A foreigners view of the USA

[oneup]

this is going to be a typing intensive topic for me as i have a view on everything lol. i also like to talk to people from all walks of life and backgrounds (everyone has an interesting view or outlook on life, everyone has a story to tell)

So... starting with people, i found Americans to be the friendliest people in any country ive been to, and im fairly well travelled. HDRuss and Keystone from the forum went a long way out of their way to make sure we had an awesome trip, and deserve special mention, but everywhere we went people were prepared to have a chat, people we just asked directions said follow me and went across town, or wherever we needed, even when it was out of their way. The majority by a lot are prepared to have a chat and a laugh even if they are busy.

i havent felt as genuinely welcome anywhere else in the world. Other riders in the USA are more likely to give a wave than any place ive been.they are far more likely to have a chat at the petrol station or shops. i get the definite feeling that if we had of had any bike problems riders and others would have stopped to lend a hand in any way possible.

Off topic...theres a smiley on the right riding a trike over another smiley. never noticed that b4.

ok back to it... true we didnt go everywhere, and we didnt go searching for bad areas intentionally, but we did hit a few, and even then we still found decent kind caring people in abundance. even the bums and homeless were much nicer and better behaved than the local variety. the numbers of these people, or maybe its just that they are more evident, tends to say there is a lack of services to help the less fortunate, those with mental health issues. and it was sad for me to see so many on the streets. i do know you cant help some people, but i met some decent genuine people who are not living that lifestyle by choice. I found people less agressive than at home. less violent on the town partying. or maybe Americans hold there booze better. we never felt in any danger or threat except while in Mexico.

Food... if youve got a few dollars theres no need to feel hungry in the USA. portions are BIG and prices are very good. the standard of food and cooking was good, but i have bad news... your eating out diet is terrible. At upper end places its better but in family restaurants its Meat, Fried everything and sugary stuff. not a lot of vegetables to be seen. Most restaurants you choose meat bread and fried stuff and come with a "choice of vegetable" and that usually amounts to a spoon full of beans or corn. we did find one surprise though...Arbies have probably the best salad we found in the USA.

as always my comments should be regarded as a comparison to what we have in Australia, and what we have seen in our travels around the world.

My fear is that your diet if way too high in Fat, salt, and sugar. but the deserts were yummy, and i suppose there in lies the problem. it tastes so good...

Roads, we found the highways superb for getting from A to B quickly and easily. the roads themselves were in great condition and easy to navigate. the less major roads were also better than ours and generally well maintained. Massive roadworks projects however can turn a long day into an all day event. i have never seen so much road that looked fairly good being dug up and redone.
Some big city inner city roads were pretty bad. uneven surfaces that must take their toll on your cars bikes and of course trikes. inner city roads would be the only ones where ours are better. none of this applies to Los Angeles though. i get the feeling if all of LA was paved there would still be a traffic jamb lol.

Scenery and diversity. loved it all. as you roll across the landscapes the changes of land use and climate are evident. you have some truely unique and amazing natural wonders that should be seen by all but never disrespected. which reminds me.. roadside littering is worse here in Australia. some people have no respect. i think your very evident national pride is a good thing in so many ways.
i would recommend trips for you all to Yosemite, The Black Hills, and the blue ridge and smokey mountains area. those were my absolute favourite places to ride and see, but there are way to many treasures to list, and still loads more waiting to be explored. We may have to come back again... we loved it so much it is already up for discussion at home.

Political and social..
you have a lot more personal freedom in the USA to do as you please as long as it doesnt adversely effect others, i guess this stems back to you bill of rights. this is a treasure and you need to protect it. our social politics is erroding our freedoms, and people here are finally waking up to it. unfortunately its harder to get back what youve lost than to protect what you have while youve got it. i totally respect Americans for standing up for what they believe in.

overall i think Americans showed themselves to be decent caring fair people with hearts of gold, all doing their own thing, but all prepared to help out and do their bit when called apon without a fuss. they care for and respect their country. many are out making the most of it and enjoying their blessings.

you can probably be anything you want in america. the freedom of choice is there for you.
its a great place full of awesome people.
JUST EAT BETTER....LOL

Any questions or whatever, and i will answer.

[Bikerbozo]

Glad you enjoyed your trip here.
Our roads are good? Now you've scared me. Maybe I only see bad roads being in NYC area.

[rmrc51]

Thank you so much for your eloquent review of our country and your trip. Please visit us again in the near future. Hopefully more of the USA Trike Talk members will have the pleasure of meeting you.

[Firea100]

Picture a guy, turning slowly, looking in a full length mirror with a brand new suit on... Saying: man, I clean up pretty good! Thanks for the positive review! We could use a pat on the back once in a while.We are a very giving lot. Once upon a time, there was a Canadian radio news anchor named Byron McGregor (spelling),(CKLW Radio). He did a commentary about "his neighbors to the south". Google it, it's worth the time spent. Kind of along the same lines as your commentary. We're pretty tough on ourselves here in our country. But when push comes to shove, we have each others back. Again, as a proud American, I thank you for your very positive observations of our home and people! And... Please supersize my order!!! LOL

[bikerbillone]

OneUp, thanks much for your most kind writeup about our country. Guess what surprise me more than anything, was your comparison of the social politics between your country and ours. Seems we drift deftly toward socialism here.

[Ol' Man Jeb]

A big "thumbs up" for your post.Visiting your country is on our Bucket List.

[GARYD]

Firea100, the guy made a 45 rpm record of that way back in the day- - do you remember records???

All my life I've wanted to go to Austrailia. I had a chance in '67 while in VietNam. They had just opened Austrailia up for R&R. I only had a month to go before coming home and thought about re-upping just to be able to go there. Then my senses came back and I went home.

I think the only thing that upsets me about Austrailia is the confiscation of all guns. That part I don't like.

Glad you had the chance to see us.

[Firea100]

Gary, yep I do remember! We could also hear it on CKLW 800 AM radio! That Canadian station was stronger than any in Detroit! That was the AM rock and roll station in the Detroit area for a long time!
Larry in East China Mi.

[Rod69]

Really loved your post and your view of our country. Really sorry that our trip started the same day you came thru our area, would have loved to have met you. Would love to visit Australia, but doubt if I ever make it. Thanks for letting all of us follow you on your journey. Good Luck on your trip home.

[jaxbobg]

Really nice review of your trip, thank you. Most Americans have never travelled to a foreign country, so are usually intrigued by people from other places and will go out of their way to talk to them and help them navigate around town.

I have travelled to quite a few countries and have generally been received pretty well, even in the middle east. (Paris was probably least notable in terms of hospitality). That said, there isn't another country I would pack up and move to, even though I also complain about American politics, economics, social inequalities, business practices, etc. (Well, maybe I'd consider a private island in the Caribbean or the Argentina outback).

You are always welcome to visit again when possible, and as others have mentioned, there is an entire TT community here ready to meet and greet in any city you want to make a return trip. I know I'll be in touch with the Aussie or European cousins next time I can get in some overseas travel.

[jackpoet]

Thank you for your generous view of the American public. I agree with the diet, but have lived 73 years with it and still riding and going pretty strong. lol I have met several Aussies while in the military. I found them to be very likable and friendly lot, however quick to accept any challenge thrown their way. I was always very impressed with them and enjoyed my meetings with them. Come to the US again, You can probably put as many miles in Texas as you did on your last trip, lol and see a variety of sights and different regions. If you do, I hope to meet up with you.
Again, thank you for the pat on the back. Does us all well once in a while.