locals who have very low income and the expats from the North who even with bad pensions often have three time the revenue of a local person. In a way they live in a country but their well being depends entirely on the country they left. It's a privilege for sure.

[@fernandojalon6339]

@@suzannahmontreal1051 that is for sure. Many countries are changing their minimum income and assets for retirement,they no longer want the small incomes. So as I can see in these changes they want the whales with big money to spend. It's going to be interesting how this pans out in many of this countries. As for now everybody down there just enjoy and keep healthy. By the way I love Canada we used to live in Downsview,Ontario back in mid 70's. Sure has change a lot since then ,but we still visit when we can. I usually stay in Kitchener.🍷🍷 Hello from the mid Hudson valley.

[@MrStv1163]

Thanks for bringing some honesty to the discussion. The implication that THEIR experience, coming from a position of financial security and bringing American levels of fincnacial resources into a country where average people earn far less, is representative of what life is like necessarily for the population at large, is disingenuous. And unfortunately obesity is a growing problem everywhere. Even 27% of Ecuadorian women are obese (much more than for men for some reason) - so that's not just an American thing. And obesity rates in the UK, Canada, Aus, and NZ are all hovering near 30%. I think the western world as a whole is declining in many ways.

[@aubz81]

Omg I feel the same way about just about everything. The US is definitely a strange anomaly amongst the world. All the new 'innovations' seem exhausting and unnecessary. And yes to driving literally everywhere! There aren't sidewalks and if there are, you don't see many people using them. Everything is SO far away; I live in a small city (49k pop) and have to drive 4 miles to a grocery store, a mile to a gas station and parks are few and far between, and almost always located next to a cemetery. (?!?) No one talks to anyone, maybe you'll get a head nod or a hey from a passerby, but it's only cordial. The food really does suck; I got used to getting farm fresh organic produce from a CSA in Michigan and here in Texas, I struggle to find even organic produce, let alone biodynamically grown local produce. It's the only stuff that actually has flavor and nutrition. I try to eat as healthy as possible, but Texas loves eating out and the stores reflect that imo. It's just so weird here in the US, especially in the past few years as it's gotten even weirder. And I've lived here my whole life! I recently moved from Michigan to Texas and experienced massive culture shock, so I can only imagine what it's like coming back from a less crazy place. Great video, thanks so much for sharing!

[@amywalker7515]

Corporate America pumping us to spend spend spend on stuff we don't need that breaks almost immediately.

[@andyusfca]

So you are in Texs? I thought Texans are friendly people

[@aubz81]

@@andyusfca They are surface level friendly. Texas is not quite the South, and not quite the West, so the southern hospitality is few and far between, unfortunately. If you really KNOW the people, they're kinder and more hospitable. Here, you'll meet a nice little old lady who will then get behind the wheel and cut you off and flip you off. That's Texas. 🤷‍♀️

[@tessasisson8746]

I moved from England to the USA in 1982 when it was a vibrant, up and coming place. Sadly it has deteriorated ever since then and I now find myself longing for the UK. But my children and grandchildren are here, so I am stuck. Whenever I go back to England, I realise how much I am missing.

[@Alaspoorwho]

I moed from the US to the UK jsut before Brexit. I hate to report that the decline is real, apparent, and accelerating here. It's been one of the most surreal exeriences to watch because, like my home country, it feels like the decline happened so quickly that people struggle to understand it and respond to it effectively. Everyone feels stunned and unable to resolve it when the government feels out of reach.

[@blackrainbow192]

I’m in Uk and it has gone down hill so fast in the last few years. We will be on par with the US soon enough.

[@xbigc2893]

What a load of rubbish, everything is a little more expensive granted but nothing else has changed

[@klaramathilda9929]

@@xbigc2893how do you experience life since brexit?

[@xbigc2893]

@@klaramathilda9929 I have 2 weeks to wait until my bmw m140i arrives so not too bad

[@paulabrown4050]

What always shocks me coming home is how waiters and waitresses talk to you. It always comes off as baby talk, but urgent or rushed. I can't match that energy.

[@Koala-Express]

Add one more. Our family moved to the USA this year and we were shocked by the "fakeness" of some people. High pitched voice, ultra pumped to talk to you etc" BUT this comes from people we do not even know. My son calls them "mickey mouse people" . Foe eg: When making a dentist apppointment, the lady said "What's a good number for you?" in a high pitched fake voice. We guessed that she really wanted our phone number and not a good number. So we gave her our number and she replied "Awesome". We are shocked that she was so happy that our number was awesome. Weird!

[@peaceloveandunderstanding]

And have you noticed that many in the USA now feel compelled to speak in a sing-song manner? Even television newscasters have fallen victim. Has anyone else noticed this? Where did this affectation originate? I find it baffling and irritating.

[@4realrenee]

American people actually tend to be friendlier.

[@jelatinosa]

They require employees to do this in service and retail. The worst is having to have a fake smile plastered on your face all day, and if you falter for just a few minutes you get scolded or the customer complains about your "lack of friendliness". You have to sound and act like you are super happy all the time.

[@ntakovacj3644]

Aw c'mon, give us a break. She sounds fake to you and when she goes to Europe you sound sullen.

[@katella]

There is a tendency in the US to mimic characters on TV. There is a marked difference between how Americans speak now and how they spoke in the fifties. Now they sound like characters in a sitcom. Expressions are over the top. You're right, it used to be ab American thing for a cashier to send you off with a "have a nice day", then it became "have a great day", now you are expected to have an"awesome" day. 😂

[@t-and-d-productions]

I have lived outside the USA for about 13 years now. about 10 years ago, I had to return to USA for 3 months. It was cool for 2 months, meeting old friends and family, going to old hangouts, etc. But by month 3, I got really bored. I pretty much said " OK I did everything I wanted to do. Now what?" I moved back abroad and never did I go back to the US for any more than 4 weeks.

[@matthewwatts3819]

I'm from England and was married to an American living in KY for 21 years who died in 2010 and I have more than 21 reasons for never going back to the USA. Your video resonated with me so much. I have been living in Mexico where I live with my Mexican wife and two Mexican children and am getting ready to return to live in England where we want our children to go to school. I always felt too British to ever think of becoming a US Citizen. I remember how shocked my neighbours in KY were when I explained I was returning to England to take care of my mother and where I met my Mexican wife. People in the USA especially in KY are so closed-minded about how the rest of the world lives. The USA is slowly going down the drain!

[@JayaMadhavadas]

The USA is Going Down the TOLIET,,ITS BEYOND REPAIR --- GET OUT - SAVE YOUR SELVES - + Your Loved Ones..ASAP-- USA Ex_pat in Russia

[@maynardmckillen9228]

A sad but true observation about much of Kentucky. It is reflected in the ideology and the corruption of that state's two U.S. Senators, both horrible mutations that represent, promote and embody the worst aspects of human nature.

[@davidr7819]

I hope your return is successful. Everything is ludicrously expensive, but the NHS still exists and I and my family have received excellent care over the years. Remember you might not see the sun for 6 months, but Spain is not far away!

[@silverstars7882]

@@davidr7819 Plus Portugal and Italy, we are lucky to live so close to other beautiful countries.

[@Kualabear02]

Omg!! You’re going to be shocked by the UK then!

[@stevenschrift2761]

I think another reason people gain whieght in the USA is the fruits and vegetables are depleted of natural minerals and vitamins due to the overused soil mass produced food on a large scale . In Ecuador it's natural soils deep and dark soils filled with nutrients and vitamins so many small farms everywhere growing food. In the USA it's all comercialized and the fruits and vegetables are tasteless as they sell genetically modified crap that can last forever in your fridge without rotting or changing . I remember seeing brocolli change from green to yellow within a few days during my first month in Ecuador but in the USA it stays green forever and it's hard and waxy. Since the food is void of minerals and nutrients your body craves more and more food because it's not getting what it needs to nurish itself properly thus you over eat. In Ecuador you feel full on much smaller portions because the food is so nutricious and your body gets what it needs from the food here.

[@jglee6721]

That's part of it, but they were in the US for a short time and the biggest factor was the lack of walking would be my guess.

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

You got to either go to a local farmers market or a local farm stand in the US if you want to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.

[@Woodstock-53]

Thank you so much for this education on food I HAD NO IDEA

[@zzospreyzz55]

I've definitely developed some really weird food allergies in the USA. My Romanian friend says that the food and the water is so bad here, he's noticed some changes as well.

[@geraldbutler5484]

@Phillip Banes So are most people in the US gluttons?

[@Raschkodreamvacations]

You nailed it. We live in Mexico. We were in the US in June for two weeks (plenty of time) and saw all of what you speak except the dancing pubic hairs. We’re grateful for that. 😅

[@tdgdbs1]

Where in Mexico? I am in Monterrey and it's becoming too westernized for my liking.

[@JAM661]

You cannot not see the USA in 2 weeks and every state is very different. For example we do not have tons of dumpy strip malls in MN and most of the business are small except for the basic change. The life style is different. But things like the food price and not people working has more to do with how the business runs then the government. Also with gas being so high who wants to go to 15 different stores. Basically American make bad choices. For example if you live more than a 30 minutes from work for minor paying job that job is probably costing you more than what you are making. I always made sure I live within a few miles from where I worked. Meanwhile I lived in Italy for 2 years when I was in the Army and live in Pisa. It was very noisy and with no air conditioning you had to open windows in the summer. I spent a lot of time swatting flies. Basically if you went to Australia right now cabbage is $12.50 a head. I find most of these companies use gas as a excuse just to rip people off. Gas has gone down but prices keep going up. The last time this happen prices did not go down when gas prices got more normal either. Well before the pandemic gas was 2.79 in my area and now $3.45. The other problem is so many of our good are made in China and they are shutting down entire city's with millions of people over 1 positive covid case. After 3 years of lock down the patient Chinese people are losing their temper since they are locked in huge apartment building that are just fire death traps. I saw one building in China burn up in about 20 minutes and was a 30 story building. 1000's dead because the government refuse to let them out due to covid.

[@staceyschmidt3149]

@@JAM661 Actually, the government IS the reason for the greatest majority of the decline in the USA at the moment. The government decided it would be smart to pay people to quit their jobs and stay home. What that caused is less production across the board. If you can stay home and "make" the same amount of or more money than going to work, why would you go to work? People took advantage of the government's stupidity, and then decided they liked to not go to work, even after the government quit offering the extra money incentives to have people stay home. Now, not only are those people not in the work force, they're also adding to the amount that the taxpayers (FEWER taxpayers, might I add, as many of the taxpayers are now twiddling their thumbs at home and not contributing) have to support on the government dole. Add in those that have been covid-injured and vaccine-injured, along with those that have died, and our work force has taken a big hit!! Less production means fewer goods to be had, which means there will probably be a higher demand and not enough product. This causes prices (that were already going up because of fuel increases/ rising shipping costs) to be elevated. Simplified economics. This lack of production also effects the work equals money equals the economy situation. In essence, it's taking money out of the economy to not have the production from these people contributing to the economy. Then there's the fact that this administration is doing is utmost best to destroy the oil industry while pretending they're not. They have given out far fewer leases than ever before, and also added a tremendous amount of regulations and hoops that pull companies must jump through before producing oil for the world. This has caused the companies to have to expend a far higher amount of money just to get any wells up and running, and also, as this administration isn't oil-friendly, the companies have backed off and even attempting to start getting leases and permits for leases to drop, as halfway in this administration may pull their lease after the company has poured millions (billions?) of dollars into passing all the regulations. Lack of oil being produced at home causes the USA to have very little control over the amount of money we have to spend per barrel, causing prices for everything related to oil/fuel to skyrocket, including everything that needs to be shipped (almost anything anyone will buy). Nearly all of it is caused by this administration and their policies, and the leftover is caused by this Congress and their laws...

[@oscarrimore]

@@tdgdbs1 still here in Monterrey I´m grateful for the short distances but that rush hour tho, terrible, but wouldn´t change these mountains and hiking spots

[@cirosotelo711]

Loved the contrast you provided. Saddly our country is falling apart. Stay in Ecuador!!

[@jencraw1924]

I lived overseas for a few years and part of the program was re-entry and reverse cultural shock. Even prepared though we often talked about some of the things we found crazy when we returned. The top two was the absolute consumerism/throw away culture pervading everything and the lack of public transport.

[@larryjohnson2742]

I would like to add the huge political divide in the U.S. where people would practically get into a fist fight over politics, especially on Facebook. Heaven forbid if you posted an opinion on Facebook that people don't agree with. You could get responses ranging from mild reprimand to insults, name calling, vulgar comments and language and even threats. It has created ALOT of tension. It is one thing I won't miss if I became an expat.

[@lucyszoocrew6037]

Yeah avoid drama book at all costs. I deleted my account years ago and haven't looked back. Everyone is ALWAYS best and right and God forbid you do even one step different... Yeesh I agree 100.

[@lesliestenta3084]

I moved to Thailand 4 years ago , my cell phone bill was 179 dollars in HawAii, over data charge, late charge. In Chiangmai I pay 7 dollars a month for unlimited data, no late fee. In Hawaii there are only a few cell phone providers in Thailand there is a full floor of providers.

[@wcg66]

I was prepared for some political/cultural diatribe but your list is wholesome. I’d say the would apply to Canadian expats going back to Canada. Especially if you’ve been living abroad in more liveable cities. Fast food, driving everywhere and strip malls plague our cities too.

[@351528]

As a Canadian, I was thinking the same thing. Strip malls, big box stores, restaurant chains, needing a car to get most places (with the exception of cities like Toronto and Montreal), sloppily dressed people, cookie cutter suburbs. Sigh 😕.

[@jamesdenofantiquity]

Lived in Mongolia for two years and had been in South Korea for a year before that. Came back to the US against my will and was depressed and have struggled with it on and off ever since. So many of these things are ones I can relate to and I have had the unfortunate luck of having to work in retail. Many shoppers are angry, impatient, and just generally buttheads that I'd rather not help.

[@Ladivinadonna]

Me and my hubby are going for vacation to the coast of Ecuador in a couple of weeks , we can’t wait to experience the magic of the minimalist simple life we going to enjoy for few days 👏👏👏👏

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Have fun!

[@RonPaulyGirl]

You will thoroughly enjoy the food, the architecture, the weather, and most of all, the "buenos dias" nature of the lovely Ecuadorians! Es muy tranquilo! Make time to see Cuenca!

[@Ladivinadonna]

@@RonPaulyGirlMaybe when we move to Ecuador in a couple of years we will travel around Ecuador , for now this is our exploration trip to the coast

[@Ladivinadonna]

@@AmeliaAndJP We are so exited !!! We are going to feel the vibes of that beautiful Ecuatorian coast y de ahí estaremos tomando la decisión y

[@jamesmedina2062]

@@Ladivinadonna you could try Oaxaca too? Nayarit?

[@ksmith2852]

I am a full time traveler. Boring in the US bad started traveling full time in 2015. I hate seeing how other countries are becoming more like the US. We are all starting to be the same because of social media.

[@Orson2u]

Yes.

[@shopsshire9282]

😭😭😭😭

[@stevenhull5025]

What I hate is America thinks the rest of the world should be like them. If you don't agree and bend to them your country becomes a target by either military force or economic sanctions. Ask Iraq, Libya, Syria and a host of others.

[@Meatbalzz]

CHICAGO resident here! Couple observations. 1.) Had you been here a month ago, you'd have been paying about $7/gallon for gas here. so you got off cheap with the $5/gallon. 2) As for using public transportation here in Chicago, I would't recommend it. CRIME is out of control everywhere. Especially on the CTA. Assaults, Robberies and Murders happen regularly. Even bus drivers are regularly being assaulted.

[@DD-sr9xm]

Lived overseas (mostly Asia) for 35 years. Came back just as covid started. Complete shock. I am just amazed at how little value there is in anything in this country. Air travel is a disaster. The airlines have horrible service, the airports are chaos, the travel to and from the airport is terrible. Credit cards and banking are horrible unless you are in the highest tier of private client. Elsewhere in the world you get personalised service at reasonable levels. Other than the super high end, hotels are terrible. In the rest of the world you can find nice hotels at many price points but in the US it’s only above $400 per night that you get a decent room and service. I could go on but I will close it out with the ignorance and provinciality of Americans. People outside the USA know about the world at large including the US, but Americans only know about the USA and not even very much about the USA at that.

[@paulschlachter4144]

Worked for an American corporation. They wanted to be 'world leaders' in their business. Shocked they were, astonished, that not everybody uses US law to do things. That you couldn't just do 'any number of things' like they did in the US. They want to be world leaders but have a very parochial view of the world because they've never been anywhere outside the US or seen more of it but only from a hotel room view.

[@geneanuts]

Well, I haven't seen all the things you saw, but our country has really gone down the tubes. I went out with friends to a nice restaurant last weekend. Some were dressed like they were at an amusement park. 😳

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Yeah I can’t understand dressing casual to exercise or of going to amusement park which is a long day but to a nice restaurant that’s different.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

I think I need to edit my comment. I meant to write I can understand dressing casual to exercise but to a nice restaurant it seems like you would want to look and feel nice for the people you’re going with and the atmosphere of the restaurant.

[@MW-nr3lg]

@@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 I felt the same way when I moved to Vancouver, Canada. I was used to LA where people dress up (and NYC). It's all yoga wear and casual clothes except for the very wealthy. Same situation at events and nice restaurants. I was surprised and felt strange dressing up to go out since everyone was not. This is over 50% international city so it's not just Canadians but foreigners too.

[@adessachui7777]

Oh that is interesting.

[@Harlem-ub3tn]

Some people dress like Clowns; like they went blind when chosing their clothing. LoL !

[@Neosan1982]

One thing missing in South America are small town public libraries and a workable national interlibrary loan system. For example, I live in a small USA town, population 10,000. We have a small public library, and through interlibrary loan I can get books not in our little library (and the service is free of charge). For example, I got a novel by an Ecuadorian author that was published in 1940: En la paz del campo por Blanca Martinez Mera de Tinajero. Blanca Martinez was from Ambato, Ecuador and was the first woman to publish a novel in Ecuador. In the USA you cannot buy that book on Amazon, there is no Kindle edition either. But through my little public library I was able to get it at no cost.

[@BPe-ie9je]

is the book in english or just spanish? I agree, libraries. tks.

[@Neosan1982]

@@BPe-ie9je ... The book is in Spanish.

[@360decrees2]

Andrew Carnegie got that ball rolling over a century ago when he endowed many libraries all over the US.

[@hawkesworth1712]

The question: "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED to the USA!" The answer: Nothing happened to the USA. Something happened to you. You left it long enough to see the myth for what it really has always been.

[@PrintsInTheSoil]

I just got back from visiting the States after being away for almost 2 years with my kids. The reverse culture shock was very real! I had to ask myself how I managed to live there for so long. My kids were ready to leave after only a couple of weeks!

[@SoloRenegade]

I've been living here for decades and the last 10yrs has been a culture shock.

[@townswiley4429]

When I go back to the US I am shocked how aggressive and rude people are… everything, every action is an offense and gets a excessive response… people aren’t happy nor smile… this applies to the Urban areas and suburbs… small towns and country folk are still great!

[@mikewurlitzer5217]

Very true! And the founders of the USA fully understood what you have observed and they warned us about what happens when people are packed together like in old Europe. That historical FACT is the reason behind the Electoral College to minimize the influence of high crime rate areas on our elections.

[@hopefulforhumanity5625]

I agree about sloppy dress in the US. I started paying attention to my wardrobe and appearance a lot during COVID. I've really stepped things up and have received lots of compliments. I didn't used to think it was important, although I always felt better about myself when I wore an outfit that flattered me. I just thought I was shallow and silly to have that thought. 😄

[@RealConstructor]

I don’t like the sloppy clothes on anyone, but I especially dislike the yoga pants and the leggings women wear. In my country they’re called whisper pants, because you see the lips of woman parts move but they’re not saying anything out loud.

[@hashh2019]

You dont get good and reasonably priced clothes here- very expensive or dress in still expensive and ugly looking tatters

[@dougmartinguitar5668]

Great video! Entertaining and as an American who has spent 14 years of his life in China I can relate to much of this. I experience many of the same changes every time I go back to the US to visit. Although I can say with confidence I would like to change my environment at some point, I have very mixed feelings about returning to the US. Once you've been out for several years I think it's not the easiest place to relocate back to, for my anyway. Great job on the video :)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing!