I think the weather in the UK is one of our treasures, never really too cold or too hot ...no earthquakes, monsoons, hurricanes or tsunamis ...😂

What a lovely warm tribute to Britishness, Dara! Thanks to you and Ian for highlighting in video some of the best attributes of Britain on your annual sojourn here. Sorry your travel arrangements were affected by the frequent strikes; hopefully, they'll all come to an agreement before you arrive in 2024! Oh...and I'll continue to give 'thank you' waves to drivers who let me through. It's inconceivable that police would nick you for that!! 🚔 Too many crims to collar!

Always always always wave a “thank-you” to other drivers. It makes for a happy drive!

I have lived in both the UK and the US, and of the two I infinitely prefer the UK, for many reasons.

So nice to hear how much someone likes living in the UK! The waving at other drivers is just saying thank you for stopping for them, or waving back to say you're welcome. Unless they're waving with one finger, then they're not saying thank you!

Waving whist driving to say thankyou is a common courtesy and is ingrained in us from the moment we learn to drive. Long may it continue.😊

so glad I was born and lived all my life in England!

I realise UK public transport must appear amazing to someone from Texas. A few years ago I visited my second cousin who lives in Arlington, TX. It holds the dubious record of being the largest US city with zero public transport. She told me the traffic congestion, not unexpectantly, can be horrendous at times.

Our music and our contribution to the arts in general is probably what I am most proud of from my country.

Don't listen to anyone who says you can't wave or acknowledge another driver. Whilst it is true that Highway Code rule 160 says that you should drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible, it's a "should" and not "must" rule as the actual law just says you have to be in control of your vehicle at all times. In reality, the police aren't going to come after you because you acknowledged another driver. It's just a wildly over-blown story that got into the newspapers on a slow day because a price comparison site issued some press release, including this bit of nonsense, simply for the publicity.

My number 1 favourite thing about the UK is also visiting during the summer months and seeing all the gardens. I love the historic homes with their amazing landscaping. Then there's the small towns with their flower basket arrangements and the villages where everyone seems to be a keen gardener. It's spring at the moment in Australia and the wisteria in my front yard is blooming, the perfume is fantastic!

We're so happy for you both, Dara and Ian. It's great to see and spend extended time in places we truly love! We enjoyed hearing some great reasons why. Now, welcome back to Texas. Ya'll.

My wife & I are originally from the NE of England but have lived most of our life on Vancouver Island Canada, we are fortunate to have English pub style restaurants here. Can’t beat a English pub style meal.

There's never any problem in putting your hand up to say thanks to another driver. I think what you're confusing it with is waving people through: when you have stopped to let someone else go and you wave them on to let them know you have stopped to give them the road (it's a different gesture to putting your hand up to say thanks!). The reason it could be controversial is because the other driver might just look at your signal waving them on and because it could create a bit of a social pressure in their rush to follow your instruction they might not check properly if it is safe to do so (especially if maybe there's a hazard that you, the waver-on, can't see but they should be able to see). So waving other cars on is something that people are taught not to do by driving instructors, and you might fail your driving test for, but everyone does it anyway!

I love hearing how you find your experience of the UK. Its easy to take things forgranted when you live in a place, so thanks very much! I still acknowledge drivers who give way, most people do in my local area too anyway!

Here in Australia we don't as a rule wave at passing motorists. The exception is when traveling on an outback track, and see the first vehicle approaching you in what has been hours. You not only wave, but often you and the other driver pull over, and exchange information about the track you have driven on so far. This is a common courtesy which can help make the rest of journey safer.

I always love to hear what it's like to live in the UK from a foreigner's perspective. It makes me more aware of things that I usually take for granted, like the flowers in city parks. Thank you for this lovely video 🥰

It was fascinating to hear an Americans views and admiration of English culture and traditions. ❤

I've been lucky enough to holiday in USA 8 times (from 1990 to 2013) and have enjoyed every minute. But I can well understand why Americans such as Dara & Ian love the UK so much - the weather is actually better, the food is better, attractions are reachable (not 10 hours drive away !) and the culture is our trump card ! Look forward to watching 2024's videos - please come to the East Midlands next year - we have plenty to offer - Try Lincoln and Nottingham - which I don't think you've been to (?) . Best wishes.

i like your personal perception of the UK, and the clarity of your descriptions

Waiters in the UK used to take payment cards away to swipe them, but that was decades ago before chip&pin. Nowadays I believe retailers are not even supposed to touch a customer’s card, let alone wander off out of sight with it. As you say, it’s a big fraud risk.

In some towns besides cultivated flowers there can also be areas where natural wild flowers are planted and encouraged.

Well Dara , I have just found you, and left two comments on the previous talk you did, as I said before I have a daughter that lives in Louisiana , and I have to say I love to visit her, she always tries to take me to a different place ,so I've been to Dallas, Texas and lots of other places, I love meeting people , that are completely different to me, I'm just a quiet widow, that loves my family, and friends, hope to watch you again x

fantastic compliments from a American lady much appreciated thankyou !!

There is a competition held every year called "Britain in Bloom", then subsections of that. I think Gloucestershire comes under "Heart of England in Bloom". That's why there are so many cities/towns/villages have so many flowers on display.

Wow - this video is flying - 4K views already! Congratulations, Dara! ❤🎉 What a great list 👍 I agree with them ALL!!! 🤩 Safe travels home ✈

Your videos just get better and better, Dara. Heartwarming, congenial and informative. A trifecta of true success!! As I was listening to your lovely narrative, I sensed that you and Ian will be living full time in the UK before too much more time passes. Maybe not next year but perhaps the next. Now, with that said, I'm off to watch your other proffered videos that you recommended. Thank you once again, dear heart!!

If no-one else has said it: peak wisteria is late April/early May. It comes after peak magnolia in early April. If you like flowers, can recommend the laburnum arch at Bodnant Gardens in late May/early June.

Thanks for all your videos and hope you had a safe journey home!

As a east end Londoner I grew up in not so pleasant surroundings, but was lucky enough to marry the love of my life whose parents had immigrated to N/America and I ended up working for my wife's father for 3 yrs in and around Seattle & over the boarder on Vancouver Island. It blew my mind on how much space and unending biblical beauty the USA/Canada has and is filled with such good hearted loving people who were so similar to us British in so many ways and yet had such infectious upbeat attitudes I had never experienced from anyone I ever knew in the UK and held my hands up daily to the big fellow in the sky in thanks for the life we had in such a wonderful land. But !! We missed Britain terribly. The is something about our Island/weather/people and humour that is unsurpassed on this planet. From food to medical to taxes/crime and being able to take the piss put of someone who looks/acts different, we really do not appreciate how lucky we are to live here and how much the old world can still offer those now in the new world who want to come here.

Wisteria usually flowers in May. The one I have flowers again in July but far fewer flowers. It requires a lot of pruning to keep it under control as it grows rapidly and mine is under a window, however, it is worth the effort for the scent it produces by the front door in Spring.

You wouldn't believe how many times it happens, especially in larger cities, in the US when they are handed a foreign credit card, they swipe it twice or three times, sometimes for the same amount but often for different amounts. So yes, entrusting a stranger in a restaurant with your credit card is definitely a safety issue.

How is it that I am just finding your channel?! I am already a fan! I love hearing about the differences and what you enjoy so much about UK! I am planning a trip for 2024, and these tips are really helpful to hear. I had to subscribe and I will be binge watching your entire video collection! Thanks so much for sharing.

Another great video! I always learn from you! I hope you and Ian have a safe flight!!! 🩷

Really enjoy your well made and uplifting videos.

Absolutely loved this video Dara. Excellent job! Laughed so hard when you talked about knowing quite a bit about sticky toffee pudding 😂. Life has been super busy so haven’t watched your videos in a while but planning to catch up and ‘like’ them as I go 🤩. Love you guys!🥰💐

Dara, I love your architectural point on the different vernacular of building styles and materials that you find as you travel round the UK. It is one thing as British that I love from visiting even different parts of a county where you could find different stone just because geographical variances of quarries through people using what was on their doorstep. It is something that unless you really travel widely to see the variation that is often missed by visitors. Hope you had a trouble free trip back to Texas.

I enjoyed your personal perception of the UK, and the clarity of your descriptions

There's never a problem giving a wave to acknowledge another motorist who has given way to you. What is frowned upon is waving another motorist through a gap, or a pedestrian across the road, when there may be a danger you have not seen. You may be inadvertantly putting someone else at risk, and it is for them to assess whether it is safe for them to move or not. Similarly, flashing your headlights is a dangerous practice because in a busy street there may be more than one driver watching you, and you may unwittingly cause someone you hadn't noticed to move when it isn't safe. The recommended course is to stop, and let the other driver decide if it is safe to proceed.

Your observations are spot on , i love our old cathedrals they are just stunning . 😊

I really enjoyed watching this video and it made me smile to see and hear how fond you are of Britain ! just subscribed so I can see more of your video's x

Love your channel. I'm English but I live in New Zealand. I think your video is really absorbing. Makes me feel a little homesick 😢 I look forward to seeing more of your videos 😊

Just minute. We are not 'waving' at oncoming drivers when we let them through on a narrow road. The hand raised from (but still in touch with) the steering wheel is simply a mutual expression of thanks from both sides.

The Autumn is my favourite season when all the trees in the countryside are gold and red in colour, also the warmth and cosiness of being nice and snug as a bug in a rug at home in front of the fire. Bonfire night is also a favourite night of mine in the Autumn.

What a great video, especially for someone who is planning to visit England in the coming year! E and I enjoyed watching it. I did not know about tax being included, but I sure wish we did that here in the States. And we thought the crochet toppers were so cute and fun! I had never even heard of that and cannot wait to see it in person. You left us on a cliffhanger!

Have a safe flight back to Texas. I had a great time in Corpus Christi in 1986, when I was in the Royal Navy. My shipmate got married there on a paddle steamer, with a girl from New York. Such a great day. Last I heard they had settled in Dorset.

That's a lot of likes :) I'm glad you both had more times here again this year. I hope you're also having a good time back is Texas. Take care and thank you for doing your something good in the world everyday.

Hello Dara & Ian. Have a good flight back to Dallas. Sayings, a very popular saying for someone making a fuss, “They are getting their knickers in a twist”, conversely often remarked by saying “They have twisters in a Knick” as a Twist!. Waving at drivers. Technically, yes, waving to another driver could be classed as dangerous, or careless, that could be illegal. A quick wave of the hand to thank someone for letting you out a junction is not dangerous. It keeps tempers down and more politeness keeps driving safer.

There is a competition called "Britain In Bloom" in which cities, towns and villages compete. They are in size categories and are judged on the flower displays. It is a very valued competition. The knitting/crochet on street furniture is called yarn bombing. First time seeing your channel, and really enjoyed it.

Dara, what a great summing up of your likes and loves of living in the UK. So many I recognise...and share. The creations on the post boxes for one. And yes, I acknowledge drivers who are courteous to me on the road- as I would here or anywhere. Pubs, yes, a great concept. I won't mention them al- but will finish with the roses and wisteria around the doorways and house fronts. Jast gorgeous. By the way, we were there in May and they were flowering just perfectly. Safe landing and joyful reunion with family and friends back home. 🩷👌🇳🇱🙋‍♀🇳🇿😎

Keep spreading the love, and have a good time too.❤

Despite going down the pan rapidly, still the greatest country in the world. Don't know why but I love your videos.

Yes on narrow roads or when you give way to some one and let them in at a junction etc. you exect a wave of thanks/courtesy.

We don’t wave at oncoming drivers😀. If someone stops to let you out or through when it’s tight lane, you just show your palms to say thanks and the driver may acknowledge it. Two passing boats, that’s different.

You could not be a more polite lady !! RS. Canada

The bike messenger thing in London is more down to the fact that traffic in London has been bad for literally centuries. The average speed of traffic in the capital hasn't changed for more the 250 years! So the using bikes is a way to avoid most of the traffic jams and queues, lowering emissions is more of a side effect really.

The month of May is when wysteria comes into bloom, usually towards the end of the month. If you grow wysteria then prune it once a year, sometimes a bit severly as it can spread quite rapidly. It always grows back quickly.

I can’t comment on it all but will just say about flowers! When I was young there were 2 inland English towns ( not sure about Scotland,Wales & N.I.) that were famous for floral displays- the one you are living in & Harrogate. Seaside towns of course had them & also touristy places but mostly we were devoid of flowers. Then suddenly it took off and towns seemed to compete with one another. Go back 30 yrs and it was all very drab. It makes such a difference to shopping etc. When I visit Cheltenham it never seems to reach the standards it used to but maybe it’s because we now are spoilt by our own town’s floral displays!! What always cheers me is,as you enter a village or town,the Spring bulbs under and surrounding the town’s signs - that’s pretty new too! & of course only happens in the Spring. It just is so cheerful.

Well, we love having you two here for half the year. Always wave to motorists, it is a small but very necessary curtesy. From your video I see you made it to Sissinghurst just up the road. I toured the Cotswolds recently having noted your favourite villages. I predict your greatest UK treasure is either foot-paths or the NT.

Hi Dara, I agree about the railway strikes - its been a nightmare this year!

To quote Robert Burns (never mind the context!) O wad some Pow’r the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us Especially when it's flattering of course! Thanks very much Dara.

When I learned to dive ( in the 1970's) I was taught to acknowledge courtesy towards other drivers, by waving your left hand such when they give way in a no way situation.

As a retired UK Police Officer I can reassure you that there is absolutely no problem in waving or doing a 'thankyou' gesture to other drivers providing you don't do SO much that it affects your control of the vehicle. 🎉

I live in a rural area where a traditional bus service is not readily available however the government is obliged to provide transport and therefore in my area I have a dial a ride service. The little bus picks me up at my house and takes me where I want to go it brings me back to my house again when I’m done. This service is free if you have a bus pass.

What a lovely video Dara. We take so much for granted here. I’d never really thought about the flowers - I guess it rains enough to keep them alive. You like the trains here?????? Wow! We love the trains in Germany! They’re so much more efficient! You’re definitely becoming more British for sure! Cheers 🍻

Two suggestions on the subject of food which you may have mentioned in another video. Look out for "carveries" where you get served a choice of at least 3 types of meat and can help yourself to a virtually unlimited choice of vegetables. Another good food choice is Greggs (every decent town has at least two) where they do excellent sausage rolls, doughnuts, pies and other yummy meat snacks

Local architecture is great. Love the Barnack stone towns and villages around East Midlands (Stamford, Oundle, Stilton etc)

No one in UK calls it "waving". You just hold your hand up.

Hi. Just discovered your channel. So Glad to hear that you and your Husband are enjoying The UK. We do have some quirky customs but I`m sure you will get to enjoy most of them in due course. For most part, people are usually very friendly and will always be happy to lend a helping hand. I am from The City of Liverpool, about a Mile from Penny Lane, made famous by The Beatles. Enjoy your stay here as you explore our Beautiful Country 👍💖

Nice one Dara - always love your unaldulterated enthusiasm for the UK It is a pretty cool place to live - the only thing that is maybe a disadvantage is when I see vids and maps of places in the US, there is just so much space!! And having trabelled through Europe this year, the same really - roads are just not as clogged up as here. In Southern Britain particularly, there is always a town or village close by - not many truly wild places. BUT, it's a small price to pay really. And waving a thanks to other drivers for being considerate - will surely always be a thing. No-one told me not to do it - and I won't be stopping 😃 Have a safe trip back to Texas 👍👍

Loved your Heritage Train videos! 🚂🚂 Loud? Who me?

I just discovered your channel, and I really like it. So I am now subscribed. 🙂

5:32 I think this might be Ian’s favorite too. He is so knowledgeable of the architecture. 😊~Cara

As someone who's been told, "manners maketh man" since childhood, it's amusing how your US perspective on being polite is, "it's a cultural tradition"!

Having been to the US several times, I am still confused what the "local community hub" is without a pub culture. Across all of Europe (and as far as I have been, Africa), cafes, cafe-bars or pubs all do this rile, but there does not seem to be that in the US. Even cafes in the US do not assume you will sit there with coffee in a cup and chat to someone for half an hour (you often can, but that is not the default).

oooh you are such a tease! 🤭🤭 really enjoying your content. Hope you'll get chance to visit in North Wales UK, Wales is such a beautiful part of the scenery and culture (although I am English, I've lived in Wales for 29 years now and love it.) hope you're well. x

Have lived in the UK 25 and never even visited America again after growing up there. I'm content with a lifestyle that's far more meaningful than we had before. Raised three children here and am ever-grateful to have made this choice and that as adults they agree it was the right one. You could say technology is more "backward" but that's no on my list of priorities. I don't miss the competitive nonsense, the guns and violence, the crime, and the lack of appreciation for nature and being together on a regular basis, not just for fraught holidays. To get out on your feet on a regular basis and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, to eat real food not laced with hormones and chemicals, to appreciate community to the core and look out for the elderly without thinking of that as "charity." Dogs are welcome wherever we go and that's no longer negotiable for me. I love the basics and family and community that are celebrated here in real terms. Everyday happiness.

Great info

I've waved a thank you since I started driving (on the road) since 1963, and often get a response/reply too, its only polite, and good manners after all.

The Highway Code says about Zebra and parallel crossings "do not wave, flash your lights or use your horn to invite pedestrians or cyclists across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching". That's the only place waving is mentioned. Nothing about the thank you wave.

Ooooh. You should do a poll for us to guess what your most favourite thing is. Include lots of red herrings. 😁😁 I travel on trains in the US. They're extremely comfortable but they're also extremely slow.

Dara I think the British travel bureau should hire you! We so want to visit the UK for an extended amount of time. Maybe next year you’ll spend 6 months? Wonderful video! Safe travels back to Texas. ~Cara 🌺

Looking forward to seeing the cliffhanger video!! 😄

Come to Northumberland! Numerous castles and historic country houses, fabulous coast, different landscapes and definitely not over populated away from the Newcastle conurbation. Great food locally sourced plus breweries and distlleries

I`m becoming addicted to your channel now having watched and commented on a few, i heard you enjoy looking at great architecture on buildings - so, have you visited Glasgow by any chance ? Being from here i suppose i`m biased but, i always tell people to visit for the 1st time to look up and the buildings are more ornate above ground level.

Just found your channel & enjoying your vlogs. Ps hedgehogs are my favourite animals.☺️

Made me smile 😊 so much.

you must do Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, the Peak district is beautiful and great for walking and you will love the villages of Castleton and Eyam and Bakewell (try the Pudding) to name just a few

Dara, I meant to say that a video on the UK railways would allay concerns over hiring a car. The distances are tiny compared to what a USA visitor is used to but as you know forget USA distances and use a train, local or long-distance bus. Most trsins will be 125mph with VIEWS.

Hi Dara, hope you have a pleasant trip back to Texas, but judging from that timeline, you'll be here fulltime by the end of the decade!

The Cotwolds and Stratford- upon-Avon is worth seeing if you haven't already.🇬🇧😊

Lovely video Dara. I am convinced that No. 15, which you regard as a national treasure is in fact the National Trust. Having seen many of your videos where the NT features quite heavily and your enjoyment of their properties, then I will be surprised if it's not NT. Glad you had a good summer and hopefully a good trip back to Texas. Please do this national treasure video very soon. Can't wait to see if I am super clever or an idiot.

Here in the UK, drivers always wave as if to say Thank you, when the other driver gives way to your vehicle in a single lane road or road in which cars are parked along the side of the road making it in essence a one lane road.

Strikes are a bummer. When we were leaving Athens in 2021 there was a strike so no running metro or buses. Had to take an expensive taxi to the airport

Interesting summary, your relative telling you it’s forbidden to acknowledge another driver is a bit obsessive, you can still keep your hand on the wheel and raise fingers victory style, how do they think people alter heating & a/c insert CDs, adjust mirrors/ dip lights/change gear/ use wipers/use cup holders/ open roof blind/ light a cigar/ and to think not that long ago drivers were expected to know arm signals, still in my 1996 Highway Code book, putting their whole arm out of the window to show your intention.

I think the reference when waving to other drivers being forbidden is when there is a Police Speed monitoring car stationary ahead .Some drivers warn others in oncoming traffic ,who then drop their speed accordingly .The police just don`t want everyone to know about their presence. However ,the little gesture of thanks in ordinary traffic is still OK, I believe

Do you have Railcards, the type that discount fares by one third? The Two-together Railcard seems most suitable between you.

I'm in Dallas, and enjoy your videos on the UK. I'm always thinking of my next trip there. It is also a breath of fresh air to find some positive thoughts these days. It seems most people are dwelling on the negative. One of the things I am looking forward to is seeing the Seven Sisters cliffs. I love the white cliffs. Did you know the UK floats on chalk? There are huge veins of it and they used to use it for construction projects. I also love the fact that you can be outside all the time and not burn to a crisp. I once spent 4 hours on a Saturday outside in England. I only got slightly pink. I was shocked. I would have a third degree burn if I had done that in Dallas. Even an hour in the blazing sun would have been too much.

Yeah, it’s still important to wave hello/thanks/bless ya/you’re the best to other drivers in the UK. When someone doesn’t wave I usually spend the next 10 mins of my drive wondering if they’re okay. So yeah, waving is good. Being a passenger in my cousin’s car in Boston (ma.) was to witness expert and regular use of the horn.

I have never heard that we are not supposed to wave at other drivers to say thanks! We always do it!