Your open-minded suggestion is so important in all walks of life. Certainty is great but adaptation is sensible in new life situations. Sometimes you need to change, not the world around you.
Adapting to the culture of the country you are in is the right way. Too many people see this as something to battle against, whereas you seem to see it as a virtue to master. Congratulations.
i agree, and it applies to brits who retire to the costa del sol in spain - they ought to make the effort to learn some spanish and adapt to the local culture, not try to transport british culture and expect an english pub and chip shop to be provided. or else stay in britain.
I loved your 'follow your own path' lesson. I have always looked at life like bread. If there was only one type of bread, life would be so boring. So our parents give us the basic ingredients, but we make the bread we want from that - if that makes sense. There's a template for life, but its not an instruction manual, its a guide.
Such wise words Alanna! As someone who grew up with a mother whose mantra was 'What will other people think' if I dared to be different it was good to hear your life lessons! It took me over 30 years to outgrow mum...... now I am almost living my best life!
Alanna - I just wish I'd left the UK for the same reasons - just to experience life in another country. I did get the chance - twice - once to move to Spain and another to move to the USA. My life partner (at the time) refused. I wish I'd divorced then (as I ended up doing later). I'm just glad you're enjoying yourself. You ALWAYS have to have an open mind - wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
Great video and should be an inspiration for anyone looking to move abroad. I moved to Canada in 1990, and, funnily enough, every day I have to stop and pause and somehow never lost the feeling of being on holiday. It is a big decision and I'm glad you are well and happy in the UK. I do miss the closeness of the UK and love sitting in my local pub when I visit. Cheers and all the best.
Main UK Life Lesson - Never be surprised at finding Piccalilli & Marmite in a UK kitchen, just don't put them together in a sandwich! - Lots of laughs since then Alanna! - Thanks! Congrats on all your hard earned success! 🙏
Point 5 was the amazing moment. I reckon I'm about 10 years older than yourself, and had that clarity of understanding life around the same age. It was great when it happened, and trust me, the feeling just gets better. A wonderful video.
You may be from Canada Alanna but that doesn't define who you are, you are a lovely girl and I am sure wherever you choose to call home you will fit in just fine, I feel if you are a good person which you obviously are, it doesn't really matter if you from the States Uk Canada or anywhere else, what defines you is where your heart is, your heart is in the right place, believe in yourself, we love you. Thats coming from an old fart of 70 years old, you brighten my day so you are doing a great job, enjoy the journey wherever you live :-)
you're honestly a huge inspiration to me, Alanna. I have spent my whole life fighting the idea that I couldn't do the things I wanted to do with my life and I still feel like I might be too old to make any of the changes. But you did it and you seem to be thriving and it's awesome to watch!
I genuinely found this to be an inspirational vid and I could probably take on board some of these tips, especially go for it. Thank you, Alanna! Oh, I could go for a packet of Nik Naks now too 😅
Absolutely love your channel. It is very positive but also very honest. You are becoming such an inspirational young lady. You have a warm and friendly demeanour but you are also very courageous and motivational. I am sure your parents are extremely proud of you and we in Uk absolutely adore you. So glad you decided to come to England. Keep going and hope you have a great journey with lots of laughter and adventures.😊
Hi Alanna,can you believe it,I have followed your advice,and bought a box of Yorkshire tea bags,and as you say…it’s a rate gud brew tha knows …but I have to leave the teabag in the mug until the end to get the full body flavour,so thank you very much.and please keep the advice coming.cheers 🫖☕️Roly 🇬🇧.
I've watched your videos for sometime now ,and must say it's nice to have an opinion of a person from another country, Especially an English speaking country, Where we're so similar but different in some of things we do .
Awe the baby Alanna clips from the early days. I've always enjoyed watching your videos, I find them relaxing in a mad world and reminds me it's the simple things in life that give us all the most pleasure... You've had your life ups and downs, but I hope you sharing them has helped you as well. Keep smiling Alanna..
My partner is British and we’ll be moving from Vancouver to the UK early next year. Recently subscribed to you, would love to connect with you after we move! 🇬🇧
What great enthusiasm and curiosity you have, it's awesome. Is there anything (even the downers) that you don't appreciate, or find entertaining, or are thankful for the lesson it brought you? So many people in my world spend their time griping about things that are done or out of their control - it's exhausting. Your videos are a wonderful antidote of refreshing positivity and wonder at the beautiful, quirky, surprising world we live in. Thank you, may your attitude be contagious!
Hi Alanna. Such an insightful video. How did you get to be so wise? I've been lucky enough to travel around the world to work and one thing I've realised is that deep down people are basically the same wherever you go. We all seem to have the same worries and cares and hopes. We all have to get up and make it through the day. One of the best things was connecting with people at an ordinary level. Perhaps we should all just sit down for a brew and put the world to rights.
Alanna every single word you have said I absolutely agree with.i can clearly see that you are a hard worker.you have carried on even when things for you were difficult (the horrific landlord) I personally think that you will go far in this thing we call life.thank you for your videos they are very much appreciated👏. Peace and love 💛
Be yourself and say what you think always. Those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter. I'm pleased you feel that way I'm sure we're pleased to have been with you on your journey.
I have always thought you are richer for your experiences rather than possessions. Greed can be good if you are greedy for the right things, like the pride you get from achievements. Love watching you on your RU-vid path. Keep up the great work. 🍺
What a lovely video Alanna, I've watched your videos for ever it seems like but that was such an honest video and something that we really all aspire to, it shows very much that your from Canada and I'm from England but we are all just people with the same aspirations and dreams x
Great video , as always. All countries have good and bad points. Nothing wrong with picking the best of both worlds ! Living in different countries can be a great life lesson. I love your obvious enthusiasm about stuff 😃😃👌👌👌👌
Yes I have lived in another country for a short time, Sweden. I think you never really know yourself or your country until you move away from your comfort zone. You think you know everything and that your country (whichever one it is) is the best. That is such a narrow minded view that gets blown out of the water as soon as you move and gain new experiences and yes challenges, it is not easy but can be so rewarding. The most valuable things I gained were spending time with a friends elderly neighbour learning about her childhood and reading to a friends 4 year old twin daughters, None of whom spoke English. So yes I had to communicate and read in Swedish ( yes I found that challenging) . I never really thought about it at the time but now the knowledge and those experiences are some of my most treasured possessions in the form of memories which no physical item could ever replace. There is a right way to lead your life. Your own way! So don't waste it living according to others rules. It can be hard and take courage but life is yours to live so LIVE IT!
I enjoy Alanna's channel very much. I visited the UK several years ago and fell in love with it. Also, I have been to Canada and Yes, they are very nice people. I've been to Europe, Asia, South America, China, and Australia. The people of the UK were nice, but reserved which I also liked about them. So am I.
Nice one! Keeping an open mind and trying things more than once is great advice. I didn't like some of my favorite things till I tried them the 4th or 5th time.
Splendidly inspirational content Alanna. I think your videos are really worth watching especially for recently arrived folks or folks that are considering a move to another part of the world. You're absolutely right in saying things are different. Not better/worse, right/wrong, just different. As a relative newbie to your channel it was amazing to see you in the earlier video clips. Great fun and very interesting as always, thank you ☺👍
hi Alanna,..its been great fun watching you over the years, "Bloom and Grow".My wife and i, are VERY old Brits.(,m 73, she is 60) we moved to Benalmadena Spain in 2012,we had NO money, i HAD a business running a night cub and two Bars, after 22 years in the U.K. Fire service. and we went bust....completely.We landed here, in the cloths we wore, and a credit card, that i HAD to abuse!.I Taught myself, how to repair/ and teach other pensioners about computers.i bought some Karaoke gear, and did karaoke 3 nights a week.Here we are now, 12 years later, STILL broke, but "hardly suffering"requirements when moving abroad?. Adaptability,(be prepared to do,whatever you have to, to "make a buck). Good work ethic, and Courage!....Keep it up young lady!
These six years we have seen a big change in you, Alanna. I say that this has been achieved by you doing EXACTLY what you say/advise here !! To live life with an open mind is VITAL. That way you never get hung up on trivial stuff....and there is PLENTY of trivial stuff :):) I hope that there are folks out there who take this video on board and If only one person "gives any of this a go" then you have succeeded !! I still love your vids after six years !!
Agree with all your insights. was very depressed about a job I'd been in too long, Hiking over a mountain one day contemplating the problem when i got talking to a guy who said exactly what you said change the situation, which I did 🙂
Hey, I moved a couple of months ago from EU to Canada. It was freaking scary, uncomfortable and expensive, and I had to change careers. But I'm sure that even if I fail or decide to go back, it'd still be a great experience and I'll be better off as a person. It's easier said than done, but guys try things. At least you won't regret not ever attempting to do something you really wanted but was too scared or too lazy. Alanna, thanks for your videos, in a subtle way they really do help people! And I admire your ability to come up with interesting content again and again (:
Loved this video, like so much that you make. And whilst watching it, you through in a quick few historical vids in there, and gave me an idea: that perhaps you could do a montage of some historical highs and lows, but no need for volume only your favourite music track that suits it! Like as you said before you never go back and rewatch any of your own content....and at the same time you got new folk to your channel and might make a nice sort of 'catch up' video or story so far sort of thing for you and fans. Just a thought and think you'd be good at it. All the best ☺️
This is a really helpful video! I want to move abroad so it’s interesting to hear about your experience moving abroad after you’ve lived in a new country and set up a cool life there! I put this video to my playlist of videos I think will be helpful for moving abroad! Almost all the videos in the playlist are your videos! lol Thanks for your videos! Your videos are so helpful!
Hi Alanna, Thanks for a very inspirational video. I think being more flexible in life is important, and something I admittedly need to work on, as I do get set in my ways of doing things the same way all the time.
You cover a _lot_ of ground in this vid. And express it so eloquently and profoundly. This isn't RU-vid material. It's philosophy. When you say stuff that resonates, I think; "yes, I'm on board with that." And when you say something that doesn't quite fit with my worldview, I just think; "did I get that bit wrong?" There are so many reaction/comparison videos out there. But you just seem so _genuine_ and _invested_ and _insightful_ about it all. I loved this; but a lot of what you say suggests I need to reassess my life. I probably should do that.
Loved the nik nak comment. I Remember the early days when you discovered salt and vinegar mccoys and double deckers. You’ve come a long way Alanna, and achieved so much, overcoming anxiety issues. So glad the channel is doing so well. Always a pleasure watching your content.
Talking of trying new foods, (bit random this next one) but have you tried Lindisfarne mead? Highly recommend it for Christmas 🙂Great videos btw. Just discovered your channel. Also, re British shows, have you seen Ripping Yarns? It's what Michael Palin and Terry Jones did after Python. I think most of them are on RU-vid.
I have been abroad 3 times, starting off a school trip to visit Rotterdam and Amsterdam, then joined the RAF (for 12 years) out of school so 2.5 years in Cyprus, 1 year in Bahrain, and a couple of visits to Australia (some family out there), and life was pretty much the same except for the different weathers, as mostly hot, sometimes very humid, the housing and another language, like having breakfast, go to work, something for lunch and work, then it's dinner time, TV and the bed again, repeat and rinse... I enjoyed my time doing the same sort of routines in different countries, and didn't really notice any thing much different apart from my new surroundings.......😀
Great video, you hit the nail on the head with many things you mentioned especially about having/ keeping an open mind. I'm a Brit that emigrated to Germany almost 30 years ago and it is a massive game changing experience. I also agree with your comment about possession, experience and knowledge are things that can not be taken away from me everything else is just stuff.
Hey Nick. I did the opposite move 40 odd years ago , Germany to UK. You are right , it's a big culture shock . But in time I learned that mixing two backgrounds really works. I consider myself British now in many ways , but still hang on to German roots , like food , music etc. I really hope my ex countrymen are treating you well. Viele Gruesse aus England
I would certainly agree that telling yourself that you can do something goes a long way toward achieving that goal. It is not so much about self confidence it is more about realising that the people already doing stuff that you want to do are not that much different to yourself.
Hey Alanna What a great vid. I wholeheartedly agree with many of your thoughts. I've recently gone back to being a digital nomad (part time) collecting experiences and memories. I'm sure many of these will live in my mind 30 years from now that material things won't! I was the black sheep of my family stepping away from corporate world at the tender age of 23...and doing my own thing. Still doing it decades later! (Yes old fart alert). Keep on trucking!! 😎
Great video Alanna. While you're making you points from the view of an expat, these lessons could apply to so many people of all situations. The expectations of family, especially those you didn't see often, always really bugged me. I come from a time when you were kinda expected to do things in s certain order. If it didn't happen, they constantly asked you every time you saw them.
This comment goes back a week or so and is about the format for writing the date I Canada. I checked this out a few years ago when a piece of business correspondence I received had the date written multiple times and used three different formats! The Government of Canada recommends that all-numeric dates in both English and French use the YYYY-MM-DD format codified in ISO 8601.[10] The Standards Council of Canada also specifies this as the country's date format. That was copied from Wikipedia. Love your videos.
It is refreshing to have a break from news of war, nuclear disaster,climate change etc by visiting your channel. You are so full of hope and joy. Don't listen to flag waving muppets who say their country is the best at everything. We are all homo sapiens, pretty much the same under the skin.
Talking of Nik Nak crisps, I heard recently that they might be bringing their Scampi & Lemon flavour. If they do, you have to taste test them. They don't smell wonderful, but they taste great. 😁
Hi Alanna. Great video and although I may be one of those people who has followed a typical path, we have brought up our daughters (now 24 and 28) to be their own people and to give themselves choices in life to do what they want. Thanks, as usual and again, love your content.
Lots more great advice there Alanna, and it helps of course that it comes from real experience so it has that stamp of credibility by having 'done it' too. You do realise that somewhere on the horizon ought to be the A&N book capturing all of the challenges and the experiences of your life abroad - with a separate chapter on why Marmite and Pickled Onions are the best two things you've ever tasted (that was right wasn't it?)🤣🤣
Re Choosing your own path. Congratulations girl, you've learnt probably one of the most important Life lessons that's out there.....YOU JUST DO YOU.....just remember, if it goes wrong and it's your fault always admit it and move on. Never stop, and never look back. Wow, you really are that strong. X
Awesome advice as always Alanna and kudos for the many achievements on your path, way to go 👏. What's exciting is the differences between folks from different countries and even between states or regions. I have an open mind, but it's pretty empty right now 🤣
As somebody who went the opposite direction (alebit to the US rather than Canada) nearly 16 months ago, I can already relate a lot (and I'm sure when I visit the UK again next week, I'm probably going to understand your first point for sure). It's certainly a unique experience moving abroad and whilst daunting is incredibly rewarding, although not for everyone.
I'm glad that you've settled here. I can only imagine the guilt you mentioned that you feel, the homesickness in the first year. Our little island benefits from having you 👍
I am 36 my husband is 43. We decided several years ago that we didn't want to have children. While both sets of our parents have been fine with this (helped by having grandchildren from our siblings). Several of my colleagues really struggle with my decision (even though it doesn't affect them in the slightest). One in particular often tells me I'll soon be at an age where I can't physically have a baby and I'll look back and regret it. This really annoys me because I don't want or need their opinion and I honestly don't want children! What's to understand? You live your life and I'll live mine!
Bravo. My hubby and I felt the same way. We couldn't give a **** what other people think about us not having children. Even when a teenager I couldn't understand why there was this cudos about breeding. Hence I never had serious relationship until I met my husband. We could both relax and enjoy life, and most of all each other. 👍
I think you should do what you want and good on you. For me, I always knew I wanted kids. The family unit is paramount to me. The thought of my wife dying and me being left on my own with nobody is not something id look forward to. I’ve had kids now and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I know that when I get old I’ll always have someone there that loves me, and grandkids etc. Having kids tops every other aspect of my life.
I agree.... you do what suits your life ...I have 3 kids love them to bits ...but I do understand why people don't want them if I had my time again I may decide not to, they are amazing but there's an opposite to that 😂
I loved this review - it's really great that you have embraced the new country, and you're right, its about experiences not things. Try new things, don't assume you won't like it... try it! Like you I had a life plan - it was not imposed on me just roughly what I was planning to do, but it worked out differently as my life unfolded and it was right for me! I think there are some RIGHT way of doing this, different but they can also be right or wrong - that's my opinion anyway, I wouldn't impose that on anyone its just my opinion!
Hi Alanna, another great video. People of all nations should strive to have a open mind. I thought with this hot weather that today's video would have been trying different drinks. (Alcoholic of course)😀🥵😎 Keep up the good work
I lived in Houston, Texas for over a decade, for me, it was always about people. The "things" I already knew about, due to Hollywood and all the American TV coverage on British TV. So for me, it was leaning how to communicate, how to talk to American women, socially. Understanding the different viewpoints of people.
Alana, a very interesting video. I have watched a number of your videos and compare them to my daughter who has been living in the UK for some time. Many are similar and I wonder if you miss KD and Kraft PB. What I do notice is that you seem to be insulated from the language. I detect no loss of accent, nor the use of standard English idioms. I understand slang being eliminated. I am just surprised that after six (?) years you still sound like you are fresh off the boat.
Wise words, this is a life lesson for people who are even staying in their own country. I decided long ago I want to fill my life with memories of family , travel, doing stuff that’s daft, follow dreams that seem odd to others and enjoy just being still and absorbing small things like a plant in my garden surviving my inexperienced care. It is little things and time passes so quickly! We now have small grandsons who are a joy but wear us out. But we make the most of these joyous little boys while we can( collapse on the sofa when they go home❤️❤️❤️😂). Life is short and seems to get shorter the older you get. Fill it with love, be kind, be open, be brave and keep a sense of humour IMHO🤷♀️
As a lot of people say we have a Different Work/life Balance, in america its work work work and people dont really have time to enjoy, not sure about canada, but here in the uk and europe we work to live, we get holiday time, we can go to other places, not just in the UK. we have the time to do more things, which i think makes us a rounder society
Change isn't easy but planning tomorrow is NOT as straightforward as it seems, being open to change is difficult and the journey isn't easy either but you may find yourself happier than otherwise! Good video Alanna 👍🏿
