Americans

Your trip sounds amazing B9exchange

I’m another one who has travelled quite a lot in America (in Columbus MS as I write) and like others, have been met with nothing but kindness, courtesy and generosity from the American people we have met.
To those who complain about MacDonald’s, Pizzahut etc, they are businesses.
They wouldn’t be in British towns and cities if British people didn’t go to them and eat there.

And - those who complain about "American imports" like halloween and baby showers could do well to acknowledge that these things wouldn't have taken off if many people here didn't find them entertaining and enjoyable.

I have just picked up on some digs in some threads, regarding language and spelling
I have been asked questions when in America, Marylou which I didn't understand because of the different terminology - but that's my bad as they say!

Exactly Iam64

I was one of the contributors who posted about certain things that have floated over the Atlantic. It was really an observation, most don't affect me. I only remember the school proms when my boys were at school and some of the mothers with daughters complaining about the pressure to spend on fripperies that their daughters perceived as a must, which quite honestly wasn't so bad for boys.

I agree, it's up to the individual as to whether they patronise fast food outlets, I haven't for a while. I do however remember that "Super Size" film about McDs a while back, and of course one can't help noticing when visiting America they sure have their share of super size and very immobile people as a consequence of such establishments which I believe are even in some of their schools now. We are continually told we are following their route

There are good and bad in every country. I have visited USA numerous times. The locals we have met have been polite and welcoming, particularly in New York and Sarasota.

The only thing I had a problem with was a visit to Walmart with youngest 2 C, when the counter next to the children's beach ware/novelty towels was selling all manner of firearms and ammunition. I found it very unsettling. (This was in Haynes County Florida, and admittedly off of the tourist track!!)

I also wasn't too comfortable when visiting "Sam's Club" (a Costco type superemarket) in Tampa with the relatives. I was in my element browsing through CD's when DH pointed out the next aisle was the start of the "arms section". Didn't look too closely but there seemed to be every type of weapon on show. Elderly cousin we visited in Alabama showed us her gun she keeps in her bedside cabinet - scary!!

I've fired a friend's guns in America. I'm quite a good shot, it turns out! They used to live in NY but now are in a remote mountain area and quite honestly, I'd have a gun too, if I lived there.

It's probably 20 miles or more to the nearest police depot and they have bobcats and bears roaming round their property so a gun for self defence makes sense in those circumstances. They themselves don't hunt or allow hunting on their land but some of their neighbours live off the land and hunt for food so I think a gun can be justified there. Of course, the vast majority of Americans dont live in such places!