What do you like about the USA?
Nov 28th 2006, 2:41 pm
#1
Slight chance of Showers
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Location: Norfolk,UK ->Memphis,TN
Posts: 1,158
What do you like about the USA?
There have been a number of threads recently about stuff we don't like, healthcare, work etc. It can't all be bad can it?
One thing I really do like here is being salaried and paid bi-weekly. In the UK I was paid on the last friday before the last monday of the month basis, which sometimes meant you went 5-6 weeks between pay periods. I like the steady 2 weeks here a lot more.
I also like drive through banks. One of the real problems in the UK is that all of the banks are on the high streets where parking is a right royal PITA. It's nice not to have to park 1-2 miles away to just get money out of an ATM or deposit a cheque.
What do you like about the USA?
One thing I really do like here is being salaried and paid bi-weekly. In the UK I was paid on the last friday before the last monday of the month basis, which sometimes meant you went 5-6 weeks between pay periods. I like the steady 2 weeks here a lot more.
I also like drive through banks. One of the real problems in the UK is that all of the banks are on the high streets where parking is a right royal PITA. It's nice not to have to park 1-2 miles away to just get money out of an ATM or deposit a cheque.
What do you like about the USA?
Nov 28th 2006, 2:54 pm
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: HMP Strangeways
Posts: 5,206
Re: What do you like about the USA?
Originally Posted by dan_alford
There have been a number of threads recently about stuff we don't like, healthcare, work etc. It can't all be bad can it?
One thing I really do like here is being salaried and paid bi-weekly. In the UK I was paid on the last friday before the last monday of the month basis, which sometimes meant you went 5-6 weeks between pay periods. I like the steady 2 weeks here a lot more.
I also like drive through banks. One of the real problems in the UK is that all of the banks are on the high streets where parking is a right royal PITA. It's nice not to have to park 1-2 miles away to just get money out of an ATM or deposit a cheque.
What do you like about the USA?
One thing I really do like here is being salaried and paid bi-weekly. In the UK I was paid on the last friday before the last monday of the month basis, which sometimes meant you went 5-6 weeks between pay periods. I like the steady 2 weeks here a lot more.
I also like drive through banks. One of the real problems in the UK is that all of the banks are on the high streets where parking is a right royal PITA. It's nice not to have to park 1-2 miles away to just get money out of an ATM or deposit a cheque.
What do you like about the USA?
Nov 28th 2006, 2:59 pm
#3
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,474
Re: What do you like about the USA?
hot dogs
food in general
car prices
the TV
every shop you can think of and the prices are cheap for us
ski, surf, beach, mountains, desert, snow, heat, canyons, etc.. all in one country!
food,
food,
I dont live in the US but these are the things I like about the US as it is our main source of obtaining things where we are!
food in general
car prices
the TV
every shop you can think of and the prices are cheap for us
ski, surf, beach, mountains, desert, snow, heat, canyons, etc.. all in one country!
food,
food,
I dont live in the US but these are the things I like about the US as it is our main source of obtaining things where we are!
Nov 28th 2006, 3:18 pm
#4
Banned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 28
Re: What do you like about the USA?
Convenience - where else in the world could you get drive-thru banking?! Man I love it. 24hr stores, Self-checkouts, fast food, table service at every bar and pub. Im glad God gave me an ass, because I seem to be spending a lot of time sitting on it lately!
Food - Houston has to be one of the premier food cities in America, if not the entire world. The BBQ, Cajun, Tex-Mex, and seafood is incredible. Add to that the international flavors like Thai, Chinese, Japanese, German, Mexican, etc, and you have one hell of a selection. And the costs are great too. The fact that I can get a massive portion and often have enough left for lunch the next day for under $10 keeps a smile on my face.
Weather - OK, so the humidity can be a bitch and definitely takes some getting used to. But for a young guy coming from England, where the primary season is 12 months of grey skies, its a luxury to be able to come home from work after a crazy day, and swim in the pool with the sun on my back. On the flip side, Houston gets some AMAZING thunder storms. When it decides to rain over here it f'in rains!!
People - I'm happy to say that Ive come to find the myth of the "Loud, Obnoxious American" to be a myth. Granted, I've come across some people with a chip on their shoulder and a couple of "Theres no world outside the USA" people but for the most part, I find Americans to be very respectful, hard working, private people. The optimism, friendliness and sense of humor are definitely a tonic. Particularly to an old grinch like me!
Creativity - For a while I was worried that Houston was predominantly a business town with Houstonians being hungry for money and power. In some respects it is. But I really enjoy and respect the amount of creative people who are in this city. Houston is a lot like Liverpool with its extremely vibrant music scene. There are so many local artists, musicians, designers, writers, poets with great talent and its awesome watching them all develop.
Opportunity - America definitely deserves its label of 'Land of Opportunity'. If you have the right skills, a clear goal, and the work ethic required to achieve that goal, I firmly believe you can be what you want to be. I think Houston, and the US, will always give back to you what you put in. I know I've been blessed with many job offers and career opportunities since arriving here, all in different fields with varying prospects. Anyone who can't find work is a lazy bum, period.
Leisure - There is a more dynamic array of pastimes here, rather than the "pub and footie" culture of back home. I am doings things here that I never did in the UK because I was never given the chance. Granted, I COULD sail a boat or ride a horse in England, but the expense, coupled with the organizing and traveling thats involved encourages more of that "Ill do it sometime in the future" mentality. Here, I want to do something... I book it, I do it.
Crime - I believe you guys have much better control over anti-social problems. Yes, there are poor areas in Houston, and every city in the world has people looking to steal, mug, kill, etc. But England's problems of chavs, drunks, and yobs are definitely something I don't miss. England has a much higher rate of mindless vandalism - smashed bus shelters, public phones torn out from the ground, cell phones pulled out of hands and smashed, etc. Knock on wood, I havent been affected by anything criminal yet.
Size - Everything really is bigger in Texas! The houses, the cars, the food, the beers. You wouldnt get apartments and houses this big anywhere else in the world for such a low price. Ive already mentioned the mountainous food portions. But how about this: Even the boobs are bigger in Texas! And let me tell you there's nothing wrong with that. As a red blooded male, I think its great that my eye almost gets taken out every time I talk to a girl here in Houston. God bless America!
Tomorrow - The eternal optimism of Americans has always been very inspriring. That tomorrow brings another chance, another opportunity and a clean slate is something that we all need to believe in. The belief in the future, and that desire and ambition to succeed and make it a better one is something I really love.
Random - Grilling outside on a sunny day, huge tax refunds, free soda refills, "Y'All", the "Go **** Yourself" attitude, Cheeseburgers, online pizza delivery, the atmosphere in a packed movie theater, the passion for sports teams, Central Market, and wings!
Finally, Dave Chappelle, George Carlin, and Homer Simpson!
Food - Houston has to be one of the premier food cities in America, if not the entire world. The BBQ, Cajun, Tex-Mex, and seafood is incredible. Add to that the international flavors like Thai, Chinese, Japanese, German, Mexican, etc, and you have one hell of a selection. And the costs are great too. The fact that I can get a massive portion and often have enough left for lunch the next day for under $10 keeps a smile on my face.
Weather - OK, so the humidity can be a bitch and definitely takes some getting used to. But for a young guy coming from England, where the primary season is 12 months of grey skies, its a luxury to be able to come home from work after a crazy day, and swim in the pool with the sun on my back. On the flip side, Houston gets some AMAZING thunder storms. When it decides to rain over here it f'in rains!!
People - I'm happy to say that Ive come to find the myth of the "Loud, Obnoxious American" to be a myth. Granted, I've come across some people with a chip on their shoulder and a couple of "Theres no world outside the USA" people but for the most part, I find Americans to be very respectful, hard working, private people. The optimism, friendliness and sense of humor are definitely a tonic. Particularly to an old grinch like me!
Creativity - For a while I was worried that Houston was predominantly a business town with Houstonians being hungry for money and power. In some respects it is. But I really enjoy and respect the amount of creative people who are in this city. Houston is a lot like Liverpool with its extremely vibrant music scene. There are so many local artists, musicians, designers, writers, poets with great talent and its awesome watching them all develop.
Opportunity - America definitely deserves its label of 'Land of Opportunity'. If you have the right skills, a clear goal, and the work ethic required to achieve that goal, I firmly believe you can be what you want to be. I think Houston, and the US, will always give back to you what you put in. I know I've been blessed with many job offers and career opportunities since arriving here, all in different fields with varying prospects. Anyone who can't find work is a lazy bum, period.
Leisure - There is a more dynamic array of pastimes here, rather than the "pub and footie" culture of back home. I am doings things here that I never did in the UK because I was never given the chance. Granted, I COULD sail a boat or ride a horse in England, but the expense, coupled with the organizing and traveling thats involved encourages more of that "Ill do it sometime in the future" mentality. Here, I want to do something... I book it, I do it.
Crime - I believe you guys have much better control over anti-social problems. Yes, there are poor areas in Houston, and every city in the world has people looking to steal, mug, kill, etc. But England's problems of chavs, drunks, and yobs are definitely something I don't miss. England has a much higher rate of mindless vandalism - smashed bus shelters, public phones torn out from the ground, cell phones pulled out of hands and smashed, etc. Knock on wood, I havent been affected by anything criminal yet.
Size - Everything really is bigger in Texas! The houses, the cars, the food, the beers. You wouldnt get apartments and houses this big anywhere else in the world for such a low price. Ive already mentioned the mountainous food portions. But how about this: Even the boobs are bigger in Texas! And let me tell you there's nothing wrong with that. As a red blooded male, I think its great that my eye almost gets taken out every time I talk to a girl here in Houston. God bless America!
Tomorrow - The eternal optimism of Americans has always been very inspriring. That tomorrow brings another chance, another opportunity and a clean slate is something that we all need to believe in. The belief in the future, and that desire and ambition to succeed and make it a better one is something I really love.
Random - Grilling outside on a sunny day, huge tax refunds, free soda refills, "Y'All", the "Go **** Yourself" attitude, Cheeseburgers, online pizza delivery, the atmosphere in a packed movie theater, the passion for sports teams, Central Market, and wings!
Finally, Dave Chappelle, George Carlin, and Homer Simpson!
Nov 28th 2006, 4:54 pm
#5
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: What do you like about the USA?
Originally Posted by dan_alford
One thing I really do like here is being salaried and paid bi-weekly. In the UK I was paid on the last friday before the last monday of the month basis, which sometimes meant you went 5-6 weeks between pay periods. I like the steady 2 weeks here a lot more.
Anyway, going over again, what liked...
Going right on red
Being able to afford the odd lobster now and again
Fresh wild maine blueberries
Free proper maple syrup
Can't think of much else right now though.
Nov 28th 2006, 5:45 pm
#6
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Aspen, CO
Posts: 9,845
Re: What do you like about the USA?
The blue sky
The physical contact with people
The friendly attitude
The choice of coffee beans (though instant coffee is just nasty)
The mountains
The vast amount of activities/sports available
The snow
This is all that comes to mind for now.. I've only been here a few days..
The physical contact with people
The friendly attitude
The choice of coffee beans (though instant coffee is just nasty)
The mountains
The vast amount of activities/sports available
The snow
This is all that comes to mind for now.. I've only been here a few days..
Nov 28th 2006, 5:48 pm
#7
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 15,019
Re: What do you like about the USA?
Originally Posted by anabella
The blue sky
The physical contact with people
The friendly attitude
The choice of coffee beans (though instant coffee is just nasty)
The mountains
The vast amount of activities/sports available
The snow
This is all that comes to mind for now.. I've only been here a few days..
The physical contact with people
The friendly attitude
The choice of coffee beans (though instant coffee is just nasty)
The mountains
The vast amount of activities/sports available
The snow
This is all that comes to mind for now.. I've only been here a few days..
Nov 28th 2006, 5:48 pm
#8
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 15,019
Re: What do you like about the USA?
turning right on a red and there is one other thing seriously but can't think of it just now 
Nov 28th 2006, 6:01 pm
#9
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Aspen, CO
Posts: 9,845
Re: What do you like about the USA?
Originally Posted by TruBrit
welcome so you finally made it
Thank you! Yes I finally made it.. it's so nice to be with hubby again!
I am still waiting on my SSN and Cosmetology License but using the time to get familiar with the area. I was very overwhelmed the first couple of days but this is quite a change and I am a bit of a control freak so it's very frustrating to not understand how things work and so.. I am learning fast and feeling much better. I love the place, it looks like God's country..it's an amazingly beautiful and very rural setting. I feel very welcome
and I haven't had time to get homesick yet although I must admit that the time difference is a pain in the backside ..
Nov 28th 2006, 6:18 pm
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,338
Re: What do you like about the USA?
Despite my moaning
I really like:
Living here on the weekends when not working! I like the weather down here, I'm an avid waterskiier and the season is year round in Florida,
Living in a "footballer pad" for not a lot of money,
Cheap cars, cheap electronics
Flying around the country, seeing the changes in the landscape(shame its only for work these days
), but being able to get off the other end and speak the language; the variety of places to visit (if you had time off!)
Great skiing mountains, I love Colorado (but no time off to go skiing).
I really like:
Living here on the weekends when not working! I like the weather down here, I'm an avid waterskiier and the season is year round in Florida,
Living in a "footballer pad" for not a lot of money,
Cheap cars, cheap electronics
Flying around the country, seeing the changes in the landscape(shame its only for work these days
), but being able to get off the other end and speak the language; the variety of places to visit (if you had time off!)Great skiing mountains, I love Colorado (but no time off to go skiing).
Nov 28th 2006, 6:23 pm
#11
Slight chance of Showers
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Location: Norfolk,UK ->Memphis,TN
Posts: 1,158
Re: What do you like about the USA?
Originally Posted by Dan725
Despite my moaning
"To err is Human, to constantly moan about ones surroundings is British "
Nov 28th 2006, 6:28 pm
#12
Mr. Grumpy
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 3,100
Re: What do you like about the USA?
I like
the blue sky in winter
Getting pissed watching 'football' all day sunday with my mates
Tailgating at UT games
not driving on the m25 on a friday afternoon or monday morning.
working from home and everybody thinking i'm a drug dealer or internet porn lord
southern women being unashamedly slutty
driving my chevy avalanche and marvelling at the fact I actually do use it nearly daily for what it was designed for
the blue sky in winter
Getting pissed watching 'football' all day sunday with my mates
Tailgating at UT games
not driving on the m25 on a friday afternoon or monday morning.
working from home and everybody thinking i'm a drug dealer or internet porn lord
southern women being unashamedly slutty
driving my chevy avalanche and marvelling at the fact I actually do use it nearly daily for what it was designed for
Nov 28th 2006, 6:31 pm
#13
Slight chance of Showers
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Location: Norfolk,UK ->Memphis,TN
Posts: 1,158
Re: What do you like about the USA?
Originally Posted by BritGuyTN
I like
...
...
southern women being unashamedly slutty
...
...
...
southern women being unashamedly slutty
...
The English accent does help as well.
Nov 28th 2006, 6:39 pm
#14
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,338
Re: What do you like about the USA?
Originally Posted by dan_alford
I once heard
"To err is Human, to constantly moan about ones surroundings is British "
"To err is Human, to constantly moan about ones surroundings is British "
I once met a bloke from Manchester (living in NY) for about an hour at lunch in San Diego during a convention - we had a right laugh, bitching about bad bosses, etc and generally taking the mick. More like best mates after an hour than a lot of people here.
Nov 28th 2006, 6:57 pm
#15
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,220
Re: What do you like about the USA?
Dollars and V8's