An American living in Wales has shared the culture shocks she experienced when moving country – and says there’s one thing that has stuck out to her above everything else
An American woman who moved to Wales has shared the major culture shocks she experienced shortly after unpacking her bags. The woman, who is known as Tim Tam Travels on social media, listed off the unexpected discoveries she made after moving to the UK – saying she’s “never seen” such things in the US.
Temilorun, now 24, moved to Cardiff in South Wales, from Georgia in the US, back in 2023 to study at university. Starting her TikTok video, she commented on the “beautiful countryside” and said it took her a bit of time to get used to seeing “sheep in random places”. Not only this but she commenting on Wales’ beaches, sharing her amazement over their size and how peaceful they can be. Adding to this, she said: “Other things that didn’t make the video – there’s no aircon here. That gave me a shock last summer. Also tractors on open road? I’ve never seen that anywhere else.”
But the thing that made the biggest impression on her was something she didn’t even know existed until she arrived in the country.
Sharing her love for a well-known British bakery, she said: “Greggs. I didn’t get it at first but now I’m obsessed.”
Commenting on her post, one user said: “I love people who come to Wales and appreciate it. I’m not sure half of the world realises we’re a country and not a town in England somewhere.”
Sharing a top tip, another user added: “I hope you’re having a great experience, despite the awful weather. If you go to Greggs, it’s worth getting the app too, if [you’ve] not already.”
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A third user agreed: “If you like Greggs, download TooGoodToGo! They often have bags on there for a few quid of stuff they haven’t sold that day, well worth it!”
One more user added: “I miss living in Wales! We go often as my husband is Welsh. But we’ve moved to a town called Leek in January and it’s honestly so cute and chill.”
A final user said: “You need to take a trip down to Swansea and try a fresh Joes ice cream!
“Best ice cream there is and I was shocked to find out Swansea was the only place that did it, other places only sell it in tubs in store which is not nearly as good as the fresh cones and sundaes!
“I thought it was a whole of Wales thing when I was younger.”
In her other videos, she showed herself exploring Wales as well as trying cockles and laverbread for the first time.
While it’s clear the Welsh delicacy failed to cemented its place amongst her go-to snacks, she shared how she has been enjoying everything Wales has to offer.
She simply said: “Personally, Welsh Cakes will always be my favourite.”