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Without getting personal, can you speak on retirement for ex-pats and taxes. Do you still have to pay/file taxes in the US? Does a large portion of meats in Europe come from the US? I understand many US based foods are banned in the EU.
When I shop for imported food at Costco, literally 90% of products from China have warning labels, containing carcinogen, lead and chromium, etc. So exactly how safe is the food there, knowing that the industries had seriously polluted the environment over the last 30 years ? Is gutter oil still heavily used in cooking at restaurants and fast food chains?
@@mikes.2471 Just like the speed with which constructions and developments are done in China, they are cleaning up the pollution and the "gutter oil" issues. But at the end of the day, China is so big, so your mileage may vary from province to province, town to town, etc.
I am from the Netherlands and when I visit the US I noticed that the roads were bad, living expensive and homeless people. I gained 6 kg in a month and that walking about 10 miles a day. The people who I met were friendly and always trying to help you. The USA is very beautiful and every country has pros and cons. But it is hard to talk about some issues. Specially Politics You are left or right. Nothing in between,It would be nice if they try to understand each other more.
I lived abroad for about 12 years and returned home due to divorce and aging parents 2 years ago. What a crappy time to be here. Yes, I do miss living abroad. But at least I'm glad I had the opportunity.
As someone who also grew up in the US in the 1990s and 2000s, this video speaks to my soul. The country is in sharp decay. The people are sick both physically and mentally. The worst part is that I don't see any light at the end of this tunnel. Most of the problems trace back to the systematic and total capture of the state by corporate interests. And that capture is made inevitable by the nature of a democracy. People call it Late Stage Capitalism, but I think Late Stage Democracy is more apt.
Sadly, I agree with you, but I'm still holding out hope that it can change for the better. I don't think it will.... but I can still hope for everyone's sake.
I agree with most of what you said. But “democracy” just means run by the people. You seem to refer to the specific political system used in the US, which is closer to a “plutocracy” (ie. run by rich people) than an actual “democracy”. The US does however have one of the most effective propaganda machines in the world, since it’s able to hoodwink its population into thinking they live in a “democracy”😂
As an American who have spent timr abroad, we are in a state of decline and refuse to accept we are in decline. Any mention of investments in the common good is called SOCIALISM. The only thing we care about is wars wars wars. we are exceptional and do not have to change, evolve a or make progress.
This is a huge thing that I noticed interacting with Americans. They have a hyper-individualistic idea of how a good society should be structured, and they really don't seem to want safety nets in society. And cry socialism or communism every time someone tries to set a boundary to the greed on the top end of society, to pull the people at the bottom out of poverty, and make basic living necessities accessible to them. They'd rather have the bottom being so poor that they turn from functional members of society that work and pay taxes, into homeless, addicts, and criminals. Insane.
100% agreed! America likes to lecture other countries on basic rights. The ironic fact is the serious lack of safety in many parts of America, increased homelessness throughout....
Remember the United Snakes of AmeriKKKa is built on WHITE SUPREMACY, IMPERIALISM(Capitalism), genocides, CIA lies, bleeding the middle class, illegal immigration, WHITE PRIVILEGE, FAKE NEWS, & racial segregation. So don't expect America to come saving you in it's daily rotting activity.
Speaking on the homeless problem. It is actually much worse when you consider the number of people that are living in their vehicles. I have been living in my vehicle for over a year now after losing my home in a divorce. There are a lot of people like this that you don't even see because we make it a point to hide it.
@@Sir_Sway I am unfortuantely still living in my vehicle. Over the last year I met several people in the same position and many were out of work tech workers that were laid off during covid. I am also in that camp. I have a degree in physics and biomathematics and used to work in software development. But there has been too many layoffs and I had to go back to working low pay jobs over the last 2 years. I finally was able to get a decent tech job (not coding) last month. I had hoped to finally get out of living in my vehicle, but now the resumption of student loan payments is just going to make it impossible for the foreseeable future. At least until I can pay off a lot of the divorce debt. My long term plan is to eventually move out of the USA. It is just too expensive to live here anymore and there is too much uncertainty in the job market.
@@joeblack888 No unfortunately... Apartments around here where I work are super expensive. Simple studios cost around $2000 a month. The only way to afford everything is to live in my vehicle. See this is the problem many people do not understand and why this is such a huge problem in the USA. So many people are just one major incident away from homelessness. Something like a divorce or a major illness and you are screwed.
@@sublimetrance Thanks for explanation. I thought even minimum wage can pay a rent in the US. I suggest you can find a roommate to share the apartment so each one can pay $1000. At least you can have washroom and kitchen. I believe it is hard to find a girl friend if you live in a car.
I lived in Japan and France for a total of 5 years quite a few years ago. Ever since I came back, I’ve seen a drastic decline. It’s like the social fabric is being destroyed. From bad food, bad credit, bad health, to bad safety and security, everything seems upside down. It’s not wrong to say that the people are generally unattractive. Because a lot of that is unhealthy habits and being surrounded by processed food. And unhealthy IS unattractive. When I lived in Japan, I never had to go out of my way for exercise. I simply walked everywhere. And vegetables were delicious and convenient. When I came back to the USA, my weight gradually increased due to the different environment. It’s really sad to see so many homeless people too. A decent quality life shouldn’t be so hard to attain. But it is a downward spiral for many people. I think the reason is corporate greed and civic complacency. Although in Seattle, the airport has actually improved and some public buildings have improved. But underneath the new shiny projects, shoplifting and homelessness are still either continuing or increasing. My son who is at university unfortunately reports seeing people stealing alcohol from Target and defecating on the sidewalk. It’s sad that he and other citizens have has to see that happen and can’t experience a healthier and happier community for everyone. It’s depressing and infuriating.
I was in Seattle last May for two nights and yeah going into the Target was an eye opener, I saw five armed guards with ARs. I would never see that in my area and I am near one of the worst cities in the country for violent crime (Baltimore). I will say this though, homelessness was there but not as bad as I thought and I did see people cleaning up the streets, which is a rarity in US cities. Seattle is actually a very nice city to visit, its scenic geographical location helps too. The cost of everything is absurd though, from gas to lodging to food, I really enjoyed my stay but I couldn’t be there for long. I don’t agree on the airport though, it’s a typical outdated American airport and security was atrocious. Only airports in the U.S. that I view as “modern” and “nice” would be Atlanta. BWI and Dulles are ok too, I can’t think of any other though that I’ve been too.
@@MSF8637 Yes, the new construction started in September 23 I think. So, it’s going through a lot of changes with new shops and stuff. Christmas was pretty nice. Security could definitely be better. I do like my hometown of Seattle for all the reasons you mentioned. But I’ve definitely seen some major problems develop over the years. I think people are trying to clean it up more recently but the homelessness crisis still needs some attention. At least there’s been a little progress. I love my town and miss how safe it used to feel. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit. :)
@@Greatpacificnorthwesterner Oh very interesting I didn’t know that, hopefully the new additions to the airport turn out good, I think they’re definitely needed lol. I did notice a ton of construction downtown going on. I did very much enjoy my stay and I find the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. to be an absolute gem overall.
Seattle and the whole Puget Sound in the mid 90s to mid 2000s was a very nice place to live as a student at UW and starting out as a young professional. I got out of dodge in 2008 and currently residing in a suburb north of Atlanta.
I'm from St Pete, FL, I moved out of the US a little over 10 years ago and pretty much feel the same way as you. Never went back and don't really feel any desire to move back. Whenever I talk to some of my old friends they always ask me when I'm going back, every time I look at things back there I quickly lose interest.
Also from St Pete, FL. Left the US 14 years ago. Last time I visited was almost 5 years ago & I felt disconnected from my old life. Can't imagine ever returning, nor having the desire to do so.
I am an American living in the UK Channel Islands for the past 11 years. Not a tax dodger, my husband was born here. I got diagnosed with MS since living here and if I was back in the states I would probably be dead by now. I pay only about £4.50 a prescription, while in the US my main MS med would cost $2,000 a month. I can literally never move back and I am fine with that. The last time we visited the US was about 6 years ago and on the drive from San Francisco to Portland I was really astounded as to how many homeless people there were at the rest areas on I-5 and in general. America is seriously broken, always has been.
The wealth are on the hands of the top 2% of the population, they owned and controlled everything. They passed laws to enrich themselves and when they ran their businesses or corporations to the ground, their buddies in DC bail them out and the 98% and the future generations get the bill. $34 trillions in debt, funding 2 wars. Interest payment per year is $1.5 trillion. Every American owes $100k or every taxpayer owes $200k. Yet, no one can stop this madness.
I'm Russian and I spent 8 months living in Baltimore back in 2007. What impressed me was how little Americans know about the world. Like many people asked me if we had electricity in Russia, or WC, and how was it with education ( though, for example, I was talking their language and I had learnt it at school and all of them knew just their native one). Also sooo many people were tattoed and designs were not beautiful. Like for example my colleague had a Micky mouse on her neck and that looked really weird, as if she had got it being 4 years old. Many people had tattooes on their faces and also many people had some lights in their teeth which were shining as they spoke and girls wore really long plastic nails which seemed to disable them a bit. Feeling nostalgic I googled the place I worked and was upset to see how abandoned and rundown it appears to be (the mall in the Harbor). I really wish you and your country all the best.
Americans do learn a different language in high school. The issue is primarily that they have no reason to keep up with using it. I say this as a person who used to speak a nit of German. Since I don't love there anymore, nor interact with Germans often, I habe lost the ability to speak it. The Baltimore Harbor Mall suffered the same fate as many brick and morter malls in the U.S.A. did. The death was just slower. There is a plan for new development of the space, though.
@@ChristopherX30Many Americans have German origin. In Europe We learn english from the first day in primary school, and other language, or even third by choice little later, also in primary school, learning new language for first time in high school is too late, cause You are in learning fase when You are child.
Yes-- you touched on a very telling indicator, tattoos. When i was growing up (in the '60s), no one had tatoos except sailors, and even then, it was only one or two, not their entire arm or their face. It's a sad commentary on our culture. If people have so little regard for their own bodies, it only follows that they have little or no regard for much else.
My family moved to the UK before I graduated high school, as I had grown up in Florida. When I returned to Florida years later to see friends I left behind (an unofficial school reunuion) I was stunned how people I knew changed in such a short amount of time. Approximately 70-80% of the group had become obese in just 7 years. The food also gave me constipation, swelling and severe discomfort. It was all very puzzling to me.
But you already knew what the US was like before moving to the UK, right? Only 7 years being away from the US, I can assure you the change hasn't been all that drastic (although it is getting worse).
Very interesting post. I am a local Chinese from Hong Kong, though I spent my teens in Canada. My husband is from the UK. He also has similar experience as you, regarding the lack of progress in the West. Nowsaday, we love traveling to Mainland China to feel the vibriancy of the China.
I'm also an ethnic Chinese originally from HK but grew up in the West. I've been going to China for holidays every year for thr last many many years (with a few years pause during the pandemic). I ABSOLUTELY love going to China ever since my very first trip almost 30 years ago. I've just come back again from a 3 weeks holiday in China. Absolutely loved it.
Serious question but what difference do you see in Mainland China today from 8 years ago? For me, it's stopped and frozen in 2015. From clothes to apps to everything. What are you seeing that's changing?
@theasianjaywalker4455 I return to mainland China near every year except 2 years during pandemic, every time I return I would see some positive changes, like the streets are cleaners, city look nicer, more new shops and restaurants, people are more helpful, especially in the service sector in the government. The most positive experience i got is that I received a survy last year 2022 (I received again 2023 ) from my local government through my community weichat group, asking what kind of services people like in local area, my answer was small business like tailor, simple haircut, locksmith... and i was so surpriced to find when I returned to visit my family this year 2023 that they are all available just crossed the street of my community, in a new small grocery store! There must be many people said silimar things on that survey. We used to have these kind of effective and cheap small services but they gradually disappered with developments of the city, now they came back, the haircut is only ¥15! we actually have several hair solon nearby, but at least cost about $35-45 for simple hair cut, still not expensive at all, but many aged people like parent and grandparents generations still prefer cheap old street-vendor style one😊. I asked one of the business owners how they got here, they said they were invited by the local government! And another good improvements is that my own community started to provide free haircut each month for people over 65 since 2 years ago..... all these I can't imagine will happen in my community in North America. And I am experiencing progress being made in China year by year, at least until end of this year 2023 when I return back to North America. But no country will forever progress faster and faster, to a certain point, things will settle and stabilized, you will see less and less changes - that is good thing, I dont like things keep changing, let good services and policy just stay and that is it.
I lived half of my life in China and then half of my life in the US. I know China when the situation was bad, and I also knew US when the situation was still quite good and appealing. Relatively speaking, it is clear that China is on the rise and the US is in decline. If you pay attention to the opinions of the US politicians, you will notice two fundamental facts. 1, they do not really understand China, 2, they do not really think the US system needs serious reform. These two facts made me believe that the relative trend between China and the US is not going to change in the foreseeable future. While I hope both countries can be good and strong forever, I already accepted that, no country, no system, no culture, no religion, can avoid corruption. So eventually, everyone falls down, and as it happens, it is particularly difficult for the system to reform itself dramatically to avoid the decline. I guess it is the US' turn to go down this time. While time is still good for China, its own decline (far in the future) is also inevitable, as it was already demonstrated in history several times. One thing I also learned from the Chinese history is that, a country has to decline and to be humiliated hard in order to become humble and to learn from others, and therefore to rise up again. Good or bad, that's part of the evolution.
This is one of the best comments about this topic anywhere. Very wise. (America is NOT a humble place, and you know what they say...the "The higher they are, the harder they fall.")
The same trend can be seen in the Western nations in general. The West is in decline but refuse to acknowledge it .. here in Germany, we have politicians still busy patting themselves and each others' backs, failing to realize and acknowledge the downhill spiral.. unfortunate. While Asia in general is rising.
The rise and fall of history is inevitable, but only for the past. Everyone is the creator of history, and in a specific period, a small number of people represent everyone as heroes, leading to dynastic changes. However, if a country always aligns with historical trends and the interests of the majority of people, then the country will never decline
My son and ex have been living in Beijing for more than 5 years now. They come back to states to visit family once year. They almost got the same feelings what you had while in the US. They rather live in china than living here unless they have to . My ex always says US is not what she knew 20 years ago. The social environment are so different than before.
I lived overseas for 17 years and came back to the states 10 years ago. I can relate to much of what he has said. I sometimes wonder if it was a mistake to come back to the United States in my retirement. However, most of my family lives here, and despite all the mess, It’s my home.
I currently live in Canada, have worked half my life in North America, seen the deterioration in physical infrastructure & systems from the mid 1970's to date... We are nations in decline significantly handicapped by egotistical false perceptions of living superior lifestyles. The less developed regions of the world are progressing far better than we are. .
And when I tried to tell my fellow Canadians that Mexico city is at least 40 years beyond Toronto, they go in denial and get angry. Even worse when I explain that most parts of Malaysia are way better then Canada all around. Canadian's lives in a 1970's story in their heads.
@@ThereIsAlwaysaWay2 some of our political parties still view the world and particularly Canada with 1950's anglosphere outlook. It is why we have been unable to adapt and compete successfully with global trading activities in the East
@@ThereIsAlwaysaWay2 In early 1990, a friend's daughter came to the US to visit from east Germany. She was amazed at the abundance of food and the opulence of her parents' tiny two bedroom house that was not at all opulent, but it had a beautiful, green lawn and flowers and a clothes dryer. She said that they had been led to believe that life in East Germany was the most modern and they had the best of everything. I sometimes wonder if that is how the US has become. We believe what we are told, but is it the truth?
Great points in this video. I was born and lived in Taiwan for 28 years. Moved to the U.S for another 28 years. I witnessed how Taiwan and USA fallen in the past 30 years. I live in a manufactured home park in a tiny town in Oregon. I can barely afford to stay here after the pandemic. So I went to China for two months last year. I found out with the same amount of monthly expenses, I have to be very frugal in the U.S, but I can have so much better life in China. If I could live for another 28 years, I want to live in China.
@@sarahmichael270244 I believe that Xi is too busy to watch me since he has so many people to take care of, unlike some presidents are so busy with firing the world.
You know what’s sad? I don’t remember so many people talking about depression until like about 8 years ago . And when you walk around, you can feel a low-grade depression and anxiety in the air. It’s like people sort of gave up on themselves and their communities. The suburbs often feel subdued- like morgues.Not many kids on bikes or neighbors talking. When you see a random kid on a bike, you worry about them. It’s like a weird no-man’s land. The city is a little better but you are confronted with tents and people talking to themselves. Shelves are often messy in drug stores. There’s a lot of heightened outrage and less humour. There’s also a sense of dread whenever you go out because you just don’t know if you’ll be in the wrong place at the wrong time and get shot at the grocery store or whatever. These are all generalizations and not always true. But they are true enough in many American towns.
yes, surburbs are eerie and lifeless. It's very creepy. All the box-stores and restaurants look exactly the same from town to town. Dreary and unimaginative, dead and lifeless.
I’m from MD but live in Australia now. I’ve been here for 14 years now and each time I go back home the entire energy is angry, depressed, anxious, blah and fearful. This has been since Trump got in. Don’t throw hate my way it’s my observation over the past 8 years. It’s only gotten worse. I love my home country but it’s going down the crapper fast. The food makes me sick, the produce has no taste, the meats have so much hormones and additives. I hope my fellow Americans will wake up and make changes ASAP or the country we all love will be gone.
@@Greatpacificnorthwesterner I’m hoping the country will pull its finger out and start to care about each other. I’d like to move back to retire near my kids. At this point they might have to come here to escape fascism 🙄and it’s @ good life in Australia just very far away from my boys.
@@michellesmith6558 Good observation about Trump. I retired 11 years ago in the Philippines. Love the outgoing people, but I saw the indifference grow after Duterte took office. He did to this society, with his lack of polite decor and anger, which projected onto the people, in the same manner as you described what you have observed about American society since Trump blew onto the scene
I live in Albuquerque and our neighborhood Walmart locks up all the beauty supplies. Of course I can ring the bell and someone will come and unlock the case. The annoying thing is after she opens it, she stand there and wait for me to be done so she can lock it up again. So I can’t take my time to compare different brands cuz she’s standing right there waiting for me. I live in the US over 50 years and crimes has never been so bad.
Struggling a little bit? Sir- this country of my birth (in CA-1955) has imploded It’s gone The elites / corporations have us groveling for crumbs. Every aspect of our society now is unhealthy mentally and physically We have lost the battle - we live in a corporatocracy . Infrastructure is crumbling while our government ficuses on selling weapons of mass destruction In short … WE ARE ROME Towards the end of her reign Yes-citizens ARE depressed
I was also born in California in 1955. I lived there half my life. I lived in Colorado, Puget Sound area and Kentucky. But in 2013 I moved to Poland. I hope to always remain here. My quality of life is much better in Poland.
@CaliSteve169 I'm in Ireland & have to travel to the US regularly. The rest of the world is NOT lIke the US. Geez you don't even have health care, basic education or even Labour laws. Kids in all European countries leave high school with at least 3 languages. You lot freak out when you hear another language. 😂 PS I can tell you've never been outside the US unless you were sent to kill people.
My own experience living in the U.S has shown me this country is very unsafe at times. I live in Sunny San Diego, CA and temporarily worked as a Cannabis dispensary delivery person from 2021-2023. During my two Years at this job I was unfortunately robbed at gun Point in Southeast San Diego in Mountain View by an African American guy. Luckily I'm alive today and wasn't robbed of my life but it was really an eye opening experience and showed me that even America's Finest City by the Sea pales in comparison to any random Chinese city when it comes to public safety.
yeah,,,i grew up and was raised in San Diego, i love overseas but cause of age i am moving back to San Diego. I would never go to southeast San Diego, we all new to stay out of there....hahaha,,,,,You have the meth users in East County, they just rob to get their drugs..It all depends where u live in the cities, i have never been assaulted or robbed in San Diego.
@@dsrrellgriffith1161 Unfortunately meth is not just in East County any more. I work in healthcare in Hillcrest (which is closer to downtown) and meth can make up 1/3 or more of my patients at any given moment. It is also not limited to any demographic group (I saw a 74 yo on meth just the other night.) I also see random assaults frequently. I do agree that crime remains unevenly distributed but it definitely feels more wide spread than ever.
I am a San Diegan, we call the city "American's Finest City" not "American Safest City" (Actually relative speaking, our city is much safer comparing to the others... in the US)
As Someone who has now lived outside of the U.S for 8 years, this video strikes a chord. I very much like where I live, and I have no plans on returning to the U.S. That said, I won't crap on the U.S. (by no means suggesting you did) however easy that may be. Instead, I very much agree with what you said regarding the culture. The culture is what no longer aligns with my values. I appreciate my once yearly visits (sometimes less), and enjoy spending time with family when I do make it back. And then I equally enjoy boarding my flight home.
I can only judge from an outside perspective but I think the U.S. actually has great potential to be an amazing country, if the people could liberate themselves from their awful regime who makes their lives and the lives of people outside the U.S. a misery through NATO/CIA-terrororism, enforced austerity, manipulation, and brutal exploitation. When the USA starts fighting against their regime, and for a government that is for the US-workers and against imperialism, then things can be great. The people in the USA definitely deserve a better government too.
As a Canadian with +2 decades of living/working overseas (Europe/Asia/Africa/Latin America), my observations are similar to yours, but I think you are being too polite. The first things I notice arriving back in North America are: 1)The sheer number of outright fat/obese people. It is shocking. 2) The shabbiness of airports. 3) The lack of any practical form of transport except a car, with the exception of a few cities. 4) The run-downness of city centers and the decay of urban infrastructure. 5) The deadness of town/city centers after business hours and the lack of street life. 6) The lifelessness of a society designed around the car. Almost no pedestrians, everyone in a car. My main impression is a lack of vitality in people and society. It's like overwork and car-life are sucking the joy out of everyone. Even in 'poor' countries I have been to, there is an energy and industriousness to an extent. I have no plan to ever return there to live.
You got everything right. I grew up in Poland and been living in NY for the past 24 years. Living on 2 continents I can confirm the following: NY (not USA, just a state I know)- no architecture or charm, no culture, shopping centers designed to drive thru or go in and out, you need a car if you are not in the city, ny boroughs got dangerous in recent years, more crime everywhere, more garbage on streets, dirty buildings, no upgrades, probably there is no money for it. Pros: wide roads, outside of NYC beautiful parks, beaches and just nature. Beautiful residential areas, houses stanning, you always find parking. Now Europe: much, much better food, apartments with garages and laundry machines in the apartments. That one thing drives me insane about NY, no laundry machines allowed in apartment. Europe has unique vibe, most items including medical services are better quality. Roads need maintenance, cars are old and tiny. But you can get everywhere by public transportation.
Agree 100% with your video. I've been back in the US for 2 month so far. I'm enjoying my time here but I'm ready to get back to my wife in the Philippines. I grew up in Africa for 10 years in the late 60s to late 70s so living abroad in different cultures is something I enjoy. I will miss my family & friends who have been super kind on my return, I will miss the clean streets, relatively orderly traffic and 4 seasons. I won't miss the politicization of everything, the high prices/greed and unfortunately the decay of law & order/ civil society.
It used to be like that all over the world. But you in Mexico still having that custom because you picked it up from the Americans… or at least you reinforce that behavior by observing the Americas.
I live on both sides, US and Europe, 50/50. I used to be the biggest fan of the US, but it is run down. Whatever Airport you go to, even new built terminals, look like ugly and run down. Compare that to an Istanbul, Dubai or Kuala Lumpur, or just a Copenhagen or Malaga Airport and you will see what I mean. Starting with the jetways that do not have glas and the carpet as soon as you are in the building (why would you have carpet in an Airport?). The Stripmalls are all still the same, as ugly as ever and there is no sense of community, no central area to meet. Compare that with Spain, where you can go out at 10pm and walk to the center of any little village and there are people sitting, chatting and enjoying live. Ah yes, the banking system is still as bad as always. You can still not just transfer money in seconds from any bank to any bank in US for free, but you can in Europe through different countries!?! My brother in law still sends us paper checks when paying for things! Overall, the US got stuck in the past. Public transit about 80 years, houses about 50 years, semi trucks about 20 years, banks about 15 years and the rest about 5-10 years, or who really uses SMS these days still besides US? The biggest problem the US has is that people, media and government are not looking outside the US to see what is better and how can we incorporate that. When I talk to my grandkids, they think the US is the only and best country in the world. Totally brainwashed!
Agreed, too many are looking inwards and not to the rest of the world that is quickly passing the US in many areas. Everything seems stuck in the past like you said.
I currently live in Murica and we're able to transfer funds from one bank to another without incurring any fees? At least between BofA and Wells Fargo and I would imagine other banks as well. Also we can deposit checks by taking pics of front/back and uploading to their online banking apps. And you forgot to include Incheon Airport in South Korea, one of the best in the world. Of course the airports in the US are rundown compared to others in the world, but to be fair most of these airports were built decades later using the latest building materials/technologies? Sure it would be nice to upgrade the existing major airports and other infrastructure, but how are we going to finance it when our wise leaders deem it more important to spend (actually go into debt) to finance the totally bogus/immoral wars backing Ukraine and Israel?
@@sweetaznspice1 You know, there are thousands of banks and if you want to transfer to a smaller one, you are stuck. Maybe they use Zelle, but the chances are that they don’t. Why do you think they invented PayPal? Just for that reason. However, to this day it is still bad. And yes, you can make a picture of the check with an App. However, just the fact that there are still checks is absurd!
@TripBitten Too bad... If they ever decide to do it, I think a direct flight would be best.... changing flights, and rushing around airports, and messing with transfers would be harder for older folks. 😁
@@TripBitten ... this can be solved in the form of a tourist trip, a stop or more on the way, somewhere, in different cities, where to visit 1-2 days, where to rest, then continue the way to China...
I have lived in Thailand for 18 years and only visited the US twice since 2006. I lived in Japan for 15 years prior to that. I have traveled to most Asian countries and all but a few have better quality of life than the US. I might never go back.
I just wanted to take a moment to say how amazing your video was! I was really impressed with the quality of the footage, the editing, and the overall presentation. You did a great job of explaining the topic in a clear and concise way, and I learned a lot from watching your video. I also really appreciated the way you made the video engaging and entertaining. You kept my attention throughout the entire video, and I never felt bored or lost. I would definitely recommend your video to anyone who is interested in learning more about the video.
The real culprit would be Margareth Thatcher, Milton Friedman & The Chicago School of Economics ... In my humble educated opinion. Great video - Happy New Year from Norway! :)
@TripBitten I'm so glad you mentioned Reagan. I wanted to, but didn't want to get everyone riled up. Ever since Reagan convinced a generation that government is the problem, and the constant messaging about cutting taxes (the "you should keep your own money ") mantra, we've been in decline. 😢 Economies are not a zero sum game!
Totally agree. Expat for most of my life (50 years); will probably remain so for the rest (hopefully 50 more). Sad, though, because I used to recommend the American lifestyle, livelihood, liveliness. Not so much anymore.
I fully share your views on most, if not all the things you are talking about. I live in Canada, which in my experience is not much different from the US, which I have been to often. I moved to Canada in 1993 and while Germany, my country of birth, is not the same as China, even there I experienced a lot of what you are describing on my recent visit there. From my memory of growing up there I remembered being able to eat the food without getting sick from it because it was less artificial. I agree in North America there is too much sugar, too much salt and articulate flavour and colour almost in everything. Over the years in Canada I have developed severe IBS which I can only live with okay as long as I eliminate a lot of the food that is available here and cook from scratch with ingredients that are hard to come by and expensive. As soon as I was in Germany, I my health improved and eventually I had no symptoms of IBS and could almost eat anything I bought. It did not take long after I came back to Canada that my symptoms came back. I had always noticed the difference in fashion and weight. Any of my visiting friends or family from Germany noticed it too. The lack of style has always baffled me. Some of the ways people here go out in public for shopping or anything they are doing are inconceivable to my friends and family in Europe. In between my children and myself we have done a fair bit of travelling and the lack of progress in North America is also noticeable to us. Lastly, my daughter is currently working in China for a month and has been touring the entire country with her orchestra. She was the first of our family to experience what we have admired from afar through videos like yours, your wife’s or others and it did not take her long to see that the reality was exactly how you all portray it. She has seen a variety of different cities, areas and people of all kind of backgrounds. She feels very comfortable and happy there, is impressed with the modern cities and all that you describe like public transport (here in Canada my city is geared towards owning a car and it is also the big trucks and SUV’s that you see everywhere). She says the people have all been very friendly and open minded. Due to an unfortunate event she even experienced the police and was interrogated but she said everyone was extremely fair and friendly and efficient. What you say about the energy of the people in the US is exactly what we feel about people her in Canada and my daughter actually made a comment to me about loving the Chinese people and their energies much more than the group she working and travelling with (and they are not even North Americans, they are mostly from Europe). Thank you for another great video. These kind of experiences are great to hear and to share. Travelling or living in a different country is very educational. I love your perspectives because where I live many people do not know much of the rest of the world and have very close minded opinions, which is what my daughter experienced in her group in regards to what people say and believe about China. And so it is nice to watch your videos!
The US is in decline. I visited Hong Kong, my birthplace, a few months ago loved it there. Unless in the US, I walked and take public transportation everywhere and logged 25,000+ steps almost everyday without trying. In the US, I need to drive everywhere I go. However, housing is expensive in HK. If I moved of the US when for retirement, I might go across the border from HK to Shenzhen. The reason I am thinking about moving abroad is that the US is so divided. Politics is like sports where the politicians and the MSM talks about who's winning and losing, but not about how they can improve our lives. Politicians are obsessed with winning the next election, and money from their donors. The establishment is corrupt. It is the end stage of Western "Democracy". The problem is systemic.
the USA does not have a "democracy". It's a plutocracy; Stanford University put out a report on this (I believe) circa 2013/14. People need to get this through their head. There is no democracy or representative republic, and no "capitalism". It's crony corporatism.
HK is now a buying market with housing. I’m moving back there this year and I’m considering buying. I really miss Hong Kong and can’t stand it here in the USA anymore.
Not 'Western Democracy', it's 'US Democracy' that's in decline. The US is not the 'Western world' - there are many other 'western' countries that are doing OK.
Having been born in HK you have permanent rights to live there. I've made HK my home with my family now for many years and absolutely love it here. You're fortunate you have the option to move back to HK and could possibly live in mainland China. Shenzhen is super popular now. But I think in the future, probably the entire "Greater Bay Area" (GBA) encompasssing HK, Macao, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and several other cities is going to a great place to live. Cost of living in mainland China is a lot cheaper than HK. Development continues and the cities continue to get better with higher standards of living and better integration through improved infrastructure such as high-speed rail/metro and bridges/roads that can dramatically cut travel time.
About the cars I (I'm from the EU) assume there is also some kind of cultural war happening where especially in the US people oppose science and everything what is about protecting the environment and buying these huge SUV's or even "coal rollers", is kind of a statement. The US is quite on the top when it comes to CO2 per capita and many people might be proud of it.
US people (Americans) don't oppose science. They have simply woken to the fact that "science" has been captured by corporate interests. Therefore, you cannot trust it. Would you trust the information, intentions and policies of what is generally defined as a psychopath? You've been watching too much MSM.
@@abodz9702 nobody here will take religious Trump cult members and their conspiracy about "science is a Jewish weapon to suppress the Aryan race" gibberish serious. An no, parrotting tweets by self-proclaimed gurus on Xwitter while quitting school and denying facts is not "woken up".
We'll if it wasn't becoming some were climate religion here it would be diffrent plus alot of the people pushing the green agenda are part of the wef and donors sorry but own nothing be happy sounds awful and would rather be six feet than live in that world
Ok Mr science 😅 banning farming in EU? Have you guys ever thought may be the science is flawed? May be the climate is just been the climate changing every few years?
I have lived in South American 12 years and can think of no reason tor return to the U.S. I love your ending in this video and totally agree. Living in the U.S. in the 1940s and 50s was the perfect childhood. And the education system was still superior back then. That is all gone and will never be again. But I found it elsewhere and that is always possible for everyone. I have a native friend here who is a realtor and she did so much business last year with U.S. people moving here that she could afford to take two months off and travel the World. There are way too many people coming south, but we are very greatful for the business, especially the big ones, relocating in South America because of the high labor costs in the U.S. We have all of the auto production plants down here now and cheaper cars. The longer you are away from what you once thought to be great, the more you learn.
I love your gentle honesty & I totally agree. I spend all my free time in Asia & coming back to the North American continent really shows me how little US has XL progressed
This is just a guess. US farming is big corporate farming, producing cost effective, shortest growth and incubation time, bland products or chemically resistant to pests and harsh environments, etc. while naturalness in the products have been obliterated and products become bland. To make up for blandness, the so-called scary seasonings are added to give taste to these packaged so-called foods. The result: overweight, obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, etc., sometimes making some citizens think they are also being farmed like farm animals for the economic benefit of the US oligarchs.
You said it perfectly: "making some citizens think they are also being farmed like farm animals for the economic benefit of the US oligarchs." I just wish more of these citizens would think that and also do something about it. As for me, I getting the hell out of the dodge and moving back to Europe. I just feel sad for my youth wasted slaving here in the US for that biggest lie of the "american dream".
Its a fair, and most importantly transparent presentation of true facts. Been there, seen the same, felt the same. One noteworthy thing maybe: I always distinguish between politics and people.
Great content! Your Florida footage locations are very close to our home. I agree it’s a very bland/depressing how everything is. Thanks for keeping us updated and educated.
I left the US in 1996 to work overseas in multiple countries, and did not return until 2022. Considering the size of the US, you see what you want to see.
What do you expect ? The U.S. spends $800 billion on defence each year, there isn't a lot of spare cash to improve the infrastructure. On the contrary, China is different. Its aspiration isn't a global hegemon, fighting foreign wars, its sole intention is to improve the lives of its own people, lifting people out of poverty.
but more and more people in China step into poverty since the post pandemic, lots of business were closed during 2023, more and more people lost their jobs, some even can't afford the mortgage of their house. all in all, the situation in China is not so good as you think.
@@pipiqiqi4010 No country is perfect. How worse off the country is depends on how widespread and seriousness the problem is. If the problem doesn't impede on the overall development, then the country could still have a bright future.
@@ButchCassidyAndSundanceKid Yeah, you are right, but there is a vibe similar with the US in China since 2023, more and more people are complaining the government, for the unhealthy food, there are too many additives in food and more and more cancer patients around people. Complaining the house price is too high for normal people, and lots of people can’t afford the mortgage. Complaining the medical and education pressure, because the competition is serious, so more and more young people don’t want to birth.
Agree. Many Americans lack introspection. This, along with superiority complex and ego really limit our capacity to change and we will ultimately suffer the consequences.
My wife and I lived in the US from 2004-2010. It is a great memory! I really hope that the US and China can get along and US remains an attractive place for us to visit some day in the future.
I share your impression about the run down or lack of newness in the US. In my observation, it also reflects in population general perception toward the world. There is far less confidence and positive outlooking than the decades passed. There is far greater level of feeling insecure.
I had the same experience this past year after not visiting for 5 years. I left 10 years ago and live in India now. Two days of nostalgic food and after that I can’t. And everything is so expensive. And what is up with the security!? I was so shocked in CVS. It’s such a different world there now.
guess what. i have not touched Krispy Kreme in like, 20 years and the moment i took 2, my throat felt terrible and phlegmy, and i started coughing my lungs out. it's horrible.
In case you’ve never experienced it or smelled it and just didn’t what you were smelling was in fact marijuana, but it smells like a combination of garlic and chives. And from my personal experience I can smell marijuana almost everywhere I go in America.
@@myleshagar9722nearly 200 years ago,England destroyed China by selling countless amount of opium。those drugs made Chinese people weak and poor，and at 1840,Britain even fight a war against china just because the china government forbidden opium import, then China was invaded by The Eight-Power Allied Forces (aggressive troops sent by Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Tsarist Russia, Japan, Italy and Austria in 1900).and just a few years later china was invaded again by japan,during that period of time,Chinese people suffered a lot and more than 35million people were killed.learning from the shameful history, china now hold very strict policy towards drugs.
I stopped eating Fast Food about 7 months ago in The US. Two things i noticed: 1) I lost 30 pounds and now weigh the same as I did when i was 19. 2) The Salt in French Fries, such as McDonald's is absolutely terrifying to me now. The interesting thing about the US, is that we do have more choices, that almost any Country. However, if you want to eat "Normal" Healthy Food, you have to shop at Specialty Grocery Stores, where the average cost of food is almost 3 times higher on average.
Very honest, reflective and appreciated. It is interesting that the motto is ‘United we stand’ but the ‘us’ and ‘them’ attitude is reflected in divided we fall.
It's true, America is not all bad. Life *_can_* be good for most Americans. But I think the important point is that America has a number of serious social and political problems that ought not to exist in a country as rich and as free as it claims to be. These are problems that do not exist in China: -> Rampant homelessness in every major US urban center. -> Countless millions of Americans who can't afford health insurance and therefore suffer poor health care. -> Declining life expectancy. -> Declining education. -> Crumbling infrastructure. -> Growing poverty and economic inequality. -> Rampant gun violence and *_daily_* mass shootings! -> Fentanyl addiction crisis. -> Mass incarceration - the highest number and the highest per capita rate in the world. Just to name a few. While these problems may not be apparent everywhere, especially in smaller towns, the fact that they even exist is a dark stain on US society overall.
You haven't traveled through most of America, living in the few large cities in the US like New York, Boston , Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angles is not indicative of the state of the US and even those cities are declining to a point of no return !
Decline in life expectancy, unaffordable healthcare costs, growing income inequality, crumbing infrastructures, increase in crime rates etc….,are not just in major cities. These are national measurement indicators on the country. lack of empathy or compassion for other fellow Americans or the greater good. Denying and ignoring these problems won’t make it go away.
Yes you remind me of what I ate back in US: donuts, fries, doritos with squirt on cheese or Salsa dip, beef sticks, dipping tobacco, hotdogs, super sweet milk shake.. etc etc.. none of them was good for the body.
Great video. Lots of honest and personal reviews of what it's like for an Ex-Pat to come back to the States. Thanks for this! It's DEFINITELY gotten worse over the last decade.
I am a 70 year old retired US citizen who has not lived in the USA for 20 years since 2004.First to Australia now since 2010 I have been living in Thailand.I have not been back to the USA to visit since 2009.I do not miss the USA and like you I may never live there again.Both my parents are dead,my one and only brother is dead.I own no property in the USA and have no wife or children in the USA.I do have a sister she may want to come live with me in Thailand,Some of the things I can relate to in your video.I have no car here and can get around fine without one.This would not be the case in the USA.I do watch TV and see what is going on in the USA which makes me no want to go back there.I also don't like the mindset of the Americans-always starting wars and thinking they sit at the top of a pyramid and everyone else is beneath them.I like Thailand.Like Stevie Wonder said in 1966 "There's a place in the sun where there's hope for everyone...got to find me that place in the sun".I found it.
It always baffles me that the USA has a huge homeless people issue when one considers that it has so much land mass for only 5% of the world's population. Sad situation.
Yup, as someone grew up in the 70s-80s, travel & been to everywhere across the country, "Decay" is the right word. Fat, Sick, Lack Character & Haven't Progress last 15-20 years but still thinking we're hot stuff are all apt description. The country is still stuck in 2 decades ago haven't really move forward, everyone old enough to remember the 80-90s knows it. Depends where you're, some places are in decline worst than others, whether is geography or wealth that insulated, but one don't need to look far, can see "Decay" is happening everywhere.
Word came down in the last couple of weeks that Greyhound bus lines is winding down its service. Already, many of the routes to major cities have ended. It has nothing to do with financing the enterprise or lack of ridership. It's because those bus terminals are typically downtown, which is prime real estate that developers have been lusting over for years. Greyhound is selling its existing terminals and relocating them outside of city limits. That will make it harder for people with no other means of distance travel to get where they need to be - newly released prisoners, the downtrodden and so on. And if the terminals are outside of the city and there's no public transportation, how will bus passengers get to where they need to go?
@@Cynthia-uf9roIndeed, it was. Thanks for the reminder. Curiously enough, the previous owner initiated the sale of Greyhound stations a year after Flix took over. I wonder if the German company knew that was the plan, going in.
Thank you so much for sharing your observations with us. 20 years ago I lived in China for one year, and I liked it a lot and always wanted to go back, but somehow work and other stuff have been an obstacle. But it's nice to hear about life in China through your videos. ❤
Very impartial and interesting. Thank you so much! I've been living right here in rural New England while you've been away, and I see just what you describe: economic stagnation, cheap, characterless architecture, and an unhealthy, unattractive, uninspired and uninspiring population with no hope for a better, more satisfying life. I do dream of retiring abroad, and if I didn't have a farm and horses I'd probably be outta here already.
@@TripBitten I hope so too, but I don't have a lot of hope. I teach at a fairly typical rural university, and the students are even more blank and dispirited than their parents. Crappy mental health and the overprescription of psychiatric drugs . . . you should do a global report on that! I'd love to hear your views from abroad.
I went to China and I never felt so safe in my life. I went out shopping in Beijing and Shanghai at 3:00am and I was surprised at the number of single people, including young women, walking around with ease. I went to USA and I felt nervous. There was NO WAY I'd go out in LA or NYC after Midnight. And I was warned by many NOT to go to certain suburbs, even during the day. In USA, Citizens carry guns and there are 40,000 Gun related deaths EVERY year in USA. Virtually Zero gun related deaths EVERY year in China, Australia, and every other developed Country in the World. China is far more safer to visit than USA. And the citizens of China were extremely welcoming, respectful, and helpful. In USA you needed to be very careful who you approached. USA has too many fat people and junk food.There were too many ANGRY citizens in US.Whether you call China a communist or socialist state it is undeniably a country putting the common good of a community first. Thus the Central and regional governments will planned, invested and installed whatever facility to improve the lives of the citizens in the community.
Another commenter below said it perfectly: "making some citizens think they are also being farmed like farm animals for the economic benefit of the US oligarchs." I just wish more of these citizens would think that and also do something about it. As for me, I'm getting the hell out of the Dodge and moving back to Europe. I just feel sad for my youth wasted slaving here in the US for that biggest lie of the "american dream".
I'm a Canadian. Still living north of your border. We're in the same boat. Horrible architecture. Half the population appears overweight and overworked. And we have political leadership unworthy of any respect.
Stop exaggerating. Canadians are living better life than let's say 90%of the world's population. Only small nordic countries in Europe like Denmark, Finland or Norway are better than Canada
I liked your section on food. Heard an economist yesterday talking about how food itself is very cheap, grains esp. Most of the cost in food comes from the processing and transport. So you are not getting the same amount nutrients for the price in processed food and the less processing the more you’re saving and bonus it might add years to your life.
You see your home country with different eyes when you leave and periodically return. I have two siblings who have lived abroad for decades and the country is definitely different for them.
I've lived abroad for a number of years too in Asia. And yes, you are SPOT on in this video. I really don't see the appeal the USA has other than the obvious marketing campaigns that make it seem like a shining city on the hill. Most other industrialized countries behave more democratically and look after their people. In the USA everything meant for the public good is an afterthought at best.
I live between London and Madrid but have to travel often to LA due to work, and I always find the food there to be too salty for my taste. I decided to just cook my own food and go to organic groceries,albeit paying a higher price.
This video resonates so intensely with me. I am a 19 year old who grew up abroad, in Singapore for seven years and then Amsterdam for another seven years. I am currently taking a gap year while I figure out where I will go to college, and I am staying with my grandparents in California. The food quality is so much worse than everywhere else I have been, and I am even experiencing some stomach issues, and the food just isn't appetising. The other issues of homelessness, high prices, drug use and obesity are all obvious in California, and yet it seems that people here still think that the only place you could ever live a good life is in the US. And people drive the gas guzzling tanks here too.. I hope my experience of studying here will change my view of the US, but it is looking pretty bleak.
Drug use, homelessness and robbery, it’s much better in Florida than in California or New York. I remember that the Florida State Police claimed clearly in front of the reporters that robbery is a felony and will be cracked down strictly. This statement does have a weight on those who want to try something unacceptable. I have been living in the US since the 1990s. I really hate the current situation and the outlook of the US. Unfortunately it’s hard to go back China. The family has settled down here and the kids won’t be able to compete with the young people in China
Yes, it is a crime and people should be held accountable for their actions. Some of the laws in California don't make any sense and can lead to more crime.
I know how you feel. But my elderly parents refuse to go back. For them its more of a don't want to let their siblings know if they go back, they would be look down upon or some bs. I told them its in their minds. People won't look down on them. They still think China is backwards. If they go back means they are losers. I make enough money here in the US and self made. So they could live very comfortable here or back in China. Problem is they are suborn as hell. They still think NYC is the greatest city on earth. My god its a hell hole right now. They still cling to it. Me personally I been sick of the US for a long time. I have lived in NYC, NH, Houston. I still own in NYC and Houston. I want to leave, cash out etc...
Not all young people in China are "competing". They just live a normal life, and your kids have a chance to have a normal life in China too. You went to the US in the 90s so I guess you probably struggled and competed damn hard for getting the chance to go to a better place to live, why stop your kids to do the same?
You're not the only one critical of the US. I shot a street interview video in the Netherlands, and wow were they critical. I like American friendliness, but I don't like the car centric nature at all. So although I apricate Americans when I meet them abroad, I wouldn't want to live in America.
⭐ Everyone has become overly sensitive & easily offended. Platforms make it frustrating to watch videos bc they've sensored too many words bc they may "offend" people & it's getting ridiculous! I actually appreciate your video & liked hearing about your different views & opinions so, thank you very much! I just subscribed! 😊 ⭐
The US is running down. That is a fact. It is therapy to highlight the wrongs about the land of your birth because, in your heart, you want it to be better in every way. It hurts to see it slowly falling apart in so many ways. Hopefully, at some point in time, the selfishness and greed that exists in power will be replaced by people who care enough and have the ability to bring about change and development.
Yes agree when you said you sensed that the ppl's energy was a bit off, and it felt desperate. I live in the West but go back to Asia frequently, and I see the difference. Ppl in Asia are becoming more optimistic, motivated, confident about their future and lives. One can feel the vibrant and energetic vibes in many Asian countries
I've gone through this kind of reverse culture shock myself as well and I also have been living outside the US for a while, 26 years now in China. Currently in Beijing. My last trip to the States was in 2019 and I'm in no hurry to go back. I'm 60 now and well over half of my adult life has been spent in China and when I go back "home" for visits, (I used quotes because it really isn't home anymore), I find the lifestyle there to be so unhealthy. I'm fit, not overweight or obese, and like it this way. I think if I were to ever move back, it would be hard to stay that way. Like you I have travelled quite a bit and yeah, the US stands out in so many ways
I believe the most sales of Pick-up trucks by region is SoCal where the majority of population has office job and drives by himself. It has nothing to do with functionality, just to compensate for small PP.
I'm reaching the age of 40. Being single in the United States feels like no future, especially with the strange economic forces and inflation. 40 doesn't have to be nearing the end of my best years and getting out of the country I feel is an important piece of saving myself. It's not really about finding a partner as much as not succumbing to the forces of a seemingly uncaring and unstable economic system and culture.
I’m American living abroad for 20 years. Whenever I go back to USA, the food f…ks up my stomach. Therefore , I’ve learnt to avoid all processed foods and restaurants. I eat as raw vegan diet to avoid gastric issues. So much crime and poverty is so noticeable
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The FDA has approved food irradiation for a number of foods. Irradiation can be used on herbs and spices, fresh fruits and vegetables, wheat, flour, pork, poultry and other meat, and some seafood. .. ->Makes for a really great looking produce section
I get frustrated with a lot of stuff, and I don't think you're wrong on any of these points. You're absolutely spot on about how it's not as bad as social media and the news makes it look. I live in the DC area, which if I believed the news I'd assume it's a burned out warzone, but it's mostly pretty nice. Could it be better? Sure. But it's not bad. I'd come home from work during 2020 and 2021 and see some news report or something about riots and vandalism raging through the city and think, "I just walked past there 30 minutes ago, and folks were sitting outside of a café and a lady was walking her dog. I definitely didn't walk through a riot." I recently visited both NYC and Philly, and both places get all kinds of hell from folks who don't live there, complaining about all the crime and violence. But they're both pretty cool places, and I felt perfectly safe. Are there unhoused people? Sure. But when I visit my 30,000 population hometown in Maine, I see more junkies wandering around. Most crime in the country is actually way down, but the news (and folks of a certain ideological bent) keeps trying to sell the story that the streets are warzones...particularly in cities...particularly in parts of cities where people have a certain skin tone. As far as getting around, some places are getting better, but progress is so slow and not evenly dispersed in the States. We've spent so long pumping good money after bad, trying to make the suburbs a thing, that we've lost 70 years of proper infrastructure development and urban design. Folks are starting to wake up to the joys of intercity trains and pedestrianized urban centers. But as a country, we seem absolutely addicted to car-centered, suburban sprawl. Even in dense cities with great public transit, there are lots of people who believe they need a car, even though it costs them a ton and they spend more time in traffic than it would take to walk or take a subway. We travel to Europe (or Disney World) and marvel at what good urban design looks like, then return home and vote to make it illegal in our home town. But I do think that's changing. Not nearly fast enough for me. The food? You ain't kiddin'. I was in Rome a couple months ago and was reminded of one reason why. My wife wanted the artichoke and the waiter said, "no. It's out of season." So, she said, "OK. What's in season?" and then had a lovely meal. Here, the idea of telling a customer "no" is so taboo that we'll move heaven and earth so they can have whatever out of season thing they want...even if that thing then tastes like cardboard, because it's been frozen, or salted, or whatever, and transported 3000 miles. Every time I'm in Europe, I'm blown away by how much better the food is. Even simple stuff like bread is just on a different level.
I lived in Hong Kong from 2011 to 2022. I moved back due to divorce and couldn’t believe how awful the food is and how much it’s changed. America runs on sugar, trans fats, and simple carbs! That coupled with inflation made me decide to move back to Hong Kong this year.
I have been going USASpain several times and what I remember the most was the food. Funny thing is, being in USA for few years I got used to it, but then I went back to Europe for 2 weeks and I had so much more energy and my bloating was gone. So the I flew back and my friend picked me up at LAX and brought me MacDonalds cheeseburger with coke because he thought I'd be hungry. Hungry I was, really hungry, but I took one bite and it was disgusting. I couldn't eat it, it was so gross. Funny how the taste changes depending where you eat. BTW now I am bloated again....
You are absolutely right. Americans' food quality has dropped as massive size food companies take more market share, and more small farms continue to die. Also, way too many preservatives and additives are allowed. Many of them should be illegal.
I live in small town USA in Missouri, Homelessness here is a bit of an issue. Like you said, nothing huge, no tents or anything. But you do see them at night sleeping on park benches, walking around and stuff. My town was known as "Space town USA" and we made the F1 rocket boosters for the Saturn 5 Apollo 11 mission. We were also the confederate capitol of Missouri during the civil war and have tons of history here. And during ww2 we had a POW camp (camp crowder) of over 40k (including POWs. US troops, their families, shops etc.). Now its all barren, empty run down buildings.. so sad these days
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You forgot to mention the tipping culture and how that's gone crazy over the last 5 years or so!
Without getting personal, can you speak on retirement for ex-pats and taxes. Do you still have to pay/file taxes in the US?
Does a large portion of meats in Europe come from the US? I understand many US based foods are banned in the EU.
When I shop for imported food at Costco, literally 90% of products from China have warning labels, containing carcinogen, lead and chromium, etc. So exactly how safe is the food there, knowing that the industries had seriously polluted the environment over the last 30 years ? Is gutter oil still heavily used in cooking at restaurants and fast food chains?
@@mikes.2471 Just like the speed with which constructions and developments are done in China, they are cleaning up the pollution and the "gutter oil" issues. But at the end of the day, China is so big, so your mileage may vary from province to province, town to town, etc.
I am from the Netherlands and when I visit the US I noticed that the roads were bad, living expensive and homeless people. I gained 6 kg in a month and that walking about 10 miles a day. The people who I met were friendly and always trying to help you. The USA is very beautiful and every country has pros and cons. But it is hard to talk about some issues. Specially Politics You are left or right. Nothing in between,It would be nice if they try to understand each other more.
I lived abroad for about 12 years and returned home due to divorce and aging parents 2 years ago. What a crappy time to be here. Yes, I do miss living abroad. But at least I'm glad I had the opportunity.
As someone who also grew up in the US in the 1990s and 2000s, this video speaks to my soul. The country is in sharp decay. The people are sick both physically and mentally.
The worst part is that I don't see any light at the end of this tunnel. Most of the problems trace back to the systematic and total capture of the state by corporate interests. And that capture is made inevitable by the nature of a democracy. People call it Late Stage Capitalism, but I think Late Stage Democracy is more apt.
BINGO! its Citizens United..at the CORE
Dark forces working behind the government
Sadly, I agree with you, but I'm still holding out hope that it can change for the better. I don't think it will.... but I can still hope for everyone's sake.
I agree with most of what you said. But “democracy” just means run by the people. You seem to refer to the specific political system used in the US, which is closer to a “plutocracy” (ie. run by rich people) than an actual “democracy”. The US does however have one of the most effective propaganda machines in the world, since it’s able to hoodwink its population into thinking they live in a “democracy”😂
Late stage humanity.
Lack of compassion.
As an American who have spent timr abroad, we are in a state of decline and refuse to accept we are in decline. Any mention of investments in the common good is called SOCIALISM. The only thing we care about is wars wars wars. we are exceptional and do not have to change, evolve a or make progress.
100%!
Agree! Just look at Gaza, it's so sick.
This is a huge thing that I noticed interacting with Americans. They have a hyper-individualistic idea of how a good society should be structured, and they really don't seem to want safety nets in society. And cry socialism or communism every time someone tries to set a boundary to the greed on the top end of society, to pull the people at the bottom out of poverty, and make basic living necessities accessible to them. They'd rather have the bottom being so poor that they turn from functional members of society that work and pay taxes, into homeless, addicts, and criminals. Insane.
100% agreed! America likes to lecture other countries on basic rights. The ironic fact is the serious lack of safety in many parts of America, increased homelessness throughout....
Remember the United Snakes of AmeriKKKa is built on WHITE SUPREMACY, IMPERIALISM(Capitalism), genocides, CIA lies, bleeding the middle class, illegal immigration, WHITE PRIVILEGE, FAKE NEWS, & racial segregation. So don't expect America to come saving you in it's daily rotting activity.
Speaking on the homeless problem. It is actually much worse when you consider the number of people that are living in their vehicles. I have been living in my vehicle for over a year now after losing my home in a divorce. There are a lot of people like this that you don't even see because we make it a point to hide it.
@@Sir_Sway I am unfortuantely still living in my vehicle. Over the last year I met several people in the same position and many were out of work tech workers that were laid off during covid. I am also in that camp. I have a degree in physics and biomathematics and used to work in software development. But there has been too many layoffs and I had to go back to working low pay jobs over the last 2 years.
I finally was able to get a decent tech job (not coding) last month. I had hoped to finally get out of living in my vehicle, but now the resumption of student loan payments is just going to make it impossible for the foreseeable future. At least until I can pay off a lot of the divorce debt.
My long term plan is to eventually move out of the USA. It is just too expensive to live here anymore and there is too much uncertainty in the job market.
I feel sorry to hear that divorce cause you lost your house. can you rent a department instead of living in a car?
@@joeblack888 No unfortunately... Apartments around here where I work are super expensive. Simple studios cost around $2000 a month. The only way to afford everything is to live in my vehicle. See this is the problem many people do not understand and why this is such a huge problem in the USA. So many people are just one major incident away from homelessness. Something like a divorce or a major illness and you are screwed.
@@sublimetrance Thanks for explanation. I thought even minimum wage can pay a rent in the US. I suggest you can find a roommate to share the apartment so each one can pay $1000. At least you can have washroom and kitchen. I believe it is hard to find a girl friend if you live in a car.
@@joeblack888after the divorce he's probably done with dating.
I lived in Japan and France for a total of 5 years quite a few years ago. Ever since I came back, I’ve seen a drastic decline. It’s like the social fabric is being destroyed. From bad food, bad credit, bad health, to bad safety and security, everything seems upside down. It’s not wrong to say that the people are generally unattractive. Because a lot of that is unhealthy habits and being surrounded by processed food. And unhealthy IS unattractive. When I lived in Japan, I never had to go out of my way for exercise. I simply walked everywhere. And vegetables were delicious and convenient. When I came back to the USA, my weight gradually increased due to the different environment. It’s really sad to see so many homeless people too. A decent quality life shouldn’t be so hard to attain. But it is a downward spiral for many people. I think the reason is corporate greed and civic complacency. Although in Seattle, the airport has actually improved and some public buildings have improved. But underneath the new shiny projects, shoplifting and homelessness are still either continuing or increasing. My son who is at university unfortunately reports seeing people stealing alcohol from Target and defecating on the sidewalk. It’s sad that he and other citizens have has to see that happen and can’t experience a healthier and happier community for everyone. It’s depressing and infuriating.
I was in Seattle last May for two nights and yeah going into the Target was an eye opener, I saw five armed guards with ARs. I would never see that in my area and I am near one of the worst cities in the country for violent crime (Baltimore). I will say this though, homelessness was there but not as bad as I thought and I did see people cleaning up the streets, which is a rarity in US cities. Seattle is actually a very nice city to visit, its scenic geographical location helps too. The cost of everything is absurd though, from gas to lodging to food, I really enjoyed my stay but I couldn’t be there for long.
I don’t agree on the airport though, it’s a typical outdated American airport and security was atrocious. Only airports in the U.S. that I view as “modern” and “nice” would be Atlanta. BWI and Dulles are ok too, I can’t think of any other though that I’ve been too.
@@MSF8637 Yes, the new construction started in September 23 I think. So, it’s going through a lot of changes with new shops and stuff. Christmas was pretty nice. Security could definitely be better. I do like my hometown of Seattle for all the reasons you mentioned. But I’ve definitely seen some major problems develop over the years. I think people are trying to clean it up more recently but the homelessness crisis still needs some attention. At least there’s been a little progress. I love my town and miss how safe it used to feel. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit. :)
@@Greatpacificnorthwesterner Oh very interesting I didn’t know that, hopefully the new additions to the airport turn out good, I think they’re definitely needed lol. I did notice a ton of construction downtown going on. I did very much enjoy my stay and I find the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. to be an absolute gem overall.
Seattle and the whole Puget Sound in the mid 90s to mid 2000s was a very nice place to live as a student at UW and starting out as a young professional. I got out of dodge in 2008 and currently residing in a suburb north of Atlanta.
@@theasianjaywalker4455 Processed food has been pumped full of chemicals. Just read the label on any canned food.
I'm from St Pete, FL, I moved out of the US a little over 10 years ago and pretty much feel the same way as you. Never went back and don't really feel any desire to move back. Whenever I talk to some of my old friends they always ask me when I'm going back, every time I look at things back there I quickly lose interest.
@Dawg76 Married a Brazilian woman and moved to Brazil. I live a simpler life nowadays, but I'm so much happier and that to me has no price.
Also from St Pete, FL. Left the US 14 years ago. Last time I visited was almost 5 years ago & I felt disconnected from my old life. Can't imagine ever returning, nor having the desire to do so.
I am an American living in the UK Channel Islands for the past 11 years. Not a tax dodger, my husband was born here. I got diagnosed with MS since living here and if I was back in the states I would probably be dead by now. I pay only about £4.50 a prescription, while in the US my main MS med would cost $2,000 a month. I can literally never move back and I am fine with that. The last time we visited the US was about 6 years ago and on the drive from San Francisco to Portland I was really astounded as to how many homeless people there were at the rest areas on I-5 and in general. America is seriously broken, always has been.
Hasn’t always been. I lived there in the early 2000s. It was fine. But it’s gone down since then.
The wealth are on the hands of the top 2% of the population, they owned and controlled everything. They passed laws to enrich themselves and when they ran their businesses or corporations to the ground, their buddies in DC bail them out and the 98% and the future generations get the bill. $34 trillions in debt, funding 2 wars. Interest payment per year is $1.5 trillion. Every American owes $100k or every taxpayer owes $200k. Yet, no one can stop this madness.
@justthink5854 if you read the constitution then you can make the case that, yes, America has always been broken.
Stay in Jersey Meg, we don’t need you anyway, and we certainly don’t need your traitorous pessimism.
@lani6647 The Supreme Court ruling making George Bush President, even though AL Gore really won was a major blow to Democracy.
Our expat and inpat experiences agree on every point. Thanks!
Thanks for the Super and thanks for watching!
I'm Russian and I spent 8 months living in Baltimore back in 2007. What impressed me was how little Americans know about the world. Like many people asked me if we had electricity in Russia, or WC, and how was it with education ( though, for example, I was talking their language and I had learnt it at school and all of them knew just their native one).
Also sooo many people were tattoed and designs were not beautiful. Like for example my colleague had a Micky mouse on her neck and that looked really weird, as if she had got it being 4 years old. Many people had tattooes on their faces and also many people had some lights in their teeth which were shining as they spoke and girls wore really long plastic nails which seemed to disable them a bit.
Feeling nostalgic I googled the place I worked and was upset to see how abandoned and rundown it appears to be (the mall in the Harbor). I really wish you and your country all the best.
Americans do learn a different language in high school. The issue is primarily that they have no reason to keep up with using it. I say this as a person who used to speak a nit of German. Since I don't love there anymore, nor interact with Germans often, I habe lost the ability to speak it.
The Baltimore Harbor Mall suffered the same fate as many brick and morter malls in the U.S.A. did. The death was just slower. There is a plan for new development of the space, though.
I have also the same impression.They always proud about their higher education: but haha = zero
@@ChristopherX30 in eu every primary school have native and one foreign language but so many have third one outside the school activity.
@@ChristopherX30Many Americans have German origin. In Europe We learn english from the first day in primary school, and other language, or even third by choice little later, also in primary school, learning new language for first time in high school is too late, cause You are in learning fase when You are child.
Yes-- you touched on a very telling indicator, tattoos. When i was growing up (in the '60s), no one had tatoos except sailors, and even then, it was only one or two, not their entire arm or their face. It's a sad commentary on our culture. If people have so little regard for their own bodies, it only follows that they have little or no regard for much else.
My family moved to the UK before I graduated high school, as I had grown up in Florida. When I returned to Florida years later to see friends I left behind (an unofficial school reunuion) I was stunned how people I knew changed in such a short amount of time. Approximately 70-80% of the group had become obese in just 7 years. The food also gave me constipation, swelling and severe discomfort. It was all very puzzling to me.
brits are fat too. Why target Americans only?
But you already knew what the US was like before moving to the UK, right? Only 7 years being away from the US, I can assure you the change hasn't been all that drastic (although it is getting worse).
Very interesting post. I am a local Chinese from Hong Kong, though I spent my teens in Canada. My husband is from the UK. He also has similar experience as you, regarding the lack of progress in the West. Nowsaday, we love traveling to Mainland China to feel the vibriancy of the China.
I'm also an ethnic Chinese originally from HK but grew up in the West.
I've been going to China for holidays every year for thr last many many years (with a few years pause during the pandemic).
I ABSOLUTELY love going to China ever since my very first trip almost 30 years ago.
I've just come back again from a 3 weeks holiday in China. Absolutely loved it.
Serious question but what difference do you see in Mainland China today from 8 years ago?
For me, it's stopped and frozen in 2015. From clothes to apps to everything. What are you seeing that's changing?
@theasianjaywalker4455 I return to mainland China near every year except 2 years during pandemic, every time I return I would see some positive changes, like the streets are cleaners, city look nicer, more new shops and restaurants, people are more helpful, especially in the service sector in the government.
The most positive experience i got is that I received a survy last year 2022 (I received again 2023 ) from my local government through my community weichat group, asking what kind of services people like in local area, my answer was small business like tailor, simple haircut, locksmith... and i was so surpriced to find when I returned to visit my family this year 2023 that they are all available just crossed the street of my community, in a new small grocery store! There must be many people said silimar things on that survey. We used to have these kind of effective and cheap small services but they gradually disappered with developments of the city, now they came back, the haircut is only ¥15! we actually have several hair solon nearby, but at least cost about $35-45 for simple hair cut, still not expensive at all, but many aged people like parent and grandparents generations still prefer cheap old street-vendor style one😊. I asked one of the business owners how they got here, they said they were invited by the local government!
And another good improvements is that my own community started to provide free haircut each month for people over 65 since 2 years ago..... all these I can't imagine will happen in my community in North America. And I am experiencing progress being made in China year by year, at least until end of this year 2023 when I return back to North America.
But no country will forever progress faster and faster, to a certain point, things will settle and stabilized, you will see less and less changes - that is good thing, I dont like things keep changing, let good services and policy just stay and that is it.
Yes, the vibrant labour camps and such....
@@mikebegonia6134 Nuh, they only exist in your country.
I lived half of my life in China and then half of my life in the US. I know China when the situation was bad, and I also knew US when the situation was still quite good and appealing. Relatively speaking, it is clear that China is on the rise and the US is in decline. If you pay attention to the opinions of the US politicians, you will notice two fundamental facts. 1, they do not really understand China, 2, they do not really think the US system needs serious reform. These two facts made me believe that the relative trend between China and the US is not going to change in the foreseeable future. While I hope both countries can be good and strong forever, I already accepted that, no country, no system, no culture, no religion, can avoid corruption. So eventually, everyone falls down, and as it happens, it is particularly difficult for the system to reform itself dramatically to avoid the decline. I guess it is the US' turn to go down this time. While time is still good for China, its own decline (far in the future) is also inevitable, as it was already demonstrated in history several times.
One thing I also learned from the Chinese history is that, a country has to decline and to be humiliated hard in order to become humble and to learn from others, and therefore to rise up again. Good or bad, that's part of the evolution.
this trwnd is discussed in the nook of Change
This is one of the best comments about this topic anywhere. Very wise. (America is NOT a humble place, and you know what they say...the "The higher they are, the harder they fall.")
The same trend can be seen in the Western nations in general. The West is in decline but refuse to acknowledge it .. here in Germany, we have politicians still busy patting themselves and each others' backs, failing to realize and acknowledge the downhill spiral.. unfortunate. While Asia in general is rising.
In fact, throughout human history, not many powers/empires could resurrect or rise again after falling.
The rise and fall of history is inevitable, but only for the past. Everyone is the creator of history, and in a specific period, a small number of people represent everyone as heroes, leading to dynastic changes. However, if a country always aligns with historical trends and the interests of the majority of people, then the country will never decline
My son and ex have been living in Beijing for more than 5 years now. They come back to states to visit family once year. They almost got the same feelings what you had while in the US. They rather live in china than living here unless they have to . My ex always says US is not what she knew 20 years ago. The social environment are so different than before.
I lived overseas for 17 years and came back to the states 10 years ago. I can relate to much of what he has said. I sometimes wonder if it was a mistake to come back to the United States in my retirement. However, most of my family lives here, and despite all the mess, It’s my home.
Home is where my hat is. I'm American but refuse to live in such a place.
I'm thinking of returning to the States after 20 years in Korea. Work is the only thing I enjoy here.
Are you an English teacher?@@dressleradam
@@dressleradamHow often do you visit the U.S.A.? I imagine that of you move to the right place, you'll love your life.
I currently live in Canada, have worked half my life in North America, seen the deterioration in physical infrastructure & systems from the mid 1970's to date... We are nations in decline significantly handicapped by egotistical false perceptions of living superior lifestyles. The less developed regions of the world are progressing far better than we are. .
And when I tried to tell my fellow Canadians that Mexico city is at least 40 years beyond Toronto, they go in denial and get angry.
Even worse when I explain that most parts of Malaysia are way better then Canada all around. Canadian's lives in a 1970's story in their heads.
@@ThereIsAlwaysaWay2 some of our political parties still view the world and particularly Canada with 1950's anglosphere outlook. It is why we have been unable to adapt and compete successfully with global trading activities in the East
Canadian wealth is all tied up in real estate and burgeoning government. Nothing productive is happening.
Canada declines even faster than usa
@@ThereIsAlwaysaWay2 In early 1990, a friend's daughter came to the US to visit from east Germany. She was amazed at the abundance of food and the opulence of her parents' tiny two bedroom house that was not at all opulent, but it had a beautiful, green lawn and flowers and a clothes dryer. She said that they had been led to believe that life in East Germany was the most modern and they had the best of everything. I sometimes wonder if that is how the US has become. We believe what we are told, but is it the truth?
Great points in this video. I was born and lived in Taiwan for 28 years. Moved to the U.S for another 28 years. I witnessed how Taiwan and USA fallen in the past 30 years. I live in a manufactured home park in a tiny town in Oregon. I can barely afford to stay here after the pandemic. So I went to China for two months last year. I found out with the same amount of monthly expenses, I have to be very frugal in the U.S, but I can have so much better life in China. If I could live for another 28 years, I want to live in China.
China welcomes you.
With Big Brother Xi jinping is watching you
Welcome
@@sarahmichael270244 I believe that Xi is too busy to watch me since he has so many people to take care of, unlike some presidents are so busy with firing the world.
Why do you think "Taiwan has fallen"?
You know what’s sad? I don’t remember so many people talking about depression until like about 8 years ago . And when you walk around, you can feel a low-grade depression and anxiety in the air. It’s like people sort of gave up on themselves and their communities. The suburbs often feel subdued- like morgues.Not many kids on bikes or neighbors talking. When you see a random kid on a bike, you worry about them. It’s like a weird no-man’s land. The city is a little better but you are confronted with tents and people talking to themselves. Shelves are often messy in drug stores. There’s a lot of heightened outrage and less humour. There’s also a sense of dread whenever you go out because you just don’t know if you’ll be in the wrong place at the wrong time and get shot at the grocery store or whatever. These are all generalizations and not always true. But they are true enough in many American towns.
yes, surburbs are eerie and lifeless. It's very creepy. All the box-stores and restaurants look exactly the same from town to town. Dreary and unimaginative, dead and lifeless.
I’m from MD but live in Australia now. I’ve been here for 14 years now and each time I go back home the entire energy is angry, depressed, anxious, blah and fearful. This has been since Trump got in. Don’t throw hate my way it’s my observation over the past 8 years. It’s only gotten worse. I love my home country but it’s going down the crapper fast. The food makes me sick, the produce has no taste, the meats have so much hormones and additives. I hope my fellow Americans will wake up and make changes ASAP or the country we all love will be gone.
@@michellesmith6558 Yeah. People need more hope for sure. I am glad you got out. 👍
@@Greatpacificnorthwesterner I’m hoping the country will pull its finger out and start to care about each other. I’d like to move back to retire near my kids. At this point they might have to come here to escape fascism 🙄and it’s @ good life in Australia just very far away from my boys.
@@michellesmith6558
Good observation about Trump. I retired 11 years ago in the Philippines. Love the outgoing people, but I saw the indifference grow after Duterte took office.
He did to this society, with his lack of polite decor and anger, which projected onto the people, in the same manner as you described what you have observed about American society since Trump blew onto the scene
I live in Albuquerque and our neighborhood Walmart locks up all the beauty supplies. Of course I can ring the bell and someone will come and unlock the case. The annoying thing is after she opens it, she stand there and wait for me to be done so she can lock it up again. So I can’t take my time to compare different brands cuz she’s standing right there waiting for me. I live in the US over 50 years and crimes has never been so bad.
Struggling a little bit?
Sir- this country of my birth (in CA-1955) has imploded
It’s gone
The elites / corporations have us groveling for crumbs. Every aspect of our society now is unhealthy mentally and physically
We have lost the battle - we live in a corporatocracy .
Infrastructure is crumbling while our government ficuses on selling weapons of mass destruction
In short …
WE ARE ROME
Towards the end of her reign
Yes-citizens ARE depressed
The entire western world is like this - all by design.
@@CaliSteve169 yes indeed
I was also born in California in 1955. I lived there half my life. I lived in Colorado, Puget Sound area and Kentucky. But in 2013 I moved to Poland. I hope to always remain here. My quality of life is much better in Poland.
It all started with Reaganomics. Trickle down? Huh. Doesnt happen!!!
@CaliSteve169 I'm in Ireland & have to travel to the US regularly. The rest of the
world is NOT lIke the US. Geez you don't even have health care, basic education or even Labour laws. Kids in all European countries leave high school with at least 3 languages. You lot freak out when you hear another language. 😂 PS I can tell you've never been outside the US unless you were sent to kill people.
My own experience living in the U.S has shown me this country is very unsafe at times. I live in Sunny San Diego, CA and temporarily worked as a Cannabis dispensary delivery person from 2021-2023. During my two Years at this job I was unfortunately robbed at gun Point in Southeast San Diego in Mountain View by an African American guy. Luckily I'm alive today and wasn't robbed of my life but it was really an eye opening experience and showed me that even America's Finest City by the Sea pales in comparison to any random Chinese city when it comes to public safety.
That sounds really scary. I'm glad you are still around.
yeah,,,i grew up and was raised in San Diego, i love overseas but cause of age i am moving back to San Diego. I would never go to southeast San Diego, we all new to stay out of there....hahaha,,,,,You have the meth users in East County, they just rob to get their drugs..It all depends where u live in the cities, i have never been assaulted or robbed in San Diego.
@@dsrrellgriffith1161 Unfortunately meth is not just in East County any more. I work in healthcare in Hillcrest (which is closer to downtown) and meth can make up 1/3 or more of my patients at any given moment. It is also not limited to any demographic group (I saw a 74 yo on meth just the other night.) I also see random assaults frequently. I do agree that crime remains unevenly distributed but it definitely feels more wide spread than ever.
I am a San Diegan, we call the city "American's Finest City" not "American Safest City" (Actually relative speaking, our city is much safer comparing to the others... in the US)
Is your assailant's race relevant? Why did you mention it?
As Someone who has now lived outside of the U.S for 8 years, this video strikes a chord. I very much like where I live, and I have no plans on returning to the U.S. That said, I won't crap on the U.S. (by no means suggesting you did) however easy that may be. Instead, I very much agree with what you said regarding the culture. The culture is what no longer aligns with my values. I appreciate my once yearly visits (sometimes less), and enjoy spending time with family when I do make it back. And then I equally enjoy boarding my flight home.
I can only judge from an outside perspective but I think the U.S. actually has great potential to be an amazing country, if the people could liberate themselves from their awful regime who makes their lives and the lives of people outside the U.S. a misery through NATO/CIA-terrororism, enforced austerity, manipulation, and brutal exploitation. When the USA starts fighting against their regime, and for a government that is for the US-workers and against imperialism, then things can be great. The people in the USA definitely deserve a better government too.
As a Canadian with +2 decades of living/working overseas (Europe/Asia/Africa/Latin America), my observations are similar to yours, but I think you are being too polite.
The first things I notice arriving back in North America are: 1)The sheer number of outright fat/obese people. It is shocking. 2) The shabbiness of airports. 3) The lack of any practical form of transport except a car, with the exception of a few cities. 4) The run-downness of city centers and the decay of urban infrastructure. 5) The deadness of town/city centers after business hours and the lack of street life. 6) The lifelessness of a society designed around the car. Almost no pedestrians, everyone in a car.
My main impression is a lack of vitality in people and society. It's like overwork and car-life are sucking the joy out of everyone. Even in 'poor' countries I have been to, there is an energy and industriousness to an extent.
I have no plan to ever return there to live.
You got everything right. I grew up in Poland and been living in NY for the past 24 years. Living on 2 continents I can confirm the following: NY (not USA, just a state I know)- no architecture or charm, no culture, shopping centers designed to drive thru or go in and out, you need a car if you are not in the city, ny boroughs got dangerous in recent years, more crime everywhere, more garbage on streets, dirty buildings, no upgrades, probably there is no money for it. Pros: wide roads, outside of NYC beautiful parks, beaches and just nature. Beautiful residential areas, houses stanning, you always find parking. Now Europe: much, much better food, apartments with garages and laundry machines in the apartments. That one thing drives me insane about NY, no laundry machines allowed in apartment. Europe has unique vibe, most items including medical services are better quality. Roads need maintenance, cars are old and tiny. But you can get everywhere by public transportation.
You are really Polish when you mention laundry machines in the apartments.
Which is why I'm glad I moved from eastern Europe to the US.
@@CaliSteve169Why are you glad you moved from Eaateen Europe to the U.S.A.?
What about the cons of Europe? Every place has cons. You never mentioned those.
@@ChristopherX30 many reasons. More opportunities, better life (I know it's subjective)....too much to list here.
Agree 100% with your video. I've been back in the US for 2 month so far. I'm enjoying my time here but I'm ready to get back to my wife in the Philippines. I grew up in Africa for 10 years in the late 60s to late 70s so living abroad in different cultures is something I enjoy.
I will miss my family & friends who have been super kind on my return, I will miss the clean streets, relatively orderly traffic and 4 seasons. I won't miss the politicization of everything, the high prices/greed and unfortunately the decay of law & order/ civil society.
I hear you. I have been in Bohol 11years and dread the prospects of ever returning to the U.S.
What struck me in the US was that people didn't greet strangers on the street with Goood Morning. Where I live in Mexico, everyone greet each other.
It used to be like that
It is different in different states, southern states are friendlier.
It used to be like that all over the world. But you in Mexico still having that custom because you picked it up from the Americans… or at least you reinforce that behavior by observing the Americas.
Are you crazy? If you don't greet someone here on the street, you're considered a snob. That includes all the undocumented Mexicans living in my city.
@@inkandescent3382Exactly!
I wanted to leave the US a long time ago.
When a people are told incessantly that they are the best in the world, there’s nowhere else but down.
If we go down that only means the world has gone down further.
@@davidaponte7521 Thanks for proving all the points made in the video and the comments.
I live on both sides, US and Europe, 50/50. I used to be the biggest fan of the US, but it is run down. Whatever Airport you go to, even new built terminals, look like ugly and run down. Compare that to an Istanbul, Dubai or Kuala Lumpur, or just a Copenhagen or Malaga Airport and you will see what I mean. Starting with the jetways that do not have glas and the carpet as soon as you are in the building (why would you have carpet in an Airport?). The Stripmalls are all still the same, as ugly as ever and there is no sense of community, no central area to meet. Compare that with Spain, where you can go out at 10pm and walk to the center of any little village and there are people sitting, chatting and enjoying live. Ah yes, the banking system is still as bad as always. You can still not just transfer money in seconds from any bank to any bank in US for free, but you can in Europe through different countries!?! My brother in law still sends us paper checks when paying for things!
Overall, the US got stuck in the past. Public transit about 80 years, houses about 50 years, semi trucks about 20 years, banks about 15 years and the rest about 5-10 years, or who really uses SMS these days still besides US? The biggest problem the US has is that people, media and government are not looking outside the US to see what is better and how can we incorporate that. When I talk to my grandkids, they think the US is the only and best country in the world. Totally brainwashed!
Agreed, too many are looking inwards and not to the rest of the world that is quickly passing the US in many areas. Everything seems stuck in the past like you said.
I currently live in Murica and we're able to transfer funds from one bank to another without incurring any fees? At least between BofA and Wells Fargo and I would imagine other banks as well. Also we can deposit checks by taking pics of front/back and uploading to their online banking apps. And you forgot to include Incheon Airport in South Korea, one of the best in the world. Of course the airports in the US are rundown compared to others in the world, but to be fair most of these airports were built decades later using the latest building materials/technologies? Sure it would be nice to upgrade the existing major airports and other infrastructure, but how are we going to finance it when our wise leaders deem it more important to spend (actually go into debt) to finance the totally bogus/immoral wars backing Ukraine and Israel?
@@sweetaznspice1 You know, there are thousands of banks and if you want to transfer to a smaller one, you are stuck. Maybe they use Zelle, but the chances are that they don’t. Why do you think they invented PayPal? Just for that reason. However, to this day it is still bad. And yes, you can make a picture of the check with an App. However, just the fact that there are still checks is absurd!
I think the larger cities are definitely experiencing horrible crime. It hasn’t really reached the smaller towns yet, but I fear it’s coming.
Yeah, I'm scared. 💔
The homelessness and crime will be everywhere before it gets better...if it gets better.
@@aswinhanagal4293 I read that "it's getting better" because cities stopped reporting many crimes
@@Ad_Blocker_For_UA-camThey are reporting. Crime is up!
"Try that in a small town"
You should get your parents to come to China to visit you, and see how you live. that would be a great series of vids to watch.😊
That would be great, but they are too old to travel that far. They said they would like to come, but the flight is just too long.
@@TripBittenYou can bteak up the trip by lying to Hawaii, then to Asia.
@TripBitten Too bad... If they ever decide to do it, I think a direct flight would be best.... changing flights, and rushing around airports, and messing with transfers would be harder for older folks. 😁
seconded. can't wait
@@TripBitten ... this can be solved in the form of a tourist trip, a stop or more on the way, somewhere, in different cities, where to visit 1-2 days, where to rest, then continue the way to China...
I have lived in Thailand for 18 years and only visited the US twice since 2006. I lived in Japan for 15 years prior to that. I have traveled to most Asian countries and all but a few have better quality of life than the US. I might never go back.
I just wanted to take a moment to say how amazing your video was! I was really impressed with the quality of the footage, the editing, and the overall presentation. You did a great job of explaining the topic in a clear and concise way, and I learned a lot from watching your video.
I also really appreciated the way you made the video engaging and entertaining. You kept my attention throughout the entire video, and I never felt bored or lost. I would definitely recommend your video to anyone who is interested in learning more about the video.
The real culprit would be Margareth Thatcher, Milton Friedman & The Chicago School of Economics ... In my humble educated opinion. Great video - Happy New Year from Norway! :)
Good point and Ronald Reagan... Happy New Year to you!
@TripBitten I'm so glad you mentioned Reagan. I wanted to, but didn't want to get everyone riled up. Ever since Reagan convinced a generation that government is the problem, and the constant messaging about cutting taxes (the "you should keep your own money ") mantra, we've been in decline. 😢 Economies are not a zero sum game!
Totally agree. Expat for most of my life (50 years); will probably remain so for the rest (hopefully 50 more). Sad, though, because I used to recommend the American lifestyle, livelihood, liveliness. Not so much anymore.
Were you expat in the same country all along, or you moved around?
I fully share your views on most, if not all the things you are talking about. I live in Canada, which in my experience is not much different from the US, which I have been to often. I moved to Canada in 1993 and while Germany, my country of birth, is not the same as China, even there I experienced a lot of what you are describing on my recent visit there. From my memory of growing up there I remembered being able to eat the food without getting sick from it because it was less artificial. I agree in North America there is too much sugar, too much salt and articulate flavour and colour almost in everything. Over the years in Canada I have developed severe IBS which I can only live with okay as long as I eliminate a lot of the food that is available here and cook from scratch with ingredients that are hard to come by and expensive. As soon as I was in Germany, I my health improved and eventually I had no symptoms of IBS and could almost eat anything I bought. It did not take long after I came back to Canada that my symptoms came back.
I had always noticed the difference in fashion and weight. Any of my visiting friends or family from Germany noticed it too. The lack of style has always baffled me. Some of the ways people here go out in public for shopping or anything they are doing are inconceivable to my friends and family in Europe.
In between my children and myself we have done a fair bit of travelling and the lack of progress in North America is also noticeable to us.
Lastly, my daughter is currently working in China for a month and has been touring the entire country with her orchestra. She was the first of our family to experience what we have admired from afar through videos like yours, your wife’s or others and it did not take her long to see that the reality was exactly how you all portray it. She has seen a variety of different cities, areas and people of all kind of backgrounds. She feels very comfortable and happy there, is impressed with the modern cities and all that you describe like public transport (here in Canada my city is geared towards owning a car and it is also the big trucks and SUV’s that you see everywhere). She says the people have all been very friendly and open minded. Due to an unfortunate event she even experienced the police and was interrogated but she said everyone was extremely fair and friendly and efficient.
What you say about the energy of the people in the US is exactly what we feel about people her in Canada and my daughter actually made a comment to me about loving the Chinese people and their energies much more than the group she working and travelling with (and they are not even North Americans, they are mostly from Europe).
Thank you for another great video. These kind of experiences are great to hear and to share. Travelling or living in a different country is very educational. I love your perspectives because where I live many people do not know much of the rest of the world and have very close minded opinions, which is what my daughter experienced in her group in regards to what people say and believe about China. And so it is nice to watch your videos!
Good to hear some straight talks
The US is in decline. I visited Hong Kong, my birthplace, a few months ago loved it there. Unless in the US, I walked and take public transportation everywhere and logged 25,000+ steps almost everyday without trying. In the US, I need to drive everywhere I go. However, housing is expensive in HK. If I moved of the US when for retirement, I might go across the border from HK to Shenzhen. The reason I am thinking about moving abroad is that the US is so divided. Politics is like sports where the politicians and the MSM talks about who's winning and losing, but not about how they can improve our lives. Politicians are obsessed with winning the next election, and money from their donors. The establishment is corrupt. It is the end stage of Western "Democracy". The problem is systemic.
the USA does not have a "democracy". It's a plutocracy; Stanford University put out a report on this (I believe) circa 2013/14. People need to get this through their head. There is no democracy or representative republic, and no "capitalism". It's crony corporatism.
HK is now a buying market with housing. I’m moving back there this year and I’m considering buying. I really miss Hong Kong and can’t stand it here in the USA anymore.
Not 'Western Democracy', it's 'US Democracy' that's in decline. The US is not the 'Western world' - there are many other 'western' countries that are doing OK.
Shenzhen is definitely a good choice
Having been born in HK you have permanent rights to live there.
I've made HK my home with my family now for many years and absolutely love it here.
You're fortunate you have the option to move back to HK and could possibly live in mainland China.
Shenzhen is super popular now.
But I think in the future, probably the entire "Greater Bay Area" (GBA) encompasssing HK, Macao, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and several other cities is going to a great place to live.
Cost of living in mainland China is a lot cheaper than HK.
Development continues and the cities continue to get better with higher standards of living and better integration through improved infrastructure such as high-speed rail/metro and bridges/roads that can dramatically cut travel time.
About the cars I (I'm from the EU) assume there is also some kind of cultural war happening where especially in the US people oppose science and everything what is about protecting the environment and buying these huge SUV's or even "coal rollers", is kind of a statement. The US is quite on the top when it comes to CO2 per capita and many people might be proud of it.
Yep - exactly the Same nitwits who complain when gas prices when they go up.....I have a 2013 Ford Fiesta 36mpg
US people (Americans) don't oppose science. They have simply woken to the fact that "science" has been captured by corporate interests. Therefore, you cannot trust it. Would you trust the information, intentions and policies of what is generally defined as a psychopath? You've been watching too much MSM.
@@abodz9702 nobody here will take religious Trump cult members and their conspiracy about "science is a Jewish weapon to suppress the Aryan race" gibberish serious. An no, parrotting tweets by self-proclaimed gurus on Xwitter while quitting school and denying facts is not "woken up".
We'll if it wasn't becoming some were climate religion here it would be diffrent plus alot of the people pushing the green agenda are part of the wef and donors sorry but own nothing be happy sounds awful and would rather be six feet than live in that world
Ok Mr science 😅 banning farming in EU? Have you guys ever thought may be the science is flawed? May be the climate is just been the climate changing every few years?
I have lived in South American 12 years and can think of no reason tor return to the U.S. I love your ending in this video and totally agree. Living in the U.S. in the 1940s and 50s was the perfect childhood. And the education system was still superior back then. That is all gone and will never be again. But I found it elsewhere and that is always possible for everyone. I have a native friend here who is a realtor and she did so much business last year with U.S. people moving here that she could afford to take two months off and travel the World. There are way too many people coming south, but we are very greatful for the business, especially the big ones, relocating in South America because of the high labor costs in the U.S. We have all of the auto production plants down here now and cheaper cars. The longer you are away from what you once thought to be great, the more you learn.
Where do you live? Ten years ago I moved to the Philippines
Sounds like you are the same place as I am - Brasil
Love it here, is very Americanized and easy to live here without culture shock
I love your gentle honesty & I totally agree. I spend all my free time in Asia & coming back to the North American continent really shows me how little US has XL progressed
This is just a guess. US farming is big corporate farming, producing cost effective, shortest growth and incubation time, bland products or chemically resistant to pests and harsh environments, etc. while naturalness in the products have been obliterated and products become bland. To make up for blandness, the so-called scary seasonings are added to give taste to these packaged so-called foods. The result: overweight, obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, etc., sometimes making some citizens think they are also being farmed like farm animals for the economic benefit of the US oligarchs.
This is not a guess, this is what was taught in the business school: make good profit by invent whatever you can invent or shutdown the business…
You said it perfectly: "making some citizens think they are also being farmed like farm animals for the economic benefit of the US oligarchs." I just wish more of these citizens would think that and also do something about it. As for me, I getting the hell out of the dodge and moving back to Europe. I just feel sad for my youth wasted slaving here in the US for that biggest lie of the "american dream".
Its a fair, and most importantly transparent presentation of true facts. Been there, seen the same, felt the same. One noteworthy thing maybe: I always distinguish between politics and people.
Thanks for sharing your experiences
Great content! Your Florida footage locations are very close to our home. I agree it’s a very bland/depressing how everything is. Thanks for keeping us updated and educated.
I left the US in 1996 to work overseas in multiple countries, and did not return until 2022. Considering the size of the US, you see what you want to see.
What do you expect ? The U.S. spends $800 billion on defence each year, there isn't a lot of spare cash to improve the infrastructure. On the contrary, China is different. Its aspiration isn't a global hegemon, fighting foreign wars, its sole intention is to improve the lives of its own people, lifting people out of poverty.
So agree!
Yes, and unicorns exist...
but more and more people in China step into poverty since the post pandemic, lots of business were closed during 2023, more and more people lost their jobs, some even can't afford the mortgage of their house. all in all, the situation in China is not so good as you think.
@@pipiqiqi4010 No country is perfect. How worse off the country is depends on how widespread and seriousness the problem is. If the problem doesn't impede on the overall development, then the country could still have a bright future.
@@ButchCassidyAndSundanceKid Yeah, you are right, but there is a vibe similar with the US in China since 2023, more and more people are complaining the government, for the unhealthy food, there are too many additives in food and more and more cancer patients around people. Complaining the house price is too high for normal people, and lots of people can’t afford the mortgage. Complaining the medical and education pressure, because the competition is serious, so more and more young people don’t want to birth.
You really do a great service educating the people.
we are resistance to change. Any montion of change is met with massive resistance. IF YOU DO NO LIKE IT YOU CAN LEAVE. THIS IS OUR ATTITUDES.
Agree. Many Americans lack introspection. This, along with superiority complex and ego really limit our capacity to change and we will ultimately suffer the consequences.
Thank you for your candid sharing of your experience🙏
My wife and I lived in the US from 2004-2010. It is a great memory! I really hope that the US and China can get along and US remains an attractive place for us to visit some day in the future.
There in no way the US want to get along with China unless China become another Afghanistan as US wished.
你这话说出来 笑死人，美国是不会放过我们中国的
只需要做好自己，别人决定不了你的命运@@范振辉-d7k
Chip sanctions, secondary sanctions on Chinese banks, corporations moving out...not clear enough?
I share your impression about the run down or lack of newness in the US. In my observation, it also reflects in population general perception toward the world. There is far less confidence and positive outlooking than the decades passed. There is far greater level of feeling insecure.
I had the same experience this past year after not visiting for 5 years. I left 10 years ago and live in India now.
Two days of nostalgic food and after that I can’t.
And everything is so expensive.
And what is up with the security!? I was so shocked in CVS.
It’s such a different world there now.
Yes, some things have changed a lot and others haven't... It is interesting to go back and see it.
guess what. i have not touched Krispy Kreme in like, 20 years and the moment i took 2, my throat felt terrible and phlegmy, and i started coughing my lungs out. it's horrible.
In case you’ve never experienced it or smelled it and just didn’t what you were smelling was in fact marijuana, but it smells like a combination of garlic and chives. And from my personal experience I can smell marijuana almost everywhere I go in America.
Never smelled marijuana anywhere in 12 years living in China.
@@myleshagar9722nearly 200 years ago,England destroyed China by selling countless amount of opium。those drugs made Chinese people weak and poor，and at 1840,Britain even fight a war against china just because the china government forbidden opium import, then China was invaded by The Eight-Power Allied Forces (aggressive troops sent by Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Tsarist Russia, Japan, Italy and Austria in 1900).and just a few years later china was invaded again by japan,during that period of time,Chinese people suffered a lot and more than 35million people were killed.learning from the shameful history, china now hold very strict policy towards drugs.
I stopped eating Fast Food about 7 months ago in The US. Two things i noticed:
1) I lost 30 pounds and now weigh the same as I did when i was 19.
2) The Salt in French Fries, such as McDonald's is absolutely terrifying to me now.
The interesting thing about the US, is that we do have more choices, that almost any Country. However, if you want to eat "Normal" Healthy Food, you have to shop at Specialty Grocery Stores, where the average cost of food is almost 3 times higher on average.
Very honest, reflective and appreciated. It is interesting that the motto is ‘United we stand’ but the ‘us’ and ‘them’ attitude is reflected in divided we fall.
It's true, America is not all bad. Life *_can_* be good for most Americans.
But I think the important point is that America has a number of serious social and political problems that ought not to exist in a country as rich and as free as it claims to be. These are problems that do not exist in China:
-> Rampant homelessness in every major US urban center.
-> Countless millions of Americans who can't afford health insurance and therefore suffer poor health care.
-> Declining life expectancy.
-> Declining education.
-> Crumbling infrastructure.
-> Growing poverty and economic inequality.
-> Rampant gun violence and *_daily_* mass shootings!
-> Fentanyl addiction crisis.
-> Mass incarceration - the highest number and the highest per capita rate in the world.
Just to name a few. While these problems may not be apparent everywhere, especially in smaller towns, the fact that they even exist is a dark stain on US society overall.
You haven't traveled through most of America, living in the few large cities in the US like New York, Boston , Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angles is not indicative of the state of the US and even those cities are declining to a point of no return !
Decline in life expectancy, unaffordable healthcare costs, growing income inequality, crumbing infrastructures, increase in crime rates etc….,are not just in major cities. These are national measurement indicators on the country. lack of empathy or compassion for other fellow Americans or the greater good. Denying and ignoring these problems won’t make it go away.
Yes you remind me of what I ate back in US: donuts, fries, doritos with squirt on cheese or Salsa dip, beef sticks, dipping tobacco, hotdogs, super sweet milk shake.. etc etc.. none of them was good for the body.
You didn't have to eat that, you
Chose to.
@@charliemcmillin1066 Yeah, I enjoyed that, but just like most Americans back then, I did not know how bad those things were doing to my body.
@@alanchanhongkong 👍💯
I totally agree with ya about the USA , I also live in China , Its rare I go to the US because of everything you just mentioned
Great video. Lots of honest and personal reviews of what it's like for an Ex-Pat to come back to the States. Thanks for this! It's DEFINITELY gotten worse over the last decade.
I am a 70 year old retired US citizen who has not lived in the USA for 20 years since 2004.First to Australia now since 2010 I have been living in Thailand.I have not been back to the USA to visit since 2009.I do not miss the USA and like you I may never live there again.Both my parents are dead,my one and only brother is dead.I own no property in the USA and have no wife or children in the USA.I do have a sister she may want to come live with me in Thailand,Some of the things I can relate to in your video.I have no car here and can get around fine without one.This would not be the case in the USA.I do watch TV and see what is going on in the USA which makes me no want to go back there.I also don't like the mindset of the Americans-always starting wars and thinking they sit at the top of a pyramid and everyone else is beneath them.I like Thailand.Like Stevie Wonder said in 1966 "There's a place in the sun where there's hope for everyone...got to find me that place in the sun".I found it.
My parents from China came to live in Canada for a while. They also say everything is so sweeeeeeeet! They didn’t enjoy the ice cream at all.
It always baffles me that the USA has a huge homeless people issue when one considers that it has so much land mass for only 5% of the world's population. Sad situation.
I would say this was a very fair and honest......review? Or comparison? Just good old facts. Good job on your video.
WORKERS OF THE WORLD 🌎 UNITE !!!
Yup, as someone grew up in the 70s-80s, travel & been to everywhere across the country, "Decay" is the right word. Fat, Sick, Lack Character & Haven't Progress last 15-20 years but still thinking we're hot stuff are all apt description.
The country is still stuck in 2 decades ago haven't really move forward, everyone old enough to remember the 80-90s knows it. Depends where you're, some places are in decline worst than others, whether is geography or wealth that insulated, but one don't need to look far, can see "Decay" is happening everywhere.
Word came down in the last couple of weeks that Greyhound bus lines is winding down its service. Already, many of the routes to major cities have ended. It has nothing to do with financing the enterprise or lack of ridership. It's because those bus terminals are typically downtown, which is prime real estate that developers have been lusting over for years. Greyhound is selling its existing terminals and relocating them outside of city limits. That will make it harder for people with no other means of distance travel to get where they need to be - newly released prisoners, the downtrodden and so on. And if the terminals are outside of the city and there's no public transportation, how will bus passengers get to where they need to go?
Yes, not long ago when I dropped my wife off a Greyhound station to go to NYC, found out the station is gone.
Wasn't Greyhound bought by Flixbus, which is German?
@@Cynthia-uf9roIndeed, it was. Thanks for the reminder. Curiously enough, the previous owner initiated the sale of Greyhound stations a year after Flix took over. I wonder if the German company knew that was the plan, going in.
@@ithrowyoucatch5676They're going fast, from what I understand.
Thank you so much for sharing your observations with us. 20 years ago I lived in China for one year, and I liked it a lot and always wanted to go back, but somehow work and other stuff have been an obstacle. But it's nice to hear about life in China through your videos. ❤
Very impartial and interesting. Thank you so much! I've been living right here in rural New England while you've been away, and I see just what you describe: economic stagnation, cheap, characterless architecture, and an unhealthy, unattractive, uninspired and uninspiring population with no hope for a better, more satisfying life. I do dream of retiring abroad, and if I didn't have a farm and horses I'd probably be outta here already.
Yes, everything and everyone just seemed a little down on their luck. I hope things can turn around, but I'm not sure.
@@TripBitten I hope so too, but I don't have a lot of hope. I teach at a fairly typical rural university, and the students are even more blank and dispirited than their parents. Crappy mental health and the overprescription of psychiatric drugs . . . you should do a global report on that! I'd love to hear your views from abroad.
The veneer of the us is finally showing. Id love to move abroad.
I went to China and I never felt so safe in my life. I went out shopping in Beijing and Shanghai at 3:00am and I was surprised at the number of single people, including young women, walking around with ease. I went to USA and I felt nervous. There was NO WAY I'd go out in LA or NYC after Midnight. And I was warned by many NOT to go to certain suburbs, even during the day. In USA, Citizens carry guns and there are 40,000 Gun related deaths EVERY year in USA. Virtually Zero gun related deaths EVERY year in China, Australia, and every other developed Country in the World. China is far more safer to visit than USA. And the citizens of China were extremely welcoming, respectful, and helpful. In USA you needed to be very careful who you approached. USA has too many fat people and junk food.There were too many ANGRY citizens in US.Whether you call China a communist or socialist state it is undeniably a country putting the common good of a community first. Thus the Central and regional governments will planned, invested and installed whatever facility to improve the lives of the citizens in the community.
Another commenter below said it perfectly: "making some citizens think they are also being farmed like farm animals for the economic benefit of the US oligarchs." I just wish more of these citizens would think that and also do something about it. As for me, I'm getting the hell out of the Dodge and moving back to Europe. I just feel sad for my youth wasted slaving here in the US for that biggest lie of the "american dream".
Here in the UK we don't dream, we are Awake!
I'm a Canadian. Still living north of your border. We're in the same boat. Horrible architecture. Half the population appears overweight and overworked. And we have political leadership unworthy of any respect.
In Marie Antoinette's days she "Let Them Cake", today we let them eat chips and drink Coca Cola ...no problem Charlie !
Stop exaggerating. Canadians are living better life than let's say 90%of the world's population. Only small nordic countries in Europe like Denmark, Finland or Norway are better than Canada
in general your opinions are pretty accurate, that is amazing in itself
I liked your section on food. Heard an economist yesterday talking about how food itself is very cheap, grains esp. Most of the cost in food comes from the processing and transport. So you are not getting the same amount nutrients for the price in processed food and the less processing the more you’re saving and bonus it might add years to your life.
You see your home country with different eyes when you leave and periodically return. I have two siblings who have lived abroad for decades and the country is definitely different for them.
I always recommend people to travel out of the country from
time to time to be a more objective observer and out of their bubbles.
I really think they are honest opinions.
I've lived abroad for a number of years too in Asia. And yes, you are SPOT on in this video. I really don't see the appeal the USA has other than the obvious marketing campaigns that make it seem like a shining city on the hill. Most other industrialized countries behave more democratically and look after their people. In the USA everything meant for the public good is an afterthought at best.
0:03
I live in Hawaii. I think you got that "off" right on! This country is polarized.
I live between London and Madrid but have to travel often to LA due to work, and I always find the food there to be too salty for my taste. I decided to just cook my own food and go to organic groceries,albeit paying a higher price.
This video resonates so intensely with me. I am a 19 year old who grew up abroad, in Singapore for seven years and then Amsterdam for another seven years. I am currently taking a gap year while I figure out where I will go to college, and I am staying with my grandparents in California.
The food quality is so much worse than everywhere else I have been, and I am even experiencing some stomach issues, and the food just isn't appetising. The other issues of homelessness, high prices, drug use and obesity are all obvious in California, and yet it seems that people here still think that the only place you could ever live a good life is in the US. And people drive the gas guzzling tanks here too..
I hope my experience of studying here will change my view of the US, but it is looking pretty bleak.
Why would you go to college in the US. That must be the most expensive option possible...
I agree with your assessment of the US currently, I am 75 years old and moved from there two years ago and glad that I did
Thank you for sharing!
It’s NOT inflation it’s corporate GREED.
Drug use, homelessness and robbery, it’s much better in Florida than in California or New York. I remember that the Florida State Police claimed clearly in front of the reporters that robbery is a felony and will be cracked down strictly. This statement does have a weight on those who want to try something unacceptable.
I have been living in the US since the 1990s. I really hate the current situation and the outlook of the US. Unfortunately it’s hard to go back China. The family has settled down here and the kids won’t be able to compete with the young people in China
Yes, it is a crime and people should be held accountable for their actions. Some of the laws in California don't make any sense and can lead to more crime.
I know how you feel. But my elderly parents refuse to go back. For them its more of a don't want to let their siblings know if they go back, they would be look down upon or some bs. I told them its in their minds. People won't look down on them. They still think China is backwards. If they go back means they are losers. I make enough money here in the US and self made. So they could live very comfortable here or back in China. Problem is they are suborn as hell. They still think NYC is the greatest city on earth. My god its a hell hole right now. They still cling to it. Me personally I been sick of the US for a long time. I have lived in NYC, NH, Houston. I still own in NYC and Houston. I want to leave, cash out etc...
Not all young people in China are "competing". They just live a normal life, and your kids have a chance to have a normal life in China too. You went to the US in the 90s so I guess you probably struggled and competed damn hard for getting the chance to go to a better place to live, why stop your kids to do the same?
You're not the only one critical of the US. I shot a street interview video in the Netherlands, and wow were they critical. I like American friendliness, but I don't like the car centric nature at all. So although I apricate Americans when I meet them abroad, I wouldn't want to live in America.
I left in 08. Never went back. Never been happier.
New sub here! You nailed it great video!
⭐ Everyone has become overly sensitive & easily offended. Platforms make it frustrating to watch videos bc they've sensored too many words bc they may "offend" people & it's getting ridiculous!
I actually appreciate your video & liked hearing about your different views & opinions so, thank you very much! I just subscribed! 😊 ⭐
The US is running down. That is a fact. It is therapy to highlight the wrongs about the land of your birth because, in your heart, you want it to be better in every way. It hurts to see it slowly falling apart in so many ways. Hopefully, at some point in time, the selfishness and greed that exists in power will be replaced by people who care enough and have the ability to bring about change and development.
Yes agree when you said you sensed that the ppl's energy was a bit off, and it felt desperate. I live in the West but go back to Asia frequently, and I see the difference. Ppl in Asia are becoming more optimistic, motivated, confident about their future and lives. One can feel the vibrant and energetic vibes in many Asian countries
I've gone through this kind of reverse culture shock myself as well and I also have been living outside the US for a while, 26 years now in China. Currently in Beijing. My last trip to the States was in 2019 and I'm in no hurry to go back. I'm 60 now and well over half of my adult life has been spent in China and when I go back "home" for visits, (I used quotes because it really isn't home anymore), I find the lifestyle there to be so unhealthy. I'm fit, not overweight or obese, and like it this way. I think if I were to ever move back, it would be hard to stay that way. Like you I have travelled quite a bit and yeah, the US stands out in so many ways
I believe the most sales of Pick-up trucks by region is SoCal where the majority of population has office job and drives by himself.
It has nothing to do with functionality, just to compensate for small PP.
I'm reaching the age of 40. Being single in the United States feels like no future, especially with the strange economic forces and inflation. 40 doesn't have to be nearing the end of my best years and getting out of the country I feel is an important piece of saving myself. It's not really about finding a partner as much as not succumbing to the forces of a seemingly uncaring and unstable economic system and culture.
I’m American living abroad for 20 years. Whenever I go back to USA, the food f…ks up my stomach. Therefore , I’ve learnt to avoid all processed foods and restaurants. I eat as raw vegan diet to avoid gastric issues. So much crime and poverty is so noticeable
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The FDA has approved food irradiation for a number of foods. Irradiation can be used on herbs and spices, fresh fruits and vegetables, wheat, flour, pork, poultry and other meat, and some seafood. ..
->Makes for a really great looking produce section
I get frustrated with a lot of stuff, and I don't think you're wrong on any of these points. You're absolutely spot on about how it's not as bad as social media and the news makes it look. I live in the DC area, which if I believed the news I'd assume it's a burned out warzone, but it's mostly pretty nice. Could it be better? Sure. But it's not bad. I'd come home from work during 2020 and 2021 and see some news report or something about riots and vandalism raging through the city and think, "I just walked past there 30 minutes ago, and folks were sitting outside of a café and a lady was walking her dog. I definitely didn't walk through a riot." I recently visited both NYC and Philly, and both places get all kinds of hell from folks who don't live there, complaining about all the crime and violence. But they're both pretty cool places, and I felt perfectly safe. Are there unhoused people? Sure. But when I visit my 30,000 population hometown in Maine, I see more junkies wandering around. Most crime in the country is actually way down, but the news (and folks of a certain ideological bent) keeps trying to sell the story that the streets are warzones...particularly in cities...particularly in parts of cities where people have a certain skin tone.
As far as getting around, some places are getting better, but progress is so slow and not evenly dispersed in the States. We've spent so long pumping good money after bad, trying to make the suburbs a thing, that we've lost 70 years of proper infrastructure development and urban design. Folks are starting to wake up to the joys of intercity trains and pedestrianized urban centers. But as a country, we seem absolutely addicted to car-centered, suburban sprawl. Even in dense cities with great public transit, there are lots of people who believe they need a car, even though it costs them a ton and they spend more time in traffic than it would take to walk or take a subway. We travel to Europe (or Disney World) and marvel at what good urban design looks like, then return home and vote to make it illegal in our home town. But I do think that's changing. Not nearly fast enough for me.
The food? You ain't kiddin'. I was in Rome a couple months ago and was reminded of one reason why. My wife wanted the artichoke and the waiter said, "no. It's out of season." So, she said, "OK. What's in season?" and then had a lovely meal. Here, the idea of telling a customer "no" is so taboo that we'll move heaven and earth so they can have whatever out of season thing they want...even if that thing then tastes like cardboard, because it's been frozen, or salted, or whatever, and transported 3000 miles. Every time I'm in Europe, I'm blown away by how much better the food is. Even simple stuff like bread is just on a different level.
I lived in Hong Kong from 2011 to 2022. I moved back due to divorce and couldn’t believe how awful the food is and how much it’s changed. America runs on sugar, trans fats, and simple carbs! That coupled with inflation made me decide to move back to Hong Kong this year.
I have been going USASpain several times and what I remember the most was the food. Funny thing is, being in USA for few years I got used to it, but then I went back to Europe for 2 weeks and I had so much more energy and my bloating was gone. So the I flew back and my friend picked me up at LAX and brought me MacDonalds cheeseburger with coke because he thought I'd be hungry. Hungry I was, really hungry, but I took one bite and it was disgusting. I couldn't eat it, it was so gross. Funny how the taste changes depending where you eat. BTW now I am bloated again....
You are absolutely right. Americans' food quality has dropped as massive size food companies take more market share, and more small farms continue to die. Also, way too many preservatives and additives are allowed. Many of them should be illegal.
And here in the UK most of them are!
I live in small town USA in Missouri, Homelessness here is a bit of an issue. Like you said, nothing huge, no tents or anything. But you do see them at night sleeping on park benches, walking around and stuff. My town was known as "Space town USA" and we made the F1 rocket boosters for the Saturn 5 Apollo 11 mission. We were also the confederate capitol of Missouri during the civil war and have tons of history here. And during ww2 we had a POW camp (camp crowder) of over 40k (including POWs. US troops, their families, shops etc.). Now its all barren, empty run down buildings.. so sad these days