What do you think about the USA?

[Crimson Dynamo]

Is it progressive and admirable or backward and dangerous. Is it modern and aspirational or decisive and deplorable. And why do you feel that?



https://media.giphy.com/media/uKwa2KiBA0rTy/giphy.gif




You lose 10 Tibb points if you reply "well if Trump gets in..yada yada yada"

[Jack_]

My favourite country in the world, minus their politics

[Jessica.]

It's all of those things in one tbh.

[Jamie89]

It's probably a mixture of all of that in different ways. In my opinion it's progressive in ways such as civil rights, but backwards and dangerous in areas such as gun laws.

And well, if Trump gets in yada yada...

[y.winter]

The Brits do it better.

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

Genocide- but one of my dreams is to drive their cross country.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Genocide- but one of my dreams is to drive their cross country.

classic

[Liberty4eva]

There are glimmers of greatness in our past but today I am not too cocky when it comes to living in the US. I hope someday we once again become a country that champions the freedom of the individual (and all the responsibility that comes with it) instead of the powers of the state.

[Johnnyuk123]

I've been to the USA many many times, I have friends over there and love it. It's a beautiful country, especially New England where my friends live.

[jaxie]

It's a beautiful country with warm, welcoming people that has crazy gun laws. It also has bigots crazies, poor world policies and a lot of rascism. Like most other countries in the world.

[Macie Lightfoot]

Man this country is sooooooo ****ed up (literally one day after a captured terrorist re-ignites the Islamophobia nonsense, yet another black man is killed by police) but as a white male living in middle-to-upper class New Jersey suburbia, most of the country's bull**** doesn't affect me directly so I'm not actively wishing I lived elsewhere.

[Cherie]

I love the place, it's got problems but where on earth doesn't

[Kyle]

I love the place, it's got problems but where on earth doesn't

Russia Comrade :ninja2:

[Kazanne]

I love America,especially New York,my favourite place on earth,I do think however they will be in some way responsible for the end of the world as we know it

[Mokka]

The USA... makes me feel proud to be Canadian :flutter:

[Kyle]

http://www.chinahearsay.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/blame-canada.jpg

[Mystic Mock]

I like their TV Shows, I like that most of them seem to love their country and are proud to be American/or living in America if they're a foreigner.

However I don't agree with some of their political stances that they tend to favour like favouring Businesses and the rich over the majority of the country that needs support.

And I also don't like how some of the politicians in America try and bring God or Jesus into the discussion as to why they do certain dodgy decisions, or why they've killed other countries leaders in the past.

Oh and the whole stopping their own National Health Service from happening in some corners is really not just spiteful and cruel, but also silly from anyone that isn't rich in America to not want their own NHS system to be in place so that themselves and their families can get treatment if they've got a life threatening illness.

I also don't like how the President is only really used to go to war rather than actually running their own country.

I also disapprove of how when a State goes bankrupt that the country as a whole doesn't try and help the State get out of the deficit.

To end on a positive note I also love the look of New York, and Las Vegas looks like great fun too, and I'd want to try the other Fast Food joints out like Wendy's for example.

So yeah I'm a bit mixed on America.

[Northern Monkey]

The food looks great:thumbs:

[Mokka]

http://www.chinahearsay.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/blame-canada.jpg

:fist:

[LaLaLand]

It's the #1 that I am gagging to visit.

I could travel all over going from state to state, city to city but I could NEVER live there, not with some of their laws/policies (guns especially). Would love to visit NYC, LA, Memphis/Nashville, Las Vegas and New Mexico and drive Route 66 some day.

Like, my friend who lives there went to the ER with tonsillitis and because there was an issue with her insurance it cost her $450 for a check up and some medicine! Thank God for the NHS.

[Ammi]

..it's a beautiful country, there are so many places that I would love to visit there..:love:..I'm sure there is ugliness there also, there is ugliness everywhere, sadly...it makes us appreciate beauty more...(I guess..)....

[Ammi]

..and it has Macie Lightfoot in it, so it has to be a stunning place...:lovedup:...

[Josy]

Never been in America, Been in some states though :hee:

[Ammi]

Never been in America, Been in some states though :hee:

....ba da boom...:laugh:...


...multi-cultural is you, conversing in all languages and across all USA States...


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[Amy Jade]

I love America. It's always my choice for a holiday.

The people are so nice and friendly (apart from New York but it's so busy it's to be expected)

[Maru]

America is a vast, wide open, diverse and beautiful place. The political culture is variable, the demographics are variable, the landscapes, the food, the atmosphere and we have everything from plains, mountainous to tropical to snow caps... I like that you can go from one place to another and one is so vastly different in way of life and personality than another. Usually one place doesn't feel superior over another (even confident Texas). People here love that they can visit different places that are so different and yet what we all have in common is that we are American.

Yes, there's a sense of patriotism to most places you visit, but there are so many places that are rich on their own, a lot of what goes on nationally so to speak is in the background as people can become really entrenched and embedded in their lifestyles in any one place... it's just an interesting place to live. People here take for granted that they can just get in a car and travel from one state to another and experience different foods and lifestyles all while generally sharing the same language(s) (English/Spanish).

[Maru]

The people are so nice and friendly (apart from New York but it's so busy it's to be expected)

Never been sadly :(

[RichardG]

There's positives and negatives about the general people and society and life in the US from what I know just like there is in every country but the crazy gun laws and healthcare system confuse me and for those two reasons alone I'd never want to live there.

[Niamh.]

America is a vast, wide open, diverse and beautiful place. The political culture is variable, the demographics are variable, the landscapes, the food, the atmosphere and we have everything from plains, mountainous to tropical to snow caps... I like that you can go from one place to another and one is so vastly different in way of life and personality than another. Usually one place doesn't feel superior over another (even confident Texas). People here love that they can visit different places that are so different and yet what we all have in common is that we are American.

Yes, there's a sense of patriotism to most places you visit, but there are so many places that are rich on their own, a lot of what goes on nationally so to speak is in the background as people can become really entrenched and embedded in their lifestyles in any one place... it's just an interesting place to live. People here take for granted that they can just get in a car and travel from one state to another and experience different foods and lifestyles all while generally sharing the same language(s) (English/Spanish).

I'm going to be in Texas next month for the GP, I'll be in Austin, Dallas and Houston, any tips/recommendations would be welcomed Maru :love:

[Maru]

I'm going to be in Texas next month for the GP, I'll be in Austin, Dallas and Houston, any tips/recommendations would be welcomed Maru :love:

Yay! When are you coming? Business or pleasure?

Sorry it took me a while to reply... had typed a bit but then I got a little busy

General Suggestions--

--Bring sunglasses. Our sun is very bright here. Also bring suntan if you plan to be outside a lot. Yes, you can tan here even in the fall. I've had sunburn in November :laugh:

--Start a fitness program this month because you're going to need to start to make some room for all the food you can eat. It is also cheaper to eat here than a lot of other places in the US... and most places give you heavy portions

--Bring a light jacket (like a blazer with a hoodie that works in rain) just in case. Yes it is generally temperate here in Fall, but because it can be humid and we are mostly flat plains, systems come and go. Sometimes it is colder in the mornings, but then it warms up really fast by noon (i.e. have to peel layers). Also, bring an umbrella because we've had a very rainy year.

--If you need phone/data access, I recommend T-mobile/AT&T prepaid because GSM coverage is very good around the metros and most rural areas. It's also more likely your current phone will have the bands to work with them. T-mobile has a nice tourist plan that works for 3 weeks for $30 (https://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-international-tourist-plan). Obviously your phone will need to be unlocked by your carrier before you come.

--Because it's October, some places and restaurants will be holding Oktoberfest. So look out for events relating to that if you're interested. New Braunsfel (http://innewbraunfels.com/visit/) holds a Wurstfest, but I think it is in November. If you're OK with driving out towards San Antonio area SW of Austin, visiting the town is worth it. This would be the time of year to visit I think.

Deep in the heart of the Texas Hill country lies beautiful New Braunfels. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, New Braunfels is overflowing with old world heritage and small town charm. Come visit our city with a Walking Tour, take in our great New Braunfels Museums, Historic Districts in New Braunfels, and Performing Arts in New Braunfels.

--The American Football season is on if you like sports and just want to see an American sport. You can go to a game or catch it on TV. Most games are on Sundays.

-- In San Antonio too you can visit the Alamo... it's not too far out of Austin if you have the extra time to drive there. There is also a lot of cool architecture in that area depending on which part you go through. Lots of history to visit.


Austin -- I don't know as much of what there is to do in Austin. Austin is a small metro, but in some ways it is similar to a college town. Very very progressive and performance artsy. Aside from the obvious Texas history related landmarks like, you can visit the bat caves. (http://www.batcon.org/our-work/regions/usa-canada/protect-mega-populations/bracken-cave) Those are worth a visit.


Houston -- Houston is very spread out so be prepared for lots of driving. If you are heading towards west side of town, pad time because there is usually congestion, especially around the 610 West Loop and highway 290... 290 they are in the process of widening it so it's all sorts of mess and keeps changing. Galleria area/Westheimer is especially congested around the exit to there (off of 610 Westloop)... but there is a nice little park with a water wall that is worth visiting and taking pictures if you have the time. I would check traffic there through local TV channels like 13, 11 or Google on your phone before going anywhere but pad your time...

Depending on when you come, there is an airshow on the 22nd-23rd called Wings Over Houston (https://wingsoverhouston.com). The lineup is huge and features a lot of historical places and the USN Blue Angels (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6KbdoPu5qQ) usually are there every year which a lot of people come for... You can also pay to go for a ride if you have the $$$.

The Texas Renassiance festival (https://www.texrenfest.com/) comes to town Oct 8th thru November 27th..

Landmarks: Battleship Texas (http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/battleship-texas)

Air & Space Museums: NASA Space Center (http://spacecenter.org/),

Hermann Park has a Japanese garden (http://www.hermannpark.org/poi/24/) that is very nice to walk through. Hermann Park itself is nice as well and this where some of the live music/museum venues are. Houston Museum of Natural Science (http://www.hmns.org/) is walking distance from there and is worth a visit for the butterfly garden alone.

A lot of your best bars and restaurants are going to be in the west side as well. Definitely have some authentic mexican food when you are here.

Montrose/Height's area is where your art's district (and LGBT community) will be located at. There are a lot of modern cube buildings with cool design plans mixed in with the original bungalos which is funny. If you're into art or need to visit organic shops for certain things, then most of your shops like Whole Food's will be in this area...

Dallas - Six Flags over Texas is located there. It's a big amusement park but I've never been to that one in particular. We had a sister location in Houston over 10 years ago called Astroworld, but it is sadly gone now :( They do Frightfest/halloween themes around this time of the year, but it is a really good park to go to. You may see carnivals popping up at random off the highways too... I think it's that time of year.

I've never really "toured" Dallas so to speak (we have family there though). If it's anything like Houston, shopping, shopping and loooots of shopping.

I usually cut through to get to north section of town but they're building up like Houston.

For bringing home gifts:

If you want souvenirs to take home, a good place to visit is "Buc'cees".. it has a big beaver in the logo and features the "cleanest bathrooms ever" or something. You can buy the paintings hanging up in there :laugh:. They are usually on the way into Houston and out... so if you have to drive down from Dallas to Houston, you will see the signage for it. Has a huge gas station too... it's a huuuge shop, has lots of good food, it's not very expensive, but it's not cheap either... it's one of those weird stores that reminds me of the old Earnest movies for some reason... just feels very tourist-y, but outdoorsy, but it's just a big convenience store. Just a lot nicer than your average truck stop, but they sell a lot of cool stuff, food/drink/candy I haven't seen since being a child, lots of jerky, BBQ, other texas related gear etc... I don't know anyone who doesn't love Buc'cees... it's just always worth stopping there if only to get something to eat or some jerky.

Good restaurants ... but you should have absolutely no problems finding restaurants and just about any type of food is available... don't be afraid to try hole in the wall places, but I'll list some local chains so you have them

BBQ:

Rudy's - I think it's a chain... it's relatively inexpensive, you sit in picnic tables to eat your food. Their loaded potatoes are really good as well as the brisket/sausage.

American/Texmex(?):

Chile's Grill & Bar - Their hamburger's are excellent and reasonably pricey.

Mexican/Texmex food:
Chuy's (Chain) - Mexican, but you can find a smaller more intimate (likely more authentic) joint as well... but Chuy's is decent and is tourist friendly.
(Fast Food) Taco Cabana - Though it's not as inauthentic as Taco bell, if you just want a burrito

Tia Maria's (there's only one in Houston) - More authentic than the above and highly intimate. The price is good too, but I feel like Chuy has a bigger menu.

Fried Chicken:
Church's - Doubt they exist internationally. They're not widespread like the other two Popeyes and KFC... so try their chicken if you happen to stop near one

Pastries/Breakfast -
Shipley's - STOP HERE FOR DONUTS. My grandmother grew up with the family... they used to make donut's in their home and she knew the son's (they're probably still running it). It's expanded a bit and you can find it in other states throughout the south, but their donuts are unbeatable.. the kolache's are good too if you just want like a sausage & cheese dough snack... but I notice some locations make it wrong (mostly dough instead of the wonderful filling).

Steakhouse -
Saltgrass Steakhouse (Chain) - They're good, but a little pricey. They make good hamburger's too.

Seafood -
Fisherman's Wharf (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g55879-d393619-Reviews-Fisherman_s_Wharf-Galveston_Galveston_Island_Texas.html) -
If you leave Houston and head towards Galveston for some reason, go here... very pricey, but you eat on the peer and the view is fantastic. The food does not come in large portions (as typical for most American food), but the quality makes up for it and was filling enough for me (I'm not the heaviest eater though)

[Niamh.]

Oh wow thanks for taking the time to write all that Maru, it's much appreciated .

We're going to be in the states from Oct 19th-Nov 5th but not all of that will be in Texas, we're hiring an RV and going to drive to Memphis and New Orleans too.

The reason we'll be in Austin is to see the Grand Prix, my husband and brother are big Formula 1 fans.

I had hoped we'd get to San Antonio but I don't think we'll have time as we have to be in Austin and we're flying in and out of Dallas.

My husband really wants to do the space stuff in Houston too. I love Mexican food so I'm really looking forward to trying a bit of Texmex :love:

ETA : regarding the sport, I spotted a Hockey game that will be on in Dallas while we're there so I might try to get tickets for that