Alanna
I started Adventures and Naps back in Oct. 2015, shortly before I moved from Ontario, Canada to South-East England. But really, I’m just a girl with an internet connection trying to document the ups and downs of living abroad, travel tips and everything else in-between.
I’m incredibly thankful to share this experience with everyone – it’s certainly been full of lots of adventures.
A big part of my life recently has been getting a new visa to continue living in the UK – check out the video below!
Want to stay updated? Follow my adventures across these platforms:
Patreon – Extra videos, livestreams and bonus content
Twitch – Livestreams every Sunday & Wednesday at 6:30pm GMT
Edenbridge – My partner and I’s fragrance company
Podcast – A true crime podcast with my friends, new episodes every Wednesday
Facebook – General A+N updates
Instagram – Photos & daily life stuff
Matt
Hi,
You may or may not have heard of it, but I thought I’d inform you of Quora,
Matt.
Martin
I have watch quite a few of your youtube videos, there seems to be a few on things you miss from Canada.
I was born and have only lived in the UK, but also love american sweets, as you live in Kent, you could try https://auntieammiescandy.com/ they are in Kent!!!
I guess the only reason i watch your channel is because its fun, love your accent and the funny things you say about us britts
Cheers
Mart
andy
Hi Alanna.. just started watching your YouTube vids and they making me smile… a lot! So keep up the Canadianism humour… cheers
adventuresandnaps
Thank you so much!!
Andy Betts
Hi Alanna,
You’re videos are excellent, and being English I can understand a lot of what you talk about (Except Marmite…. You just don’t understand Marmite… LOL)
You’ve been here a while now, so would love to know how our National Health service stacks up against Canadian/US healthcare, and what you’re opinion is about the NHS. Do you have to have insurance for health care in Canada?? Our national health service is our treasure, and I honestly believe most if not all people in the UK would do anything to ensure it carries on……. It has had funding issues and mismanagement issues, but on the whole, it’s an excellent service, the doctors and nurses are often over worked, but that never seems to prevent them from trying deliver the best possible health care to people in the UK….. FOR FREE!!!
Best regards,
Andy
adventuresandnaps
Hi Andy,
Thanks so much for watching!! I’ve not needed the Canadian or UK health service that much (thankfully) but I believe they’re both a similar system. It’s the US that has a vastly difference system – I’ve heard stories of people going bankrupt in the US after getting cancer or a serious health issue because their healthcare is so expensive. Whereas my Dad recently had to undergo cancer treatment/surgery which was covered under the Canadian health system.
Thanks again!
Alanna
kendo
Hi Alanna,being watching your blogs past few days,funny,interesting and natural,anyone tells you your not speaking english correctly is an idiot,the english lanquage may have started of originally in england,but it is constantly evolving all the time,and varies from region to region be it in the uk,or the rest of the world where it is the first language of the countries that speak it,not only that,each generation adds new words,if you can understand the majority of what a non uk person is saying to you,what is the problem,in certain cases i can’t understand some of the regional accents in england myself,even in the same county,various accents prevail that can catch you out,and tv plays a part on how we may say certain words which have been picked up on,one example for instance,is pacific being used for specific,my ex-step daughter says pacific,got it from a comedy show called,only fools and horses,a good show to learn from on tv is QI,you will learn quite alot about things in the world,and various brittishness sayings. kendo
Jimmy
Hi alana.. The first Canadian l ever met was at school. I was going into my Senior years at 13 yr old. My she was taller than l,and very strict. However we did get on well eventually and she was here as a teacher swop for a few short years. Canada!. Wonderful Country. My wife’s brother moved there over 2o years ago and live in Kingston. Wonderful Marina. People are wonderful and Tim Hortons is best for coffee and bagels. Niagra? Fantastic especially at night with searchlights on as is Niagra village. French were fine in Montreal and Quebec,however even in wine country,a bottle is not cheap. I met a Candian family where live here in Newcastle from Vancouver with there son. He was an ex Mountie and was told by a London cabbie to use Black cabs only. He was not happy about Londons food prices. So l said,l will take you to the best places in and around here,inc historical ones also. His son was called Hadrian. Right l said. We need to see Hadrians wall,it will not cost you anything for my time,just pay for the fuel,l got his son a Newcastle Shirt and we went to see my wife’s brother and took a flight to Vanvouver. Fab City and in an open air cafe. Beside Queen Victorias Statue Canadians kept asking how often we see the Queen!?. Lol.Canada is Brill plus you have the biggest Mossies on the planet. I do not drink which is just as well as its costly in Canada. US at the time was good,and being ex Milatary l went to pay my respects to Twin Towers and before l went home,to Ottawa to pay my respects to the young soldier who was murdered. Had a long chat with a mountie. ( no red Tunic ) for a good while as they invite my former Regiment. The Blues and Royals for shows in Arena,as well as training in Medicine Hat. Where the Mossies are larger!!. We have up North nigh on 80 Castles. Food is good,nights out also,and we Geordies have many many different accents whether you are 3 miles away or ten.lf you ever come up to Gods country,let me know, Twould be a pleasure to show you good people around. J. Stay well.
freetowheel
Just found you on YouTube and have already watched several of your vlogs…..
Sorry if you’ve already covered this and I haven’t found it yet, but have you thought about doing a vlog on the medical side of England, ie registering with a GP, dentist (ok we aren’t good with teeth….lol), Hospitals (NHS) etc.
Could be in the format of what you had to do when you moved here, or more in the differences between UK (NHS) and Canada health system or just which areas are better / worse from your experience of the two.
I loved your food tasting vlogs, I’m guessing you’ve eaten Fish & Chips & Sunday Roasts, but that could be another idea for some food vlogs
Keep doing what you’re doing, loving them
Cheers Mate x (LOL….)
PS – Try After Eights and Biscuit & Raisin Yorkie (both chocolates)
Carl Hales
Hi Alanna
Firstly I your videos are great and have had me laughing especially about the food. The one place in Canada I really like was Vancouver a really cool place. I was there when they were filming IRobot with Will Smith and at the same time they were filming Monk.
I understand completely how you feel about living in a different country. I have for the last 7 years lived in San Antonio TX. The reason for this is my wife is American and she was in the US Navy and her last posting was in San Antonio she was stationed in England when we met which by coincidence was a pub. We are now in the process of moving back to Blighty and I can’t wait. Even though we spoke a common language in the US it was so different. The biggest thing for me was the heat unbelievably hot from March to Oct as high as 125f. Even going to the pub was an ordeal as we had to drive as the public transport was almost nonexistent as everybody wanted drive in their little steel box on wheels. Most of the food I would get from Whole foods or from World Market. Most Americans I encountered thought I was from Australia, South Africa, or even if you can believe it Canada.
At least the NHS is free at point if use as it is paid for with peoples taxes. So you will get seen and you won’t be made homeless if you can’t pay. I can give some first hand experience of standing pricing in the US healthcare. I was working for the Texas dept. of criminal justice (TDCJ) when we were doing some defensive tactics training. I had to carry a guy who weighed 300lbs 40 yards in case there is a riot or some trouble. I picked him up and started walking and then dropped him after 10 yards as my back went. I was taken to the hospital and i was there for 2 hours. This was being taken care of by workers comp which is employers insurance for injuries at work. So a few weeks later i received a letter form the hospital explaining what the standard pricing was. To be in the hospital for the 2 hours $198000 (yes you read it right), The co-pay was $30, to see the nurse who examined me $150, The x-ray they took $71000, Injection for pain relieve $17000, somebody to hand me a prescription $98, all told my bill was something llke $358000 for them 2 hours. This was standard pricing for that hospital system. But also remember this was being being picked up by the TDCJ. They will negotiate the price to a level that both parties agree to.
Well keep up the videos and keep smiling.
Colin Douglas Robertson Taylor
Hi, Alanna. Just seen a couple of your blogs and I appreciate (now) how the language can infuriate both ways. I can’t believe you don’t have friends as you come across as a wonderful person, intelligent and witty. My heart goes out to you for those inconsiderate SODS who just want to be nasty for the sake of being nasty. I’m a Scot living in the North of England and I totally understand where you are coming from on the hybrid situation. Keep up the good work and I look forward to watching more of your blogs. Take care.
Ian
I had a sabbatical to London Ontario in 1987. Loved it so much I wanted to emigrate but didn’t qualify. What really enjoyed me was that nearly all my Canadian friends could qualify for a UK passport. I couldn’t even get a temp work permit unlike people from Australia and NZ. Canadians at the time could work in the UK for a year. Not very fare!! Glad you like the UK.
Colin Douglas Robertson Taylor
Ok just watched the latest one on books. EXCELLENT as always of course. If I have a really rough start to the week I know I have your video to look forward to. It really cheers me up.anyway WOW you really go for the DARK stuff but as you say not for everyone. You’ll need to find a Scottish person to explain the language in Trainspotting. Not read it but I appreciate it’s power. However I have to say thank you for the Name of the Wind. I like the sound of this, literally as I’ve bought it from Audible. The short 3 minute section I’ve just heard has me hooked.
Stay cool and keep up the good work
Hugh Gentry
I think it is vital to the future of Anglo-Canadian relations that you use your excellent Youtube video series to extole the virtues (or otherwise) of the more traditional cuisine of the British Isles from your unique and eloquent immigrant perspective. A non-exhaustive list includes haggis, faggots, jellied eels, tripe, brawn and tongue.
brianparkin868
Hi, Alanna,
I think your blogs are interesting and funny. Loved the driving one! I’m also an expat from Newcastle in England. Now living in Brisbane, Australia, so I can appreciate many of the things you’ve experienced. Well done! Keep them coming!
Martin
Hi Alanna. You are so cute and interesting. I just moved back to E. Sussex from Florida and can relate to your comments. You mention “Goldfish” as one of your favorite Canadian (American?) snacks. Sure you are devastated by the current recall on salmonella issues. I fear that if Brexit really does happen, Britain will be subjected to a trade deal with the US which will relax strong EU food safety standards for more relaxed US standards, e.g chlorinated chicken and gmo’s. Any thoughts?
Adam peppercorn
Hi Alanna, you have never explained your job move from the college what happened?
J Sheerin
Hi Alanna. I am a new subscriber on youtube. I just wanted to say hi. You have a wonderful perspective. You have an amazing personality. Keep up the good work. You can go as far as you want. Just keep doing what you do.
John Westward
Love the youtube videos. It is fascinating how the anglosphere finds England at its best and worst.
You said in a video that you could not find Dandelion and Burdock for an Eat This. I found Feniman’s D&B in Asda, same aisle as the colas, and also in Waitrose. You cannot claim not to be able to find a Waitrose in Kent. I think I tried D&B once, but I’ve also tried Dandelion coffee!
What about marmalade, a very English, or Scottish, spread for toast. Or for the truely mad, marmite and marmalade (together) on toast. Trust me, much better than it sounds, better than D&B!
John.
thebruceyexperiment
I’ve done the opposite thing, I went west, to the USA and have been here for 18 years. I also spent 6 months in Canada several years before that.
Some of the things I like about the USA are –
The extra space that you get to live, more elbow room, fully detached houses as normal etc.
Free refills on soft drinks in restaurants.
Cheap food.
The right to bear arms.
More opportunities.
More sun
HVAC, residential and commercial.
Automatic transmission cars.
Wide roads everywhere.
I can stay in the same country and still get a world of different climates and scenery.
Veterans are given extra perks in the USA.
Catfish.
The way people react to my accent, (amusing and good ).
Some of the things that I miss about the UK –
Proper fish and chips
Pubs and nightclubs.
Mild UK summers.
The smell of the UK countryside in summer, I haven’t found the same thing here.
A minimum of 4 weeks vacation a year by law (EU law, I believe).
Lower crime rate.
Less workaholic culture.
More worker rights.
Public transport.
Deb Chao
Hi Alanna,
The US does have a different health system as it is not nationalised like the one in UK/Canada. This poses more issues for people who are poor or can’t afford insurance, but people who work in skilled professions generally earn higher salaries than their counterparts in UK and Canada and usually get good insurance through their employer, so they have no financial burden in regards to healthcare. The healthcare itself is also better in US due to shorter wait times and better physicians and facilities. Certain groups like Asian Americans also have better health outcomes and live much longer than brits and canadians.
But it’s true that a privatised system can’t serve everyone, which is why there needs to be more public aspects in order to serve the less privileged.
No Pain Diets
That’s a mish mash of both systems then, a private healthcare system that also “helps” less fortunate peoplae. I am all for helping but you know that the insurance companies already use that reasoning ton jack up and rip off employees from low earners on up. It’s insurance companies that are the problem.
Andy Y
Hi Alanna. Enjoy your videos. Differences in culture and how folk do day-to-day things in different countries has always fascinated me too. Would you consider doing a video on tipping culture and how it works in real world settings in North America? As a Brit this stresses me out quite a bit! Cheers
adventuresandnaps
That’s a great idea, thank you!
Richard
Watched your video about stuff considered rude in Canada. I thought it funny that you used the word ‘slash’ because, in England, that can mean that one is going to the toilet to urinate. Back in the 70’s a common phrase would be ‘going for a slash’.
Andy
Hi Alanna
I stumbled upon your Youtube site via the ‘recommended’ section and have watched a small number of enjoyable videos. The testing of popular beers was very funny especially near the end when the yeast got a bit too much…..
Still, you were drinking mainly European lagers with only the Guinness being a type of ale. If you want to try some English ales, here’s some very popular ales that should be available within a local superstore:-
1. Black Sheep Brewery, North Yorkshire. ‘Black Sheep’.
2. The Moreland Brewery, Oxfordshire. ‘Old Speckled Hen’.
3. Sharp’s Brewery, Cornwall, ‘Doom Bar’.
4. Hook Norton Brewery, Oxfordshire. ‘Hooky’. The brewery sells a wide range of normal and special beers. All well crafted and tasty.
5. Wye Valley Brewery, Herefordshire. ‘Golden Ale’. I think this used to be called Dorothy Goodbody but the name changed a couple of years ago, probably for political correctness.
The above are in no particular order although are most of my favourite ‘real ales’. Much better tasting than the European lagers previously tasted.
If you give any a try, enjoy.
Andy
Christine
I love watching you! You have a great sense of humor and I love your sarcasm. I have no interest in your boyfriend. I love your food videos, both cooking and eating. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Daniel Lee
Hi Alanna, you make it difficult to message you. I saw this article and I thought it would be great for you to go through it!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-46846467
John S
I found your vids a while ago and quite enjoy them just because most of them are not serious. A perfect example of this is the recent Eat This:(B&M Haul) and the Moose Juice (pmsl).
I recently saw a video that you could use for the basis of a future video (ie reacting to it) – Things About CANADA the Rest of the World Finds WEIRD https://youtu.be/xLsRDovWvbc
Keep up the good work it’s good to have lighthearted moments in life.
Jamie
Hi Alana,
Can’t see an email address on this page, do you have a public one?
Alan Mills
Hello Alanna,
I am a fan of your videos and watched today’s brilliant husky one.
By no means do I love dogs (they have been known to bark AND bite).
I object to your dislike of tea – I think you have been made a pot by evil people.
Despite these terrible things, you portrayed such genuine affection and happiness on that day. I was moved not only by this but your appreciation for the Kent countryside which is sort of near but I seldom get down there.
I think that takes a special talent.
Best wishes,
Alan (another similar name.)
Roger Arnold
Hi Alanna,
I hope you had a good Christmas, & will have a fantastic 2020.
I enjoy your videos very much, & find the comparisons between the UK & the Dominion of Canada very interesting.
Take care, & God bless you.
Roger.
Heather Curran
Just stumbled across your videos, I’m so jealous of you living in the UK, it’s my dream! I am from Nova Scotia Canada and your accent sounds very east coast, just wondering if you’re originally from the maritimes??
adventuresandnaps
I’ve actually (unfortunately) never been to the Maritimes before!! Very much an Ontario girl lol Thanks so much for watching my vids! – Alanna
Andrew Parham
I like your videos because I live in Adelaide South Australia I watch them on Wednesday as it is about 3.00 am in the morning when you post them live. I enjoy you sharing your experiences in England and Canada. The Canadian West Coast and the Rockie Mountains are very popular tourist destinations for Australian travellers
Andree
Bill Drennan
Hi Alanna, your videos always bring a smile to my face. Sometimes I don’t know whether some of the humour is deliberate or not – I think it is, but you make it almost sound like it’s accidental, could be something very clever you’re doing there! If you ever want to try Standup comedy in the South East of England (I live in Surrey), I’d definitely want a ticket!
Andy
Hi Alanna. Just watched your sponsored video on internet therapy. Very cool. Like to see people promoting mental health. Impressed with your honesty, takes guts. I myself struggle with mental health, anxiety depression, root cause, autism. Also, can i apologise for the idiots who send nasty messages. They are embarrassing. Very much enjoy your perspective of this country. Oh, and you are funny. Keep up the good work, and to quote Frasier, good mental health.
Andy
J
I think u r real funny keep cooking .let’s see ur dance moves as u cook ,just don’t get the drinks too close to the stove lol hold ur head hi and NO political stuff and tell ur fellow to come see u
Vanesta Kaltiainen
Hi. Just an idea as backup plan. If you can’t get back into England why don’t you explore Canada. You seem to have little experience as a Canadian. You seem to go everywhere but your own country. Southern Ontario is not Canada. There is life past Barrie. In general there is a frustration with Toronto and southern Ontario in the rest of the province. Don’t get started with the feelings out west. A road trip could be a real eye opener and an adventure.
Kenny Roche
I agree. One of my life goals has been to see Edmonton and then, maybe, Anchorage.
Allen Pritchard
Hi Alanna, I must stop watching your “I’m leaving” video, it’s so upsetting. I see how much it hurt you. As just one of your 60k subscribers, can I tell you that we want you back. Good Luck.
Dan H
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-52697510
SALES OF STILTON CHEESE PLUNGE 30% – Look at what is happening to the cheese economy of the UK since you left Alanna! –
Love the videos, take care, Dan 🙂
Jonathan Eves
Alanna. Many condolences for your loss. We love our dads. You girls be strong. Take care of each other.
Heartfelt greetings from your ‘friends’ in Liverpool. ✌️
Jonathan Eves
Alanna. Condolences for your loss. We a love our dads, you girls be strong, take care of each other. I’m not a Christian but blessings be upon you all.
As always. Greetings from your ‘friends’ in Liverpool✌️
Bob Braganza
Hi Alanna, I stumbled upon your channel today so I watched a few of your videos. Congratulations on creating a fascinating and eclectic assortment of topics which are very entertaining to watch. I lived for 29 years in England (Ilford, Essex) before moving to Canada (Vancouver). I’ve visited back to England a few times and am aghast at the way it has changed. Keep up the good work. I look forward to watching more videos from you…and yes, I have subscribed
David
Hi Alanna
Sorry if you already know this, but some quite religious person called Fiona Moore makes comments on a channel called the Political Hub on youtube. On video (called Trump just issued a warning) they are using your picture. About 10 comments down.
David
adventuresandnaps
Yikes, thanks for letting me know! What a weird thing to do.
Michael John Bardell (Mick)
allo dear, to begin can I just say that having come across your video,s on me tele, I think you are becoming more british all the time, in fact if you used sign language no one would know the difference. having said that, the reason I watch your video,s is because you are a breath of fresh air, your sunny disposition cheers me up no end. I am not trying to chat you up, I am a 75 year old pensioner, and I lost my wife a few years ago, so I do need cheering at times, as far as I am concerned you are most welcome to our country. Now to the nitty gritty, whilst talking about Christmas food I don,t remember you mentioning the best meal of the holiday, which is cold meat (whatever is left) pickles (various) and the one and only BUBBLE AND SQUEAK!!! Hope you stick around Mick.
Nick
Just saw one of the videos, for your own safety, when no pavement is available always walk on the right. That way if car comes and and he doesn’t see you, you still have time to jump out of the way..
Good luck. Nick
Kye
Been watching your videos for a long time, how have i just worked out you have a website! I guess thats me all over, i only found out about game of thrones after it had finished