An American Living in Britain - 10 More Culture Shocks

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Because my last Culture Shocks video was so popular, I decided to do another for you all. This time, we look at whether or not to put ice in drinks, the Aga, and going to the pub. Who'd like to see us try a pub quiz on this channel? Be sure to comment down below if you want us to make that happen...
Huge thanks again to Stephen (he’s a 'scouser' from Liverpool!) and Claire (from Somerset) for joining me and sharing their insights into these trans-Atlantic differences.
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[@AmericanViscountess]

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[@db-xi3fi]

This is probably a question that has been answered already, but I'll ask anyway. If your husband's ancester held the title of Earl why does your husband hold the higher rank of Viscount? Great videos, very enlightening. thank you.

[@zachlauenocorealtor]

@@db-xi3fi actually viscount is below earl

[@bkj2508]

Of course! Thank you!

[@bkj2508]

Yes, we have all kinds of water. Even flavored water! But, we still drink out of the faucet too.

[@decam5329]

It's like New Zealanders being called Australians. That goes down well. Not.

[@nancyvickers2814]

I am an American from Florida. I have 4 sons (now all in their 20’s). Anyway one of my boys and a friend went to Canada and Robert just loved it! He said the only thing keeping him from moving to Canada permanently is the cold weather! He said everyone was nice and polite and everything was clean - he loved it!

[@racheldowning3976]

American here - I loved the NHS when I lived in Britain -. I had an infection that kept coming back on and off for years and American doctors would just keep handing me antibiotics left and right. It wasn't until I came to Britain and went to the doctor to get antibiotics when the doctor there actually asked me how often and how long I've been on antibiotics - and then said "YOU KNOW YOU SHOULDN'T BE TAKING ALL THESE ANTIBIOTICS." And was he right, had major fallout from that years later - not one American doctor even questioned it and its STILL LIKE THAT HERE~ score 1 for the British

[@chatterjeelinda4]

I'm wondering if there was some underlying cause of the infections that had to be fixed. But that''s the nurse in me. Bit of a personal question. I just hope you are all better now.

[@racheldowning3976]

@@chatterjeelinda4 Yes it was a staph infection that I picked up traveling in India. Those things are tough to kill. Got it right at the end of my trip. It breaks out on the skin but eventually I would get a fever as well and take antibiotics to try to kill it but it kept reoccurring. I almost ruined my system taking antibiotics on and off for 2 years. What a nightmare. Doctors I went to were not helpful. All they could do is prescribe me more antibiotics. I went to so many. Finally out of desperation I went on a 3 month Ayurvedic diet and I never got a full break out again. Sometimes I can feel it starting, but then it goes away.

[@philspurling6414]

@@racheldowning3976 The NHS is loved by people who rarely have health problems. Most people go strait to the ER. Takes weeks for Dr. visits. Private is the only way. NHS is like the Vat tax Julie mentioned, you pay plenty in taxes for it. Even if you don't use it. Also as far as staph goes, they need to culture which antibiotics work for your infection. Just a testy American Expat. Not a fan of the NHS at all. Also a former heath care worker in the States. (Mrs.S) Glad you're feeling better.

[@racheldowning3976]

@@philspurling6414 Yes interesting. Does have problems too.

[@racheldowning3976]

@@philspurling6414 interesting yes. I never had trouble getting appts there but I’m sure it’s gotten worse as it has everywhere. it’s the same here. Takes forever to get appts here but probably easier the the NHS. My brother in law has Covid, is high risk having had heart attacks and he couldn’t get an appt to get medication to ease his symptoms. We have the problem of private equity taking over medical services and nursing homes and hospice. Costs go up and quality goes down. But shareholders make a bundle. It’s criminal so I get that private can be good but there needs to be limits.

[@AbblittAbroad]

I’m an Aussie. My first visit to England was late May 1993. On my first day I went sightseeing with some relatives. I noticed that they regularly pulled out their handkerchiefs and wiped the sweat from their brows. Didn’t think much of it until one of them asked how come I wasn’t sweating. I just shrugged and said I didn’t normally sweat until it got hot. That’s when I found out they were having a heatwave, and what they thought was extremely hot was just a pleasant Spring day to me. That night on the news it said the temperature had hit 29C and one of the motorways was closed because it had literally crumbled in the heat. I couldn’t imagine anything like that happening because our roads are built to withstand extreme temperatures from -30C to 60C. 🌞

[@philroberts7238]

No, it must have been because you'd been flying helicopters in the Falklands! ;)

[@myparceltape1169]

The black tar soaks up the heat from the sun. A tyre passes over it and presses it down, very slightly. Then another. Tiny cracks appear in the waterproof surface.

[@chatterjeelinda4]

I went back to England for a holiday after 25 years and my sister-in-law who lived there was so hot she couldn't stand it. She dragged us all to a movie theater to enjoy the air conditioning. It was like 83 degrees F - just getting nice! And the ironic thing is she was born and lived her first 11 years in India :-)

[@DE-xt7jv]

Its all about acclimatisation. If you stayed a year, the next summer day you would perspure too.

[@marleestraup8449]

I was there too in "93. I was visiting my pen pal in Northern Ireland. The day I got there they were talking about people getting heat strokes when the temp was around 89 f. I thought it was a nice day. We're I am from in Oregon it would get over 100 f during the summer.

[@jackmcgonegal8728]

Oh, yes, warm plates. I grew up with that and my English-born wife still does it. I had a great NHS experience this past Christmas holiday. We spent New Year's at Sarah's brother's home in Caerphilly, Wales. I'd come down with a bad case of bronchitis and on New Year's Day my brother-in-law told me I should really see a doctor. I called the NHS number, was on hold for about 20 minutes, and then spoke to a doctor who asked about my symptoms. He then told me a local doctor would call me within ten minutes to discuss my illness further. And sure enough, I was called back right away. This doctor asked more questions and then told me I needed to go to the ER. He told me they were expecting me in 20 minutes. Now, if I'd gone to an ER on New Year's Day in the States, I probably would have been waiting for five hours to be seen. I showed up a minute before my appointment at the ER in Caerphilly and a minute later I was being examined by a doctor. She wrote out prescriptions for me, and that was that. I didn't sign anything, didn't have to fill out fifteen pages of information, and didn't have to pay a penny. My BIL drove me to the nearby Superstore that was open, I gave the pharmacy my prescriptions, and four minutes later walked out with my medications. Again, no cost and no paperwork. I was back at Roger's house less than an hour after I made my initial phone call. Now, that is culture shock, but in a very, very good way.

[@cooks4seven40]

I was just in London- EVERYONE asked me what part of America I was from. To which I replied- “Canada, the more polite northern neighbour” 🤣 and then I apologized because that’s what Canadians do….

[@elisabeth6108]

I'm American and Canadians are much nicer than we are! And more reasonable about many things (guns come to mind...)

[@TheJohnebey]

I so agree with Elizabeth. We are Gun Crazy and I am in Texas so it is way over the top :)

[@df6990]

I'm also Canadian and was called American while visiting Ireland.

[@Dollgrl1]

My youngest Son was there at the same time you were ! They flew from Boston to Dublin , then spent a week there driving down seeing Ireland then over to London . Unfortunately the virus looming cut their trip short since they couldn’t take the chance of being stuck there . Hope you enjoyed your trip !

[@theresanoble1695]

You are forgiven Steven! Welcome to Canada, we love the UK and the Brits! Just don’t make that mistake again! 😂

[@NarvelNest]

Teaching in an international school overseas we learn quickly when somebody had a North American type accent to ask them if they were from Canada rather than the other way around, asking if they were from the United States. The Americans were not offended if I asked if they were from Canada where the other way around the Canadians were more offended if they were Canadian but I asked if they were Americans. Interesting.

[@Larose0302]

As a Canadian, I find it interesting that people don’t understand why Canadians would be offended to be called Americans.

[@mfa525]

@@Larose0302 I don't understand...enlighten me.

[@disoriented1]

@@Larose0302 I'm from the U.S. and I understand why Canadians would be offended. I love Canada, but I'm offended when someone abroad asks me if I'm Canadian. Years ago, I've known fellow U.S. tourists to display a Maple Leaf flag on their belongings, and asked me why I did not. I told them I would be proud to do so if I were a Canadian, but I don't borrow someone else's identity for what I perceive to be my convenience. The only people it seems to make a real difference to is Canadians and those of us from the U.S. :)

[@annmariethomas9968]

Healthcare isn’t free anywhere. It’s just paid for differently. Remember the 20% VAT?

[@eattherich9215]

There is a vast difference between an entirely tax funded healthcare system and one subsidised by insurance premiums. As a UK citizen, I won't be billed for a doctor's appointment, calling an ambulance or a visit to the hospital.

[@shirleyk7647]

🇨🇦 I don’t feel a need for an apology. Canadians can scream about Canada and the US being so different. Really more like regional than national differences. If someone blind folded me and then plunked me down in a close American town (I live in the west), and asked where I was, I wouldn’t know the difference. Yes, there is more metric and Canada has the Health Care and such, but our lifestyle and culture is basically the same while the UK looks vastly different the minute you step off the plane. I’ve been to the UK twice.

[@cherifrench2273]

My husband and I went to the highlands of Scotland a few years ago, for 2 weeks. It was around the fall equinox time. In Oklahoma, where we’re from, we had a heat wave the was still going on, and it was so miserable that when we got to Scotland and someone apologized for the weather (rainy and cool), we asked if we could take off our clothes and just stand in the rain for a while!😃 We loved the weather everyday that we were there!❤️

[@hallietadajewski]

I’m an okie too:)

[@suzannesenser607]

Stephen, lol! I moved to Canada from the US, and I had a list of at least 10 things that caused culture shock for me. All of them were things I attributed to Canada's connection with the British culture.

[@StephenandClaire]

We're visiting some of Claire's relatives in Canada later this year - be sure to join us on those adventures on our channel!

[@tonygroves5526]

I am Canadian and can confirm that often Canadian things, including some words we use are closer to the British usage rather than American. Our spelling is also based on the British system of spelling, for the most part.

[@Trava56]

Dear Viscountess, You are completely correct. The AGA stove is a Swedish invention by the famous inventor and CEO of the AGA (Aktiebolaget Gas Accumulator) outside Stockholm, Gustaf Dalén.The company was founded in 1905 and Gustaf Dalén, inventor and engineer headed the company from 1909 to 1937. The AGA stove was his invention from 1929 and became very popular in great English country houses since it could both heat the water, parts of the house and serve as a potent stove for large kitchens. As a Swede I am immensely proud that you promote a Swedish invention. Thank you for a great series of programmes and for your and your husbands work to preserve Mapperton, a gem of English architechture culture and art.

[@dianatodd2300]

I had the opportunity to visit London back in 2000, and one of the things I LOVED, was that the price listed for things was the price you paid. Period. You know you had to pay tax, so it wasn.t that the shops were fooling or cheating anyone, but it was included in the price posted, a much more sensible and "user friendly" way of handling things than here, where you have to try to mentally add tax to your total, a real pain, especially if you are trying to keep a running total as you go to be sure you aren't going over budget on your little shopping trip!

[@jessicaderstine4061]

Water: sparkling water is everywhere. But in true American form, it's rarely plain. It's flavored. But surprisingly, but delightfully, unsweetened!

[@eattherich9215]

We have lots of flavoured, fizzy waters here in the UK. I don't like any of them.

[@DimensionalAdventure]

I've been married to an English man for 10 years. We live in Spain. My education in learning Brit-speak is ongoing, and I'm overwhelmed at the difference between Yank-talk and Brit-speak!

[@barbdunn8886]

Stephen, the U.S. in itself is extremely diverse. No need to even compare the U.S. to Canada because the U.S. can’t be generalized based on any single geographic region. On the east and west coasts alone, the north and south are like different countries in terms of climate, terrain, and lifestyle. The southwestern states (like Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico) have a desert feel to them. Eastern part of Texas (a mammoth state) is swampy while the western part is like the desert! And then Midwest states (like Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, etc) have huge expanses of beautiful farmland. Please come visit! Guarantee that you could arrange your whole trip by staying with subscribers to this channel! 🥰

[@Larose0302]

Canada can’t be generalized either.

[@vivek27789]

@@Larose0302 True

[@patriciawrightwood6220]

Canada is also very diverse. Think BC and Newfoundland and Labrador just for a start. Then there is Quebec. We also have two official languages as opposed to an accepted second language as with Spanish in the US.

[@Larose0302]

@@patriciawrightwood6220 Exactly. I’m put off by the comment ‘no need to even compare Canada to the US. Yikes…

[@cvbeck]

Mid Atlantic southern states are rural and some large cities, humid, lots of trees, and are known as the Bible belt. I'm in Norrh Carolina, and we have beautiful warm beaches, flat farm and Forrest lands, and mountains.

[@spiritchannel]

Great video, Lady Hitchingbrook! I am American, but used to live in the UK and so agree with everything you share here! I do so enjoy the British Pub culture, and we don't really have it here in the USA. Thanks for bringing back great memories! Blessings from America. So glad to have such an excellent representative of America amongst the nobility! You do us all proud!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!

[@tabitha4135]

Yes shame nutmeg didn’t seek out her help! Bye from London 🌹

[@pineo81]

Stephen, we love our American neighbours, we just hate being called "American" apology accepted. Of course you're welcome in Canada anytime

[@annalorree]

As an American with many Canadian friends, both in Canada and ex-patriots, I would like to say that there ARE distinct differences between our cultures. Generally, Canadians are far more polite than Americans. Please don’t ever change.

[@pineo81]

@@annalorree Awwww thanks! I'm from Nova Scotia, that makes me extra nice :D

[@melindastimpson9014]

What's funny is that Mexicans and Central Americans tend to be offended if you *don't* call them "American."

[@davidtankesley5741]

Don't blame you. Proud of y'all up there in Canada right now.

[@Ev_deGallery]

In 2004 while we were in Seattle we thought why not go to the Aquarium in BC. We went but didn't have passports, just our IDs and they almost didn't let us cross the border. My husband joked (after) "we didn't have that much trouble crossing the Oregon & Washington Border"

[@tessp.l1284]

Interesting about the non American accents of your children. I know of an Argentinian married to a Spaniard here in Spain and the son, believe it or not, speaks to his mother in a Spanish accent (normal), and then in the same conversation, speaks with an Argentinian accent to the father. It is so funny! I love that you maintain your American accent and intonation.

[@thomasgansevoort929]

That is the coolest thing ever!

[@ellenraysmith4391]

Thank you for the words of support for the NHS!!!❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰

[@markharris1125]

How soon people forget! It was just two years ago in 2022 that we had the hottest, driest sunniest summer for decades. I travelled back from holiday in Dorset, where the temperature had been in the 30s for a week, on the day London hit 40. Coming off the air-conditioned train was like stepping into an oven. Just amazing.

[@tshandy1]

I think Canadians get more riled about being lumped in with Americans than vice versa. I don't think most Americans care.

[@ursulaclarke6066]

Its OK Stephen - people think NZ and Australia are the same too......

[@daniellerussomanno188]

This apology cracked me up. It's a compliment to confuse us in the US with Canada!

[@marthadavey3703]

You should have mentioned that the 20% VAT and gasoline is so expensive because that money goes for the national health system funding.that you love.

[@mariannesouza8326]

I can understand how Stephen would think that. This American sends her apologies to Canada 🍁🇨🇦.

[@StephenandClaire]

Haha, thank you Marianne! We're actually visiting some of Claire's family over in Canada and we will be filming our adventures over there...

[@newday5]

Stephen accepted apology as a Canadian . Please come and visit Canada . The pub quiz would be a great idea.

[@StephenandClaire]

Thanks Darlene! We'll actually be visiting some of Claire's relatives in Canada this summer and will be documenting it on our KZbin channel. We hope you can join us there...

[@jamesmoore9659]

I lived there for 3 years (1989-1992) I was cold the whole time. TV tax, Road Tax, no screens on the houses, and no outside faucets. This was before GPS and there were no rode signs.

[@loismena4321]

There was so much sunshine on every trip to England that I received a universal invitation to return ANYTIME!

[@ruthcr8839]

Fizzy/Sparkling water is very popular here in the states. We even have a “Sodastream” at home to make it just in case we run out of it.

[@emilys9365]

Yes, Topo Chico is having a moment.

[@karenfisher4170]

agreed! so many brands of sparkling water now...

[@myparceltape1169]

I think that they could come back in fashion again here. We threw ours out about 20 years ago.

[@anneclark1330]

I am surprised that the American Viscountess hasn't picked up any British accent after living there for 20 years!

[@sylviatsai8637]

I can hear it when she says “all” with a British accent

[@PinpointMassage]

I live in Houston Texas. The gulf of Mexico is 68°F today (mid-december) or 20°C. If it gets below 35°F (2°C) our entire area shuts down. We also don't say the "T" because we threw that in the sea in 1775...

[@lisaharris2518]

Julie you crack me up! My family lived in Great Britain for 3 years and we absolutely loved it! My son who was 11 at the time and is now 35, still speaks with a British accent! The rest of us tease him about it! I love your series and I never miss an episode! Keep up the good work!

[@denisemusicnut]

To Stephen: We have pasties in Michigan, especially in the Upper Peninsula. Many Cornish miners came to Michigan for work, and they brought their food traditions with them. I live in the lower peninsula, and they’re harder to find here, but larger cities have them. It’s worth the 3 1/2 hour drive to get the real ones in the U.P!

[@SuperCarlyms]

Denise, I lived in the same area. We moved to Michigan from England in 1973.

[@suzannesenser607]

You look way too young to have university age children

[@lynnpetti3817]

Love pasties

[@beverlymacdonald]

Denise, you must live a little North off me. It's 5 hours for me but there is a great little shop in Richland called Up North that has pasties.

[@beverlymacdonald]

Stephen you are awesome. Apologies are appreciated. Love all your videos Julie. Accents are great. Butter was so funny. I would love to see a quiz. Thank you so much for being you...

[@carolyn279]

Fizzy/Sparkling water has become very popular in the states, and I love it even without ice! 😁

[@markrossow6303]

now Topo Chico is getting common -- or at least we were buying cases last summer at Costco #01...

[@lisaredwine4857]

Maybe it's a regional thing? It's not very popular in MS. Or maybe I'm just out of touch with what's popular.

[@DarkandStormyNight01]

I don't care for it. It has a funny taste. I expected it to taste like... fizzy water... nope!

[@dabooser1048]

Its pretty big in California. The sparkling water section in the grocery stores are fairly big and diverse. My family loves it, I do not.

[@erikapeterson9447]

@@dabooser1048 I buy huge cartons of the 5 calorie sparkling juice drinks and those are fairly popular at offices as well

[@judyholiday1794]

My cousin's husband is from England so we love comparing accents. I also read a press releases from William and Catherine stating that their children will not be attending boarding school like Wills and Harry had .I was impressed that William said he wanted their children to come home at the end of each school day..I watched a video about boarding school and the little girls were all crying for their mothers it was just heartbreaking and I just couldn't do that to my child..I understand that it is a cultural thing and I respect that but for me I just couldn't leave my child like that..

[@donnastandley8056]

Taught British Lit in Texas high schools for 34 years. I visited England for the first time in summer of 2017. I read so many articles about the cold summer weather, so I acquired an apartment for our 2 week visit with no AC. Upon landing in London, it was 87 degrees and continued this heat wave for the next 6 days. We quickly found a hotel with AC and moved our lodging there. Texans need their AC in the spring and summer and sometimes the other seasons too. Loved my England visit so much!

[@barbarareiskind8884]

Thank you Steven. As a Canadian we appreciate this distinction because we are our own people.

[@StephenandClaire]

No worries Barbara! We'll actually be visiting some of Claire's relatives in Canada this summer and will be documenting it on our KZbin channel. We hope you can join us there...

[@bizburgess1947]

Thank you Stephen from Nova Scotia, Canada ...a unique place well worth the visit. We always warm our plates and have health care paid for through our taxes(15%).

[@jeanninecrider8521]

I think if people were really offended by Stephen‘s comment, they need to grow up! But it was very gracious of him to offer.

[@susanjacquier5358]

OK, Steven...lol...gloves off! As a Liverpudlian ( whose parents migrated to Australia in 1964), I desperately miss my Scouse relatives and the Liverpudlian accent. I get so homesick every time I hear it. Harsh words my lad....hmmmmm....apology accepted hahahaha

[@suzannes5888]

A YES vote on the pub quiz! A team name?? Hhhhmm, how about (in honor of at least two of your love for ales) "Know It Ales" or (in honor of the British James Bond films, made popular I America - a a blend of both of your cultures) "Liver Let Die"? lol Also, some houses in the US have plate warmers. The appliance is usually built-in to the kitchen cabinetry. Some ovens also have a plate warmer function. Lastly, many dishwashers have a plate warmer function that will heat the plates - although none of the above are super commonly used, as many houses are kept so warm here in the winter.

[@michellefuhrman]

An American here and I love everyone's accents! Flavored sparkling water is hugely popular here. I live in southwest Ohio and it's available from most stores and a few restaurants.

[@susanandersen9270]

AGA was a was invented in the early 1920’s and originally made in Sweden. Manufacturing was moved to Britain in ,1929, Coalbrookedale and continued there until 2017. By the 1930’s it was so popular that cook books were written just for the AGA.

[@kimcassetta5538]

Bubbly water has become hugely popular here. We mostly refer to them as "flavored selzers" since they are often infused with fruit like lemon, lime, cranberry, or mango. I live in New Hampshire and there are quite a few bars that hold what they call trivia nights. Merry Christmas to you, Luke and your children.

[@gardenmusicnotebook2748]

I don't think most Americans will mind much if you say we are pretty much the same as Canadians- but the Canadians will be apoplectic. Thats like an electric third rail with them.😄 The weather in the UK, as a Californian I don't know if I would make it, but it is nice that its beautifully green there.

[@gerardacronin334]

Telling Canadians they are just like Americans will indeed produce apoplexy, just as assuming that Ireland is part of the UK. Speaking as an Irish-Canadian!

[@tor2162]

You are a very aware American, Canadians hate to be called Americans. I am Canadian and in Europe I am always called American. I expect they just mean North American, but it always gets a reaction from us. They look at us like we are crazy, what is the big deal? I think Canadians are as American as the Scottish are British. Identity and culture are subtle but very important to people.

[@kristyhand6209]

Thank-you Stephen. Canada and the U.S.A. are different. I would say different personalities, both have their wonderful qualities.

[@StephenandClaire]

No problem Kirsty! We're actually visiting some of Claire's family over in Canada later this year and will be filming a series over there - do join us on our channel too 😊

[@kristyhand6209]

@@StephenandClaire I will join your channel, thank-you Stephen and Claire. What provinces will you be visiting? I'm in Ontario. ❤

[@StephenandClaire]

@@kristyhand6209 Thank you, we look forward to seeing you there! Claire's relatives are in Kelowna, BC, but we will be travelling around quite a bit while we're over there...

[@kristyhand6209]

@@StephenandClaire Fantastic. If you come too Ontario, let me know. Although I have to worn you, Ontario is a huge place. You never know you may end up in my neck of the woods! 😀

[@StephenandClaire]

@@kristyhand6209 We'll be sure to do that, thank you!

[@marymarymillidweeb2661]

My mother emigrated to Canada in 1955 from Bristol England. Her biggest culture shock was the fashions especially the hats! But she did move to Thunder Bay - very close to Duluth Minnesota I think. So I can't imagine how fashionable they were there - all lumberjacks and curlers!

[@stephenr115]

Definitely a pub quiz! I arrived at Blarney Castle and after going up into castle made my way to the local woolen mill pub and had a wonderful cold cider (apple). It was the most refreshing beverage that I’ve ever had! The sides of glass had cold “water” on exterior and it hit the spot. This was a commercial brand but it satisfied my dream of what I had read about cold cider (pint) in a pub. I returned a few years later, skipped the castle and met my wife in same “pub.” Delish…as us Americans say (Midwesterners).

[@amandaeveland]

Holy cow! I was in London in 2006 and the heatwave was all over the news. I can't tell you how many people told me to pack for cold weather, so I did. As a Floridian I was walking around in Denim and long sleeves and still cold. It's 81f or 27.22C right now in Florida for December. I really didn't get it at the time how big a deal it was for everyone. But I have been back and figured out how hot it was for everyone who lives in London.

[@brunobandiera2062]

Kudos to Stephen for his near-abject apology re the Canada / USA comparison. Yes, many aspects of Canadian culture are 'similar' to the USA's, but, they are.. NOT... THE.. SAME.. LOL, enjoy your trip.

[@StephenandClaire]

Thank you Bruno! We're actually visiting some of Claire's relatives over in Canada in the summer and will be documenting our adventures over there on our channel...

[@hollyboardman1820]

in 2000, I spent a sabbatical summer in the UK. As a Floridian, I was astounded that the predominate colors I saw people wearing were BLACK, gray, and brown. In Florida, I wear bright colors throughout the year. Wearing black is for funerals. When I was riding on the tube, I definitely stood out because of the bright colors of my clothing.

[@richardzagozeski892]

Our added Tax here is GST (Goods & Services Tax) & PST (Provincial Sales Tax), but there is another Tax here that is hidden called a Federal Sales Tax, which is buried in the price

[@nancymensch1087]

My family and I took our first trip overseas in the summer of 2019. We loved London. The only thing I really missed was having iced tea, as that is what I drink in the summer. My grandparents family came to America from England so they grew up with drinking milk and sugar in their hot tea. I still drink my hot tea that way, except I use raw local honey in place of the sugar. We love the PG tips tea from England-best tea ever!

[@tabitha4135]

Agree from London!

[@carolmoore7047]

What does PG tea mean

[@lyndao7356]

You’re good, Stephan. We understand. Love your work!

[@StephenandClaire]

Thank you Lynda! Do you know that we have our own channel now too?

[@sf9145]

Sparkling water is very popular in America especially in the last 5 years...to 10 years.

[@russbarrows6689]

When I was growing up in Canada water would be served without ice. Soda (pop) was also served without ice. Sometime in the 70's Canadian restaurants started serving a soda drink with lots of ice and sometimes water would be served with ice. I asked a friend who managed a restaurant why he didn't serve ice in both. He told me the economics is that ice costs less than the cold drink (soda, tea, coffee) so filling a cup with ice and adding the drink to the top returns a better profit. Also, Americans who visit Canada expect it. Now in Canada ice is served with most cold drinks.

[@moxiemckeldrey5486]

I would sooooo like to have national health care. I pay so much and my deductables and out of pockets continues to go up.

[@thomashudsan2103]

Every time I watched your videos it is getting more interesting extremely educational and helpful for those who have never been to the UK. You are classy, smart, funny, a nice woman.

[@williammahaffy9228]

The Canadian/American apology reminded me of the time the son of a friend of mine was travelling in Scotland. He went into a pub and asked for a Stella Artois. The bartender brought him his beer and asked him what part of Canada he was from. My friend's son asked him how he knew he was from Canada rather than the US. The bartender explained that if he was American, he would have ordered a Budweiser. :-)

[@lauramason5667]

My first exposure to sparkling water was in the 1970s. That’s when they begin importing Perrier water. I think it’s very common now. Interesting conversation!

[@mariedupre7933]

I totally enjoyed this ❤️We Americans are unique State by State in my opinion! I’m a proud Texan

[@wandadavis8025]

The closest thing to the NHS that I’ve experienced in the US is the military medical system. I was in the Navy and also married to a Marine. Both on active duty and later as a dependent, I went to the military clinic or hospital for any health issues and for our preventive care. The only time there was a bill was when my children were born at the Naval Hospital. I paid $5 for each inpatient day for my meals.

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

Thank you for serving our Country.

[@wandadavis8025]

@@pattyfarghaly1821 You’re worth it. ❤️

[@markrossow6303]

this Army kid agrees every American should get that -- we would actually save lots of money by cutting out so many middlemen / clerks / bean counters / insurance negotiators...

[@louisekirkvold2014]

The military in the US has socialized medicine and it is great. I am a Kiwi married to a retired US soldier and we raised six children during his three decades in the army. I have no complaints about the healthcare. No bills ever and excellent care.

[@Hunter4042012]

@@louisekirkvold2014 Healthcare still cots in NZ, 1/6 of taxes pay for it.

[@1579list]

No problem regarding Canada, Stephen (am I spelling your name correctly?). We from Minnesota are neighbors to Canada, and they are okay! Whatever your accent is, you are just fine. Enjoy your day!

[@lurlenejones456]

Love when you include Stephen and Claire!

[@StephenandClaire]

Did you know that we now have our own KZbin channel too? We hope you can join us there...

[@lauramoonwoman]

my great grandmother was a professional cook for rich people and she taught me never to put an egg on a cold plate. To this day I warm plates for breakfast. don't really do it for any other meal. but always for breakfast. I really see the wisdom in it. who wants cold food. we are in the USA.

[@eattherich9215]

I warm the plates for a hot meal always. My mother never did, so I must have picked this up from elsewhere.

[@AndriaBieberDesigns]

I’m an American. I think Canada and England is better. Love Julie! Great videos

[@crickettheath3348]

I have a high school girlfriend who's mom and "NAN" are British from the Midlands and dad is from New York. I'm from Virginia and my "native" version of English AIN't English anymore, and her family and I had to work out those language differences. Her grandmother "the NAN" called me a Yank one day. I, as politely as I could, responded the I wasn't a Yank as I was born south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Her nan took offence and chased me from the house with a broom. My parents made me go back to apologize.(apologise?) When I explained what our definition of a "YANK" was, her nan turned to her son in law (the New Yorker) and said "Well Frank, I guess that makes you TWICE as much a Yank as anyone I know!!" Hysterical moment for all of us!!

[@cynhanrahan4012]

Thank you, Stephen. Both the US and Canada are so huge, that even within both countries, there are vast cultural differences, not to even get into accents. I can identify north american accents by region. I have many British friends, and I can hear the difference in accents. It took some time to understand some of the more northern british accents. Ice. I live in Florida, but it does get cool in the winter and I don't use ice in the winter at all. Now you would say our winters are warmer than most of your summer. I don't even refrigerate beer in the winter. Room temperature is cool enough, like I imagine yours. It's not warm at all. Your room temperature is cooler than our winters. I haven't been in a pub in years, but recently went to lunch at an out door restaurant for the first time since covid. It was difficult. The food was delicious, my friends were wonderful, but being out was so odd and anxiety producing. Cheers to the NHS! I'm retired and using the Medicare system I paid into all my working life, and it's still not adequate if you have a serious illness or need expensive (read profitable) medication. It's a shame and horror. I'd leave if I could, but I'd also lose my only source of income if I did. Thank you, Julie. These are really enjoyable.

[@susanmeredith4957]

So true! I live in British Columbia and the difference between here and the Maritime provinces are night and day, then there’s Quebec! Lol.

[@laurawatkins9399]

American here, and I definitely notice varying British accents. My favorites are Midlands and Yorkshire accents (no clue why!) I would love to see you do a pub quiz! And I love KZbin; it's nearly all I watch now.

[@letarogers6380]

My sons and I watch a lot of British TV. We can recognize London, Cornwall, Wales, Manchester, Liverpool, Yorkshire, and Geordie apart pretty well.

[@lornam3637]

My favourites are Liverpudlian, Geordie and North Welsh (even better when they are speaking in Welsh ☺️). Somerset is lovely too - although I think the younger folks sound more London influenced these days.

[@signespencer6887]

Most apartments / flats are rented furnished.

[@dorothysue1]

I live in Los Angeles and I'm sure we get more than 300 days of Sunshine per year. We get very excited when we get rain and I adore a cloudy day.

[@melissaphillips3088]

Love these vlogs on our different cultures. Please do more of these Julie.

[@heatherrobinson6192]

Love the accents! I’m researching the UK for my daughter and so happy I found your channel. She will be attending a University in England for her Junior year of college. I really hope Covid protocols still allow her to go. Love watching all of you!

[@kathleenjimenez8394]

Sparkling water is becoming popular to buy at grocery stores but it’s mostly the classier restaurants that offer sparkling or flat.

[@johnkabel285]

Re the VAT: In Canada, we have the Goods and Services tax AND some provinces have a Provincial Sales Tax. To avoid tax on tax, we now have the combined Harmonized Sales Tax. In Ontario this is only 13 %. Steven, another difference

[@JaniceStewart863]

I love the relaxed candor in all your videos. I definitely notice a difference in their accents. Would love to see a pub quiz. Also, what differences have you noticed in Christmas customs and celebrations?

[@StephenandClaire]

Did you know that we now have our own channel too? We'd love for you to join us on our adventures

[@letarogers6380]

Weirdest thing I’ve ever experienced was returning back to L.A. after working as a barmaid in London for six months and I heard everyone speaking with English accents tor the first day I was back home-even my Okie dad!

[@thebrookealyson]

Wow!!

[@socalgal8733]

I live in San Diego and drinking a sparkling lime water as I watch your video. Oh and it's raining here today LOL

[@susanshaffer3411]

Sparkling water is a treat! Over ice with lots of lemon!

[@TamW68]

I love your channel. I love the fact we both came over to the UK about the same time and have the same reactions to things that are different. I feel like a foreigner now when I go back to the states for a visit.

[@Rainenschu]

American here...Stephen is awesome and I certainly didn't take offense to his comment...Canada is awesome! Fizzy water-yuck and becoming more popular, but it's weirdly flavored. Accents-since I watch a lot of UK television and KZbin channels, I've caught on to a lot of the different accents. This week, I noticed myself telling my students, "Just give it a go" instead of "give it a try"...lol! Weather-I'm from the Seattle area, so....I love the rain!

[@victoriaoliver9958]

I've heard that Pacific Northwest weathet is akin to weather in England. I live in Portland, OR.

[@alanknuss1241]

Another popular phrase used for”give it a go” is “have a bash”

[@StephenandClaire]

Thank you Lorraine! We'll actually be visiting some of Claire's relatives in Canada this summer and will be documenting it on our KZbin channel. We hope you can join us there...

[@catherineenglish9542]

Just loved this ❤ I'm Irish American my gran always warmed plates for family dinners on Sunday always roasted , and for her da and my grandfather every night .

[@teamcougars]

I love Stevens accent and I can tell a very slight difference in their accents 😀

[@rkr5106]

We spent 7 weeks traveling all around England ( + Wales/Scotland/et al) in May & June 1989. It was record heat for that time of year: easily into the 90s in the South. I had counted on cool/wet weather and had not brought clothes for heat.... Julie, we're also in metro-Chicago. Elmhurst, to be exact.

[@DanSme1]

Yes, fizzy water has caught on. I likely began in upper end restaurants seeking to be more “Euro,” and with the Boomer/X generations who have vacationed in Europe. Fizzy water is now widely available in US grocery stores and mega stores like Costco, etc. We acquired the habit visiting Italy and France.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

We are Americans living in Germany and sparkling water is also more popular here than still water! At first I didn’t really like it at all and how I love it! Especially in the summertime. And the healthcare system here is also so much better than in the US.

[@DM-Canada]

Thank you Stephen! I just commented on that! On behalf of Canadians, we appreciate it.

[@flowerofson-shine3539]

You are fun to watch! I live in Idaho (great place to live) which is just south of Alberta, Canada. I would never be insulted by being linked with them. The people there are wonderful. There are differences but there is no reason to be upset. People these days love to be offended. Please don’t let it concern you!

[@PS_testing321...]

I think it was more about the Canadians being thrown in with us😀.

[@Dark1Wonder]

Can I just say that I absolutely love pasties! They're very popular in the UP, or Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I used to live up there and I always had some in my freezer until my favorite pasties place closed. Then it was over an hours drive to get them. I haven't had one in probably 8 or 9 years. They're so hard to find good ones. Even in Wisconsin

[@patcoxen6857]

It is amazing the differences there are in words between Canadians, Americans and Brits. I look forward to the word show.

[@justsayin8893]

Hi Julie.... I'm from Illinois too.... Just outside Chicago! Love the Brits!

[@MrsHFitz]

Many pubs here have what we call "trivia night" where teams with catchy names compete for glory and modest prizes (like a discount off your next visit.) It's fun! I have to say the UK pub quiz I participated in (N. Ireland) was both more fun and more challenging, due to the difference in some of the words used! 😁

[@blackbob3358]

a'int Etymology fab, Heidi ? I can go 5 miles down the road, and not know what a word/phrase means, here in the "west riding".

[@jackieb1022]

Yes! I,d love to see a pub video! And Steven had a wonderful apology! Hello from Phoenix, Arizona 🌵🌵🌵

[@StephenandClaire]

Thank you Jackie! We'll actually be visiting some of Claire's relatives in Canada this summer and will be documenting it on our KZbin channel. We hope you can join us there...

[@richardzagozeski892]

Heat waves in Canada are when the temperatures reach into the + 90's Farenheight or higher (even into the 100's), with no humidity. A Hot dry heat

[@vannesavasquez2475]

Greetings from Sunny San Diego! Oh how I would LOVE rain 300 + days/year! It's been super hot out here lately and we miss rain, clouds, and gorgeous grey skies.

[@heathermartinez8640]

Thank you so much for the part two. I'm surprised that there is such a difference in price between warm and cold food. The VAT is similarly done in Puerto Rico in restaurants. Would love to see a pub quiz.

[@karenryder6317]

I would love having a VAT included in a listed price. As you say, calculating tax is a real pain.

[@jaimiebanks3179]

I’m ok with Steven saying America and Canada are basically the same. He’s not all that wrong 😂 Although our Canadian neighbors may disagree.

[@peggyklassen8111]

As a proud Canadian, I say we are not the same as Americans, and I am very happy about that. 😊🖐👍

[@jimmoran973]

@@peggyklassen8111 I've always thought of Canadians as similar to people from Wisconsin but with Poutine and better beer.

[@StephenandClaire]

Haha, thank you Jaimie! We'll actually be visiting some of Claire's relatives in Canada this summer and will be documenting it on our KZbin channel. We hope you can join us there...

[@DorisTheChicken3013]

Snow, here in the south (South Carolina) even a dusting of a snow, shuts everything down!

[@angelaharvey2034]

Yes, I remember the summer of 1976. As I am a regular rambler I like the British weather as It is what makes the countryside so green and lush.