How we see the US after 8 months in the UK & Europe (REVERSE CULTURE SHOCKS)

After 8 months of traveling in the UK and Europe, we returned to the US and were met with some surprises about American cultural norms we were previously used to. Discussing the cultural shocks and differences encountered upon returning to the US, some of the things we've noticed include reliance on cars vs. public transportation, sense of security, tipping culture, food quality and ingredient differences, pricing disparities, and more. We primarily discuss our experiences returning to the US in comparison to the UK because we spent significantly more time there than other countries in Europe.
Have you noticed these differences between the US and UK or Europe? Have you experienced your own reverse culture shocks? Let us know!
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[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Have you noticed these differences between the US and UK or Europe? Have you experienced your own reverse culture shocks? Let us know! Watch our Culture Shocks as Americans in the UK video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oouliWidrLZ-l5Y&t Things we miss about the UK: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enbLnXurjdh-pqc&t We Went on a British Holiday... in Victoria, Canada?! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3SvqZiuraqDpdU Finding British foods in American grocery stores (shocking prices): kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4LKZYqVhs5motk

[@daphneschuring5810]

Every country is different.

[@gindrinkersline3285]

Side note, the UK is in Europe. The UK might have left the European Union (EU) in 2020, but it has not left Europe. 😉

[@niklfc9384]

America is a shit hole country

[@nocturna1964]

Regarding sugar and salt: Look on your salt "ingredients" list... Dextrose is listed. Yesss, we Americans even add sugar to salt! 🤦‍♀️😱

[@adamhardy8690]

Tipping bit is not accurate. In the UK, the automatic service charges often found in other parts of Europe are rare, but here if you have a large lunch or evening meal in a restaurant it would be normal to tip 10% if the service was OK, BUT it would have to be bad not to give any tip, the restaurant will expect something if they did an acceptable job, no tip means it was bad and you're unhappy. You can give more than 10% if it was good or excellent. On the other hand, many countries in continental Europe do not tip, or will tip a minimum or automatically add a service charge or 'cover' fee (to cover basics cutlery, bread, water). It sounds like you've either been done by locals who take advantage of US and other tourists who don't know this or did not realise. (Side note: But tipping (like everything) changes drastically per European country which is why these US v Europe comparisons seem to only make sense to Americans ignorant of the huge differences across Europe. You can compare country with country, but not a continent of vastly different cultures, languages, laws and customs with one homogenous country (US)). Going from UK to France to Italy, is not the same as New York to Illinois to Nevada. In the former everything changes per country, in the latter almost everything is identical.

[@paulleach3612]

Biggest culture shock to me, while in the U.S as a Brit, was bread. What Americans consider to be a loaf of bread would horrify most Europeans.

[@jimb9063]

Cheese too. Not been to the US but had relatives who lived there, and with my own experience of visiting mainland Europe and living in the UK I'd say we're somewhere between the two concerning food. Either closer to the rest of Europe or the US, depending on what item it is.

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

To be honest after living a while on the Continent, ordinary British bread seems pretty foul. Thankfully the choice is so much better these days and decent bread is now available at nearly every supermarket.

[@paulleach3612]

@@sirrathersplendid4825 I'm spoilt - I have four outstanding local bakeries just five minutes from my front door.

[@nowhere982]

Britain had proper bread ie Flour, yeast, salt and water up until the processed food for supermarkets corrupted our food (predominately in the 1960's)....we didn't have much type2 diabetes or obesity back then either.

[@EllieD.Violet]

And we in Germany with our 300 different kinds of bread already consider the British an abomination 😎. When we live(d) in London we would always shop at a 'German bakery'.

[@danowen79]

If more Americans travelled they’d bring the positive changes back home and maybe generationally things would change. I always feel like America is too disconnected from the world, geographically, and for various reasons most people have little interest in discovering what the rest of the world has to offer. Imagine if most people went on holiday to Europe every year and came back to the US with similar thoughts to your own here.

[@Judep4237]

I feel that YT channels like this go a long way to educate Americans in how the rest of the world works

[@Kilgore_Trout_jr]

Nail on the head. I hail from Europe. Very family oriented and social. Totally opposite from America where everything is transactional, everything.

[@danowen79]

@@Judep4237 Yaah, but then most say their audience is primarily British 😂 we’re just curious what foreigners make of the UK.

[@PhilipWorthington]

​@@Kilgore_Trout_jr 'everything is transactional' is a brilliant summary of American culture, I'm stealing that!

[@thepickledpixie9052]

Absolutely. There's some level of indoctrination that the US is the greatest country in the world and everyone wants to go and live there. That deep rooted patriotism has so many believing this and it couldn't be further from the truth. So many believe they have freedom of spedch and we don't. Travel opens the mind. Seeing how other countries live automatically opens your eyes to the problems in your own country - and we all have them. The US though...it's something else. The legislation around working hours and holiday entitlement, minumium wage, mat leave and childcare are horrendous. The religious influence in law is unbelievable given the claim of separation of church and state. The gun control issue is simply insane. I cannot get my head round the normalisation of little kids having to do active shooter drills in school. The US isn't even a member of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. That says a lot. Nowhere is perfect, far from it. But the US has many major issues that need addressing.

[@nickwalters5380]

I've not spent much time in the US, but I remember visiting friends in LA. I decided to walk to the local shops as my friends were at work. Got stopped by the cops twice to ask what I was doing trying to walk a couple of miles, had to cross a couple of big roads and use a bridge with no proper sidewalk. To be fair they were charming when they realised I was a Brit, but being questioned by the police for walking somewhere was very odd.

[@cleverclogs2244]

I stayed in suburban Nashville, and walked to the supermarket every other day - it was about 400m away, but people stare at you like you are a lunatic. My host would insist on driving us the 300m to the Cracker Barrel. The residential area I stayed in had very few sidewalks, and public transport was very inefficient and went in circuitous routes - the city centre was 4 miles away as the crow flies, but it took about an hour to get there, and the bus stop was half an hour's walk away. I didn't get to see much - the dependence on cars is very frustrating.

[@iwanttocomplain]

@@cleverclogs2244 I used to work with a guy that drove that far to work. Stuffing his little car into the little street totally packed with cars bumper to bumper. The drive for about maybe two minutes. Probably 1 spent waiting at the intersection. To save walking for about 5 minutes. In a really nice place. The mildest walk ever. Total idiot. Played squash to stay fit. Driving to squash courts getting stuck behind buses.

[@murphbee]

My family runs into similar situations when they visit. They get frustrated with me when I offer to drive them. We don’t live in a pedal-positive culture.

[@pittarak1]

Australian here: my wife and I had a similar experience when walking in Florida - had lots of stares from local residents and motorists. Also, I'm sure we were followed by a cop car at one stage - just so creepy.

[@alexshapley8331]

Yep! I walked for half an hour to go to a shopping centre in Las Vegas, the locals thought I was mad...

[@markc1793]

With the safety thing, i often see people try to use “the uk has knife crime” as a rebuttal for the American gun crime, but they always overlook the fact that per capita knife crime is also worse in the US.

[@killcity75]

Also, "Knife Crime" has different meanings in the UK and US. In the UK, the vast majority of knife crime is people being caught in possession of a knife, whereas in the US, you're not committing a crime until you stab someone.

[@cultfiction3865]

I’m from U.K. but been to the US and tbh both countries feel safe. But statistics prove that Britain is far safer than the US although it’s worth remembering that statistics are based on police crime records which aren’t always accurately recorded. Also different police forces may use different criteria when recording crime so even statistics aren’t completely reliable ways of making comparisons. You just gotta accept that in general both countries are safe. But like anywhere you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time

[@bernardmcmahon351]

I’m from Salford uk, I went to New York and Philadelphia twenty years ago, I noticed servers had to rely on tips just to make a living,also I saw many people begging who had serious, obvious physical medical conditions, the richest country on earth and the land of the free where you have to be wealthy to be poorly and can’t afford normal stuff being employed in the service sector. I’m a retired manual worker and I get a decent state pension, have a new car and get very good , free, medical treatment

[@uliwehner]

@@cultfiction3865 i feel fairly safe anywhere i go, then again i am a 200 pound guy and 5'11. ask my 5 foot wife and she will tell you that nowhere in the US feels fairy safe for a woman. Japan, however, IS safe, and germany always felt safe for her. A friend of hers got a wallet taken at a pub in the UK, and it was returned to her by the police within like 15 minutes, thanks to CCTV. I call that a win as well.

[@steveswitzer4353]

@@bernardmcmahon351 Went to philadelphia in 2018 did an uber pool and went through Kensington !!!!! bloody hell unreal

[@GrumpyDragon_aka_LjL]

My husband and I visited the US to drive the length of the east coast. On our first stop we decided to stretch our legs and wander around the local area. We were walking along a residential street when a police car stopped beside us and we were asked what we were doing. We said “Walking?!” this seemed to thoroughly confuse the police! 🤣

[@jaxcoss5790]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@lo1079]

Didn't see this before I postes my comment haha

[@katefox7692]

😂

[@saysayuk1803]

😂😂😂

[@MS-sb9ov]

I’m a Brit and recently travelled to Denver for work, staying slightly outside the city. I was amazed that there was literally no-where to walk that didn’t involve getting in a car and then finding the designated walking area, usually a park or something. Coming from the UK where there are public footpaths everywhere for enjoyment this seemed crazy. Cars, cars, cars …

[@necaacen]

if neoliberal post capitalism can find a way to charge them per step for walking theyll get those footpaths build asap.

[@simonkapadia7582]

Yeah, I've lived in a few places in the US, being British myself, I vividly recall people in their cars looking at me like I was insane or possibly even sinister for walking along the side of a main road. Only time it wasn't like that was when I was on a college campus in a rural area.

[@chippydogwoofwoof]

Bill Bryson wrote two great books 'Notes from a small island' about moving to the UK from Des Moines and the culture shocks that ensued and 'Notes from a big country' about moving back to the States after years in Britain.I remember theres a funny chapter about him trying to walk to a store on his return to America and having the police called on him. Both books are great and i would highly recommend both.

[@user-ze5tu4ck1t]

I've Read both books and yes very funny. I wonder if you could help me, I swapped books on Holiday, It was one of the Funiest books I've ever Read .about a Teachers experience in Manchester. It made Laugh out Loud, the guy I swapped with asked which bit .I told him and we fell about Laughing. He Wrote another one about his time in Kenya. Not quite as Funny. Any idea of the Authors name please.

[@pda3095]

I've got all of Bill's books and they are not only hilarious but so informative, an unbiased opinion on every subject imaginable.

[@cambbrown6205]

Could the book about teaching be 'This is Your Own Time You're Wasting'?

[@davidberesford7009]

@@user-ze5tu4ck1t Peter Pook perhaps? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Pook

[@DMGamanda]

Yeah good choices 😊

[@mikelees5093]

Mike From Manchester U.K. you guys will always be welcome to come back to the U.K.

[@MikeyC071]

100%!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We're hoping to make it back this year.

[@mikelees5093]

@@TheMagicGeekdom I will look forward, to your new adventures.

[@curran429]

As a Brit I have to admit that Americans, I have met in the UK and Europe have always been incredibly friendly.

[@dominicmoloney2621]

I can only compliment you on your willingness to experience things outside your comfort zone... compare, contrast and give your honest opinion of what works for you and what doesn't. Please keep up what you're doing.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks!

[@CaliforniaGleamin]

Tipping… It’s not that companies cannot afford to pay workers a living wage, but rather they choose not to.

[@itsmephil2255]

The best thing about TMG is that these guys realise there's more to the UK than London Hope you come back soon guys......PS being Carly ❤

[@djs98blue]

Yup loved their walk around Lincoln

[@pesmerga182]

Not many people that live outside of London, like London, it’s a sh*thole

[@davidhoward5392]

You need to return, its where you belong 😅

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks, Phil! And thank for always watching.

[@itsmephil2255]

@@TheMagicGeekdom such a pleasure to watch 👍🏼

[@davebarlow6457]

I live in Wiltshire in the UK and have never been to America but when I was growing up it was always my dream to do so. I thought it was the land of dreams and so far ahead in many ways to other countries in the world. However , now I'm older and wiser and with the easy access to be able to watch great videos like yours , I have come to appreciate what an amazing place the UK is to live. I now realise that this country and others in Europe are the countries ahead of the curve. We don't have to worry about going bankrupt through illness or injury because our health care is totally free , if we work we are given up to 5 weeks holiday a year to enjoy and spend time with family or friends , our roads are safer because we have a sensible law that requires our cars to have an annual M.O.T safety check every year [ I could not believe this isn't compulsory in the USA ] and we don't get earthquakes or tornadoes. Admittedly we do get way too much rain but it's never dangerously hot or ridiculously cold. As for our history and scenery it's probably second to none as you have shown us time and time again in your wonderful videos. All in all I have found a new appreciation for the country that I live in thanks to great videos like yours. This country isn't perfect but what country is ? Keep up the great work guys.

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Exactly right. Took me a few years travelling the world to really appreciate how unique and wonderful the UK really is. And counties like Wiltshire are among the most perfect!

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Spent three months in the USA, and in truth was somewhat disappointed. You really need a car to visit it properly, since it’s very hard to get around with public transport. Very kind people, amazing sights, but somehow just couldn’t come to terms with the place and have never really wanted to go back.

[@steveevans4299]

The only problem with Wiltshire is Swindon of course🙂

[@arriesone1]

Yeah, some gorgeous scenery in uk and Europe of course but surely can’t beat the Rockies for scenery?? I’ve never been, but such stunning pics online…

[@EelingStudios]

anyone visiting UK cities will see how grim it is becoming, very sad..

[@tedbriskett2962]

I heard that, when driving in the US, your Satnav is likely to announce something like..."Continue on this road, and after three days, turn left" 😂

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It depends where you're going, but that can be true. 😂

[@IGSkaarj]

Got to agree on the tipping thing here in the UK. I feel that we only tip if the service has been truely excellent and the food has been very good, and I'd never consider doing more than 10%. I feel sorry that service staff in restaurants in the US *need* tips to actually earn enough to live.

[@neilboulton9813]

Sadly, we have imported that other great American invention the Service Charge. Our pub in the village now uses it adding 10% extra to every meal, thanks good ole USofA.

[@AdmiralDonkey]

@@neilboulton9813 To be fair, they probably wouldn't have had to resort to that if the government hadn't done their best to facilitate the death of pub culture over the past couple of decades. It's extremely difficult for pubs to make a living these days. Granted it's not just the gov't but a range of which combine to make it a nightmare.

[@grahvis]

@@neilboulton9813 . Service charges have been around for as long as I can remember.

[@iwanttocomplain]

@@neilboulton9813 but with a 30% tax because that isn't cash any more.

[@iwanttocomplain]

Yes it's actually less fair to the waiters because they are at a more unequal relationship with the customer than if merely acceptable service is acceptable and wages are adjusted accordingly.

[@george-ev1dq]

Thank you for your positive response to the UK, people who live in the UK often think it is a bad place, it is not. They do not understand the freedom and security they take for granted.

[@TrapperJohn72]

I’ve made numerous visits to the States over the years ( love the place ). The one thing I’ve never gotten my head around is the whole concept of valet parking ( hotels, restaurants , race tracks ) I’ve always felt like saying ‘ I’ll keep my money & my keys I’m perfectly capable of parking my own car thank you! ‘

[@leec6707]

I'm baffled by those brown bags that they carry their shopping in. They have no handles and look so cumbersome! Also, child beauty pageants are very weird.

[@winwinmilieudefensie7757]

Apparently the valetparking is a service you pay for and they wil park your car in a safe zone. Otherwise your car would get stolen or broken into or something..so its a necessity because of all the unsafe streets

[@guguncube2308]

Creating low wage jobs

[@foxman1546]

In 1976 my wife and I walked from Knob Hill in San Francisco, through Japan Town, Goldengate Park, and then across Goldengate Bridge, and then all the way back. It was a great walk, but Americans thought we were crazy. I must say that walking across that bridge and back again was wierdly awsome. The bridge noticably swayed a few feet in the wind, vibrated when vehicles passed us, and the mist descending was eerie.

[@rb9580]

In 1981, as a student, I visited San Francisco. Arrived on the bus at about 05.00 and got lost in a dodgy part of town. Two big black guys saw my Glasgow Uni sweatshirt, adopted me and took me back to a safe part of town. They had served in the US Navy and been based on the Clyde. Later I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge and on my way back a guy stopped me - again because of that sweatshirt - and insisted on walking me back across to the north side, and buying me lunch in a really good seafood restaurant in Sausolito. Turned out he was born in Glasgow and moved to the US in the '20s. Good times! 🙂

[@bricktop7803]

That is normal for any suspension bridge. You do not notice it when driving. But when traffic stops you can feel the car bouncing up and down. If it doesnt flex, it would be rigid and break.

[@foxman1546]

@bricktop7803 Absolutely. But when you experience it on foot, it makes you appreciate those steelworkers all those years ago.

[@foxman1546]

@rb9580 I'm glad you were lucky to meet some good people. I bet you initially thought,'What have I got into' . When my late wife and I came back through Goldengate Park, a very tall and friendly hippy type walked with us. My concern was unnecessary in the end. He thought it was great that we Brits had backpacked from the East Coast.

[@tinalouise5880]

You’re such a lovely couple- so glad you enjoy your time here 😊

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks!

[@madmark1957]

In restaurants in the USA the server may be trying to get a better tip but there is another motivation for bring you things earlier than you expected. They want you to finish eating and leave so they can get someone else at that table and thus get paid again.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Yes, which getting your food fast is nice, but we don't enjoy the feeling of pressure to leave for them to serve another person. The more laidback pub feeling is overall nicer.

[@acamiln8354]

Evrything is about mone in the US.

[@garrytuohy9267]

I hadn't realized how difficult it was to walk in the US until my first trip. I was in Silicon Valley and across the street from my hotel was a McDonalds and one evening tried to get across the street but it was impossible. I had to go back to the hotel, get in my car and drive down the street, do a u-turn and drive back again. I also have a friend who was visiting Dallas and saw something that was in walking distance and tried walking to it, but ended up getting stopped by the Police.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It can be weirdly difficult sometimes.

[@Really-hx7rl]

A great deal of Videos I have seen where Americans have gone back to the US, is that they all seen to say they start to feel ill after a few days due to the food.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

I don't know that we felt ill, but it definitely changed our tastes on a number of things.

[@alexshapley8331]

I love fast food but eating at certain US fast food chains always seemed to leave me feeling a bit ill afterwards and sometimes with a headache (and I very very rarely get headaches!) - I assume that this is because of more salt per servings and various additives that I won't have had in UK/Europe. Even the fries tasted different to what the same brands sell over here.

[@EllieD.Violet]

​@@TheMagicGeekdomLive some months in Italy, France, Germany or Austria and you will even think British food is sub-standard.

[@EllieD.Violet]

​@@alexshapley8331You're probably mildly allergic to all those preservatives contained. I have an allergy against glutamate and similar, which give me a splitting, migraine like headache. So I never consume convenience food but cook from scratch. When visiting the US (biztrips, we live in Germany, France and Italy) I try to survive on fruit, pasta, veggies and dairy. The consumer protection in the EU is stellar compared to US standards, each and every ingredient MUST be listed, the country of origin, the producer's ID.

[@alexshapley8331]

@EllieD.Violet it's not allergic reactions(i have lots of allergies so I know what different types of allergic reactions are like), it's just stomach not feeling right, feeling slightly nauseous, and headaches... what's annoying is that I've often enjoyed the food, but then have to go through the faff of trying each item one at a time to see what it was that made me feel ill.

[@woodencreatures]

It's despicable that American workers get slave wages and are expected to grovel to customers to bump their pay up. They should try to get unionised, which I know is hard but the bosses are taking the piss

[@grahamtravers4522]

Yep. Work 'til you drop. Have you seen Victoria Wood's' "Two soups" sketch ? There are waitresses like that in the US.

[@ForzaMilan-di2zd]

It's very annoying. I visited San Francisco last yr, saw how bad it was. Even buying a Coffee from ur typical Coffee van in the park, and wanted a tips charge

[@cultfiction3865]

That’s false. Americans are far better paid than British people how can you call that slave wages? You are speaking without knowledge. I agree with the tipping culture because it incentivises good friendly service. When you look how miserable, disinterested and downcast a lot of people in British customer service are you can be sure it’s us here that have got it wrong

[@cultfiction3865]

@@ForzaMilan-di2zdNobody is forcing you to tip anybody. Just do it if you appreciate the service and don’t do it if you weren’t happy with the service

[@PaulRLight]

Just get a job that pays better.

[@stewedfishproductions9554]

I have travelled to many places in the US, over a long time and I'm ALWAYS on tenter-hooks... I am ALWAYS happy to get back to the UK. 😊

[@BrianCrooks-iv8lm]

I'm glad you enjoyed the UK. Americans always welcome here 🇬🇧

[@lorrainemoynehan6791]

I did the overnight train from London to Inverness. Absolutely loved it. Changed and got the train to plockton, over to Syke and the ferry to Harris. One of the best trips ever. You should do definitely do it if you have the time

[@bun6758]

so agree i did that over 30 plus years ago was great and i also ending up om iona

[@adlam97531]

I live in a small rural town in the UK, and many residents walk to shop etc, and I walk to work quite often, but a friend from the US was shocked when I told him of my 10 minute walk to work or 20 minutes to the town centre. Dionne Warwick sang "LA is a great big freeway,Put a hundred down and buy a car" and I guess that is the thing, but in New York I loved walking around and taking the subway and the buses.

[@wanneske1969]

I live in Belgium and I know a lot of Belgians (and Germans) that don't have a car or never got a driving licende although they could afford it. When you live in a city, you don't need it. And even in more rural areas you don't need a car.

[@cozza819]

Love your guys talk on the differences. I've visited the US a couple times now and I've always had a strong love for the Americana. Everywhere has it's ups and downs.

[@Brookspirit]

It's not a difference between the USA and Europe, it's the USA which is so different to the rest of the world.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

That's fair.

[@scarlettpeach95]

I love the fact that you guys are so open and honest about travelling around the uk and Europe, its so refreshing! Can't wait for you to come back to England ❤

[@user-kq6zb9ll5b]

Thank you for taking us with you on your adventure, thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

[@judyburgess3357]

If you love barbeque you should travel to Australia for Barbies or South Africa for Braii I am impressed at Americans who came here to the UK and were open to experiencing our country.

[@JJ-of1ir]

Thanks for doing this video. We already miss your videos of your travels in the UK. Hope you will come back soon! Love from the UK

[@vilebrequin6923]

Agree completely. Don't be strangers for too long! We'd love to welcome you back! Love from GB😊

[@rachelcyr1288]

I really enjoyed this videos! This is an interesting take on your travel experiences. I'm headed to the UK this week for the first time, so I was interested in hearing about what you appreciated about the UK.

[@paulhunter2340]

God bless you both stay safe and look after yourselfs and thankyou for all your praise about the uk and hope it's not too long before you return to your second home were you will always be welcome as you are a lovely couple.Its been an absolute pleasure watching your videos and how lucky you are to have travelled together and made all those happy memories.

[@foxbasedelta338]

Love. The UK misses you, you are part of us now. Do your thing! Xx

[@TIDYJOKER]

Hey guys. Thank you very much for your insight. You videos of Coventry are still the best advert for the city we've ever had. Our train fares aren't quiet as good as a 'brit pass' (If thats the rail card). It's still pretty decent, if you know how to book. I look forward to more of your videos, and you won't have to even have to come to Coventry again.

[@montyf3594]

I love your love of the Uk. Take care.

[@vilebrequin6923]

Very interesting guys! Thank you😊

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@monik.7354]

I enjoyed your videos travelling in the UK as I used to live there for 10 years and after returning to my country the Czech Republic I was so shocked by the customer service in most supermarkets,banks etc.,I was used to people having a chat with me at the till or smiling and wishing me a nice day and asking how I was in England and they were busy working...I felt so akward by being friendly back in my country and nobody cared really,I wanted to return back to the UK,but now I am used to it again and sometime they surprise me and smile at least ☺And I enjoyed bigger variety and choice of gluten free or vegetarian meals in restaurants and pubs or cafes in England....we are still behind,especially in smaller towns.Take care and have a fab week

[@bmc9504]

My friend is from Latvia and he came to the UK around 16-18 years ago, he last visited home around 10 years ago and vowed never to go back. He's a very sociable person and especially being in his 20s in a foreign country was extremely shocked. He always use to tell me how rude and cold people would be when he visited back home and they don't care about your best interests, especially the Russian population... No offence to the Russians, he can speak Russian fluently and they're a lot nicer in the UK than back home(his words). Currently, he's like an old woman, he will talk for England and makes friends better than I can.

[@TravelAdventureswithEricB]

Great points and all very true.🎉thanks for the vlog.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for watching!

[@FalcomScott312]

Good evening Cara & Jeremy how are you? I'm your new subscriber from London, United Kingdom here & I couldn't get enough of your UK videos here that I had to subscribe to your channel! I've been watching a few of your videos & I really enjoyed them so much! Hope you come back here to the UK & nice to watch your videos.

[@Robslondon]

Great video guys, and some interesting points.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rupertbath2748]

When you do come back, you should visit North West Wales (Gwynedd). I'll happily show you around and Mum will happily put you up if you bring Carly as she loves dogs (the cat can get used to it as he has put up with sister's dog turning up from time to time). Great seafood, welsh black beef, mountain lamb, shit loads of castles and a landscape that looks like middle earth. Yes a lot speak welsh there but you'll get the hang of it (senior language of the UK). Best not visit in the winter as rains like you wouldn't believe. Also has one of the oldest cathedrals ever and a cafe run by original bass player for The Smiths.

[@metro119]

Both the overnight train options in the UK are great. For the Scottish one I'd recommend the route to Fort William as the scenery in the morning is so spectacular. Early booking is essential though for decently priced fares - they do get expensive. The sleeper train to Penzance in Cornwall is also great, and much more reasonably priced - you can get two single cabins with a door between without breaking the bank. While on the subject of train travel, and as you foodies, you should check out the Pullman dining on GWR trains and also the restaurant service on some Transport for Wales long distance trains!

[@eamonquinn5188]

You guys were always open and optimistic and it seemed like you were really enjoying yourselves over here (UK)

[@annieswatkins]

Totally agree with you. Love your videos

[@robertgrimsted877]

Love the video’s you both are beautiful people glad you liked the uk 🇬🇧

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you!

[@user-cv5cp3qf1d]

Been to the US many times and really enjoyed the food but always ended up with an upset stomach. Ref making pasta sauce … don’t bar a jar with sugar and additives. Buy passata and season it … so much better and not full of junk. Lovely to see how you both fell in love with the UK. Hope we can welcome you back here!

[@andrewwhite4335]

It was a pleasure watching your series. I sincerely hope you can find a reason to do a second series in England

[@davidmartin3947]

I enjoy your viewpoints! One major thing that I am pleased that you had no occasion to compare is the provision of health care.......

[@ynys_mon6928]

I agree with a lot of your comments. We are from the UK and had a very warm welcome when we visited family in Newport Beach CA. I found the service in most restaurants very friendly and obliging, but a bit over the top…not genuine. We only hired a car for our second week and were taken aback on difficult it was to get anywhere, even walking in the near neighbourhood wasn’t much use. There didn’t seem to be local centres like we have in the UK that you could walk to.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

I wish more of our towns and cities were built for walking. We miss being able to walk to the shops a lot of the time.

[@bricktop7803]

It is just the fact that the US has a lot of free space and freeways. In Europe and the UK, it is more condensed and public transport infrastructure was created before cars were invented. America is too big to know itself.

[@kantpredict]

It seems to be a general consensus that Europe just does things better and more sensibly than the USA. It's hilarious when Americans actually visit other countries, and the blinkers come off to how freaking nuts the USA is.

[@hrw3mom103]

Not necessarily. There are positives and negatives about all countries. I have found some things incredibly aggravating and inefficient in Europe and the UK. Traveling is very different than living abroad. I love many things about each country I have visited and I wish I could establish my own country using each of those lessons/experiences. Inevitably, it wouldn’t suit everyone.

[@wanneske1969]

I always wondered why they believe they live in the greatest nation ever.

[@acamiln8354]

Europe and US are not comparable.

[@Pollyaula]

I hope at some point you can come to a big UK boardgame convention like UK Games Expo or Airecon - I think you'd love it!

[@Anonymous-gn3ly]

I like the looks you give each other, suggesting you two get along very well.

[@ynys_mon6928]

Until my mid 20s I travelled a lot by train…for free! My mother worked for the railway, so as a child and Uni student I had a certain number of days per year when I could travel for free. Then I got a job with the railway. The brilliant bit was the reciprocal agreement with railways in other countries. Family members had to pay, but got a percentage off. The most interesting train journey we had when we were first married was from the Hoek of Holland to Norway. First we took an overnight sleeper train to Copenhagen where we stopped for a few days. We were camping…on a very cheap budget. Then we took an overnight to Oslo and then a connecting train to Voss. The overnight to Oslo was awful. The seats were wooden slats! I’ve never had such an uncomfortable journey. The next train in the morning from Oslo to Voss had super luxurious seating. The most comfortable I’ve ever experienced. The main problem was trying to stay awake on the beautiful scenic journey.

[@swanvictor887]

Bill Bryson is a really good writer and is much appreciated in the UK...perhaps more than the US even...?!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Oh, wow!

[@Rearda]

Since CCTV was installed on my little town’s High Street nearly 3 decades ago, not one single smash and grab shop window theft has occurred.

[@Badgersj]

Friendliness in shops etc. I know it's part of the training, but it makes a real difference. Not only do you feel more relaxed about asking about something, but it makes you see that shop assistant/nurse/receptionist as an actual human being.

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

It makes such a difference. One of things I always look fwd to whenever I’m back in the UK.

[@nickbodie9013]

When you come back to UK try Hickories Smokehouse for American style brisket and ribs, lovely. Been watching you both since you visited Mountain Lake Lodge, love watching you guys living your best life. Something most of us stuck in the tedious cycle of work, sleep, work, will only get to experience briefly with holidays..

[@jsmith1071]

Our minimum wage ($14 per hour) means that tipping is less common. My husband hates when a service charge is added without asking (something that is getting more common) and always asks for it to be removed. We tip in cash, depending on the level of service provided. I enjoying watching Caroline Parker on KZbin, a Brit who is moving back to the UK with her American husband and 3 children, largely because of the gun issue, gun drills in school etc. She also mentions the inability to walk out, which is something we take for granted. It’s really interesting to hear your perspective.

[@adrianboardman162]

The weight thing is a long term thing, but, you've varied your diets so much in a relatively short period of time, you'll find sticking to what you've had overseas helps, but it's a slower (and healthier) way of doing it. Obviously have a few treats and things, but everything in moderation.

[@psychosoma5049]

You guys are lovely I’m glad you liked my home and glad you I tend to revisit ❤ all the best to you both ❤❤

[@djs98blue]

Great videos - and maybe try narrow boating here next time? I remember you seeing them in Lincoln I think.

[@suppleberry3863]

I travelled to the US last autumn for the first time in over 10 years and I was shocked by the prices. The exchange rate has an impact but that doesn't explain the whole difference - supermarket prices were outrageous. It's strange to think that 10/20 years ago the US was a cheap destination for shopping trips, but it's the complete opposite now. It was like being in Switzerland or Norway price wise. Re overnight trains, in the UK there are two options - firstly to Scotland from London and secondly to Cornwall from London. A really nice thing to do might to be the train to Penzance (Cornwall) then the ferry across to the Scilly Isles which is a unique experience. Of course Scotland is fantastic so any trip up there is worthwhile. There are some lovely train journeys in Scotland, truly beautiful.

[@MrRjhyt]

Yup, any train journey North of Glasgow or Edinbugh opens up an breathtaking vista. Those Harry Potter scenes give a good flavour...

[@joyceflowershed]

I was the same 8 years since I was last in the States and oh boy the prices, it was an expensive 8 weeks for sure.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Our inflation has been pretty terrible.

[@justgrand3429]

Travelling will always broaden the mind.

[@amfwelsh]

I love visiting the US by the year end we will have spent 5 weeks there on vacation in various places. Especially when an American hears a British accent it’s a conversation starter. The tip thing is crazy but I’m used to it now. Ant Flynn, proud Patreon member

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for supporting us, Ant! Do you have a favorite place in the US?

[@lukegriffiths9777]

@TheMagicGeekdom Brit here and first time viewer so glad you enjoyed your trip and hope to see you around one day- BUT your husband should check out Ryo Fukui and Hiroshi Suzuki JAZZ THRIVES IN ASIA !!!!

[@davidthompson882]

I’ve traveled quite a bit in the US and loved it, I’m from County Durham in the north east and we are very relaxed here and I’ve found that Americans in the more rural areas to be very similar, when my friends from state side have been here and I’ve took them sightseeing Newcastle Durham Scotland they too say after visiting the old country they look at home a little different not in a bad way just different, I’ve enjoyed watching your travels here and Europe I wish more Americans could do it it’s good to see different cultures

[@KathyBarnett-mv5vg]

I've been to the US three times and I've always felt safe and I love the people.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We agree. We loved bringing our friends from the US along for put of our last trip and showing them things that we love there.

[@deanooo2531]

Two Americans not interested in gun's...we need more Americans like you ❤❤❤❤

[@dickenscider7328]

The way the political situation is going here in the U.K. I’m sure we will wish we had the same gun laws that the US has. Don’t forget , the reasons that they have the ‘ right to bear arms’ is to protect themselves from tyranny (“ no government should have more power than its people).

[@karl9091]

Really really interesting video. Food stuffs with 'extra' sugar and salt, public transport, tipping, yeah, heard that before from other video reactions. Mmmmm, very interesting...

[@davestubbs7274]

You will always be welcome here 😊

[@SG-og8nn]

If you want great Jazz in the UK check out Ronnie Scott’s in Soho London. Ronnie Scott’s is one of the top ten jazz clubs in the world

[@mrstoives2444]

Thank you for the positive comments. What about sales tax being added on at the checkout in the USA vs inclusive in the UK?

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Honestly, that's very nice. There are a few states in the US that don't have sales tax either, but they are not the norm.

[@alansmithee8831]

Hello Cara and Jeremy. Interesting. I missed almond Mars bars in UK, which I am told are now almond Snickers in US. I stayed a month in Texas with a family that had ancestors there before the English speakers and learned to cook TexMex more on the Mex style. We also visited Cuidad Juárez for a taste of the real thing. Of all of it, I am afraid I actually like most chilli con carne with British style baked beans included and served in a large Yorkshire pudding. You like what you like, but the thing is not to be afraid to try. Actually, I nearly lived off breakfast burrito whilst traveling. I did not take to US McDonalds or similar at all the truck stops where the Greyhound stopped, as per your discussion.

[@COMEINTOMYWORLD]

Love you two. Your videos are great! xxx

[@AndyKing1963]

American friends of mine visited Scotland for 5 or 6 days last month and the total cost came to exactly what they had paid for 2 weeks travelling throughout England in May 2019, including car hire and several fancy b&bs and hotels. A small indicator of how prices have changed

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Wow, the inflation is bad all over.

[@zamiadams4343]

Very well said, I live in London and walk everywhere or jump on a bus or tube easily. Public transport is used by everyone, having a car is too expensive and useless in many ways.

[@user-TonyUK]

As one of the few non drivers in my family I have never needed to know how to drive. When I was younger (I am 67 now) I either cycled (to work approx 20 miles away or for leisure) caught local transport, trains or buses or walked. It would be nice to drive now instead of relying on local buses or trains, but I guess I will never bother now at my age. I will NOT miss out on Paying all the Taxes that come with driving, but maybe if I fancy a weekend away from home I now must consider the cost to get to and from my destinations. Tony in Essex

[@mandysharp4571]

I'm a chef who worked in Cornwall for 20 year's i was taught by the ladies there how to make traditional cornish pasties .it's very late here but i will send you a traditional recipe over the weekend.

[@lottie2525]

Interesting hearing your reverse culture shocks, especially the food and ingredients and price differences. Something I always find funny is Americans always assuming their service industry is so much better, but in reality we would HATE that kind of service in the UK and find it so obtrusive. We don't want to make a new friend, just eat our food and talk to our actual friends. To us good service is minimal intrusion, minimal fuss, thanks very much. And, if a business can't pay a living wage, it's not a viable business. Stop with the tipping madness.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We prefer the service industry in the UK for sure.

[@pulchralutetia]

We miss you! Please come back to the UK, guys! I'm moving to Ireland so I won't see you, but please come over! Have you been to Ireland yet?

[@user-ch9if6px6r]

I love Northern Ireland and BallyCotton. So beautiful.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We have not yet. We really do want to make it to Ireland though.

[@alisondoughty2194]

Pleased for you that you enjoyed your travels in UK and Europe.Hoping you take us on travels about America.Any time soon?🎉😄

[@GustavG10]

I'm from the UK, my mother had medical treatment in the U.S and the one thing that she didn't like was that bread had sugar added to it. Everything else was fine food wise although she couldn't get over the portion sizes at restaurants and other eateries, she felt like we are being ripped off in the UK with the paultry preportions offered to us..

[@Theresebonath6077]

Im from Sweden and when i see food hauls from the Uk im shocked at how much food they get because for the same amount of money i wont get near how much they get

[@jswmonkey197]

I can't imagine paying the prices I see in some northern European countries. Even if the wages are higher than in the UK the prices still seem disproportionately higher. It makes the big prices rises we've had in the UK over the last few years feel much more palatable.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We haven't made it to Sweden yet to experience that, but wow.

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Lived for a while in Sweden, and was so shocked by the prices I’d regularly come home from the supermarket with just a litre carton of yogurt (Filmjölk), a loaf of bread, some cheese and a few bananas!

[@Kari_B61ex]

Come back to the UK soon!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We are hoping to make it back this year.

[@Kari_B61ex]

@@TheMagicGeekdom YAY!

[@TheSportsBoffin]

Remember here in the UK VAT/Sales Tax is included in the price. Certain products including kids clothes are Tax free or taxed at lower rates. In most States in the USA SalesTaxis added on at the Till/Checkout.

[@paullewis2413]

I’ve travelled a lot over the years, I love cities but I have to say the only time I’ve felt really unsafe was in San Francisco. What amazed me was this was in an area only a few blocks from my top rated hotel.

[@hauskalainen]

i found the sweetness of bread sold in USA to be sickly sweet.

[@missharry5727]

It's the absence of butter in sandwiches that gets me.

[@toon9359]

Love your British 🇬🇧 videos 👍🏻

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you!

[@robhingston]

Can you do a US grocery shop.. Thanks guys. I loved your chat.. More videos like this, please, Hope you can do a UK part 2, Going to new places ...

[@user-cj6fn1iu9m]

You are 100% correct about BBQ in the UK. I've visited the US on many occasions and I've always missed BBQ when I gat home! HOWEVER we do have Brisket! My local Pub uses Brisket as a Sunday Roast and it is totally wonderful! I can't help but wonder if Brisket could be used in a better way here! Really enjoy your videos! 😍😍😍

[@alexshapley8331]

as a Brit who used to spend a lot of time in the US (mainly in or around big cities) the biggest differences I can think of are: bread, beer and the lack of a pub culture (I never found a bar that was at all similar to a British country pub, especially when it comes to being able to take a well-behaved dog in with you). Keep on making your videos! Please return, we need your dollars (no, honestly, we'd love to have you back for all reasonns... and please spend more time in Somerset, Devon and Wales this time - oodles of castles and very dog friendly)!! And finally, one of the reasons that the UK might seem inexpensive compared to the US, is because the pound is very weak against the dollar at the moment (10-11 years ago I was getting $1.65 for a pound - nowadays it is not much more than $1.20).

[@pureholy]

The stronger the pound the cheaper the USA gets for Brits. Even if the pound and the dollar were equal US groceries would still (on average) be more expensive. Currently at Walmart the cheapest can of tomatoes is $1.03 while in Sainsbury’s it’s £0.39.

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Found a few Irish bars in the USA that are vaguely like British pubs. I say “vaguely”, because it’s usually waiter service and the prices are just outrageous.

[@maddermax74]

grip a British cook book and bake your own pasty's and freeze some gona be your best option and avoid pre made mixes

[@bernadettelanders7306]

Oh yes everything made from scratch. I’m Australian but a 2nd Gen English on one side and 3rd on other side, and Irish and Scottish mixed in as well, yes I had red curly hair as a child with birth surname, Stuart. So my grandparents and my mum cooked everything from scratch. You can’t beat the taste of home made pies made with fruit from the backyard, veggies only bought fresh from the fruit shop. Mum even made her own chips for fish and chip night, only until the 60s or 70s. I remember one funny story, my sisters girlfriend as a child came over and wanted to buy some of mums chips lol. Mum gave them too her. Years later, that same girl married the son of our local fish and chip shop - absolutely true story and my sister is still friends with the girl. But beware lol. My sister is making her first UK trip this year to find out more walk the streets of our ancestors 😊

[@markstott6689]

The obvious overnight train journey is the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Fort William. 😊❤😊

[@scribbletoons2035]

Would recommend Red's True Barbecue when you're next back in the UK. They used to have one in Manchester which I went to, but it's gone now. They have one in Leeds, Huddersfield and Hull. You can get brisket from there, and they have a range of BBQ sauces. Would also recommend Smokeworks in Cambridge, if you ever find yourself in that neck of the woods. When I lived there it was a favourite of mine. Don't do brisket, but they do really good ribs.

[@tonycasey3183]

I love customer service in Germany. It feels unfriendly, but what it actually is is honest. I work in a public-facing job and I am expected to smile and be friendly which I do - I don't feel like smiling or being friendly a lot of the time because many of the people I deal with are arseholes. I wish it was acceptable to just do my job - the tasks I am paid to do - and go home without interacting socially with people. If somebody in a shop or a restaurant IS friendly, it's because they mean it. I hate customer service in the USA. Massive plastic smiles, wait staff pretending like they are your friend or, at least, want to be your friend. Oppressive over-attention, not because they want you to be happy for its own sake, but because they exist on the charity (tips) you throw at them. I feel bad that waiters are, in effect, begging.

[@user-ch9if6px6r]

That is the truth. I love food there and in the UK. I never have heartburn in Europe.

[@newfoundland3238]

The plastic smiles are part of a pleasant dining experience nobody cares what the server wants its the paying customer,without them no restaurant.They dont beg people usually reward with money very well in US for great service.You are not confined to a hourly wage,as a manager I had servers making 600 to 850 dollars a week in tips.Not bad for carrying food from kitchen.Imagine the poor chefs cooking it for hours with no tips.You represent the company its not what you want it is the person paying you wants.Americans know how to make money,smile dont be aggressive.Old saying ;more bees will be attracted with honey ,....instead of vinegar!Be well!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

I totally understand what you're saying. We never experienced bad service in Germany, but some people felt as if they were just doing their jobs, and honestly there's nothing wrong with that.

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

I’ve just made a quick snack this evening and it was just spaghetti with fresh cherry tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic and fresh basil. If anything the cherry tomatoes made it a bit too sweet. But it was delicious because it was just so fresh.

[@brianbirkinbine2054]

Spent a month in the Netherlands and loved it! I immediately noticed the larger portions in the US. Also service is much slower in the Netherlands, I really had to fight my urge to hurry up the server. I do agree about the food quality being much better in Europe. Hoping to make another trip and visit other parts (UK and Germany).