WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED to the USA! (REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK) 

One thing that impresses us about Ecuador is how many fun activities are free, or just cost a dollar or two. There are many community celebrations that do not charge admission. One of our first days here we were treated to a free concert by the Ecuadorian National Orchastra. This seems to have a good impact on community pride, and the mental health of the community in general.

This is the reason US is the richest country in the world...

I hate how when I'm being introduced to someone, the first question out of their mouth is "What do you do for a living?". People are so obsessed with jobs and how much money you make.

@@logician3641 yes, but does it also make you the happiest country?

Oh, if you liked that, you’d *love* dating here.

That’s extremely true, it’s worse when you live here and constantly notice it. What’s worse is many of those same corporations treat their majority American employees like paid slaves and have no care or concern for the well being of their employees just maximizing profits. This country is owned by corporations it is sad.

The USA has allways been like that.

@@jeremybeau8334 not really. there used to be alot more family owned businesses in the 70s which differentiated areas in differnt states. from the 80s on, the franchises took over and made every place look the same.

@@robdoe5433 Capitalism. what were you expecting?

Soulless Corporate Homogenization Nice phrase, really hits the nail in the head A dystopia with a vapid smile on it's face

They're preparing the population for ww3. I'm italian and just can't help realize what's happening in eastern Europe

people are deluded into thinking they can do something about "huge increase in homelessness and drug addiction" etc..., that's where the political tension comes from

I totally agree about the politics. My parents are very conservative but we could have productive conversations about politics. Since about 2015 we haven't been able to discuss anything. It is sad.

@@josephyoung6749 I believe the basis of the problem is we have an extremist right wing party that is holding onto an awful lot of power.

@@kennedy7955You ask people on the right and they tell you the exact same thing about the left lol

Corporate Greed, Americans have been programmed to be consumers.

Thats an interesting thought - i think humans can adapt to very horendous conditions and survive but its not living in quality - so you really have to step out for a longer time to see the difference but i heard a lot of citizen of the USA cant affort to go abroard or even Canada or countries in the South of America or they dont have passports…. So i hope they watch these videos and see it doesnt have to be like this

... except people on drugs and on the street... "You don't have to be on drugs (also psychiatric) to work for us but it helps."

Exactly and American Capitalism will end in failure.

@@inothome , it’s much more than capitalism, it’s unbridled greed. It’s what happens to capitalism when it’s left unregulated, and any regulations are designed to punish labor.

@@Killswitch1411 the US in reality is a lot worse than the myth. I teach children of immigrants and part of their trauma is that US isn’t what they thought it would be 😢

@@Killswitch1411 For the same reason your family immigrated here, if I had to take a guess.

@@drkarenswrld They are welcome to leave! Be interesting to know if the "immigrants" of whom you speak are LEGAL immigrants who had the character and civility to obey our immigration laws or those who are criminal trespassers. The LEGAL immigrants make for the BEST USA Citizens.

@@mikewurlitzer5217 you don’t know much about migration if you think it’s that simple to go back. Plus they are minors and couldn’t leave anyway. I’m wondering why you assume they are undocumented, hope you aren’t as much of a bigot as you sound like.

Demhole policies.

Why'd you move back? I would stay gone gone gone..

I returned 3 years ago, planni,no on leaving, permanently. Sad to see what has happened here

@@enough1494 that second part is a little hard to read with the typo.

@@Ghorda9 planning to leave, permanently! US is done!

I came back to the US in 2015 after 2 years in Germany. You're not alone. I still feel like an outsider surrounded by people who just don't understand.

Or maybe, just maybe...you were just LIED about the US of old just as much as you were lied about current US and that the US was never actually great. Every empire is as weak as it weakest period.

Sad. Optimism gone.

@@LB-uo7xy as a visiting lecturer to the US about 20 years ago, it was shocking how practically every US American touted 'we are the best country in the world - we are FREE and everyone wants to be here' .... we usually just smiled and resisted saying NO WE DON'T and you are NOT as free as you are brainwashed to believe, mate.

Ecuador?

Yeah, the US is a byword among the nations or it will be soon. We have embraced the god of humanism and socialism/communism so we as a country are only reaping rhe bad decisions we have made.

I understand all these differences and concerns. They seem to be a problem only for tourists or ex-pats who have money enough to follow à pillow-path. But how do we answer the call from the mass of humanity bracing deadly climate change and societal privation who struggle toward the "streets of gold" in the USA???? If Ecuador is wonderful for an average worker than why are Venezualans trekking 2500 miles to the US instead of 500 to Ecuador? Hello?

@@Find_Amelia_Island HELLO because its a 3rd world country HELLO HELLO HELLO

I grew up in Anchorage, AK in the 60's an 70's. When I left to go to the lower 48 it was a shock because people were not as close knit and resilient as in Alaska. It has only gone downhill since then.

The reverse culture shock points were just the same in the 80s as today.

Amen to that. And I am 63.

@@bluewaters3100 I think it really depends on where you live, and how. There are places like that in the lower 48, but rural areas, or tight knit religious groups or places prone to extreme weather. If people have a very reliable infrastructure, including income and it’s not threatened as much types of weather, these are the main determining factors. If they aren’t taught from life experiences that there’s any situation where it’s safer in numbers, or that one blizzard or hurricane can wipe out their infrastructure and leave them with basically worthless money, or no employment, in need of help from their neighbors, they might not ever learn to treat each other with that type of respect and responsibility. Unfortunately, once isn’t enough to make humans change their behavior. There’s a delicate balance that allows people to live that way, in harmony. If they’re too deprived it will have similar consequences. Of course, addiction and drugs threaten this, but somehow cannot eradicate it. Alaska is one of those places where they maintain the balance. I’d argue that certain other places in the states do, too. There are places in Florida, where I live, for instance, but it’s definitely not a large place. It’s just far enough outside the main and small enough.

I agree 100% it’s not. I do feel like we’ve reached the peak and self-destruction lies over it.

That's the disease of "I must have my rights."

Ya that generation is out of control even in the states.

It's noticeable even if you live here.. Current political outlooks and social media culture are producing an absolutely toxic culture.

Much of our generation *is* always switched on. With formative events like Columbine (and every mass shooting since) and 9/11, how competitive everything became when we became adults with the Great Recession, and the rising neo-fascism... Yes, it's unhealthy all around. Most haven't connected the dots to try to deal with it all. And even those with the greatest need have trouble getting mental healthcare either because of money or just lack of availability. Yep, it's a mess.

It's probably linked to social anxiety. It's closer to being switched off

Depressing but true.

Of your life circumstances permit but, I would urge you to go overseas to a good country for awhile and see the differences for yourself. The U.S. has become a corporate pit.

Take heart, that's the reason people are going back to real farming and living off grid. They too are sick of living sick!

It is only when you go outside the US that you realise what you are missing and how bad America has become.

You are a lucky guy who can call himself American. The USA is even better than some developed countries in Europe. I think only 10-12 countries have a higher standard of living than the US, the US is an amazing place to be and call home.

We live in Japan. Overall "Gurreat!!" 1 problem is: it is hard for a non-Japanese to buy a home. Even renting requires a co-signer. That IS a real bummer. Medical System is light-years better than the US of Astronomical Medical bills. People and public safety are vastly different. So SAFE here. You can send a 5 year old child to the store by himself. He will return home with his purchase and correct change. Try THAT in the US...😮

Try that in the US and you will lose that money and that kid. 😂

It isn’t that much worse. You just didn’t know how bad it was before. It does suck.

Did you move back again?

Note: Japan is not overrun by illegal, undocumented aliens, who now number nearly 20 million in the U.S. Japan does not have one political party that has created poverty conditions in the inner city on a massive scale, while outsourcing most manufacture and tech jobs overseas. It is simply a fact that the American government has worked AGAINST the best interest of Americans - especially the industrious middle class -for the past 30 years at least.

@@timothywilliams1359 You are spot on Tim. Those gosh darn Republicans with their crazy policies, like tax breaks for the ultra wealthy, and trying to dismantle social security. Spot on analysis my friend, keep up the good work.

@@timothywilliams1359 And we see why the fear is there. Hype by political fear mongers who want to convince others that if you will just elect us, we will fix everything. Like the Texas attorney general campaign add saying Texans are sick of crime. Vote for me and I will institute a,b, & c all the while ignoring the minor detail that he and his party have been in power since Mosses parted the Red Sea.

@@mabehall7667 Texas has no control over its own border. Just look what is happening to Arizona as they try some initial attempts to gain control of theirs. They are being threatened by the DOJ.

@@timothywilliams1359 yes Tim,here in Australia we recently booted out our Conservatives who were still advocating neo liberalism, privatisation of everything and trickle down economics. First started by Thatcher and Reagan in the 1980’s those policies are now totally discredited here and in my old homeland, the UK. Big money in politics is the evil killer!

Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to leave a comment! We're glad you enjoyed our video and appreciate your acknowledgement of the importance of gaining perspective through travel. It's true that sometimes it can be difficult to critique our own culture, but we believe it's important to have an open mind and be willing to see things from different perspectives.

@@AmeliaAndJP I have watched it three times now.. (no I'm not stalking you.. LOL) apart from the content (enlightening) it is you two together that make it watchable.. I showed my wife the last two (21,22) her face was much like Amelia's!!!. I still can't believe it 😁😁 Keep going. Ps Ecuador sounds a place I'd like to live .. not least for smarter dress sense.. Isn't it sad that the media portrays a place in a certain narrow way and you have no real reason for your feelings other than a bias in the media; no facts. Some places you think are just arid desert and then you see some fabulous cities there via a travel program! I guess Ecuador is no different.

Don't blame you. Working on leaving the USA, take my cats 🐈 😻 and go.

I just went to Calf. and booked my return for 6 months later...within 3 weeks I rebooked my flight...I lasted 5 weeks total and was so happy to be on the plane out!

I live in upstate NY and we never worry about physical safety when out unless it is late at night in some nearby larger city. We were scammed several times in South America, so you have to be vigilant wherever you go. Isn't the cost of living really high in Ireland?

You tip for good service and pleasant service. Little or no tip when you don't get that. There is no guilt about not tipping.

@@amywalker7515 Interesting comment. I heard an American girl who studied in Scotland for a year talking about how she felt about her return to the USA. One thing she mentioned was anxiety about safety. But interestingly she said it was caused by people saying 'don't go there, don't do this, don't speak to that person' etc and a general sensitivity to the potential of danger. In reality, she lived in a fairly small town where the crime rate was no higher than it was in Scotland where people just didn't think about these things much and just got on with life. So in places like hers it was the fear of crime rather than crime itself.

Yeah, it is one of the side effect of globalization + capitalism. Varieties of produce are chosen based on a combination of how durable they are (i.e. can be shipped long distances without spoiling, less affected by weather conditions, etc.) and to a lesser extent on how attractive they are (large size, bright and uniform colors). As a result, a lot of the 'favorite' varieties of those things you mentioned can be very bland.

@@zijun01 : The reason for that is that most of the fruits and vegetables in the U.S. are now genetically engineered; bigger, more colorful, uniform in shape, longer shelf life, more resistant to pests, etc. Same thing happened to us when we made a trip to several Latin American countries and couldn't believe how tasteful a tomato was or any other vegetable or fruit, like peaches, oranges, strawberries, etc.

The tomatoes, lemons, artichokes and strawberries in Italy are to die for. My taste buds want me to move there and my brain agrees!

Most Americans don’t eat fruits and vegetables, as long as the Big Mac still tastes good they’re happy.

Not to mention the Boston and NYC subway systems look about a hundred years old. The same trains and stations that they never updated. One of the lines in Boston was shut down for a month cuz a bridge collapsed.

Worked for an American corporation. They wanted to be 'world leaders' in their business. Shocked they were, astonished, that not everybody uses US law to do things. That you couldn't just do 'any number of things' like they did in the US. They want to be world leaders but have a very parochial view of the world because they've never been anywhere outside the US or seen more of it but only from a hotel room view.

Obama

Yeah that sounds like Jersey.

Mainland what?

I'm portuguese and spent a few months in the US once. Went to Dallas. The airport experience was slightly scary. They divide people by countries. Portugal was lumped in with a lot of north african and middle eastern countries, which is totally fine...except it was the first time in an airport I was stopped to give a personal interview explaining why I was in the country. Probing questions mind you. Wtf. Who will you be with? What's your relation to that person etc etcThat never happened to me in my life. The tone of the airport security and everyone working there was slighty menacing too. It made me think I'd never survive long term in the US....issues of fairness and how government and police treat people is important to me..........I could see myself trying to defend myself verbally in an interaction and somehow things escalating. Not a cool feeling to feel authorities are not on your side. That being said...actual americans on average are super nice people. One thing that struck me, both with my gf (american) at the time and other stories, was just how divided families can be. Families of 4 totally divivded, living in totally different states is much more common. There is a distinct individualism ...........but ALSO........there was fear in the air. This was back in 2010 mind you....but you can taste the anxiety in the air compared to Portugal.

@@seancrowe3353 sorry from Hawaii that is a nickname for mainland usa. In general Hawaiian culture is much more easy going

@@jeanlundi2141 oh they do that to us Americans too. I am mexican american born in California and I get questioned A LOT

Left Atlanta 15 years ago after a 14 year run, didn't recognize the place last year, they crammed so many high rises all over the place, I lived off Ponce and Briarcliff, had the Highlands 5 min walk away and Little 5 a 10 min walk so lot of chooses for food/drinks, heard rent went sky high. I left for S FL, it's almost like another country down here.

Covid turned the south into a refuge for blue state people. Its ruining us.

My reasons for wanting to leave are to escape the gun culture-the escalating violence and more affordable healthcare. Doesn’t matter if I’m in Florida or Montana…it’s still the United States. You come here to work and leave once you retire.

I live in Atlanta and I agree with everything you said. Violent, rude, dirty. I can't wait to leave

That's amazing. Just saw a friend of mine that left New York (Long Island) and moved to Montana a couple years ago while she was back visiting New York. She had lost a lot of weight and was literally glowing, she was so happy. Incredible the transformation she had while living in Montana. Made me want to move as well!

you made a good move mate, if I was a person of colour the States is the last place id want to live, im up the road in Perth and love it in the countryside

Welcome to the U.K. keep on living the life you want and hope you enjoy beautiful Scotland.

Race isn't an issue in Scotland. Never has been.

Why would you go to Glasgow??

@@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13 I originally moved to Glasgow to earn my PhD at Glasgow Uni, but I also really like being here, so I stayed.

God bless you kiri. From texas!

Ecuador is amazing! You will love, visit everything you can do,

Have a safe trip🙂

I've lived here my whole life and I'm shocked on a daily basis at the changes

yea i came here to say the same thing

Scarey thing is how everything us Franchises as far as food . It's like you really need to cook, going to restaurants is either fast food , and even the supposedly good restaurants are a fortune between tipping and a small meal , you drop $100 or more .. I just don't get how anybody turns a profit or can afford any thing ..

my last hospital bill been €6000, cost myself €60.... they can charge me this year an additional €220, after that, every day in hospital is for free, after i spend €280/year.... did i mention, i am living in Europe, my country got health care since 1883!

@@Arltratlo Which country?

@@jwt1035 make a guess.... its not the USA or Africa....

@@Arltratlo Well, your payments were in euros, and there are almost 30 countries in the union. Not narrow enough for me to hazard a guess, and I’m not going to look up which European country got healthcare in 1883. So how about just answering the question?

Land of fear and hate

I am an American citizen and you are correct. A lot of people in the country is angry!

Give Blood Meridian a read if you haven't.

The US starting to copy this idea of having everything in one place. US gets most of their ideas from the outside world.

i have that in the US, i live in NJ

I have that here in NYC. Find a city with walking neighborhoods.

@@sct4040 theyll say "NYC is way too expensive!! muhhh!!!", which its not if you live outside manhattan, especially in NJ

You don't have to leave the U.S. for that. You just have to live in a area that the West and East coast makes fun of. The laugh is on them.

The USA is Going Down the TOLIET,,ITS BEYOND REPAIR --- GET OUT - SAVE YOUR SELVES - + Your Loved Ones..ASAP-- USA Ex_pat in Russia

A sad but true observation about much of Kentucky. It is reflected in the ideology and the corruption of that state's two U.S. Senators, both horrible mutations that represent, promote and embody the worst aspects of human nature.

I hope your return is successful. Everything is ludicrously expensive, but the NHS still exists and I and my family have received excellent care over the years. Remember you might not see the sun for 6 months, but Spain is not far away!

@@davidr7819 Plus Portugal and Italy, we are lucky to live so close to other beautiful countries.

Omg!! You’re going to be shocked by the UK then!

I moed from the US to the UK jsut before Brexit. I hate to report that the decline is real, apparent, and accelerating here. It's been one of the most surreal exeriences to watch because, like my home country, it feels like the decline happened so quickly that people struggle to understand it and respond to it effectively. Everyone feels stunned and unable to resolve it when the government feels out of reach.

I’m in Uk and it has gone down hill so fast in the last few years. We will be on par with the US soon enough.

What a load of rubbish, everything is a little more expensive granted but nothing else has changed

@@xbigc2893how do you experience life since brexit?

@@klaramathilda9929 I have 2 weeks to wait until my bmw m140i arrives so not too bad

You're not alone, Vaska. I I know several people who suffer from gluten intolerance in the US, but when they travel, (in Europe and Asia, at least) it's not a problem. There's something malfunctioning in our agriculture sector in the U.S. I suspect it's the reliance on chemical fertilizers to grow crops instead of humus. So much of our produce in the U.S. comes from places in California where it is planted in huge mono-crop fields, on sandy soil, and relies on heavy application of nitrogen and pesticides, and imported water. I grew up in Wyoming, surrounded by wheat fields, and the same is true there. Farmers simply cannot be bothered to improve their soil with natural compost. Instead, they rely on chemical fertilizers that are promoted so heavily by the fertilizer industry. I'm convinced that foods taste better and are likely more nutritious when farmers concentrate of feeding the soil with manure, crop residues and compost, instead of feeding the plants with chemical nitrogen applications.

Same with milk and supposed milk intolarance. Once in Europe (Switzerland) suddendly they have no more problem drinking milk.

GMO food everywhere in the US. More people here are sick with intestinal disorders than anywhere else in the world. Our government Flouridates the water to keep the people from starting a revolution. Poverty and hunger is everywhere. Families living in cars. It's so scary to be stuck here. Everything is artificially expensive to make it impossible for people to save enough to escape.

I just found out US farms use sewage sludge to make fertilizer with high levels of pfas and other forever chemical contamination. This is not allowed in Europe. I had chronic undiagnosable stomach problems in the states until I went all organic... and then I moved to Europe and never had to worry about buying only organic...

You're not the only one who talks about "upset stomach". I'm far from following just random comments on the internet, but what you describe follows a certain pattern that I've noticed in the last few years (say, 5-6 years): everyone in your group complains about gastro problem that don't exist abroad (outside US).

There’s not a homogeneous culture in the US. If you show up at NYC marathon, you’ll see 50,000 skinny people.if you go to a football game you’ll see 100,000 screaming people. If you show up to a pow wow, you’ll see a different culture entirely. Atlanta and the South in general is more overweight than the rest of the US it is theorized to be because of traditionally greasy, sugary diet combined with oppressive humidity. Go to Denver for fit people. Americans love to find their own way snd find like minded people. That’s why we have 50 United States!

Yeah the lack of aesthetics in the US towns and cities is shocking bit there are some cities that are v pretty and some small towns have lively main streets - the strip malls are disgusting

I like tattoos

@@emersonblake7 That is absolutely NOT why we have 50 states Blake.

come to DC you will rarely see a fat person, but yes in the South you will find fat people for days.. that's just how it is... dating sucks now a lot of people are just BIG... somehow I managed to stay in shape but mostly because I have celiacs disease and can't eat gluten.. without the ability to digest gluten, I have been spared from all the processed food and fast food that's available. it's basically just inedible for me. So I stopped registering anything with gluten in it as food including bread.

Pro tip don't let media narratives dictate your life

@@runswithraptors on that note.....The media in the US is so so bad. I feel like local news is alright, but those big corporation news channels are super bad.

Meanwhile Ecuadorians are talking about how much more expensive things are now that Americans are moving in.

I often say that the US seems to be a land of hate and fear.

@@bruhbutwhytho2301 that sure is going to be a thing too, they should limit the influx.

I used to visit San Francisco, CA; i have done a lot of legwork there! Great city to explore on foot or a bicycle!

It is amazing that people do not know anything about their food. I eat organic and never eat at a restaurant. I was in Target the other day. I had on nice shorts and summer top with sandals. An older woman dressed rather sloppy was starting at me. I thought she might need help so I asked her if she needed help. She looked a little embarrassed and said no. I have this happen to me alot in grocery stores. I think my appearance confuses people and they are trying to decide whether or not I am a senior citizen. I do not look good in grey hair so I keep it my natural color and long. It is healthy and full so it looks good. I take care of myself so I have some muscle and my face has a nice healthy glow to it. I am 70. I want to tell the people with kids in the grocery stores to please think about what you are buying. Their carts are full of Lay's potato chips, coke, processed food, and just junk. The healthy items are more expensive but in the long run it is cheaper because you will not need to visit the doctor or be on medication for diabetes.

That and all the hidden fats. Most fast food is deep fried and not good for you at all.

@@bluewaters3100 I'm 71. These days the bulk of my diet consists of fresh (sometimes frozen) fruits and veggies. Alas, I can't often afford organic, and at any rate notice that when I can it usually tasts just as flavorless as most non-organic produce. I too have taken to noticing shopping carts at grogery stores. Where I live, it's not just the younger crowd whose carts are piled high with junk. Part of the problem is, as you state, that healthy foods tend to more expensive that junk foods. Too, junk foods are often addictive and hard to abandon once hooked. I've been hooked on them a few times in my life. Thankfully, I've been on the straight and narrow for over two decades now. Or rather, as straight and narrow as my somewhat limited funds allow.

It also hinders the conversion of Vitamin D into Calcifediol for proper immune system function

Nasty stuff, I read every ingredient label and if it contains that crap it goes back on the shelf.

​@@randymillhouse791 We are "retired" and have 80 acres in Minnesota which we farm, have two large gardens and currently collecting sap for maple syrup which we used to sell at a Farmer's Market but now just make for our family and friends. We ski in the winter and swim and fish in the summer when time permits because everyone wants to come to Minnesota lake country. We are happy with our retirement life where we are and we have the financial resources to live anywhere. North Dakota is our home and Minnesota is our secondary home as it has been since the 1870"s when my family came from Europe for a better life. My husband's father's family arrived in 1910 for the same reason. I am sorry you think the grass is greener somewhere else. That is not always the case.

​@@jenniminder1362 Good for you. Your ancestors arrived in America, because at the time, the grass was 'greener somewhere else' to them, and that happened to be United States. They worked hard, prospered, and passed their prosperity and strong work ethic down to their descendants. The number of Americans leaving the United States for a better life is being compensated by all the new arrivals from India and South America, all hard-working and determined to improve their lives. There are millions of them who dream of being in the Land of the Free.

From one fire into another then??? Head for Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia or Vietnam). I guarantee you WILL be much happier and richer too.

@@stevenhull5025 lived in Asia six years nice to visit but don’t want to live in a 2d or 3d world country again.

​@@stevenhull5025Do not go to Cambodia ,a lot of scammer there, this is a well known fact for asians

No life in usa no community no social life

In Germany the only time I see Polizei is at the airport.

I'm glad I'm not the only one to notice police behavior in the US. Some places are worse than others, of course. I had the misfortune to live in a neighborhood in Wyoming where I had to cross I-80 everyday to get to work. The police agencies are convinced that busting drug couriers is a winning budget strategy, so they pull over a huge percentage of cars on I-80 and near the I-80 interchanges, checking paperwork, and conducting unwarranted searches, looking for signs of drugs, or even better, drug money. I got so tired of being pulled over regularly for no reason, that I left the state. Freedom in the US is a sick mythology.

@@tedpreston4155 amen brother!

​@@Kyle-sr6jmOf course you don't see them because they are only driving around in their cars. I live in Berlin and I certainly would love to have patrol officers on the streets again like there used to be. But that maybe just a very personal thing.

Well, with that b******* you don't have to worry about the police unless you're a criminal

Hey, where are you (roughly), and what's your age group? I'm 49, still working (for 20 years no less), and I'm looking for a quiet place to Live and WORK

@@LMB222 Hi, Spanish here, 53 y.o., was married to an American and lived in the US when a little kid. That to say that perhaps my opinion could be relevant. In Spain I lived in Andalusia, in Seville and also in a small town/city not too far from Córdoba. My mum's side is from Galicia, and I also lived in Madrid. All of Spain is really very GREAT to move in and make it your home. We of course speak Spanish, so you really need to start taking Spanish lessons to be +/- conversant when you arrive. Now, depending on your line of work, you may be considering exciting international places like Barcelona. Word of caution about that: they also speak their own language there (Catalan) and they'll expect you to learn it over time, on top of Spanish too. Spain has several regions with their own distinctive languages, they're all very close to Spanish bc all descended from Latin, common linguistic heritage and stuff. Except for Basque, which is so different that it cannot be connected to any other language, much like Finnish and Hungarian. Now, OF COURSE we Spaniards we'll give you a free pass bc of you being a foreigner learning Spanish, you'll be allowed your mistakes and won't be harassed to learn an additional regional language, we're not like that. Except that, after say 10 years, your friends and neighbors and usual shop sellers will start asking questions why aren't you bothered to say please and thank you and good morning in their own regional language (which from our point of view makes total sense, but to each their own). Bureaucracy is usually quite speedy in Spain, average 3 weeks. Everywhere is superhot in the summer, so many shops close down for siesta times (at least in Andalusia) so usually you end up your lunch at say 1400, go home have your siesta (your clients and employers will do the same) and then resurface to work not before 1700 (since there's no one in the streets between 1400 and 1700 except tourists, it makes total sense for us). Of course if you work in an office with AC (like most of Spain, we have AC everywhere) then there's absolutely NO siesta, I repeat, NO siesta. So in theory you'd work your regular 0900-1800, EXCEPT we have this thing of casually going down to have another breakfast anytime between 0900-1000, then probably another snack between 1100-1200, then of course 1 hr lunch, maybe 1.5 hours, then another snack at 1500, so that in the end you usually end the day between 1800-1900. You go home, shower, watch tv, phone your friends and make plans for the night, and it'll usually be beers for start around 2000 before you finally sit down for dinner NOT before 2100 (is too hot and still too sunny, and obviously you have dinner at night, right?) and then more walking around from bar to bar, hot spot to hot spot, and ice creams around 2300 (plenty of children still playing around you even if school starts at 0730, just suck it and enjoy your night around with parents and family and friends, kiddo!). Be prepared to feel under constant CIA survelliance if you choose a nice little town to live in, bc elderly people really LOVE spying on other people and are very nosy, so it may well happen that you just cross the street to have a café at the bar and the owner will tell you that you've been watched 5 minutes ago getting your newspaper 3 blocks away and how's the newspapers lady and yourself and your family in the States and the dog and don't you like bullfights and which one is better in your opinion, Real Madrid or Barcelona, and they KNOW for a fact you last went to the toilet at exactly 0813 and does it mean you don't really like last night dinner at Loli's? Whodunnit, all that info?? Literally ALL of the elderly ppl spying behind courtains and patrolling around the streets, but you can play games with them too and enjoy giving everyone a completely different and totally made up story and enjoy your coffee watching and listening to them bicker about bitterly on whether or not you teach English or are a retired writer or are a diplomat or are a secret agent or a bullfight student, the list is endless. But in big cities of course we're all transparent and everyone goes about their business. You won't make many friends if you cut the fun to go to bed before 0000 "bEcAuSe I hAvE tO gEt uP eArLy tOmOrRoW", we Spaniards KNOW for a fact that you only sleep really well ONLY IF you've been having fun at least until 0200 and so can go to bed with a clear conscience, no matter you get up at 0600, period, signed and sealed in blood. If there's only one rule you should remember is this: only VERY elderly ppl stay home, anybody from 4 y.o. to 70 y.o. MUST, by law, be out socializing in the streets 0800-0200 (except in weekends, of course, when you really do back-to-backs).

Yeah if you buy food made in a factory it's going to have added junk, who knew 🤯

@@runswithraptors You clearly don't understand just how bad even "organic" food is in the US. Perhaps you should do some research, if you are able to read big words.

@@x2y3a1j5 You seem like a very proud Spanish person! I am Dutch, but I have visited your country many times. I must say, though, that my favorite Spanish place is the Canary Islands.

We tried growing tomatoes. We had 12 beautiful plants. They produced 1 beautiful tomato. One morning I went out to inspect it and a bird pecked a big hole in it, ate all the insides and pooped on the top. I walked to the mercado and bought some beautiful tomatoes for 50 cents. That was the end of my gardening career 😂

One thing I like about Japan is the neighborhood vegetable gardens. There are little vegetable stands that operate on the honor system, drop a coin in a box to buy something. Some houses also set up a little stand by their front gate and sell produce. And this is in a suburb of Tokyo.

Choose 'no tip'

Wow... That really isn't a 'tip' anymore then. It should be completely voluntarily.

I agree, it’s way to pushy imo.

Make your own coffee!

If people would stop going to Starbucks and paying outrageous sums for a cup of coffee, they would eventually lower their prices.

Ya I miss out on paying off the cartels in Mexico 😂 I'll pass.

God I have cost the nhs thousands including cochlear implants I believe I might be wrong that cochlear implants are not covered by .health insurance .in america

​@@thetapheonixAnd yet, which country has more mass shootings 🤔?

In Ecuador you won't have to worry about hearing anyone's conversation because it will be drowned out by the motorcycles, busses, barking dogs, reggaeton music, and alarms going off

Yeah Americans shout a bit when they talk.

Happens also in Europe! We do it however in our own language(s)! I am Dutch. On my last trainride to Amsterdam, I overheard the guy behind me announcing a divorce through his cellphone and calling his wife a f***ing bitch in Dutch!

That's the best part about going out....the people watching and listening.

It's called no manners. Another indicator of a falling nation.

Switzerland is the best anyway. And maybe the only real democracy in the world. If I could afford the super high cost of living there I would certainly retire there l

Switzerland. Interesting, thats a strong contrast.

I 'm Irish and...When I travelled to the US the eggs & quality of food in general was shockingly poor. I ended up living off fruit for 2 weeks. & Whoa.. the TV ads are terrifying 😮

​@@MstinyFood is so terrible here. We just returned from 2 weeks in Japan. In comparison to what we experienced there--the care of preparation, the freshness, the variety, and the flavor--the food here in the USA is so processed, tasteless, generic, and *expensive*. It's depressing. Our life goal is to hopefully retire in either France or Spain, where we can live out our culinary fantasies more fully.

That’s why so many people are promoting local farms.

What's weird about your comment and some other similar ones on here is that I've been watching culture shock videos of people from Europe and the UK who have come here or moved here to the US, and one of the big things with them is how NICE everyone is.

@@MoonlightSonata214 Well everyone has diff experiences. Im portuguese,. was there back in 2010 an on average people are really friendly. But police, or people in certain restaurants etc were the opposite.

@@MoonlightSonata214 That depends. Everyone knows their experience right.. but I can reach further. I've been in Ecuador Colombia Mexico Venezuela and now back in USA. Here's the gist of it. To be polite varies by culture/country. In venezuela they don't say hello or good morning its more like a "ah-huh" (meaning what do you want) Sorry but it's true. I'm sure a lot of caribbean countries are like this. I dated a VI girl her family was a bit like this too. That is just the way they are comfortable. Which is VERY NOT NORMAL in other countries like Ecuador or in states like Texas where you actually get a "good morning good afternoon" To be polite is to be friendly and that really depends which state you are in. NJ/NYC has a lot of that "venezuela" vibe. If you go to the DMV in NJ, it feels like you are bothering the employees. Here in Dallas they literally will help you fill out your application. That's how extremely different it is. So it depends. James point is valid. Some people here in USA are MEAN as hell. But that depends where you are. Most of that mean impolite behavior will be in the NYC area in my opinion. I haven't lived in Florida where a lot of caribbeans reside from Cuba for example... but I'm sure a lot of people are generally angry in that state as well. If someone can confirm please lol.

I am English and visit the US often. On the contrary, i find friendliness and kindness everywhere .. I was in Savannah GA last week . You should go there !

​@@MoonlightSonata214they don't live here

What's funnier is that you had to go OUTSIDE of the US to realize that. Most other citizens realize the wrongs of their society while still living inside it. Guess it's true that Americans really are very efficiently brainwashed.

Cope.

​@@ernst91individuals shouldn't have to just cope with a rubbish society.

@@ernst91 except reality that some things in society will get worse if it doesn’t get better and some things will need to be fixed including, yes, many many things in America. Actually going to other countries or listening to others who have may help you realize that.

Oh women’s rights have gotten much worse, unfortunately

Germany is a very clean country. The people really do take pride in their surroundings. I loved my stay over there .

Americans have fucked up priorities. The truth is it is a democracy. The will of the people is course of the nation. Blacks are the most powerful and smartest. When they don't get their way, they riot and destroy. And they Win. They then become the Voice of the country. White Americans have no love of life. Or they would have stopped them. White Americans love labor. Work is their true God. Not Justice, not Family, not even Money. Whites comprehend only Work.

That’s very sad. I remember Washington from the 70’s to the 90’s and how impressed I was with the quality and condition of the great public buildings. So pleased I was privileged to visit in far better times.

@@TheVaughan5 You should look at Pittsburgh. It is run down again. It is like people want the end of the world.

@@blue18404 When I was younger I would never have believed the U.S. would decline like it has in my lifetime. Even though I’m not a U.S. citizen it makes me very sad.

Thanks for sharing!

I came back to the US after 13 years in the 80s and couldn't believe all the commercials about how you're sick, ugly, etc. Horrible.

.... although French suburbs are very ugly with lots of billboards

@@lioneldemun6033 Were they like that in the 80s?

@@mikieemiike3979 yes already

@@lioneldemun6033 That's why I don't travel abroad. Waste of time and money.

That’s hat happens when the city folk don’t understand the true value chain. Those cooking food shows are just insult to injury

Agree with you

Losing??? You mean "lost"

At least you can leave your country. Not everyone can due to restrictions like in Canada.

@@MW-nr3lg It also costs money.

We have been told that there is a criminal behind every lamppost in every other country on earth. Then you visit those countries and notice this isn't true at all. Most people go about their daily lives without fear and seem a lot like you and me, only they are kinder and less anxious than we are.

@@360decrees2 That's a big difference from it costing your life. Try defecting from someplace like N Korea, USSR, Cuba, E Germany, etc. "It costs money." BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA! Modern Westerners are spoiled and soft. A Western passport and a plane ticket are nothing, comparatively speaking.

I am curious what this means! LOL. I was born and raised in the USA.

This guy is coming from the Netherlands, probably one of the most progressive and modern countries in the world (I'm from Denmark) and like most of Europe our culture is wastly different from the american culture - mainly based on trust to our community rather then competition and distrust. If ýou can't comprehend the mindset, it is a complete waste of time to explain the difference. (Yes, they are at least 30 years behind, with regard to relationships they are more like 70 years behind)

Wow! Well said..."Walking anywhere in the U.S. is such a foreign idea and that's wrong." That is part of why Americans are the most unhealthiest people.

@@Hello-rl6lp I don't know if we're necessarily the unhealthiest. We have clean water, good doctors if you can afford them and FDA-regulated everything, so you probably won't get salmonella. But, you'd get some good cardio exercise and keep the diabetes away. Maybe someday we'll figure it out....

I live 10 miles from any grocery store and we have to walk on state roads to get there. MANY Americans live rurally and in the subs. It’s simply not possible for many Americans to walk every where, however I’ve visited quite a few cities where we did walk everywhere. You simply can’t compare the vastness of the US to many other countries. It would be great to get out from where you live and get a better understanding of the rest of the country.

@@channahnoyb4803 I've been to rural areas and they're very nice. Actually, a lot of the rural small towns are very walkable in southern Indiana. Nobody locks doors; very peaceful. Up here we spend a lot of time in traffic going to some stupid Walmart so we can wait in construction on the way home. But they don't usually allow a convenience store in the neighborhood unless it's zoned and approved by a politician, homeowners association, etc, etc. It's more or less the areas that JP and Amelia are talking about in video.

Being able to walk to the shops is the #1 reason we live in NYC. It’s loud, but convenient.

Because as they stated the "high calorie foods" in restaurants, while not exactly that so much is the high amounts of carbohydrates, bad ultra processed seed oils, and other cheap ingredients in restaurant foods will put the weight on. This is why the majority of Americans are obese. Ultra process food kills. The reasons for lack of employees at a lot of places is that workers got smart and refuse to work for slave wages with no benefits and horrible work hours/conditions. Same goes for transportation and the over reliance of imports from China.

​@@kennixox262 Slave wages...Regardless of income;People don't know how to live below their means.Consumerism is a big problem here in the U.S.Ex;I personally know someone making $50k+ per year,in S.Texas(renting and owns 1 vehicle),who suddenly started making an additional $2k+ per month.They told me that"they don't feel it"!They quickly adjusted to it!

@@kennixox262 And a lot of companies are deliberately understaffing to minimize their labor costs.

@@JW-uy2on Understaffing has been an issue for a very long time from what I see.

Why eat it then??

​@@stevenhull5025Why does anyone eat?

Ha! 6 weeks, put on 6 kilos. But that was in 1996 and largely because of infinite soda and the portions were massive, tasty, and I was taught to clear my plate.

​@stevenhull5025 preservatives are in nearly every food in the US, you honestly can't avoid them unless you're privledged enough to spend $500 on "organic" groceries.

Agree!

Forced? That sucks!

I am leaving back to Mexico on wednesday. I've had it with America!

I am leaving for Mexico

Where is good down there? Its safe?

Thank God for Mexico💚❤️

Very well stated! , couldn't agree more! , however people get sucked in by "taste" , & it works.

What are you talking about, about "conservatives?" I'm progressive and the few Conservatives I know WANT the throwaway culture... All paper plates and swiffer and fossil fuels. I'm happy if we are on the same side, no matter what your political affiliation, but EVERYTHING you name is generally considered Progressive these days.

@@JW-vd4il I experience the opposite, the liberals I know are all about the body positivity healthy at any size stuff.

@@JW-vd4il I had to read it twice; I think they are agreeing with you

U missed out nutrition...

I'm often seeing Estonian-language pharma ads on the RU-vid app, if I feel like I'd have to use it for engagement.

Nah! We have the same annoying commercials in Spain too. 😉

@@JustYFriend On cable, satellite, or broadcast TV though? I'm not talking about other mediums.

@@Timithos Regular TV. I guess you would call that broadcast TV.

Sounds like hell on Earth to somebody like me from Spain. I don't understand why people keep on living in these countries.

Dirk, do you speak Spanish? Is there enough to do there to keep you busy? I have thought about Medellin, as well.

@@worldobserver3515 No I didn't speak Spanish when I first left America other then knowing a handful basic words having grown up in Southern California. My visa is actually a student visa and I am enrolled with LCN langue school which is the most reasonably priced and studying it here. If you are not shy speaking Spanish won't be a problem and Colombians are very helpful and accepting people. As far as busy I guess that depends I met a local women I am in a relationship with. I joined a gym and started working out again. There are abundant entertainment and dinning options and it's all extremely cheap, Greek, Italian, steakhouse, vegan it's all here in abundance and they have a very efficient and easy to use public transit network.

@@overlandecuador4872 Fighting the system is a spot on observation. I am living now on what it use to cost me to own and operate the two vehicles I owned. I remember when I left it was strange because I didn't own any keys to anything anymore. I would instinctively check my pocket for my keys and I had none. Once I settled it was so liberating not to have a key, I had always had a set in my pocket since I was a teenager back in the 70's. They may sound strange but it ended up being symbol of liberating myself from the bonds of responsibility. Key will be in my pocket again soon but in the meantime I am enjoying the art of living without them.

Dirk, Next year, I am ready to pull the trigger. Either living in Colombia Medillen or Cartagena or Ecuador Cuenca or lojas. But theses are my main concerns 1. I need strong wifi? 2. Good hospital 3. Nice affordable rent in a nice area. Between 400 to 600 dollars. Anyone who can provide me some good advice I would kindly appreciate it 👏💪🤙

@@christiancalderon3821 Can only speak about Costa Rica, as we lived there for 5 years and visit frequently. Houses (2 bedroom) rent for about $500-600/month, and apartments go for around 1/2 that amount. Keep in mind - typical CR rentals do NOT include furniture or appliances ! If they DO, they are more expensive.

Why are the South Pac1fic Islnds the most overwe1ght on e a r th?

I did the same, around 1990. In Guatemala. Came back, couldn't enjoy eating fruit in canada for a year because it had no flavor

If a person/business wants to let folks know about something they have/do, they should be forbidden from doing so? Freedom Of Speech should be absolute - or, *eventually,* you end up with *everybody* being restricted from saying various things "because ______ finds it offensive/objectionable".

YES, they put you in jail for pot, then when you’re in jail, all you see are pharma ads on TV

@@tommiddlefinger6188 Probably because they grow up dreaming about being professional sumo wrestlers.

I really don't get it. The US is such a big country, it should be possible to grow fruits, vegetables appropriate quality with a appropriate price. At least seasonal and regional stuff. I can differentiate between organic (tastefull, but expensive), imported (tasteless and expensive) and regional, saisonal fruits and veggies.

A long time ago I spent 3 months traveling the States and I Remember good and affordable food . May Be not all the variety we have in Italy but I enjoied eating in all the States I visited . Now 30 years later Is worse ?

​@@kilsestoffel3690

@@kilsestoffel3690 i think it’s a political issue, the government pay their farmers to not grow anything and keep their lands empty. The U.S buys the best food to other countries, and my guess is , just as they do with their oil, they buy from other countries and when that will be gone they will use theirs.

We lived in France for 9 months in 1985. The food tasted better, and not just the fresh produce either. The instant couscous and other prepared foods did, too. I think part of it is what people expect; the French (among others) expect their food to taste good, Americans will settle for Wonder Bread. I was just in Spain and I think I saw an ad on a bus shelter for a brand of olive oil. You know you're in a country that values home cooking when olive oil is advertised on bus shelters.

Most of these things were the exact same thing ten to twenty years ago

@@whatabouttheearth: except you stop noticing after a while.

@@eattherich9215 the frog in a pot of water on the stove

Defending the country was the right thing to do, so it is one of those things you should not be feeling bad about. Further, additional skillsets, personal discipline (in a good way), greater focus, and better physical form (bar any injuries) would all be pluses in my book.

The answer is, it’s very hard to do. I have a tech job in Silicon Valley, and I can just about afford a studio. But I do not trust the local area or government anymore so I am not buying.

I would love to hear more about Life in Antigua Guatela

@@sue3745 Antigua is the Cuenca of Ecuador/San Miguel de Allende of Mexico I would say. Lots of expats and lots of tourists. From many parts of the world. Europe, U.S., Israel---you will hear many languages being spoken in Antigua. It is a jumping off spot to hike volcanos, go to the most beautiful lake in the world (Atitlan) & there are over 30 Spanish language schools. So you have many individuals & non profits that go to study Spanish. Housing ini Antigua proper is EXPENSIVE--if you want to be in the walkable area where you dont need a car. RIght outside of Antigua, you can buy a nice retirement home for $100k (but you will need a car/uber/tuk tuk to get into Antigua, as it wont be within walking distance). World class restaurants--more than you can shake a stick at, as we say in Texas. Antigua is also famous for SEMANA SANTA (google it). Another difference from maybe Cuenca or San Miguel, is it's only about 45 minutes away from Guatemala City, so many from the city go to Antigua for the weekend & traffic can be horrible on the small cobblestone streets (that's why you want to get a place you can walk everywhere from!) Lastly--it's only a 2 hour, 45 minute flight from Dallas & you're back in the USA. So if proximity is important to you for familial reasons, it's a great alternative. OH YES--it's also call the city of the Eternal Spring--it's about 72-74 degrees there all year long & around 59 at night. The best weather!

Did you permanently move back to Latvia?

@@shaunmckenzie5509 I'm still living in Australia. But I do plan to go back every year...or at least as often as I can. It's also a great base of operations for further travel. You spend a few weeks in Latvia and a few more travelling to other countries.

You're extremely blessed to live in Australia! I would say you were very lucky to be accepted into Australia. It's not easy to get in. 🙏🙏🙏

@@8675-__ jeez Ann I don’t know about that, I’m in Sydney and it’s spot the Aussie in 70% of the place, jus saying as I know from the horses mouth that Aus immigration is riddled with agents only too willing to accept the old brown paper bag.

@@patricksweeney5308 Latvia is unrecognisable now, yes. Much better. It looks like most other European countries. Paris seems to be very different to how it looked too. And I guess whether it's better or worse depends on who you ask.

Ice, you have to use ice! Sometimes I think I learned more from the jobs I had in college than college itself. Worked in Italian veg / b fruit market. Chipped ice continuously over every thing. Keeping it close to 33F No bacteria & they stay fresh. Half a century later I still do it. The next day much of the stuff is fresher in my homer fridge then was in the store. They love ice!

Walmart produce is the rotting kind.

I had a tomato on my windowsill for over 2 months and it looked like it did the day we got it. Finally cut it open and the seeds were growing inside.

@@angelaatwood46 My local Kroger suffers from the same malady.