European Reacts to First Impressions of America as a Russian

[@european-reacts]

If you enjoyed the video, please subscribe, like, and TURN ON notifications! Also follow me on IG: instagram.com/europeanreacts/ ❤

[@user-jg8yc1mv1x]

Way too much pausing

[@kathgygiammalvo9248]

I love watching your videos! You are awesome!!

[@kimmypfeiffer9130]

that kid should go to a freer state...minnesota! lol ...still masking 4 months ago? it's not like that where i live!

[@kimmypfeiffer9130]

agree! dogs are too good for us! lol woof!

[@Lynn-kh5rs]

Finally!! A visitor who who shows something other than our big cities and houses that are mansions! THIS is what the average, middleclass American homes and people are like. Big cities are fine and all but reactors get an overinflated opinion of how most of us live here. So glad you watched this one to balance it all out! 😃😃

[@barbarajungbauer7000]

The Twin Cities Metro is 3 million people. St Paul College (a technical and community college) sits at the end of Summit Avenue. Summit was once the "richest street in the world" with HUGE mansions. He showed the community side of St Paul.

[@san8524]

Never seen this side of the US before, loved it ❤🇬🇧

[@dibutler9151]

My 1st thought was totally different, lol. I was sad he was in such a mediocre area and wished he could see the nicer, prettier areas. :D

[@lindak3030]

American here - what's great about America is that there's more than one kind of "average" American. Yes, this is one type of "normal" but we have so many kinds of people that you could have a totally different group of people at a similar gathering and it would be completely different. Different food, different music, different dance, games, conversation...and that would still be an "average" American gathering.

[@drkatel]

@@lindak3030Your comment is so true! I’m from a small Midwestern city of ~120,000. My daughters both landed in Chicago recently for their 1st “real” adult jobs. In fact, I’m in Chicago now having spent the last few days with them where I’ve been absorbing just how different daily life is in Chicago vs our hometown a mere 4 hours away. Two different worlds! They’re having a blast living here but the pace feels too hectic to me. I love visiting but I’m ready to go back to my “boring” town where I can leave 15 or 20 minutes before an appointment and arrive a bit early. 😂

[@summersands8105]

When I was in Russia, I found that most of the people were very interested in the US. They wanted to know what Americans thought of Russian people, not the government. They had tons of questions about our stores and what we did for entertainment. For the most part, the people that I met were very nice and helpful. They had a great sense of pride in owning their homes and ground. I was there decades ago. I remember this one incident where I was in a small village miles outside of Moscow. I was invited for tea in the home of just an average family. They were so proud of what they had and kept telling me over and over how they paid for it and built it themselves, with no help from anyone. The dacha was small. It had a main room that consisted of a sleeping space, living space and kitchen and then a bathroom. They had a garden outside where they grew vegetables and some kind of berry that was sooooo sour...lol They were so very proud of what they had and it was truly awesome to listen to them talk about it. I found Russia to be a beautiful country once you got out of Moscow. Amazing riverways. I went to Kizhi and checked out the architecture. Absolutely AMAZING. They build a church without a single nail, except for the roof. It was beautiful to look at and go through. I enjoyed going to the various museums and learning about Russian history and culture. I tried to avoid the government stores as much as possible. I did a lot of shopping at the open-air/farmer's markets. It was an amazing experience. Russia has a very rich history and I was fascinated with it.

[@Lynn-kh5rs]

Good for you! Best way to see a country. You get a more realistic feel about how the average person lives. I envy you your trip.

[@ThatSoonerGuy]

Sounds like a pretty amazing experience! I would love to visit Russia one day, once our relations tame a bit. Though I do not have a problem with Russians, just their government’s decisions. I can say the same about our own government here in the US and their poor decision making as well. In 2010 I had a similar experience to you but in Turkey. Very proud of what they had and they were extremely generous with it all. I was about tapped out with the amount of tea and sweet foods that were offered lol. All they wanted in return was a conversation with someone who had experienced different things in life, in broken English and broken Turkish, mind you lol. The conversations were amazing. We stayed in Antalya(southwest along the Mediterranean) and it was one of the most beautiful places I have seen to date. Then travelled up north along the coast to their capital in Istanbul. The people were great, it was clean and the generosity was overwhelming but truly appreciated. I say all of this because most countries are guilty of thinking they’re the best in every way and that nothing can be good outside of their own. It’s assumed that Americans aren’t cultured in any way, yet we have an immeasurable amount of different cultures within our own borders. If humanity can collectively decide to come together one day, we would be unstoppable and life would be as amazing as it could possibly ever be. I believe religion causes hiccups in that regard but that shouldn’t stop us from getting along with one another. I’m a Christian personally, but got along with the Muslim locals swimmingly and it led to many interesting conversations. Basically comparing and contrasting the differences and similarities. Trips like the one you took to Russia can be so eye opening in the best way possible. Meeting new cultures and new people truly is what humanity is about. We all have things we can learn and teach to one another. The joys of life are easily attainable if you just allow yourself to do so! It doesn’t always take an expensive trip across the pond to experience such, just meeting new people around you can be just as beneficial. In my personal opinion, we’re lucky to live in such a vast melting pot of cultures. Though some will not assimilate and I do take issue with that but time will tell if that will be a detriment to society. I consider a melting pot to be a blessing because when cultures unite they bring the best out of everyone and it can be beautiful thing!

[@NoeLuna-cd4dy]

You should move there permanently.such love for Russians from this guy

[@summersands8105]

@@ThatSoonerGuy I hear you. I've lived all over the world and spent a lot of time in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and various parts of Africa. I've spent a good bit of time in Muslim countries so I know what you're saying. Having had the experiences I've had, been through a lot of scary stuff, including several full-on coups, it gives me a great appreciation for my home - God Bless the USA. It's why I get so angry with these stupid college kids who have no clue what they're talking about and supporting.

[@summersands8105]

@@Lynn-kh5rs If you're interested in taking a trip to Russia, get with a travel agent and take a "White Nights" Cruise. If you can, take the two-week cruise from Moscow to St. Pete. You will stop at different towns and villages along the waterway and you'll see some very interesting stuff.

[@smylerthedamned9549]

It's so refreshing to see a European perspective that isn't anti-american in a big way. Thanks for spreading some love! You earned my subscription!

[@elizabethtucker6026]

Subbed also!

[@nedludd7622]

He hasn't learned enough about it yet.

[@TraciDoering-hw8hu]

The whole West is Uniting. It’s the Leftists in Europe hating Conservative Americans. Conservatives in ALL OUR WESTERN NATIONS are what our nations were built on. We have LOTS of love coming from Europe - OUR ROOTS. We all know it, too! Perhaps you haven’t had much exposure to the West Rising to take back our nations. Massive and historic.Movement. And., we are all loving each other!

[@James-w1t]

​@@nedludd7622So the implication of your comment is he's too ignorant to be sufficiently anti-American?! Oh but he'll learn because WE'RE DESPICABLE!!!

[@iblackfeathers]

that is an old video before the war. zack returned to russia, moved to goergia, then managed to return to the usa. he was currently living in north carolina riding a motorcycle to school instead of a bus. he loves it in the u.s.

[@sherrillwhately7586]

Yes, I think Summer 2021 by the greenery.

[@c.s.oneill2079]

Thank goodness for him. I hope he has a wonderful and meaningful life. We could do with more such Americans!

[@bunnybugs280]

🤔🤨🤔

[@DUDEfreestyle]

God bless his soul keep him away from war!

[@ruadhan6707]

The music they were playing wasn't what we in America call Country Music. They were playing Bluegrass music which originated in the upper South/Appalachian mountain country. Since Country has similar roots, it uses similar instruments. But Country music has changed a lot in the last sixty years--it doesn't sound the same as those Bluegrass and Gospel roots anymore. Loved this video. Thank you for making it.

[@engletinaknickerbocker5380]

I was laughing to myself when the announcer mentioned John Denver. John has been dead for quite some time, but his style of singing (as well as voice) was relatively new on the American scene at that time, because it was melodic and optimistic, and played quite frequently on the radio; concerts were well-attended, and so when my husband from another country came over about that time (or a bit after, when John was still epically popular), he kept mentioning it as what he thought country music was like--and that he liked 'country music'. Whereas, when I was a kid, listening to country KYAK in Anchorage AK, it was incredibly tedious with the same ol' twanging, steel string guitars and victimhood songs. When I was a kid growing up in a large family, we had two American songbooks that we brought on road trips to sing along in the VW bus, Ford or Chevy van --whatever was the current vehicle that worked, so were quite familiar with folk music history. Whereas this group in a St Paul suburb is playing acoustic strings (what? no dulcimers?) and having a good time making music with songs that feature blue-grass compositions. (My son as a 9-year old violinist attended a Fiddlers Gathering and when it was his time to offer a suggestion, he went with Vivaldi's Cto in C minor. Heh. Heh) I stayed in a town in Renville Co. MN one year and attended quite a few Czech, and Polish town festivals, but there were the Norski gatherings as well (my family history) and I spent time visiting Jeffers Petroglyphs in the southwest corner of MN which features history from more than 7,000 years ago in this part of the country.

[@chevychase]

I would call it Folk music.

[@prepper_nation_h]

When I was growing up the category that is now just generically referred to as "country music" was called "country and western." And that's because there were stylistic differences between the two sub-genres. When I was a kid I used to tell people that I liked Western music but not Country. But I think I just did that to be contrarian because I only really liked a handful of C&W artists and didn't really listen to the genre much as a whole. But I did prefer more of the lonesome cowboy sound to the twangy artists of the deep south. As far as what they were playing at the potluck, there were certain elements that sounded bluegrass, but I would call it more generally just American folk music. To my ear, it had elements of the Scandinavian heritage that probably can be found in Minnesota.

[@Lynsey-wh2jl]

The problem with country music today, is it’s became more like pop, hip hop music. They use beats and auto tune instead of bands and actually people who can sing. Anyone can sound great with computer processing and backing tracks. Half of the so called Country stars nowadays don’t even sing live. Hell Beyoncé just made a “Country” album. I’m from WV btw.

[@donaldtrumplover2254]

I've notices that country has started intertwining a lot of blues and modern hip hop into it's style

[@timlenard1646]

when people say public transportation in the US is bad, they dont mean the actual bus is bad but that they are not real common and do not have extensive routes or coverage...

[@SuperMontsta]

And are never in time lol

[@lavenderoh]

​@@SuperMontsta and only run hourly or every 2 hours

[@salvatoreregalbuto5444]

Not in Philadelphia it all runs on time its just the same price as a gallon of gas. Makes more sense to drive a car and not as dangerous.

[@Steve-fx2fb]

No, we mean it's not a very pleasant experience. It's definitely not the safest.

[@dudoklasovity2093]

the busses are pretty bad and look worn out and from another century

[@vincentdarrah]

you know why the neighbors are not complaining about the noise, because the neighbors are already there

[@ladysky2883]

1st rule when throwing a party - ask the neighbors to attend. :)

[@vincentdarrah]

@@ladysky2883 that's just bein neighborly

[@Hobodeluxe007]

@@ladysky2883 yep I had a garage band for years in the middle of a subdivision and never had the cops called on me because I told them all they were welcome to come listen and party with us. And if we were disturbing them to give me a call and gave them all my number. None ever called and told us to turn down but several would drop in for a cold beer and a tune or two,

[@mirozen_]

@@ladysky2883 Exactly!

[@jlgavitt]

That's how I managed a live band and open bar in my backyard when my husband turned 30. I just invited everyone in the neighborhood.

[@chaosXP3RT]

Yes, here in the USA, potlucks are a real thing. They're like a type of party, but the main focus is on everyone bringing some food for everyone to enjoy. Potlucks aren't held between just friends and family, but sometimes also between coworkers, colleagues, neighbors or others. 8:41 Public transport (buses) aren't always run-down, old or dirty in the US, but when people say that "Public Transport is bad in the US", they mean that transportation like buses can often be late, they often have a few stops and they are hard to find.

[@jeffhampton2767]

They are not common in all of America

[@sissinoklahoma2057]

I had a potluck wedding reception and asked that no one bring anything else (no gifts) so people brought their potluck dish to share, but left the containers, slow cookers, serving utensils, and recipes written out- this was all to start our household out with things we'd need to feed our bodies and nourish our souls and remember our friends and family long after the party.

[@hollynonya6991]

The Potluck makes me hungry 😅

[@hollynonya6991]

​@@jeffhampton2767 Church

[@babs3241]

@@sissinoklahoma2057 What a wonderful idea!

[@tsarfox3462]

As an American, thank you. You know I always hear people here complain about something being ugly here. But I don't focus on the the negative that much. I try to find the beauty in the world and it's nice to hear someone call my country a beautiful place.

[@torinkyifh5085]

Zack is my good friend, I'm so happy you found his videos. He is an incredible, brave Russian that stood up for what is right. ❤

[@c.s.oneill2079]

Please send him our regards!

[@heatherthompson8837]

I've been a subscriber of his channel since before the war. I was so relieved when he was able to get back to the US. He's a brave young man, protesting the war when it started and being chased on foot by the Russian police. I was worried for him!

[@torinkyifh5085]

@heatherthompson8837 yes I remember seeing that on his story, he couldn't breathe! I am so happy he went to Georgia and was able to leave.

[@brianjordan9446]

Man, that Russian stumbled into the coolest group of people on earth; musically inclined elders. These are the absolute best people to hang out with. Crazy nice, you have the absolute best time, and they have such amazing stories. I am lucky enough to have had such a group while I was a kid and throughout growing up.

[@victorhopper6774]

thats like my methhead neighbors. had to help them last night get home from a concert. money for a concert but no transportation. 60 years old.

[@oneilprovost2287]

@@victorhopper6774 hang out, listen to their stories, DO NOT LEND THEM MONEY, you'll be fine

[@MandrakeDCR]

@@victorhopper6774 That's not being musically inclined - that's being a methed out fan with no inclination towards anything. lol BIG difference!

[@jasenmoore9902]

For sure. I'm happy he got the real American experience.

[@victorhopper6774]

@@MandrakeDCR hey he has his own drum when its not in pawn.

[@revgurley]

You still sound more Russian than the Russian guy. J/K Andre. All the love from the US!

[@european-reacts]

😂 Ty ❤️

[@bariman223]

I'm glad for his sake that he doesn't. The more American you sound, the more likely Americans will think that you're one of them and not give you a hard time if our countries don't get along. Physical features mean nothing to us because we're so diverse.

[@billyhndrsn4542]

I thought he was from Portugal ?

[@kelliatlarge]

​@@billyhndrsn4542 He is from Portugal, but as someone who speaks Russian I can confirm that the Russian accent and the Portuguese accent sound uncannily similar.

[@Wulfstan1938]

@@european-reacts If you told us you were Russian I'd believe you and I speak Russian

[@brettevans278]

I really feel like midwest doesn't get enough love for how beautiful it is. We may not have mountains or deserts, but we have gorgeous lakes and forests. 😁❤️

[@kyleelsbernd7566]

Of course the Midwest is just fine

[@laynepowell8085]

All of the states the have mountains have lakes and forests too

[@brettevans278]

@laynepowell8085 Hey, man, why you gotta attack me like that? 😅 Also: none of you mountain states got lakes like mine(looks at Superior). Our lakes make your lakes look like how your mountains make our hills look. 🤣😁

[@ca8944]

I grew up in the desert. It was alright as a kid but can’t stand it as an adult! We would go to the beach to get away! Also, western states do have lakes and forests. The redwoods are beautiful! This whole country is awesome and beautiful ( except the desert lol).

[@laynepowell1908]

I used to live in Wisconsin and have fished and ice fished on Superior and I love it and lake Michigan

[@billieharwood4427]

I’m American born and raised and We ❤️ that other people Love America. We ❤️it too!!!!

[@danringdahl6369]

yeah!! I love how this video brings out the Minnesotan culture.

[@richardjones9007]

You mean like that Minnesota bluegrass music?

[@Trogdor1365]

​@richardjones9007 he probably means the insanely nice and laid back sense of community.

[@BTinSF]

Zack is a wonderful young man who left Russia within days of the Ukraine invasion and lived in Georgia (the country, not the state) for a while but finally got admitted to a US college near his aunt in South Carolina so he could live with her and came over on a student visa. He had previously spent a little time--before the Ukraine War--in the US at St. Paul College as he describes in the video but he is now living in Myrtle Beach. He was using busses back then but in Myrtle Beach he got a motorcycle and really went American.

[@Vikcreed]

yee-haw!

[@conchfritters01]

You can get a decent used motorcycle for $1,500 or less, and with 65 mpg+ a great way to travel (during spring - summer - winter) and low insurance

[@rumbledumpthumpershaker6735]

That was Myrtle Beach? It seemed midwest weird. I guess it was just a Russian enclave.

[@JesseLJohnson]

@@rumbledumpthumpershaker6735 We have quite a few Russians here. Especially if you go to any of our strip clubs lol.

[@DaleYuzuki]

Thanks for this update - what a heartwarming video he produced about his time in St Paul MN.

[@julietwochholz9755]

What I love about videos like these is how the things we see about America as commonplace, the things we do not even notice, are seen as special, unique and amazing, It gives me a fresh perspective and appreciation for the simplest, everyday things. (German exchange students who stayed with us and other host families were crazy about the California bungalow style houses.)

[@lorrainemiller688]

Every bit as American as the BBQ! Actually, potlucks are great any time of the year and can be held indoors or out, as this one was. It's a fantastic way to "party" together and share the costs! And, of course, the recipes!! 😃

[@Lithae]

Wow, I'm so used to hearing about how the world hates America that this sort of video is refreshing. Thank you for appreciating America. ❤

[@thatherton]

He is in St. Paul Minnesota, a very friendly place with good people. The Midwest is known for being very family oriented and welcoming. The nature is very lush and green in summer but gets very cold and snow in the winter. This potluck video is displaying a very idealistic American experience, not everyone gets to live like this in the US but this community is very fortunate and well functioning.

[@marciaramirez3791]

The school bus was parked at the house because the bus driver lives there. In some states the drivers can take the buses home between their runs but at the end of their shift they have to leave the bus at the school.

[@NoNameNoFace-rr7li]

the bus was out of service...the school names were painted over...probably being converted into a RV or tiny home

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

In my state the buses just live at the drivers house during the school year.❤️🤗🐝

[@Itsspelledketchup]

That's in my gf's neighborhood. I think they camp in it. Or intend to. Its all covered in paint now.

[@johnjoye5634]

When my old ass was in school,,70s,,students drove the the Busses,, and got paid for it.

[@CivilizedWarrior]

That was an older bus. Probably late ‘80’s-early ‘90’s. It’s probably being converted into a skoolie camper. I’ve been wanting to do the same for a while now. If only I had somewhere to keep it!

[@mimiv3088]

These are really hometown people. It was really nice of them not only to sponsor him, and throwing a welcome pot luck dinner and party. And learning a Russian folk song as well. Such nice people. This is what true Americans are like. Friendly and welcoming. We open our homes gladly for the happiness of making new friends. I can pretty much guarantee Andre that the moment you said you would like to come to America and see our beautiful country, about every American in the comments said you are welcome to bring your wife and son and stay at their home while in the area you're visiting. It's just how we roll here in the U.S. Great video today. Made me feel proud that there are good people doing good things for their fellow human beings. No prejudice. Just a welcome. Howdy y'all from the Great State of Texas 🇺🇸

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Howdy Texas, Tennessee here!❤️🐝🤗

[@Aether-Beneder]

Hallo Texas! Love from Canada, eh TRUMP ‘24

[@clwest3538]

"the Great State of Texas"?? You gotta be kidding me?!? Best thing to come out of Texas is I35 N - to Oklahoma!! 😆 Howdy y'all from Oklahoma! Center of the US!

[@DianeCasanova]

When exchange students came from Hamburg, Germany they were amazed at all the green space; and we were just coming from the airport. They were in for three months of surprises .

[@saltysunflower]

My neighbors hosted a German high school student. What a wonderful experience it was for all!

[@a-a-rondavis9438]

green space as in grass/vegetation/other greenery? because I'm suprised central Europe wouldn't be lush, especially since it's not as densely populated as most American cities.

[@willvr4]

@@a-a-rondavis9438 I think it's because they were from Hamburg, a big city. You could say that about any city. Germany is PLENTY green haha

[@Impala-qp9cb]

@@a-a-rondavis9438American here who lived in Germany. It’s on the same latitude as Oregon. Can confirm lush

[@marcyjones2667]

​@@a-a-rondavis9438 my family hosted an exchange student from Serbia, we live in Missouri. That was the first thing he really talked about too, was how much room there was, people in their own house with their own lawns and trees. He lived in Belgrade.

[@pattischult9401]

A potluck with live music... that is living the dream! What a wonderful experience for this young Russian. Welcome to the US!

[@tylerwarwick7975]

Before race became so political in the US things like potlucks were everywhere. My favorites were the ones we had a school where the students would bring in their families traditional recipes and my favorite dish that I can recall was in 4th grade a girl named Svetlana brought her families version of Baklava and it was so amazing, it was definitely superior to anything you can get from the grocery store.

[@Victoria_Randolph]

The couple dancing melted my heart!!

[@deadazzz]

When I went to Ireland for the first time I was blown away Going from Arizona desert to Irish green is crazy

[@ryanallfrey1666]

Even going from subtropical Florida to Ireland the shades of green there are breathtaking

[@paulagardner3218]

You can get that same green rush by coming to Western Washington.

[@geminitwice7017]

But which shade of green?

[@paulbird1342]

Visiting Ireland was life changing for me. They like Americans. Their women are beatiful.

[@Syzygy77]

@@geminitwice7017emerald, I imagine.

[@hastings22]

Wow! I've followed Zack for several years now such a sweet kid! He had to flee Russia when the war began but now he's living safe with his aunt in North Carolina going to college. You should check out his channel!

[@ssjwes572]

I'm glad he made it out before they forced him into service.

[@BTinSF]

@@ssjwes572 He left just a few days after the war started but first he got chased by the police who broke up an anti-war rally (when those were still happening). He made a video about that, talking about how he got away. See his channel. Unfortunately, he hasn't made many recent videos. I'm not sure why. I'm concerned it might be because the Russian authorities are cracking down on his family who are still in Russia.

[@dc76384]

What is his channel?

[@LisaMarshall0]

@@dc76384 Zack the Russian: youtube.com/@ZacktheRussian?si=dOV5rXUH7agY35Pw

[@kelliatlarge]

​@@dc76384Search for Zack The Russian

[@Shoey77100]

he's in Minnesota, Americans are nice in general but in Minnesota niceness, politeness, and courtesy is ingrained in people's DNA

[@Iceechibi]

Him experiencing the Midwest culture and listening to the music and also teaching them a Russian folk song is how we stop wars everyone. By communicating and understanding one another on these personal levels we learn to have respect for one another.

[@letsbehonest01]

I agree. We learn we have so much in common. People seem to enjoy the same things everywhere.

[@randallpetersen9164]

If only our so-called 'leaders' wouldn't constant get in the way and manipulate us. Americans are manipulated, it's true, but an order of magnitude less than Russians are.

[@aircap]

Make no mistake, many Americans would LOVE to have better public transit.

[@Jim87_36]

It’s not pragmatic in the states given how big it is

[@thorkagemob1297]

​@@Jim87_36that does make it difficult but I wish we had better/more public long distance train traveling networks setup.

[@christinaandre6286]

​@Jim87_36 but even in the cities public transport is crappy.

[@MarioDeSouza]

I live in a fairly large, densely populated city in Florida, where good public transit would be extremely practical; however, it’s virtually nonexistent. Public transit in the U.S. is some of the worst around even if we compare to places with similar land mass/population.

[@RageKage987]

our road system wasnt made for public transportation and we suck at it. even in places where there is public transportation STL, NYC, LA its still really bad. we just dont need public transportation anywhere except big cities it makes sense to have them there bc of all the ppl and traffic but it would be a drain to have public transport in a place with few ppl for one it would make no money and for 2 hardly anyone would use it. and another factor here is almost everyone has a car already so even if they did make it better ppl would still use cars more besides in a car you dont have to ride along with anyone else, you can play music adjust the temperature ect... driving in a car is just much more preferable to riding a train or bus here.

[@hellokristi]

So much fun to see a couple of new perspectives on Minnesota! We don't get mentioned much, but it really is lovely here. Much love from the Twin Cities 💙💚🤍

[@BAYBAY_316]

His name is Zack. He is an amazing mature young man. I watch his streams. He typically talks about the Ukraine/Russia war. He managed to leave Russia before they started the draft and ended up going to college in America. It's a fascinating story.

[@anthonyorsini]

Yeah this kid is incredibly intelligent and brave after having to flee Russia for the simple act of standing openly against the invasion of Ukraine. Have enjoyed watching his journey and glad he seems to be happy and in a good place!

[@seaneendelong8065]

.... There is no draft in Russia. Seriously. Even the mandatory 1 year service or related are prohibited from active duty. Careful what you believe

[@anthonyorsini]

Yeah my understanding was he was protesting and realized he was on camera and the police were cracking down on this and felt the need to flee to Georgia for his own safety. I've never heard the draft story.

[@SuperDrLisa]

​@@seaneendelong8065troll

[@raevj]

@@seaneendelong8065 Russia is using conscripts in Kharkiv oblast operation right now….they were in Belgorod but not anymore.

[@spcwild]

what a lot of foreigners don't understand about public transport in the US is that a lot of our states are bigger than European countries, there's just too much land to cover for extensive bus and train networks.

[@nedludd7622]

No there is not.

[@kogababe]

That and local governments never want to (or can) put the money into it

[@rogergroover4633]

There were actually extensive cross country and interurban networks from about the 1880's to the 1930's but they were phased out as the auto industry took off and the population decentralized moving to the suburbs.

[@mikelemoine4267]

@@nedludd7622 There is too much land that is sparsely populated to justify extensive public transport. In cities and larger towns it should be more feasible. Where I live in Florida we have city buses but we have a large footprint and the cost to drive buses around for the small number of people who might ever use them would be cost prohibitive and add to congestion and pollution. Even if the busier areas, I see buses with just a few people on them. It might make more sense to have them operating smaller buses or even minivans if there is a consistent ridership.

[@alexspain9103]

It's not that the land is too big, it's that the population density is too low on average. Europe is 7x more densely populated. In areas with comparable density, we have public transit that works just fine

[@CivilizedWarrior]

“The grass is always greener on the other side,” is an idiom, meaning “things always look better to an outsider.” People are often envious of their friends, neighbors, famous people, people in other countries etc, but they don’t always realize that everyone struggles and everyone has different problems they might not be aware of. Point is, not to judge everyone by appearances, because “the grass may not really be as green as it looks from your side of the fence.”

[@gladysseaman4346]

This was from Minneapolis-St Paul. The Walmart was average size.

[@barbarajungbauer7000]

St Paul - Minneapolis is gorgeous. Someone introduce this man to Target! Target is far better than Walmart in every way.

[@ruthsaunders9507]

@@barbarajungbauer7000 Depends are where you live. Most places I've been they're no different.

[@robinmitchell4721]

When in college, I had lots of friends who couldn't afford to go home for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Everybody would come over and we had a potluck. The host/hostess would make the turkey & everybody would throw in for the cost & bring a covered dish. Best times Ever. A Family doesn't have to be connected by blood.

[@hopeharty]

Not a violin but a fiddle when playing bluegrass music

[@RealzFoSho]

Yup. Same instrument but the name changes based on the style of music.

[@ukulele_cheri]

The difference between a violin and a fiddle is the nut that holds the bow.

[@BigTroyT]

A violin has strings, while a fiddle has straaaangs.

[@poppyneese1811]

Playing the Fiddle for 50+ years, Violins have strings and Fiddles have Strangs!

[@allytrudie864]

Common places we potluck - the office, kids sports tournaments (team potlucks), less formal family and friends gatherings. There is also a bbq potluck where you show up with a side dish for everyone and whatever piece of meat you want to bbq’d for yourself (not required to bring meat for everyone just yourself but the side dish is for everyone).

[@javaskull88]

Yes, my church has a monthly potluck supper, and true friendships are made when breaking bread. People talk and laugh, and the children run and play. It’s lovely.

[@sadiev]

They do this thing in Minnesota called meat raffle, which I had never heard of on the west coast. Basically raffle game at a bar with the prize being meat or sausages etc. It's a good prize but it's regional Midwest thing.

[@tigres2354]

I'm laughing because the places he was showing is only 10 minutes away from me. I'm just waiting for the kid to experience his first Minnesota winter. Andre, the only reason he had to travel so far for a walmart was the closer one closed so they could build a Soccer stadium. So you finally get to see a small part of the city I live in.

[@BTinSF]

This is an old video from 2020--the Covid year. He had to go back to Russia at the end of his US semester but fled when the war started, lived about 6 months in the country of Georgia and managed to get admitted to a college in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where his aunt lives and he could stay with her. So he won't be experiencing Minnesota winters (he has already experienced a South Carolina hurricane) but he is from the Russian far east and some video he showed of winter there makes Minnesota look like a tropical paradise.

[@barbarajungbauer7000]

Having frozen my ass off in -50 in St Paul, it's comparable to Siberia in weather.

[@barbarajungbauer7000]

Target. He needs to go to Target.

[@lobsters12111]

​@@barbarajungbauer7000 that way he can pay way more for the same thing!

[@PaulsWanderings]

The only person that I know from Portugal has lived in the U.S. so he sounds American. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that hears a Russian accent. I love your videos and can't wait to see your videos from here. There was a hootenanny. When I was a kid, many of my father's siblings in the area would get together several times a year, usually on a Saturday night, they would rotate houses, and play guitars, mandilions and fiddles for many hours. It is one of my favorite memories.

[@broncobra]

HOOTENANNY haven't heard THAT in awhile?

[@subnoizesoldier2]

I live in America Texas to be exact and I’ve seen some footage of Germany and it looks to be a very beautiful country and as a bricklayer I especially find their castles and architecture so awesome. I wish I could be a part of a building something that beautiful and they’re spread out through Germany

[@BTinSF]

You probably could if you look into building churches and on college campuses. Frankly, there don't seem to be many stonemasons left in the US with the skills for this sort of thing. My school, Duke, pretty much built its main campus from the ground up in the 1930s in the Gothic style of many of those old European buildings and they had to bring over a boatload of stonemasons from Italy.

[@torikoffel6629]

Seeing people this excited about America, really makes me so proud.

[@rogereriksen2472]

Very interesting as I just happened upon this video. I live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota, USA and am very familiar with the scenes that are shown. To me, it is no big deal, just normal everyday life, but to see it through "new" eyes makes it very interesting. Welcome young man. Enjoy your visit & education. Be well my friend!

[@pamabernathy8728]

Looks like potato salad, with hard boiled eggs. A HUGE favorite.

[@judyrohan8438]

Buses are readily available on college campuses in the U.S. They take students to grocery stores, shopping centers, and many other places.

[@barbarajungbauer7000]

St Paul College is a community and technical college: One can earn an AA or AAS or trade certification. It doesn't have dormatories or student housing; however, it has bus stops for several major routes. This young man can graduate and transfer his credits to any public 4yr university if he wishes to continue his formal education.

[@preciousodyssey]

Not all college campuses.

[@SarahBroad-kw7fj]

Them playing music is so emotional for me because it’s so homely. Their songs are folk music and bluegrass and country

[@kariimora]

This is a beautiful look at a middle-class American life it’s the majority of what Americans are used to outside of big popular cities

[@Ledpooplin55]

Americans don't realize how good they have it, now more than ever.

[@luxleather2616]

lol love that you're reacting to a Russian....you can actually buy a yellow school bus to transform it into a custom mobile home....'potluck' is a gathering where every guest brings their own dish for everyone else to try....thats a normal size Walmart....after hearing this Russian dude & you I can tell the difference between the accents....you roll your tongue harder & longer on some words....thats called 'mountain' or 'bluegrass' music....you'll find it in Appalachian region....24

[@ssjwes572]

Thats what I thought when I saw the bus. Someone might be converting it into a mobile home. They have a crazy amount of room after gutting them.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Here in my area, school bus drivers bring their buses home. I thought that homeowner was a school bus driver.❤️🤗🐝

[@anjoleeeickhoff6800]

The music they were playing is a combination of Bluegrass Music & Folk Music that is of the Country genre. This music goes back to the early years in this country and still is going strong today in certain areas. The host lady was right in saying it was the music of the workers or the working class. Most were poor and had to find ways to entertain themselves after work that was free or sing songs while working to pass the long hour work days. People have Potlucks over here a lot. We have Church Potlucks all the time where everyone brings a pot of food to church and after church service we all eat, sometimes outside if it’s a nice day and sometimes in our Church’s Fellowship Hall and sometimes we just meet at our Pastor’s house for the Potlucks as they have a pool that we can all swim in if we want to which the kids love! It’s always a family type atmosphere with lots of good food, good stories and laughter!❤

[@packnrun]

Keep up the great work, man. Sending love from Detroit, MI.

[@european-reacts]

Thanks! You too!

[@LisaMarshall0]

Also from Detroit :)

[@mamiavodah1012]

I'm glad his video showed a totally average American town! Yes, potlucks have the BEST food! Lots of women trade recipes, but some have a closely-guarded secret recipe for their amazing dish!

[@anchor4346]

I live in St. Paul. We now have some light rail connecting St. Paul and Minneapolis. Pot Luck can be Fun! Not just for the different foods but also for usually the only time large families (aunts, uncles and cousins) get together. Yes, the Twin Cities, as they are sometimes called, is a very nice place.... Mostly.... THe people playing music .. the music is called Bluegrass as it originated (as I have been told) in Kentucky, the bluegrass state.

[@DianeCasanova]

Had to snicker when he said he needed cucumbers when he really wanted pickles.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

OK. Pickles are pickled cucumbers.

[@Madison.Cruz.Shooter]

🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@hbmjr]

Yeah, he said salt cucumbers. AKA pickles! 🙂 I knew what he meant but he wasn’t going to find them there. When he finds the pickle aisle, however, he’ll have a million choices.

[@alicemilne1444]

​@@hbmjr Yes, but Russian salted cucumbers are cucumbers in brine, not the vinegar-type pickles. And they do not have sugar in them either.

[@lilliputlittle]

@@alicemilne1444 That is something I was wondering about. I've heard that American pickles are different than in Europe. I've been to a couple of European nations but eating pickles has not been on "must do" list so I haven't compared. I dislike bread and butter pickles with all my heart.

[@KingVIII-og5ed]

Love from Galveston,Tx! Keep blessing us with the great content 💪🏾

[@norafromflorida]

I'm not sure if you actually have such positive feelings about America but you make me feel proud. Thank you for being so kind and positive you have earned my sub!

[@sallyperrie3007]

I agree, finally a fair review from someone from another country. I’m beginning to feel that no matter what we put out people just hate us. I liked this mans channel so much I subscribed.

[@BEW419]

TV/Movies, especially 1970s & 1980s did a bad over exaggerated "USSR accent" which sounds closer to your accent than his real Russian accent. So most of the time when someone says "you sound Russian" what they really mean is you sound like what TV taught them Russians should sound like

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

Which way to the nuclear wessels?

[@annasofiaVttle]

Exactly what I was thinking! My thought was, Hollywood. Hollywood always makes the Russian accents over exaggerated. Especially in the 70s and 80s as you said.

[@pamabernathy8728]

The song is, "Always look for the union label, when you are buying a coat, dress or blouse (?) . . ." We used to sing in, but I am very old. Great song!!!

[@broncobra]

Or, you are very young in your mind?

[@broncobra]

I refuse to grow old with dignaty? lol!

[@hyett1954]

I recognized one tune as "Red Wing", a ragtime song written by Kerry Mills in 1907. I actually have a player piano roll of the same tune.

[@patriciamurfitt4590]

I remember 😅

[@pamabernathy8728]

@@hyett1954 Nice!!!

[@Cookie-K]

Im glad he seemed to really be happy with his host family. What an experience for such a young man to have! He also did a really good job with this video....

[@Lynsey-wh2jl]

I wish Americans loved our country as much as these guys.

[@kenneth9874]

Most do, the socialist media propagandists always highlights misfits.

[@c.s.oneill2079]

I think that most of us do, just not quite a few of our leaders and 'elites' and the poor souls they have deluded into not loving her. They are just given a lot of air time.

[@theblerdshow]

We are one of the most patriotic countries in the world. Most others think we are weird. 😂

[@Lynsey-wh2jl]

@@theblerdshow Patriotism doesn't matter to the youth of this country. And unfortunately they can vote. Look at the BLM/ANTIFA RIOTS. And now this pro Palestinian/Hamas shit. We are loosing our country.

[@tanyasmith2173]

This is such a true representation of American life that so many youtubers dont get to see because they haven't connected with people here yet. But seriously, any one of them could strike up a conversation with a group of people buying some beer at the Walmart, and end up at a great party (Just stay sober yourself and drive yourself, lol)

[@janfitzgerald3615]

Pot lucks are really common social gatherings. Often the host will provide the main dish and person will bring appetizers, salads, side dishes and desserts. To prevent the situation where most everyone brings a dessert and there are very few side dishes, the host will ask people to either say in advance what they’re bringing or will ask people to bring a certain category, such as asking three people to bring an appetizer, another three to bring salad, and so on. It probably comes from communal dinners all the way back to the pilgrims and native Americans sharing meals.

[@dead-claudia]

and it's perfectly okay not to bring anything, especially if there's already going to be plenty of food leftovers are very common in these gatherings

[@janfitzgerald3615]

@@dead-claudia this is true too, although I think most people try to bring something, even if it’s just a bag of chips.

[@JoanneLeon]

Yes, this is how most gatherings are. Though sometimes hosts will have it catered or at a restaurant if it's a wedding or baby shower, etc. But almost all parties have a potluck aspect to them, in my world anyway

[@janfitzgerald3615]

@@JoanneLeon same here. 😊

[@johnniekight1879]

The song "Roly Poly" they were singing was written by my friend Cindy Walker for Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys way back when.

[@user-calm_salty]

Wow! Very cool.😎🤠

[@Vanillatrez]

I thought the neighborhood looked oddly familiar at the beginning of this video and knew it must be the upper midwest, but when I realized he was in St. Paul it all made sense lol. It it very green in Minneapolis-St. Paul in spring and summer. I hope you can visit us here in Minnesota too André.

[@tesla4ever735]

Thank you for appreciating out country so much!!!!

America is very beautiful once you get out of major cities i never understand why people go to major cities

[@klubberzvonhatzenbuhl563]

Zack is an awesome young man. And his heart is exactly in the right place…principled and full of love.

[@katestewart1984]

if you ever make merch, please make a Tshirt that says: NO SHANACE. I love when you say that!!

[@_MikeJon_]

Love seeing people enjoy American culture.

[@lisalarouge6309]

I’m surprised it was all old people. Well, he seemed to enjoy it anyway.

[@lisathornhill4177]

The US is lovely. People are very welcoming. Big cities are like everywhere. I made a huge amount of stuffed cabbage rolls, for a Ukraine event. I'm vegetarian. Lol! It's just kindness. I wanted them to be happy

[@beverlyb8062]

“Potlucks“ is not just random people showing up to eat. Normally it’s with family, friends, and close neighbors. The potluck are the best. Sometimes there’s music of people know how to play, sometimes there’s games, and sometimes maybe it’s around a swimming pool if one of the houses has one. But I do like that they show more modest houses, not all of us live in mansions.

[@sandrajones8339]

Sometimes we buy the old busses and turn them into an RV! Renovations is cheaper than buying a new RV.

[@ruthsaunders9507]

In smaller towns bus drivers sometimes park the bus at home and take off from there on the morning route. I had an uncle that had a shop and he'd work on the buses at home too.

[@emilyb5307]

4:39 lol I think that's the first "Jeezuz" I've heard from you Yeah, he defined it well. A Potluck is like...everyone all gathers, and everyone brings a dish. Someone may bring fruits or veggies, another person a casserole or sandwiches or soups, and everyone gets to pick and choose what you want on your plate.

[@broncobra]

I used to take a dish that was "Dorito Pot Pie" ? best way to describe it? It was gone in seconds? Everyone's favorite. Those were the days? We played horseshoes, swam in the pool, drank lot's of beer, and had a good time. Buddy and I would start on Fri. after work at 11 pm, and put the brisket on. Sat. morning everything was ready. Dorito cassorolle? I can't remember now, it's been so long. Lot's of ground beef, cheese, Doritos, and lettuce, pinto beans and other stuff? Holy Schniekie, it was GOOD? Good as a dip or a meal. It was always the first to go, lol. Haven't done anything like that in years? Good times, for sure. Italian sauce dtizzled on top? I can't remember. Crowd favorite, though?

[@josephbridges7470]

Our grass is greener because some botanists in the late 1800s found the perfect breed for North America and perfected seed growing for it called Kentucky Bluegrass. It was brought to North America by the Spanish in the 1500s mixed with other grasses from across Europe. Native grassland botanists actually consider it a weed because it kills other grasses and takes over. Perfect for nice lawns, but not conducive to maintaining biodiversity.

[@robertofernandez7773]

That is really interesting. I know you mentioned is a mixed grass, it has to be, cause I'm Spanish and our grass is pretty much brown most of the year. We're a very dry country.

[@josephbridges7470]

@@robertofernandez7773 Blue grass thrives in warmer and generally wet environments. The US Great Plains are flat nothingness that just gets sun and rain usually about 8 months per year. The kid in this video is in Minnesota which is called "Land of a Thousand Lakes" because its just flat with lakes in an area thats about 2.5x the size of Portugal.

[@TheFIoridaMan]

Kinda fitting how our special made national grass spreads and takes over😂💀

[@SarahDaraban]

Minnesota has so many lakes too! It’s so beautiful there.

[@prostack4577]

I spent my whole night watching your videos, your positivity is infectious

[@rj-zz8im]

Hello from Tallahassee, FL! I enjoy your reactions.

[@peppermoon7485]

He was say pot luck ..When everyone brings a dish to share 😊

[@deec89]

I am American and I enjoy your reactions to our country so much ! I adore your accent so much ❤

[@toddylu6869]

This was a delightful representation of how our most of our country treat people who come to visit. It was a really good video and I enjoyed your commentary.

[@GaylaP]

This type of music is generally considered Bluegrass. There’s a subtle difference 😊

[@Kiraj8de]

As an American I'll say that Potluck's are an important thing for us. Usually we have a sign up sheet, where we say what meal we are bringing so that no one else brings the same thing. That way you have a fun variety of every kind of food and drink you can imagine. It's usually laid back like this, with music and conversation. Depending on where it is, you may have a campfire when the sun sets, where you get to make some s'mores. ☺️

[@revtoyota]

1:45 People turn them into motor homes and travel around the country enjoying the scenery.

[@Island_Line_Rail_Productions]

That, but also, at least here in Vermont and Northern NY. a lot of bus drivers leave their busses at their homes as it is easier than driving an hour or more to the terminal to get the bus then go back to the area you live to start your route

[@rebapuck5061]

Looks like that one had to cut down a tree to back in. Can you imagine backing that thing in every day? I think that one is destined for tiny home.

[@evergreenforestwitch]

​@@Island_Line_Rail_Productionshow interesting! I live in Oregon and that's not done here, but we don't really have city busses in rural areas. Or it will be a bus from town that goes out to the rural area once a day or something. So our school busses are kept in lots or depots usually close to the school and city buses are downtown somewhere. We don't get snow like you do, though, and I imagine the geography is quite different as well which probably adds to commute times. It makes sense people do that but I'd never heard that before.

[@durantrza4856]

In MN school bus drivers will park their buses at their house while they’re on their break between morning school drop off and afternoon pickup.

[@RickyMaveety]

Portuguese accents sound like Russian to American ears. I noticed that 55 years ago when I was in Lisbon. What was going on at the end was everyone singing an old Russian song. There are a number of Russian immigrants in that part of America, and we love them.

[@jeffhampton2767]

There are a lot of Russians in North Jersey and New York City area and they come right across to Pennsylvania on the weekends and hit all the antique markets❤

[@creinicke1000]

Agree... to my ignorant ear, the accents sound similar.

[@RickyMaveety]

@@creinicke1000 I ran across it when I was studying in Spain. I visited Portugal, and thought everyone was speaking Spanish (rather poorly) and thinking they must all be from Russia. (Don’t hate me. I was only 16.)

[@wmason1961]

I can not really tell the difference.

[@radura3177]

Da italiano pensavo fosse russo 😅

[@marshalllucas83]

We don't deserve dogs, they are loyal no matter what and love unconditionally ❤️

[@ce3586]

This isn't "country". This is "folk". "Folk" meaning "bring who you are".... ❤

[@tazjammer]

Often, the grass is always greener over the Septic Tank too.

[@Salty_Balls]

Grass over the septic tank shouldn't be green, it should be more brown because of the tank being under it and drying the grass out easier. If your grass is green over the *tank* something could be wrong. The grass is always greener over the leach field though.

[@CrankyGrandma]

😂

[@user-calm_salty]

@@Salty_Balls It's a tongue and cheek reference to the book : The Grass is always Greener over the Septic Tank. (very funny book). You're right , my grass looks striped on the other side of the tank, very green.

[@wordforger]

So true!

[@jennybrooks9027]

Erma Bombeck wrote the book. She had a newspaper column in the Dallas Times Herald or Dallas Morning News when I was growing up. She wrote about everyday life and family and she was hilarious!!! I really enjoyed her sense of humor! ❤️‍🔥🙏🙏🙏❤️‍🔥

[@sonjadodson4091]

Hello from Maryland, USA 🇺🇸

[@european-reacts]

Hey 🙏

[@richardmartin9565]

More traditional Folk music than Country it seemed to me.

[@blackeyedlily]

I followed a bit of Zack’s journey to the United States. I’m just really happy that he didn’t end up in the Russian Army and sent to Ukraine to die. As much as I support Ukraine and want them to defeat Russia. And I am devastated by the constant death, destruction and suffering in Ukraine. I also feel bad for so many Russian men who Russia simply sends to Ukraine to become cannon fodder. The entire thing is such a tragedy.

[@Echelon730]

That is a fairy typical Midwestern city. America is lovely, but you know what is hilarious... most Americans think that Europe is high class and built to last with some ironic cities. Also Potlucks are Great. It a mystery home cooked meal. Frankly it should be one of our #1 export Edit... when you come to America bring a recipe, or dish. We totally bond over food. This law is enforced by law 😜

[@RickyMaveety]

Ironic cities? Do you mean iconic? Also I’m guessing “fairy” was another typo. I pile up a lot of those if I post late.

[@111smd]

the whole point of a Potluck is a bunch of people bring 1 dish each of good food and everybody gets to try new things and have a good time meeting new people

[@DianeCasanova]

Loved that country music. It sounded like country music from the 50's.

[@jburnett8152]

1850s

[@user-calm_salty]

A type of country music: Bluegrass

[@d00mpirate]

My family does potlucks for most of our gatherings. Christmas, thanksgiving, easter and 4th of july for example. Usually the host will cook the main meat dish (turkey, ham, bbq/grilling...) and guests will bring the side dishes, appetizers and desserts. This guy was lucky that he got to experience a potluck/cookout with so many musically inclined guests! My family also plays folk music at gatherings, but it has been happening less as the older generations die off. None of us under 35 play any instruments anymore. Kind of a sad side effect of the technology we are all glued to these days I think. I'm from Massachusetts and my family is primarily Irish and French-Canadian. My Grandparents were first generation Americans. :)

[@LisaAlexander-h4y]

Thanks for the positive video. Great job! I'm American and I always laugh when people get excited from the school busses or the fire hydrants..lol. They always say they feel like they are in a movie. I'm so glad to hear that he likes it here.

[@colddarkmatter1731]

St. Paul Minnesota actually has pretty good and reliable public transportation. Im from Minnesota and we do have a light rail system too. When its not running over drunks, its on time and works well. Lol