8 Years in Britain: the good, the bad + the downright terrible
Вставка
- Опубліковано 1 чер 2024
- As a foreigner, I've been living in the UK for 8 years - and it hasn't been easy 🇬🇧 Go to drinkag1.com/adventuresandnaps to get started on your first purchase and receive a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 and 5 travel packs. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring today’s video! 💚
You asked - I answered! Here's what it's really been like living in the UK as an immigrant for the last 8 years - the good and the bad. I love my life in the UK but that doesn't mean it's been perfect. I can't wait to see what's in store for the next 8 years!
Please subscribe here! ua-cam.com/users/Adventuresa...
0:00 eight years!!
0:49 why won't you include your partner
3:47 patreon time
5:02 oooh exciting
7:58 more patreon drama
10:39 chatroom gossip
12:12 this looks familiar
21:16 UA-cam questions
FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE
Patreon: / adventuresandnaps
Livestreams: / adventuresandnaps
FB: / adventuresandnaps
IG: / adventures.and.naps
Web: www.adventuresandnaps.com
Newsletter: adventuresandnaps.com/newslet...
You can donate to my channel here: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
Music by Epidemic Sound, get 60 days free: share.epidemicsound.com/pna7us
Hey! I'm Alanna - a thirty-something documenting my life as a Canadian living in England.
I share the ups and downs of an expat living abroad and what it's really like living in the UK. It's not always easy, but there's been so many wonderful experiences, too. I post a UA-cam video every Tuesday plus an additional video every Saturday on my Patreon account. I also livestream every Wednesday and Sunday at 5:30pm GMT/BST on Twitch.
Alanna x
AG1 is a Foundational Nutrition supplement engineered to fill the nutritional gaps in your diet and support your body’s nutritional needs across four pillars of health: Immune support, Energy, Focus and Recovery!
Thank you for calling out people's self-entitlement to personal information regarding content creators! Parasocial relationships are seriously dangerous and most people have no idea they have one. Congrats on 8 years!!
it seems disturbing to me that people want to know so many personal things about youtubers. Too right its not their beeswax.
It's strange to me that they think it's somehow Alanna's decision whether people appear. You can tell by how their question was worded in this video. Did they never consider that maybe the other person, especially Mr Naps, may not want to appear.
As a content creator, influencer and local celebrity who is above the commoners, I wholeheartedly agree!
@@Paulfroe There's another YT'er I follow and many years ago they moved into their first apartment. Sometime after that a letter was pushed through her door saying they were a big fan, they'd found her apartment and would it be okay if them and a friend visited. Or something similar, it was a long time ago. They likely meant it nicely and did ask first but it's still creepy and wrong. People have to realise they are complete strangers to YT people.
I had to google Parasocial relationships but you're right.
Some people really are very nosey and intrusive, to the point of being creepy. You're right, there does seem to be this expectation that people share everything online, and somehow if you don't then you're being mean or secretive. Good on you for your boundaries and sticking to them. And congrats on 8 years in the UK :)
Thank you! 🙏
@@AdventuresAndNaps Why do you say "North Americans" when you are from Canada ?
@@michaelhawkins7389 You do understand what "North America" means don't you?
@@michaelhawkins7389 North America is a continent that includes a number of countries, including Canada and the USA
I know the problem, some northern england people can talk about ***everything*** .. it is not really meant to be bad, just they cannot help it. but I am sure they will understand a simple 'sorry, that is private' and understand.. :)
How can anyone give this women hate ? Literally the sweetest most innocent UA-camr I follow
Congrats on the anniversary. Don’t blame you for keeping personal life separate and hidden
Thank you! ☺️
You are not a foreigner. You are beloved commonwealth person. Your very welcome here. You mix into our society, contribute, glad your still here. Good on you for keeping your private life private, its your life ,not other peoples business. ❤
Pakistanis, Nigerians and Jamaicans are all our Commonwealth brothers and sisters but they don’t get a warm welcome.
People from the commonwealth are still foreign mate.
@@erikdalna211 Pakistanis, Nigerians and Jamaicans are NOT part of the commonwealth.......... stop spreading misinformation
@@michaelhawkins7389 You better get onto the Commonwealth Secretariat then, because they need to update their website, as they list all three of those countries.....
I just googled and yes, Pakistan, nigeria and Jamaica are in fact still part of the commonwealth. I never knew pakistan was, wow! I knew bout the other 2.
That bloke looking into the reflections in your glasses.....he definitely doesn't sound like some sick weirdo....does he ?....😂😂. Stay within the boundaries you feel safe with in your videos. No other sods business...love your videos. ❤
He?
The jerk who is/was playing MI-6 with your glasses reflections needs to get a real life. I hope you could "block" them, or report them (they're probably doing it to other online folk also). It may be possible to use an 'anti-glare' compound on the glasses or adjust camera/lighting angles to prevent/discourage other creep-trolls. Do whatever it takes to stay safe!
I enjoy your amusing informative content. I have Canadian family connections which probably first attracted me to your feed.
Firstly, those who criticise you for separating your online work from your personal life are the same people who live vicariously through celebrities and have no meaningful life of their own. Their closest friend is probably their pet tortoise. As for being a foreigner, that's simply balderdash. You're a Canadian who has chosen the UK as her home for the best part of a decade. You're a Brit now, and of Commonwealth heritage to boot.
I find it odd that you get any criticism at all really because I love your channel. Congrats for your 8 year anniversary!
Thanks so much for watching!
I guess you're always going to get some people criticising, it comes with the territory. Constructive criticism can be helpful
Right on, Alanna! I couldn’t agree with you more about keeping your partner and loved ones private. As creators, we open ourselves up to so much criticism, and I want to protect my loved ones from feeling that because it would hurt me. My husband doesn’t appear in my UA-cam videos and the one time I had an audio clip from him, someone was really rude about his accent. So that’s the end of that! We have to protect our peace.
Anyway, totally relate to what you said. Love your videos! ❤
I totally know what you mean 🙏 thank you so much for watching!
People have no real concept of privacy any more as in it's not even a consideration. So many YT film other people in their videos and while the responsible ones will ask the irresponsible ones won't realise that's something you're supposed to do and just film people without permission. I'm so glad Alana is responsible both for her own benefit, the people she knows and the general benefit of society
By the way, it's, Make a cuppa.😅
Bonjour Diane, love your channel.
Yes Alanna , it’s your personal channel, I totally understand your choice.
I’ve always really enjoyed your videos, you don’t have to explain, your personal life.
Hey! I’m embarrassed for that person who emailed you asking you personal questions. How dare they? None of their business. Also, you are definitely welcome here!! I’m not technically a Brit cause I’m Irish (by both birth and blood) but I’ve been here since the age of 8 and I’m 37 now. Kent is great too (yes, even Chatham haha)! Moved here in late 22 from Surrey. You’re no foreigner. You’re a Commonwealth citizen. Love your channel!
Huge congratulations for both your 8 year anniversary in the UK and the success of your UA-cam channel! Long may both continue!
Thank you so much Stuart! 🙏
Sorry to hear the original Mr Naps didn't work out. Hopefully The Butler knows how lucky he is. Carry on as you are, and ignore the nasty people, they likely have sad lives.
I have only seen a small handful of your videos, but I find you a breath of fresh air. Stick to your guns and do what you want to do. You have an engaging personality, a good presence on camera, and there's nothing wrong with your face or body, regardless of what nasty emails might say.
Keep doing you and enjoy your life in our little part of the world.
Congrats on the Anniversary ! Apologies for the negative nincompoops both on and offline who have expressed unwelcome opinions - that especially goes for the glasses screenshot freak ?! I hope the rest of us are a much louder voice making it clear that you *are* welcome here and we appreciate all the aspects of your world that you choose to share with us.
Except the glasses screenshot freak doesn't exist!
3:58 An American friend who has always poked fun at me for being British and, therefore, eating baked beans with every meal (I don't, I almost never eat baked beans, but that's irrelevant...) recently decided to put her mouth where her mouth is and actually try beans on toast. She then ate it for her next four meals in a row and I think it's a staple part of her 'budget' meal planning for the future. Most people who make fun of British cuisine and British breakfasts have never tried any of it and think it's 'plain' and 'bland' when a lot of it is actually just decent stuff cooked well, with flavour and seasoning, but just doesn't rely on 80% of meals being spicy-hot. Also you're perfect exactly as you are (personality and opinions included) and any random internet stranger who thinks they have the right to tell you otherwise needs to check theirself. Happy 8th UKaversary! 🥳
The British national dish is Chicken Tikka Masala. 😄
which was created in the uk not India!@@harrybarrow6222
A common misconception... @@harrybarrow6222
good sentiment! but it may be a saying but in UK we say "put your MONEY where your mouth is".. meaning "back up your words with actions, particularly by putting your own money at risk" eg if you eat this and throw up I will pay :)
"how fun for me" lolled at that one. There is an interesting Guardian article about parasocial relationships, specifically the author basically got stalked by some guy who felt like he knew her through her writing (but obviously he didn't). And that, is why I think it makes sense to not divulge absolutely everything.
Yeah I used to get emails from a man who said I was leaving subliminal messages in my videos for him 😔
I love how you don't include all the personal details of your life, it means you can just focus on what you want to say and avoid distractions and the inevitable mission creep where you would be expected to keep trying to outdo yourself revealing more and more and including more and more aspects of your private life.
I am shocked that anyone should criticise you. You are a bright ray of sunshine in sometimes a pretty dark world.
What a wonderfully polite yet powerful defense of your privacy. Kudos!!
Kieran
Your point about when at 5 months in you finally felt like you were just living (rather than living in a foreign country) really struck me. The same happened to me (way back in 1988/89) when I'd been in the UK for a few months and suddenly realised that I was happy to be buying my groceries in Sainsburys and heading back to my flat in time for Eastenders (NB I havent watched it for many years now!!!). It was a liberation because I gave up wondering if I should go back to Canada (Toronto born and bred) and that seemed to open things up for me. Now 35 years later and still here with a new little granddaughter so I guess it worked out. 😄
Ahh that's wonderful!! Funny how life works out ☺️
Such an insightful post, Alanna, and so honest and open. I do hope you stick around in the UK for many years to come!
I was born and raised in London and moved to Manchester 2 years ago. I can confirm (don't tell my neighbours) Fish & Chips is loads better down south 🤫They have stuff like mushy peas, curry sauce, gravy on chips! Yuk. The batter isn't as thick either. Still have fish & chips every friday (have done for 50+ years) but sometimes secretly yearn for the chippy near our old place. Mind you, the price up here is miles cheaper so there is that.
I’m from Vancouver and one year, I was in London for the Canadian Thanksgiving. I thought I would miss a typical turkey dinner with pumpkin pie dessert. Fortunately I found the Canadians in London group. I actually got my pumpkin pie fix. Yay.
I fully understand about moving from your homeland. I retired early and moved from the UK to Spain just before the UK left the EU, I couldn’t afford to do that now post brexit!
Any since relocating I have become wheelchair bound after a fall. Just before Christmas I heard that my mother had died suddenly. At the time I was very ill and although getting back to the UK to be with my family and to attend the funeral wasn’t an option I actually ended up in hospital in Spain 3 days before Christmas. I was utterly miserable and alone in a hospital, my wife visited when it was possible but circumstances didn’t allow frequent visits. Unknowingly I too was close to death when I arrived there and because of the mental strain I was under my recovery was very uncertain.
Obviously I didn’t die, but had to watch my mother’s funeral by video link which made my grieving all the more difficult. In fact i had to change hospitals 2 hours after the funeral!!
I’m still in hospital now but I’m recovering well and hope to home with my wife in our lovely cave house in about a month! The point to my story is that leaving one’s family behind and relocating can be full of uncertainty about the future and twists and turns of fate can result in the most devastating consequences! But you have to be able to accept the possibility of those consequences, hopefully not as unfortunate as my story, but whatever they are be prepared!!
The foreigners taking our jobs line was heard by my daughter from her now obviously ex's Dad. Her pointing out her words "how so?, you've never held down a job and sponged on the dole like forever" that truth bomb put the kibosh on that relationship.
A foreigner, no way, you are a Commonwealth Citizen living in the Motherland, don't let others say different. No different than an Aussie or Caribbean Citizen even a Manxman or Channel Islander and someone from another British Overseas Territory. Britain was made by people from other countries, even the Royal Family is not English going back to 1066. We've had Frenchmen, Dutchmen and Germans on the throne, Charles III and the late Elizabeth II is of Austrian/German and Scottish ancestry. I consider myself an Ex-Pat not an immigrant although have lived in Ireland for 25 years as have never gone for Irish Citizenship as not needed or a Visa as a UK Citizen.
Every immigrant is also an ex-pat
Virtually every country is made from foreigners . Depends how far you wanna go back. As far as I'm concerned if your parents were born in the UK your British .
Everyone from the commonwealth is British by birth or association. British people are proud of our multinational and multiracial relationships with our worldwide connections.
You need to go way back beyond 1066 ...the English are not indigenous to Britain!
I hate the term expat. It's exclusionary and a bit elitist. Look at the Brits who live in Spain. In their minds, they're "expats", but the eastern Europeans and north Africans who drive their buses, clean their houses, do their gardens, etc are just "immigrants".
You provide a lot of insight into our culture, without being too serious. Please continue xx
Congratulations, Alanna! You do Canada & England proud!
Going with your observations about a proper breakfast - it has often been good dietary advice (from a metabolic point of view) to ' Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince, and Dine like a Pauper'.
Your preamble, about people in your life, is absolutely bang on the nail; I wish you all the very best you wish for yourself. I am largely paralysed, housebound, seventy five years old. You have brightened my days (weeks), and I thank you for it. 🤗🙏
Steak and ale pie with mash in a PUB ! with a pint of, you can’t beat it.
I've followed you since very small numbers but didn't know you now have a different partner, you must be doing the privacy thing very well.
I was kind of hoping that a question would pop up about what your parents thought about you moving to England and what they think now. My daughter has now been living in New Zealand for 8 years and she has her own house now (2 years next month). She is a teacher. When we go to visit her we spend a week with her in the school holidays, tour around on our own for 4 weeks and then see her again at the end of the holiday and it works out very well. We fully supported her going out there and we probably thought that she would be back in a few years, however she is settled there and we are happy for her. Every Friday (morning for us and evening for her) we do a video chat for an hour and a half which is good.
Thats so nice. I don't have a regular spot with my folks (I'm Minneapolis, them south wales) but we talk probably every 2-3 weeks at the weekend.
FYI Sadly, Alanna lost her father a couple of years ago. She had returned to Canada to spend time with him and it came as a shock to everyone on the channel, as he can’t have been very old.
Totally agree, privacy=dignity 🙂
I watch you because you started your channel with just you,keeping your family n friends outta the videos is the best way imo
The Butler disclosure was quite the shock. I may need to retire to my drawing room to properly recover.
It is nice to see someone standing up for themselves and sticking to barriers. You are no longer the stranger, we are the strangers and you do not know us anywhere near as much as we know you. So based on that alone keeping all your things private is 100% the right thing to do, never let audience pressure change that. Also good on you for having the thick skin to absorb all of the hate and abuse that probably goes your way and being able to keep that great smile and delivering interesting content.
This was fun and interesting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences :)
Great video Alanna!! Should be longer with more q&as
Great video and congratulations on 8 years, Alanna! Thank you for bringing so much joy every week. I see you're close to 150k - any plans to mark that?
Looking forward to more of your stuff ! Thank you, as ever.
8 years! Congratulations!
I love your content, Alanna! I've been following you for like 5 years I guess. It's so nice seeing how your channel has grown a looot.
Very iteresting video Alanna,love your channel, keep them coming 👍
Great vlog. Thank you for opening up so much. Cant believe we’ve been watching your life for so many years. Its been a pleasure to vicariously live with you, looking forward to the next 8 years😱
You are radiate energy and happiness. I love your vlogs. X
Absolutely loved this video!! I have been watching you for ages on UA-cam and I love your content but this video was even better than your normal excellent content! I really feel like I know you better from this video and it really made me smile 😀 Congrats on 8 years! It feels to me like it has flown by watching you so I imagine it's even more crazy for you?
Not sure if I'm imagining it, but thought your accent briefly changed a few times throughout the vid. Great channel!
As a one-time immigrant to another country I can say you are right that homesickness is long term. I lived 16 years in my adopted country and then needed to come back to UK. I looked forward to being ‘home’. Only suddenly, after getting back, I got homesick all over again. I still miss my adopted country so much! So now I can never feel truly content!
congratulations for 8 years! been watching your channel for a good 3+ years at this point and am greatful for the great videos!
Happy 8 years Alanna, keep up
the quality content.
Congrats on 8 years!
Keep going, I love listening to your stories and the journey you are on. Remain true to yourself, I love your honesty, whether good or bad, you say it as it is.
Good for you on having strong boundaries around your private life. It's something I've long admired about your channel.
I find your videos so useful and upbeat. It would never occur to me to want your personal life spilled out on your channel. You've given me so much to think about living in Britain. Thank you!
I joined your channel when you hadn’t reached 10k yet. You have come a long way. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you a little over the years. Great video !
Congrats Bonnie Lass
Hey Alanna, happy anniversary! We are all very glad to have you and love being party of the community you have made! How long do you have to be on the same visa for indefinite leave to remain?
Nice Alanna 8 years time time is flying by, but so glad your still doing what your doing and your principles.. 😊
Happy 8th year anniversary Alanna and what a very spicy way to celebrate the occasion. 😊
Thanks Alanna, I love your videos. They have given me lots of pleasure over the years and I confess that I have occasionally wondered about aspects of your life here that you, quite rightly do not disclose but I 100% support your approach to that issue.
I'm English and I love hash browns as part of a breakfast, totally agree on that!
Great video Alanna! Very interesting and insightful. Congratulations on your 8 year anniversary :-)
Thank you so much!
Congrats on 8 years! Had my 8 year Canada-versary in April. It's fun seeing how our journeys are almost in tandem (same age, same year we moved) but just going the opposite. Homesickness never goes away but i'm fortunate I get to visit the UK every couple of years to see family (although flight costs are making it trickier). I'd give my past self the exact same advice you did. It shows strength and resilience to do what we did!
I always look forward to Tuesdays, and finding out what you’re offering this week. 8 Years is quite a feat, especially with Covid and Visa traumas. Keep posting
Great video. Good luck to you from a fellow Kent dweller.
Happy 8th Anniversary
Even though , I haven't been with you for the whole 8 years ,
Boy, it's gone fast.
Looking forward to the next 8.
xx
I've just started watching your channel & I find you smart & funny. Keep it up 😊
Great vid Alanna - but you missed the most important of my quessie... which sauce on the Full British (red or brown 😆)
lol, the thing you said about busses happened to me. Was 6am and dark I was an apprentice. Sat on a wall waiting for the bus and it drives straight by. Had to sprint down the high street to catch it at another stop.
I am definitely with you regarding the Marmite. I have watched you for months & I love your honesty!
Just found your channel and I'm loving it. So refreshing that you don't feel pressured to 'share' everything with your viewers, I completely agree personal stuff really is none of our beeswax. My partner is a South African Ex Pat and also had the same issue with the busses, sitting at the bus stop and watching multiple people busses come and go before giving up and walking home. Looking forward to catching up on the back catalogue as well as new content.
Congratulations on 8 years Alannah! With you on the hash browns by the way, but I'll take the mushrooms as well! 😋
Hi Alanna, well done to you for surviving UK plc for the last 8 years! I love the way that you come straight out and say what you think about us here-it is really great to see us how a foreigner does actually see us and our country without pulling any punches. You are undoubtedly an asset to the UK, and I often have a little chuckle to myself with some of the stuff you show about us-it makes us see ourselves as we really are!.
I think that some of these intrusive people have the idea that they somehow "own" the person on the screen in front of them, or maybe their own lives are so shallow that the only way they can find fulfilment is to live their life through someone elses.
"I fought for this life." Beautiful sentiment, sums up how I feel about the life I've built in Canada since moving here.
Recently tripped over your vlog. Enjoyed the content, good that you have clear inclusion exclusion areas. I am happy for you to share what you want and nothing else and hey to have been able to get through recent turbulent UK times and still smile is a real plus.
Alanna you do you. You do you so well. Ignore the creeps. I think you're brilliant x
Interesting video Alanna, totally agree with the steak and ale pie and mash! In a pub with a fire and it raining outside! Yes very comforting.
A bit creepy the screen shot dude! He’s had it now you’ve had your eyes lasered!
I am so glad you are here, you brighten the day up. Breakfast....How do feel about fried bread ?
Hash browns are a must with fried eggs!
Also, please can you tell me where you bought the mug you're holding there? It's really nice. Thanks x
Always good videos. Congratulations 🎉 for been here for 8 years. It’s good that you don’t put family you need keep things private, keep up the great content
Thank you!
Thank you so much! You too. For sharing your English videos.
Have a good Day from Madrid spain ☺👍
Have so much respect for you in having set boundaries and holding on to them.
The people requesting you share more personal information might be simply curious….although that does not give them right to demand you break your boundaries for them.
Also I’m sure there are people who are just creepy and the one you mentioned who took screenshots… well they chilled me to the bone.
I love your channel for exactly what it is.
I would never want you to feel that you are pressured into disclosing your private life. Those who write such emails should be utterly ashamed of themselves.
I saw the hurt and upset on your face when you mentioned the weirdo taking screenshots.
I hope you know there there are far more of us who adore you and even feel a little protective of you. You are cherished and loved by so many.
Big hug . Keep doing what you’re doing❤
Well done for listening too that worm . Great video 🪱
146K and counting can’t be wrong we love you being here you enrich our lives with your outlook on everything 😊
You are not a foreigner , you are our friend from across the pond .
Congrats on your 8th anniversary. Earlier this month, I celebrated my 9th. Canadian here but not in Kent. I am in Essex. Right now I recently applied for British citizenship and just waiting around for it. Sucks to hear that your ILR will be much later. I moved here on the YMS scheme and been here since and I don't see me going back.
HAPPY 8 YEARS MATE 🫡🍻
Go Alanna, I'm British and totally agree. It drives me mad when youtubers feel obliged when they upload 30 secs Late coz their mums just been rushed into hospital. You are not puppets for our amusement.
You get the best cold and wet rainy days and steak & ale pies up north 😂.
I’m with you regarding hash browns in a full English/Welsh Breakfast. However, my favourite ingredient of a breakfast, that is increasingly rare these days, is FRIED BREAD! An absolute must! Have you ever tried fried bread?
Mashing! - tea is "mashed" (especially in Yorkshire to go with Yorkshire tea) or brewed if you are unfortunate enough to live in Lancashire - no-one says "steeping" 😉
I enjoy your videos, so keep up the good work! And don't worry about the difficulty of interpreting British habits and attitudes. Another 30 years and you'll be fine! 🤣🤣🤣
Take care Alanna! Always have time for an AAN vid 🙌
Thanks so much!
The Up North thing was relating to Whitby the home of the UKs best Fish and Chips.
My Cuppa is a Good old Gin & Tonic with a nice English Gin. Lovely. It’s a habit I got into while on a Paragliding trip in India with British friends
I love how you answered the question about why your partner and friends etc don’t appear in your videos!
I Can’t believe people even ask that question! That isn’t what your content is about! so you saying mind your own bees wax was a brilliant response 👏😊
Happy 8th Anniversary in good old blighty!🇬🇧
I do enjoy these uploads.
And may I say she looks even more beautiful now.
All the best to you all and thanks for the entertainment.
ive lived here for over 60 years and also feel like crying most days in the winter
Hey! You said you’d like to do more trying new stuff content. I think that would be totally on theme for the adventures part of A&Naps.