Do I want to MOVE back to America from the UK? // HONEST Q & A!

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

You're missing out on exclusive weekly videos (and the controversy over how I tiered British food...sorry, Yorkshires are the best!) if you haven't checked me out on Patreon! www.patreon.com/girlgonelondon

[@stvpett]

I'm not British so I may not know, but I thought the "It's coming home" had to do with the fact that Football/Soccer was invented in the UK. (Including the term Soccer by the way) That is why it would be "home." However, the last time they won a major international tournament was I think 1966. However, I could be incorrect because again, I'm not British.

[@maxwamalot1651]

You're correct.

[@EricIrl]

@@maxwamalot1651 Not just the "last" time, but also the "only" time.

[@mikes7379]

@Ian Warren the song wasn't about winning, mostly it's about how England always lose but we can't help thinking they'll win *this* time. "Coming home" does just reference that we invented the World's favourite sport, even if we can't win at it. England fan's relationship with the team is like what David Niven said about Errol Flynn, "you could rely on Errol, he'd always let you down."

[@Atumn-cgc]

No, you're right, Many couries like to claim football is theirs and I'm sure everyone had there own versions. It was made into an organised league And game with rules by the English, We never called It Soccer, that's just an American thing!

[@RosLanta]

@@Atumn-cgc Soccer was actually originally a British term (I'm also British by the way) 🙂

[@kphedges1]

The best way to make friends here, would be join a group say painting, flower arranging, pottery etc. You'll meet a wide range of people, there's lots of classes around. The British like to makes friends through a common interest.

[@mariasoutherncalifornia]

Super insightful David! ✨🪄🥳✨

[@redf7209]

Its standard granny advice to do this but i think who you meet will be either fanatics to the subject matter that you will never connect with outside of class because you don't have the time, dedication or money to pursue the same interest or people totally apathetic to the subject matter who are only joining to get out and meet people but these will be pensioners or housewives that you will also have a problem connecting with unless you too are one of these. Btw your channel name indicates you are one of the first groups i mentioned.

[@VirginiaBouchier8257]

I’m British and I absolutely love loads of things about the US and it’s people. Things I love include, the enthusiasm, eateries are geared very much towards family and family and friends get togethers are such a big thing. I also think that there is very much more of a community spirit which seems to have been lost here. I was bought up in a village in Hampshire, where everyone knew each other and the elderly were looked out for, however as new people moved in and the older people passed on and their children moved away the old ways died as well. I live in a Welsh village now but there is no community and it is something I admire the American culture that community lives and breaths. There are things I do not like of course such as guns. I would have considered moving to the US, if it wasn’t for the health care system. I absolutely understand your pull back to your homeland. I’m not saying I don’t love my own country but there are things that have crept into our society which I do hate so much, certainly since I was growing up. Everyone has their own perspective and this is mine.

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

It's only natural that you'll prefer elements of American culture or life because it's what you grew up with and, I assume, you still have emotional ties to the US. I don't understand why people would get upset about that and their reaction is only them showing the same attachment to their own culture which they are expecting you to be fully on board with which makes no sense.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you for watching (for awhile now!) I enjoy watching channels of Brits who have moved to the US and seeing what they think (and often it's not necessarily positive, haha!) so I definitely see it all in good fun and honesty about where we grew up!

[@lucie4185]

Completely agree. My childhood in the UK wasn't great not terrible but I certainly wasn't making memories. You do you! That last thing you said though 😯

[@barrybpl]

wahoo I made the thumbnail! Also, I can't believe I'm still listening to you ramble on! ;)

[@marioc1247]

i’ve lived in Boston, Mass my whole life in arguably one of the most educated states in the US but i think there is so much more the US could do to it’s education system. teaching kids at an early to think of the world in it’s entirety vs just looking at everything thru an American mentality (it’s all about us), teaching kids that learning about different languages & cultures can be an asset as an adult. i’m not saying teach them all this at like 5 but just slowly introduce them to the idea that actually is more to life than just living & working in the US. there’s plenty more but this would turn into a book lol

[@berty1422]

The US is ranked globally 25trh for Education. It does need improvement, like everyone needs better education Worldwide. What the problem with the US system is - at 5 years old, the kids are forced to stand and sing the national anthem and pledge allegiance to a flag. The last time that was tried was in 1933 in Nazi Germany. It is a problem because the American kids and therefore adults DO NOT look past their own shoreline. They have that US Govt and Media propaganda that the World only exists in the United States. It is a very blinkered approach but it works. Even though the American public are shafted, no security net, no free healthcare, a very poor standard of life....they just love the flag.

[@cheryljoynson7053]

Its understandable that you big up USA on some things. It's where you were born and where your family are. You should never apologise or worry about what some of us Brits say. I'm from the Northish in stoke on Trent. Xx

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thanks for watching Cheryl! Funnily enough, I've also been to Stoke on Trent - a friend of mine used to live there. He took me to monkey forest, haha.

[@cheryljoynson7053]

@@GirlGoneLondonofficial I live about 15 minutes drive from there xx

[@stevieduggan1763]

Hi kalyn ( great name, by the way). I enjoy watching ex pat videos, especially the ones that critique us Brits. It's refreshing to find out how others see us. Keep going, you're doing great 🇬🇧👍🇺🇸

[@bobashton8036]

Hi Kalyn, I'm a 75 year old retired lorry driver (you call 'em semi trucks I think) and I'm from Yorkshire. You are so funny and amusing, so I can't wait for your next video.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Hi Bob! We do call them semi trucks, good American translation! Thanks so much for watching and your kind words - sending you my thanks all the way to Yorkshire!

[@russellburns3200]

To the person who wanted some travel advice, PLEASE don't take the train! (unless you upgrade to a sleeper car) I just recently took the coast starlight from Hollywood-Burbank California to Seattle Washington. It was a miserable experience the seats were big and reclined back far but were hard and uncomfortable. I couldn't sleep my back hurt and I didn't enjoy my experience at all. If you are going to go coach class get a gel pad seat cushion and back support from Amazon before you go. The food on the train is pricey (especially in the dining car) Do yourself a favor and take the plane instead.

[@laurelcosten1012]

Take the train but get a sleeper car. The scenery on the California Zephyr (San Francisco/Chicago) both ways is just fabulous. You won’t get a chance to see so much unless you drive….and train is much better……

[@frankcarter2348]

Regarding social life and making friends there has been a major change in my life time in the UK. I started work in the 1960s for a large international manufacturer and research establishment. With it like many similar large organisations there would be a "sports and social Club" to which you subscribed 2 old pence per week. For this we had our own sports facilities such as football, tennis, athletics even apprentices club. My father's company very similar, where I took part in their athletics meets. At my place we had a full ballroom with dances, cabarets and discos. Many people made friends that way and even now in late 70's I am still in touch with some. My parents met at their tennis club. Sadly since those sort of large companies that employed for your entire life no longer exist meeting friends is for more difficult including seeking life partners. So this is long winded way of saying that life style is more challenging and with long commutes less opportunity for social, time and meeting new friends.

[@maxplanck9055]

If something in America is better please say so, it's informative to know where Britain is underperforming and where it can improve compared to foreign countries 👍❤️🇬🇧

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thanks so much for watching! Love the honest discourse we get to have on here!

[@pawlieblog7967]

UK is lovely. People are kind and funny. Americans are getting really ugly with their overt support of Trump. I lost faith in my country when Trump won over Hilary. Gross!

[@Be-Es---___]

The UK is somewhere between the US and Europe. 😉

[@jamesbeeching6138]

It's coming home is a reference to when the Euros were held in England and the popular song associated with it!! Also football was invented in Britain and so for us to win means we are getting it back from the Germans, Italians and Brazilians!!

[@alecleamus3280]

I’ve just stumbled upon your channel, and have viewed this video in its entirety! Compared with similar channels, I find your honesty very refreshing. It really would be crazy to think that everything here is completely brilliant and better than the U.S. I think the strongest point you made was regarding the fantastic school community spirit in the U.S , it’s not at all like that here, unfortunately. It is a shame you’ve not made more British friends, you’d be great company for sure. If you lived in the North, you’d have many friends. As for your last point, that was spot on!

[@AntonyMiles]

I have no issues with supporting people on Patreon, although it depends on the level of support people are looking for. At the risk of sounding cheap I normally limit myself to $1 or $2 a month per Petron. The main reasons for this being, it lets me think I'm helping without blowing the budget, I can support several people/ podcasts I like a month, and lastly for $9 a month I can just get Netflix :) And yes I agree with the last thing you said

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing Tony! And for watching to the end, such commitment!

[@AntonyMiles]

@@GirlGoneLondonofficial Do I lose commitment brownie points if I said I was second screening, or get extra commitment points for multi tasking?

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

@@AntonyMiles you earn plenty of relatability points because that's exactly how I normally watch KZbin ;)

[@VirginiaBouchier8257]

Oh my god! Kynance Cove, was a huge part of my childhood. I remember having so much fun down there, it’s amazing to hear you love it too 💜

[@mariasoutherncalifornia]

San Francisco, since you’re able to explore other areas near San Francisco and we have a vast range of communities that you’d enjoy exploring. Sports 🏈, Food, American History, Beach 🏖 Hot Spots, and sooo much more!

[@robertagardner5461]

I am an American who has lived here for nearly 60 years. I have been back to the states a few times. Every time I go back it is a culture shock for me. When I went back I forgot to look both ways when crossing the road and nearly got killed!! The words that I used meant nothing to my family so I seemed to speak in "broken english" so to speak. Although my family still live in the US I love England and could never live in America again. Your videos are so interesting so a big thank you for posting them.

[@nachoshaw7084]

Chicago vs San Francisco - I work remote from a Chicago office so do travel there periodically and i have been to San Francisco. Out of the 2, SF definitely has more character because of its architecture, decor, bridge and history but personally we didnt like it. The streets were dirty, people were shifty and overall we felt the need to keep looking over our shoulder. Chicago was more modern, tall buildings but very clean. Out of the 2, Chicago is better (for me that is)

[@suppleberry3863]

Re where to bring up a child, I think the USA is better instilling confidence in children. Huge generalisation but British kids aren't necessarily encouraged to be outspoken- it's more about only speaking when being spoken to and so on. Re Chicago / San Francisco- I'd pick Chicago. A fantastic city with amazing architecture.

[@nachoshaw7084]

I am British with an American Wife and we chose to live in the US to raise our child. Our discussions to contrast between the 2 options had a lot to with the upbeat approach and parental involvement in the US that didnt seem to be available in the UK. For example (of many others): in the US there is a full on graduation ceremony from Kinder to first grade (Infants to Juniors) whereas in the UK there isnt and my Wife felt very strongly about having our son experience that. Students are more celebrated in the US and the overall approach is more modern and upbeat IMO

[@pauldrake8990]

I really enjoy your structured 'ramblings'! Another great video... Kynance Cove is beautiful also Porthcurno which is my favourite beach, well worth a visit. Keep up the good work!

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you so much Paul, appreciate you watching! Haven't been to Porthcurno, so now it's on my list!

[@Sarah-nd2gy]

I definitely did watch to the end. I get why you would prefer to raise your child in the US. Emotionally you tie a happy childhood to your experiences and for you there were lots of things to do at school. I do recall feeling a little envious of all the things you all seemed to do in school in US when watching films and TV programmes. That said I dont think the class system exists in UK schools the way it does in US schools (or at least the way it is portrayed, which you suggest is accurate). There is no real hierarchy of the jocks and cheerleaders etc. My primary school days we had a lot of events and I believe even more so nowadays. We do stuff in schools for Easter and Christmas and Bonfire Night and Sports Day and International Book Day and all sorts of other things. We probably do less in Senior school than you do in US, but we appear to have adopted the Prom now and things like that, so there is still lots going on. Plus on the whole long summer thing, while I think as a child I would have been desperate for nearly 3 months off, as a parent that is a nightmare to arrange childcare/keep your child entertained for that period. That amount of time does mean that you are less likely to remember what you learned in your previous school year. And from my personal experience 6 weeks is actually plenty as a child. Plus of course the long summer in US comes at a cost where I think we in the UK benefit - our children have a longer break at Christmas, at Easter and we also have half term holidays. We therefore get lots of breaks throughout the year that US children dont get. As a child we made the most of having those breaks to recharge and be creative. My Mum used to take us all over the place in half term & I know plenty of parents that use half term as a time for a mini holiday in Europe. There are often clubs arranged and all sorts over half term holidays. We also have parent/teacher groups and all sorts of social stuff going on when you have kids in primary school So while I understand your wanting to raise your children US (and there is nothing wrong in that and you may end up choosing to do that) if you do end up raising children in the UK, dont worry that they are massively missing out. Its different obviously, and they will not have some of the same experiences you did, but there is still so much to do and I dont think UK kids miss out at all. I think its very much swings and roundabouts. Plus as you say - no guns - and of course free healthcare (my sister and I ended up in A&E a lot as kids - falling out of trees, falling off skateboards, trying to climb the monkey bars and slipping - the usual - so it would either have been very expensive for my parents if we had lived in US, or we would have been banned from doing half the things we did no just out of fear of injury but fear of the medical bills). And if you do raise your kids here and if half term holiday falls over Halloween one year, you can always use the opportunity to visit your family and let your children experience and full on American Halloween without missing any school time

[@JohnSmith-bx8zb]

Interesting your views on moving back to the US. A friend was at a uk hospital and was attended to by a nurse who they thought was Canadian. It turned out they were from the US. When asked if they missed the US and would want to return. It seems they replied without hesitation No, the nurse qualified it with working in the NHS.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Yes, the NHS is one of the main reasons that we wouldn't go to the US full time - such a great part of life in the UK and very happy to have it. I think many American expats here feel the same.

[@patriciaburke6639]

I viewed a KZbin video just last week which featured a young, female, newly qualified American Nurse. She was investigating well paid nursing jobs in American Hospitals, but, she also looked into nursing in other Countries. She ultimately chose to work for the NHS, which involved her taking a position within a U.K. Hospital which trained and taught Foreign Nurses to attain through examinations, the accreditation’s required by the NHS. She was quite happy to earn far less than she would in America, because it was offset by the generous vacation time (which the NHS insist you take). and a very good Pension. She was very happy to work here and now to live here.

[@csthegame82]

I've watched nearly all of your videos and you're authenticity always shines through. I hope you keep it up 🙂

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you so much Chris!

[@timelord5920]

I’m sitting out in the sun (yes, it’s reappeared) in the very friendly North of England, having a much needed brew, listening to you ramble on at the end 🤓 I made it! 😂

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Appreciate the commitment! Sun has reappeared down here as well...going to soak it up while I can!

[@raymondporter2094]

Football coming home... 1. Football was invented (ie the rules formalised and put into writing) and played in Britain first. Football (soccer) had been played in various Public Schools - ie the fee-paying and usually boarding schools the upper middle-class children attended - and those schools often had slightly different rules for decades. But at a meeting I think held at Trinity College Cambridge in 1863, representatives from those schools and the University wrote down a coherent set of rules on which they agreed. Those rules formed the basis of the game we now see played across the world. So when they say football is coming "home", such as when the 2020 /21 Euros were played and had some early games plus the semi-finals and final played here, it has come back "home" to the country in which football was founded. . 2. The words of the song talk about the World Cup win by England in 1966 when the World Cup was also played in England. The song was written in anticipation of the Euros 1996 which were also played in England and, because England had had no success since the 1966 World Cup, they talked about "30 years of hurt" since the Jules Rimet Trophy (the original World Cup Trophy) had been won. So the song talked about the hope of its "coming home". 3. Students at the ancient universities and some of the Public Schools used to abbreviate words. So Association Football became known as "soccer" from Association, whilst Rugby Football (named after Rugby School where it was played) was known as "rugger". There are other types of football played - not only American Football which in many ways seems related to rugby football, but also Australian Football (or "Aussie Rules") abd Gaelic Football in Ireland.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Most comprehensive answer ever, thanks Raymond! This gives me much more context and much appreciated!

[@michaelbarnard2128]

The 80s was a fun decade as far as fashion, music, tv etc, ( mid 80s onwards was more my liking as i was a teenagervin the late 80s) i love that you have made the uk your second home, i love both our countries and always try and see both sides of the story. Keep up the good work 😊

[@mikethipthorp9971]

I enjoy the insight you give as an ex-pat in the UK. I can't understand why ppl would not like you saying that some things are better in the US. The UK is FAR from perfect! BTW Manchester is classed as being in the North (North West).

[@terencestrugnell4928]

Loved the eighties in the UK. The early part was a bit rough but so was everywhere else (70s bleak, OPEC x4 oil crisis high inflation) Watched you until the end. Not really your demographic (I`m super old) but always curious why anyone moves here.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Aw thanks so much for watching Terence!

[@garystroud6153]

Road trips in the US are basically strait roads and with cruise control there is little effort. UK roads are rarely straight and I don't use my cruise control very often because of traffic density. And yes, I have driven in the States

[@Wintis_Swizzle]

Always good to hear a different mindset sounding off. Very entertaining my dear. Best wishes from Liverpool.

[@geraldinemccormick8635]

Hi, I'm irish and have been to San Francisco and to be honest I was stunned at the amount of homeless people going about, arguing with each other, or talking to themselves. There was a water conservation going on so the streets were pretty dirty. I did the cruise under the bridge, we walked across the golden gate bridge, we visited the pier etc. Food was good. It was the only place I visited where we were warned about locking our hotel door and patio door and there were security guards in the lifts and on the door which didn't happen in any other places I stayed in the states.

[@danowen79]

The It’s Coming Home song was created for the Euro 96 tournament, which England hosted, so football (which we invented) was “coming home”. But it was then reappropriated to mean the trophy is “coming home” to England in every tournament since then.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Got it! Thanks Dan!

[@benkernow280]

@@GirlGoneLondonofficial it came main stream in the song in euro 96 with a song by Badial and skinner and the lightning seeds. It also has a lot of reference to not having won a major football since 1966.

[@susanhughs1031]

The English, And The Euro's, Euro Trash, WHY Can't You Win Anything, Despite The Fact You Get 96% Funding Of All The Sponsorship, And Cyrmu Gets Next To Nothing, !!!!!!!!!!!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿,

[@thadtuiol1717]

@@susanhughs1031 Because they're useless chokers. They've been wailing 'it's coming home' since 1996 and it still hasn't arrived yet!

[@tommydavies6223]

I'm interested to know if you've been to Wales yet or are planning to go:) Be aware though that Covid rules are slightly different than those in England.

[@tomwoodhatch2119]

Thoughtful and honest! These days, it definitely shouldn't be a choice to decide to live in one country for life. Take the best of both countries and ignore the rest. Easier said than done, though, particularly in the time of Covid. Your work is always appreciated, GGL, keep it up!

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you Tom! I definitely feel like there are a lot of places I'd like to see/live across both the UK and US and look forward to trying to explore more of both places!

[@shirleyk7647]

I missed your live stream, but found it really interesting. Maybe next Q&A you can tell us what your husband would think of living in the U.S., and why you didn’t move there after marriage. It seems most who marry Americans move there. Not that it’s not nice in the UK, just going by statistics.

[@jonrudman2488]

Lands End (Cornwall) to John O'Groats is a distance of 874 miles by road, and would take about 15 hours solid driving (realistically if there were two drivers!). Oh - and that wouldn't include the length of the Islands to the north of Scotland. By the way - the nearest railway station to the Shetland Isles is Bergen in Norway!

[@Derby69]

I'm terrible for letting people go before me especially in shopping queue or bus stop and its you go no you go etc but I was always brought up that it's ladies before gentlemen

[@rogerwitte5030]

A good marriage is more valuable than a good video. We should give your partner his privacy. :) It wasn't the last thing you said ;)

[@michael-pn9po]

It is only natural that you would feel as comfortable (if not more) living in the US than in the UK - it is where you spent your formative years & where your friends and family live. There is a lot wrong with both cultures - however as a Brit I believe a lot of the wrong in the USA is unfixable because of the polarised politics.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thanks so much for your comment. I do think the polarized politics in the USA is a huge problem, as you say, and the answer isn't easy or obvious. I'll be interested to see my thoughts when I do spend more time there, as it's been a little easy to push it out of my mind when living here and just seeing the good parts of the US.

[@peterbabicki8252]

It's a bit of a controversial point, but _"it's coming home"_ refers to bringing the cup back to the place where football originated. It's controversial because other places also claim to have invented football before us. That said, we were the first to make it professional, so there's that.

[@dhycampbell]

Arguably, it actually just referred to football returning to the UK (it's historical home) in the from of the European Championships in 1996, when the song "Three Lions" was released.

[@petew5289]

Watched a few of your videos now and appreciate your honestessty when comparing usa to uk it can't be easy to leave everything behind i lived in Germany for nearly 10years but it was alot easier to come back to uk

[@l3v1ckUK]

It's coming home.... Based on the song Three Lions from the Euro 96 football tournament. The song itself is a lament to the lack of success of the England football team in recent decades, despite the sport originating here.

[@rpvfr]

for me the 80s was the best decade; technology,music,films,TV were great. This continued into the early 90s then it all went downhill.

[@ajs41]

Totally agree. Things started to go downhill in about 1995.

[@DianaRambles]

While I live near Chicago, I recommend more time in San Francisco. It is an AMAZING city!!

[@ytrichardsenior]

80's Britain... Trust me... it was great.

[@NickBrown-ph6xd]

The '80's were the Thatcher years. Hell on earth.

[@catgladwell5684]

No entirely Tory ruled decade could be described as good.

[@misolgit69]

4 days off for Easter hah !!! not if you work for a UK supermarket or food store the Saturday is a normal working day, Good Friday and Boxing Day are generally becoming regarded as a normal working day add in midnight closing in the run up to those days and it's bye bye family all over again

[@leecal5774]

I definitely watched until the end. I actually like some of the longer videos. The Patreon thing is a good idea. I like the vloggers who also have the option of donating when they can - as well as monthly subscriptions. I prefer to donate that way. I don’t think you need to defend your reasons for liking the US better than the UK in certain aspects. It’s too nuanced and complicated to just to say overall that one is better the the other. I think that a lot of people who get annoyed or defensive over someone preferring another country to their own (in certain matters) probably have never travelled before. What you say about the school system is probably very true. And it makes sense how you explained it. I’m British - but accept that other countries can do and be better than us in many aspects. As is vice versa.

[@geminil2415]

There's no place like home. I have heard a few Americans say Bloody Brilliant is their favourite British expression.

[@redjacc7581]

coming home is about winning a major football tournament (the world cup) as england won it in 1966 and they have been waiting ever since to win it again.

[@jamesdarby3991]

‘It’s coming home’ is mainly because football was invented in the UK, and was originally lyrics to a well known song about Euro 96 being hosted in the UK. Also because we have really underperformed for decades with the England team, so hoping that we might finally win a major tournament since 1066. Kind of like the thing that the Red Sox had going on for years, but added to that would be if the Red Sox invented baseball. So if it would ‘come home’ it would be like some form or redemption/atonement

[@mattj5492]

I'm a little bit with you on the raising kids in America. The longer summer is great and the local swim clubs everywhere (at least in Baltimore) is such a cool thing you don't get in the UK. The only downside we found was with kids having chronic medical condition the UK seems much better for medical costs!! So I totally agree with what you say from an emotional (US) vs practical (UK) standpoint!

[@wildriverguitarlockdownlic110]

Hi GGL yes managed to listen to you ramble on until the end. Coming home would be for England to win soccer's world cup, thus bringing football home to where the modern game was invented. Last achieved by England in 1966. Hence football fans longing for it again. Dream on!! Haven't been to US since early 80s..NY and Boston guess I only scratched the surface so to speak. I remember the supervised food🤗 Baskin Robbins hot fudge Sundays, going to diners with great burgers and shakes! Smoky links sausages. The views from Empire State and WTC were amazing too! Enjoy your videos btw👍👍

[@penname5766]

I’m British and I always grab a table in a busy cafe or pub - or even a park bench in the sun - as soon as I see it 😂 I am not overly polite in that sense, and actually I don’t think many Brits are tbh. I’ve seen people practically run and throw their bag on the chair, in order to stake their claim to a table or whatever 😂 😂

[@mjtigerfang]

Truth is it depends on how independent you are as a person. whichever country you grew up in that county is always going to be there to return to. Unless there's too much you dislike being away from there. We only live once nothing wrong with being a bit global and gaining the experience of other culture.

[@mrk8050]

First, Lee - San Francisco! Hmmm the 1980s? OK, in 1980 my wife and I were both 16 when our eldest daughter was born. In 1981 I joined Her Majesty's Royal marine Commandos on my birthday. In 1982 my Regiment Sailed to the South Atlantic and we fought the Argentinian Army for the Falkland Islands, during which I received my first wound. In 1983 my wife and I got married as we'd had to postpone it from the prior year owing to unforeseen events, 3 days after our wedding my Company was posted for 6 months in Sierra Leone to aid in Training their Military and Police Forces. In 1984 my Regiment first had to do 6 months in Northern Ireland, after which we with our family's were Posted to Germany. In 1985 my Company was sent to Ethiopia as part of the International response to the horrendous Famine ang refugee problems for 15 months. In 1986 three days after returning from Ethiopia, my wife and I came to England to visit my in laws, during which time my wife surprised me with tickets to see Queen at Wembley, then we saw them in Vienna. And as we started our long over due honeymoon we saw their last ever concert in Knebworth Park, Stevenage after dropping our daughter off at my in laws. We then flew out to the San Francisco for a three week road trip down to Miami. It was supposed to be by car until I saw a 1972 Harley Davison Shovelhead for sale, so we biked it with my wife riding a Honda VF700S - V45 Sabre we had also bought. It cost more to ship them to Germany than it did to buy them, but my 1970 Triumph Bonneville was glad of the company, as were our cars, my 1964 Mustang convertible, my wife's 1977 Austin Mini Cooper and our 1978 Volkswagen T2 (now my oldest sons!). We came back to the U.K. in early 1988 when I was Posted at my Regiments home Barracks. My Platoon were tasked with recording with photographic evidence of how things were deteriorating in Yugoslavia covertly. Upon my return I was summoned to my Commanding Officer where I was offered the opportunity to join a Special Forces Group. I discussed it with my wife (aka Boss or Owner), and we made a deal. As we weren't going to be posted far from where we were permanently, she wanted a home of our own and to continue her Nursing studies, so we borrowed the mortgage through the Military (0.5 brilliant). My wife completed her training through the military in Nursing, and is now a Ward Sister in the NHS. The active duty part of my career ended in 2015 in Afghanistan, and I was officially retired on medical grounds in 2017. So we have 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 3 giant Mastiff Rottweiler mix gas releasing moving rugs, so life is good but I think the 80's passed me by mostly. Oh, child raising and education. All my children have been to at least 6 different countries outside of Europe, that was my wife and my choice to expose them to different cultures. And always encourage their participation in extra curricular activities, which is based on the area you live in affecting what's available, so look further afield if necessary. And education depends on the level of parental involvement, thanks to my wife's encouragement our first 2 children have University Degree's, the other 2 are deciding on which University will suit them better. I can relate on the growing up in a different environment, I was born in Hong Kong on a Military Base, and up until 14 my life was an adventure. Then we came to the U.K. and it is a shock in every aspect. But the childhood my wife had, who's 2 months older than me shhhh, along with her siblings, they loved their childhoods. I personally think, modern parenting has sucked the joy out of childhood, generation by generation. No one lets kids be kids anymore, what will make you be a good or great parent is weather you over parent or not. Set a baseline of rules and make adjustments as or if needed. Do I have to lay the egg or just mention the egg?

[@TheLondonLass]

I support a few people on Patreon. I am quite happy to do that as long as it doesn't cost more than a few quid and they are consistent with their Patreons posts. I tend to give people a couple of months and then cancel if I don't feel they are giving good value for money. My favourite channels I support are Abroad in Japan and Adventures and Naps. Both of them post regularly and have created a really nice community over on Patreon.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Interesting, thanks for sharing Laura! I'll have to check them out and see what they're up to. :)

[@weedle30]

@LauraBristol I’m another Alanna fan!! 🥰😊❤️love that lady so much 😊she makes me laugh - yes, Kalynn search Adventures & Naps (she’s ‘coughs’ 🇨🇦 😉’

[@TheLondonLass]

@@weedle30 Alanna is a lovely mix of positivity and dry humour. I think that is why people like her so much.

[@grahamdhv3812]

A very honest and entertaining video. I think we take the NHS for granted and it would be a massive shock to have any other system now.

[@re_patel]

Long summer holidays sounds good!

[@paultrow1082]

My thoughts exactly

[@kevoconnor145]

Like any period of time, the 80s had its issues. It had plusses and minuses but as someone who grew up in the 80s/90s, they were both great decades to live through.

[@mikekaraoke]

Defo mate, where you from? I'm in Kent. 😁

[@kevoconnor145]

@@mikekaraoke Birmingham

[@mikekaraoke]

@@kevoconnor145 Ah good old Birmingham! So a Brummie born and bred I take it?? Was last that way March of 2020 just before Covid and went to Cadbury World, Custard Factory, Mr Mulligans Birmingham, Umberslade Adventure. etc😁 I'm from the county of Kent, ever been??

[@davidbutler7602]

I can’t believe the last thing you said 👍😂. Back in the 80’s we thought there was a good chance of winning the World Cup, a song called 3 lions refers to football coming home, this song keeps being used by tv and has been picked up by popular culture, referring to having won a major tournament once back in 1966 and having invented the sport, we are bringing it back to where it began!! Bit like a lot of other things 😃😃😃🤔

[@britbazza3568]

Your videos on the UK Vs the USA are equally good. I find the comparison between the too nations interesting seeing as a lot of the UK's TV is from the USA I've always wondered if it's an accurate depiction of American life. Which on the whole it seems to be. Although when you say stiff upper lip I think the Brits are probably more practically minded on how we handle life. We don't expect everything to be fantastic all of the time unlike the USA. But all in all your videos are fun and both educational from both sides of the pond. Also you've picked the golden era of the UK to want to know more about the 80s were a massive time of both political and cultural change in the UK not everyone liked the 80s but the music was a lot edgier it was more politically based there were a lot of massive life styles and choices back then instead of the manufactured crap we have now too hence all the differing styles of music fashion and politics aswell as career changes. The 80s were a time of complete upheaval from a heavy industrial economy to a financial services economy. This affected people in all regions of the UK in massively differing ways and fortunes too hence the massive cultural shake up that occured musically and politically as different people either felt political and financial pain or wealth depending on where the people lived. Cornwall is a great place to visit but also try the North Devon Coast in West coast of England along with the true North of England -: the Lake District if you want to see some real beautiful places in England. Another great place to visit would be Cheddar Gorge & Caves where the real Cheddar cheese came from originally it is also still made there and uses the caves to mature the cheese to its lovely flavours and textures instead of the American plastic fantastic fake cheese that the USA has and thinks it is the best thing since sliced bread. As for accents and the USA thinking we all speak like Hugh Grant. In the UK there are over 200 different accents from all over the UK these are from regional accents to different dialects spoken in neighbouring towns and villages along with different words and sayings that are also completely different from one place to the next. Neighbouring towns and villages will have phrases that people will not I understamd or even have heard of before because of the way the English language has developed over the centuries that's why it's always fun to visit various parts of the UK to understand just how different we are as a people in such a small nation who are supposedly from 4 different nations but rolled into one is the UK. Don't forget that UK is made of four different nations which are England Wales Scotland then last bit not least Northern Ireland each of these nations are collectively the UK and Great Britain is the three on the larger island excluding Northern Ireland hence why we have so many different names for the nation's both individually and collectively then of course the a cents on all the surrounding inhabited islands are different too. Just one more point on this the UK is an Archepelego of over 2000 different islands not all are inhabited but they are still part of the UK. Please keep up your video's though they're fun!

[@hippouk1]

It will come home.... Eventually. Meanwhile thanks for the response to my question. Quite a surprise to be up first. As for getting abuse for preferring American ways of doing some things, perhaps those Brits, I'm assuming it is Brits, dangerous I know, but perhaps those Brits ought to reflect how they view things when abroad themselves. Why do they automatically believe their way is best and brook no alternative?

[@nancyrafnson4780]

The last thing you talked about was football/soccer. I am Canadian and follow British football to an extent; also European football. Watched the Euro cup which was a heart-breaking loss for England against Denmark. Great game though. I will also watch the World Cup in December. But then I watch a LOT of sports in general- particularly hockey of course. Getting up at 3 am tomorrow to watch Canada’s Women’s team play the U.S, team. Aren’t time differences wonderful 🙃 ?

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Looking forward to hearing your own answers to some of these questions I got asked!

[@Danno1983]

I lived through the 80's g8 times. CB RADIOS brilliant films Karate Kid , Star Wars , Superman, Convoy ....... Brilliant music

[@Sinbad6679]

@@Danno1983 When the Karate Kid practiced Karate and not Kung Fu. ;-) "You're hitting wall to wall and tree top tall, good buddy. 10-4"!

[@Danno1983]

@@Sinbad6679 u got that ryt 😅😅😅

[@ajs41]

Kynance Cove is the favourite place of a lot of people I know as well. Also, I have been to Chicago, but only for 2 nights.

[@mikes7379]

Don't sweat saying things the US does better than us, trolls apart, that's the interesting stuff to most of us along with the take on the UK. US is my favourite place to visit, so, you know, I do know it's pretty great.

[@DMGamanda]

Omg kynance cove is the most beautiful place and I used to go there all the time as a child !

[@CorrineCraig]

I live in the north of England (Lancashire) and have never been down to Cornwall, but I have admired Kynance Cove from afar in pictures and is definitely very high on the Bucket List!!!

[@paulWalker-zh7nk]

Do whatever makes you happy ,🇬🇧🌹

[@COMEINTOMYWORLD]

Great video. It's coming home because of the belief football was invented in the UK....which will no doubt be controversial....

[@TP-uf6fn]

I’ve only just noticed the music in the background. It really ties the room together.

[@richardwoods5873]

No, it's really, really annoying

[@charlesunderwood6334]

I'll agree that Ciao Bella (Lamb's Conduit St) takes some beating

[@berty1422]

I just got to comment on the viewer who said you could go from one end of the UK to the other in 10 hours. Dude, you are clueless... It takes 3 hours to go from the bottom of the Scottish border to the Midland valley - Glasgow or Edinburgh. Its another 6 hour road trip to go from Edinburgh to John O Groats.. So what you are saying is - it only takes ONE HOUR to travel the length of England??

[@berty1422]

It is very noticeable how the average American is used to presenting themselves in front of a camera. This was never done when I was at school. Bit it was a very different time. You make the channel watchable and you do give an unbiased opinion. Yes you do make mistakes like everyone else when you move into another country. Always, always you have that affinity to where you were brought up, it is where your childhood memories exist. We would never think about clicking off just because you would go back to the states in a minute. The US is your visceral home.

[@markhosbrough9180]

As an American citizen living abroad how do you feel about still having to file taxes in the states when your not even living there

[@PenninkJacob]

I watch all your vids to the end, (just FYI) they are awesome! (I'm from North Carolina)

[@timglennon6814]

The 80’s was the best decade

[@ajs41]

True.

[@EricIrl]

@@ajs41 1880s? 1780s?, 1680s?

[@ajs41]

@@EricIrl 1980s. Best music.

[@EricIrl]

@@ajs41 Totally subjective. I actually prefer 1940s to end of 70s music. I like a lot of 1980s music too - but I think the earlier decades were the ground breaking and most original when it came to laying the foundations of what we would look on as modern popular music.

[@dannysmith8917]

Mass unemployment, rampant, racism, civil unrest but don't worry the music was great

[@stephenwray4950]

It's interesting that different videos get different levels of views. (comment so you know I watched till the end) Regarding "its coming coming home" this is reference to football being created/established in the UK, the international football association board IFAB is made up of the FA, the Scottish FA, the Welsh FA, the NI FA and FIFA. This is the body that looks after the rules of the game and the UK countries hold half the votes. There was also a comedy football show in UK called fantasy football league, this ran from 94 to 04. When the Euros came to England in 96 the 2 comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner wrote a song with the Lightning Seeds called 3 lions. This became big anthem of football and is still sung on the terraces of England matches. The chorus goes It's coming home, it's coming home it's coming Footballs coming home. Which is why we tend to ask if it's coming home as we last won in 1966.

[@Ladydwill702]

I can’t believe the last thing you said!

[@ianlogan1150]

Football is not coming home to England. The first ever international football game was Scotland V England and it was played in Glasgow Scotland!

[@chrisaskin6144]

Except that the oldest football club in the world comes from Sheffield (Sheffield FC) and are still playing. The second oldest football club comes from Sheffield (Hallam FC) - still playing. The oldest football ground in the world is Hallam FC's ground at Sandygate, Sheffield. The oldest 'professional' football ground in the world is Bramall Lane, Sheffield. The first structured rules/laws of the game - as is now played worldwide - were drawn up in Sheffield, although there have been many alterations and additions to the rules since. It came as quite a surprise to find that Sheffield is actually north of the border in Scotland. I always thought it was in Yorkshire.

[@GenialHarryGrout]

Let me tell you about the 1980's A decade that saw country wide riots, mass unemployment, a year long miners strike that divided families and communities, ask your hubby about the miners strike, a war and the decade ended with greed, for some, especially in London and the south east. There was some decent music in the first half of the 1980's it did go downhill towards the late 80's

[@benkernow280]

I think the 80s where great for some and awful for others, reference what you said. I was still young in the 80s so don’t really remember but the 80s definitely have a bad rap.

[@mikekaraoke]

@@benkernow280 I like the maj of the 80's, remember from 3 onwards! How old are you??

[@benkernow280]

@@mikekaraoke old enough to have lived through it

[@mikekaraoke]

@@benkernow280 So you must be the same age as me then. 40 or just over! Where you from Ben?

[@redf7209]

yeah the eighties were spoilt but the seventies were not too good either

[@DMGamanda]

I’m a 80s girl and it was fun 🤩

[@marksip01234]

I don't think you should have to justify to anyone a decision to return back to live in your home country - you have the direct experience to consider the pros/cons - It is not our business whether you do or not. If it were not for Brexit, I would like to live 1/2 the year in France. There is lots I love about Britain - and much i dislike

[@davidhawkins4051]

I've visited both Chicago and San Fransisco and both are equally fantastic!

[@georgehope5341]

Is it coming home? Association Football (soccer) was created in England, when in1863 the Football Association published a complete set of the Rules of the Game. Although football was being played in many places all around the world there were an equal number of sets of rules. By various means, organising international matches, team tours and of course the influence of the Empire we managed to convince the football world to use our Rules. A case my rules, my Game, so with typical English arrogance we claim to have taught the world to play Soccer. The trouble is that many of the pupils got so much better than the teacher. When England eventually won the World Cup in 1966, a News Paper headline read something like 'The Cup comes Home'. meaning back to where the game was created. Now unfortunately whenever England is in a major football competition, someone will trot out this phrase. Thanks, enjoyed the Q & A. Looking forward to more videos. X

[@EvsEntps]

Private schools in Britain have uniforms, sports rivalries and illustrious histories, but you have to pay a lot of money to go to them. So if you wanted that 'school spirit' you'd have to plan to send your kid to a private school. Although a lot of people who didn't go to private schools tend to think they're snobbish and elitist (which they are sometimes).

[@redf7209]

elitist schools of spite, sexism and greed

[@michaelplayford4916]

your honest so its ok, glad you liked wimbledon in the other clip

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

I love Wimbledon and want to go to more days of the tournament next year if I can! Thanks for watching!

[@ewanvannett9989]

DID IT TAKE A LOT OF GETTING used to that in britain in summer there is daylight at 10 o clock in the evening and in winter it is dark at 4o clock in the afternoon

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

It totally did! I should do a whole video on that!

[@ewanvannett9989]

where i live in england the longest day 21st june sun rise 4 15 am sunset 9 30pm shortest day 21st december sun rise 755 am sunset 345 pm

[@MartinSteed]

I think to claim that either the US or the UK is better than the other at everything is probably fairly close-minded. I like the US, the people generally seem more open and friendly to strangers than we do here in the UK - but then maybe a lot of that is just down to my british accent when I am in the US!

[@johnhickey4289]

We’re less religious (I am anyway) because we’re less trusting of our religious leaders. I was born in South London, I now live in Birkenhead, I miss the convenience of things in London (like late night shops) and my friends, but I prefer living in the north. Birkenhead is like where I grew up in the 1960’s, people are friendlier. Would I move back down south, never, not for all the money in the world. Your husband is a lucky man 🌹

[@ajs41]

1983 was probably the best year for pop music, in both the UK and the USA. I say that even though I was only 4 years old at the time.

[@Atumn-cgc]

Andrew j.s, really? 83? Why? The whole of the 80's was brilliant in u.k., don't know about what was on in u.s. because u.k. had everything. I really couldn't pinpoint an actual year, I loved our punk scene, some fabulous bands, then the 'new wave' scene afterwards even pop bands were better then, (apart from p.w.l

[@mikekaraoke]

Not forgetting othr countries like France, Germany. etc That had many good artists/bands in the 80's!

[@paulhutchings103]

'It's coming home' is a reference to England inventing football and the fans are optimistically hoping that a trophy will be won and taken back to the birthplace of the sport.

[@marknicholson2281]

David Baddiel who wrote this line has stated several times that it referred simply to the fact that Euro96 was held in the UK, the first major tournament to do so since 66, and was not an arrogant statement that we would win.

[@derekbentley196]

@@marknicholson2281 If you think "its coming home" is arrogant then you should probably get outside more

[@marknicholson2281]

@@derekbentley196 I don’t but it is a comment others have used.

[@derekbentley196]

@@marknicholson2281 oh sorry mate my bad 🤣

[@crimsonwizard2560]

England did not invent football. they made the rules.

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

Most school teachers in the UK are social workers, in effect. The demise of good behaviour and two parent families has brought this on.

[@May-qb3vx]

Oh my gosh the history school stuff! It always gets to me how badly the time management is in history classes (and I’m looking at being a history teacher). Basically once you got to WWI, you’re sprinting to the end of the semester and you might be lucky if you get to the Raegan Administration/1980’s before exam season. Makes it really hard to add things to the curriculum or spending more time on WWII and the Cold War. Also, I don’t know for a fact since I’m not English, but I heard that It’s Coming Home is heavily drenched in classic sarcasm because of England’s history of choking at the end of important matches for decades.

[@mundaneman1811]

Your interpretation of the 3 Lions song is spot on, a nice slice of classic English pessimism :))

[@davidwilliams-rr7bb]

Schools in the USA must have a larger catchment area they become the focal point of the community . Due to population density schools in the UK can be very close together so less indevidual. We just don't understand the whole homecoming thing seems like fun though. In the USA all the local agencies Police Fire ECT plus business get behind there local school. Just does not happen much in the UK.

[@johnburton3865]

Thanks for your honesty. But would you really want to risk bankruptcy living and raising children in the US without the NHS?

[@foxylady1048]

Do you conserve with Amanda Rae on KZbin? She has been in the UK for sometime.

[@CaptLoquaLacon]

And also Evan Edinger who recently got his UK citizenship - there seems to be a few "US in UK" youtubers currently!

[@ashleysmarket]

I was just wondering how are you getting on with British Foods e.g. Toad in the hole shepherds pie stuff like that ant roast dinners

[@charlestaylor3027]

"if you're still listening"

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Such commitment! Thanks for watching Charles!

[@johnclements6614]

and watching.