American tourist visits 'tiny city' in UK – and one thing baffles him
The UK, including over 38 million visitors in 2023, is a prime holiday spot for globe-trotters, with many opting to experience the hustle and bustle of London.
Yet, there are those like American hiker N. E. Johnson who have embarked on journeys beyond the capital, including his recent hiking trip in picturesque Wales and an unexpected adventure in Chester.
After traversing the Welsh landscapes, Johnson yearned for tranquillity and set his sights on what he believed to be a quaint English retreat. Selecting Chester off the map for some well-deserved rest, he anticipated quiet days filled with reading and writing, away from the tourist frenzy. His impressions of Chester were soon proven wrong when he discovered the city's hidden gems.
In his video, he began by sharing his initial thoughts: "Okay, here's what I love about the UK," admiring the charm of Chester, an unheard-of destination prior to his visit. Johnson had hoped for a serene stay post-hiking, eyeing a nondescript hostel to unwind in without the usual rush to museums or attractions.
However, as Johnson noted, the small town defied expectations with its vibrant scene: "Well, I was right that it's a tiny little town. I was wrong that there would be nothing here because I've already found two museums, the main shopping area is enormous this is two tiered if you can - there's like a promenade up about the regular street levels. Still shopping in ancient buildings."
Chester, with its tiered shopping promenades and historic marvels, swiftly undid his plans for a leisurely week, unveiling instead its bustling town centre and enchanting past, much to his surprise.
Strolling through the bustling high street, Johnson was in awe, noting: "This shopping area just goes on and on and on," as he ascended stairs leading to more retailers. He was struck by the remarkable variety of shops, commenting on the fascinating blend of 'normal' stores alongside distinctly 'cool' and 'unique' boutiques showcasing items unseen in his native US.
"It seems like a weird niche market that wouldn't be able to support a storefront," Johnson remarked while filming a Christmas-themed shop amid his tour. Panning over to an antique store, he couldn't help but express his astonishment, "Also, oh my God, so many antique stores."
But it wasn't just the eclectic retail experience that caught Johnson off guard; the sight of a 'Roman soldier' casually strolling by left him puzzled. Curiosity piqued, he shared: "Not sure what that's about, but, it was too crowded and I couldn't catch up with him."
The town's thriving creative scene was another unexpected delight for Johnson as he wandered past numerous art galleries and studios, clearly impressed with the local support for artists. "Like seriously, how does the economics here work," he pondered aloud, his camera trained on yet another art outlet.
His tour continued, encapsulating his fascination with a town barely noticeable on a map yet brimming with attractions superior to anything he encountered stateside. His exploration led him to the historic treasures of the locale, such as walkable Roman walls designed to navigate above street-level throngs.
Among all, it was the town's 'epic' cathedral that stood out as the crown jewel, captivating Johnson with its grandeur.
"Okay, being a fan of the fantasy genre normally, like, I see castles and they're not as cool and big as you'd expect," he said. "And then you see something like this, you just like 'holy shirt'. What the fork do you even do with a building this big?"
He continued to question his audience whether every 'tiny town' in Britain was akin to Chester, or if he had fortuitously stumbled upon a small town that was a tourist favourite, likening it to Bath. Brits were quick to jump into the comments section of his video, keen to set him straight on his misconceptions.
"Chester has a population of 100,000 people. It is by no means a 'tiny little unknown town'," one user clarified. "If you say tiny town to a local they'll correct you, Chester is a small city," another corrected.
A third person chimed in: "Sometimes it takes someone from outside the UK to make you realise the UK isn't so bad. hope you enjoy your trip."
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