Is the US REALLY a worthwhile destination?
Jan 21st, 2001, 08:23 AM
#42
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The US is certainly worth a visit, but it sounds like you like scenic things which in that case I would advise going to Sedona, Arizona where you'll see red rocks/Grand Canyon. The other choice would the Smoky Mountains of NC. I live in Ft. Lauderdale Florida (near Miami) and I don't think you'd like it much unless you enjoy the beach. Another scenic choice for you might be Washington DC especially if you like museums.
Jan 21st, 2001, 09:19 AM
#44
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Trevor,
Why so sceptical? The country is awesome and so diverse it's untrue! OK so you haven't got the pesky flies you get in Africa but it has more than enough to make up for them!
I have been to the US on holiday 9 years out of the last 10. I also live in London so not a journey I would make THAT frequently if it wasn't worth it!
In 2000 we drove from San Fran up to Seattle,across to Montana and down to Yellowstone,Monument Valley,Las Vegas and home from LA
I started in Florida and although nice is really a big theme park for kids. My favourite things over the years,many visited more than once,are:
1 San Francisco - enough said,but make sure you go acros the Bay at night
2 Death Valley,very VERY hot but stunning
3 Grand Canyon - truly a world wonder
4 Yosemite
5 Yellowstone - personally I prefer to Yosemite
6 Arches NP
7 Monument Valley - fascinatingly eerie
8 Las Vegas - fun,fun,fun! Have no illusions,just enjoy
9 San Juan Islands - killer whale watching
10 Boston,DC + New York
Busily planning next trip now......
Try and go in June or September as not so crowded
Why so sceptical? The country is awesome and so diverse it's untrue! OK so you haven't got the pesky flies you get in Africa but it has more than enough to make up for them!
I have been to the US on holiday 9 years out of the last 10. I also live in London so not a journey I would make THAT frequently if it wasn't worth it!
In 2000 we drove from San Fran up to Seattle,across to Montana and down to Yellowstone,Monument Valley,Las Vegas and home from LA
I started in Florida and although nice is really a big theme park for kids. My favourite things over the years,many visited more than once,are:
1 San Francisco - enough said,but make sure you go acros the Bay at night
2 Death Valley,very VERY hot but stunning
3 Grand Canyon - truly a world wonder
4 Yosemite
5 Yellowstone - personally I prefer to Yosemite
6 Arches NP
7 Monument Valley - fascinatingly eerie
8 Las Vegas - fun,fun,fun! Have no illusions,just enjoy
9 San Juan Islands - killer whale watching
10 Boston,DC + New York
Busily planning next trip now......
Try and go in June or September as not so crowded
Jan 21st, 2001, 01:20 PM
#45
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"There are no small travel destinations, only small travelers."
Okay, that being said, no one has mentioned the midwest. Alright, you can stop laughing now. But, if Trevor wants beautiful countryside, exciting cities, friendly people, and a visit to a "real" American town, then why not pick the midwest (Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois,etc.)
Okay, that being said, no one has mentioned the midwest. Alright, you can stop laughing now. But, if Trevor wants beautiful countryside, exciting cities, friendly people, and a visit to a "real" American town, then why not pick the midwest (Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois,etc.)
Jan 21st, 2001, 07:18 PM
#46
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Having lived in Iowa for fourteen years, I can assure you that it is no more "real" America than New York, Los Angeles, or Miami. Perhaps, April, you mean Iowa is more what you WISH America's ethnic makeup would be like.
Not that I'm knocking Iowa -- I miss its lack of attitude -- but I don't miss the view that ethnic and cultural diversity makes an area less American. To me, such diversity makes an area MORE American.
Trev has made it clear he wants exotic outdoor adventure -- Iowa would be near the bottom of my list of places where he could find that.
Not that I'm knocking Iowa -- I miss its lack of attitude -- but I don't miss the view that ethnic and cultural diversity makes an area less American. To me, such diversity makes an area MORE American.
Trev has made it clear he wants exotic outdoor adventure -- Iowa would be near the bottom of my list of places where he could find that.
Jan 21st, 2001, 07:57 PM
#47
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Where ever you decide to visit in the US (if you do), remember that the busiest times for US tourist attractions are the summer months from early June through August and holidays like the week of our Thanksgiving in November, the 2 weeks around Christmas and the 2 weeks around Easter because of school holidays. It can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of the experience if you are able to avoid the biggest crowds. Asking to visit a typical American city is like trying to visit a typical Europian city, we are all the same and all different.Enjoy the ride!
Jan 25th, 2001, 12:55 PM
#49
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Trevor - Welcome to the planning phase. And sorry about all the American welcome messages you are getting.
I have been in 48 states and traveled 10,000 miles in ONE trip to see this country. And I have taken countless trips (business and pleasure) since. I was born and raised in the southwest, have lived in the DC area for 10 years and have lived in the Northeast (New England) as well.
If you would care to respond to my email address personally (not via the list), I would be happy to try to help you out all I can (if you still desire to research a trip here). If not, you have received quite a few great suggestions that could be embellished (I think you would like a white water trip down the Colorado river through the Grand Canyon, for example). Do NYC if you can, but then take a train up the Hudson river and see upstate NY and travel to New England villages. See Yosemite, as someone suggested, but make an adventure by camping or hiking some of the great trails past the water falls. Heck - almost any destination in the US and you will find awesome cities, beautiful scenery, and usually some quite adventurous things to do. And most US citizens will welcome you and help all they can! Myself included...
I have been in 48 states and traveled 10,000 miles in ONE trip to see this country. And I have taken countless trips (business and pleasure) since. I was born and raised in the southwest, have lived in the DC area for 10 years and have lived in the Northeast (New England) as well.
If you would care to respond to my email address personally (not via the list), I would be happy to try to help you out all I can (if you still desire to research a trip here). If not, you have received quite a few great suggestions that could be embellished (I think you would like a white water trip down the Colorado river through the Grand Canyon, for example). Do NYC if you can, but then take a train up the Hudson river and see upstate NY and travel to New England villages. See Yosemite, as someone suggested, but make an adventure by camping or hiking some of the great trails past the water falls. Heck - almost any destination in the US and you will find awesome cities, beautiful scenery, and usually some quite adventurous things to do. And most US citizens will welcome you and help all they can! Myself included...
Jan 26th, 2001, 10:12 AM
#50
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Paul,
Perhaps you have not been back to Iowa in a long time. I'll give you an update as to the cultural/ethnic climate to be found.
I am sitting at work, having just returned from making a presention in a local second grade classroom. When we were finished, the students thanked us for coming not only in English, but also Spanish and Bosnian. This room often speaks in more than one language because there are American, Bosnian, and Hispanic children in the room. Iowa has seen an explosion of ethnic diversity in it's population over the last ten years.
I work in an office specifically created to help individuals of an ethnic or racial minority.
Even in smaller towns, there has been an influx of Hispanic persons. Many have come to our state for work. It is now not unusual to find white, Asian, African-American, and Hispanic children sitting side by side in the classroom.
I suggested the Midwest because it is so different from what most people in other countries see of the US. We don't have oceans, palm trees, and not everyone drives a BMW.
If all you see is white when you come to Iowa, maybe you are not looking hard enough. (Or maybe we are just experiencing a snowstorm)
Perhaps you have not been back to Iowa in a long time. I'll give you an update as to the cultural/ethnic climate to be found.
I am sitting at work, having just returned from making a presention in a local second grade classroom. When we were finished, the students thanked us for coming not only in English, but also Spanish and Bosnian. This room often speaks in more than one language because there are American, Bosnian, and Hispanic children in the room. Iowa has seen an explosion of ethnic diversity in it's population over the last ten years.
I work in an office specifically created to help individuals of an ethnic or racial minority.
Even in smaller towns, there has been an influx of Hispanic persons. Many have come to our state for work. It is now not unusual to find white, Asian, African-American, and Hispanic children sitting side by side in the classroom.
I suggested the Midwest because it is so different from what most people in other countries see of the US. We don't have oceans, palm trees, and not everyone drives a BMW.
If all you see is white when you come to Iowa, maybe you are not looking hard enough. (Or maybe we are just experiencing a snowstorm)
Jan 26th, 2001, 01:54 PM
#51
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Trevor, asking what to see in the US is like trying to fit a lifetime in 3 weeks. By its sheer size in comparison to most countries, it can offer you so much. Every type of climate, terrain, etc. If I had to narrow it down to one state I'd choose either California or Colorado. The time of year also would have some bearing on your selection. If you want to party all nite, go to Las Vegas. If you want great skiing, maybe go to Colorado. Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park in Colorado is breathtaking. I personally do not enjoy crowds so big cities don't thrill me (I hate traffic), but "for a city" I like San Fran, Denver, and San Diego. Never been to the far NE part of the US in the New England states. There is just SO MUCH to see in the US that it seems to me it makes more sense to select a rather small portion of it and "absorb" it rather than do a "hit & miss" type of travel. "To each his zone"... But if you do come to the US, try to keep as open a mind as you would want us to have while visiting your country.
Jan 26th, 2001, 02:44 PM
#52
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Dear Trevor and Trevor's Wife,
Greetings from a native New Yorker (Manhattanite). Since I assume you are flying in from Germany, New York City should be your first stop. I have a love-hate relationship with the place, but it is UNIQUE nd worth seeing! Take the STATEN ISLAND FERRY(free)from thetip of Manhattan late in the day to pass by the Statue of Liberty, so that on your return trip you will be approaching Manhattan at night, all lit up!You will see lots of STRANGE HUMAN WILDLIFE here, and will have a strong reaction one way or another. Find an ZAGAT's restaurant guide to help you with culinary delights!If you are adventurous and want to save money for the rest of your trip, you can stay at a hostel and meet other travelers of all ages and nationalities. SHOPPING BARGAINS abound in our crazy city - Check out 34th Street and Canal Street (Chinatown). See at least one Broadway show while you are here - they're all quite impressive, and if you are willing to wait on line, there is a place called TKTS right in TIMES SQUARE where you can get half-priced tickets for shows the same day. Go to the CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU and get everything you need to direct you. This is a walking/public transportation city - DO NOT RENT A CAR HERE! Go to the WEST VILLAGE for cafe life and SOHO for shopping and galleries. Walk through CENTRAL PARK and walk across the BROOKLYN BRIDGE to Brooklyn Heights for an ethnic meal. Go to "THE GREATEST BAR ON EARTH" at night, at the top of the World Trade Center and make a toast!
Greetings from a native New Yorker (Manhattanite). Since I assume you are flying in from Germany, New York City should be your first stop. I have a love-hate relationship with the place, but it is UNIQUE nd worth seeing! Take the STATEN ISLAND FERRY(free)from thetip of Manhattan late in the day to pass by the Statue of Liberty, so that on your return trip you will be approaching Manhattan at night, all lit up!You will see lots of STRANGE HUMAN WILDLIFE here, and will have a strong reaction one way or another. Find an ZAGAT's restaurant guide to help you with culinary delights!If you are adventurous and want to save money for the rest of your trip, you can stay at a hostel and meet other travelers of all ages and nationalities. SHOPPING BARGAINS abound in our crazy city - Check out 34th Street and Canal Street (Chinatown). See at least one Broadway show while you are here - they're all quite impressive, and if you are willing to wait on line, there is a place called TKTS right in TIMES SQUARE where you can get half-priced tickets for shows the same day. Go to the CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU and get everything you need to direct you. This is a walking/public transportation city - DO NOT RENT A CAR HERE! Go to the WEST VILLAGE for cafe life and SOHO for shopping and galleries. Walk through CENTRAL PARK and walk across the BROOKLYN BRIDGE to Brooklyn Heights for an ethnic meal. Go to "THE GREATEST BAR ON EARTH" at night, at the top of the World Trade Center and make a toast!
Jan 27th, 2001, 07:18 AM
#53
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Trevor,
The US has loads of things that no other country has. To see what most people outside of the US think America is, Ditto Diane's comments and “go west young man”...see the Rocky's and our cowboys (yes, we actually do have cowboys). Rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get to the real backcountry & leave the crowds. Travel down the numerous dirt roads. Most people never leave pavement. You'll be all alone out there.
Two things that you will absolutely not see anywhere else are: 1. The Redwood Trees of the California coast near San Francisco are also amazing, taller than the Sequoia, yet not as large in diameter. (San Francisco is a city that many of my European friends always want to return to.) 2. The Sequoia’s of Yosemite National Park. Those are the largest trees in the world. It’s amazing to stand by one.
Now to the adventure part: Raft the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon or hike to the bottom of the canyon and camp. That hike is all day one-way either in or out of the canyon. My family from Europe was quite amazed once they saw the Grand Canyon. You can't image the size without seeing it. If you want to raft the river, plan well in advance and make reservations. It can be somewhat costly and trips last up to 2 weeks. I would avoid the canyon in summer months, as the heat can be extreme, especially at the bottom of the canyon.
The Arizona desert is beautiful, check out Sedona and the red rock country. Lots of Indian ruins. Mesa Verde in southwest CO has the best & largest Indian ruins in the US.
Bike the canyon lands of southern Utah. You'll be all by yourself. Or rent a houseboat on Lake Mead or Lake Powell in the deserts of NV and UT. Wonderful high plateaus and mountain views.
Snowmobile (in the winter of course) in Yellowstone. No other adventure like it with the geysers, wildlife and mountain scenery. There are over 800 miles of snowmobile/cross country skiing trails outside of the park. Yes, there is plenty of wildlife (bison, eagles, bears, elk, moose, etc) in Yellowstone, especially if you get out of the car and don't just drive through the park! HIKE! Yellowstone has great fly-fishing. To avoid the summer crowds, hit the park in late spring or early fall.
Denver is a wonderful American city. You can find great restaurants that serve wild game (elk, buffalo, etc.). West of Denver are more ski resorts than you can imagine. Shorter raft trips can be found in CO. Go to Ouray or Telluride in southwest CO and with that 4-wheel drive, cruise the mountain passes. The roads can be very scary at times, but if you use common sense, you will have no trouble navigating the terrain. You can buy maps in those towns. The views are amazing (reminds me of the Swiss Alps) and you will not find many people up there. I’ve seen German license plates on 4-wheel drives when I’ve been there! NOTE: our mountaintops are not like those in Europe...we don't have restaurants and hotels at the top of every mountain.
Glacier National Park in northern Montana is most beautiful. It borders Waterton National Park in Canada. Both parks are worth the trip and have abundant wildlife (mt. goats, bear, etc.), not to mention numerous glaciers that you can hike to. Nothing like Rhone Glacier in Switzerland at least that I’m aware of.
One of the largest caverns is the world is in New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns. I've never been there, but I've heard it's wonderful to see.
If you do visit our national parks, I would recommend avoiding the park lodging, unless you want a no-frills room…just a bed and shower.
The US has loads of things that no other country has. To see what most people outside of the US think America is, Ditto Diane's comments and “go west young man”...see the Rocky's and our cowboys (yes, we actually do have cowboys). Rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get to the real backcountry & leave the crowds. Travel down the numerous dirt roads. Most people never leave pavement. You'll be all alone out there.
Two things that you will absolutely not see anywhere else are: 1. The Redwood Trees of the California coast near San Francisco are also amazing, taller than the Sequoia, yet not as large in diameter. (San Francisco is a city that many of my European friends always want to return to.) 2. The Sequoia’s of Yosemite National Park. Those are the largest trees in the world. It’s amazing to stand by one.
Now to the adventure part: Raft the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon or hike to the bottom of the canyon and camp. That hike is all day one-way either in or out of the canyon. My family from Europe was quite amazed once they saw the Grand Canyon. You can't image the size without seeing it. If you want to raft the river, plan well in advance and make reservations. It can be somewhat costly and trips last up to 2 weeks. I would avoid the canyon in summer months, as the heat can be extreme, especially at the bottom of the canyon.
The Arizona desert is beautiful, check out Sedona and the red rock country. Lots of Indian ruins. Mesa Verde in southwest CO has the best & largest Indian ruins in the US.
Bike the canyon lands of southern Utah. You'll be all by yourself. Or rent a houseboat on Lake Mead or Lake Powell in the deserts of NV and UT. Wonderful high plateaus and mountain views.
Snowmobile (in the winter of course) in Yellowstone. No other adventure like it with the geysers, wildlife and mountain scenery. There are over 800 miles of snowmobile/cross country skiing trails outside of the park. Yes, there is plenty of wildlife (bison, eagles, bears, elk, moose, etc) in Yellowstone, especially if you get out of the car and don't just drive through the park! HIKE! Yellowstone has great fly-fishing. To avoid the summer crowds, hit the park in late spring or early fall.
Denver is a wonderful American city. You can find great restaurants that serve wild game (elk, buffalo, etc.). West of Denver are more ski resorts than you can imagine. Shorter raft trips can be found in CO. Go to Ouray or Telluride in southwest CO and with that 4-wheel drive, cruise the mountain passes. The roads can be very scary at times, but if you use common sense, you will have no trouble navigating the terrain. You can buy maps in those towns. The views are amazing (reminds me of the Swiss Alps) and you will not find many people up there. I’ve seen German license plates on 4-wheel drives when I’ve been there! NOTE: our mountaintops are not like those in Europe...we don't have restaurants and hotels at the top of every mountain.
Glacier National Park in northern Montana is most beautiful. It borders Waterton National Park in Canada. Both parks are worth the trip and have abundant wildlife (mt. goats, bear, etc.), not to mention numerous glaciers that you can hike to. Nothing like Rhone Glacier in Switzerland at least that I’m aware of.
One of the largest caverns is the world is in New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns. I've never been there, but I've heard it's wonderful to see.
If you do visit our national parks, I would recommend avoiding the park lodging, unless you want a no-frills room…just a bed and shower.
Jan 27th, 2001, 08:42 AM
#54
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Re: Holly, Paul and Iowa.
I've read Paul's posts with interest during the last year or so because he's never apologized for his time spent in Iowa. But I've never gotten a grasp as to whether he liked it or hated it. Mixed messages, for sure. Holly is right. Although we have a long way to go--both in the areas of diversity and tolerance--we've made great strides in the last 25 years. Iowa is the only state in the nation with a refugee services bureau that is a branch of state government. In addition, church based groups have done lots to bring more refugees to Iowa. This all started in 1975 when the government was looking for places to relocate Vietnamese who were sympathetic to the U.S. during the Vietnam war. Since then, we've seen heavy influxes of eastern Europeans, Asians and Africans (we have the largest population of Sudanese of any city outside of Sudan, believe it or not.) Within a block of my Beaverdale house (a residential section of Des Moines) my wife and I can walk to a Mexican restaurant run by Mexicans, an Indian restaurant run by Indians, and a Chinese Restaurant run by southeast Asians. There's a Bosnian grocery store and coffee bar in that mix, too. None of this, of course, has anything to do with Trevor. Although I think there are plenty of interesting things to do here. (Search my name and you can see some earlier posts.)
I've read Paul's posts with interest during the last year or so because he's never apologized for his time spent in Iowa. But I've never gotten a grasp as to whether he liked it or hated it. Mixed messages, for sure. Holly is right. Although we have a long way to go--both in the areas of diversity and tolerance--we've made great strides in the last 25 years. Iowa is the only state in the nation with a refugee services bureau that is a branch of state government. In addition, church based groups have done lots to bring more refugees to Iowa. This all started in 1975 when the government was looking for places to relocate Vietnamese who were sympathetic to the U.S. during the Vietnam war. Since then, we've seen heavy influxes of eastern Europeans, Asians and Africans (we have the largest population of Sudanese of any city outside of Sudan, believe it or not.) Within a block of my Beaverdale house (a residential section of Des Moines) my wife and I can walk to a Mexican restaurant run by Mexicans, an Indian restaurant run by Indians, and a Chinese Restaurant run by southeast Asians. There's a Bosnian grocery store and coffee bar in that mix, too. None of this, of course, has anything to do with Trevor. Although I think there are plenty of interesting things to do here. (Search my name and you can see some earlier posts.)
Jan 29th, 2001, 12:53 AM
#56
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Being from Turkey,I believe I have also a few comments to add from a non American to a non American..Yes I think USA is a very worthwhile place to visit.The only fact is the long air-travel time since you seem to travel overseas destinations,that should not bother you.Pricewise I think USA is very economical compared to Europe,that is for certain.The food portions are amazing,there is no country in the world where you will get such big portions on your plate than America so you get your money's worth.Car rental prices are certainly much cheaper,incl. gas,compare to Europe.You can travel to very different climate zones and still be in the same country,depending what you are after,you get all the big cities,deserts,tropical resorts,mountains in the same country.I find the American people onew of the most friendly-certainly more friendly than Germans-in the world,people are very talkative and open whereas in Europe you really get a cold shoulder and indifference from people most of the time,yes Americans in general are very naive sometimes or many times irritably naive but this comes with the paccage.Unlike Europe, all cities are divaded into safe and unsafe zones-which can be confusing for foreigners especially European travellers since they do not have this concept in Europe-but if you ask around ,people inform you gladly which ares you should avoid.Racial and ethnic seperation is very serious and everybody is very aware of this classification and I find Americans extremely tense on this subject,Americans are very proud to identify themselves as a melting pot,but from my opinion nobody is actually melting anymore that was probably true 50 years ago,how will this effect your travelling?it will because most Americans do not really care where you are from or if you are American or not,so as a tourist traveling in the USA,people on the service sector will treat you according to your visible racial/ethnic orientation without hesitatiting,but I am not an American,I am only a tourist will not be sufficient.For a German ,New Mexico,Nevada,Arizona,Florida,NewOrleans,Californi a,Idaho,Utah,anywhere in the real Deep South,maybe parts of Texas would be just wonderful places to see,I do not assume you would find Chicago,NY,etc.. very interesting,do some shopping,America is very reasonable compared to anyplace in europe for shopping,they have sales almost every week with some funny justifications like mother's day sale,St.Valentines day sale,Colombus day sale,back to school sale,etc..whereas in Europe you wait for the end of the season to catch a sale.I believe you will enjoy America,it is a fun place to go.
Jul 6th, 2001, 06:28 AM
#57
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Ach, people are so sensitive! I'll echo those who suggested the west, based on your previous vacation choices. I grew up in the midwest, & Chicago's great, but not close enough to the best the US has to offer. I lived in Miami, & Florida has far too much kitsch & too little authentic charm, & the highest hill is about 1 meter above sea level, & it's a landfill.
You could do a Northeast trip, visiting the great cities of New York & Boston, as well as the beautiful New England states for hiking/biking. It's a lovely area, but not THAT different from Europe - at least not as different as the West.
Of course choosing the Western US isn't narrowing it down much - kind of like saying you're visiting Europe, from a size standpoint.
It's hard for us to relate to a 3-week vacation, so I'm not really sure how much you can do, but if you want the most uniquely american natural experience, visit Glacier & Yellowstone National Parks. they have the most wildlife & untouched beauty. Yellowstone is indeed crowded, but only from June-August. September would be a great time. Glacier's never really too crowded. The Grand Tetons, just south of Yellowstone, are also breathtaking. To work in some cities, you can either work your way down to Denver, as our Colorado mountains are also stunning, or head west to Seattle. Seattle's a bit more diverse & cosmopolitan, being a port city. Denver has better weather (more than 300 days of sunshine per year!). Both have tons of great restaurants & cultural opportunities.
Just remember that here everything is much farther apart than in Deutschland (more like in Africa I suppose). I'm driving from Denver to Glacier in September & expect it to take about 16 hours.
And let me say this, as someone who's traveled to many countries, & who has visited Germany many times because I have family there. Americans tend to be more open than most other people, but that's not the same thing as friendly. Everywhere you go you find Germans, which is not just because they get lots of vacation but because they're fun & full of adventure & have the sense to get out & see the world! That's a lot more than I can say for most Americans. The average American is lucky if they've been to another country at all. Those of you who find it necessary to be so critical should stay out of these forums.
You could do a Northeast trip, visiting the great cities of New York & Boston, as well as the beautiful New England states for hiking/biking. It's a lovely area, but not THAT different from Europe - at least not as different as the West.
Of course choosing the Western US isn't narrowing it down much - kind of like saying you're visiting Europe, from a size standpoint.
It's hard for us to relate to a 3-week vacation, so I'm not really sure how much you can do, but if you want the most uniquely american natural experience, visit Glacier & Yellowstone National Parks. they have the most wildlife & untouched beauty. Yellowstone is indeed crowded, but only from June-August. September would be a great time. Glacier's never really too crowded. The Grand Tetons, just south of Yellowstone, are also breathtaking. To work in some cities, you can either work your way down to Denver, as our Colorado mountains are also stunning, or head west to Seattle. Seattle's a bit more diverse & cosmopolitan, being a port city. Denver has better weather (more than 300 days of sunshine per year!). Both have tons of great restaurants & cultural opportunities.
Just remember that here everything is much farther apart than in Deutschland (more like in Africa I suppose). I'm driving from Denver to Glacier in September & expect it to take about 16 hours.
And let me say this, as someone who's traveled to many countries, & who has visited Germany many times because I have family there. Americans tend to be more open than most other people, but that's not the same thing as friendly. Everywhere you go you find Germans, which is not just because they get lots of vacation but because they're fun & full of adventure & have the sense to get out & see the world! That's a lot more than I can say for most Americans. The average American is lucky if they've been to another country at all. Those of you who find it necessary to be so critical should stay out of these forums.
Jul 6th, 2001, 07:48 AM
#58
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Monica,
What in the world possessed you to resurrect this thread after 6 months? And what's wrong with being critical? You are certainly critical of *most Americans* (not that there's anything wrong with that . . . sorry, too many Seinfeld re-runs). I didn't see many hyper-critical posts on this thread, although I admit I only skimmed it.
What in the world possessed you to resurrect this thread after 6 months? And what's wrong with being critical? You are certainly critical of *most Americans* (not that there's anything wrong with that . . . sorry, too many Seinfeld re-runs). I didn't see many hyper-critical posts on this thread, although I admit I only skimmed it.
