Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - What do Europeans Like About America?

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Every year I attend a large radiology conference held in Chicago the week after Thanksgiving. About a third of the attendees are foreign, and of those, at least half are European. When I meet up with them, I ask them what they think of the U.S. in general and Chicago in particular. First of all, they LOVE Chicago--the shopping, the food, the music, the people, the taxis, all of it. During the week, you'll see Euro radiologists who are all proper and formal at home walking around Michigan Ave with huge grins on their faces and acting like schoolkids. They tell me that shopping on Mich Ave during Christmas is like being at one big party--all the holiday lights and music and everybody smiling and joking. They also tell me that it's a shame more Europeans don't know about Chicago--they tend to visit NYC, SF or LA, or DisneyWorld and miss some really great places. In general, yes, they love the great outdoors in the U.S. The scope and scale of the U.S. fascinates them. They enjoy the friendliness and helpfulness of strangers and the way so many people seem happier in the U.S. (or at least more willing to show). They're also fascinated by Native American cultures. And finally, they love the shopping bargains. In many European countries, sales are regulated to certain times of year. In the U.S., they said, it seems like everything is on sale all the time. BTilke

What a great thread - was going to TOP it anyway, but sure was pleased -- as a former Chicagoan -- to read the above rave. It is a great town, with so much to do. After being impressed by a better pace, better bread, better cheese, better grocery shopping in France, fe, it sure nice to see that there are some points of US living that are appreciated by others.

Arjay, yup great thread, and everytime I come back to it someone else has posted more fabulous advice for me Thanks all And that goes from my little green alien sitting next to me too... (I got him in US just after the first Toy Story came out, and he talks when I press his tummy) Kavey

We had friends from the UK visit for two weeks in January. I was really worried about how to entertain them during a long, cold, grey Ohio winter, but I stumbled on the secret a few days into their visit: Krispy Kreme donuts! They couldn't get enough of them (oh, let's face it, who can???)

I like shopping in the US,it is so much variety and it's so much cheaper.On our last 2 trips we bought home;Clam Chowder (couldn't get it here),a stainless steel dish rack (ditto),Mrs Fields cookies,Saltines,local plant seeds,wine,& my favorite,exterior fairy lights-soo cheap!& yes I did by two bras-half the pric of in the uk & can reccomend Target & Mervyns. Can any one help me re a stange looking product we saw in a foodstore,it was similar to Clamato,but it had beef in it,I think it was called Beefmato-what is it & why would you buy it,& what do you do with it?Please put me out of my misery & enlighten us?

This response is for Kavey: You might find the following website on shopping in San Francisco and the surrounding 'Bay Area' helpful: http://www.sallys-place.com/travel/s...utlet_shop.htm

Hi Kathryn, It a combination of beef broth and tomato juice, put a shot of vodka in in it and it's called a "bullshot"

I love the United States for clothing and delicious foods. I have been to NYC, Maine, California, Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, Hawaii, Florida, and Seattle. I will continue my love for this beautiful country and people.

where to begin? My partner and I visit the US from the UK as often as we can (Usually 2 or 3 times a year) We like..... The ease of driving, cost of petrol (gas), we can hire a large luxuary car and travel in style for a very fair price. The shopping!!!! Such good value - last year we arrived with virtually empty cases, and did we shop. Eating out is so resonable, and the service is usually very good. (And yes although English we do tip well- lol) Hotels/Motels/Inns are also very resonable and there is often such a good choice. Last year we visited New England just after Christmas and stayed in a Log cabin (For a very good price), there was a Nor'easter storm and in the morning the view was like a dream come true (I love Christmas/Snow etc)We could'nt experience this in the UK (Despite what people think we get little snow - and it never lasts). Generally Americans are very friendly- we love the lack of reserve. Must not forget... Free Coke refills Lobster Rolls (Eaten in Cape cod on a summers day - perfect) Caesar Salad (Can't get a recent one in the UK) You serve crispy bacon as standard - You have to ask specially to get it crispy in the UK. The Beauty of New England - I love the changing of the seasons - I wish I could experience this climate year round -Hot in Summer, Snow in Winter and a beautiful Fall. Florida off season - I know it is humid and there is some rain, but Florida Gulf coast beaches without the crowds are fantastic. We felt like we had the whole beach to ourselves and the price was sooo good. (Also love cape cod off season - beautiful) American Diners. Breakfast anyway you want it - Yum. Ranch Dressing, Strawberry & Rhubarb jam, Pancakes, Muffins, Cheesecake and Pink Lemonade. Love the 'can do' attitude of Americans in general - I feel revitalised when I go home. We hope to move to the US one day and then we will be able to take the above for granted.

As an American who has entertained many visitors from Europe, I must say I've been amused and surprised by what often has been the answer to my question: "What would you like to see?" Answer: "Can you take us through a few slums and ghettos?" My wife and I have discussed opening a travel agency that specializes in bus tours through poor neighborhoods in American cities.

Thanks for the positive post! JOdy and Ruth, I must respond to a couple of your comments. JOdy it is almost impossible for me to believe that anyone who has watched or read the news put out by our main stream media is right-winged based! I try to be objective and do not consider myself always a liberal nor always a conservative. Therefore I try to get sources from both points of view. It is no secret that most of our main stream media in the U.S. has a very liberal bias. Ruth, regarding G.W. Bush wanting to destroy our precious resources, you have been listeng to too much of our liberal biased media. That is absurd. Do you know that more than 80% of our land is undeveloped? G.W. and most experts agree that it is becoming more and more critical that we try to become less dependent on foriegn oil resources. It is not necessary to destroy vast areas of land or wildlife in order to drill for oil in Alaska. Do your homework and don't just listen to one point of view. Yes, there will be some disruption of nature, but sometimes this is necessary for the good of our citizens!

Jan, you obviously don't do YOUR own homework, or you wouldn't say that the media has a liberal bias. This is an uninformed, knee-jerk generalization only made by people who don't have an in-depth understanding of what's happening in our country, both politically and socially. You must be a Rush Limbaugh listener. A study was done of the listeners for the country's most popular radio talk shows (Limbaugh, G. Gordon Liddy, and the like). Guess which listeners were the LEAST well informed? Yep, Rush's.

Some Europeans I know have expressed delight at the variety of Home-Depot type stuff available for fixing up your home. One couple from England marvelled over my in-laws' one piece tub and shower enclosure (no leaks!), and made arrangements to buy one from Sears and have it shipped to their home in Eng.

Anyone have anything else to add?

Topping for the nice thoughts!

I love to see all the big beautiful houses in the States. I also love the variety of delicious foods and vibrant clothing. And the Americans are so nice. Too much to see in just 3 trips. I look foward to returning next year.

I dream of your freshly baked New York bagels and out-of-this-world pizza. And, I love to shop for everything when I am in the city. Do you still make Mrs Fields cookies?

Rachel, yep, you can still get Mrs. Fields cookies at malls throughout the U.S. Here's something for you...a site where you order her cookbooks: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/se...913853-0443368

Rachel, I'm sorry, I can't seem to get the right link for you. Just go to Amazon.com and type in Mrs. Fields Cookies AND cookbooks and lots of her cookbooks will show up. Happy baking!