UK people-have you ever visited the States? What was the best and worst thing there?

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Ken B

I have travelled extensively in the US, the best thing is the friendliness of the people, particularly in the Southern states and the Midwest, and the worst thing for a foreigner is the "stuff you" attitude of some New Yorkers.

Barbara Doll to you

I've been there a number of times, and been in a number of areas.

Not sure I liked the amount of poverty, and yet the preoccupation with money. You're only as good as the size of your bank balance.

I liked the service in shops and restaurants. The US is excellent at that.

PuppyPrince

I've lived in Chicago for six months - the worst thing there was the weather (it was the wrong six months!) Incredibly cold. The people, however, were lovely and very welcoming. Every time I opened my mouth I got "Oh, I loooooove your accent!"

I've also been to Florida and San Francisco for holidays. The worst thing in Florida is the lack of public transport - the service is terrible and it's very obviously only for poor people. Everyone is expected to have a car and drive everywhere. It took me 10 minutes to cross the main road - and that was supposedly *with* pedestrian lights - you still had to take your life in your hands!

San Fran was pretty near perfect - I loved everything about it. Can't think of a single bad thing.

Overall, the best and the worst thing about America is the junk food. Best, because it's so damn TASTY and the portions are MASSIVE! Worst because it's so damn TASTY and the portions are MASSIVE!

CPG

I have traveled to quite a few of the states; Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, California, Montana and I am currently studying in Colorado.

I must say that I have never had a really bad experience in any of the places which I have visited but there are certainly downsides.

The poor public transport in certain States such as Florida and the complete lack of it in others such as Arizona. People in the States are very vehicle-driven, I suppose this as got a lot to do with everything being so spread out. What we call a simple "walk to the shops" turns into a walk of miles and miles in some states. Although this isn't the case in downtown Denver. So if possible rent a car, if you are staying downtown and don't plan on leaving then you could get away with not renting.

The other thing that I really don't like is the amount of fast-food places. You name they've got it and God forbid you order a 'large' over there... it'll take you a week to eat it! Another one is Starbucks, I never would have believed that there were such things as drive-through Starbucks until I saw them. How lazy do you need to be, if getting out of your car to grab a coffee is hard work?

As others have side, the food portions you receive can at times be very overwhelming and it is very 'heavy' on the stomach but the food itself really is worth it and you will never be stuck for choice or variety certainly in the downtown areas of the cities.

Although they are my bad points, there are so many more positives and each State as something unique to offer. From the scenery of Oregon, Vermont and Maine. The mountains of Colorado, the lakes of Minnesota. The hustle and bustle of shopping in New York and Chicago to the the beaches and oceans of Florida and California.

There are also so many interesting 'historical' things to see also such as the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore and the National Parks to name a few.

Driving is also a breeze compared to the U.K, granted some of the interstates can get very congested at times, just like our motorways do, but the actual driving is nothing - just straight roads, so if you can read a map you'll be fine.

The people are for the most part very kind, polite and welcoming to visitors although like everywhere else in the world you get the odd idiot with a loud mouth.

For me my least favorite states were Texas and Arizona, both because of the weather, favorite Colorado... all year round activities - hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, rafting etc, the mountains, everything is in close proximity downtown, the weather is fantastic.

Wherever you decide to go, enjoy your stay.

Pedantic Scorpion

Had a short visit to NYC whilst staying in Toronto. Liked how easy it was to get theatre tickets. Disliked institutional attitudes to queuing (aka "waiting in line") - tour guide at the Navy museum was rather like Hitler! Disliked Days Inn. Disliked huge portions in restaurants but liked the fact you could have three courses, all starters. Restaurants were quick and flexible. Wasn't keen on driving of yellwo cab driver - -London cabbies are much better!

mm71

New York, Miami, Niagara Falls, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Sacramento and Buffalo! It is cheaper than the UK, bigger, so there is more places to see and I loved over sized food portions that did not do any good to my weight. (Gone from size 00 to 0!!! Yeah right). Also, I loved San Francisco, specially climate and architecture, and way of life (been there 3 times so far). But then, I like all other places that I visited, a part from Buffalo on the Saturday afternoon! It is like ghost town!

Fluffy

When I went to New York, I was really suprised by how bad the service was in the shops and restaurants. I've been to the US 3 times now and every time the people at the airport were VERY rude and aggressive, unlike anywhere else I've been ( I have travelled a lot all over the world.)
Apart from that, I hated the fact that everyone wanted a tip for doing their job which ends up costing a lot. If you don't tip in a bar you can be ignored for the rest of the night! The food was average at best, but the portions were HUGE (like a lot of the people)
On the plus side, they weren't as loud as they seem to be when they are abroad.
For me, the best thing about my trips to the US was LEAVING! I'm in no hurry to go back.

gordonmother

Yes, I went to Atlanta, very nice people, but if you are not white ,at the airport, they treat you like a terrorist even if you are only coming to see your relatives.

Jay C

Yes I have been lots of times to different places, the food isn't as fantastic as Americans like to think it is, New York yellow taxi drivers are rude and not many of them speak English and their cabs wouldn't be allowed on the roads here.
New Yorkers though are friendly and polite.
But the first time there we went out at 11 on the first night and all the pubs were closing, the city that never sleeps was well and truly a kip.
In some States the licensing laws are strange, they don't have a drinking up time, they serve you a round of drinks 10 seconds before closing time and pounce on you and demand your drinks the second they call time, in Arizona if you can't knock it back immediately they get security.

fiona

Yes, twice.

First time to Los Angeles; second time to Florida

Best thing - customer service in shops
Worst thing - immigration control (where the customer-service-rejects work!)

Blossomo

I think it's pretty nasty how Americans let untreated sewage flow through their streets. I was also put off by the puppy tossing contest I witnessed at a "county fair" somewhere in the middle of the country. Also, I think I was touched inappropriately by a large plush costumed character at Disneyland, so I have no plans to go back to Los Angeles. And what the hell is up with their money being all the same size and same color? Bloody hell.

teddy

I have been to NY and Philly and loved both, NY because it was so energetic and fun, so much to see and do, and Philly which i thought the main areas very much like London, with it's civic buildings and open spaces. There wasn't much i disliked, the people by and large in both places were friendly and helpful.

katycorkarooney

Chicago-most people were cheerier and more friendly than in UK when I came back all i could see were gloomy english ppl...so depressing!!and the weather...US sunny UK rainy

worst thing was when we were in A walmart carpark there was a gang and we caught sight of a gun so sped away v.quickly.

And good food portions-far bigger than uk!

Mad Professor

The whole country is a temple of excess and the people ghastly.

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