We thank Teddy Roosevelt for our national parks. He was one conservation-loving badass.

The last point you mentioned reminds me of a quote that I read recently: "The difference between Americans and Europeans is that Americans think 100 years a long time, while Europeans think 100 miles a long way."

We love hearing nice things about ourselves from foreigners because we are so often demonized by the rest of the world. Thanks!

Veteran's Day is for the living and Memorial Day is for the deceased.

I can’t tell you how many times I go on videos about culture or different countries and the first comment is always a repeat. “Americans are stupid.” “Americans have no culture.” “America is the land of ignorance not freedom.” “Americans are fat.” Same bull, recycled over and over across the internet. All I want to say is thank you. Thank you for providing me a little light of hope. I can watch your videos in happiness knowing that people stand by my side when I say that we are a positive and happy people, and we care for our country and our home, we’re so much more than the fat, stupid, oil chuggers, and you truly see that. Thanks man.

fun Fact, the Appalachian Mountains and the Scottish Highlands are the same mountain range separated by continental drift.

I never thought about it before, but I bet a lot of the more fanciful American words owe their unique sound to some of the Native languages. Not in the sense of being based on specific Native words, but just inspired by the overall sound. If you grew up in a country where places have names like "Chatanooga" and "Mississippi", a word like "loolapalooza" or "doohickey" isn't nearly as out-there.

I had a roommate once that called an Uber instead of an ambulance when she broke her leg falling down the stairs. It was great, the driver was a good sport about it.

In the Deep South, college football is more popular than professional football. In some states, high school football is very important, especially in rural areas where it's a major source of entertainment for Friday Night.

Using the word “pudding” to describe pecan pie is high treason 😂😂

I have to say, I'm very impressed that you even took the time to learn about America. You probably understand now why Americans are so very proud of our Country. We are a very proud Nation.

"Favorite American Food" sounds like a cool video idea.

July 4th celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, not the victory of revolutionary forces over the British.

Make a favorite American foods list

Lovely to see a Brit who's not prey to the more common love/hate relationship with the US.Terrific observations, well grounded in experience, and devoid of bias.

Memorial day is supposed to be a day of remembrance for those who gave their life in service of the country. Veterans day is supposed to be a day for veterans to celebrate their service.

Arby's is the butt of many jokes across America... I, however, salute you fo recognizing the amazing-ness of Arby's.

The Grand Canyon is really going to blow your mind, make sure to spend 2-3 days really exploring it, and if you get the chance go down into the base of the Canyon. it is different at different times of year, so you could go there in January and it would be quite different then if you went there in the Summer, also northern part and southern part are quite different from each other as well. Of all the sites to see in America, the Grand Canyon might be the most awe inspiring.

You Sir make a better American than most of our natural born ! Keep up the good work. 😊

Shrove Tuesday is Mardi Gras in New Orleans and is celebrated riotously. They are both about the beginning of lent.

There are 9 US states which have more cows than people! (South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, Idaho, Iowa and Oklahoma.)

Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras is the American experience of Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day. You might not have been far enough South or in a big enough Catholic area to really experience it.

It is a common misconception that Chicago's nickname Second City came from it being (once upon a time) the second most populous city in the country. Second City actually refers to the second incarnation of Chicago, after nearly the entire city burned down in the Chicago Fire.

Arbys fan? A man of culture, I see.

I’d love to hear your favorite Americans foods, as well as your least favorite, and which UK foods you think should come over here.

As an American who the only customization I ever order is always "Extra sauce", I'm confused by your comment about too much sauce. lol

The pecan pie must (absolutely has to) be served warm.

Did you know that Arbys is actually an acronym? It stands for America's Roast Beef, Yes Sir. Yes, seriously.

The other day i took my thingamajig off the shelf and a thingamabob fell off of the whatchamacallit.....well, I'll tell ya, that put me in such a coniption, that it left me in a tizzy. So I guess I'll just go sit down and grab a poke o'backer and chill out. =P

I do declare, you inspire me to be more excited about my own country on a regular basis! Love how you enjoy the U.S. and how enthusiastic you are about sharing what you've learned. Great video.

You haven't seen mountains until you've seen Alaska... Washington State has 5 or 6 big volcanoes two mountain ranges, a rain forest, a desert and the mighty columbia river.

American history is actually really interesting. It’s fun to see what kind of things sparked conflict and stuff like that.

I promise you won't regret heading out to Yosemite in California! It's such a beautiful National Park my wife and I got married there!

Yes taste testing and food comparison would be awesome

With your interest in how language developed in America, I believe you would be interested in this. Many Scots-Irish settled in the Appalachian Mountains (pronounced App a LATCH in). I saw a documentary about a NYC music teacher who wanted to explore the music of Appalachian settlers. She went into an isolated area where descendants of Scots-Irish settlers lived. She quickly learned they were very clannish and did not interact with strangers. Eventually, a woman took her in and slowly she was introduced to others in the area. Because of their isolation from the rest of the world, they spoke the Irish of their ancestors, and sang Irish songs that have been lost in Ireland. Hill people throughout the Appalachian mountains speak alike. The Appalachian mountains extend into Alabama and the hill people speak like the hill people in other areas of the Appalachian Mountains. Because the younger generation has been exposed to people outside the hill country, the hill language is slowing disappearing in this group. It has been said by many people that southerners sound like they are singing when they talk. Their accent is pleasing to the ears.

I really appreciate the positivity in these vids, I love hearing about foreigners (though after living here so long that’s probably not the correct word for him specifically?) enjoying America or American things. It feels like sharing a treat with a friend or something, and we don’t often see it. It helps me reevaluate things I don’t even acknowledge because they’re common as well, and kinda see them as interesting again

Regarding college-level sports versus professional-level sports: I personally prefer college football over pro football because college ball is rather more unpredictable year-to-year, and even game-to-game. In college ball, the star players are guaranteed to move on in a few years, and prestigious teams rise and fall far more quickly. The players are more likely to make mistakes, or simply make bold moves that pay off... or don't. And, to be quite frank, the egos aren't nearly as obnoxious in college ball as in pro ball. (Though there are definitely some...!) Hope this provides some insight!

Sometimes we need a good contemporary apolitical foreigner..a Brit...to remind us of how to look at our nation in a very good light. Do travel some more, especially to the West, through the plains, over the Rockies, and get to Oregon, because I think it will astound you, the diversity in that state...oh and don't miss Bryce and Zion national parks when you eventually get down to the Grand Canyon, those parks are a half day's drive away at most from GC. There's so much to see and so little vacation time..

A lot of people also prefer college football over nfl football, especially in the south

Memorial Day is the American version of British Remembrance Day

I really want to thank you for talking about healthcare here in the US. What many people outside of the US don't realize is that: a.) You can never be turned down for care, even at a private hospital. If you walk into an emergency room with a serious or life-threatening condition, they *must* treat you. Some people seem to believe that they can just turn you away to die. That is not the case. b.) Even without insurance, there are many federal, state, local and private charity programs available which will pay for most, if not all, of the treatment costs. It *is* a pain in the ass, and there certainly are hoops to jump through, but there are options available for poor and/or uninsured patients. I used to be a homeless heroin junkie. I once got an abscess in my arm which spread into a limb-threatening case of cellulitis. When I realized that it was not going away in its own, I managed to get into the emergency room of one of the most wealthy, advanced hospitals in the country. They take indigent patients routinely. I was treated with IV antibiotics for several hours in the ER, and had a follow up appointment the next day. They prescribed and issued me a course of oral antibiotics and sent me on my way. Years later, after I had gotten my shit together and popped back on the grid, I assumed I would be receiving a bill from them, as I had neglected to speak to a hospital social worker to get monetary assistance after I was released. I contacted them to inquire about any debt I owed and they explained to me that it had been written off years earlier. They just write-off such treatment against their taxes, as they are providing services that would otherwise have been thrust upon the county hospital. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the US healthcare system is not nearly as bad as so many people make it out to be.

I suggest trying a real keylime pie from key west some day! Also strawberry rhubarb pie is great.

Whenever you get the chance please come and visit the Great Plains. I am from Kansas. There are absolutely beautiful places to see in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, and Texas. None of these states are as flat as some people think. We have great food, friendly people(mostly), big beautiful blue skies and wide open spaces.

We american LOVE our sauces.

You need to ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway to get a proper view of the Appalachians!

Here is a word for you Discombobulated .

In regards to Chicago... While many articles, web sites, tour guides, and random people will say the nickname of "Second City" has something to do with a comparison of size, population, or national standing compared to New York, that's not correct. The fire of 1871 basically razed Chicago to the ground. A new city sprang up from the ashes. Well researched historical sources show the "Second City" moniker was applied to this new city that rose up on the site of the "First City".

I spent a week in Rochester, England, for the Dickens Festival. Stayed with a host family. During a getting-to-know-you discussion, Mr. Host dismissively stated "of course, America doesn't have any history." Having just earned a BA in History and English, only my mother's careful attention to teaching me manners kept me from having a conniption (yep, I also love the word). Thank you for recognizing our amazing history! England's history is likewise fascinating. They were fortunate to have had plenty of folks jotting it all down. Sadly, English settlers (and other Europeans) destroyed most of the indigenous storytellers. Imagine the lost riches of America's First People! You are to be commended for your humanity!

Have you ever been to Cahokia? It is in Illinois just across the border from St. Louis. It is a UNESCO world heritage site, and once was a Native America city with quite a few visible impressive remnants today, and a nice museum. I recommend you check it out.

If you watch the Townsends channel, where he does a lot of 18th century American cooking, the preferred spice back during the colonial period was nutmeg. Every era has its preferences, eh?

Come to New Hampshire. We have the ocean, a big lake, tall mountains and an amazing national forest with a swift river that is amazing to swim in (albeit at 7-10 degrees Celsius).

I never heard of Shrove Tuesday until this year when I joined the Episcopal Church which is related to the Church of England through the Anglican Union. They do have a pancake dinner at the church hall that evening. To me, growing up, the day before Ash Wednesday was Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday".

glacier national park will truly take your breath away.

THANK YOU for the shoutout to Arby's. Arby's gets some weird kind of animosity here despite having amazing roast beef and fries. Although it straddles the line between fast food (McD's, Burger King) and fast casual (Panera, Chipotle, Sarku, etc.) price-wise, quality-wise it's well-worth it once in a while. Seasoned curly fries are the best kind of fries, so straight and crinkle-cut can just piss right off in comparison.

Great. Now I'm craving an Arby's Beef & Cheddar with a healthy dose of Arby's Sauce. Thanks for that.

Calling dessert "pudding" makes my insides move

Just a heads up.. no one who lives in/near the Appalachian mountains pronounces the ch as a soft "sh" sound that I'm aware of. We all use a hard "tch" e.g. App-uh-latch-en. Love the video as always!

My late wife, bless her, was a British immigrant to America. And so was a great portion of her extended family. Her family and I talked about language often, which was quite fun. But she could never get these two items (regional geographic directions) in order: OUT west and BACK east. As we settled this continent, the west was where we were going. The east is where we were from. We were FROM the east. It was back home. Back east. Why would she speak of "out east"? By the way, don't forget words such as a "doofie," or to express a certain time as half nine for 9:30, and so on.

The Grand Canyon is absolutely stunning. I was fortunate enough to see it once during a road trip, and it's pretty breathtaking. Another national park (I think) that I would recommend is Muir Woods in California. I'm positive that Treebeard lives there.

You make me feel so patriotic, talking about our mountains and trees and landscapes, 😊 it is very beautiful here.

If you ever want an interesting trip... try a fan boat tour through the Louisiana swamps.

Come to Kansas City and I will be your tour guide for both Kansas and Missouri. You'll find out that it's not flat and boring. And we have the best BBQ in the country!!

Thank you for bringing up American history. This country is certainly a child compared to many of the ancient worlds throughout this planet, but it's just so lovely and refreshing to hear you (particularly as someone who wasn't born and bred here) talk about the value of the history of this country, even if the history of the country shorter than that of other countries. I met one other person once, while I was in Japan, who I had the pleasure of chatting with, who said to me that Americans *do* have history and can and should be proud of parts of our history just as ancient countries with longstanding traditions are proud of parts of theirs, and it was just as striking to hear that from him as it is to hear you bring it up now. I think our short history or a sense of a lack of longstanding cultural traditions can be a source of odd shame, and, especially on the internet, it's something that people don't hesitate to point out in a negative light. I think a lot of Americans find themselves (maybe less-so as time goes on) clinging to their ancestries and ancestral traditions because of this - it's partially just pride in ancestry, but maybe feeling of a lack of anything tangible to point to as "American history" or specific "culture" is part of it as well. So, it's really oddly striking and beautiful to hear this sentiment. Thanks for bringing that up.

If you like the rocky mountains and national parks check out glacier national park in northern Montana some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere

Upvote just for pecan pie

Shrove Tuesday, (the day before Ash Wednesday) is celebrated in various parts of the country in different ways. Up near the Lakes, where there are a lot of German and Polish descendants, they actual do a donut thing as they do in PA (where they are called faschnahts.) In Louisiana and Mississippi they celebrate Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) with parades and donuts.

I appreciate your honesty!! I am a born and bred Midwesterner. I grew up in the Chicagoland suburbs. In fact, there are cornfields practically in my backyard. I am now in Utah, and the topography is stunning. My apartment has perfect views of snow capped mountains. It’s breathtaking!!!

The Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, and Carlsbad Cavern are just a couple of the coolest things to do in the Southwest

Gotta do grand canyon...first time... breathless..also amazed in drive from Phoenix to rim the drastic change in temperate zones. From heat to snow.

We Americans love our cinnamon and our peanut butter.

It's interesting that you mentioned the Application Mountains. In my college geology classes, decades ago, we learned there are seven ways mountains are formed and there are examples of all seven typed in the Appalachian range! It is the only range in the world where that is the case! It is also the oldest, which is why they are some of the last-minute mountains. Erosion.

What I put on FB when sharing your vids: I thing I noticed about the US was an unintentional ignorance that people who have not traveled our glorious country have for other states. The regional differences are eye opening. Some people never leave their home states. Some people only experience one highway corridor on one coast that may contain several states. But, you really can’t appreciate what we have in this country and the origins of the differences. This guy gets it. He has been exploring the US like a wide eyed child in a toy store. No judgement on the differences. Just a wonderful adventure discovering what is different and they trying to ascertain why. People who feel that other states have a certain type of people or belief system should watch him while he explores the joy and awe of our country.

you should go to Mt. Rainier in Washington state (it's literally right next to Seattle). It's gorgeous. There's something very cool about wondering the city of Seattle and having a huge Mountain in the background. Actually, the entire state of Washington is gorgeous. California also has its fair share of mountains and lakes (Mt Shasta, Tahoe, Yosemite, etc). Very scenic.

I live in the Rocky Mountains area (North Idaho), and I'll tell you what. Banff National park in Canada is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Lake Louise and the glacier highway are straight magical. If you ever have a chance, atleast google it.

"the great rocky mountains" we should just call them that from now on.

I'm not sure where you've been in Colorado, but I highly suggest Glenwood Springs. Hopefully you don't experience the joy of driving I-70 in a blizzard though.

You should check out the Smoky Mountains too! It’s expands along the border of Tennessee and my state North Carolina. There’s a valley on the mid west side of the mountains in Tennessee called Pigeon Forge that we love to stay in and there is a lot of awesome stuff to see and do there.

fun fact, my university professor told us that in the early 2000s Mikhail Gorbachev was a guest at the school for some reason and somehow the conversation turned toward the city the university was in (basically neighboring the state's capital city), and Gorbachev said he didn't realize that capital cities were just centrally located cities of their states and weren't necessarily populous or important. He said had he visited earlier and seen how small they were, he wouldn't have bothered having all those missiles set up with all the state capitals' coordinates during the Cold War!

Speaking of topography, I'd suggest you visit the Ozarks. Specifically the northwest Arkansas portion, with beautiful areas such as the hawksbill crag.

I have a recipe for toasted coconut and chocolate chip pecan pie from Southern Living that is amazing. My brother who was in the US Army got to give some mini pecan pies to some Romanian troops and they LOVED it too and asked for more.

WHAT!!!??? There's a Pancake Day and NO ONE told me until now!? Why aren't we doing this over here? That's it... what day is it? What are the traditions for Pancake Day? Do I just eat Pancakes all day? Is there drinking involved with Pancake Day? I'm taking this day off work...

I've had the Hee-bie Gee-Bies the last couple of days. Thank goodness you're back. Since Vlogmas I got used to seeing you everyday. Thanks for your videos.

A travel recommendation i have for you: Olympic National Forest (if you haven't been)

Lawrence, as much as you appreciate landscapes, come to Oregon. Amazing coastlines, high deserts, rainforests, snowcapped mountains verdant valleys , stunning waterfalls, and the the majestic Columbia river gorge. You won't be sorry. Love your videos. Krts Futter

You need to visit glacier national park in Montana absolutely gorgeous. Btw motorcycle is the best way to go.

Southern Utah. You need to get there. Lots of national parks within easy driving distance of each other, and each is totally distinct from the others. Mind-blowing beauty out there.

Garden of the Gods park in Colorado has a strange vibe to it that makes every cell in your body wake up and take notice. It's unforgettable. I've never been anywhere like it.

When you mentioned whangdoodle my ears perked up! Have you read the story "The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles" by Julie Andrews (aka Mary Poppins :)? I read it when I was young and loved it!

New Jersey is the most densely populated state and even it has lightly populated rural areas and even a barely populated forested area (the Pine Barrens). That's how big the US is.

Pecan pie is my favorite. I remember loving it even at 4 years old.

i love american history. yeah we dont have thousands of years of history like Europe, but 240+ years is plenty of time for some amazing events to take place. there is more history to be read about than a person could read in a lifetime. our history is very much tied to European history though. we learn about the roman and Greek empire, British history of the magna carta, the Renaissance, the enlightenment etc. our country is founded on principles from those topics. the founders didnt just magically come up with the constitution one day. that philosophy came from centuries of European philosophy

About those mountains: I’m an Easterner, but I lived in Colorado for 2 years. People would often talk about how beautiful the Rocky Mountains are. My response is, no: the Rockies are spectacular; the Appalachians are beautiful. There’s a qualitative difference.

Here in Alabama, folks are (for the most part) all about college football and not the NFL. You either hear, "Roll Tide!" (University of Alabama) or *cough, cough* "War Eagle" (Auburn University). Bama is playing NCAA playoff game Monday night against Clemson. Roll Tide, btw. 😏 I believe I've watched all your videos but I don't believe I've ever seen a video about how living in America has changed YOU. I've seen what you think about things here or there. I've heard you speak about how your opinions of things may have changed. But what about Laurence being a different person because of living in America? Just a thought.

Here in Utah, we have the mountains and snow, which is what were known for, but in southwest Utah, Washington county, we have Palm Trees, which even surprised me, the first time I went to the town of St. George. I have wanted to visit England since the 80's, when I was introduced to electronic bands such as Depeche Mode and New Order, hopefully someday.

Haven’t been on KZfaq much so I missed your videos. I always enjoy your videos and topics you speak about. Thank you 😊 makes my day.

Love your videos. So happy you continued this channel!

Although New Jersey is the most densely populated, and has been for some time, it also has sparsely inhabited areas such as the Pine Barrens. Part of the beauty of my home state is the diverse geography and environment. We are rural, suburban and urban. We have an Oceanside which we are well known for but also nice mountains. Looking forward to your eventual arrival to the East Coast states and most especially New Jersey.

We do love our cinnamon! Do you use the Horsey Sauce on your Arby's? I will not eat one without it!

The Simpson’s when the school kids were stranded on an island ala lord of the flies. They were comparing just how drastically hungry they were “ I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” whoa the kids responded “Well I’m so hungry I could eat at Arby’s!” WHOA he’s really Hungry!

Your outlook on us is satisfying...thank you veary much. And when you said a desert with cinnomon you cought not only my ear but my taste buds also.