Just saw the "ugliest Americans in Paris"

[les]

That's horrific.

[andi]

Can I add my pennies worth here?...........I have to admit that I also had a blurred perception of "The American"... from watching TV, things that grab me are the chants of USA USA USA!!! and the gung ho attitude in movies............However, upon visiting Florida and meeting Americans on various travels I can honestly say that I find them to be very polite, charming and respectful. Everyone on here has been more than friendly and helpful and most of you are very well educated and high flying. ;D

[goldenmama]

:)I knew I liked you, andiandgaz! We only chant in the movies. And I get up way too early to be gung-ho about much of anything!

[Happygoin]

Andi, it's funny and interesting to me that so many foreigners have a skewed perception of us Americans, as if we are all Rambo-like heroes running around. Of course, America is quite the melting pot of assorted types, but most of us are working men and women, who just try to do our best every day (and scheme new ways to get to Paris again SOON).

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

Hi, Amy -- couldn't agree more, I just feel that life's too short to waste on "entertainment" of that type.

Joan -- if you enjoyed the MT remake of "Jane Eyre" then when you are in England you must visit Haddon Hall (where it was filmed). Warning: you can't get there without renting a car and driving for at least a couple of hours, which was nervewracking (even with one of us driving and the other yelling "look out, get over" etc.). But, it's a beautiful area and that property is fascinating (also Chatsworth, which is nearby and a totally different type of experience).

[andi]

I want to add another comment......I LOVE the fact that when you are in the USA you always hear "have a nice day" and "thank you or you're welcome ma'am/sir" you just don't get that hospitality in the UK! It's not that we are rude, just miserable! LOL

[joan1]

Oh Becky, me drive in a foriegn country, on the " wrong" side of the road no less, surely you jest! LOL
I am lucky enough to have some friends there , and last time we went they did drive us around quite a bit, but, one thing I noted, in the country side the view from the car window is not always very interesting as many of the roads seem " low" and there are hedges blocking views of idylic fields etc. I did enjoy being driven around though. I also saw how are friends even struggled sometimes, using the GPS to get around etc. me driving, , lol, trust me, disaster!!

[Happygoin]

I'm with you, Joan. The thought of driving on the "wrong" side of the road gives me the heebie-jeebies. I just can't imagine...

[Shoesy]

The "heebie-jeebies" ? You Bostonians sure don't sound like us New Yorkers! ;D

[goldenmama]

Does it give you the "willies" Shoesy?

[Happygoin]

Watch out, Shoesy...this Boston-NewYork thing could get ugly like over at you-know-where

[Shoesy]

I ADORED Boston when I was there, happygoin. I was there for the 4th of July a few years ago, and I stayed at a beautiful hotel right near Lord & Taylors. What could be better? ;D

[andi]

LOL......To me its you Americans that drive on the wrong side of the road (Hee Hee) It doesn't really make the slightest bit of difference though because I can't drive and don't even have a license, and nor does my hubby!!!

P.S It is on my "One thing I must do before I die" list.

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

Andi -- you're in luck, if you go to Boston, because it's a very walkable city (and that would be my recommended way to see it), so really no need to drive. Just check into a nice little hotel (doesn't matter which part, as long as it's central) and then walk everywhere. Boston is one of my favorite US cities, and I recommend it highly.

[andi]

Thanks for the tip Becky, I have viewed the whole of Boston from an aeroplane, it was an amazing site to see everything looked all the same colour (almost sandy coloured) Not driving doesn't usually stop us as we hump all our camping gear on our backs on to trains and even take our two dogs with us. We have also been known to use National Express coaches which I think is the same as Greyhound? I would love to travel Greyhound all across America.

[Ray(aka) tripnebraska]

Andi,
Trust me, you do not want to see the U.S. on a Greyhound bus.

[Happygoin]

So true, Ray...so true. Andi, you and hubby can stay with me to see Boston. I live about 20 miles to the west, directly on the rail line. I have a lovely guest room and a cat who will adore you.

[goldenmama]

Even worse than seeing the US on a Greyhound bus, would be taking a trip on Amtrak. One of the most sickening experiences ever!

[Ray(aka) tripnebraska]

Andi,
You could make your 1st stop in Nebraska, and in our wide open spaces, we could teach you to drive in about 2 days, get you a license, a rental car, and you'd be on your way.
However, you would want to take the train in Happy's Boston, even I was scared on the freeway there at rush hour.

[andi]

OOOOH I am liking this very much!!!! LOL ;D I am seeing a very fun road trip ahead, once I have done Nebraska and Boston I can head over to Chicago, New York etc......anyone live in California? That looks a nice place too!!!! LOL