honest letter to my younger self before moving to the UK: what I wish I'd known

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

What's one thing you would want to tell your younger self?

[@christophnz]

Learn how to learn

[@liam3791]

Try to be in the right place at the right time. I had access to a £5,000 start-up business loan but I was trying to set up the wrong business at the time. If I saw the opportunity that I did almost one year ago when I received the loan, I'd now be financially free and have likely set up a couple of businesses by now. I am now on the right track (slow pace) and I should be able to start escaping my current position in August next year.

[@leftmono1016]

Try to pick a career path that interests you.

[@beets101]

Try harder at school.

[@NotRubensDad]

Start saving money for a house when you are in your teens. It will be worth it in the end. And also those girls who seem so scary are actually not really and just talk to them like human beings, all will be well!

[@paulfaulkner6299]

Kaylin: What transcends being an American or being British is being a decent human being. Your late grandparents were, I'm sure, "mighty proud" of the person you've become no matter where you've set your homestead. I've watched a fair number of your films "streaming by" as they do and will simply say that IMHO you are an ambassadorial credit to all the better things that come out of the US - thank you for sharing a part of you with us.

[@Neilhuny]

What a lovely, fun, accurate, happy, sad, delightful letter to yourself! Above all: lovely

[@NotRubensDad]

You really are a bundle of loveliness. Possibly the best American import we have had yet 😁

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

That's really kind, thank you for watching!

[@stuartmckee1655]

Wow, that's all I've got, just wow. The best bit of social media I've seen all week.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you so much, that means a lot.

[@carolineskipper6976]

What a beautiful and honest letter! You had me tearing up towards the end. Your 4-month-study-opportunity self would have her mind blown if she'd received this as she boarded that plane!

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you Caroline! She would have been absolutely overwhelmed, so I'm glad she just got to eat her pasta and watch the movie. ;)

[@spaceodds1985]

One of my best friends finally made the study jump from Long Island to London in early 2004, after visiting the place numerous times throughout the 90s. When I met her eight years later she felt a pull to the place that she never felt back in NY. She loves the tight knit community of her neighbourhood and the cosmopolitanism of the city. In 2020 when I bumped into her again during the first lockdown (what are the odds huh?) Lockdown blues really took over and despite suffering through a gaslighting relationship she made it her mission to get back on the rails and reconnect with old friends and start living again. To her London has been a bumpy road filled with both happy and horrid memories, and to my amazement she never wants to leave. Beautiful video and I really do hope that after 12 years you can call the UK home.

[@chrisaskin6144]

Kalyn don't ever try to lose your accent. It says "I'm an American" and it's what makes you YOU. For all our foibles and national idiosyncrasies, you (mostly) understand us - probably more than most visitors to these shores - and we're honoured that you've chosen to make your life here, and long may it continue. That, and of course the fact that you like Yorkshire Pudding, and would eat it with anything.

[@eveclarke7904]

This was just wonderful .. Tears falling here, too! I'm a 77 yr old Brit who lived in the US in the 80s. It became my 2nd home and I go back as often as I can. Your experience of that emotional push-pull of having having a home/being at home in two countries that you love equally but in different ways, is so beautifully expressed here. Thank you!!

[@bobbrough1669]

I'm in a very similar situation and had the same reaction. I was gripped by the video and it was quite emotional.

[@lucyj8204]

This is beautiful. Thank you, and well done x

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you so much. :)

[@chashopkins6667]

This is probably your best video so far.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

That's really kind, thank you! I loved watching back some of the old footage when I was editing.

[@Xev714]

Thank you for not just trying to help younger you, but for helping the rest of us too. I moved here just a few months ago and am watching your videos to help settle in. I don't have that grief yet, and I know it is coming, but I will consider what you have said and maybe everything will be okay. I love England so far. I hope I can transition half as well as you have. Best wishes to you on the next 10 years and beyond.

[@terrym3837]

Just give it time you will be fine

[@Xev714]

@@terrym3837 Thank you! I have great in-laws and I have already started volunteering and spending time doing events in the area. There is always some tour or presentation to go to. We live just outside London and do most of our activities in the countryside or small to medium size villages. I do some stuff on my own when my husband works and I am trying to meet other people and learn the culture before I begin work. Plus, driving lessons. I have been driving for 30 years already but wouldn't drive in the UK before getting help from a professional. If I could give advice to anyone from the US, it would be to practice with someone before assuming driving will be easy.

[@ChristinaH2190]

As an American moving to England next summer, I really needed this today! Thank you!

[@grahvis]

Welcome in advance.

[@bertgerry2945]

Good luck!

[@mpersad]

What a charming, heartfelt letter to the younger you! Lovely video.

[@alexcampos4370]

I moved to 🇬🇧 in 1996 to work here for six months. I’m permanently settled here now. Never went back apart from short visits. I hear you. ❤❤

[@vanburger]

Kaylan you genuinely made me tear up. I've never stopped watching your regular videos but I have often been critical of your look at the UK from a Floridian perspective. Your transition to the more Anglophile you, has been breathtaking. Well done. You're loved so much that I actually seek out those that react to your videos now. Despite your recent videos. Welcome to the UK I know we can be cantankerous old B******s sometimes but thank you for your perseverance. XX

[@wltb3486]

Can't stop thinking about this video. Long time since I've watched anything so thought-provoking. Akin (for me) to watching the 7 Up series of documentaries, the last one was 63 Up. I'm the same age as those kids, so the stories of their lives since they were 7 in 1963 resonates with me.

[@esamiga]

How lovely Kalyn! As someone who has lived in the UK for over 20 years, I can identify myself with pretty much of you’re telling to your younger self. Thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@robinholland1136]

As ever, fascinating, insightful, honest and a touch of self-deprecatory humour. My younger self is lost in the mists of time and probably wouldn't be all that amenable to advice, unfortunately. I might, occasionally, ask myself how things would have turned out, had I made different decisions and choices, but then I realise that I wouldn't change anything, as the 'mistakes' I made are part of who I am now. I have wonderful daughters and grandchildren and, now that I am retired, am able to indulge my interest in all those things that were never quite fulfilled in my younger days. Most of my days are very good but, occasionally, I might have a 'less good' day. All part of the rich tapestry of life. Don't stop making your brilliant takes on your experiences and thoughts! They are brilliant.

[@Lily-Bravo]

With regards to "fitting in", we British people are not all the same, we have different approaches to life, different tastes in music, different past times, lost of differences. In one of my jobs, it was eventually clear I did not quite fit in, because I didn't want to go to a spa, or Slimming world, on on a group holiday where they all lay on the beach or by the pool. They felt my choices were criticisms of their choices, which they were not. It's taken time through my long life to gather a group of stalwart friends who "got" me, but also for me to find out how to keep my very many acquaintances happy in the meantime. You DO fit in, see in the comments how many British people DO get you and appreciate your intelligent and humorous dialogues. You have a gift and you have found your niche of happy recipients. We of course can see you, but you cannot see us, you are talking in an otherwise empty room at at a camera, you cannot see our smiles and approving nods or hear our chuckles, but we are here and we are happy.

[@ericamacs3875]

That's happened to me with the slimming world and holidays also. No interest in either and worked somewhere where all the women did both.. but I just tried to rub along, sometimes that's all you can do if you don't fit..

[@adamclark6756]

That was such a good and unexpected video. I hope young Kaylin took this to heart. It was funny and moving enough to make me laugh and well up too. It was also nice to see some older clips, including my first time seeing you i think. Well done for getting through the tough times to today and feeling like this is your home too.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you! I try to mix it up a bit so you're never entirely sure if you're going to get an emotional video essay or the intricate and detailed differences between TV test cards. ;)

[@brigidsingleton1596]

@@GirlGoneLondonofficial _This_ Reminds me that as this was _your_ video, _not_ mine, I should've included similar praises for you, too, (oops, please read as if I did - I really admire your communication skills) instead of telling all of _my story_ to you and your followers et al ..sorry about that... 🤔🥺🤭 ...however... I've never before written a "note" (cough!!) to myself...but as I have also never been good at precis (which is probably blindingly obvious to you by now!!) I still 'yabber' on too much!! Thank-you for your "heart" to my comment / epistle. (...tiptoes away...) ❤️🖖

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Your comments and stories are always extremely appreciated @BrigidSingleton1596, don't stop sharing your own thoughts with us! I love the community we have here. :)

[@brigidsingleton1596]

@@GirlGoneLondonofficial Many thanks m'Lady. I am highly appreciative of both the content you present and are able to help further our knowledge, as I am of your kind responses. Thankyou again.

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

It was such a brave thing to do. Congratulations for taking such a momentous step to leave your home country. My best friend of 45 yrs is an American who didn’t have an American accent when I met her in the 70’s when she’d only been here for 3 years 😂.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you for your encouragement. Haha, it's fascinating how some people lose their accent and others don't!

[@peckelhaze6934]

Wow, this is fantastic and very cleverly done. Not seen anything like this elsewhere on KZbin.

[@distinctreflections]

Brilliant. Only recently found your channel. As a Brit who spent some of my childhood in Nigeria and some of the 2010's living in the Peruvian Amazon the culture shock is real; and your 'home' country is never quite the same. They say it takes about 10 years to really learn the culture of a new country, so I guess you've really got to grips with us now!

[@cpmahon]

A touching and personal video that shows the rollercoaster of events and emotions that you have experienced. I would just add to the letter for the younger Kalyn that you've clearly got a great deal of determination. You will choose the more difficult less trodden path and yet you will make it work! Thank you and I'm still loving the videos.

[@BlueRoseHelen252]

What a lovely letter. It's hard fitting in. You've done great. 😊

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you so much. :)

[@garypeyman932]

I never realised you made it to Bournemouth! This was a great video. Theres lot if things that "old" us would love to tell our younger selves but figuring it out ourselves is just part of life , its how we grow

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Ah yes, I love Bournemouth! My favorite beach town in the UK, though admittedly I need to visit more.

[@garypeyman932]

@@GirlGoneLondonofficial and it surrounded by lovely places too like Poole & the isle of Purbeck

[@mikezooper]

Very emotional. I almost cried… I held back though because I’m a British male! Genuinely emotional. Thank you.

[@delskioffskinov]

You brought a wee tear to my eyes with that letter Lass and it's because i've always valued your honest Opinion. It's been a few years now since i subbed your channel and quickly found out so much I didn't know about the country I was born and live in, the wee oddities that this place can throw to a person not from here and how it can truly affect their lives. So carry on doing what you do because it comes from a good heart and I will always value what you have to say!

[@vboyz21]

What a great video! You've brought me to tears. I'm an American who's been living abroad now since January going through the immigration process in a less industrialised part of Spain. It's been great but a challenge especially since I've only ever been/stayed in Barcelona before and feel more catalán than Galician but I'm making the most out of it since my husband and I are planning on going back to Barcelona next year which I believe will makes things easier plus I've got his family and my mates there. You and some other KZbinrs have inspired me to document my journey too and after seeing this video, it's given me the push I needed. Thanks!!

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you so much - I'm so glad you can relate (well not glad, but you know what I mean, it's nice to know other people go through the same things - it's a rollercoaster!). You should absolutely document your journey! I would love to watch!

[@david8720]

Great video. I recently moved back to the UK after almost 25 years in the Bay Area. The rise of the Internet and high-quality video calls were transformative for keeping in touch with family. I also felt the grief from 4000 miles away, so know exactly what you mean. And I never lost my British accent, and that was always an effective ice-breaker when meeting new people. Now I'm back, though, I do sometimes use the wrong word (like "trash") or mispronounce a word, and my family will brutally make fun of me for it... Which is fine... I deserve it. What have I missed about California over the past 6 months? The weather, the hiking, and all my "new world" favorite foods (see the spelling there... and don't ask me how may times I've written the date wrong since being back). What would I tell my younger self? "You're going to have an amazing adventure... but no matter where you live there will always be rent and electric bills to pay."

[@Aztwecas]

Thank you for this :). Living abroad is so rewarding, but also so incredibly difficult and lonely. A lot of the time the struggles are so specific that others just can't really relate. You conveyed all this in such a compassionate, and honest way. A video like this will mean a lot to many who have lived abroad.

[@trevorlsheppard7906]

Lovely, heartfelt,thoughtful vlog , wishing you a long and happy, contented life in the UK Kaylyn ❤❤.

[@wltb3486]

Great video. You write so beautifully. Wonderful honesty and self-awareness. Your best video yet.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

That's really kind, thanks so much for your comment.

[@liamdoyle2143]

Really beautiful reflective monologue to the younger you. I look forward to my girlfriend giving her opinion having moved from California to live here four years ago. Where she met her Anglo-American boy. As a transatlantic kid who grew up here but spent some much time travelling back to see family Stateside, there are so many vignettes that you talk about that make me chuckle because they’re true. Keep up your amazing videos.

[@colibri492]

What a wonderful person you are. I went through similar experiences and know what a wrench it is to leave your country of birth. But after 45 years I'm over it and will never regret moving to the UK. Your attitude to everything is commendable and I wish you a long and healthy life.

[@danmayberry1185]

Candid. Funny. Identifiable. Up there with your best, Kalyn.

[@stevemurray1848]

Great video - really interesting to hear about your journey to this point and coming to love our weird, brilliant and also occasionally rubbish country - we’re lucky to have you!

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

I have come to really understand the UK for what it is in all of its weird and brilliant ways, as you say! thanks for watching!

[@robertwatford7425]

That was a departure (and an arrival!). Congratulations for retaining the memories of that time, and the distance to be able to relate them to how you are now. I enjoyed that very much.

[@boohaka]

Wow! What a great video! I'm UK born and bred you make me look at the UK in a different light. Thank you for sharing the authentic you.

[@bobanob1967]

I would tell myself that the things you think are going to be terrible will not actually be that bad, don't worry you'll get over them.The things you feel are going to be fantastic won't always turn out to be, don't worry, you'll get over them.

[@NeoNitro]

This is the most beautiful video you have ever done, it gave me a heart full of emotions and a tear in my eye and even though you don't see it yourself you are very much as British as the rest of us, Thank You Kalyn your amazing xx

[@gamingtonight1526]

Brit that spent 12 years in the U.S. opposite reaction, American's won't let you be lonely. Within a week of moving into my home, I had two neighbours bring a cake and a hotpot, I was also invited to a barbecue and a party. All this, and feeling like I was living in a "movie", made it all so easy! But your script for this video is amazing! You should write a book!

[@brianpage1886]

Thank you! I moved here around 5 years ago from Canada and I found everything you said to be true. I think your point of just being yourself and not trying to artificially 'fit in' is really strong. I lost quite a few of my friends 'at home' during Covid so I don't really have a lot to go back to. I call Canada once in a while, but nothing there seems to change much. Here things move along quite a bit faster and there is always something 'new' to do or experience. I feel sorry for people who only have lived in one country. It is hard sometimes, but I would not change things (except the shells on the eggs). I do miss triscuits. The cheese here is really good and would be great on a triscuit.

[@Simon-lw4uc]

Heartfelt and powerful ! Youve come a long way in the last 10 years lady and gone through so much ! But at the same time grown so much experienced and learnt so much too ! Maybe some day you will both decide to live in America, then hubby can experienced some of the highs and lows that you have ! Best of luck for the future

[@JunkTardis]

I absolutely relate to this (but in reverse, UK to the US). The loneliness and feeling of not fitting in is absolutely huge. I've got better dealing with that and making 1-2 good friends. Near death experiences, and losing my beloved rescue dogs from 4700 miles away and being unable lto say goodbye totally sucks.

[@stephenroberts7593]

Best vid I have seen in a long time !

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you so much!

[@alton171]

That was so touching.

[@graeradt]

Brilliant - wish we could go back in time and watch your 20yr old self receiving this to watch the reaction.

[@Jill-mh2wn]

For me ,it`s your best ( and most moving) video letter yet. PS .The whole point about the British love of walking ,is not about just moving your legs . It`s a chance to breathe really fresh air ( if you are a City dweller) and to look about yourself and see different things ,hear different sounds. It`s to put those things in your memory so that you can recall them in the short dark days of winter ,knowing that the glorious Spring is just waiting round the corner . Different from Florida ,eh?

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you, that's really kind. I do love walking now! And funny enough, have learned to love all seasons, whereas in Florida there's really only one!

[@Jill-mh2wn]

@@GirlGoneLondonofficial 👌

[@annaburch3200]

😭😊😭😊😭😊 Totally crying happy tears for you. This was wonderful. I know I say it, probably to the point of being awkward, but I'm so proud of what you've accomplished, even in just the four or five years we've been friends. What a great way to remind ourselves of how to be grateful for the journey we've had - the good, the bad and all the mushy in-between. Take care!! 😊❤️

[@jaykevan5120]

That was written from the heart and one of the nicest videos I've watched in a long time. Keep it up, and keep your chin up.

[@evandavidthornton]

Hi kalyn I enjoyed your video. About yourself so honest and heart searching. I can't emagine what your journey felt like. I am so happy you have finally set in your live in the UK. Hopefully. You will. Be fine. Lovel girl xxx

[@RobG001]

An amazing, engaging and emotional piece of work, Kalyn posting original content and keeping her viewers on their toes. :) Just realised 2012 was the last time I was in London, to see the opening ceremony of the Para Olympics, my then g/f got some tickets. Can't believe it has been 12 years.

[@scrappystocks]

Surely - born in the USA but also British now. You're becoming a true Brit. My American wife's accent is now even more local than mine but when she goes back "home" it immediately returns as soon as she speaks to someone in customs or immigration at LAX airport in LA.

[@idoneakw9996]

This was so awesome! Congratulations on your growth and your journey. Your resilience and bravery for moving to live in a different country is jealousy-making

[@DaveDriver]

Kalyn, I came here to say this is beautiful, but found that everyone else is saying the same thing. You do fit in because you are so aware of the world around you in both your home countries. You are a lovely person and you are very welcome here.

[@shaunw9270]

Brilliant video Kalyn 👌

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you Shaun!!

[@radiosnail]

I loved this. I must getting more emotional in my old age as it choked me up.

[@chrisoram1266]

Thank you for this heartfelt letter. One day I would love to read your biography of how you got from there to here. From your videos I’m sure it will be humorous, emotional, and informative.

[@LexiLaughs]

This made me sad and happy all at once. Im glad you feel and home here now and found "your people" in the uk to fit in with by being yourself, always be true to yourself.

[@annterry9194]

Dear Kalyn, Thank you for being you and for your interesting and insightful videos. I look forward to hearing from you each time you post a new video. Welcome to Britain, ten years late but then I'm a Brit and therefore a trifle reserved. Keep doing you!

[@dezboss]

Wow Kalyn, I love all of your videos but that was without doubt the best you've ever done. Full of humour as usual but unbelievably touching aswell, I'm really stunned!

[@roberttewnion1690]

This video resonated with me. I also lost 3 grandparents since 2012 but more than that after a few years of pestering my wife agreed to move to Spain with the kids from Scotland, which was in April 2023 so it's only been 18 months but I understand the point about being far from family and friends and missing out on things.

[@NickByne-f2h]

This is a wonderful video, at times I was amazed that you stayed here, but I've watched enough of your videos to understand why you did and thank you for doing so!

[@youca04]

I only discovered your channel a few weeks ago. I find you engaging, funny (amusing, not strange), informative and you very much wear your heart on your sleeve. I appreciate the work you do and I share your contempt of several reaction views ‘creators’. I’ve clicked the do not recommend link on a few as I could see the lack of value they were adding. Keep up the good work and I wish you every success.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you very much for your very kind comment!

[@Iskandar64]

In the mid 90 my best friend left for the US, it was because of a woman who turned out to be a psychopath. He ended very frightened and very alone. I flew as as soon as I could to the US (first time) and saw him sorted in a new home and made a suggestion that he pursue his interests in the US which was Soccer. He ended up in a co-Ed team where he met his wife. I have been back many times and they here in London with us. They will be back in a few weeks. I loved your letter, it was authentic and true in my experiences. It is very hard to uproot yourself, you seem to have done very well for yourself here. All the best - Paul.

[@williamnethercott4364]

I hope you'll always feel at home in the UK. I've known people from many parts of the world and those who relocated to the UK often find it difficult to "fit in". Remember, you don't have to blend in to fit in, you can still be you and your accent will help any time a policeman stops you for driving the wrong way down a one-way street. You can be yourself, but you already know that.

[@A-St.George_the_Dragon]

One thing - don't feel afraid to go out and get what you want. Rejection is not the end of the world and is way better than regret 😊

[@DavidSmith-vx7rl]

Thank you, what a wonderfully insightful, thoughtful and fun video

[@alexwitney5947]

Amazing! How honest. I think it’s incredibly courageous to move to another country. If I was to say one thing to my younger self it would be, “Just be kind to yourself.”

[@richt71]

Oh wow. This was a bit deep Kalyn. Appreciate you sharing your full ups and downs of living abroad. Can I say I'm sure your late grandparents were happy and proud you were living your life.

[@wessexdruid7598]

I get the feeling that you enjoyed putting this together. Having shared much of it with you through YT, I did too. 🙂

[@frankmelia3974]

Thanks

[@A-St.George_the_Dragon]

Kalyn, that was beautiful .... making even this hard-bitten Brit get teary 😅

[@leecal5774]

What a fantastic video. Superbly done. Very moving as well. Well done Kalyn. You’re a star ⭐️

[@RogersRamblings]

A brilliant letter to the younger you. A good collection of encouragements and warnings that the young rarely listen to because they "know". 🤣

[@niallrussell7184]

There are some videos of a young Evan Edinger seeing he has the option to study in UK. It's fun to see where it started, and where people's lives lead them.

[@Sleepless64]

To like this video doesn’t really express how special I found it. So heartfelt, thank you for sharing. I think the main thing I’ve learnt as I have grown older and travelled parts of the world. Not to invalidate your videos - it is wonderful to share differences. But the thing you learn is we are all actually the same, at heart. We’re all human beings and we feel the same things. The only differences are minor, and all about place / environment. But at heart, we are all the same ❤️

[@steven54511]

Truly interesting and poignant video letter. It really is amazing how far you've come and how much you've grown since coming to the UK for a four month stay over. Long may your love for the UK abide.

[@beets101]

Of the many videos I’ve watched of yours this was my favourite by far. I loved seeing the snips of people and places dear to you some I have seen and others not. Thanks for sharing.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

I appreciate that a lot, thank you! One of those that isn't for the algorithm, just done from the heart. :)

[@Zatnicatel]

Lovely video! Thank you from we Brits for being honest.

[@GirlGoneLondonofficial]

Thank you so much!

[@littlegardener8414]

This was such a lovely video, so nice to see your younger self and hearing you relive your memories. I'm sure it will be a great help to anyone who relocates to another country, to help get a different perspective. I love your channel. xx

[@philipmason9537]

It’s hard to believe how you took a break from KZbin now that you post such great content !!

[@duncanny5848]

Brilliant vid. Kaylin, you have a unique channel, and this is another example of why. Loved it. Looking forward to the next 10 years!

[@udeychowdhury2529]

That was fantastic, as someone who left London and lived in Uganda for 3 years, can totally relate, beautifully put💚💚💚💚

[@MillsyLM]

Keep being you that's all that counts. We on this island can a silly bunch at times confusing and contradictory but we do respect and like genuine people like yourself.

[@GaryDiamondComedy]

Wow! What a beautiful video Kaylyn. You captured your experience in such an amazing, honest and heart felt way. Was so interesting to follow your ups and downs and get a feeling of what that was like for you. I wish you many more happy memories 😊

[@bonvoyage5377]

Very very good video, I hope you continue to live and thrive here, you're an asset to the UK

[@jonathanleach3914]

Very good. I can relate to so many things having lived overseas for 17 years, now back in the UK. The experiences made me who I am and despite the problems that I see, makes me be positive about so many things around me. I also missed key family milestones and they are often a regret. Take care and thank you for your films.

[@82clive]

One of the best videos that I have seen on KZbin in years, & I always follow you. Great stuff!

[@dukendo]

I always enjoy your vids but you've excelled yourself this time. Love your sense of humour, absolutely brilliant, well done.

[@tomharp967]

Brilliant post Kalyn……Thank You!,

[@LordToogood]

That was brilliant, anything worth while requires sacrifice in some way. I think younger Kalyn could never dream of the adventure ahead of her and maybe its best that she didn't, otherwise we wouldn't have the same wise and experienced present day Kalyn that we have today.

[@MichaelJohnsonAzgard]

What an amazing video and wish you well for many more adventures.

[@ukusareactions]

Dear Kalyn, I have to say this is one of the best videos I have seen. While all your videos are amazing this one really sticks out. I am a 40 year old British man, who enjoys seeing how others view the UK from a much different perspective. Even though I have no intention on moving abroad, I felt a certain sense of relatable feelings. Thank you, Kalyn for sharing your experiences and story with us you are so honest and real. I am pleased you can call the UK your home. I am happy that you persevered with your move and now feel the sense of home and belonging. Kindest regards Gavin.

[@jasonpayneuk]

Can so relate! I’m did the trip from NZ to the UK almost 23 (how did that number get so scary big???) years ago - there’s stuff you don’t realise that you go through or never admit that is tough - I love this idea of writing to 25 year old me and giving myself the heads up

[@mitsy40uk73]

Awww I love this, great letter and I’m glad you now feel at home in the UK 😊

[@sonellehall6900]

This! Absolutely! As someone who moved continents ( from South Africa to the UK in my case) in my 20's, and stayed, I can definitely relate.

[@BarryHockley-r9x]

This was a wonderful video ❤ it. Thank you for something so different.