Things that are OK in USA but not in ICELAND

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where are you from? Iceland
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[@walterl322]

“We don’t tip, we pay people” was that a intentional roast? Because if it was, lmaoo...

[@hakon_dlc]

Yeah she put that really well😂 It's a terrible thing to rely on the customers to pay your employees!

[@walterl322]

@@hakon_dlc that’s actually really sad, but it’s also very ironic... USA is the best? Think twice... workers shouldn’t rely on tips, it’s not a consistent source of income...

[@afcgeo882]

To be honest, the tipping culture wasn’t born in the United States. It was brought from Europe. It also usually works. Most servers in restaurants make a decent living, given the nature of the job. The restaurant workers that don’t make a good living are bussers, runners and line cooks, who all get paid minimum wage.

[@walterl322]

@@afcgeo882 most of American customs originate in European or Native American cultures, but most European countries don’t do that anymore, just like many other things, like the imperial system, imperialism, pointless wars for resources and draconian capitalism... (before you start typing, I’m not a socialist) The average waiter makes 21k a year, the median income for a household is 61k, take that how you wish...

[@walterl322]

@@afcgeo882 also, I’m not saying that USA is completely shit, I can think of at least 10 things where USA is better than my country, but there are things to improve on and the best country in the world mentality annoys me...

[@mrrandomdude4291]

One heck of a timing.

[@gary7846]

yes

[@Grek1574]

?why so

[@willileo2373]

Hrafna: I haven’t seen a country put their flag everywhere like U.S.A Turkey: umm...Ok

[@thomassenbart]

France also has a lot of flags about.

[@sucram1015]

Well she only looked up the USA mainly so the ignorance makes sense.

[@jaguar_8344]

William Matosh that’s the thing, turkey actually has something to be proud of, America does not.

[@Eirik36]

@@jaguar_8344 yeah okay bud

[@thomassenbart]

@@jaguar_8344 what an idiotic and ignorant statement

[@BahKnee]

I teach ESL. "Hello, how are you?" "I'm fine, thank you, and you?" "I'm great, thanks for asking." It's one of those cultural things I can teach about. Not one single person is asking how you are really, and when they are beginners they are rather confused by the question.

[@ryanterrencegoliath506]

Also the traditional greeting for someone u meet for the first time is Hello, nice to meet you or a pleasure to make your acquaintance, however if you see the person on a regular bases it would be acceptable to make small talk

[@comom2055]

It’s so weird when you think about it. I never ask people how they’re doing because I feel like it’s intrusive lol. I’m awkward though

[@darklandprotection]

Most people who say "Hi, how are you?" are doing so to make you know they are their to make your experience there better. It is meant to help your day be better if you're having a bad day.

[@cynic7049]

@@hanikrummihundursvin It have the cultural very important factor to teach people that lying is not a big deal. You are supposed to answer "fine" regardless of how you feel and thus lowering you inhibition to lying.

[@carolineoconnor7239]

In Ireland we say hi how are you and the response is I'm good, how are you no matter how your really feeling

[@afcgeo882]

No way! According to ignorant people only Americans do that!

[@Cristian-Akuma]

Still weird haha

[@eagle1de227]

the concept of "sweet little lies" does not exist in non-anglo-saxon countries (perhaps somehow in asian countries?). So this would generally be seen as offense or at least as indifference and feeds the prejudice of americans (or other anglo-saxons - or irish) being superficial, indifferent or even snobbish

[@Oleg19948]

Yeah i think thats true i hang around from time to time with a friend from Ireland who used to live here for a couple of years. Lol from the netherlands btw.

[@afcgeo882]

@@eagle1de227 Not true. In Russia, “Привет, как дела?” translated to, “Hi, how are things” is extremely common. That’s a slavic group of languages. Romance languages also use the saying normally. “Como estas”, “come stai”, or “ça va” are normal ways to greet someone. No hai or 你好 is the common Mandarin greeting, but literally translates to, “You good?”

[@JWhisp]

Can’t wait till corona is over so I can travel to Iceland!

[@EarlofCrawford]

Now I want a beer...mmm...Corona

[@zackryder5026]

Me too.

[@zackryder5026]

@@EarlofCrawford why don't you buy yourself one now?

[@jamesfry8983]

@@EarlofCrawford Yes everyone needs to drink more Corona since the covid outbreak Americans have been shunning the beer

[@EarlofCrawford]

@@zackryder5026 That's a plan

[@DSteinman]

We say how are you, and everyone just lies and says they're fine no matter what! Yeah, it's pretty weird!

[@jonnajosefina]

As a Finn this always gets on my nerves. 😂 Every time my American friend (living in Finland) calls me and says Hi, how are you, and doesn't even give me time to answer and just goes on with what she was calling me about. 😂 And each time I'm like GIRLLLL DON'T ASK THEN!

[@mikey6214]

Same in Canada

[@jeremiahking2858]

The Comedian Tom Segura had a bit on this 😅 apparently, the only acceptable answers' are good for a normal day, and fine for a bad one

[@DSteinman]

Oh you know what, I forgot one - if things are really shitty, we say "Oh, hanging in there!" Which we all say now, because of the damn pandemic! Had one of those on a work phone call today...

[@nameperson9441]

@@jonnajosefina who cares? Don't answer her then. Are Nordic people this clueless?

[@aesthetix3398]

"Hi how are you" is kind of like saying good day to people, most people just respond with "good” even if they are feeling upset.

[@EmBaddieVlogs]

When someone say “hi how are you” I think the immediate response for most people is to say “good” even if your not

[@hakon_dlc]

Which seems superficial and disingenuine to everbody who isn't used to the greeting, weird custom imo

[@afcgeo882]

Yet in most languages, greetings come from that same phrase or wishes of well-being. Northern Europeans are infamously cold and not caring compared to most of the planet.

[@hakon_dlc]

@@afcgeo882 Now you might have noticed that there's a slight difference between observing customs of other cultures and thinking they're weird and blatant racism, maybe look up that difference again before posting the next time

[@innovativeatavist159]

Or if you wanna get spicy with it, let out a sigh and just say "Still breathin." Which is positive but also recognizes that you're not necessarily good. Also, a lot of people will chuckle.

[@afcgeo882]

@@innovativeatavist159 A lot of people appreciate honesty.

[@czarownicatko]

I don't get how people can wear shoes inside. Wouldn't it get super messy?

[@afcgeo882]

In times and places when it’s messy outside you don’t wear them inside. You’d change them for slippers or walk in socks.

[@syolyte]

I wear orthotics so I have a separate pair of shoes for inside.

[@debbiecaudill8799]

I don't know very many people, even in America, who wear shoes in their house. They may not take their shoes off at the door, as they should, but the shoes come off when they go inside. I have never worn shoes in my house. I do have carpets, and I vacuum twice a week. I wish I had hardwood floors, but I rent an apartment and I'm stuck with the floors they give me.

[@Cristian-Akuma]

Without shoes it gets messy as well so, same difference.

[@afcgeo882]

@@Cristian-Akuma It doesn’t though. Shoes drag outside mud, grass, dirt into your home. I agree. Most Americans don’t wear outside shoes indoors, but they do wear slippers/house shoes.

[@milkbone69]

On suing: USA = Litigation Nation, there's even a book about it called "Litigation Nation: A Cultural History of Lawsuits in America"

[@mistreme8341]

We have to keep our beloved lawyers employed, all 155 million of them . . .

[@FrostyFreya]

All the differences you have mentioned apply to other European countries as well, meaning they are similar to Iceland and don’t understand the US standards. I would add a 12h vs 24h clock. In most of the Europe we operate on a 24 hrs clock so 4 pm in the US is 16 in Europe as an example.

[@RaquelSantos-hj1mq]

In the US, we call that military time for some reason. 😂

[@LacyMarieo7]

Yes your so rite I'm in Scotland and everything she said is the same as in my country xxxxxx

[@techdog7227]

Our food portions are big but we don't waste any food. We eat it. Just look at the size of the average American.

[@arisowizard7178]

size? U mean the weight and girth lmao

[@aaronsanborn4291]

@@arisowizard7178 dude I'm 5'11" and weigh 205 pounds and I'm 43 years old. I've been within 10 pounds of 205 in either direction since I was in my late 20s...I eat like a horse but I also work a lot.

[@aaronsanborn4291]

@VFM #7634 yep left overs saves buying more groceries.

[@darinscotland2780]

Americans (and Canadians too) never seem to understand that everything costs something. If a restaurant has huge portions they sacrifice quality for quantity.(and they also cut costs by not paying the staff properly).

[@JudithCasEs]

That’s not always true

[@sykotikmommy]

The United States was supposed to already be phased out to metric by now, but they felt that too many wouldn't be able to learn it. I think they should have followed through with switching to metric. You're right, way too many complain and are extremely rude to people.

[@hakon_dlc]

Almost like they think their own citizens are too stupid or lazy to learn the strictly logical and easy-to-memorize system, very bizarre imo

[@dagonvaldez2878]

like complaints about metric vs standard? guess you don't know a car mechanic, engineer or fan of british sitcomes that knows both systems. save your ire for the govt schools that won't teach both.

[@afcgeo882]

It isn’t a power of the federal government except in context of interstate commerce. Read the 1972 Metric Conversion Act.

[@afcgeo882]

@@dagonvaldez2878 All public schools teach both as the metric system is used in science, even very basic science.

[@dagonvaldez2878]

@@afcgeo882 ACT not AMENDMENT

[@karlhannestad604]

"Hi, how are you?" does not require a real or detailed response. "I'm good, and you?" is the standard response and means absolutely nothing more than an acknowledgment.

[@empadalovers]

saying "I'm going to europe" just sounds fancy

[@BlackFlagHeathen]

I think it also has something to do with the fact that Europe is so small compared to the US. The entire continent is smaller than the entire country of the US, and our states are the same size as many European countries. Public transit is also much better in Europe and you can often travel between countries on a bus or train. Americans are used to driving very long distances just to get to another state. The entire continent of Europe is connected in a similar way to how the states in the US are. Another thing I’ve heard is that Europeans who visit the US are shocked and disappointed that it’s not a realistic expectation to be able to do a road trip from New York City to LA in a weekend lol. It seems many Europeans don’t quite grasp just how massive the US really is.

[@Cantetinza17]

I say the whole thing. I'm going to Barcelona Spain. Because if I say. I'm going to Spain then people ask "Oh what area"? By saying both I've killed 2 birds with one stone.

[@deejiilyomio]

@@BlackFlagHeathen I gotta partly agree on this. From what I've seen, often times Americans tend to visit many countries in mid-Europe once they get here. As I'm from the Nordic countries, as is Hrafna, travellers simply skip these countries and come specifically here if they want here. But sure, whenever I visit a country in mid-to-eastern Europe, I see Americans in the night life, and practically never do they visit just that country. It's really convenient when they small counties are stacked. My country (Finland) is so large compared, that you would cross a dozen countries in mid-Europe from it's length. I myself would still always tell the city/cities, state(s) or whatever before I mention country, if even needed. But never continent, unless I made an actual road trip through the whole continent. We generally do have very good knowledge on the geography. For example, a while ago, a colleague said she's going to Tucson see her family friend. She didn't say Arizona or even USA, she knew everyone would know where it is. Actually I've probably never heard anyone say they're going to USA or "America", rather than the city/state, unless they went on a road trip through the country. But I'm sure this happens too, why not.

[@OliviaKennard]

In the UK we also say like " hi, how're you?" or "alright?" especially in a taxi or something. Also in the UK only a doctor can prescribe prescription drugs. We can buy certain things over the counter at a pharmacy but not things that are strictly prescription only. I cannot understand their healthcare system either, I feel very lucky that we have the National Health Service in the UK. Retail in the UK you get A LOT of customers who are rude and disrespectful, I could never work in retail again after my experiences. This was a very interesting video though!

[@jaim5817]

In US only a doctor can prescribe prescription drugs. The adds seen online are just so consumers know that some drug exists and can ask their doctor if they would be a good fit for that medication. As far as the healthcare system I personally feel like is made to be a bigger issue than it actually is. A lot of states offer state wide free healthcare (though many states still don't). People in middle/upper class all use the healthcare offered by their employer as it often is better than the ones offered by the states (better rates). For lower class induvial there are federal healthcare options for them. Everyone is covered. There is no "national healthcare" but I doesn't mean people don't have healthcare but instead are offered it by insurance companies through there employers free of charge.

[@OliviaKennard]

@@jaim5817 thanks for the information! I don’t know much about the US but I’ve seen lots of complaints about healthcare etc. You can get private healthcare in the UK but I don’t think it’s much different than our national healthcare other than you might get seen quicker , a private room rather than a ward. That sort of thing.

[@TheNuggetShow2]

As a fellow British person I have always struggled with the "Alright?" Greeting. Do they want to know if I'm alright? Are they just saying hello? Do they actually care? Especially as I've asked this to people who use it alot and they've said, they don't actually want to know if you're alright 😆 so that makes me feel uncomfortable. Also, "Hey, How are you?" Sucks, its small talk and small talk sucks 😄

[@OliviaKennard]

@@TheNuggetShow2 the alright thing is more we sort of just say “alright” to each other but don’t actually respond to the question. So if someone says “alright” to me I say it back and then that’s that haha. It’s basically like saying hello 😂 it is very confusing. I never normally say how are you unless I’m dealing with someone for work or if I’m in a taxi etc. We say lots of pointless things here 😂

[@mfee2079]

In the UK the average wait for cataract surgery is 15 months. Being a truck (lorry) driver here with that wait would put me out of work for 15 months + recovery time. I average 8 to 10k a month so I would loose about 100-150k with gov healthcare waiting instead of paying the 1400 and having surgery in days. Please tell me again how great Nationalized healthcare is again. We have plenty of programs such as medicare n medicaid for those unable to afford their own healthcare so the idea we let ppl get sick n die in the gutter is bull$hit

[@m98de]

carpets absorbing noise, that sometimes a big advatage. Themal isolation as well. Happy new year from Germany

[@FatManJackson]

I think she means the whole floor being carpeted. In some spots its good, but some Americans have carpets in the kitchen and bathroom, which is crazy.

[@oskargudjonsson4534]

We use heated floors in iceland

[@hakon_dlc]

@@oskargudjonsson4534 Heated floors in Iceland are a lot cheaper due to geothermal heat, aren't they? I think she mentioned this in another video

[@afcgeo882]

Icelanders used to have carpets on floors until floor heating was invented. Also, despite its name and stereotype, Iceland has a very moderate climate. MANY places in North America is much colder in the winters.

[@hakon_dlc]

@@afcgeo882 Yeah the gulf stream heats up Iceland in the winter which prevents temperatures to drop as low as those of other regions at this latitude. It's just generally a cold land, considerably less extremes though with an average range of -10°C to 20°C, rarely hotter or colder.

[@joshuaanderson1369]

Here in America we always bottle up our feelings and tell people were having a great day no matter what... I don't know why. But we do. It's really annoying.

[@sylviagarcia1719]

Then just stop asking everyone how they are and problem solved!

[@valeriy8502]

@@sylviagarcia1719 I never had a habit of that, people tell me anyway 😅 The conversation goes: "Me: Hello" "Them: Fine thanks, how are you?" Of course, if I am talking yo a friend, I do ask because I actually do care.

[@npickard4218]

I wish that were my experience. I'm in California and I hear people complaining all the time. LOL it's exhausting

[@yeseniatorres41]

So I think we say “we’re going to europe” because most of the time you’re not going to just one country when you visit Europe so a normal response to saying that would be “where are you going in europe” and then you can list off every country you’re hitting

[@catherineek9995]

Ya, and Europeans say that they are going to the US, so what is the difference? I really don’t understand how you ca attempt to compare one European (or other) country with the US. You should really have to chose a state to compare with.

[@yeseniatorres41]

@@catherineek9995 I don’t really understand what you’re saying sorry, are you saying geographically bc europe is the size of the US the equivalent of a european country would be a US state in travel conversation?

[@nathanfay1490]

The difference is the USA is one country, and Europe is many.

[@inesita365]

Americans and europeans do the same with Africa lol

[@alexisinrealife]

@@catherineek9995 what’re you getting so triggered about? They’re just saying you would say you’re going to Europe so you don’t have to list off every country you’re going to.

[@nathanberrigan9839]

Month-day-year Because when you're on a farm, the month is the only part of the date that really matters.

[@nicosimioni7363]

Or because when talking you say, for example "February 3rd, 2021", month, day, year. So it's natural for Americans to write it that way.

[@mr.anderson3369]

Im in Michigan, and I tore the carpeting out of my house that ran through the entire house(except for the kitchen)not long after buying it, it was built in 1949, and when I did I was pretty happy to see that the flooring in the house was oak, and I was like, "why would someone carpet over oak floors?"

[@npickard4218]

Me too. Carpets just gather dirt and germs. LOL

[@charlesgantz5865]

The problem with saying "Hi, How are you" is that some people will actually tell you how they feel, and tell you, and tell you, etc.

[@Cantetinza17]

I AM said person. If you ask I will tell. Thankfully I usually have Awesome days. =)

[@brodypenn]

I’m so used to everyone saying “hi how are you” one time I was at a store and the cashier only said “hello” and I still said “good” I wanted to smack myself. Also the suing thing is really only a tv thing but I did see a crazy Karen yell about suing an airport after her daughter slipped and fell on some spilled water.

[@b.calvinsaul1909]

Regarding the 24 hour stores, you seem to think that the employee stays there 24 hours. The work day gets broken up into shifts, so no employee suffers. If truck stops did NOT run 24 hours, shipping expenses and times would increase.

[@Doedling]

I think it's just that she thinks it would be cruel to have people do night shifts for something that's not essential

[@npickard4218]

Amen brother, or sister (can't tell by the letter B. LOL)

[@AnaSande]

I'm Spanish and i've lived in Spain for almost my entire life. Here in Spain is so common to ask "Hello, how are you?" to everyone, regardless of how well you know that person. And I still never know what to answer 🤨

[@cutterdog655]

You are brilliant! I really enjoyed this video. Thank you

[@skyehigh3442]

Good video & a well done research!

[@shagwellington]

There are some states without sales tax. I live in one, Oregon. Usually the price is the price marked unless there are extra bottle deposit charges or certain things like hotel rooms.

[@ESUSAMEX]

No sales tax in New Hampshire either.

[@markshah6213]

It is stupid. There must be higher sales tax but no income tax up to a threshold of income, like up to a million dollars annual income. We have all corrupted system.

[@jmpiazza86]

I think I can answer the flag question. (I'll try to explain this the best way I can) I think there are 2 similar reasons. Speaking as an American, I believe the prominent display of flags just about everywhere you look became customary because many immigrants who came to this country were seeking a new life and a fresh start. It wasn't that they wanted to abandon their old country or heritage but they wanted to be identified as something/someone new. So a lot of the immigrant families who came here encouraged their families to adapt to American culture quickly and to display it whenever possible so they wouldn't stand out as being different. It was about doing things the American way. I also think the other reason was to be able to bond with others, whether its neighbors, friends, coworkers, etc. Being that many folks were from different backgrounds, finding that one common trait of "Hey, we're Americans now, you're my fellow citizen. I got your back" You wanted people to know that you were apart of this country and would contribute to it's success. It was customary to display your flag so that everyone knew what you were about. So because of all that, I believe generations of families simply carried on the tradition of displaying the flag wherever possible because it just became so common to see... I hope that made sense.

[@jsimes1]

While everything you say is true there is also a very large jingoistic flag waving contingency in America that is not made up of immigrants just trying to fit it. It's hard to rationalize. America has always been the new kid on the block as far as Nationhood is concerned and I feel as though the relatively newness of our country coupled with the exponential growth and strength of America has made us have to prove ourselves. And in that proving we have become the tough guy punk who can kick anyone's ass and being overly patriotic just goes along with that kind of mentality. We American's wear our flag the same way gangs wear their colors it is the Hell's Angels patch on the back of our leather jacket. I guess I've never really understood rampant nationalism or patriotism. It goes way beyond loving your country. I live close to the Canadian border and I don't really understand how we can be so much better when only 100 miles separates me from another country. My wife is Scottish and one of the first things she said to me when we met is "What's up with all the crazy flags everywhere?" Anyway it is an interesting topic and much like anything it has many laters and can't be answered in a simple KZbin comment. :)

[@npickard4218]

John, you are exactly correct. I am American originally from Michigan though I live in California now. My father was an immigrant from Canada and my mother and her family came here from Germany when my Mom was a child. My Dad came here when he was 22 so he was an adult. I was the annoying child that kept asking questions. I'd ask my Dad, "Dad, you're Canadian, why don't we fly a Canadian flag?" He said, "Son, if wanted to fly a Canadian flag, I would've stayed in Canada." That said, my Dad took us to Canada frequently to visit my aunts and uncles. My Dad seemed to love Canada but he just liked America better. When I asked my Mom's family about the German flag I got a similar answer. Both sides of my family were proud of their backgrounds, I can recount so many stories about Canada and Germany, however, both families flew the American flag in their front yard on a pole. I don't have a flag pole at my house but I have the American flag on my living room wall and I have an American flag bumper sticker on my truck. John, when I go to the U.K., I see British flags everywhere and it makes me feel comfortable because, as a patriot, I like the fact that the Brits are also patriotic. When I go to Denmark, more flags than in the U.S. In fact, in Denmark they wrap their birthday gifts in flag gift wrap, that shocked me. It's totally cool but I had never seen people love their flag so much that holiday gifts are wrapped in the flag. I also noticed that many Danes had their flag on their wall in their house just as I have my flag on my living room wall and I noticed a lot of Danes wearing flag socks and flag shorts. Maybe flags are rare in Iceland, as Hrafna seems to be saying, that's fine and I surely want to visit Iceland one day BUT if I were to leave America and relocate to a different country, I'd choose a country that loves its flag and flew it all over the place because I understand patriotism. Flags diminish our differences and create kinship and a nation is an extension of the family unit (families>clans>tribes>nation) I immediately like people who fly the flag even without knowing them. I also like the Brits who fly their flags and the Danes. It feels normal to me just like the rivers, hills, clouds, and the sunrise. Symbols are powerful and flags unite people and arouse positive feelings. I don't understand Hrafna's frustration with flags but, hey, we don't all have to think alike, right?

[@npickard4218]

@@jsimes1 Joe, I hope you can see my comment below. I hit reply to John's original comment. I am an American child of immigrants and I have a very different take on the issue than you do. Also, I think drawing an analogy between flags and gang symbols is really abrasive. I have American flags around me and so my 5 siblings and their children, many of my neighbors here in California ... none of us are gang members. I wonder why you would draw such an analogy, it's uncharitable. Also, Italy became a nation in 1861 and Germany in 1815, I could go on. It's easy to make a list. So, with respect, your comment that American is the new kid on the block "as far as Nationhood" is incorrect. There are nations that are older but also nations that are newer. Whether America is new or old doesn't seem terribly relevant to me. We can agree to disagree but I hope you realize how your comments about "jingoistic flag waving" offends about half the country. I live in California near the Mexican border and I can tell you that Mexican nationals and their children and grandchildren wave the Mexican flag far more than Americans not of Mexican descent. If would be extremely insulting for me to tell one of my Mexican-American friends, colleagues, or neighbors that they are being jingoistic. Many of them have Mexican flags flying from their pick up truck, out of their car windows, etc. I have no problem with it, to each his own. Would you frame Mexican-Americans who fly their flag as negatively as you have framed those of us who fly our American flag? They would label you a racist in California if you did that. To my mind, though it may not be "racist" framing flag-waving Americans so negatively is on par to insulting Mexican-Americans who seem to wave their flag even more. I have American flags on my property and my next door neighbor has Mexican flags all over his property ... he and I get along great and attend each others BBQs. Joe, flag wavers are good people. We're not gangs.

[@markshah6213]

Please remember that you all are walking every morning on the stolen land. You have robbed and murdered innocent indigenous people and taken their land. Now you place them on reserves. Israel is trying to do the same thing but their days are numbered.

[@peterdawson2403]

I am loving this video! I agree with you!

[@superman87jk]

So awesome, Hrafna you are amazing!

[@shelbycurtis8885]

I mean a lot of us don't even eat breakfast 😂

[@georgiawillis5787]

I was going to say what is this breakfast of which you speak..

[@jessipeculiar]

Im like a hobbit... where's second breakfast!?

[@Cantetinza17]

I don't eat breakfast. I haven't since I was in Elementary school.

[@emdegn1904]

That's it. I'm moving to Iceland- land where workers are paid, healthcare is a human right, and Karens aren't a thing.

[@sashapopovic3320]

Same, get me tf outta here lol

[@ThePhantom712]

Do u know how expensive iceland is? lol U will find out when u get there she has a video about how expensive it is.

[@jaguar_8344]

ThePhantom712 it’s actually cheaper than living in California though. Higher taxes, but the government isn’t constantly trying to screw you.

[@kristinaray7]

I TOTALLY agree about saying “Hi, How are you?” That’s so weird. I never say it unless it’s a close friend. I don’t care how strangers are doing 😂 I try to say “How’s your day going?” instead.

[@timinsandiego6979]

I recently discovered your channel and very much enjoy it. I hope you choose to continue. You do a great job and it's such a good business for you.

[@goranmiljus2664]

When people ask me "how are you"? I say " Terrible! my haemaroids are playing up"

[@tallflguy]

I’m a big time carpet fan here!

[@jantelogin9754]

your videos are wonderful!!!!

[@asgard1913]

"how are you doing?" "LIVIN THE DREAM! HA...HA...HA...I want to die"

[@johncliffalvarez6513]

Oh, so what you’re saying is that practical common sensing is a thing in Iceland. Got it!

[@jessipeculiar]

Sounds like my kind of country 😅

[@comom2055]

Lol right!

[@jeredikiah8914]

We like to be different in the USA. And here in Texas we’re way different.

[@SoLiTaRyBoNe]

Not really. Texans just like to think that lol overload of pride

[@NH-mr6px]

I enjoy how different the states in the US are. Like Texas is massively different from where I live in Seattle. And both are nothing like Hawaii. I just wish the United States were more United. Have a good day Mr. Texan Sir.

[@jamesprice8220]

Thanks for the 14 day free trial hrafna!! Love your videos by the way! I've been watching all your videos recently one after the other. I now consider my self an expert on Iceland despite never actually visiting🤣 keep it up👍

[@paramisdundee3717]

Thank you! I hope to visit Iceland some day sooner befor later!

[@justcreed4024]

I want to visit Iceland one day 🥺😍

[@xIrishGrlx]

I love hearing about the differences. Hope to go to Iceland some day

[@Cityheart221]

Wow I agree with a lot that is done in Iceland. Thanks for sharing.

[@calpal9983]

Greetings from USA. Really enjoyed your video!

[@sucram1015]

Hrafna: "Don't take this video seriously." Me: I'm definitely taking this video seriously since I'm from the USA. 😂

[@putlerkaputt9201]

Shoutout to my fav usa youtuber Coach Greg Adams

[@johnmcelroy5804]

You should threaten to sue her, lol.

[@barbgtravels]

@@johnmcelroy5804 I did... but I just unsubscribed because she is being desperate to make a video. Pathetic. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you Hrafna. I have no respect for her now.

[@kirkz9317]

Are you offended and planning on suing Hrafna?

[@johnmcelroy5804]

@@barbgtravels Well that went a bit dark.

[@Natalie_Explores]

I'm canadian and we are always saying "hi how are you" as a greeting. Even when we are passing each other in a hallway! But the funny thing is that we don't stop walking to wait for their response. So when the other person responds by saying say "hi, I'm good! What about you?" The other person is long gone if they're a fast walker hahah 😂😂

[@perisemiotics3204]

hahah that's true but personally I feel more like an Icelander and can't really relate so I usually answer back with "how are you" without a "hi" in the hopes they'll get I'm not interested in how they actually are haha

[@Natalie_Explores]

@@perisemiotics3204 HAHA I love it, I may start doing that too!!! I have a coworker who sometimes says things like "horrible!" Just to see how people react LOL 😂

[@perisemiotics3204]

@@Natalie_Explores hahah that's awesome too :p you're not from Quebec are you?

[@Natalie_Explores]

@@perisemiotics3204 lol no, I'm from Nova Scotia! :)

[@thevoid2406]

That usually happens in Brazil too, but sometimes people just say something like " hey, are you good ? " and the other one also says " hey, are you good ? " and nothing more, I'll never understand that 😂😂😂😂

[@karinafigueroa1281]

I LOVE U R VIDEOS SOO MUCHH😍

[@Swenthorian]

4:00 The correct answer to "Hi, how are you?" is always "Good, thanks! You?". Few people actually want to know how you're doing, lol. It's just a nice way to feign interest in people. It's just a completely default greeting in the US. It's similar to how one Aboriginal group in Australia traditionally greets people with "Hi, where are you going?", and you're just expected to answer with "North", "South", "East", or "West", and probably not with a long description of your destination.

[@tommalina5110]

When people go to Europe they generally travel to many European countrys So they generalize it to just europe.

[@iceandale7621]

That’s dumb, Moscow is in Europe which is much different than say, Madrid of Paris

[@Swenthorian]

@@iceandale7621 I would say "Eastern Europe" for that. "Europe" is synonymous with "Western Europe" in the same way that "Asia" is synonymous with "East Asia" and not, for example, Turkey.

[@iceandale7621]

Miles Huff are you American

[@Swenthorian]

@@iceandale7621 Yes. Born and raised.

[@iceandale7621]

Miles Huff that’s the problem, without sounding rude but Americans and geography never go well together, what maybe synonymous in the US certainly isn’t anywhere else. It’s an Americanism and not an anywhere else “ism”. Europe is a continent. Turkey is a bad example though as it’s both in Asia and Europe

[@douglasstrother6584]

Tipping is a big deal in the USA: it's a way of saying "Thank You". In restaurants, tips are shared typically out from the wait staff to the cooking staff. The kitchen staff were rewarded for cranking things out fast and right for the servers.

[@AFFoC]

Why thank them? It's their job. Be respectful to them, give them a proper wage and problem solved. They shouldn't force a smile on their faces all shift long, pretending to enjoy a low paying, tiring job for change basically.

[@RaquelSantos-hj1mq]

@@AFFoC They end up making more money with tips. It allows people with more money to tip more.

[@K8VKH]

Tipping is a big deal is the US because employers can pay workers in tipped positions less than minimum wage in some states. Your server might make $3/ hr

[@jhstudio1169]

Nice video ! Lots of flags on windows in Catalunya also.

[@gaiamarie254]

Hrfana: I don’t understand this- Americans: neither do we.

[@zapper4945]

Saying ‘Hi how are you?’ is common in the UK, Spain and France as well. It’s perfectly acceptable to not answer the ‘how are you?’ part. It’s just a way to come across more friendly

[@xaemyl]

Imperial vs Metric in the USA: We use both, but due to entrenched business interests ... well you can imagine. lol

[@fivantvcs9055]

Happy new year 2021 +Hrafna ! / Gleðilegt nýtt ár !

[@r2ddudsie]

i went to iceland last summer and the things that you guys do are very similar to the ones we do in portugal so i never once felt like an outsider. i'm finishing uni and then my bf and i will move to iceland!

[@danielwietchy1037]

Has anyone ever complimented you on your voice? It is unique Icelandic, very understandable, laced with character and absolutely perfect for the videos you produce. Great job.

[@DavidTheSkeptic]

When people say "Hi, how are you?" I say "Do you care?"

[@Swenthorian]

Lmao. That's hilarious and savage, but probably stops everyone in their tracks.

[@Stemma3]

You must be fun at parties.

[@veritas001]

Hello! I'm an American. I agree with you on many of these points: 1. Agree - A sugary breakfast should be a rare occurrence. 2. Disagree - When I served in a restaurant in the U.S., I made a lot more money with tips than I would have if the restaurant hadn't allowed tipping and just paid a salary to me. I love the American tipping system. 3. It sounds like you already understand the reasoning behind this. 4. Agree - Walking on a carpet in a home with shoes on is disgusting. To be fair, many Americans do this, but many don't. Also, carpets are quickly going out of style in the U.S. 5. Agree - Saying, "Hi, how are you" to complete strangers is very strange. I don't do it either. 6. Agree - Americans will take someone to court for the most ridiculous reasons. 7. Agree - It should be written D/M/Y. 8. Disagree - Companies should have the freedom to advertise. Individuals should have the freedom to see what drugs are available. Responsibility should be on the individual to educate himself or herself and consult his or her doctor to make appropriate medical decisions. 9. Agree - The metric system is better. The current theory on why we still use it is because it would be extremely costly to switch over. 10. This is an anecdote, but most Americans I've spoken to have been more specific when discussing traveling to Europe. 11. Disagree - It isn't fair to ask one group of people to pay the bills of another group of people. I love the insurance plan provided to me through the company I work for. However, before I got this job and couldn't afford to pay for insurance on my own, I found healthcare through private charity, and they provided me with excellent care. Additionally, universal healthcare systems work much better in small populations. 12. Agree - Americans complain WAY too much. We have a lot of entitled Karens in our society. 13. I LOVE 24-hour stores! I have more of a late afternoon to night work schedule, and I love being able to leave work and get all of my grocery shopping done around midnight when the crowds arent there. You have to remember that we have very large populations in some American cities. Stores can get very crowded during the day. Another thing I love about 24-hour stores is that I can go get medicines or anything else that I may need late at night. 14. Most of us are very proud of our nation. We're patriotic, and we want to show it. More nations should show their patriotism more often and fly their flags proudly. 15. Agree - Our portions are WAY too large. It's a very real problem that should be solved through better nutrition education. Great video! Sorry that I'm late to see it. Also, thank you for sharing you perspective!

[@jennifermarshall8148]

Your Christmas tree is very pretty. I really like the bulbs. You are so fun to watch!

[@rondoflicflac]

After this video I think I'd be very comfortable around Icelanders❤

[@fabrizio2960]

I was born, raised and currently live in Argentina, and we say "hi, how are you?" to everyone. I lived with this my whole life and i still dont understand why! 😂 After all you said, i would probably be comfortable with icelandic people

[@yoo571]

The saddest socially accepted response is: "y, ahí vamos" or something in those lines

[@isildurelendurion1822]

You are 100 percent right about themetric system. We need to get onboard with thay!

[@wildcat_reloading]

You're awesome 😁

[@seagantaylor7470]

The point of oversized meals is to have plenty to fill you up plus leftovers for another meal that you can reheat later

[@MNCghost15]

I think the 24 hour stores benefits people like me who live in Louisiana. I work at a chemical plant, that has 12 hr rotating shift work. It makes it easy for people like us to get supplies, food, drinks, etc. when we are working at 2-3 am.

[@LaburnumAnagyroides]

Cause we don't have chemical plants in Europe, of course...we just have better workers treatment

[@jaded5412]

Great video, you should do one about Australia

[@philiphelwick5138]

When I’ve said “I’m going to Europe” it’s meant that I was going to several different places in Europe.

[@eimearinez]

Suing people in Ireland is one of the reasons our insurance on anything is so high! Tipping and sales taxes are so difficult and awkward as you naturally calculate how much ur paying at the price that’s in print!

[@LaughingOwlKiller]

sales tax varies from state to state..thats why its not included in the base price

[@woohaa27]

As an American im going to have to sue you for this video

[@kulik03]

lol

[@aoede6766]

😂

[@SweetOsoka]

We may as well do a joint lawsuit

[@seandesmond5560]

Great video lovely Hrafna!!! 😊👍 For most of those things in Australia it's the same as Iceland we use the metric system, we don't tip. We would say I'm going to Europe we because we would go to multiple cities and countries across Europe over a number of weeks trying to see as many places as possible given the time in takes us in Australia to get to anywhere in Europe!

[@daviddaytona]

So many of the items on your list have me wondering why they are ok here in the US. This was a great topic, thanks for uploading.

[@davidseymour6447]

Many of these differences come from corporate greed. Tipping happens because employers don't pay their employees enough. Pharmaceutical companies advertize because they make more money if patients can get away with self diagnosing. If stores don't include the tax in the price, it looks cheaper and they can blame government for the extra cost. Lawsuits are a continuation of this theme, and greedy private citizens often join in. Lawyers are the only real winners in a lawsuit. But I love America. Where else could I have wall to wall carpeting and sugar for breakfast. That's why I fly the flag.

[@aoede6766]

And 35 different choices of cereals to buy...and five different versions of Captn’ Crunch!

[@royjaber571]

"we actually pay people" massive oof 😂

[@mattlavender8797]

Great video! I ask the same questions to my fellow Americans often.

[@richardrose7382]

“Tips” used to stand for “ to insure prompt service” and used to be a small jar at the concierge desk to encourage the staff to give more privileges. Now it happens after the service as an appreciation for good service

[@MelinaImmonen]

Watching with your necklace on my neck🥰✨

[@-LaGavulin-]

same :)

[@icelandichorsesarelife4280]

OMG I'm so early elska þig💖🇮🇸

[@catherinebeaudoin311]

Hello here from Canada! I have very briefly visited a bit of Iceland on a 2-nights layover about 2 years ago and I really wanna see more and will definitely come back to visit.

[@rabihrac]

Greetings from Lebanon, Hrafna! I enjoy watching your videos since a year ago and here I just want to tell you that we, in faraway Lebanon, relate with Icelandics to a few differences with the USA that you mentioned, however, the other specific points indirectly gave me a new awareness to our own "way" of thinking. Here are the points that we do relate to, in my opinion: no.7 (day-month-year 5:30), no.9 (metric system 6:30), no.10 (being specific when saying where to travel 7:05) BUT I think that we are becoming pickier and pickier like in no.12 (8:40) LOL

[@cleopeng5643]

LOL it’s insane how I’m Chinese and my culture has all the same the norm as Iceland in all of her points. Even the no “hi how are u” part.

[@mickles1975]

LOL. The answer to "how are you?" is usually always "I'm fine, thanks" even if you're not.

[@tox1cfuse347]

Happy new year Hrafna! USA is craaazy rn... I’ll say this... I can cook 😉🤣

[@Lita1]

LOL funny Hrafna funny video I liked this video yes!!!!👍😅

[@kaytee68]

Regarding the metric system. When I was 9 years old we were taught it in school because the imperial system of measurement was going to be obsolete, “Everyone else in the world uses the metric system.” 😂 Yea, I am 52 and we STILL use the imperial system. We only ever used the metric system in science classes.

[@nickelpickle75]

I remember hearing that in the late 70s, Jimmy Carter tried to implement it and people lost their minds. No idea why lol. I'm 46 and had a similar experience in school.

[@ustymgrygoriev4581]

Storming of Capitol is OK in USA, but not in Iceland

[@jaredmessenger6487]

Fuck ya beat me to it

[@zayneytem]

You can literally chill with the Prime Minister in Iceland. The politicians in the US just makes everyone's blood boil directly inverse to Iceland's temperatures on Winter.

[@sarabjarnveig87]

@@zayneytem oh no,, Icelandic politicians make the average Icelandic person blood boil.. BOIL (Except the president of Iceland, he is cool)

[@zayneytem]

@@sarabjarnveig87 that might be the case in every country- But the past election and current law suits regarding it would even make foreigners lose their minds type of boil.

[@ustymgrygoriev4581]

@Eddard Tyrsson which country are you from?

[@GinaMarieCheeseman]

The great thing about big food portions is that you can take what you can't eat home and eat them for lunch the next day.

[@chicblossom]

thank u for the 'hi how are you' makes me crazy n wish it would go away

[@ZacK-ke6hh]

Not that bad tho lmao jeez

[@efrainsandoval6480]

Me after watching this video: cries and complains in Karen

[@tomam6534]

I’m from Lithuania, and we write the date day-month-year

[@bjornskarsgard8351]

lol your so adorable Hrafna. Your number 5 is basically a rhetorical question that a lot of people say. Your expected to answer with (good) and that’s it. Here in Australia I sometimes answer with terrible just for shits and giggles or to see their reaction.

[@tillie6485]

The carpet thing here in America is a hold over from the 50-70's mostly... It was a sign of wealth for many families and just became tradition. But if you look at modern or recently renovated homes for younger families, most will have hard wood or LVF. It's a good thing if you ask me... And after raising 2 toddlers and several puppies and kittens in my house, I cannot wait to be rid of our carpet too!

[@marytreaty9357]

Usually we say we're going to Europe because you'd go to multiple countries. With how big the US is and traveling distances Europe is smaller and easier to go to a couple countries. I'll never understand carpet either or why some people wear shoes inside

[@RossMKF1]

Carpet is weird? I thought most houses have carpet and mix of wood lol

[@stubby4000]

its also the cost, because that initial flight to europe is expensive but travelling europe is cheap

[@marytreaty9357]

@@RossMKF1 my friends house is completely carpeted even bathroom and kitchen. I'll only understand carpet in bedrooms or living rooms lol

[@marytreaty9357]

@@stubby4000 yeah absolutely

[@RossMKF1]

@@marytreaty9357 ok that’s weird to me as well is it just an older style? My house has wood flooring for kitchen, tile for the bathroom. Having carpet in the bathroom sounds nasty.

[@christopherross8358]

Being naked on shag is just amazing! Seriously, it cold there! How is Icelanders not into fur rugs heavy carpet. Its easy to clean. Im in Salt Lake - snows a lot here. Love carpet.

[@RJ-Isaac-TSOML]

At my job I have people threaten that they will get their lawyer involved all of the time. It usually tell them that it would be great if I could talk with their attorney. So far, I have never spoken with someone's lawyer. I think what happens is that they do this at a retail location and the shop just gives them free stuff just to avoid the headache.

[@markloch8193]

I live in the US and growing up, we did not wear shoes in the house. Same for me now as an adult. My wife and I remove our shoes at the door. This is what we expected of our children. Our house has wood floors in the kitchen where spills are likely. In the carpeted areas, we do not eat or drink. We vacuum the carpets regularly and have them professionally cleaned once a year or more. In the US, saying "Hi, How are you". is really just a greeting. People don't really expect you to reply with anything more than "Hello", or maybe just " H!, I'm good".