11 Things I'll Really Miss About America

Today's the day. Here are eleven things I will absolutely miss about living in the United States.
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[@slc1161]

We don’t need clickbait. We love you any way, any how.

[@WyattRyeSway]

It was funny. He owned the clickbait right away. It was really more a prank he played on us and a funny one.

[@KairuHakubi]

@@WyattRyeSway it got me! He'd just better not make a habit of it :p This would have worked in a couple months as a Thanksgiving video, the list of things you're thankful for is roughly the things you'd miss if they were gone.

[@maryvalentine9090]

It’s called a joke. Lighten up.

[@DasLooney]

Loved his clickbait not clickbait, it's hilarious for anyone that skipped the beginning lol. Good job, Lawrence!

[@llamasarus1]

@@WyattRyeSway Self-awareness doesn't absolve oneself.

[@GCAT01Living]

I have a Russian friend who visited America and was tickled pink to eat in a diner. They even had the red, poofy booths and free refills on coffee and she was just so thrilled. It was so cute.

[@FallacyBites]

Yeah, Spouse's coworker from Israel had the same reaction!

[@ApeWithPants]

I have a norwegian nephew that had the same reaction haha

[@treetopjones737]

As I recall it's IHOP where they leave a pitcher of coffee at your table.

[@leavingitblank9363]

@@treetopjones737 Yes, that is correct.

[@iamfishmind]

yup i still love greasy spoons after many years in america. i also once went under a bridge in a mostly abandoned former industrial district and i said "now THIS is americana"

[@EndingSimple]

American here. I was feeling pretty sad today. This made me feel better.

[@xVentax]

I live in the UK, but have done the entire Route 66 in a Cadillac. It was an amazing experience, and every American we encountered was warm, friendly, generous and really interested in our trip. We didn’t pre-book accommodation, just turned up and got lucky every time. I spent one evening in a tiny motel drinking wine with the owner and helping her fold her laundry! I’d love to go to Yellowstone though . . .

[@CannonRanger2023]

I was a ranger in the National Park Service for 28 years. I got teary watching you get teary talking about the parks and the rangers. We always love to hear where folks are coming from. Whether it's from across the globe or across the street, we're thrilled to see people come visit. You have well over 400 parks to check out before even considering to leave. I'll let the rangers know you're on the way.

[@huntercrosby8882]

Hello fellow green+gray! Best damn job in the world.

[@twentyonegrams8617]

Thank you for taking such good care of our parks. ❤ Thank you for keeping them beautiful.

[@jtbredow]

My father was a career National Park Ranger (30yrs) and both my sister and brother-in-law are currently in NPS. Even though I didn't follow that path, I loved growing up in the park and love visiting them whenever I can.

[@msmith11112]

i have to admit, i have run into a few rangers. but still. thank you for being there. most are great at getting information and help.

[@Shnive]

America's greatest idea.

[@jackieyoung3359]

When I had Austrian friends come to visit I took them to many nice, higher end restaurants. They never seemed too impressed. The morning of their flight home I took them to my local dive diner for breakfast. Omg, they LOVED it! Definitely their favorite spot to eat. And they also said, “It’s just like in the movies.” 😂 So funny what we take for granted.

[@klimtkahlo]

How nice you have Austrian friends! Having lived in Austria and also in the states, I would pick Austria and Austrian all day every day! Sorry Americans! Also Austria is probably the most beautiful country I have ever seen and I have seen a few!

[@leafbelly]

@@klimtkahlo Yes Austrians are better people than Americans. /s

[@Paul_Wetor]

Good point. There are fancy restaurants everywhere, but American diners have "local color". I once visited Falmouth on a UK cruise and the fish and chips shop poured my Coca Cola down the side of the glass, same as if I'd ordered one of their beers. I was impressed because nobody in America ever does that with a soda. It was a small thing, but I treasure it for being "local color".

[@shells500tutubo]

@@Paul_WetorI'm going to have to start doing that, lol.

[@alexcarter8807]

There are places here in the US that really are just like in the movies. I've stayed in a place around Hollywood, Los Angeles, that was right out of a 1940s film noir. I was traveling cross-country on my motorcycle, with just about all I owned in a duffle bag strapped to the back of the bike, and stopped at a diner/coffee shop sort of place on I-10 between Arizona and California. I was wearing, well, motorcycle stuff, jeans, leather jacket, that sort of thing. I was just in for coffee and something to eat. Some Japanese tourists came in and they loved it - myself, my bike, the place (which had seen its best days when James Dean was still alive) to them I guess it was just like something out of a movie. And yes, we in the US do in fact use those red cups for parties and things.

[@callenclarke371]

This channel is absolutely endearing. I've been a lifelong Anglophile, very much envious of the depth of English history, but also amused by British people who express an amusing dislike of Americans for one reason or another. But to find such an odd mix of wit, cynicism and affection so well-expressed. Just really fun to watch. Keep up the great work.

[@portalbuilder7021]

I agree. I like that he’s not afraid to be fully honest

[@butcherjsy8]

I hear some of that from fellow Brits, I wouldn't take it to heart, it would never relate to how they actually treated you or thought of you once getting to know you. I speak well of you behind your back and in front of you though!

[@rebelboi88]

I'll never forget taking the train from Chicago to D.C. and my dad shaking me awake at the crack of dawn to look out the windows. The sun wasn't even peeking up yet but the sky was glowing and the blue light let you see just enough of the Pennsylvania mountains. The fog rolling over and down into the valleys will live with me for the rest of my life.

[@Snakeplisskin440]

I had this similar experience seeing the mountains of West Virginia for the first time. They cut this major highway through the mountains. I remember coming down from Ohio and the sun was setting, fog was rolling in, only one set of headlights coming the other way, it felt like a scene from a movie.

[@rebelboi88]

@@Snakeplisskin440 It's the little things that last a lifetime. Ain't that amazing?

[@moxiebombshell]

I feel like there's nothing more American than being utterly attached to the idea of taking an RV on a road trip across the country... despite never having set foot in an RV in one's life 😂

[@xXx_Regulus_xXx]

so true, I've seen glimpses of the iconic RV cross country trip (driving a short distance with a pop-up camper trailer, commuting longer distances in a regular car) but haven't had the time or money since entering adulthood.

[@tgill2943]

And they are sooo easy to drive😲

[@davestvwatching2408]

The British "caravan" everywhere though, camping might be more popular there.

[@mjinba07]

My wife and I traveled like this two winters as "snow birds." It was, indeed, wonderful. We met a lot of nice folks, saw spectacular things, and I'll never forget the comfort of having home with us wherever we went.

[@tinkerstrade3553]

Buy an old "beater" RV, fix it up yourself, the way you want, then have the joy of riding off into the sunset. A turtle bound for adventure, with your bike on the hitch, to go for help with when the RV high centers on a rock. You'll just love the whole "Americanism" of it all. Drive as much or as little as you want. Camp at any wide place off the road, as long as it's not Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love is badly in need of a family intervention. Oh, and buy tick spray. Just trust me on this. Donating hemoglobin to the insect of the wilds is a little regarded, but time honored practice since at least the days when Teddy was known for chasing up hills after windmills. But not for ticks. Ticks are the uncivilized 3rd cousins of the more urbane bed bug. Unfortunately, their outdoor lifestyle has led them to carry a burdensome forest tax of around 4 million deadly parasites. Most of whom are debilitating, if not lethal, to humans. Happy RVing!!!🤣

[@pixelzomblina]

I live in Texas, and my Welsh husband won’t stop doing a Texan accent! It drives me up the wall but it makes my friends laugh because he’s actually good at it. 😭

[@SilvaDreams]

Reminds me of my sister when we moved from New England to North Carolina in '92(I was 10), only she sounded more Southern than the actual locals and did it poorly(think over done movie Southern Belle).... Took her maybe a week to start that. Worst part is we moved from Rhode Island so we didn't have a accent to speak of which confused many. It wasn't till in my early 20s when I moved back up north that I was informed I had a Southern twang/accent.

[@coolandhip_7596]

​@SilvaDreams you were blessed with a case of the southern tongue

[@rickedwards6150]

When I went to college in western Massachusetts, I lost my strong Rhode Island accent. I started pronouncing r’s in words and got ridiculed by the family for ‘tawkin’ weird.

[@SilvaDreams]

@rickedwards6150 The irony that in 1st and 2nd grade I had to go to speech lessons because I didn't say my Rs like a Bostoner.

[@slinkysmom5674]

My husband (Texas) is under strict orders not to try and use his British accent when we visit 🙄

[@raeannaroylance5401]

I lived in Mexico for 4 years. When it was time to go back to the States, it was so bittersweet. In Mexico, I felt like an American. In the States, I felt like a Mexican. 🇺🇸 ❤️🤍💙💚 🇲🇽

[@ellenbryn]

people are so ridiculous. I wish everybody would live in different places so they'd learn that having neighbors with interesting backgrounds/family history is not a bug but a feature. (Besides, the US is land taken from natives - if we're not going to give it back to them then we really should be welcoming to wverybody, not just those who arrived before a certain date or from certain places)

[@Ned-Ryerson]

14 years in Britain, 2 in Austria, 5 in Namibia, 3 in the Netherlands, and a very formative school exchange as a teenager in Australia (just over 3 months, but very important). I have loyalties everywhere, I sometimes forget I am German.

[@rob585]

⁠@@ellenbrynPretty privileged thought to think everybody can move to a foreign country for a bit just because.

[@thedailywin537]

@@ellenbryn The past is another country. Dwelling on it distracts one from the relevance of the present. America, as an idea, as a set of values, is worth preserving. That simply won't happen if we foolishly and unthinkingly fail to defend it from those who wish it harm. Don't let this country be destroyed by those who could not have created it!

[@InimicusSolitus]

Moved from the UK to the US when I was 30. I've been here 26 years. It's truly my home. Never leaving.

[@wintermoonomen]

Out of curiosity, what was it that convinced you to never leave?

[@InimicusSolitus]

@@wintermoonomen I have a whole family here now, kids, grand kids. It's home.

[@willyjimmy8881]

When you said, "WE have every terrain under the sun", that hit me in the feels.

[@nthgth]

It definitely means a lot from a Briton who is proud to also call himself an American. This guy's awesome.

[@marioc1247]

SAME!! I was so happy to hear him say “We” ❤🇺🇸

[@azurephoenix9546]

I've been to so many countries, and it still amazes me to see things like a Sahara in the middle of the Midwest, a giant butte jutting up from the flat desert, mountains covered in trees and mountains of bare rock, enormous miles long lakes in the western rockies, just there, up in the top of the mountains. In 2 days, you can drive to pretty much every possible geographic locale. The beauty of this country always amazes me.

[@SJD326]

It fills me with a sense of pride for being an American

[@empirion502]

@@azurephoenix9546 Yeah, it's actually kind of a trip to be quite far away, and realize that (from a landscape perspective) it looks a lot like home, or places you might have visited state-side

[@sherryheim5504]

The American Diner is a unique part of our culture, more important than our Michelin starred restaurants. Diner food is like a warm and loving hug from your favorite grandparent, there is just nothing like it.

[@Lucius1958]

I remember a song parody we made up in our childhood: *"Nothin' could be finer than be eatin' in a diner in the mornin'..."*

[@filanfyretracker]

and a good diner probably tastes better.

[@Levacque]

It's one of your most important cultural exports to Canada. Your contribution is much appreciated.

[@ellenmeilee]

I’d take an AmericanDiner over a Michelin star restaurant any day.

[@BTinSF]

Ever eaten in a "real" one--that is, one made from converting an old rail dining car (which is where the name came from)? I did once or twice in my youth and also in several ersatz ones that looked like old dining cars but actually weren't.

[@galerae947]

I live in America, but I miss lazy hours passed in Barnes & Noble bookstores, with a hot coffee drink and a special nibble. Used to love sitting by the window on rainy or snowy days.

[@leavingitblank9363]

Why can't you still do that???

[@galerae947]

@@leavingitblank9363 my little town doesn't have a bookstore.

[@leavingitblank9363]

@@galerae947 We're down to one B&N and one used book store. We used to have a book store with a fireplace. It was the best.

[@ComiCBoY000]

@@galerae947 Business opportunity perhaps?

[@SheRa6100]

A friend from Nottingham joined me here in Pittsburgh, Pa and commented on our habit of giving driving directions in time; for example, the restaurant is 10 minutes from here. Love your channel 🙂

[@ComiCBoY000]

Love Pittsburgh

[@mariansheilamansilla6431]

10 minutes by plane? Ten minutes walking?

[@marciawilwerding4984]

Thank you for loving America. We often get the idea the rest of the world hates us (usually via our own media). I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the things you love about America which are also many of the same things we home-born Americans love. Hope you never have to leave. I love actually everything British, so it goes both ways across the Pond.

[@nikkireigns]

Perfectly said 😊

[@ryanmoore4920]

I will only encourage reality if it makes the world easy to understand.

[@theeyesehaveit]

Well said and I also agree.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Regarding National Parks and historical places, I've long noticed that the interesting things near where you live never get visited until someone from farther away comes for a visit. That's what it took for us to go to the Mayflower and Old Sturbridge Village. - Long ago (1970-79), we lived in Phoenix, AZ for about three years. We never even got close to the Grand Canyon. About twelve years after moving back to Massachusetts, my grandmother took the family to the Grand Canyon, including a chartered plane ride into the canyon. This trip was during the two weeks I was in Fort Drum for National Guard annual training, and they didn't tell me about the trip until about a week after I got home, when the pictures were developed at the local drugstore. - This is the same family who had a grand all-of-the-family Christmas the one year I was not invited. But I'm not bitter.

[@lordleonusa]

No, you're quite right. The rest of the world does hate America - OK, calm down! I'm just kidding, I'm British, and I therefore apologize for my sense of humour! We really can't help ourselves. LOL fwiw, I Love America and whatever you do, don't believe the media!

[@jmolsen8328]

As an American living in Europe, I can say diners are absolutely what we miss most.

[@mintz9782]

Whatcha doin over there, come back over 🦅

[@jmolsen8328]

@@mintz9782 Nah, loving the rest of my life here 🙂 but if anyone wanted to open a chain of real american diners across Europe I am sure they would be a hit!

[@jonbondMPG]

I miss diners, despite being British in Britain and never having been to a diner in my life.... But I've watched enough TV and 24/7 decent food or coffee or a slice of apple pie is where it is at!

[@BigWillieFreestyle]

I'm moving to Germany within the next year or two and this video has suddenly made me realise how much I'm going to miss diners. And Waffle House. 😢

[@smurfy181]

I lived in SE Asia for 3 years, and I also found myself missing diners the most. It's real.

[@hydro_storm4527]

I always find it fun to see what people not originally from the US say they liked the most about it, and it's always stuff that I take for granted. The mom and pop restaurant down the street, the mountains I live in, etc etc. All things I don't really think about too much until I watch videos or listen to someone's reaction.

[@tago69mago671]

I've watched youtube vids of Americans living here in the UK make the same lists about what they like here and I agree with you. Its all stuff we take for granted but at the same time mostly unique to the UK.

[@TheGiantKillers]

Road trip thing is interesting as my American brother in law's number one love about living in the UK is having 60 countries within a 4 hour flight.

[@lovelylavenderr]

There's so many things that us Americans take for granted that we have in our everyday life and don't think about not having. Seeing foreigners or foreigners who live/study in America appreciate the US helps me appreciate it more even if there are many things that disgust and anger me about it. Each country has its good and bad and we all need to remember that more.

[@carolyncomings521]

About American accents... when I was visiting London many years ago, my traveling companion and I (both native Californians) encountered some college students from Georgia (the American Georgia) while riding the tube. We chatted for a bit with those students, and then a nearby English woman remarked, "I just love listening to your accent." Singular. We asked, "Which accent?" And found out that to her ear, we all sounded exactly alike! (We didn't.)

[@aletmartins6940]

Strange, isn’t it? Same way Americans and British people seem to find it difficult to distinguish between Australian, New Zealand and South African accents… one’s ear has to become attuned to the sounds.

[@jadebel7006]

YOUR accent..I'd!0t ..u personally have more than 1? Hahahaha brits don't think that..unlike d*mb Americans who think we only have 1

[@gretchenkiley6615]

Yes! As an American, SA, NZ, & Australian accents are similar but quite distinct when you actually listen.

[@cynthiakeller5954]

All the English accents sound the same to me. But I can tell the difference between a UK, AU, SA accent.

[@silkiilocks]

That's so weird LOL...The California and Georgia accents couldn't be more different LOL

[@juliee.7072]

Brit here, the furthest West I've ever been is Florida. Once for a week at DisneyWorld and the second time for a stopover, just one night at Miami airport. And yet it felt so different there! Huge skies, spectacular thunderstorms, vast distances, the sunlight is different, you feel more expansive because theres so much room to move around in. The food portions were wild. We got to use a diner for breakfast the morning of our flight, these highway patrol officers were sitting nearby and the friendly waitress kept filling up our coffee. It was 1992, and the cars were still enormous gas guzzlers and my dad drove us from Miami to Orlando and back in a Pontiac Firebird and i even saw an alligator. ❤🐊

[@Thurgosh_OG]

Being that much closer to the equator does make difference to the skies but the Northern States look a lot like our skies.

[@xXx_Regulus_xXx]

DisneyWorld, as I'm sure you know is a larger than life version of what the States are really like, but there's no faking that Florida weather!

[@theonlyonestanding8079]

I'm from San Francisco California and I wish to visit Disneyworld and see an alligator in Florida

[@jovetj]

That "different sunlight" is called a _clear sky._

[@llc1976]

The quality of light is so different in the different areas. In New Mexico for instance at dusk the sky is magical. Yes the gigantic “big red sun” as Lucinda Williams sings it in Florida at sunrise or sunset is jaw dropping.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

I don't understand why in the world this couple hasn't bought a nice RV (or a van - vanlife is quite the rage right now) and gone on an extended tour through the Rocky Mountains. I grew up there. What a privilege. Once you experience the Rockies, nothing can compare. From the forests of the Tetons to the stunning geography of Utah to the Grand Canyon, it's a new experience every hundred miles or so.

[@squiddwizzard8850]

They're expensive

[@treetopjones737]

You might expect Alaska ( that very cold state has the highest ) to have the most mountains of all the states, but California actually outperforms the last Frontier by nearly 100 mountains. Overall, California has more than 400 mountains and major peaks, with incredible views all throughout the state of all terrain types.

[@amberlindsey7112]

I currently live in So Utah. I live the red rock in the mornings with the sunrise. Then when I go to No Utah I miss having lived there and the mountains. They are definitely not the same as the ones at this end of the state. It could be two different states with just with the scenery differences.

[@leavingitblank9363]

@@squiddwizzard8850 You can rent them!

[@kika-ge5qr]

Move to New Jersey. It is the 'diner state'. Thank you for your humor and love.❣️🇺🇸👍

[@burf90]

I think the attraction of American diners is the feel that you're eating in someone's kitchen. They feel homey, friendly, and comfy and I think that's largely because we're pretty casual here and not insistent on a lot of formalities. I've traveled a lot and I've never found a restaurant in any other country where you get that same feeling.

[@randeebecker2455]

So true!

[@LugborG]

For me, it’s that every diner I’ve been to has had great food. Regular restaurants are fine, but a small diner is almost always a step above. There’s a place near me that has some of the best fries I’ve ever had, and a couple towns over is a diner with excellent pancakes.

[@jadebel7006]

We have them in the u.k there called cafes

[@cattysplat]

@@LugborG It's comfort food. Where you can eat pretty much everything on the menu and leave feeling full of delicious fried goodness.

[@MemphisCorollaS]

Agreed. I’m so sad that my two favorite diners where I live have closed down. Waffle House is a guilty pleasure too, but it isn’t the same as an old school independent, hole in the wall diner.

[@isaacthompson4016]

It's refreshing to watch and listen to a foreigner remind you of treasures, that have been taken for granted, Thanks Laurence. We don't want you to leave, ever.

[@CynHicks]

There's a lot of beauty in the world but when you live within a union like this it's hard to find something better unless you're rich and then you can pretty much find a sweet spot anywhere. 😂

[@sunniertimer598]

He's an American now.

[@Rizky06]

America is like "Hotel California" you can check out any time you like but you will never leave. 😁🎶🎸

[@elmo2800]

Yeah, it's so strange to hear positive things about America. Most Americans dislike the country today. There's plenty of things to hate for sure. But there's a fascination to hear the nice things.

[@charitybedo2085]

New subbie here! I love how much you love America! I love it so much that I got goosebumps when you said "WE have every terrain under the sun". That "we" really got me and brought tears to my eyes. You're American now and always as far as I'm concerned. Thank you so very much for coming here and being a part of our lives.💖🤗

[@tobascoheat6582]

Oooh! Laurence! You CAN'T leave you've become a fixed part of the American culture! Even if it's American KZbin! Yes, I know they watch the same YT across the pond, but you're seriously kind of ours now aren't you? Anyway, you CAN'T LEAVE!!! :( It would be too heartbreaking! And I LOVE the things that you research!! We won't let you go for more than a quick visit!! PERIOD!!!! ❤❤ 💔💔😢😥

[@Ximm84]

As an American who is frequently in the UK it always puts a smile on my face when a cashier or petrol station attendant greets me and then hears me say "Hello, how are you doin'?" in my mildly southern accent and a smile, and they look up in surprise. They have always been intrigued, like it's the highlight of their day.

[@mintz9782]

Gas station.

[@leavingitblank9363]

There must be more Brits in the US than US in the UK. Hearing a British accent in a shop wouldn't seem odd at all, but when I imagine hearing a US accent in the UK, it really stands out.

[@jasoncox5263]

I love your love of America. It is really easy to get discouraged by all the nay-sayers constantly putting this country down, but you help remind us of how special this place really is. Thank you.

[@penskepc2374]

Once you realize the America hate is just jealousy masquerading as a superiority complex you care less. It's lonely at the top as they say.

[@naomihatfield3015]

And the little shout-out to the Baconator was appreciated, too. ❤

[@AdrianPerez-hk4ym]

The nay-sayers or republicans 😂

[@jasoncox5263]

@@AdrianPerez-hk4ym no, if you want to get political it's the democratics that tend to put this country down.

[@glennthompson8378]

The neigh-sayers and re-pug-icans?

[@kilo21swp]

Sunsets off the Pacific Ocean, or the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, are truly breathtaking sometimes.

[@sunflowervibes3041]

I (an American) was working in Ireland this summer. I was trying to explain how Irish/English “pubs” in America are like having a route 66 themed diner over in Ireland!

[@splatninja9447]

There isn't is there? A route 66 themed place over there?

[@joshp8535]

I want you to know that I started watching you 2 days ago, and still nearly had my heart fall out of my ass when I read that title.

[@vogelvogeltje]

Is your ass okay?

[@lancekirkwood7922]

Same here, like wtf...

[@maryvalentine9090]

Well, that’s a weird visual.

[@ronin_117]

Haha same subbed 2 days ago

[@jimgreen5788]

@@maryvalentine9090, I'm still trying to figure out what he's saying.

[@donaldc3950]

Having traveled in Europe I can say as an American that the best thing about my country is the air conditioning and public restrooms.

[@rhino5100]

That reminds me of my first trip to Europe as a teenager (from the US) with a group educational tour. We landed at the airport in Germany and I started looking for a public water fountain. Not finding one, I asked one of the employees at the airport and her deadpan response was "There are no drinking fountains in Europe."

[@alisaaustin8431]

Yeah, I had a hard time finding a restroom in southern Ireland. I sang, It's a Long way to Tipperary. It's a long way to Goooooooo" on my way to a Tipperary restroom.

[@malapoyo]

RESTROOMS! Yes! NO-PAY restrooms. I had to pay to wee in The Netherlands! 😡 AND I had to pay for WATER! 🤷

[@cynthiakeller5954]

@@malapoyo We would pay one time for the stall and let as many people go through. Also I hate making reservations for an evening meal, probably bc I hate being on time.

[@amyschmelzer6445]

@@FavoriteThings606Ice is overrated. We visited Scotland and France last summer. I think they only put ice in our drinks because they heard our American accents. I don’t put ice in my drinks any more. I pretty much only use my ice maker for quickly cooling down things like boiled eggs or when blanching tomatoes to remove the skins.

[@juliannehunter495]

Nice seeing your mention of Lake Michigan. I live not far from the shoreline in Wisconsin and I never, ever take it for granted. They're called the Great Lakes for a reason.

[@user-ih5pz3sd7u]

i keep putting up for a new name for Lake Michigan. the last time the petition got to Congress. the Golf Of Canada.

[@lasucks]

@6:27 you said “we” when talking about America, caused me to get a completely involuntary and totally heartfelt sappy smile!

[@phoxhole]

What an unbelievably wholesome reminder that there's still plenty to love about my home country. Thank you Lost in the Pond

[@mr.admr1016]

I am not a fan of a lot of things about the US, its global interference and meddling with things unjustly, gun laws, safety etc... that being said, it is by far the most unique nation I have ever seen and I am currently working extrememely hard to apply to some uni's there. The nature, for example, is one of the most stunning anywhere in the world. I mean you guys have a place from every climate, the amazing natural parks and the beutifull landscapes and cities are..well, amazing. And the academic environment as well as the opportunites taht entails are also fantastic. So yeah. the US is cool (mostly)

[@TheBullyMomma]

⁠@@mr.admr1016, Our extreme version of capitalism is responsible for most if not all the bullshit we spread. The wealthy have convinced the moronic that anything that’s good for business is what needs to be regardless of how detrimental it is to the majority.

[@lovelylavenderr]

@@mr.admr1016I hope you get into one! We'd love to have you. The media might say otherwise, but in reality most of us absolutely love foreigners and learning about foreign cultures.

[@jenn976]

As you’ve seen, there are so many great things about our country. Good enough to save from those who would destroy our institutions. So get out there and vote.

[@mikeshahan1960]

Lawrence, you are a treasure. What I like about your observations about America is how it gives me, a 63 year old native, a fresh look at this country I call home. Thanks for sharing it all. Stick around, please. The US wouldn't be quite the same without you.

[@prosciutto6]

I’m a UGA student and seeing the grill as the first photo example of an American diner was crazy

[@elvyfoster7455]

I grew up in the Chicagoland area, and the sunsets truly are amazing. My dad fostered my love of diners. He was one of those guys who sat at the counter nursing that bottomless cup of coffee, chatting with the servers behind the counter and other patrons. My favorite diner was run by a Greek couple with no employees would come in, the wife would ask if they wanted the usual, and the customer would go behind the counter and get drinks for themselves. When strangers came in and just sat down, a regular would ask what they wanted to drink and get it for them. It was just the best.

[@kymhaubrich9389]

This was really special. We really need to count our blessings and appreciate what we've got here in the USA. Thank you for the mintyfresh viewpoint. You made me feel good about being an American which doesn't happen much anymore!

[@jadebel7006]

It's a sh!th0le.. only the d*mbest ppl like this guy want to be there

[@MaternalUnit]

It's so refreshing to hear positive things about my country! Much criticism of the U.S. is well deserved, but we have wonderful things as well. ❤

[@wesotl1026]

We are far from perfect, but there's no place else I'd rather be. The US is an Amazing country, and I'm proud to be an American!

[@jwv6985]

I agree but most criticism of the US is greatly exaggerated or untrue.

[@klimtkahlo]

You do! The nature, Amazon next day delivery or affordable Amazon; stores, customer service, diners and American breakfast. Friendly people and store employees ( although mostly just fake and looking for a tip, it is nice as the recipient) For truthful friendships look for Europeans, only my personal experience. Oh forgot affordable drivers license and gas prices (relative to Europe anyway), also “home stores”.

[@klimtkahlo]

@@wesotl1026I suppose you have never travelled to Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Germany… I recommend, you may change your mind…

[@wesotl1026]

@@klimtkahlo Yes, I have, and no, I didn't. My love for my own country does not equate to an inability to appreciate others. As I said before, I love it here; there's no place else I'd rather be (otherwise I'd go there), and I AM EXTREMELY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. 😊 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@carlhudson83]

Hey Laurence! I'm a fellow Brit from Boston, Lincolnshire.. Home of Bell's Pumpkin Patch! I've been touring the States a fair bit with a band for the past decade, and one of the best drives we ever took on a tourbus was from Salt Lake City to Minneapolis.. If you ever get the chance to cross South Dakota, you'll see not only how beautifully desolate it is, but also how it feels more than a little bit like driving across the Fens in the UK.. But for hours and hours and hours! Very much enjoying your videos sir, bravo! X

[@leavingitblank9363]

Not too many people would recommend that drive.

[@angrytedtalks]

As a fellow Brit who has actually been to Grimsby... I have been to Yellowstone twice, Yosemite (Yoss-a-might), many Redwood forests, Zion, Bryce, Arches, the Grand Canyon (North, South and West), Crater Lake, Lake Tahoe, Florida Keys, Everglades, Miami, Tampa, Orlando (all parks), New York, Chicago, LA, San Diego, Seattle, Omaha (yes), Boston, RI, Portland (Maine and Washington), Pitsburg, Buffalo, Phoenix and Denver. I also enjoy diners. But the fish in Grimsby... Your Texas and Alabama accents were pretty good BTW!

[@Jbridge621]

My family has spent decades visiting the National Parks on vacations. You can get the Park Passport and get it stamped at every National park. Kids can collect commemorative badges when they check in with their passport. My brother collected hat pins and I have a big collection of patches. I plan to frame them soon.

[@ralphstrickland7110]

Having a park passport is great. We love to go get our stamp whenever we visit. Free advice (take it for what it is worth) to anyone considering getting one as a hobby: get the big one. We got the pocket size and we’ve almost filled it up. We’ve been to lots of parks, but there are still plenty we still want to visit.

[@gl15col]

Rent an RV and go for it. The puppy will love it. I've driven through the Rockies more than once and it's both stunning and terrifying but I managed to survive. There are so many beautiful parks in Michigan, right next door. Thousands of miles of sandy beach, the Porcupine Mountains, 5 dark sky parks. Responsibilities and crappy health kept me from seeing my own country, don't let procrastination do the same to you.

[@rtyria]

It's really rough when health prevents the sorts of adventures I'd like to take. KZbin videos can help, but it isn't the same.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Regarding RVs, definitely rent, don't buy.

[@erinmac4750]

Michigan has 5 dark sky parks! That's amazing! I've been missing the Milky Way I saw as a kid, so on my list is to go to dark sky parks. Although I am fortunate to live in California, and I think the Sierra is pretty much one long dark sky park. Though I haven't been up there on occasions where I could check that out. Soon, though.... 💜🌎🌌🍀

[@BookishDark]

This was so lovely. We live in a time of exaggerated cynicism AND exaggerated enthusiasm - earnestness is damn lovely. And as an American, it’s especially lovely to hear a Brit (now American, too, of course) talk about the things they actually LIKE about us! 😂❤

[@languageworm9879]

This video warmed my heart, as an American living in the UK for about 5 years so far! Thank you for pointing out the beauty of America that you've grown to appreciate! I feel the same about England. It makes me sad to think about the day when we will move away from here ❤

[@mbryson2899]

My better half and I recently moved from California to Oregon. Our new place has an 800-900 year old redwood in the front yard, plus a cedar, a black oak, and a pear tree. Lots of visiting wildlife, too: a raccoon, screaming jays, squirrels, spiders, peculiarly cooperative wasps, a beautiful garter snake who tuckered himself out on our chilly lino floor, a frantic pencil-wide 2" long caterpillar, and a skunk. I'm a lucky person!

[@mamanoneyall51]

You have a new version of the twelfth day of Christmas 🎄

[@Cam-vz2zk]

I left too and I'm just glad to be out of Cali....

[@PatFarrellKTM]

I lived in the Washington area, and my wife worked for the Smithsonian Institute. Relatives from far away would come visit and say "Tomorrow we are going to do the Smithsonian" and we would shake our heads. I've spent at least a month in one of the Smithsonian's museums. The Smithsonian has 21 separate museums. Doing a decent job at visiting any one will take at least a few days. Doing all of them would take a couple of months.

[@paulyguitary7651]

I tend to think when people say they “going to the Smithsonian” they are most of the time talking about either the History Museum, American History Museum, or Air and Space Museum. They either want to see Dinos, Archie Bunkers chair or the space capsule. Last one I went to was The Native American museum. Parked across the Potomac from Reagan National and walked, as always.

[@erinmac4750]

I haven't been to the Smithsonian in forever! As someone who made regular trips with my parents from ever since I can remember, I've been to all of them, though now it's been a couple decades...and I'm on the opposite coast. Thank you for reminding me of a trip I definitely want to take with my kids. We wouldn't be able to cover everything, but they'd get an idea. What an incredible legacy. 💜🌎🍀

[@PatFarrellKTM]

@@erinmac4750 If you can, do the Udvar-Hazy extended Air-and-Space out at Dulles Airport. They have more. More planes, more engines, more technology.

[@PatFarrellKTM]

@@paulyguitary7651 Yes, but that makes the point, folks from outside the DC area just can't comprehend how big the Smithsonian is. Some folks can spend days on just the gems portion of the Natural History museum. When I was a teenager, I went many times to what was then called "science and technology" and is now called American History.

[@Oldleftiehere]

Love the Smithsonians especially the Native American Museum.

[@_Pyroon_]

"yellow school bus" - holds back tears - Hahaha

[@lizzied3368]

I love them too

[@cece8650]

Oh, thank goodness, you are staying with us!. We love you.

[@nyneeveanya8861]

I live in the mountains of North Carolina. This is where my daughter was born and raised. In her junior year of high school she went on a marching band trip to Canada. I tried to prepare her for the flat lands to which she said… mom I’ve been to Georgia and Florida. When she got back she was still in awe of how flat the flat lands were. Without a single rolling hill in sight like Georgia and Florida have. Quite impressive when you’ve lived where the scenery changes every time you go around a curve and the next curve isn’t 50 miles away but only 2..

[@catg5105]

I am lost. Was she attending an event in the Prairies or in Toronto? British Columbia and Alberta have mountains. There are even steep hills in Quebec City and Montreal or Halifax or St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, to name a few Canadian cities.

[@llc1976]

I grew up in Urbana Illinois flat 365 degrees the moon at harvest time over the black earth because the harvest is done. Wow. As soon as I see the flat and view my blood pressure lowers

[@tinydancer_]

My daughter lives in Ashville. Never have I seen a more Beautiful Place. I loved touring the Biltmore on my last trip. 🇺🇲💕

[@markplain2555]

So there is a story about a guy in Saskatchewan who treated his dog really badly. The dog decided to run away from home. And for 2 weeks this guy watched his dog run away.

[@alibobo2009]

​@@markplain2555yeah

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

We are glad you’re staying Laurence. We would miss 1 your funny little face 2 your funny videos 3 Tara 4 your accent 5 the cat 6 the dog 7 Uncle Toby 8 your glasses ❤️🤗🐝

[@rtyria]

9 your humor (or humour). 10 your interesting trivia

[@leifewald5117]

11 the British flag helmet

[@suecastillo4056]

All of the above!

[@JRR0013]

We would be keeping Tara....and Arthur....and the cat.

[@alexs5744]

I’m still waiting for the day when Uncle Toby makes his first cameo.

[@SaltyPuglord]

It didn't escape my notice that @6:26 Laurence said: "because **we** have every terrain under the sun". And then I said to myself: "Myself, Laurence is a US Citizen! Has been for a while. He's 100% right to say "we" in this case." I think what I'm trying to say here is: Thanks Laurence, for being awesome! I'm glad you're a citizen of the USA!

[@suzannesellers7383]

Laurence, several times a week, I check your number of subscribers and look forward to the near future when you hit 1 million subs. No matter how depressed I get about how we Americans are so divided politically, I see my country from your eyes and it brightens my day.

[@Sean__F]

Laurence's impersonation of a Southern accent was spot on, he said he thought it was Alabama but I instinctively heard it as a Texan accent and was proven right... at least inside my own head.

[@zaram131]

Same here! As soon as I heard it, I said that is Texas!

[@morganseppy5180]

It was definitely "suthern".

[@maidenminnesota1]

I heard Forest Gump, but...

[@nthgth]

I'm a lifelong American (northeast) and I wouldn't know a Floridian accent from Texas or Alabama. I'm hoping my approaching trip to TX will teach me lol

[@morganseppy5180]

@@nthgth Texas, Alabama, Louisiana!, Kentucky, Tennessee, both Carolinas, and Georgia accrnts are all different. Same with the north east. There's a Vice(?) video with an accent/language coach who goes through all the accents down the northeastern states that is amazing.

[@monikaweld5567]

You know, as an immigrant from Germany, I must agree with your list. I, too, absolutely love diners...and trees! ❤

[@sunnyhill8179]

And I, an American, was privileged to live in Germany for nearly 3 years (over 50 years ago). I LOVED the parts of GY that I got to see and I enjoyed meeting very special German people!

[@frocat5163]

I love your take on life in the US! Having been born in the US, I take for granted many of the things you find such wonder and enjoyment in. Thank you for reminding me to try to keep that sense of wonder.

[@JoanieBC]

Driving Route 66 west through Arizona, you'll see some amazing sights. Oatman, a must visit stop on 66, is a different kind of place and one you'll never forget (& never convince other Brits is real). Once you're in California, you can go from desert (specifically Death Valley, which is stunningly beautiful in winter and spring) to mountains to the beach in just a matter of hours. Not along Route 66, but spectacular in more ways than I can put into words: Colorado. On the east side of the Rockies, it's plains and farms and then cities. As you drive up into the mountains, prepare to have your breath taken away by the sheer magnitude of the peaks, foliage, wildlife, and everything else. The sky is bigger than you can imagine. The mountains are taller. The air is cleaner. The colors are more vivid. Of course, the thinner air may have something to do with your perception of these things, but maybe not. If you go to Garden of the Gods to the south, you may never want to leave. Same with Manitou Springs. Trinidad is special, too...and when you get to Raton Pass as you head into New Mexico, prepare to find yourself planning yet another move to yet another breathtaking locale. New Mexico sunsets are beyond the pale. I have also seen things in New Mexico mere words cannot adequately describe. And that's just in the top third of the state! I love your channel and your love of the United States. It's so easy to forget all the things that make us special (but that holds true for anywhere), and you help remind your viewers we have much to celebrate. I wish I could plan out a road trip for you, your wife, and your fuzzy babies to take in your RV. I would have you gasping at every turn at the land and the people and all of nature. There's so much to see and so much to do. Thank you for reminding me of this and reminding all of us to look at our surroundings, our lives through fresh eyes.

[@kathimorrical9912]

I've been on the planet 74+years, and have seen the wonders of the Rockies, both east and west coast, the view from a mountain top with snow in June, babies born and folks died, but all this was in the US. I was awestruck when visiting England in a 1,000 yr old church ( Chichester cathedral). I love my country, however, the UK has such long lasting history ( and buildings) That I can't help but be impressed. I DO appreciate our wide, large plains and mountains, but you're right, driving them can be daunting. Thanks for the vids your channel is one of my favorites!

[@moxiebombshell]

haha, I had similar thoughts, myself! I appreciate many things about the US, but I think of things like how in the UK and I think parts of Europe as well there exists the"right to roam" -- how you can walk across the country, including across land that we in the US would consider private property. Or that one can so easily travel throughout so many countries from the UK -- and how people there can have a regular working class job and still afford to fly to Spain or Italy on holiday (not to mention actually getting the vacation days to do so... and don't get me started on my envy of their access to healthcare !)

[@abrahamroloff8671]

North America has a vast history with ancient cities, and civilizations... we just killed and enslaved those people. Buried and forgot most of their existence. I've helped unearth a 300 year old Spanish colonial chappel and I've stood in a thousand+ year old temple here, dedicated to gods long forgotten.

[@srellison561]

@@abrahamroloff8671 To be fair, some of those civilizations were dead long before Europeans came to North America, so don't overplay the hand that Europeans had. The indigenous peoples were also pretty good at killing each other before Europeans arrived.

[@lisakurak3733]

I agree about all that English history. I was flabbergasted to learn London's age. In 44 years (2047), London will be 2,000 years old! Hard to believe London was formed about a dozen years after the death of Jesus.

[@topaz3468]

I grew up in the era of Mom and Pop diners. My family and grandparents would meet up at different diners after church on Sundays. Grandpa would always give me a quarter, which was a lot for a kid back then. Such fond memories... and you're right Lawrence -- most of them are all gone now 🥺

[@xXx_Regulus_xXx]

there are still some good ones left, and chains like waffle house and denny's come pretty close as long as the staff are decent

[@jadebel7006]

We have them in every town of the uk..there's called cafes..this guys r3tarded

[@mbryson2899]

I grew up in Chicagoland, spent 33 years on the Central Coast of California, and last year landed in Southern Oregon. I've seen the sun rise over the Atlantic twice and set over the Pacific innumerable times. I've driven all over the nation by car and tiny pickup, only once by rented RV. I've been to Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Yosemite, Death Valley, Moab, the Grand Canyon, and many more. I've wandered through BLM preserves, too. Our property has an 800 year old redwood out front and a 70' Ponderosa Pine out back...plus a black oak, a cypress, and a pear tree. The cats who own me and I have met raccoons, skunks, squirrels, red-striped garters, bluejays, hummingbirds, and finches (?) all right here at home. I'm in a small city so we have no end of diners, something I very much appreciate. I had always meant to travel but ill health put paid to that; my passport has zero stamps. But living here and traveling the US has exposed me to folks from all over the planet. I am blessed with an approachable face and a gift for pantomime so I have had the luck to meet people from all over.

[@marybicanic8269]

It would be a fun weekend trip to drive south in IL to Starved Rock St Park. Bring walking gear and enjoy. Also Holland Mich for the tulip festival is a good weekend.

[@spanishdncr71]

I imagine moving back home to England when I retire and people thinking I’m a fascinating old lady because I lived most of my adult life in the states. I recently went on a two week road trip and drove 3080 miles through 13 states 1/4 of the country and all of the different scenery we saw along the way was just breathtaking, especially when we saw the smoky mountains. ❤❤❤

[@LC-fx2lo]

The smoky mountains are magical ❤

[@JesAusCam18]

Yes! There’s a reason why The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the US. Well the beauty AND the convenient location.

[@consciousmoviereviews9730]

What states did you visit?

[@spanishdncr71]

@@consciousmoviereviews9730 I visited Savannah Georgia, New Orleans Louisiana and Nashville Tennessee. Drove from New Jersey, through to Delaware, Maryland, Virginia (stayed overnight in VA in both directions) North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Pennsylvania, back to NJ.

[@consciousmoviereviews9730]

@@spanishdncr71 That's great. You missed going into the Western States towards the Pacific Ocean. There's a different kind of beauty in this region.

[@kathleenhensley5951]

I live in a very rural area of Washington state... I watch the sunsets nearly every clear day. I love the idea that America took a 2 poor Italian families in the early 20th century and gave us a chance to make something of our lives. I will always be grateful to America for that. Glad you aren't really leaving. We need people like you.

[@veramae4098]

I have never understood anti-immigrant people. We're they're descendents. Yes, it sometimes feel as if we're drowning in Irish or Mexicans or Chinese or Italians, but man oh man oh, they WANT to be here and are going to work hard! *U.S. Treasury Dept stats show that every big wave of immigrants (legal or not), after 2 years produce a 2% growth in our economy which is permanent.* Yes, I'm glad my Irish great-grandmother brought her little girl here during our Civil War. (She was a teacher and the Brits were busy hanging any teachers they caught. True.) And my peasant Danish ancestors, and maybe a couple more I don't know about.

[@Michigan1985]

The National Parks "every terrain under the sun" road trips is what I love the most about living in America. People in Europe laughing that a lot of us have only been to a few countries. Like, dude, do you realize how massive and diverse North America is? If you're ever in Michigan, don't forget to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks among many other places. If anyone ever does go on a national park road trip or just to visit, get a board game called "Parks". So much fun. 😊

[@AGirlandaGermanShepherd]

Great video. Glad you like the PA mountains 😊

[@kimg4652]

When you decide to visit Yellowstone keep in mind that Glacier National Park is a half a day drive away. You can do both! I look forward to that video.

[@jillkoop5682]

After listening to your video, it is easy to understand why so many Americans never travel outside the country. There is so much to see and so many things to do here. It is hard to get bored! We are very blessed. We are blessed to have you, too, Laurence!❤

[@Kim-427]

But,Can I just say that many of us do travel out of America. And don’t forget we can go to Mexico and the Bahamas. Its not Europe but it is a different place of different people and cultures. It’s said that we don’t travel out of the US but it’s in comparison to people that live next door to other countries that costs a very small amount to get to. Lol That’s not fair. For the average person to travel to Europe from the states it would be extremely expensive and not to mention if you have a family.

[@super1million11]

it's because the country is so big we only have a few different countries near us that are affordable to go to. And they are similar enough that people don't see a reason to travel there unless they live near the border or just really wanna travel there. Some parts of America would actually be insanely expensive for Americans to travel to. International travel can cost thousands just to get there and that doesn't even include cost of a place to stay or any unforseen costs. In places like Europe going to another country can be as easy as traveling to another state for an American. This is coming from an American who really wants to travel to a few other countries I see cost as the main thing stopping me from doing it.

[@diamondlou1]

@@super1million11 Exactly. For Americans to travel to another country (excluding Mexico & Canada), we have to board a plane and fly over thousands of miles of ocean. Heck, it takes 8 hours to get to Hawaii. It's no wonder so many Americans don't bother.

[@billolsen4360]

First time I left the United States was to go to The Happiest Place on Earth = Tijuana!

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Work culture doesn’t help either. So tired. I think about things I want to get done while driving home. When I get home I hit the couch and don’t get up for an hour or two.

[@ixchelssong]

Just want to say that in NJ where I live, there are 3 diners within a 15 minute drive from my house. YUM!

[@muggywebster1117]

I just love Diners as well. I traveled full-time by myself for over a decade (now with my bf) and it was always my choice to go to meet the locals. There was always an older gentleman at the stools who everyone knew and were all too happy to tell you about his life and community. Outside of the east coast though, it is hard to find a 24 hour diner. I love them. Hey, when I get out your way in my RV, you can check it out. :) O.M.Gosh!! You have to see Yellowstone!!

[@kathleenmorabito4477]

My favorite diner experience is the sounds. I live in a state with few diners after living in NJ, the diner capitol of the world. When I go back to NJ, I always hit a diner. I realize that it’s the sounds that make a diner, a diner. The clattering plates, boisterous conversations, the sound of things sizzling on the griddle. I love them all.

[@mikki3961]

America is like 50 individual countries! From the East Coast to the West there are so many regional differences. Food, culture, language, climate. Travel enriches and teaches. Love Ya Laurence!

[@veziculorile]

it's not actually. Keep telling yourself that to feel more special

[@CR1T1KaL714]

Umm actually it is....stay mad you little dolt @@veziculorile

[@veziculorile]

@@CR1T1KaL714 burgerland is one big cesspool of fatties. There isn't any culture just cheap imitation. The EU is an actual diverse place far superior to burgerland USA. Stay mad with expensive healthcare and 2 week long annual vacation.

[@Rebecca-pr6wk]

Amen to THAT mikki3964 🎉😊

[@dg-hughes]

That's why the USA has states and not provinces. Each state has far more power over its own affairs than a province would.

[@aseerose5684]

I'm awfully glad you aren't leaving, Lawrence. (hugs)

[@sophiemorrison9820]

Laurence, you really brought me down for a few minutes letting me think you were going back to the uk. I'm glad you're not leaving. Cheers!

[@Psianth]

If you're interested in wildlife put up a hummingbird feeder! I've lived here in chicagoland my whole life and never knew we had them here until I met someone with a feeder, you almost never see them otherwise, and they're fascinating to watch. And this is the time of year they really go nuts for them.

[@margietucker1719]

Yes! It's migration time. They need to quadruple their body weight for the long journey to Mexico and Central America. In my part of Texas, our main hummer is the Black-Chinned variety. Guess who's also showing up at my feeders now? Ruby Throats! Ruby Throats from up North, and East...are starting their long migration. Let's help them fuel up for their journey❤

[@sunnyhill8179]

My HS classmates & I would gather each summer in eastern Tenn. We had all grown graduated from a school in Louisiana. They lived in a beautiful farmhouse whose back deck extended end to end. They had at times over 200 hummingbirds visit their many feeders. They also had a beautiful waterfall in the backyard as the house was on the edge of a cliff. So lovely!

[@zaram131]

Because they’re going to be migrating south in a few weeks. If you put up a hummingbird feeder now, you will not have long to watch them. 😅

[@Psianth]

@@zaram131 Very true, they're after those calories for the long trip and there aren't many flowers with nectar still around so they're all over the feeders constantly right now. I mention it because I was in my 30's living in this area before I even realized they lived here. They're so fast you might not even know they exist here unless you give them a reason to stop by (favorite flowers or a feeder). And they don't exist in the UK at all. They wont be around for much longer this year but they'll be searching hard for them.

[@Psianth]

@@margietucker1719 Very cool! It's almost exclusively ruby throats around here, funny how they seem to leave in batches. And the males seem to go first, It's almost all females hanging around here now.

[@laurac1902]

Even though you did not accurately guess the Texan accent, when you were trying to recreate what you initially thought was the Alabama accent, it sounded exactly like a Texan. So your accent replication is accurate and that’s a win!

[@rwilson7197]

Glad you are not leaving us! Ive lived in IN, IL, TN & Western MI - your neck of the woods. So I relate very much to your material & point of view! ❤❤❤

[@the_original_t]

I'm coming up on my 15 years in England, from America. I'm a dual citizen now. I totally understand what you are saying. America does have some magic. I do love the UK for many reasons. I think it's a wonderful thing to travel and find that perhaps you have a new home, one you never imagined you would love so much. Born in California. >lived in Alaska, Arizona, New Mexico, Illinois, Ohio, Mississippi, California. Enjoy each moments!

[@WardyLion]

I love American Diners too! We have imitations of them here in the UK but whenever I visit the US (wife and in laws are American) I have at least a couple of diner breakfasts. American breakfasts are my fave and I just love going into a diner, eating enough breakfast to cave the table in and then being handed a bill for $12 for the two of us. That’s not an exaggeration, that actually happened on our honeymoon. Shout out to Mom’s Country Kitchen in Front Royal, VA!

[@katw3070]

Did you go on the beautiful Skyline Drive? The entrance is in Front Royal.

[@WardyLion]

@@katw3070 We did head that way, yes. We also went into the Skyline Caverns. Last time we were up that way, in 2021, I got an international drivers permit so I could drive my sister in law’s car (once insured, obviously) and not drop hundreds on a hire car. The twisting, turning forest / mountain roads were a delight for someone like me and I’m glad she had a car suited for roads like that!

[@carriebuhler1284]

Lawrence, you're an American citizen so you are home. You'll never have to leave. So enjoy all our country has to offer! The National Parks ARE amazing and I deeply appreciate our rangers. My parents used to load up us kids into our station wagon each summer and head to a new part of the country. You and your wife can do that too-with your dog.

[@monday6774]

and the cat if he gets the rv....😅

[@michaelwallace7587]

@@monday6774He can never be a American. Americans are born between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the Bering Sea and Straits of Magellan. He took a U.S. citizenship test.

[@Okhissa]

@@michaelwallace7587 I believe he HAS gotten his American Citizenship, therefore for all intents and purposes he IS an American

[@kyle93watson]

@@Okhissa I think he's talking about ethnicity. It takes like three to four generations of kids to lose their accent, maybe previous language, and be fully assimilated into that culture's ways. Honestly, he's American to me as well. Heck, he's already picking up our Midwestern (Hoosier born here) mannerisms that you never saw when he first moved here.

[@ElCid48]

@@michaelwallace7587 most legal immigrant citizens are more americans than those born here even those born for generation of americans. legal immigrant and newly citizens have to pass a test in civics which in this day and age is not taught. hell we have congress people who do not know that the USA is a republican and no crap about the its history or the constitution. I married into a family of immigrants and my mother is first generation USA citizens via parents who became citizens. and live a small city were Central Europeans from the end of the war to now legally come into this country and become citizens. that is why most are upset with those "wet backs" who just walk in and demand things. they had to wait for years, be healthy and have money in the bank and have a skill and never go on welfare. and they see these people that are allow in.

[@tinybadastronaut]

I will say I love at 11:30 you show a clip of the Willamette National forest. Been living in the PNW (including SE Alaska) my whole life and there is nothing more beautiful than our rainforests and mountains imo.

[@Deridus]

I am more proud of this man than I am many (if nor most) of my fellow Americans because he doesn't take it for granted.

[@Loruca]

I am a Canadian who has spent a lot of time in the US, and a bit of time in the British Isles. When I first landed in England, I had recently read "Lord of the Rings" and I saw Middle Earth everywhere I looked. You mentioned American trees (and Canadian trees are just as stupendous), but in England I actually saw Ents. Yes, Ents! I swear I saw Treebeard.

[@byronharano2391]

😅😅😅😅😅😅 blessings to you our Canadian neighbor ❤

[@johnjones3813]

Where's the English translation for this?

[@sunnyhill8179]

😳

[@rodmullen64]

I love Canadian trees! specifically maple for my skateboards

[@user-gf3lw5pi4t]

Is Canada a country really ?

[@janiceforaker8473]

I love that you post positive things about America. We NEED this now. I'm SURE there's great things about Britain, but "America bashing" seems to be the thing to do now, and your videos are quite refreshing! Thanks! ❤️❤️

[@dwightdonnelly8662]

Thank you! I love seeing America's positive cultural aspects through the lens of someone who is visiting from overseas, or a new US Citizen.

[@nickphillips2125]

One of your best videos. Thanks

[@FarmgirlFriday]

Laurence, I think even many of us Americans that have lived here our whole lives still have a lot of our own country to explore! Hope you get to do more of that soon. I live in the Pacific Northwest and am fortunate enough to have toured a few of the National Parks within driving distance. I can highly recommend Mount Rainier, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, Glacier, Arches, Bryce, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. I hope to make it to your half of the country to see some of the parks in the east!

[@ruthparker9756]

Far too many have never even gotten out of their home state

[@petergreening4810]

Don't forget the Columbia River Gorge & the Mouth of the Columbia, the Olympic Peninsula (with the only temperate rain forest in the world), the San Juan Islands, the Grand Coulee, where to stop. If you didn't guess I am also a Washingtonian.

[@LindaC616]

​@@petergreening4810you made me feel better that I've gone through CRGorge! I've left places in the States for when I'm too old to go abroad

[@glenncombs3471]

Well, then, Hello from Puyallup!

[@allenhill1223]

This is true. Just traveling the whole Midwest from Canada to Mexico. Is so massive. And my personal favorite.

[@kevinwallis2194]

Something about this country that has at least something for everybody. So many things unique to each state too.

[@ericjohnson7234]

yeah, like pverty homelessness and crime.

[@BigMoore1232]

​@ericjohnson7234 If you're from another country stay there and if you're from the U.S leave. We don't want you lol

[@lancekirkwood7922]

@@ericjohnson7234 and towers where people live at the cost of 15 million dollars +

[@viewman86]

Everywhere has its problems. I could dive into them, but this is a positive focused video. Nothing wrong with appreciating the good and honestly beautiful things. On a different note. I'd take a perfect San Francisco sunset. Or a day out snowboarding. Or a hike through the Appalachians (a short one). And some southern bbq or jumbalaya or Friday night fish fry at my local spot in WI. This country and all have plenty to hate on but also lots to love

[@Earthly_Being]

@@ericjohnson7234Lmao Debbie downer. You forgot smoke shops.

[@BarbaraGittes-ts8nb]

You scared the heck out of me! So glad there will be (many) more Lost in the Ponds. And that you enjoy your new nation! I can't wait to learn your reactions to new-to-you parts of this country...

[@coletrickle-km7cl]

9:54---😂your southern accent impression is VERY Intertaining!!

[@peterlively8269]

I think it is appropriate that the most emotional Laurence got during the list was for diners.

[@TheGravityShifter]

The best part is when he nearly broke down seeing the Yellow Bus that happened by

[@rockybernard2997]

the American Diner isn't what it used to be. I mean, Bob's Big Boy is no more. Everything is specialized anymore. And the prices they get for coffee these days is simply 'no longer diner-ish.'

[@rainbowvoid2900]

as an American living in England for the better part of 10 years now I miss diners/American restaurants/food. Everyday 😢

[@erakfishfishfish]

I grew up in New Jersey, aka the diner capital of the world. My friends and I would always end the night at one all through high school and college. It’s the only thing I miss since moving out to the west coast. We don’t have real diners out here, just Denny’s.

[@treetopjones737]

@@erakfishfishfish Not true, depending what you mean by "real." They exist, you'll have to search for them, they aren't clustered together, and not many are open 24 hrs.

[@debmcgrath2517]

I often get very frustrated with my country. Its nice to be reminded that there are positive things here be proud/happy about. Thank you Lawrence!

[@jadebel7006]

It's a sh!th0le.. only the d*mbest ppl like this guy want to be there

[@nmstranger]

we as Americans are overall spoiled and we tend to think "our problems" are the worst ever.

[@cattysplat]

@@nmstranger There are some thing which are just astonishing positive, like incredibly cheap food and gas compared to rest of the world which brings down the cost of everyday living to have more disposable income for whatever you want. Then there are things that are just blatantly broken on a near third world level, like not having social healthcare potentially putting you in debt for life from a random accident.

[@nmstranger]

@@cattysplat Thanks for proving my point with "our problems" are the "worst ever" mindset. Is our healthcare perfect. Nope and I wish we have UHC but saying we near "third world country" levels in healthcare is laughable as you are saying we are near the levels of Mali or North Korea. The World News Well-Developed Public Health Systems ranking has us 23rd out of 195 while the global health security index has us 1 out of 195. Even at the US worst rankings we are towards the top of those rankings. Like I said American's are overall spoiled and tend to think their problems is the worst ever.

[@lindsey7951]

​@@nmstranger Ok what about guns...pretty sure we are in 3rd world territory with that issue.

[@scottsouth68]

As an "American" Anglophile, who has spent a far bit of time in Ol' Blighty, two key characteristics of an "authentic English pub" are a 6'9'" ceiling and an undulating floor. As a bonus, a front door that makes it absolutely impossible of getting wheelchair through with a threshold that would trip the most sober of Chinese acrobats is the height of English Pubiness!

[@Nate_the_Nobody]

12:00 The best sunsets I've ever seen and deeply miss where from my time lizing in Arizona, that pink/purple/red hue the sky takes on is just magnificent to look at.

[@susanunger2278]

After all that work which you've put into your new house, I knew you weren't leaving the USA :)

[@tbonejenkins8807]

Not to mention becoming a citizen.

[@susanunger2278]

@@tbonejenkins8807 Absolutely

[@charlieann456]

He couldn't live without a basement.

[@noma5050]

I didn't know, for long enough, and I had just been doing my civic duty by watching news (no, not MSM).

[@BigMoore1232]

​@cfryling7781 not in the midwest...a tornado could hit at any moment lol

[@DarkLadyPhoenix]

The most difficult thing I found about living in Japan for a time was the loss of the 24 hour diners. The 24 hour supermarkets! I worked night shift in Japan so the loss of the ability to go out and get food and supplies when I needed was well, needed. I sorely miss my call center job because I do love the "guess the accent" game. I got really good at telling the difference between Texan, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky accents.

[@DW-lb6hw]

​@@xionmemoriaI mean, to most of us, they sound exactly the same lol. Some a little twangy-er than others, but they mostly all sound the same to me. -signed the East Coast

[@bruceleealmighty]

It really depends where you live. That goes for just about anyplace in the world. In many metropolitan areas of Japan you can find 24 hour places to get things. The biggest difference is you don't find vending machines in America half as much as Japan.

[@gj8683]

I don't know how it is now in Japan, but when I lived there 32 years ago, you had to memorize which stores would be open on which days as well as the opening hours.

[@bruceleealmighty]

@@gj8683 Yeah, that's still the case, but it's more of a rural thing or relative ruralality if you will. The further you go from city center or from metro areas the more often you will come across various days and times of operation. I use to think it was strange that certain stores were open only during certain months and seasons, but it's not unlike Halloween, Independence (4th of July), even Christmas places that pop up in the US. I find the Manga thing the most difficult to follow. It's practically everywhere, but there is nothing to find in consistent form.

[@TheGreatAtario]

Aren't konbinis open 24/7?

[@cwavt8849]

Not only are you tremendously funny and informative, but endearing and insightful. You have helped me learn to live my country even more. Please, Never Go 💔

[@larrymiller4]

Since age 12, I have always been enamored of Britain -- the history, the traditions, the customs, the atmosphere (as represented in films like "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner," Terry Thomas and Lionel Jeffries comedies of the 50's, and the nightclub scene in "A Hard Days Night" with George singing "Don't Bother Me" -- that whole gloomy post-war feeling of depression combined with irresistible dry humor), the castles, the legends, the early music, etc. But I love your take on America, and I love that you're here to observe the wonders along with the oddities and contradictions and tell us how you see them. There has never been, nor ever shall be duplicated, a country like America, and a people like Americans, who are supposed to be a "self-governing" people (that which made America "exceptional," that is, unique, and not boasting that "we're the best!"). You have a real knack for observing things dispassionately and objectively, and I thoroughly enjoy your posts.