Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

I think it is fair to say, the pace of driving here is easier / slower, and the stress level is lower. Driving in UK is f**king intense! Last time I was back there, I was in the slow lane doing 75 (in some noisy, bouncy econobox), with a guy on my tail all the time. If I tried to put some space in front of me, it was immediately stolen, and if I dared to move into the middle lane, I'd have some boy-racer on my tail big time, flashing lights and blowing horn even though I was passing someone else.

Here, the quality of driving is far worse. The net result is that you have a lot of mellowed-out drivers doing stupid things, and thus, overall, it's still dangerous. But given the two choices, I'll drive here any day (west coast, specifically).

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

To the OP - you have to understand, Manc is simply reinforcing your point. He, as a Brit, must exhibit aggression and a lack of courtesy, thereby validating your assertion :)

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

You and I must be long lost twins ... other than Grits, I could have written this myself :)

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

Can I point out that Jim Rome is a tool.

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

A visit to the East coast will change you of that opinion :lol:

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

Its' f***ing awful, and has the worst customer service of any store in the US hands down.

That is very true I am now starting to get used to it, and not being shocked everytime someone says 'cute sweater....'


Best
Being able to eat lunch outside most of the year
Kids summer camps
Having a pool in the back garden
Having some wonderful outdoor places to visit
Layed back driving
Halloween/Christmas decorations

Worst
It gets dark at 8.00pm even in summer
Lack of vacation
No half term breaks in schools, long, long summer breaks
Working conditions
Lack of humour in the workplace
Too hot to enjoy any of the outside places 5 months of the year
Fires actually being a weather condition, and f***ing scary

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

I've drive around most of the west coast and have to say apart from the cities, I think drivers are slower and more courteous. Cities however are a completely different animal all together, especially LA. LA nose to tail at 65mph seems to be the norm!

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

Best

1.No half term, long breaks in between (means I can pack the oldest off to London once a year and be done with it!)
2. Turning right on red.
3. Outlet stores
4. Macys
5. Our Infiniti FX35

Worst
1. Lack of Saveloys, salt and vinegar crisps
2. Lack of vacation time
3. Not enough Jamaicans/Brits where I live
4. At Will employment
5. Poor dental coverage

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

I dont appreciate all the Home Depot bashing going on here...especially from all you girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

Best:
4 distinct seasons
Whole Foods/Trader Joe's
cheap petrol
Hallowe'en
school buses

Worst:
Beaurocracy - takes an age to get anything done
Banking - so far behind the UK
No decent curry restaurants
Long summer school holidays
Lack of annual leave - have to work for years to build 2 weeks leave!
Appalling TV - adverts every 10 minutes
bugs/snakes
over the top on religion ( especially where we live!)

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

Best:
Ranch Dressing
Cheap Petrol
Friendly Service
Higher Salaries - slightly more left after cost of living - suprised that a 6 figure salary doesnt give u a lot left after bills though
Excellent Hospitals for childbirth - Admittedly Leeds in the UK was f***ng appaling.

Worst:
Its too bloody hot n humid in Kansas
A general view of quantity over quality
Terrible TV (except HBO :))
Bugs
Less annual leave and an unwritten rule to do an extra 20% onto of the 40 hour work week.
Some of the worst drivers I have ever seen (but I hear thats mostly a KC thing)
Crap Schools unless u pay 10k per year, per child to go private
Second hand cars that in the Uk would be 700 quid are closer to 5000$

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

Agreed I love outlet malls
Disagree, overpriced and over rated.

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

You obviously don't have a Macy's card and coupons :rofl:

I consistently buy stuff from there at 75 -90% off....have found NO other shop to be as low priced!

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

I find outlet malls mostly overrated...most of the stuff is made for the outlet stores. The rest you can usually get cheaper when the department stores have sales.

Saying that last summer I bought a pair of UGG wellies...sheepskin lined from toe to the cuff at the top for half price.

Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
 

I normally use the coupons at outlet stores...or buy from the clearane racks there....Main ones I go to are the Hilfiger, Gap, Ralph Lauren and NIke stores...always found those ones to be cheaper than the department stores...also greater selection