Americans in England: 10 Things That SURPRISED Us About the UK

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  • Опубліковано 18 тра 2024
  • As American travelers, we were surprised by many aspects of the UK during our first visit. In this video, we discuss 10 things that took us by surprise, like not needing a car, narrow roads, public footpaths, and the efficiency of contactless payments and queuing. But the biggest shock? It's something that I can't believe we are so bad at in the US. While many of the surprises were positive, even the ones that we initially felt negative, we've come to appreciate over time.
    Have you noticed these contrasts between the US and the UK? Or have you experienced your own surprises when traveling? And what are some good footpaths we should check out on a future trip to the UK? Let us know in the comments!
    Watch these related videos:
    Reverse Culture Shocks: • How we see the US afte...
    • Why the UK Feels Like ...
    • Americans First Time D...
    • YOU NEED TO VISIT DORS...
    • Cornwall England: Most...
    • Exploring NEWCASTLE UP...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,5 тис.

  • @TheMagicGeekdom
    @TheMagicGeekdom  14 днів тому +56

    Have you noticed these contrasts between the US and the UK? Or have you experienced your own surprises when traveling? And what are some good footpaths we should check out on a future trip to the UK? Let us know in the comments!
    Watch our reverse culture shocks video: ua-cam.com/video/h9nBhnBQhhc/v-deo.html&t
    Why the UK feels like home: ua-cam.com/video/UCSujGdXfJM/v-deo.html&t
    Americans First Time Driving in the UK: ua-cam.com/video/1f6GH9GIEf0/v-deo.html
    Our first time in Dorset: ua-cam.com/video/n2KDqgt-fKM/v-deo.html
    3 days in Cornwall: ua-cam.com/video/zB47qW1g-lw/v-deo.html&t
    Exploring Newcastle: ua-cam.com/video/IBs-rq0EjMk/v-deo.html&t

    • @paulhenman9907
      @paulhenman9907 14 днів тому +14

      When washing your hands in the sink just use a plug,

    • @alisonrodger3360
      @alisonrodger3360 14 днів тому +9

      Check out the Fife Coastal path, lots of lovely harbour villages along the way.

    • @TheMagicGeekdom
      @TheMagicGeekdom  14 днів тому +2

      @@alisonrodger3360 Thanks for the suggestion!

    • @tonys1636
      @tonys1636 14 днів тому +9

      The South West Coast path is a good one to do but allow a minimum of 21 days, 28 or more is advised as over 380 miles from Dorset through South Devon around Cornwall back through North Devon and into Somerset. It's the longest continuous path in England. Passing through many towns and villages worth exploring. Everything from cliff top paths to sandy beaches and rocky coast.

    • @patriciachirgwin3238
      @patriciachirgwin3238 14 днів тому +6

      As someone who was born in Canada but has lived in the U.K. for 37 years, I think your courteous way of dealing with people is why you found people courteous and kind to you. Also, about the taps, sinks in houses built here up until the 1980s regularly had two taps (which I think is crazy), but as loos and kitchens are modernised, people tend to have ‘mixer taps’. Thank goodness I say! Love hearing about your experiences!❤

  • @christineharding4190
    @christineharding4190 14 днів тому +1127

    Many footpaths are not just footpaths, they are 'Public Rights of Way'. Which means that no matter where a public right of way meanders across private land, the rights of the walker are paramount, but the walker is expected to be respectful of the property. Many footpaths are hundreds, and even thousands, of years old and provide links between communities.

    • @TheMagicGeekdom
      @TheMagicGeekdom  14 днів тому +112

      Great point about footpaths being protected public rights of way. Even the long distances paths we have in the US are not set up like this. It's a very unique and amazing thing!

    • @Bob2020...
      @Bob2020... 14 днів тому +73

      Going down a country footpath with live Stock running try keep dogs on a lead farmers don't like it when dogs attack there sheep

    • @alanmon2690
      @alanmon2690 14 днів тому +19

      @@TheMagicGeekdom Most Public Footpaths are unused and ignored except when the land owner (who is responsible for maintaining the footpath) tries to get permission to (re)move it. Then they feel the aggressive ranting of the local PFuser. It cost a local farmer £10000 (in the 1980s) in legal fees and went bankrupt. That foot path was a few yards from the adjacent road.

    • @gillianrimmer7733
      @gillianrimmer7733 14 днів тому +76

      ​@@TheMagicGeekdom, also the landowner has a legal obligation to keep them in good order - mend stiles and gates, and cut down any overgrown plants /trees to keep it accessible.
      We had one that ran through the end of our cottage garden - we just cut our garden a bit shorter and built a low wall to create a nominal barrier to our house - most people respected it, and we didn't get many people walking past : just a few dog walkers . Although it would annoy me when an occasional person wouldn't pick up after their dog. The only real problem we ever had was a woman who let her 2 dogs off their leads and they both ran straight through our open conservatory doors and cornered our terrified cat in the lounge - I was less than gracious with her !

    • @fade.2.black.ffd8ff
      @fade.2.black.ffd8ff 14 днів тому +34

      If a footpath is not used for a certain time duration, think it is 5 or 10 years, it can be declared no longer used, so use it or loose it

  • @eamonquinn5188
    @eamonquinn5188 13 днів тому +522

    In a pub, when they ask who's next, you point to the person who arrived 2 seconds before you.

    • @wallycustard1281
      @wallycustard1281 12 днів тому +10

      It depends on the pub.

    • @stonkr
      @stonkr 12 днів тому +103

      ​@@wallycustard1281 Don't think I'd be happy drinking in a pub that didn't do that.

    • @Warentester
      @Warentester 11 днів тому +9

      ​@@stonkrunfortunately that's most of London's pubs. They increasingly feel like every man for himself.

    • @MsStevieWoo
      @MsStevieWoo 11 днів тому +28

      Pub etiquette goes a long way especially if you end up sharing a table in a busy pub 🤣👌

    • @coffeeguy6673
      @coffeeguy6673 11 днів тому +26

      You do if you are decent.

  • @lindybeige
    @lindybeige 10 днів тому +75

    Yes, footpaths are great! One of the worst things about the USA if you are British is that we never know what something is going to cost. In Britain, The sign says "Three ice creams for £4" and you go in and pay £4 and you get three ice creams - done. In the USA you have to add on some random sales tax, and then there's tipping to worry about, and then they might hit you for some surcharge for eating the ice cream on the premises.

    • @alextilson9741
      @alextilson9741 3 дні тому +7

      For the Americans who read this thinking "not tipping!??!?!" (and I know you're out there), just remember, we actually pay our workers a decent wage, we have service charges, they have very well regulated holiday time, and we have free healthcare.
      Also, huge fan @lindybeige , didn't expect to find you here XD

    • @callum105
      @callum105 День тому

      Hey lindy, big fan of your channel.

  • @nicholasbell9017
    @nicholasbell9017 10 днів тому +217

    My old mate Jed was enjoying an after-work pint in his local pub in the New Forest, UK. A very large American couple came in. The guy asked to see the menu. When it came, he read it for a while, and asked the barmaid " What are these New potatoes? She answered " they're small, early crop potatoes. We grow them in our veg garden round the back. So they're fresh today"
    The American looked around and rolled his eyes upward. He made a large "O" shape with his hands and said:"In the States we have potatoes THIS BIG"...
    Jed turned to him and said quietly, " Around here we grows 'em to fit our mouths!"

    • @Medusa13579
      @Medusa13579 9 днів тому +29

      Quality over quantity wins again 👌 😊

    • @jennyli7749
      @jennyli7749 9 днів тому +4

      🤣🤣🤣

    • @cosmicwoman
      @cosmicwoman 9 днів тому +11

      Sounds like a little Britain skit

    • @user-lr4le4yl5p
      @user-lr4le4yl5p 8 днів тому +3

      😂😂😂😂

    • @fayewhite7541
      @fayewhite7541 8 днів тому +37

      He doesn’t know what he is missing. Small, new potatoes dug straight from the garden and boiled are one of the best things along with fresh yellow beans with lots of butter.

  • @sallysmith9064
    @sallysmith9064 14 днів тому +705

    I think your reception here is a reflection of your behaviour here.

    • @fuhqsideways
      @fuhqsideways 14 днів тому

      Exactly what I thought...these two would be fine. It's the loud, obnoxious, rude yanks we don't like!

    • @rogu3rooster
      @rogu3rooster 14 днів тому +34

      Americans have a sort of reputation for being loud and brash but like they said about waiting for the bill and not wanting to be rude and asking for it they get treated with much more respect as a reflection

    • @timenchanter1983
      @timenchanter1983 13 днів тому +64

      Absolutely, when people talk about dislike of American tourists it's not a blanket dislike of Americans, just the loud, self important people who are used to a culture where the customer is always right and must be treated like they deserve special treatment. Here people are just people and so if you are respectful, they will respect you back.

    • @Dan-B
      @Dan-B 13 днів тому

      Agree, the dislike of people from the U.S. is the dislike of the stereotypical negative attributes of Americans.
      I guess the British equivalent would be the very stereotypical behaviour of Brits oversees being really lairy, drunk, violent, promiscuous, ect, but isn’t a reflection of Brits as a whole, kind of just all of the embarrassing examples of people that a country has to offer, which foreigners often get to see as they leave the biggest impression 😛

    • @francesaggarwal22
      @francesaggarwal22 13 днів тому +22

      American tourists when I was a child (1950's) were perceived as rude and loud because it was only the very rich who could afford to tour the UK in those days, and so we did get a certain kind of entitled person visiting. I remember clearly because I lived in a tourist village, then popular with American tourists, Haworth, the Bronte village. Tourists would pay us children to take them to the Bronte Waterfalls and other such landmarks. They were quite overbearing but paid generously.😅
      My dad was a Yank and he and my mum lived in Philadelphia till I was on the way, when they came to the UK as my Mum was British.My dad found the tourists at the time in England to be quite entitled. The British don't complain about service or food in a restaurant. They remember and tell everyone they know not to go there instead. The early tourists used to get upset about the slightest thing. Cultural differences. Times are changing and as more nice people can afford to travel from the US, this has changed.

  • @paulbromley6687
    @paulbromley6687 13 днів тому +495

    When Madonna lived in the UK her large house had a public footpath running by it and she couldn’t believe that she couldn’t get it rerouted or closed . It was because it was a right of way for so long and couldn’t legally be affected.

    • @mypointofview1111
      @mypointofview1111 13 днів тому

      Can't stand her

    • @jontalbot1
      @jontalbot1 13 днів тому +33

      You can usually get them diverted but rarely is permission given to extinguish a right of way.

    • @Secretorder13
      @Secretorder13 12 днів тому +5

      I've read that comment so many times and I'm starting to think it's fake story..

    • @ivandavies1388
      @ivandavies1388 12 днів тому +63

      ​@@jontalbot1even rerouting a path is not that easy, which is how it should be.

    • @lordcharfield4529
      @lordcharfield4529 12 днів тому +21

      @@Secretorder13It sounds perfectly feasible to me!

  • @BevandEdMusic
    @BevandEdMusic 11 днів тому +79

    Sometimes it's very easy to be annoyed about the place you live, but hearing your kind words about the UK has made me appreciate what we have here. Thank you and I'm glad you enjoyed your stay - hope you come back again soon!

  • @dave1994jones
    @dave1994jones 11 днів тому +39

    As someone who's from the UK, typically restaurants will only bring the bill over without you asking for it only if they are super busy and need the table (normally told before you sit down they need the table back in like 1.5 hours etc) but otherwise the last thing they want to do is make you feel rushed

  • @chockergram
    @chockergram 14 днів тому +425

    In the UK, bringing the bill/check before you ask for it is seen as INCREDIBLY presumptuous.

    • @fuhqsideways
      @fuhqsideways 14 днів тому +66

      Don't think I've ever had someone just bring me the bill...I would feel so pressured to leave...would result in bad review

    • @timenchanter1983
      @timenchanter1983 13 днів тому +27

      Only time I've ever had it happen was at a restaurant that was fully booked and had people waiting outside and they were very apologetic about it, even offering us free dessert to go if we didn't stay for a third course.

    • @hazelmeldrum5860
      @hazelmeldrum5860 13 днів тому +8

      Only if the restaurant is popular and had time slots then I have been asked to pay even then sometimes it has been would you take your coffee in the lounge e

    • @christianx8494
      @christianx8494 13 днів тому +13

      If the waiter/waitress came back each minute and asked if you wanted anything else the message would be clear: order or get out. But otherwise you can sit there even after you have finished your coffee after your desert for a long time.

    • @jasonchamberlin1532
      @jasonchamberlin1532 13 днів тому +9

      Totally right - i would never go back to somewhere that rude!

  • @cloverite
    @cloverite 14 днів тому +364

    I’m not surprised you had a positive reaction in the UK. You are both incredibly respectful, you are some of the few, if not only, American UA-camrs who describe driving in the UK as being on the opposite side of the road instead of the wrong side.

    • @billgaytes6845
      @billgaytes6845 6 днів тому +4

      We drive on the left side of the road... which of course is the right side.

    • @user-ey2gp4rc3z
      @user-ey2gp4rc3z 6 днів тому

      Surprise no English found lmfao

    • @marieparker3822
      @marieparker3822 День тому

      It was Napoleon who made everyone in Europe drive on the wrong side of the road.

    • @globalizemeuk
      @globalizemeuk 5 годин тому

      @@marieparker3822 correct. Because he was left handed and held his sword in that hand. The US being a primarily European colony had to follow Europe.

  • @nerdmaid1240
    @nerdmaid1240 8 днів тому +44

    I think the reason people in the UK haven’t always been to other parts of the UK so much is the close proximity we have to Europe. If you can afford a holiday, it’s often cheaper to get a package holiday to somewhere warm than it is to stay in UK resorts like Cornwall or Dorset.

    • @davidevans3227
      @davidevans3227 7 днів тому +4

      it's so easy to overlook the stuff 'under your nose' isn it..
      sometimes it takes a visitor to point things out.. 🙂

    • @ALifeOfWine
      @ALifeOfWine 4 дні тому +8

      It's not just money but also travel time, I can fly to Barcelona, have lunch and fly back in less time than it takes me to get to Cornwall.
      Which is quite ridiculous now that I'm thinking about it.

    • @jacqueline8559
      @jacqueline8559 2 дні тому +1

      And , when people have so few Holidays, they're precious. Who wants to visit somewhere and be rained on all the time?. We went to Cornwall for 2 weeks and only had 1 dry day. No, sorry. That was our last UK holiday

    • @phylroberts8830
      @phylroberts8830 День тому

      Also the likelihood of rain in the UK is high - you can just never depend on planning a trip and having good weather.

  • @smarr72
    @smarr72 10 днів тому +43

    That's funny that you noticed the toilet/bathroom situation first, that's exactly what I noticed when I first visited the US! I was horrified by the gaps 😂😂

  • @davidmarshall6616
    @davidmarshall6616 14 днів тому +352

    It's not that our roads are too narrow, it's that cars have got way too big. Car parks don't seem to have adjusted their spacings accordingly.

    • @faithlesshound5621
      @faithlesshound5621 13 днів тому +40

      A personal note: I have owned four Volkswagen Golfs, and each has been slightly wider than its predecessor. My garage has remained the same size, so parking has become more difficult. I have to fold the wing mirrors first now.

    • @philiptaylor7902
      @philiptaylor7902 13 днів тому +15

      Here in the Chilterns there are plenty of tiny lanes. Bigger modern cars obviously don’t help.

    • @joc6516
      @joc6516 13 днів тому +6

      No, British roads are narrow. I've lived in other countries around the world and they are especially narrow in the UK. British cars are also quite small compared to those in many other countries.

    • @troglodytestroglodytes220
      @troglodytestroglodytes220 13 днів тому +42

      Unfortunately, where the US leads the UK follows. In this case the unfortunate rise of the SUV. And now pick-up trucks are vehicle of choice for the bell-end. Our roads and car parking spaces are not designed for these oversized vehicles.

    • @CiCodiCadno
      @CiCodiCadno 12 днів тому +9

      To be fair the video did show a single lane road when she said "roads are too narrow". It's intimidating on the best of days as a native, let alone for a foreign who's unfamiliar with them.
      Though in regards to the car parks you're absolutely right - the car park sizes are just fine... For now. We're seeing more and more people buying American style cars which take up far too much space. I hope they'll be banned one day as they can barely fit in regular parking spaces

  • @eamonquinn5188
    @eamonquinn5188 13 днів тому +259

    An absence of arrogance makes a difference in people's attitude to you, you guys are genuine

    • @LordBilliam
      @LordBilliam 11 днів тому +16

      Yeah, some Americans use words like "weird" or "wrong" to describe the differences, these lovely people use "surprising" or "different". I think we Brits are more precise with words, but Americans use tone of voice more to show feeling, so it's also half our fault when we don't get along, haha

    • @DavidLee-yu7yz
      @DavidLee-yu7yz 8 днів тому +4

      @@LordBilliam There is no blame or fault, just differences and i have found Americans mean what they say and are direct and it's us who say things that we do not mean to act on in conversation. Not all but it is something I have noticed among acquaintances and when you accept or thank them, they will ignore you and if pushed they look at you as if you have not played the game but I am direct myself and treat people for their strength of character, but I am Asperger's so in the minority and was told by some people from across the pond, that I would get on well if I lived in the States. At least where they lived as there are many regional differences and ways.

  • @chrissugg968
    @chrissugg968 2 дні тому +10

    The hot/cold tap thing is because traditionally hot water was taken from a heated water tank in the attic. As this would sit around full of warm water for hours at a time, it wasn't safe to drink.
    So the hot and cold were entirely separated so you could drink from the cold tap without contamination. As a kid, it was drilled into me that you should never drink from the hot tap as it would make you sick.
    Nowadays, most hot water is just mains cold water that's run through a heater as and when needed so it's fine, and mixer taps are far more common.

    • @NormyTres
      @NormyTres День тому +1

      I remember that too.

  • @leighwalton8190
    @leighwalton8190 10 днів тому +19

    The serving / waiting service in uk is not rushed because their pay is not dependent on tips. They are paid a reasonable wage. You do not need to tip. Any tips might even be shared among all the waiting staff. Sometimes the bill says 'service charge not included ' but this does not mean that staff are reliant on tips. Also in a pub people can stay for hours with just one or two drinks or a meal because its a 'public house'. So thats why you have to ask for the bill.

  • @tibsie
    @tibsie 13 днів тому +142

    Customer service in the UK is based on the principle that people don't want to be bothered and if they need something they will ask for it.
    We value our independence and having a waiter or shop assistant come over and constantly ask us if we need anything or need help with something, makes us feel like children who can't cope with adult life. The vast majority of us just want to be left alone to do what we need to do, it's why self-checkouts are popular.
    And in the UK you NEVER EVER hand your card to anyone else, except maybe the cashier at the bank. It's one of the most basic security measures alongside not writing down your PIN. You never give it to a waiter for them to take away to process the transaction because you don't know what they are doing with it. You need to enter your PIN anyway, unless it's contactless, so you ALWAYS put it in the machine yourself.
    This lets you inspect the machine for suspicious modifications, confirm the amount is correct, and make sure the transaction only goes through once.

    • @Louisyed
      @Louisyed 8 днів тому +7

      Yes, I hate when shop assistants crowd you as soon as you walk through the door - it makes me so uncomfortable that I usually just leave! Not a good sales technique to use with Brits. I don't like being rushed into a decision.

    • @DavidLee-yu7yz
      @DavidLee-yu7yz 8 днів тому +2

      I concur with your comment but I differ in I detest the self checkout and rather be served by a human in shops and always use cash but card should always be an option.

    • @user-bw5ib8ds1e
      @user-bw5ib8ds1e 7 днів тому +2

      Have a gold star for writing 'PIN' and not 'PIN number'. 😉

  • @Rik77
    @Rik77 12 днів тому +294

    Many land owners would very happily get rid of the paths through their land. But fortunately these paths are ancient before land ownership and are preserved in law, so it's a real treasure in the UK

    • @Anon54387
      @Anon54387 11 днів тому +16

      We've the same here in the USA even though it isn't as common. For instance, here in California there is a row of privately owned houses some miles long (nearly 20 if I recall) but on the other side of those houses a public beach with good surfing. As such, there are right of ways across those house lots to the beach. It annoys some of the owners, but they knew this when purchasing the houses.

    • @richardwebb5317
      @richardwebb5317 10 днів тому +13

      In Scotland we don't have so many rights of way, but have a legal right, subject to behaviour expectations, to walk most places that are not residential or on crops. England feels restrictive to us, so thanks for the reminder to count our blessings. Always good to be reminded of good fortune. Ironically, Madonna would have won her case here.

    • @evzevz06
      @evzevz06 9 днів тому +9

      ​​​​@@richardwebb5317You also have the right to camp wherever you want which doesn't extend to England or Wales.
      The only place ive been where I have seen a restriction on a public right of way was across the border in England. Theres a old path over the sandstone trail and it goes through someones house, the 2 parts of the house are connected by an arch with a big courtyard door in it, which is where the horses used to be kept while people visited the estate, But they make it look locked and try to force people to walk all the way around.
      Don't buy a house with a public footpath running through it,
      if you don't want the public walking through it

    • @evelynmacmillan2485
      @evelynmacmillan2485 9 днів тому +5

      As a Canadian who has for a long time gone to the UK just for the footpaths, I can tell you that sometimes there really is a bull in the field. Fortunately, the one time a bull came roaring down the hill towards us, he was only interested in the cows on the other side of the footpaths. Some farmers would rather not have people crossing their land, possibly as people have not closed gates or have left litter. 😅

    • @DavidLee-yu7yz
      @DavidLee-yu7yz 8 днів тому +8

      @@evelynmacmillan2485 I tend to keep an empty carrier bag on me for when I come across litter which is annoying and disrespectful, the litter not the carrier bag! Take it to the nearest bin on the way.

  • @moggz9949
    @moggz9949 9 днів тому +22

    oh wow! Respect for driving in central London and rural roads on your first visit. That's probably some of the most difficult driving you could do! If you do want to drive more in the UK, you are certainly well prepared for it now :)
    The parking thing, because everywhere is so old and we don't have much space, parking space is at a premium here.

    • @moggz9949
      @moggz9949 9 днів тому +1

      Hot & cold taps. In older UK houses, hot water is not necessarily drinking water and may be from a storage tank in the attic/loft space. the old house I'm in has a single mixer-tap in the kitchen, which means in order to get drinking water, you have to run the tap for a while (wasting water) until it runs cold and you know it's drinkable water coming out. So really, seperate taps make more sense in old buildings unless the hot-water is also definitly potable.

  • @noradinneen1
    @noradinneen1 10 днів тому +45

    You two are delightful! You reap what you sow-you sow positivity, politeness & kindness, thats what you will reap!

  • @andreaconroy3623
    @andreaconroy3623 14 днів тому +236

    We NEVER lose sight of our credit/debit cards here in the UK - no-one would even think of taking them away these days.

    • @stephenwilliams1486
      @stephenwilliams1486 13 днів тому +24

      Absolutely! They can be CLONED! I would never let go of my card. Nowadays it's not really needed. 'Contactless' works in so many places and if it doesn't you can still put your PIN in the machine. Steve

    • @timenchanter1983
      @timenchanter1983 13 днів тому +15

      Many people don't even carry them around these days and just use their phones with Apple Pay or Google Wallet

    • @MarkUKInsects
      @MarkUKInsects 13 днів тому

      I remember working in a retail place is the days when card were just getting popular in the UK, and you needed training to take them, one thing that was drilled into you was that card should never be out of the customer's sight. I hope that is still drummed into people?

    • @heatherfruin5050
      @heatherfruin5050 12 днів тому +3

      Same in Australia.

    • @lizroberts1569
      @lizroberts1569 11 днів тому +6

      I nearly freaked out the first time that happened in the US

  • @darthwiizius
    @darthwiizius 14 днів тому +223

    A tip about footpaths: Stay somewhere outside the big cities and if the weather's nice find a footpath connecting to a nearby settlement a couple of miles away, walk it and grab a pint. It doesn't matter where it is, you'll be walking in footsteps going back thousands of years.

    • @Tali5899
      @Tali5899 12 днів тому

      @darthwiizius.'Settlements'?? As in the British must be colonisers then😱

    • @HoleyMoleyAlex
      @HoleyMoleyAlex 11 днів тому +13

      @@DM-ur8vc A pity that's not so true now, our pubs are really suffering and shutting down now.

    • @1gerard47
      @1gerard47 11 днів тому +10

      ​@@DM-ur8vcthe way back from the pub is the problem 😂🥴

    • @davidevans3227
      @davidevans3227 7 днів тому

      some lovely coastal paths, west wales..
      along the tops..

    • @sitokiaba5404
      @sitokiaba5404 5 годин тому

      @@HoleyMoleyAlex Likely depends on the area. My local town has 4 pubs on the main street alone, all visible to each over. Their pints are £3.50 max, and all are pretty busy most days.

  • @_chrisr_
    @_chrisr_ 10 днів тому +18

    As a brit travelling to US I was shocked when "using the bathroom" at the Empire State Building and the stalls not having even half height doors on them - it is most disconcerting to be able to make eye contact with someone on the other side whilst sat on the toilet! We are pretty good at queuing but not in every situation - e.g. if you travel on the london underground it is usually every man/woman for themself when boarding!

  • @annecaunce
    @annecaunce 11 днів тому +28

    So many Brits moan about our way of life, so it's really interesting to hear your point of view. Personally, I'm proud to be British and love my country. Everywhere has problems, but ours are nothing compared to some countries. As a nation we're very polite and bad manners are one of my big bug bears. If I'm in the supermarket queue with a huge trolley of stuff and the person behind me only has a basket, I always offer to let them go ahead of me, i hold doors open, I say please and thank you always because it's respectful and my kids do the same. And you're right that if someone is friendly towards you, it's because that's who they are and not because they want something. Being nice to people costs nothing and it's surprisingly contagious. You're obviously genuine folk and that's why you've had good experiences. Like attracts like. On the subject of toilets, there's a pub in my local city of Liverpool called The Philharmonic Dining Rooms with the most amazing victorian toilets. People go in there just to use them and take a photo. You should Google them and see what i mean.

    • @rwentfordable
      @rwentfordable 7 днів тому +2

      I love our nation. I've had a ukrainian lady with me over a year and she was so surprised how consistently friendly and polite we are. You don't get this in Europe to the same level.

  • @johnavery3941
    @johnavery3941 14 днів тому +263

    In Scotland we have a law called "the right to roam" you can go pretty much anywhere, you do not need to stick to footpaths.... golden rule is "leave it as you found it"

    • @fuhqsideways
      @fuhqsideways 14 днів тому +21

      Also...wild camping and fires. It's very rare you can wild camp and light a fire in England....whereas Scotland are very cool with it (as long as you respect the area like you mention)

    • @fuhqsideways
      @fuhqsideways 14 днів тому +14

      Was living on border and Scotland side...my friends camped down by a river near me, had a fire etc etc. We went just across border into England and there were so many signs NO CAMPING..NO FIRES..etc etc

    • @Eis_Bear
      @Eis_Bear 14 днів тому +7

      A lot of European countries have something like this, it's a remnant of a time long gone by. But still cool that we retained some aspects of it.

    • @cultfiction3865
      @cultfiction3865 13 днів тому +15

      Exactly I don't know why English are on here bragging about their dinghy footpaths when in Scotland you can walk anywhere at all

    • @charlestaylor3027
      @charlestaylor3027 13 днів тому +12

      @@cultfiction3865 because a footpath in England is the responsibility of the land owner to maintain.

  • @user-gt2ud2gw9e
    @user-gt2ud2gw9e 13 днів тому +142

    In UK, if I'm brought the bill before I've finished eating, my feelings would be "these are very tight people, more interested in the money, than in the quality of the food".

    • @cultfiction3865
      @cultfiction3865 13 днів тому +1

      It does happen here though. Recently I ordered breakfast in a local cafe and they charged me before serving it. This was only a few weeks ago. Then even worse I took a taxi a few days ago and he wanted paying a few minutes after setting off just in case we might arrive there and I get out and do a runner without paying. So both those incidents fly in the face of the claim that we are the ones that ask about the bill. It's not true

    • @Warentester
      @Warentester 11 днів тому

      ​@@cultfiction3865The taxi drivers sometimes offer to close out the fare early, so you're done with the payment upon arrival and can just jump out - especially if you are heading to the airport or train station and you're stuck in traffic. This is, however, a courtesy, not fear of doing a runner.

    • @judiharris8796
      @judiharris8796 11 днів тому

      Unfortunately, many cafes and restaurants are prey to the growing 'dine and dash' culture so need to present the bill early so as to safeguard their business.

    • @LordBilliam
      @LordBilliam 11 днів тому +10

      I tend to deliberately stay as long as possible if they try to rush me off a table by bringing an unrequested bill

    • @maggiecoles5377
      @maggiecoles5377 10 днів тому

      ​@@cultfiction3865there are a lot of eating places where you pay before you eat - cafes, teashops, coffee shops, pubs where you order at the bar etc. I've never been in a restaurant that asks for money before you get your food

  • @MrKapeji
    @MrKapeji 7 днів тому +28

    The Pembrokeshire coast path is probably the most stunning you'll ever walk. So varied.

    • @stephrichards4611
      @stephrichards4611 7 днів тому +1

      The Ceredigion coastal path is my favourite. Huge cliffs

    • @BarryChumbles
      @BarryChumbles 5 днів тому +2

      Definitely. Coast paths generally are lovely, but Pembrokeshire is hard to beat (if the weather is kind).

  • @sarahchatters381
    @sarahchatters381 10 днів тому +14

    I was a little surprised to hear you say the public transport in the UK is good. That's certainly not what most Brits think! 😂

  • @kevingreen8581
    @kevingreen8581 12 днів тому +110

    You are very lovely people. Thank you for praising us Brits and how we do things in the UK. It is nice to hear such positive comments.

    • @BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne
      @BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne 10 днів тому +3

      I strongly suspect they didn't visit Brixton, or Bradford, or anywhere else that is becoming a Muslim area.

    • @fbiain9505
      @fbiain9505 9 днів тому +11

      @@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne Your point being? I was in Brixton most days when I lived in Kennington and also worked in/around Bradford for 15 years without any issues. I suspect your racism is just coming to the fore.

    • @MechanicaMenace
      @MechanicaMenace 8 днів тому

      ​@@fbiain9505yup. Brixton is great and Bradford gets a lot of shit but parts of it get bugger loads of tourists so obviously not all that bad. That idiot probably believes there are really "Sharia law zones" in Bradford...

    • @humblescribe8522
      @humblescribe8522 5 днів тому +1

      ​@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne I strongly suspect you've never visited Brixton. I live about a mile away and it's fine.

  • @richardfurness7556
    @richardfurness7556 13 днів тому +122

    I had a rather surreal experience on a footpath in northern England that crossed a wide stretch of open pasture. About halfway along I stopped to check the map, glanced to my right and saw that several dozen sheep had formed an almost perfect semicircle about thirty yards in diameter with me at the centre. For a moment I felt like I was being worshipped. Later I realised that the lambing season hadn't quite reached its end and that each ewe had instinctively taken up the best position she could find in order to protect her young. Emergence is a fascinating thing.

    • @repletereplete8002
      @repletereplete8002 12 днів тому +25

      I'm from rural northern England and have a great piece of advice. Be very careful walking through a field of cows especially with a dog and more so during calving season. I once got surrounded by a herd of cows and it took me a best part of an hour inching back to the gate praying they wouldn't spook and stampede and crush me flat. Keep your dog on a lead at all times. If it's off the lead around farm animals there's a good chance it'll be shot by a farmer.

    • @hebdenmags
      @hebdenmags 10 днів тому +5

      An issue is taking dogs through a field of livestock. Be very aware that particular cows are very protective of the calves and can be aggressive.

    • @LezDentz
      @LezDentz 10 днів тому +6

      @@repletereplete8002 Better still, you can minimise the chances of cow attack by picking up your dog and carrying it if that is possible

    • @MaryKane-qv5vz
      @MaryKane-qv5vz 10 днів тому

      Highly dangerous if there were cows and their calves. Cows kill in those circumstances. Luckily for you there were only ewes.

    • @stevejrose
      @stevejrose 9 днів тому +2

      If you do get chased by a cow, let your dog off the lead. The cow will chase the dog which is likely to be faster than the cow.

  • @karlstanc4444
    @karlstanc4444 10 днів тому +17

    I lived for 11 years in the UK and it was the best time of my life! Thank you UK!❤

  • @tezscanlan6418
    @tezscanlan6418 3 дні тому +5

    That's what basins and plugs are for, put some hot in the plugged sink, add cold for comfort and wash hands, face ect with the bowl of water infront of you. Yes I've called the sink a basin, bowl and sink... all are aceptable tems to use.
    And who wants to fill a glass of water (to drink) with a mixed tap, its good to know cold water only comes from the single tap.😊
    We do love to spend time with our food and drinks.

  • @mark5444
    @mark5444 13 днів тому +46

    A good walk is Hadrians Wall. You really are walking in the footsteps of history, and the scenery is dramatic and stunning. The section around the Haltwhistle area is easy as there is an old military road that follows the wall so you can find a base, grab a bus and travel for a few miles, get off and walk back to your b and b etc. Vindolanda is a huge Roman Fort and an archaeological gem.

    • @prow9999
      @prow9999 7 днів тому

      Good suggestion !

  • @robertgrimsted877
    @robertgrimsted877 14 днів тому +124

    You both are beautiful people glad you like our country

  • @smoketinytom
    @smoketinytom 2 дні тому +4

    PSA, the narrow roads they talked about, that’s in the countryside beyond the towns and villages and usually are for low traffic routes. When I mean low traffic, it’s because the A and B roads are faster to drive on despite more people as well as a short time to destination.

  • @whiteshiftracing
    @whiteshiftracing 10 днів тому +10

    If I was an American visiting the UK, I would avoid London.
    Try Bath, Chester, York for nice picturesque cities.
    The lakes or the Pennines for scenic views but for majestic views, Snowdonia National Park is a must
    Edinburgh in Scotland
    Anywhere but London!

  • @graham9881
    @graham9881 12 днів тому +75

    I think sometimes people in Britain do not appreciate what they take for granted, thank you for the reminder.

    • @lizzy-wx4rx
      @lizzy-wx4rx 10 днів тому +7

      Having lived in both places, a lot of the differences they are describing boils down to the UK being more public minded and the US more individualistic. There's an almost palpable feeling of being part of the web of a society in the UK that simply does not exist in the US, where you are just a floating atom bouncing around among other atoms.

    • @stretfordender11
      @stretfordender11 6 днів тому

      Agreed. Especially the youngsters of today

  • @user-bz6bz2yy3w
    @user-bz6bz2yy3w 14 днів тому +88

    When our US family came over from Michigan, we visited Gent ( Belgium) and the medivial (11th century) castle. They were amazed that the walls were not secured. You could fall off and drop a few meters. My brother answered that we generally don't fall off and if you do then you learn about evolution the hard way.

    • @LilyGazou
      @LilyGazou 14 днів тому +15

      Too many lawyers in the US, too many people looking to sue. That’s why every place has warning signs.

    • @joc6516
      @joc6516 13 днів тому +9

      Yet Brits constantly fall from balconies in hotels in Spain. It's sort of a norm there when staff hear someone has fallen from a balcony they always nod to each other and know it's going to be a Brit. We really need to learn some of that castle evolution and transfer it to modern buildings.

    • @markhepworth
      @markhepworth 12 днів тому +19

      @@joc6516That is because they engage in the very dangerous game of drunken balcony climbing..NOT because they just happened to fall off the balcony..🤦‍♂️🤡😆

    • @masada2828
      @masada2828 11 днів тому +2

      Do u mean, gravity.

    • @joannagodfrey5111
      @joannagodfrey5111 10 днів тому +4

      @@masada2828 not a good thing when mixed with copious amounts of alcohol

  • @rogerhigman7568
    @rogerhigman7568 11 днів тому +13

    What a lovely couple! ❤❤❤ . It's so nice that they reacted positively to the things that surprised them. I can't help feeling that they were so well received because they are so likeable - and that they'd probably be well-received wherever they went.

    • @hogwashmcturnip8930
      @hogwashmcturnip8930 10 днів тому +1

      I clicked on this with some trepidation, as most of the "Yanks in the UK," vlogs have been everything that gets Americans disliked" But this couple are wonderful. It is Their manners and willingness to accept and learn about a different culture that got them received. it works for all nations anywhere. I live in Spain and the behaviour of some Brits here is appalling. It makes me ashamed and dislike my nation. I have been asked more than once "Are you Sure you are English? You are nothing like Them! You are one of us!" I feel that this couple would get that same reaction in the UK. It´s a pity that some people don´t grasp that how they behave to their hosts is seen as an example of what their nation is like, and if you behave like a dork, your nation will be seen that way. Even by people who have never met an American or British person before. Because all they have heard are the horror stories. If a Yank is loud, rude and ignorant in London, it filters down to some little town in the Midlands. If Brits get drunk and rampage around Benidorm, that gets back to a tiny village of 93 people in Extremadura. It is the bad behaviour that gets talked about and creates the National image.

  • @user-lc1wk5dh5h
    @user-lc1wk5dh5h 10 днів тому +4

    Thank you for this. A lot of the things you mention are so taken for granted here. Your observations are very welcome .

  • @antonymash9586
    @antonymash9586 14 днів тому +112

    Walking in a field with cows with calf. When you have a dog with you. That can be a little risky. Cows are big animals, and they are protective of their young.

    • @mypointofview1111
      @mypointofview1111 13 днів тому +9

      The same can be said of any creature with young ones.
      The main thing is when you go across fields on a footpath with your dog keep the dog on lead. It's your dog, your responsibility to keep it under control. Farmers are tolerant of ramblers but a dog that's not on a lead and bothering sheep, cows etc can be shot legally by the farmer as the dog will be deemed to be a nuisance. Just something to be aware of

    • @robertwhite3503
      @robertwhite3503 13 днів тому +10

      Yes, several people died each year. Often it is the dog that is seen as dangerous by cattle. Dogs can usually outrun cattle. People cannot.

    • @tefalhead7396
      @tefalhead7396 13 днів тому +10

      Even without a dog. I've had a couple of close calls

    • @edf6607
      @edf6607 13 днів тому +14

      Cows are incredibly protective of their calves and round our way many farmers put signs up at calving time to warn of this. They do see dogs as more of a threat than humans but even so I would give them a very wide berth even without a dog because you never know. I have seen signs telling you always to keep your dog on a lead but unleash it if you get chased by cattle

    • @chrisstone8210
      @chrisstone8210 12 днів тому +4

      @@robertwhite3503 Which is why it's better NOT to have dog on lead when in with cows and calf, or at least, let go of the lead if the cattle approach. They are more likely to go after the dog!

  • @andreaconroy3623
    @andreaconroy3623 14 днів тому +89

    Yep, it's rude to give the bill before asking for it.

    • @wessexdruid7598
      @wessexdruid7598 13 днів тому +14

      It gives the impression that you're being pushed out. Which, in the US, is the desired intent. In the UK, that's seen as very inhospitable.

    • @cultfiction3865
      @cultfiction3865 13 днів тому +2

      In my experience in UK we are often asked to pay when we make the order so there is no asking for the bill. They want payment as soon as we have ordered

    • @denverspin
      @denverspin 13 днів тому +1

      In busy touristic areas, yes, they may ask for payment as you order. Just so no one walks off with a free meal, either accidentally or on purpose.

    • @garysmith4425
      @garysmith4425 13 днів тому +2

      You ask for the bill when you're all done and ready to leave ...it takes the rush out of the eating out experience and is much more civilized.

    • @mothturtle7897
      @mothturtle7897 11 днів тому +4

      ​@@cultfiction3865that's normal in a pub but unusual for a restaurant

  • @V8Adam
    @V8Adam 10 днів тому +3

    English lad here. Loved your video!
    1. You are both really respectful, diplomatic and informative.
    2. Really interesting hearing your perspective.
    3. The bathroom difference is apparently to do with emergency access. In the UK we have a different emergency access route so we enclosed stalls more.
    4. I hope you come back to the UK sometime as you’re very welcome here 💖

  • @benmunn7481
    @benmunn7481 3 дні тому +2

    If you want a really beautiful footpath to walk, the south downs way in east sussex is one of my faves from my travels around the uk. It starts either in winchester or in eastbourne at takes ~8 days to walk the whole trail with campsites, hotels and hostels along the path at many small villages and towns. Even just walking a small section of it gives a great impression of the beauty of the english south east. It may not be comparable to cornwall (the best countryside paths ever imo) but it does provide a nice week of trekking across a national park with many activities and interesting sights on the way.

  • @amfwelsh
    @amfwelsh 14 днів тому +112

    As a frequent traveler to the US from the UK I love most Americans. Soon as they hear a British accent they want to talk to you. I love conversations starting that way.

    • @mikesaunders4775
      @mikesaunders4775 13 днів тому +5

      Every time I have been there I have been mistaken for an Australian (I'm a south Londoner).They seemed disappointed when I revealed my true nationality.

    • @markhepworth
      @markhepworth 12 днів тому +7

      @@mikesaunders4775Same,most Americans think an English accent is something from downtown abbey 🤦‍♂️😂

    • @danganbeg7225
      @danganbeg7225 12 днів тому +4

      They ADORE an Irish accent

    • @repletereplete8002
      @repletereplete8002 12 днів тому

      @@mikesaunders4775 Had that loads too and I'm from Yorkshire. I'd have to really slow down talking and still they'd struggle.

    • @lindabrown8421
      @lindabrown8421 10 днів тому +1

      @@markhepworth Downtown? LOL!

  • @Ben77cr
    @Ben77cr 14 днів тому +48

    History lesson for footpaths, there is a blue plaque on Flixton House: The plaque commemorates a famous court victory by Flixton residents who successfully stopped Squire Ralph Wright from closing Bottoms Footpath in 1827.
    The case marked the culmination of several years of campaigning by villagers opposed to local magistrate and land owner Mr Wright’s decision to block up footpaths across his land. In 1826, the ‘Flixton Footpath Battle’, as it was known, resulted in the formation of the ‘Manchester Society for the Preservation of Ancient Footpaths’: one of the earliest examples of a society of this type. The court case made the national press and was a watershed moment in the history of rights of way campaigners in the UK.

    • @LoremIpsum1970
      @LoremIpsum1970 12 днів тому +1

      You also had the protests in the Lake District that led to roaming rights...bet Windermere with 300k people per day wishes it was otherwise...

    • @astronomenov99
      @astronomenov99 9 днів тому

      @@LoremIpsum1970 If other places were opened up to access, would that not spread the visitors about a bit thinner? I'm in Aberdeenshire though and when I go mountain biking at my local 'trail centre' I see about 10 other people on a weekend day and midweek less than 5. And that's on a 3 hour ride.

  • @peterdowsett1462
    @peterdowsett1462 7 днів тому +1

    Glad you both had a good experience here in the UK. Good video and it makes us more grateful for the good things we have in the UK. On the whole we love to queue in an orderly fashion.

  • @MarkCW
    @MarkCW 10 днів тому +4

    Thank you for saying such nice things about the UK. You are a great couple. I have been to the US 4 times and will like to go again. The thing that surprised me about the US was how large it is (the size of Europe) and how different the states are, North vs South and West vs East.

  • @Brookspirit
    @Brookspirit 14 днів тому +99

    Have you thought of renting a Canal boat in the UK, they go through pretty countryside and you can walk next to it as you go along, jump back on when you get tired.

    • @wessexdruid7598
      @wessexdruid7598 13 днів тому +7

      Excellent idea. You might not go very far - but you will experience a very different pace to life.

    • @denverspin
      @denverspin 13 днів тому +4

      Or ride bicycle.

    • @LoremIpsum1970
      @LoremIpsum1970 12 днів тому +1

      The Cheshire Ring is an idea, in good weather...

    • @debsb2017
      @debsb2017 11 днів тому +2

      A canal boat trip is an excellent idea. I think you'd love it.

    • @prow9999
      @prow9999 7 днів тому

      I've just made the same suggestion.

  • @rosfow
    @rosfow 13 днів тому +20

    When you eat a meal in the UK, or Europe generally, its considered rude to rush you out after you finish. Its totally normal for people to continue drinking and talking long after the meal is finished. They dont necessarily expect to get more that one or two seatings out of a table. No tip culture so no pressure to leave.

  • @icydee1
    @icydee1 10 днів тому +4

    I went to America about 50 years ago. What struck me was that people looked at me strangely because I dared to walk through their housing estate!
    I would worry about going to America again, going for a walk (on someone's property) and getting shot for trespass!

  • @michaeljames7186
    @michaeljames7186 9 годин тому

    thankyou, always good to hear a positive view of the UK

  • @alecquail9275
    @alecquail9275 13 днів тому +26

    I think that you had a largely positive experience in Britain because you are both very open and accept that things are different when abroad. Too many travellers - not just Americans - focus on how uncomfortable they are when it’s “not like it is back home” even though new experiences are at the heart of why we travel. You guys just go for it which is refreshing and helps me see my country in a new light.
    I hope we get to welcome you back before too long.

  • @pogleswife7572
    @pogleswife7572 13 днів тому +69

    We love our footpaths. I went to walk on a couple of footpaths which go around 2 fields and the owner had ploughed right up to the hedgerow making it very hard to walk across. I went onto the local councils website and there was a page especially for reporting problems with footpaths. After a few days I was called by the council to say they'd contacted the owner and given them 2 weeks to restore the footpath to make it useable. Brilliant.

    • @NickNick-tp5cr
      @NickNick-tp5cr 13 днів тому +4

      @emiliefreakinbrown1812
      Great, because you wanting to walk somewhere is far more important than the farmer doing their job.
      Terrible, just terrible.

    • @TheDaern
      @TheDaern 13 днів тому +25

      ​@@NickNick-tp5crActually, in an entirely legal sense it *is* more important. The farmer made an error and will have had to put it right, even if it means some minimal loss to his usable arable land (which they should never have used in the first place). They will also have an awareness of this for next time when they hopefully won't do it again.
      Rights of way only remain rights of way of they are used and defended. IME most farmers know and understand this and live very happily alongside these rights of way without any problem at all.

    • @martintemplot6765
      @martintemplot6765 12 днів тому +20

      @@NickNick-tp5cr The right of way existed before the farmer purchased the land, and he did so knowing that and the legal obligation to maintain it. The right of way will continue to exist after he sells it. You can't actually "own" a part of planet Earth. The law gives you temporary use of it, but there is only one planet, it belongs to and is home to every one of us. Now and for ever.

    • @SarahBakewell-pq7pb
      @SarahBakewell-pq7pb 11 днів тому +6

      It is sometimes to the farmer’s benefit to have responsible walkers crossing their land. Walkers occasionally find problems that need the farmers attention eg; a sheep stuck on it’s back with its legs in the air! Found out who owned the land from the nearest house who was very grateful.

    • @lindaj5492
      @lindaj5492 9 днів тому +3

      @@NickNick-tp5crFarmer was breaking the law and thought he’d get away with it. Fieldpath Society often organises walks to check on condition of rights of way.

  • @jayveebloggs9057
    @jayveebloggs9057 9 днів тому +1

    Thanks for mentioning Newcastle - love your observations

  • @coffeeguy6673
    @coffeeguy6673 11 днів тому +1

    You guys are so pleasant and always welcome here in the UK. Interesting to see the differences between our two countries.

  • @katydaniels481
    @katydaniels481 14 днів тому +82

    I would say that footpaths are mostly not disrespected and we consider them very precious. I would also say that in England and Wales we are very envious of Scotland's right to roam 😊

    • @theotherside8258
      @theotherside8258 14 днів тому +9

      In England we do have some access rights beyond the Public pathways too but where i live the network of public right of ways is so extensive and dense i don't see a need to access rights on the scale of Scotland's.

    • @stephenlee5929
      @stephenlee5929 14 днів тому +6

      Yes, English here, I'm jealous.

    • @katydaniels481
      @katydaniels481 14 днів тому

      @@theotherside8258 Yes, that is a very good point. The difference between where I live, and my parents in a more rural area is quite big 😀

    • @johnavery3941
      @johnavery3941 14 днів тому +8

      Yes Katy, I am from Scotland and had a friend up from Jersey and she said would it not be great if we could climb up that hill, I said "lets go"...she said "won't the landowner be upset us walking over their land".. I said "I doubt it, as long as we treat their land, animals etc with respect they do not care" .... she was amazed lol

    • @Bleugdnskslshna
      @Bleugdnskslshna 14 днів тому +2

      @@johnavery3941 I’m only just learning this is a Scotland specific thing! I’m Cornish mind so probably on a bit of a different planet to further north aha

  • @wolfen210959
    @wolfen210959 14 днів тому +78

    Regarding the level of service in bars or restaurants, I believe the difference is because service staff in the UK are guaranteed a liveable wage, unlike in the US where service staff rely on tips as the main portion of their wage, hence their sometimes overzealous attention.

    • @T3sh1k
      @T3sh1k 13 днів тому +18

      I fully agree with this. Service staff in the US are actively chasing tips, where as in the UK a tip is seen more as a bonus not a necesity.

    • @briecheezy4119
      @briecheezy4119 12 днів тому +4

      And what is the expected amount in the US for a tip. Is it around 30 per cent? Any lower and you get raised eyebrows or did I get that wrong? It was ten years ago now that I was a Brit driving around in the US on hols but tipping always made me nervous in case I came across tight.

    • @holdmyhand2009
      @holdmyhand2009 12 днів тому +8

      @@T3sh1k yeah, i got quite offended on my visit to America, that i was expected to pay their wages. it's a disgrace when the company is clearly making a fortune.

    • @ceejay0137
      @ceejay0137 11 днів тому +7

      Yes, being asked every 5 minutes during the meal whether everything is OK can be really annoying and intrusive. The server is angling for a tip by being attentive but it does come across as fake concern.

    • @gordonsmith8899
      @gordonsmith8899 9 днів тому +4

      What Americans refer to as 'good service' is in fact some poor, underpaid soul trying his/her damnedest to get the customer fed and out as quickly as possible.
      A Canadian cousin visited my family some little while ago and together we visited a friend living in France. On one of our earliest days out we stopped
      at a cafe - we ordered, ate and drank and sat and chatted. I noticed my cousin kept looking at her watch - she was clearly uncomfortable.
      On asking her why she was looking so anxious she said she was expecting the waiter to come over to ask us to leave.

  • @Whimsy_Pose
    @Whimsy_Pose 3 дні тому +1

    I remember the first time I saw a shower I was a pre teen, in Australia. Previously lived in Germany and England. Baths was the go usually on the weekend when hair was washed. The rest was a basin wash with a face washer, saved on time and water. Which I really appreciate now that my teens take half hr showers 😮

  • @Done-737
    @Done-737 8 днів тому

    Great to hear your experience thankyou...😊

  • @TheAultimusPrime
    @TheAultimusPrime 13 днів тому +34

    Queuing is our national sport

    • @danganbeg7225
      @danganbeg7225 12 днів тому

      I was first in the queue for a bus in Spain. A crowd of brits formed a queue behind me. Until the bus arrived - then they turned into animals , elbowing past me. I was last to board

    • @TheAultimusPrime
      @TheAultimusPrime 12 днів тому +2

      @@danganbeg7225 shameful display

    • @klaxoncow
      @klaxoncow 9 днів тому +1

      Queuing is our national religion!

  • @chippydogwoofwoof
    @chippydogwoofwoof 14 днів тому +70

    The fact that you was treated well doesn't surprise me in my experience people are generally treated how they deserve to be treated and of course you both deserve nothing but the best.

    • @cultfiction3865
      @cultfiction3865 13 днів тому +4

      Doesn't everybody deserve good treatment? Even by treating seemingly unpleasant individuals well we might cause them to think about their own behavior. But by treating them with contempt all we will do is reinforce their own oppositional attitude

    • @annother3350
      @annother3350 13 днів тому

      @@cultfiction3865 You dont have to pander to imbeciles and bad attitudes though

  • @smarr72
    @smarr72 10 днів тому +1

    You guys seem so sweet 😊 So pleased you enjoyed your time here!

  • @ldavid2528
    @ldavid2528 11 днів тому

    Footpaths through fields of cows can be entertaining- to simultaneously make sure you don't step in something whilst also checking the horizon for the inevitable stampede of curious cows towards you is a constant challenge.
    Thanks for a lovely video and being so kind and giving such thought to your words. It's interesting to hear different views on home, and I hope you come back and enjoy a pint or several down the pub. X

  • @stevieinselby
    @stevieinselby 14 днів тому +49

    The public footpath network is definitely one of the very best things about the UK, the fact that everyone has local paths that they can go out and walk on close to home, even if they don't all have dramatic scenery just being out in nature is so good for physical and mental health. I'm booked to do the Coast to Coast next year, and really looking forward to it!
    If you want something a bit shorter and easier to get started, the West Highland Way (Glasgow to Fort William) is fantastic, that's about 8 days walking, so about half the distance of the Coast to Coast. Other great options include the Dales Way (Yorkshire to the Lake District) and Hadrians Wall. On a lot of the more popular trails, you can get tour companies that will organise your accommodation and transport your luggage from one night's accommodation to the next so that you only need to carry a day pack with you, which I would definitely recommend doing.

  • @christianx8494
    @christianx8494 13 днів тому +39

    Lots of older British houses have a hot water tank/heater under their roofs from where the water simply falls down by gravity. That means the hot water has a lower pressure than the cold water that flows directly from the net to the tap. This different pressure makes mixing taps useless. The higher pressure in the cold water pipe would simply pump the hot water back into its tank and not mix with it.

    • @davidevans3227
      @davidevans3227 7 днів тому +1

      our mixer tap didn't mix, hotter one side, colder the other
      so we've gone back to using the sink 🙂 lol..

  • @Sharon_Mc
    @Sharon_Mc 11 днів тому +3

    🇬🇧 Robin Hood's Bay.
    Behind the road leading down the sea, there are tiny footpaths through all the little cottages. SO so pretty.

  • @joanmyers5148
    @joanmyers5148 10 днів тому

    So pleased you had a good experience ,visiting the UK , enjoyed your video,

  • @richt71
    @richt71 14 днів тому +27

    Great video guys. I think the UK is more aligned to Europe for very leisurely meals!
    Queuing is taught as a child and explained that it's very bad manners to jump or push in!
    Here's a funny story for you guys. I met a business associate travelling to London for the first time from the US. We went to a local pub and I explained to order at the bar. Which she did. But after she sat down with our drinks the bar lady came across to say she left her £2 change from her £8 drinks order. She tried to explain it was a tip! I said no tip to bar staff especially on a drinks order was needed or expected!! 😄

  • @user-cj6fn1iu9m
    @user-cj6fn1iu9m 14 днів тому +40

    You were asking about footpaths? There is a hiking trail in southwest England called "The Cotswold Way". This is considered one of the prettiest trails in England which stretches 102 miles from Chipping Camden to Bath. If you Google it there are companies which organise hikes along the Way including baggage transfers and pre-booked accommodation in pubs and guest houses along the route. A more adventurous hike is called "The Pennine Way". The Pennine Way National Trail is a 268 mile (431 km) walking route from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. It crosses some of the finest upland landscapes in England, from the Peak District, through the Yorkshire Dales, across the North Pennines and over Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland to the Cheviots. All the trails in UK can be catered to by Holiday companies if you want to check them out! Hope you come back soon, you'll always be welcome! 🥰

    • @LilyGazou
      @LilyGazou 14 днів тому +2

      These would be my dream to hike. Meanwhile I just do parts of the Pacific Crest Trail.

    • @user-eu7lb3rl3t
      @user-eu7lb3rl3t 14 днів тому

      You might find this interesting - a young American couple walking the Cotswold Way. ua-cam.com/video/lzaAAnVN65Q/v-deo.html

    • @user-cj6fn1iu9m
      @user-cj6fn1iu9m 13 днів тому +1

      @@LilyGazou Ah! A kindred spirt! Hope you realise your dream! 😁😁😁

    • @kalonymos
      @kalonymos 10 днів тому

      Thanks for mentioning that. There are many companies thar arrange hikes that range from one day to ten and sometimes even more. You can start small and work your way up.

  • @rebecca57558
    @rebecca57558 День тому

    As an British-American woman currently living in the UK, the footpaths are one of my favourite things about this country. If you're looking for something like the Coast Path but a bit less of a commitment, you should check out the other National Trails/Great Trails! Quite a few of them are under 100 miles, and they're in all different parts of the country. There are also a lot of shorter walks (like a few days of walking) which would be a good introduction to long-distance walking here. And the great thing about the UK is that you don't need to pick a wilderness/camping-type trail if you don't want -- you can easily find one where you'll go through cute little villages and can stay in inns/B&Bs every night, and have all your meals at pubs or cafes if you want -- so it's a much less intense activity than hiking in the US usually is, which makes it much more accessible to people just starting out 😊

  • @davidlockwood9192
    @davidlockwood9192 11 днів тому

    so glad that you enjoyed your first trip to the UK. All good points and having spent many happy trips visit the USA I can relate too! Biggest shock when visiitng The States was how hard it was to often walk around a city to explore -you def need a car especially if its somewhere like Houston or LA! But yes the bathroom stalls was the biggest shock, even in office buildings when I have been working there. Got your self a new subscriber here!

  • @Glassy1979
    @Glassy1979 14 днів тому +47

    Totally agree with the toilet comment. As a Brit, it amazed me how few places in the US have a proper door
    Can I also say again. Thank you so much for all your videos. I hope you come back to UK again soon

    • @Anon54387
      @Anon54387 11 днів тому +1

      There was a problem with, ahem, people getting up to things they shouldn't be in public restrooms so the door doesn't go all the way to the floor. Yet another case of a few weirdos ruining things for the rest of us.

    • @ceejay0137
      @ceejay0137 11 днів тому +1

      In US toilet cubicles the toilet itself and the cubicle dividers are all supported off the main wall, which makes it much easier to clean the floor because there are no obstructions. However, even with that type of construction it would be easy to make the door wider so there was no gap to see through. I definitely prefer the British type, though!

  • @cketts8128
    @cketts8128 14 днів тому +44

    When my family and I went to the States a few years ago we noticed: toilet doors hiding nothing, fear of tipping incorrectly, every room was huge, the amount of land in the middle of the highways which you could build a housing estate on, lack of vegetables with a meal, wonderful air conditioning, great service, lots of trucks and not many cars, employees pledging allegiance before starting work, lots of appreciation for the armed services, and lastly being continually asked if we were Australian! 😂🇬🇧🇬🇧💚🧡

    • @Rearda
      @Rearda 13 днів тому

      Employees pledging allegiance before starting work? 😳 I thought the indoctrination ended when they left high school.

    • @megbond
      @megbond 12 днів тому +5

      That's funny. When I went to the US, I was continually asked if I was English. I'm Australian!

    • @annbeth6730
      @annbeth6730 12 днів тому +1

      @@megbondthe irony

    • @nimbinguy
      @nimbinguy 11 днів тому +1

      I’m an Aussie, when I went too Britain was constantly asked if I was a New Zealander(Kiwi)

    • @forgingstrength6119
      @forgingstrength6119 10 днів тому +1

      Where were you eating where you couldn't get veggies with a meal? That's just not a thing unless you are eating fast food all the time, and even there, there are often options with veggies. Most places you can get a side salad, or broccoli, or green beans, or turnip greens, etc. Usually you have a choice of side, and there's usually vegetable options in with others.

  • @davidb1038
    @davidb1038 11 днів тому

    Greetings from the UK, ive just come across your channel and subscribed as I have found it and you very pleasant and interesting keep up the good work 😊

  • @anthonyflury3979
    @anthonyflury3979 День тому

    The hot and cold taps originated in the late victorian era when each house had to have at least one tap connected directly to the cold water mains, and many older houses didn't have any warm water at all. When houses started to get warm water boilers etc, they tended to be plumbed entirely separately to the legally protected cold water systems. Even now buildings that have mixers taps in all sinks in the property will have at least one tap connected directly to the cold water mains - probably hidden away in a cupboard.

  • @BrianParkes
    @BrianParkes 13 днів тому +13

    As a Brit I never really appreciated footpaths until I went to America. we went to Florida and stayed a couple of miles away from the parks thinking we could walk in, the quickly realised this wasn't possible!
    The town I grew up in was designed so that you could walk between all the main points without crossing a road.
    Where I live now we have a lot of military training areas and they open it to the public so you can be walking your dog and come across a group of soldiers patrolling or doing blank firing exercises.

  • @sandrapearson728
    @sandrapearson728 12 днів тому +23

    I suspect the reason you find car parking difficult is the same as we do, cars have got so much wider but car parks haven’t kept up. It’s really interesting that you think our public transport is good, generally we don’t, compared with other countries. I suspect bigger towns and cities are better served than our rural areas, certainly our village bus service is very poor. Footpaths are great, and the organisations that keep them maintained are much appreciated. Thank you for your positive responses.

    • @Ellie-rx3jt
      @Ellie-rx3jt 9 днів тому +1

      I think of our public transport in a small Kentish town as abysmal, but then I think back to living in a small town in Missouri for ten months and realise where they're coming from. Our public transport runs at bad times, theirs doesn't exist (in certain locations).

    • @scottstevens4633
      @scottstevens4633 8 днів тому +1

      Modern cars are 'too' big. I saw a 1972 lancia fulvia the other day. Gorgeous car. On the road between two modern motors it looked liliputian

    • @nlwilson4892
      @nlwilson4892 8 днів тому

      Generally the bigger towns and cities have pretty good public transport and more rural areas don't have any, or a bus in and out on a Saturday or something that is often cancelled or late.

    • @sharnadixon-scott710
      @sharnadixon-scott710 5 днів тому

      Compared with other countries UK public transport is brilliant in certain areas in the north of England even the smaller villages it's pretty well served. In highlands of Scotland it's a few buses a week

  • @johngarner713
    @johngarner713 10 днів тому

    So pleased you had a good experience in the UK. Hope you come again.

  • @Mean-bj8wp
    @Mean-bj8wp 10 днів тому +4

    We don't like to be pestered by staff while eating out we are there the chill while eating. The trick is when you see staff make eye contact even even wave to get their attention.

  • @grapesodatravels
    @grapesodatravels 13 днів тому +24

    You reaped the kind behaviour you sowed through your own positivity and respectfulness!
    Haha at the loo cubicles! We're in NYC later this year so we will compare and contrast!

    • @_M_K._
      @_M_K._ 11 днів тому

      Please don't think New York City is like the rest of the USA. NY is more grungy than most other parts.

  • @Yates000014806
    @Yates000014806 13 днів тому +11

    I’m British. Your opinions are accurate. You seem like really nice people and I hope you enjoyed your travels. It’s great you’ve visited places outside of london

  • @elelegidosf9707
    @elelegidosf9707 10 днів тому

    The reason for separate taps is that, in years gone by, UK plumbing systems used vented hot water tanks, meaning that the hot water came out of the taps at a lower pressure than the cold water. This pressure difference precluded the use of mixer taps.

  • @mrfitz96
    @mrfitz96 9 днів тому +2

    I can highly recommend walking Wainwright's Coast to Coast route. Just give yourselves plenty of time over 2 weeks or more, e.g. 10 to 13 miles a day. Overall, a slower pace is better. After a week walking you start seeing and experiencing the landscape in a different way. It kinda feels like a medieval pilgrimage, with other people and groups all headed towards the same destination.

  • @kendee4421
    @kendee4421 12 днів тому +15

    Lots of visitors don't realise Britain has a national bus service.
    National Express coaches travel from Victoria in London all over Britain, with presence in most major cities.
    They also pick up and drop off at airports.
    If you book in advance, fares can be incredibly cheap! London to Bath or Weymouth for example for £10 to £20 return etc. Much cheaper than rail fare.
    See the countryside in comfort. Much better than hiring a car.
    They are 'Express', so stops are limited.
    Air conditioned, leather seats, WiFi and on board toilet.
    NB more than one suitcase per person need a small extra payment. Make sure you read the luggage T&Cs
    They also operate the Flixbus service that will take you into Europe for low prices if booked in advance.

    • @lindaj5492
      @lindaj5492 9 днів тому +1

      But be aware that they are private companies: there are very few publicly-owned bus companies.

    • @avancalledrupert5130
      @avancalledrupert5130 6 днів тому

      If you are over 6 feet tall you can't use them. You cant physically fit in the seats . I went from Newquay to Heathrow on one once. Took me 3 weeks for my back to recover from being all twisted up .

  • @pgstravels
    @pgstravels 13 днів тому +22

    Next time you come. 100% do the costal path in Cornwall. (not all of it, it's pretty long) but it will link some pretty cool towns & you get some amazing views of the coast. You can do walks that take 2-3 hours, find a pub, have a pint, then walk back. or some take 8-9 hours where you book accommodation in advance and stay the night.

    • @leftmono1016
      @leftmono1016 8 днів тому +2

      Avoid school holidays though if possible. Cornwall is beautiful but it does get very busy.

    • @nerdmaid1240
      @nerdmaid1240 8 днів тому

      Yes - I live in Cornwall and I came here to say the same thing. It’s very walkable and very beautiful on the coastal path.

    • @chefscreations
      @chefscreations 7 днів тому

      Another +1 for the South West Coast Path.
      Choose your poison though, it's 630 miles long!
      Personally, the further west you go, the better it gets,

    • @smiffy8364
      @smiffy8364 7 днів тому

      The Camel trail in Cornwall is lovely.

    • @stephrichards4611
      @stephrichards4611 7 днів тому

      The Pembrokeshire coastal path is beautiful too

  • @victorialovatt976
    @victorialovatt976 11 днів тому

    Aw you guys are so lovely! Hope you manage to visit the UK again soon… I’ve visited the US a number of times, the first time I spent a few weeks living with my best buds family in rural Pennsylvania. We got to see the more normal side of America, something which I’ll always treasure. I remember visiting a local mall (this is when the exchange rate was AMAZING so lots of shopping 😂) and obviously we have to troop off to the loos. My pal is in the next stall. I realised how high up each divider was and whispered “can you see my a**e?” to my buddy at which point we both cracked up. I’m sure the poor woman sharing the convenience with us thought we were laughing at her, but we were just being ridiculously childish. A fond memory! Everyone we spoke to was so welcoming, and being Midlanders we just spent most of our time chatting away. ❤

  • @Enhancedlies
    @Enhancedlies День тому +1

    just your reminder, we brits love our American brothers

  • @jasonlloyd3335
    @jasonlloyd3335 12 днів тому +7

    It's separate taps because our hot and cold water come from different water tanks in the house. You can drink from the cold water tap because its not mixed with the hot water from the boiler.

    • @hannahk1306
      @hannahk1306 3 дні тому

      Only in old houses - anything built in the last few decades or that's been updated the water is perfectly safe to drink at any temperature and usually have mixer taps. I don't think we have any separate taps at all in our house.

  • @moxymoe
    @moxymoe 14 днів тому +54

    The taps situation is so you use the plug, you fill the sink with hot and cold water to the required temp wash then remove the plug and let the dirty water drain ,this preserves water rather than running one tap and washing, as clean water constantly runs down the drain,. the plumbing for two taps is exactly the same as it is for one mixer tap. i have a mixer tap on the bath and two taps on the sink

    • @stevetaylor8698
      @stevetaylor8698 14 днів тому +13

      "the plumbing for two taps is exactly the same as it is for one mixer tap. " It depends. For many years, hot water systems in the UK relied upon there being a cold water tank (usually located in the roof space) which acted as a header tank for the hot water boiler. This tank was not sealed and it was feasible that the water in it could become contaminated. Therefore, water from the hot tap, even if it wasn't actually hot, could cause illness from contaminants if it was consumed. Since circa 2000. all water systems newly installed must provide all tap water to be potable. However if your house has a plumbing system which dates from before 2000, then it is possible that hot water is not potable and should have a separate hot water tap.

    • @derektighe5131
      @derektighe5131 14 днів тому

      The reason for two taps on a sink is historic. Cold water is pure and high pressure. Hot water is not pure and low pressure. If the was one tap the high pressure cold water would go up the low pressure hot water. Don’t drink from the low pressure hot water. It’s from a tank in the loft and could have a dead cat in it

    • @timenchanter1983
      @timenchanter1983 13 днів тому +7

      Not strictly true, cold and hot water used to come from different sources with treated, clean cold water coming from the mains supply while hot water was stored in a water tank and heated on demand and so could be sat for weeks at a time and was not potable. Combining them is illegal as stale water could backflow into the mains supply and contaminate the water for everyone. Few places still have such plumbing and so can be easily converted to a mixer tap but you can still find older houses that cannot be converted without replacing the water tank first. The plug is the solution to the problem of overly hot water. Saving water is a fortunate by-product rather than the goal

    • @matthelliwell
      @matthelliwell 13 днів тому +4

      Or just wash your hands very quickly under the hot tap before the water gets too hot.

    • @joc6516
      @joc6516 13 днів тому

      I've heard that before but it's not true. To just wash hands it uses more water to run two taps, fill it up, latter up with soap and then rinse.
      Besides, you can do that EVERYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD AS WELL. On a combined tap, you're not FORCED to wash under running water, you can also put the plug in and fill it up. You have the choice of doing it both ways.
      Sorry, there is no excuse. When only one country does something one way and not only do no other countries copy, but every one of them knocks it, and even when the entire rest of the old "British Empire" switch to the way the rest of the world does it the moment they left the empire, it has to be evidence that we're doing it wrong here.

  • @welookhere
    @welookhere 11 днів тому

    With regards to the tap situation - the cold water tap is usually drinking water, it is separate from the hot water so it does not get contaminated. Have you noticed bottled water is not usually used at home. We also have a kettle for heating water which you would fill with the cold water tap for drinks etc.

  • @rich_john
    @rich_john 7 днів тому

    Great video, you're a really genuine couple.

  • @martinarscott3524
    @martinarscott3524 14 днів тому +27

    I'm not too surprised about the way you were treated, I can't speak for everybody but how I treat people tends to be affected by their individual characters and how they approach me, rather than their nationality, and you seem to be a very pleasant friendly couple :) You get a wide spread of characters in all countries, not least the UK! btw regarding card payments we tend to be taught not to let our bank cards out of our sight in case they're cloned by less savoury types, it happened to me once at a petrol station, a few seconds was all it took and next I knew I'd been charged £800 for someone's furniture purchase in Liverpool (I live hundreds of miles from Liverpool and have never been there!!!)

    • @prow9999
      @prow9999 7 днів тому

      America is waybehind Europe regarding bank cards. We've had contactless cards for years, while America only introduced them recently. Also, we've been using cards with PINS for ages and Britain stopped using cards with signatures decades ago.

  • @marjon1703
    @marjon1703 13 днів тому +14

    7:22 I'd like to suggest the 'Sandstone Trail' in Cheshire. It's 34 miles long, heavy with history, awe inspiring locations and stunning views. The route has been around since arguably the stone age but definitely bronze age. It's a bit steep in places but not hard going. The website has split the trail into roughly 5 mile links with hostels and hotels at each stop but there is so much to explore around that some people stay at each stop for a day or so or plan shorter links. However, few of the place names are pronounced as they are spelt (some of them are way off).
    Enjoyed your video! Thanks :)

    • @bobmabel8543
      @bobmabel8543 8 днів тому +2

      I grew up next to the Sandstone trail. I go back when I can and when I do a pint in the Pheasant Inn at Burwardsley is a treat - highly recommended 😊

  • @georgiawatson5269
    @georgiawatson5269 7 днів тому

    I’m from Dorset and my favourite thing to do is walk along the footpaths. It’s very nostalgic for me and some of my best days ever have been walking along footpaths. Specifically the south west coast path which runs along the Jurassic coast and further. It can be challenging in places but is just so stunning and makes me feel so connected to nature and the local landscape. The people are often very friendly too!

  • @Bystander-xd2wj
    @Bystander-xd2wj 7 днів тому

    Lovely to hear your comments. We never feel rushed out of a pub after eating but it's kind of second nature to be aware if they're short of seats.

  • @NickfromNLondon
    @NickfromNLondon 14 днів тому +12

    The standard for car parking bays is 2.4 m by 4.8 m (8’ x 16’) and that was set when cars were smaller.

    • @richardwebb5317
      @richardwebb5317 10 днів тому +1

      Car bloat is a big problem now - it is as if the roads are getting narrower.

  • @eamonquinn5188
    @eamonquinn5188 13 днів тому +7

    You guys are very welcome back, your enthusiasm and enjoyment of the new are great x

  • @lukemorris4065
    @lukemorris4065 7 днів тому

    I can’t imagine my walks home from school being on a concrete road side. The adventures you get up to doing down footpaths through fields/meadows and nature were lifelong memories