My childhood was in the U.S, and at the age of 16, my family emigrated to Australia. That was in 1966. The first couple of years was culture shock, but in a good way. After 8 years I traveled back to States with my young Australian bride. Things that felt familiar in my American childhood now seemed distant. That included American family and friends. It wasn't until I boarded the plane back to Australia that I realized I was going 'home', And it felt so good when we landed back on Australian soil.
I used to work as a Flight Attendant for a New Zealand airline and sometimes we’d codeshare with American Airlines or have Americans chartering our planes and we’d criiiiiinge because Americans would snap their fingers at us, yell “hey you, get me ______” and it was so demanding. We’d be run off our feet and so flabbergasted at the demands and rudeness. It’s just so different. There’s nothing wrong with asking for something - but snapping your fingers and DEMANDING something is so different. And don’t get me started on the things they’d request and then be mad at us that we didn’t have it “Ritz crackers”, “club soda” etc.
Where do you think the over 1 billion spent on elections comes from? Big business, which gets plenty of leverage from the donations for campaigning. Not to mention the huge revenue that flows through the the " religious " machine which in turn manipulates the political gravy train.
Aw, it makes me so sad when I read comments like this about America, as a fellow American. I swear we aren't all this terrible, it's a huge country with tons of different people, and lots of us are kind and good-natured. So sorry this was your experience!
I couldn't agree more...I've been here for over 14 years and I have gone home (Florida) once. While we we're there I noticed everything and couldn't wait to come back to NZ. I'm a better mom, wife, friend for having come here.
@@mcardnas2984 I can see from your previous comments on your page that you never have anything nice to say. It's ok, I know it's not personal. You are just damaged. Have a great day, and God bless.
It's better to run as a business than dish out money to people that will NEVER want to work, unfortunately in the paper today a young man kicked an older man in the head and killed him, after discounts for guilty plea and age he can apply for home detention, that's the BS justice system we have, I was born here 60 years ago
@@Peye-pv4cbI mean, the issue with running a nation state as if it’s a business is determining who the shareholders are. Ultimately I think it should be run like a nation state, but if you have to run it like a business I think the shareholders are “everyone who lives there” It seems like you think it should be run for the rich?
I'm Kiwi and have met Americans who just haven't made it here. I mean, they've made it in business, but emotionally they just don't get Kiwi culture. I appreciate my American friends who have embraced our culture and see the value in it. It's not all about yourself! Thank you for bringing our culture to the world ❤
It's awesome hearing your perspective and you make it fun. Appreciate your honesty. I'm Maori and it's so good hearing your take on this country. Awesome videos, thank you 😊
Aussie here. One thing I learned years ago about taking time off is that you actually need to take more than one week. The first week is when your body and mind starts to destress and unwind. It is in the SECOND and subsequent weeks that it actually recharges and heals. I was given this advice by my very first boss and I realised it was true after I had been working for a few years. If you are tired and stressed and need a break, take a minimum of two weeks, no less or you are just wasting you leave time. I visited the USA in 1999 and found it so very dirty, loud and the blatant racism was a real shock. Nearly all the cleaners and wait staff were either black or mexican, the middle level jobs were asian and the senior management jobs were held by white people. From the time we stepped off the plane, through the hotels and places we visited until we got on the plane to come back to Australia, it was shocking. That and the hands out for tips and the prices not including tax which is just stupid.
Here's an explanation of prices in the US. We don't have VAT here. Each state has their own tax percentage, plus each county in each state have different tax percentages, and some cities even have their own sales tax. So the tax amount is added after purchase and itemized on the receipt so we can be sure we're not being taken advantage of. If the listed price was the final price, it gives unscrupulous people the opportunity to greedily add an extra amount to the price to pocket more money.
Having lived in the US for 8 years the company I worked for a company gave 1 week leave plus stat days, and 2 after working there for 5 years. Contrast that to my current job in NZ 4 weeks off a year which is standard for all people, and 5 additional family days. That makes a big difference to quality of life.
If by "family days" you mean sick days, it's been increased to 10 now. Not to mention we also have parental leave (paid and unpaid) and bereavement leave. And we're not even that flash compared to some European countries!
As a Dutch immigrant living in NZ, and having spent four years in the USA, everything in this video is 100% on point! 👌The issue with America is the rampant excessive capitalisms, where profit and money trumps everything!...just sayin'.
As a Kiwi, never have been to USA. But it seems like one of the most scary places in the world to live. US has so many mentally insane people, and the right to carry fire arms. Look at the school shootings for one. And the gangs. I wouldn't ever willingly want to live is the USA
There’s nothing wrong with capitalism in concept but it’s gets exploited by greedy people, the point here is there will ALWAYS be greedy people (because human nature) no matter what system you use and without a doubt capitalism is the best. What needs more attention is corruption and greed in government.
I've lived in the States too. I found that they are very money and status-driven. Almost a class system. Sooooo focused on "getting ahead ". Aggressive and loud. Lovely people individually, but impersonal and rude in public.
For me it's the excessive marketing we allow corporations to do in the US. We are bombarded by advertising. We have hundreds of pharmaceutical drug advertisements on tv which includes drugs that require a dr's prescription, so it makes no sense to try to sell these medicines to regular consumers on tv. Even viagra is advertised but you just have to figure out the silly words being used. The "little blue pill" is for men to get aroused and yes it is advertised on tv.. Or we see commercials for "the purple pill" which I still don't know what that is.😮 I feel that marketing is out of control in the US. But than again I had a sociology prof in college that said in order to be a good American you must do only two things: 1. Pay your taxes and 2. Keep buying stuff you don't need.
Wow. Interesting. I'm glad your changes are positive. Chill Americans are very cool. I bet you're relieved your family are growing up relaxed, free and fearless. I'm happy for you all.
Love this. I'm kiwi born and bred, but I do travel a lot. Agree, we are all mostly laid back, friendly, quiet and patient. We very rarely raise our voices and we definitely don't sweat the small stuff. The crowds in many countries do make me uncomfortable and I have no idea how to tip. In NZ, people don't need tips because they are paid for the job they do. A tip shows that someone's service was exceptional, it's not a right but a compliment. Because I travel so much, your korero (words) actually help me to appreciate where I come from even more, and to not take my beautiful home for granted. Thank you 🙏🏽
On the other hand, tho, I do appreciate everything America does around the world. If it wasnt for the USA,, the world would be ruled by tyrants. Lord knows there is enough tyranny in the world,now.
Hi, a Kiwi here. I watched a bunch of your videos a while back and you were so careful choosing your words, and EVERYTHING you said came with a disclaimer or waiver. And you were talking in a more orderly professional style. After taking a break from your videos (for several months or a year - unintentionally so), I have just jumped back in to watching this one. Right at the beginning of your video - before even realising how you were approaching this topic - I noticed how much more relaxed and free and conversational you are talking, both in the style of your speaking and what you say. I know that learning and growing as a You Tube presenter is part of it, but I think that you've been Kiwi-ised in lots of other ways! I like to think we've had a good influence on you! I agree that no country is perfect, but it's nice to see the change in you and the way you think about the US.
@@Kiwiamericans I'm not sure if we are more sensitive than anyone else, but we are quite used to encountering Americans with problematic attitudes on social media so maybe we're reactionary because of that. 😅 It's certainly refreshing to hear an American understanding and acknowledging the good points of our culture.
Not my place to say, but as someone born in the UK, but raised my kids in Aotearoa, you'd be doing your kids a favor by letting them be kiwis. My kids don't realize how lucky they are to be kiwis
Years ago I travelled to tipping societies, working as a registered nurse. I found it really insulting when patients tried to slip money into my hand - it implied that I wouldn't do my job without a bribe. I got used to it, but the first time it happened I was so shocked I said "How dare you!" After a while, working in private nursing jobs in England I realised that it was partly a way of asserting dominance. To be tipped is to be subordinate.
Yes I agree because you are at the whim and mercy of the person giving you money. You are not just getting paid a wage for doing a job you are being “judged” with every interaction and I am sure if you don’t get a tip or get enough then it will affect your confidence and self worth. It feels like a type of serfdom. And it ties you into the myth that if you work harder you can “make” it in America when really on a minimum wage a dollar or 2 of extra tips is not going to move the needle.
If you're working in private nursing in England then your patients wouldn't have been "normal people"; the NHS is free in the UK. If you have unusual patients you can expect unusual behaviour.
@@TankEnMate True, they weren't normal people, but I don't think that changes my point about the dynamics of tipping. They were extremely not normal - it was a fascinating experience. I had never before then known people who felt that their riches made them a different species.
As you know NZ is far from perfect but I love a lot of things here and I feel their are more positives than negatives although sometimes negativity is sometimes in your face. I'm happy when I watch your vids and how positive you are about living here.
Kia ora I love that being in Aotearoa has allowed you and your whanau to adapt to the laid back and relaxed day to day lifestyle, it’s made me realise how lucky and grateful I am to have been born in this land, yeah sure there are downsides too but I feel we do our best to try make things work for the best of our communities and families and the environment we are surrounded by so thank you just as much for opening my eyes to the differences of another country through your eyes.
I'm an Australian just spent 4 weeks I the USA we went a few states and u have to agree with everything your saying we came back feeling like we didn't have a holiday it's just rush rush with everything and they try to tell us it's cheaper there than in aus nop don't agree you get the bill for your food with all these add ons tax tip and other charges we had no clue what it was your $25 bill ends up being $40 you couldn't even get $5 coffee without them wanting a tip in country's that have tipping has just gotten out of control
Yes, I went to visit my cousin in Vancouver about 15 years ago and he said they never let their children play in the fenced off back yard unless they were out there with them! ( Kidnapping worries..). I would have thought Canada was a little more like N.Z, but obviously not so. It's really mind boggling!!
I just got my citizenship in the USA and my family and friends down under are all asking why? You make very valid points about everything, especially tipping, politics, and healthcare. 🙂. Also I always tell people that America is like 50 little countries rather than one United States.
So true, this kiwi has spent the last 40 years traveling and doing busness in the usa, 330M people is alot, its 50 countrys under the same $$$ and system and yet different....enjoy your citizenship, good on you.
My Kiwi boyfriend sent me this video to watch. I'm an American and will be joining him on the South Island next year, and everything I've heard about NZ has made me think I'll enjoy it much more than the US. Thanks for this!
Kia ora and welcome back - your content is fabulous - its a refreshing viewpoint that certainly helps me keep my perspective - as folks on our islands at the bottom of the South Pacific can get one eyed about life - so its great to have your outside input - 5 stars!!
Its so funny and so dam cool that ANYONE can come to Aotearoa/NZ to live and automatically you become a flightless bird, a KIWI, it joins us all as one, i dont know of any other country that bonds together like that and be proud of it, GO THE MIGHTY ALL BLACKS
Totally agree with the tipping culture! Just back from two months visiting family in the US. Tipping is absolutely out of control. I believe in service, and want to contribute, but taking an order across the counter should NOT attract a tip. To me that was no service other than typing into a screen….it’s soooo frustrating. We felt forced to tip every time that screen was turned around to us. Out of control for sure.
People all over the World tip. And have no problem with it. Or stress out about it. For some reason Kiwis get their panties all in a knot about it. And don't understand it. If there was tipping in NZ, the customer service would not be the worst in the World.
Wages. US pays abysmal min wages, so business profit more, user pays staff's wages in tips, as meals/goods/services are cheaper in the US. NZ pays higher wages. Service cost in NZ is already high, so kiwis pay the tip cost in their service fee. Besides, service in NZ is good, we just don't put up with US Karen BS mentality. NZ does not need to start tipping, worst concept ever, as you are then paying the high service cost + tip. Not going to happen. I refuse to tip for a meal I have paid $40/50 for and that does not include an entree, desert or drinks. I think it is the height of rudeness to expect me to tip for someone doing the job they are paid quite well to do. NZ does not need the US mentality here.
@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp Really? Australia don't tip unless we choose to. I can't speak for other specific countries, but I do 17:43 know that not all countries tip.
@@dionex6973 It's not worth debating you. You have so many misconceptions and factual errors in your rant - one would take days to explain them to you. You Kiwis let your idiotic hatred of tipping cloud your rational judgement and reasoning. I tip regularly in NZ for exceptional service. Very few refuse my tip. And workers appreciate my kindness. It helps their families. You sound like you are a real tightwad scrooge. And if you think service is good in New Zealand - you are in la la land my friend.
A comment I heard recently floored me with the simplicity and truth it told about being American. It was something like: The income in American dollars we earn is plenty to have a good life as long as we live anywhere but the US.
I did part of my schooling in the US and lived there on and off for years. It's completely unrecognisable to me now. I would be happy to live in New Zealand, but I wouldn't live in the US unless it was last place left on Earth. On one side of our house lived Jane Fonda and on the other side Leonard Nimoy, so it's not like it was a bad area that represented the worst of the US.
They constantly say they're the best country, land of the free. But don't even have free Healthcare. And work their citizens to the bone. Not really a 1st world country in my opinion. 😅 Also agree with the crowd thing. Wanting to go Universal Studios at some point, but 2hr wait time for rides, are you crazy. 30mins is even too long for a kiwi. 😂
My employer in Seattle included the cost of my first-class healthcare as part of my compensation. My family never paid a dime for healthcare. Retired Americans are well covered for their healthcare by MEDICARE. (And the Average retired American on SOCIAL SECURITY gets way more than the average Kiwi on its pitiful pension plan.) The poor, disadvantaged and disabled's healthcare is paid by MEDICAID. Very few do fall the cracks. But OBAMCARE went a long way to fixing that. American healthcare for everyone is as good as NZ's lousy Gubmint scheme.
Hey it's hard, we are 5million they're nearly 400, with different states with different cultures with an outstanding history. We are still 180 years young
I’m a kiwi who’s travelled the world. We are extremely fortunate and we have overall an amazing society in my opinion, you are right about the fear based attitude of some countries is toxic and it filters through everything.
The US seems to be more about the individual rather than the community, and everything has a price tag. Without wishing to denigrate the country of your birth, i call it "the land of the fee", money before people seems to be the way.
Yeah right! NZ$750,000 for a crappy 40-year-old house with no insulation. Young Kiwi couples, even if they can save for the deposit, will be debt slaves for life. And Kiwi couples can't afford to start a family. While NZ has open immigration of low wage workers. Money before workers. It's a sure recipe for doom.
That individualism is exactly WHY Americans hate the idea of universal health care so much!!! They do NOT want their tax dollars paying for the Disabled person or the child with a chronic illness who might need a life time's worth of health care to survive.
I talk a tad loud, but it's because my hearing's not as it was. Tinnitus and some loss. It affects me more when there's group noise and it's harder to figure someones speech you're actually engaged with.
Love your video. I grew up here, and spent 5 years at uni in Australia. Upon returning here, I hated it. It's so small and slow. Yet after time, I realised that this is it's appeal. I can think here lol I can relax. Laid back kiwiana is good 😊
Laid back and relaxed is good. Small and slow is why I left NZ. Have now been in Canada for 20+ years!! Am in no hurry to come home - mostly because we do have Skype!!
@bazzatheking3155 no there isn't. Do you know how many people can't get a home here Because of Unwanted imports like you . Go home. You have no right to invite other Unwanted imports here
Tall Poppy syndrome, it works for and against us. I like that people don't get all in my face, however we could stand to use more of that American assertiveness, when it comes to demanding better outcomes for our people. We let shit fly far more than we should. Hell, we could take a page out of France's book.
Amazing video, A friend of mine referred me to a financial adviser sometime ago and we got to talking about investment and money. I started investing with $150k and in the first 2 months, my portfolio was reading $274,800. Crazy right!, I decided to reinvest my profit and get more interesting. For over a year we have been working together making consistent profit just bought my second home 2 weeks ago and care for my family.
@priscy_kk However, if you do not have access to a professional like JUDITH ANN PEACE, quitting your job to focus on trading may not be the best approach. It is important to consider all options and seek guidance from reliable sources before making any major decisions. Consulting with an AI or using automated trading systems can also be helpful in managing investments while balancing other commitments
You've made the sacrifice, that every migrant makes, to give your family a better life, you've succeed in getting that better life (your changes for the better are proof of that) I hope your kids realise and appreciate what they've been given 🤞
Tipping used to be for the waiter/waitress that makes $2/hr and they relied on tipping for their salary. It’s gotten ridiculous now where the person making a regular wage expects it too.
But that’s the problem- l have been told by my American friends that, although they have minimum wages; there is no law to enforce this, so many Americans are still been massively underpaid. I was in San Francisco a few years ago with a friend. It was her birthday so l shouted her dinner at one of the restaurants at Fisherman’s wharf. The waitress was extremely rude and dismissive so l refused to tip her and l told her exactly why; AND very loudly so her manager could hear. However l have also tipped very generously in places where the service has been exceptionally good.
Wrong - oh deary me! No waiter/waitress in America makes a minimum $2/hr wage! Where do you Kiwi's come up with his bullshit? And in NZ every waiter/waitress makes the same - even if they do a lousy job! What incentive do they have to give good service? None. Why the service in NZ is arguably the worst in the World. And in America a hard-working waiter/waitress can make enormous bucks to take home to her family. Not just the minimum wage like in NZ.
I was in America for the first time ever last year, flew 19 hours from New Zealand to New York and man I was absolutely shocked! Everyone seemed to be in a constant rush and the tipping was ridiculous I couldn’t believe the minimum was 15%. Other than that I loved my time in America I want to visit again ☺️
So if you compare it to NZ with a rate of 15% GST (goods and services tax) it's reallly like the Government has said.. "We will step out of the transaction and you pay "the tax" for SERVICE...directly to the person giving you the service". Tipping means the person giving the service takes on the "tax collector" role... The Govt duck shoves the responsibility onto the server.... That bullshit (plus tax) is again another duck shove by the employer.... in NZ it is law that the price when expected to be for any retail bought good or service MUST be inclusive. Only wholesale or commercial are allowed to separate them... and it pays to ask on the phone "GST inclusive?" because some businesses try it on... Employers need to pay a decent wage to their staff so they don't have to be pushy or grovel for tips. There needs to be legislation applicable to all employees and salary workers in the USA.... a minimum 4 weeks a year plus an extra week after 5 years with the same employer... plus as much more vacation time as anyone can negotiate.....
There is no minimum tip requirement in America. If you don't like the service - don't tip. This Kiwi practiced that for 41-years working in 15-states all across the USA. And those lousy businesses, with lousy employees, will go under. Its so easy!
It's hard on the employees not knowing from wek to week whether they will be able to afford to live. A decent living wage...plus tips if necessary.... If the businesses advertised "No tip expected...we pay our staff a good wage every week".... would that business garner more business???? @@DennisMerwood-xk8wp
The thing about time off for relaxation is that NZ has a standard employment contract that an employer has to comply with for all employees. This is something like 20 annual days and 10 sick days or there abouts, whereas the US doesn’t have anything similar.
Holidays in New Zealand mean a day off. Valentines' day and Halloween are not a holiday in New Zealand as you don't get paid time off for them. I worked in the US over an Easter once and was surprised that they didn't have days off over Easter, especially considering how much more religion is (or appears to be) part of the culture there. New Zealand has 20days annual leave and 11 public holidays, which your employer must pay you for by law. That's more than 6 weeks of holiday.
The standard for employers in NZ and Australia is almost identical re holidays and sick leave etc. However that's only possible in a country that allows Freedom of Unionisation which is almost impossible in the USA as per the uproar about the current UAW strikes.
Oh my young Padawan, you have matured beyond your years. You are now your own master Yoda. Go forth and let the force be with you.🧙♀️ This was very inspiring, thank you 👍💗
oh yes, and no tipping here. The other day we where served by a great young woman, and we gave her $10. Her response was off the charts with happiness and her colleagues where all smiling for her. Its fabulous.
Welcome back. I wondered what had happened to you. I enjoyed and was fascinated by your insights to differences you now notice between the USA and elsewhere. Thank you.
I agree with everything you said, welcome to our happy world, and glad you are here now. 💕 That being said, my parents were recently in Kansas City, staying with friends/work colleagues. They wanted to get their hosts a gift to say thank you, so they went to Walmart, to buy a leaf blower (as one does). As they were carrying it out, an employee who was just finishing work, saw them looking for a taxi outside, and gave them a lift back. They always say how friendly Americans are! Good and bad of everyone everywhere. ❤
So true, im my 40 years of travelling to the usa i have met nothing but kind and decent people, even in some not so good areas, many have become friends....its a great place but NZ is home.
I'm a Kiwi in NZ and love our country. The USA is fantastic though in many other ways. Your patriotism is mind blowing I mean how is it that your college sport is bigger with more passion than our national sport? And I love a bit of US country music.
You are seriously a Kiwi! 🤣 your laid back attitude is so kiwi! I was born and raised here and all I can say is that, I love being a Kiwi! Welcome home sis x😊
If nobody stays to fix it then it won't get fixed, is the other side of that argument some people prefer to stay and try to fix things, it is looking like we are about to elect a libertarian conservative government, that should make me immediately want to jump ship, but I would rather stay and oppose the things they intend to do
Got any evidence for that my friend? Have you lived in America? I have two kids living fantastic lives in in America. In WI and NY. You need to stop watching NZ TV. You are being fed a line of bullshit about the USA
I moved to NZ from Brisbane Aus in 2008. It wasn't too bad for the first 4-5 years but things got pretty tough afterwards. I have to admit, in hindsight, I should have just said to my wife " Lets move back to Australia", life would have been a lot easier. Somehow we're "stuck" here in NZ and I mean that in a negative way and I'm not ashamed of saying it. This country sucks the life out of you, the way the government and economics will make you pay for the privilege of enjoying this fine country. The sights, countryside and aesthetics of NZ are absolutely awe inspiring....but you can't enjoy it unless you can pay for it, which will absolutely make you pay!
I wonder if you could touch on the homelessness problem in the US? I have a friend in the US who has worked her whole life. Yes it was a min wage job but millions of people work in min wage jobs. She developed a serious health problem and because she didnt have insurance it bankrupted her. She is still sick and now she lives on the street. How is this possible? I think it is shocking and very sad.
Exactly. How can they allow this to happen in a developed country. I became disabled at 32 after having my third child and I am very grateful to live in NZ where I am looked after. I would be homeless in the US.
Welcome home, and it is your home cos you get it. Life is not meant to only revolve around money. People are so much more important and looking out for yourself and those around you should always be the top priority. I am delighted you have gained awareness and now appreciate a slower , less crowded life style. I love Americans (The majority being everyday hardworking family people), having lived in Atlanta for six years, but now that I am 68 yrs old, I am grateful for the Healthcare in New Zealand and the pension I get here. I would not have survived my Stage 4 kidney cancer in USA. Americans are extremely kind, generous and hardworking people, but the American system is not kind to them. 😢
This Kiwi lived in Seattle for 41-years, and managed huge Construction jobs all over the USA. In 15-states. Had a bone marrow transplant in Seattle. Which cost me US$0.00. And had a standard of living and opportunities Kiwi's can dream about. Now sadly retired back to Godzone, I disagree with you 100% my friend. If you are happy with 11-hour waits in the Hospital Emergency Room, I am not. Don't get me started! The pension is an insult. OK if you like a poverty existence. By any Criteria, if you work hard in the USA, it is a fantastic place to live and raise a family. Infinitely better than living in New Zealand.
This is a really interesting perspective. We are preparing to move back to the states (American living in NZ since teenage years). We are literally fleeing the country as we cannot afford to even eat here anymore! I hadnt thought about how it has changed me and what culture shocks I will experience going back
You are making the right decision my friend. The Kiwi cost of living is a killer. Nice scenery does not make up for not being to afford rent and groceries. You will find anywhere in the US outside of the big cities infinitely more affordable. Just avoid Cailfornia and NY.
@@Kiwiamericans We are heading off to the Suburbs (near Chicago). My parents live there and have kindly offered to let us live there while we get on our feet and save for a house deposit. We do want to come back when we are a bit more stable financially, but with our current situation - we are just getting by with no room to save, plan for the future or get ahead at all. So this will be life changing for us. Devestated to leave, but we will make it a goal to come back often and visit friends and my husbands family.
I travelled to the US years ago, and had dinner in Boston. I was stunned at the concept of tipping because the people who worked there did not serve us well at all. They stood there gossiping, and were not particularly friendly or helpful. I was frustrated that I had to tip them for slack service. I grew up in South Africa (have lived in NZ though since 1985 so am pretty much a Kiwi now) also a country where tipping is the norm, but again, not been particularly impressed with their service.
Its a mindset, seems like America as a whole has a closed mindset when it comes to change vs a lot of other countries that have a more growth mindset (yes an oversimplification but kinda aligns)
I thoroughly enjoyed your take on the differences that you shared, and while it’s not perfect in NZ I still believe there are still friendly people willing to help and exercise a laid back approach to most things. I hope you will continue to have more positive experiences
*Kia ora & welcome back home to kiwiland. I am so pleased that you went back to the USA for a visit to see family & friends, and had your eyes & mind opened up to the reality of what is actually happening in the USA, as to how it is going over there now which to me is in a huge decline. Hopefully others in America will see this video and will also get their eyes & mind opened up too. Is it really the land of the free..... honestly from what I see in the news from many news channels on YT.... the land of the free is so long gone. But thanks for being so positive about Aotearoa New Zealand & our lifestyle and how we live in this wonderful country.🙂.*
Many of our eyes are opened to the possibility of better ways but either we’re corrupt leaders who don’t want to change or indebted civilians hoping to save enough and leave. Many call leaving the “New American Dream.” It’s hard to do though because most of us are paycheck to paycheck. One hospital trip can set someone into overwhelming debt for years.
@@dwilliams7377 *I am sorry that it is that bad for you in the USA. I hope things get better for you & your family, so that you can have a better life, instead of how it is now for you all.*
The land of the free - until you have to pay the outrageous prices for rent, groceries, gasoline, car insurance, internet, electricity...and.... oh never mind!
Yes welcome home Tara. Loved your take on things…politics and the tipping (oh yes the tipping is nassssty now!) Been away like you for a break and stopped in NYC for a week and then to Europe for 3 weeks. As busy as it was in Europe, it was sane and well adjusted and funnily enough, quite relaxed but arriving back onto O’hare on the way home….yes, back in the US and being yelled at in queues, prodded and challenged and in general, treated disrespectfully. It’s just gruff and rough for sure. Just been 3 days in San Francisco (home today at 0530am)and while I felt some optimism there, you are right about the fear factor. Dining out with friends for 3 days and hearing their take on life, I realized that NZ is very different. Great video as usual and I missed you. B
If you think you are going to get used to the customs unique to American life by short stopovers in Chicago and California you are very naive my friend. Visting Americans find NZ equally frustrating.
With USA family we visit often. As a general rule we enjoy our visits. Lucky I get 5 weeks annual leave to make those trips. I enjoy driving in the States, great freeways and pedal to the metal mentality. I will always have small denomination notes for tipping but do not enjoy being treated like a forger because I have big notes. Thanks for the interesting video and perspective.
I think from a Kiwi point of view one of the really incomprehensible things about the US is the wealth, but then the lack of universal healthcare. No Kiwi from the child to the grave ever doubts they can go to hospital in an emergency. Most of us probably avoid the place like the plague, but we know it's there if we have to.
My employer in Seattle included the cost of my first-class healthcare as part of my compensation. My family never paid a dime for healthcare. Retired Americans are well covered for their healthcare by MEDICARE. (And the Average retired American on SOCIAL SECURITY gets way more than the average Kiwi on its pitiful pension plan.) The poor, disadvantaged and disabled's healthcare is paid by MEDICAID. Very few do fall the cracks. But OBAMCARE went a long way to fixing that. Every Emergency room in hospitals is required by Federal Law to treat you even if you are penniless. No American from the child to the grave ever doubts they can go to hospital in an emergency. American healthcare for everyone is as good as NZ's lousy Gubmint scheme.
You have to sympathise with workers in hospitality industry in america though. The federal minimum wage in the U S is $7.25/hour. The adult minimum wage in NZ is $22.70/hour, and the NZ new starter/trainee hourly rate is $18.00/hour, but then our cost of living is a lot higher then U S.
@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp Wikipedia - List_of_US_states_by_minimum_wage DO NOT say you cant trust wikipedia. Their source is the USA FEDERAL Dept of LABOR. Federal minimum is $7.25 per hour. Has been for several years - since 2019 at least. There are 20 states on that list that still have a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Some states have less than that. Of the remaining 30 states, Montana pays $9.95/hour and the rest all pay at least $10/hour or more. Highest Hourly wages are currently in Wash DC, Wash state and California
Some very astute, observations, many of the same conclusion i came too about the US when i travelled there ,,im a kiwi and we arent perfect in fact we have gone backwards in a lot of ways. But there is always hope ...
I'm American living in the US and I agree tipping has gotten too crazy. Companies got greedy because people were willing to tip employees who usually didn't get tips during Covid and want us to continue. I have no problem topping restaurant servers since their federal minimum wage is $2.15 and tipping is to get them to minimum wage and above. I will not tip for counter service or the barista at the coffee shop. I do tip delivery drivers, but I don't feel the need randomly tip anyone with their hand out. I will click "No tip" on the tablet and keep it pushing. Besides, many service (non-restaurant) personnel have explicitly told me not to tip because they didn't get the money anyway (owners keeping tips as profit).
As a South African who immigrated to NZ, I agree with everything, but most importantly is the ability to relax. I realize that the objective here is to spend time relaxing. Its so good. Life is relaxing, life is quiet, people are quiet and there is peace. In SA, I carried a firearm everyday and trained and I am all about rights, but to live in a country where carrying firearms is illegal as well as socially unacceptable is a wonderful way to live. NZ is one of the last paradises of the developed world.
I got into trouble years ago as the train porter got mad with me, but I didn't understand why. Before I disembarked, I gave the barman enough for him and porter snd said to him to share it. -That was probably very naive to do that, but man; the porter was aggressively rude.
After vacationing in NZ I am sooooooo ready to retire there! My husband and I fell in love with your New home❤. I agree with so much of what you’re saying about the US, everything from tipping to constant politics is overwhelming. Love your videos, keep it up ❤
Kiwi politics.. A lot of Kiwis, if they're motivated to vote at all, just wake up on Election day and decide who they're going vote for while they're driving to the polling booth.
Interesting to hear someone else's point of view. I see NZ very differently though. I think as a friend from the UK, who is a New Zealander said, "NZ is such a "Nanny" state". Which is true, it's so regulated and controlled now. It's such a different place to when I was kid in the 80s and 90s. So divided and political. Much the same as the rest of the World 🌎 is at present. New Zealand was an Awesome place when I was younger. And it's sooo expensive, but wages are low. Life is very difficult here now.
Nice one, welcome home ,after number 10 it sounded like you needed a cup of tea lol . no i feel for the fullas in the u.s.a they have given a lot to make the u.s what it is,. the leaders need to take care of the 90% not the 10%. What about eating fish and chips on the beach in bare feet ? i know you could't believe we did that down here. could be number 11 aye lol ... Thanks will..n.z
Oh wow the tipping! I went to South Africa where they also tip and it just sucked. Why don't they just build the price in?!?! So stressful. I'd always do too much and feel taken advantage of. One less drama in my life I don't need. It was the same in Tanzania too but just at restaurants so that made it easier.
Sorry, going to disagree about service being better in the USA. Service is different in each country as each country value different dining experiences. I imagine in the USA diners want everything immediately and not to have to wait for anything whereas in NZ we want a quite relaxed dining experience where we are not continually interrupted. If we need something and there are no staff nearby to ask we simply go up to the bar or counter.
Agree. The downside of living in Canada is that I cant really BROWSE in the shops without having pushy sales people coming to ask if they can help me, every 2 minutes. I have been known to walk out of a shop after being asked that one time too many!! Which is why I now prefer to buy most of everything i need online!!!
