The amazingly good things about the US
Discussion
Yes, I know...Trump, school killings,, 9/11,racism,fundamentalism, gun culture, Neo Nazis.....
As someone who grew up in Ireland, emigrated to Canada, and who visits the US often, I think its worthwhile stepping back now and then,
Here are the things I have always loved about the US.....
(1) Its empty...huge distances and endless roads- how often have I stood listening to wind in the grasslands..utterly alone.
(2) Yet if you want density, hard to beat Manhattan which throbs with energy - I lived there and it is still in me.
(3) It has some of the greatest natural beauty anywhere in the world. If you stand in Monument Valley, or high on Big Sur, or drive to Key West across the keys, its breathtaking.
(4) Music....the Blues trail, the rock'n'roll
(5) Car culture. True, there are far fewer great American cars, but the endless number of car and trucking events is a delight
(6) The variety of food. Nowhere near as varied as Europe, but there is a major regional difference.
(7) The people I meet. It is fashionable of PH to caricature Americans ad fat people who cannot change a wheel on a car and are gun-toting rednecks.
I am sure that these people exist I am equally sure that when I am at my house in AZ I will come across some whipcord-thin rancher with a weatherbeaten face who can not only change a wheel, but pull an engine. Of course, the eccentrics are legion.
I do know about the gun culture and violence. Its real. However, the people I come across on a daily basis are generally decent and helpful.
I love going back to Europe and do so often. Canada is a very different place to the US and I am happy to make it my home.
However, when I hit the road and know that I can drive, 10,000 miles if I choose, its not a bad feeling at all. It is a complete cliche of course.....but with an road that never ends....you're free as a bird.
Its hard to miss the US in the generalizations, but I have spent a lot of happy time there.......
As someone who grew up in Ireland, emigrated to Canada, and who visits the US often, I think its worthwhile stepping back now and then,
Here are the things I have always loved about the US.....
(1) Its empty...huge distances and endless roads- how often have I stood listening to wind in the grasslands..utterly alone.
(2) Yet if you want density, hard to beat Manhattan which throbs with energy - I lived there and it is still in me.
(3) It has some of the greatest natural beauty anywhere in the world. If you stand in Monument Valley, or high on Big Sur, or drive to Key West across the keys, its breathtaking.
(4) Music....the Blues trail, the rock'n'roll
(5) Car culture. True, there are far fewer great American cars, but the endless number of car and trucking events is a delight
(6) The variety of food. Nowhere near as varied as Europe, but there is a major regional difference.
(7) The people I meet. It is fashionable of PH to caricature Americans ad fat people who cannot change a wheel on a car and are gun-toting rednecks.
I am sure that these people exist I am equally sure that when I am at my house in AZ I will come across some whipcord-thin rancher with a weatherbeaten face who can not only change a wheel, but pull an engine. Of course, the eccentrics are legion.
I do know about the gun culture and violence. Its real. However, the people I come across on a daily basis are generally decent and helpful.
I love going back to Europe and do so often. Canada is a very different place to the US and I am happy to make it my home.
However, when I hit the road and know that I can drive, 10,000 miles if I choose, its not a bad feeling at all. It is a complete cliche of course.....but with an road that never ends....you're free as a bird.
Its hard to miss the US in the generalizations, but I have spent a lot of happy time there.......
Think a lot of the anti-US sentiment on here (and elsewhere) is down to jealousy and inferiority.
The US is 40-600% richer than the UK, depending on how you calculate it, and that makes a lot of British (and other) people feel small and inadequate.
The US is just a phenomenon of money and nature and there are few countries in the world that match it. We should be working out why the US is so good and copying more of it.
The US is 40-600% richer than the UK, depending on how you calculate it, and that makes a lot of British (and other) people feel small and inadequate.
The US is just a phenomenon of money and nature and there are few countries in the world that match it. We should be working out why the US is so good and copying more of it.
The US is immensely richer and immensely poorer. The range is huge.
If you live in SF or Manhattan the chances are you are making a lot of money...you just have to.
If you live in rural Mississippi you will have a very modest income indeed.
Again,. making generalizations about the US can lead to an inaccurate view, I would suggest.
If you live in SF or Manhattan the chances are you are making a lot of money...you just have to.
If you live in rural Mississippi you will have a very modest income indeed.
Again,. making generalizations about the US can lead to an inaccurate view, I would suggest.
Edited by RDMcG on Monday 5th March 08:01
RDMcG said:
The US is immensely richer and immensely poorer. The range is huge.
If you live in SF or Manhattan the chances are you are making a lot of money...you just have to.
If you live in rural Mississippi you will have a very mimed income indeed.
Again,. making generalizations about the US can lead to an inaccurate view, I would suggest.
I am just back from Manhattan. You can't leave the apartment and get back without spending at least $80 in my experience!If you live in SF or Manhattan the chances are you are making a lot of money...you just have to.
If you live in rural Mississippi you will have a very mimed income indeed.
Again,. making generalizations about the US can lead to an inaccurate view, I would suggest.
We've been 16 times now in the past 18 years, you could literally spend a lifetime there and not experience half of what the country has to offer. A few years back we spent 32 days over in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California, best trip of my life.
We love the people, who, in the main are remarkably generous and genuinely interested in 'your story'.
We took our 3 year old to New York City a few weeks ago, it was honestly one of the most life affirming trips I've ever been on. 6 trips abroad so far for him, and even considering two of those trips were Norway, the people of NYC simply could not do enough for him. Every single person we met engaged him directly. A couple of our subway trips during rush hour I'll never forget, on one a lady heading to work at the WTC chatted to him for 20 minutes solid.
We love the people, who, in the main are remarkably generous and genuinely interested in 'your story'.
We took our 3 year old to New York City a few weeks ago, it was honestly one of the most life affirming trips I've ever been on. 6 trips abroad so far for him, and even considering two of those trips were Norway, the people of NYC simply could not do enough for him. Every single person we met engaged him directly. A couple of our subway trips during rush hour I'll never forget, on one a lady heading to work at the WTC chatted to him for 20 minutes solid.
I really enjoy the US. It's such a hugely varied country with a scale unlike anything the UK can offer, and the easy access to wilderness is unlike anything we have here. Whenever I come back I do find the small overcrowded UK a little hard to deal with.
I've visited 21 states so far, and 21 national parks. I'm aiming to visit all the parks. I'll be in Alaska for a month this year which will be real wilderness!
I've visited 21 states so far, and 21 national parks. I'm aiming to visit all the parks. I'll be in Alaska for a month this year which will be real wilderness!
RDMcG said:
The US is immensely richer and immensely poorer. The range is huge.
If you live in SF or Manhattan the chances are you are making a lot of money...you just have to.
If you live in rural Mississippi you will have a very modest income indeed.
Again,. making generalizations about the US can lead to an inaccurate view, I would suggest.
I’ve got friends that work in New Orleans and live in Carriere, MS. They live like royalty on their decent income. The wealth divide and homelessness problem in the US are the things I struggle most with when I’m there. If you live in SF or Manhattan the chances are you are making a lot of money...you just have to.
If you live in rural Mississippi you will have a very modest income indeed.
Again,. making generalizations about the US can lead to an inaccurate view, I would suggest.
Edited by RDMcG on Monday 5th March 08:01
I find the overwhelming majority of the people to be genuinely lovely and hospitable. We’ve had so many nights out where we’ve been invited to tag along with yanks and had an awesome time. I’m sure my accent helps there!
I love the variety in the US. The beaches, the mountains, the cities (so much variety there), the roads, the food, the music. It’s a place where anyone could find something to suit their tastes and budget. We go every year at least once and I cannot wait to go back in September.
First time in the US for me. First point of contact was the airport at Atlanta. Stark contrast between how people in service interact with customers.
Without exception the staff everywhere fall over themselves to give great service.
I sat at the bar of a pizza place in one of the terminals for about 2 hours, never had to even look up before being offered refills, the was a guy playing a mini grand in the middle of the restuarant to cheers of the guests and at one point awaiter joined in and sang the most amazing version of Crazy.
If that had happened in the UK, 3 people would have complained about the waiter slowing down the service, his employer would have disciplined him and someone would have reported the whole thing to the daily mail.
Anyway, it wasn't a bad introduction to the States and the theme has been friendly ever since.
Now in Las Vegas and took a trip via an old fashioned diner in Boulder City to Hoover dam and then across the Lake Mead roads. Every single person was friendly and engaging.
The contrast with the sullen people of the UK is stark!
Without exception the staff everywhere fall over themselves to give great service.
I sat at the bar of a pizza place in one of the terminals for about 2 hours, never had to even look up before being offered refills, the was a guy playing a mini grand in the middle of the restuarant to cheers of the guests and at one point awaiter joined in and sang the most amazing version of Crazy.
If that had happened in the UK, 3 people would have complained about the waiter slowing down the service, his employer would have disciplined him and someone would have reported the whole thing to the daily mail.
Anyway, it wasn't a bad introduction to the States and the theme has been friendly ever since.
Now in Las Vegas and took a trip via an old fashioned diner in Boulder City to Hoover dam and then across the Lake Mead roads. Every single person was friendly and engaging.
The contrast with the sullen people of the UK is stark!
janesmith1950 said:
First time in the US for me. First point of contact was the airport at Atlanta. Stark contrast between how people in service interact with customers.
Without exception the staff everywhere fall over themselves to give great service.
I sat at the bar of a pizza place in one of the terminals for about 2 hours, never had to even look up before being offered refills, the was a guy playing a mini grand in the middle of the restuarant to cheers of the guests and at one point awaiter joined in and sang the most amazing version of Crazy.
If that had happened in the UK, 3 people would have complained about the waiter slowing down the service, his employer would have disciplined him and someone would have reported the whole thing to the daily mail.
Anyway, it wasn't a bad introduction to the States and the theme has been friendly ever since.
Now in Las Vegas and took a trip via an old fashioned diner in Boulder City to Hoover dam and then across the Lake Mead roads. Every single person was friendly and engaging.
The contrast with the sullen people of the UK is stark!
It's strange how one person's great can be another person's dreadful, isn't it!Without exception the staff everywhere fall over themselves to give great service.
I sat at the bar of a pizza place in one of the terminals for about 2 hours, never had to even look up before being offered refills, the was a guy playing a mini grand in the middle of the restuarant to cheers of the guests and at one point awaiter joined in and sang the most amazing version of Crazy.
If that had happened in the UK, 3 people would have complained about the waiter slowing down the service, his employer would have disciplined him and someone would have reported the whole thing to the daily mail.
Anyway, it wasn't a bad introduction to the States and the theme has been friendly ever since.
Now in Las Vegas and took a trip via an old fashioned diner in Boulder City to Hoover dam and then across the Lake Mead roads. Every single person was friendly and engaging.
The contrast with the sullen people of the UK is stark!
I reckon I get superb, genuine customer service in the UK 99% of the time, but I simply can't abide the faux bonhomie they put on in the States, and I find if something actually goes wrong, people here, when dealt with politely, generally do everything they can to fix the problem, whereas I find Americans just can't cope if an encounter veers away from their chummy little script.
I've never been to Canada, but would really like the one day, as I get the feeling it has all the good of America with none of the negatives.
The US, on the other hand, is on my list of places I'll be happy never to return to, along with Dubai, Istanbul and Saudi Arabia. The others are pretty easy to avoid, but one of the things I'm really looking forward to when I retire is that nobody will be able to send me to the States again!
Kermit power said:
It's strange how one person's great can be another person's dreadful, isn't it!
I reckon I get superb, genuine customer service in the UK 99% of the time, but I simply can't abide the faux bonhomie they put on in the States...
Different strokes different folks, I suppose.I reckon I get superb, genuine customer service in the UK 99% of the time, but I simply can't abide the faux bonhomie they put on in the States...
I prefer the faux happiness and willingness to serve over the laziness and sneering you get from those in the UK service industry, many of whom seem to believe working and dealing with customers is an unfair breach of their human rights.
Still, my experience here is but a few days old.
Have to say, I really don't like Las Vegas. Too much like Blackpool on steroids and far too full on for me.
the people. regional variations, yes long islanders are a breed of their own,and completely different to Mid Westerner for example, but the vast majority of Americans i have interacted with are extremely friendly, inquisitive and helpful (even more so when they hear your English accent to those who have one).
the local food- not sophisticated/refined (although that can be found easily if wanted), but so good in its way.
the vast and varied scenery which is magnificent in its variedness and scale the breadth of the country.
i may be biased as i work for once of their banks but i think there a lot of snobbishness on behalf of those who dismiss Americans and the country.
the local food- not sophisticated/refined (although that can be found easily if wanted), but so good in its way.
the vast and varied scenery which is magnificent in its variedness and scale the breadth of the country.
i may be biased as i work for once of their banks but i think there a lot of snobbishness on behalf of those who dismiss Americans and the country.
I love the US. We have friends in SF and have been there a few times and I can easily see why they moved over for a few years nearly 20 years ago and haven't come back. I'd move over if the Mrs would let me. Easy to say when on holiday I guess but they seem to have a lovely life. Life's better with a bit of sunshine everyday.
RDMcG said:
The US is immensely richer and immensely poorer. The range is huge.
If you live in SF or Manhattan the chances are you are making a lot of money...you just have to.
If you live in rural Mississippi you will have a very modest income indeed.
Again,. making generalizations about the US can lead to an inaccurate view, I would suggest.
Britain is as poor as Mississippi.If you live in SF or Manhattan the chances are you are making a lot of money...you just have to.
If you live in rural Mississippi you will have a very modest income indeed.
Again,. making generalizations about the US can lead to an inaccurate view, I would suggest.
Edited by RDMcG on Monday 5th March 08:01
You really can't underestimate just how rich the US is. Even America's absolutely poorest state is as rich as the UK.
If Britain joined the US, it would be the 1st or 2nd poorest state...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2014/08/2...
Yipper said:
RDMcG said:
The US is immensely richer and immensely poorer. The range is huge.
If you live in SF or Manhattan the chances are you are making a lot of money...you just have to.
If you live in rural Mississippi you will have a very modest income indeed.
Again,. making generalizations about the US can lead to an inaccurate view, I would suggest.
Britain is as poor as Mississippi.If you live in SF or Manhattan the chances are you are making a lot of money...you just have to.
If you live in rural Mississippi you will have a very modest income indeed.
Again,. making generalizations about the US can lead to an inaccurate view, I would suggest.
Edited by RDMcG on Monday 5th March 08:01
You really can't underestimate just how rich the US is. Even America's absolutely poorest state is as rich as the UK.
If Britain joined the US, it would be the 1st or 2nd poorest state...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2014/08/2...
Yipper said:
Britain is as poor as Mississippi.
You really can't underestimate just how rich the US is. Even America's absolutely poorest state is as rich as the UK.
If Britain joined the US, it would be the 1st or 2nd poorest state...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2014/08/2...
Statistics only tell half the story. Go to New Orleans and cycle around some of the poorer neighbourhoods like I have and then ask yourself if the article paints a true picture. There is poverty in the US that makes even the sYou really can't underestimate just how rich the US is. Even America's absolutely poorest state is as rich as the UK.
If Britain joined the US, it would be the 1st or 2nd poorest state...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2014/08/2...
ttiest sink estate in this country look luxurious!As has been said above, variety of everything on a huge scale.
We did a tour of a few of the Western states a few years back, had breakfast in the desert in Death Valley at 115 degrees with tarantulas crossing the road, by nightfall we were in Mammoth Lakes watching a bear cross the road from our balcony with snow falling around us.
The National Parks are truly amazing, hoping to do the Pacific North West in the coming years.
We did a tour of a few of the Western states a few years back, had breakfast in the desert in Death Valley at 115 degrees with tarantulas crossing the road, by nightfall we were in Mammoth Lakes watching a bear cross the road from our balcony with snow falling around us.
The National Parks are truly amazing, hoping to do the Pacific North West in the coming years.
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