Things you like about America

slither12 · 26-02-2023 06:24PM #1

It's a popular pastime to make fun of America but I wonder if they'e some things people admire about the place compared to here. I have to say I like how waiting lists are virtually non-existent for medical issues (provided you're not lower class of course). My cousin there who has ADHD and Aspergers struggled immensely with the ridiculous HSE until she moved there. Within 7 months, she got proper medication, therapy, and was offered some paid clinical trial.

The other thing is how easy it is to make money. Sell your sperm, donate blood, etc..

French Toast · 26-02-2023 06:46PM

Bull riding, monster trucks, ice hockey, the band Alabama.

Fr Tod Umptious · 26-02-2023 06:51PM

I lived there for 6 years, l loved it.

The people are very friendly and helpful.

On two occasions my car broken down and the number of people that pulled over genuinely offering help was great to see.

I broke down in this country and was 25 minutes watching cars pass me by before someone stopped to help.

Plus work wise you really get rewarded for putting in the extra effort, working a second job or doing overtime is far rewarding tax wise than here.

The availability of consumer goods is great too, as are the variety in food options.

Riddle101 · 26-02-2023 07:05PM

The scenery. There are so many places you can visit in America where the scenery is so beautiful and uplifting, whether it be the Florida Keys or the mountains of Montana, Mammoth Creek in California, or even the desert landscape of Nevada. A lot of great places to visit and explore.

I also like the highways and roads in America. Nice open highways and roads that are wide and spacious and go from state to state. Great for if you ever want to go on a road trip somewhere on a motorcycle or whatever your preferred mode of transport is.

Jim2007 · 26-02-2023 07:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286016/things-you-like-about-america

So they pumped her with meds to make her easy to handle and paid to do experiments on her.... they have some nice landscapes, but they are very occupied in destroying them, so no can say I see anything to recommend them.

Starfire20 · 26-02-2023 07:10PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286016/things-you-like-about-america

if you don"t have good enough insurance, you better believe you're going to be paying through the nose for any treatment.

you also better hope that your hospital, and doctor, is "in-network" or the insurance middlemen won't cover treatment.

Wanderer78 · 26-02-2023 07:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286016/things-you-like-about-america

....maybe you should spend some time over there, its really not as easy as that in many places, in many places, if you arent a part of the more wealthier classes, you re generally fcuked, in regards your health care needs, there actually has been links to some mass shootings in america, and those disorders you mentioned, so........

Thelonious Monk · 26-02-2023 07:13PM

The fact they have wilderness is great, makes you realise how domesticated Ireland is, every last inch of Ireland is a farm pretty much. Last time I was in the US we drove out of Boston to Vermont, and about an hour out of Boston it's just endless forest, never saw anything like it before. The fact you need a car to do pretty much anything puts me off the country though.

dxhound2005 · 26-02-2023 07:19PM

About 65% of Ireland is in farmland. Around 11% is managed forestry, up from 1% at the foundation of the State. Another 7% or so would be trees not in forestry. Hedgerows, bogs and rough ground are also substantial.

Thelonious Monk · 26-02-2023 07:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291396#Comment_120291396

nearly all of that 11% is sitka spruce farms for profit

Cluedo Monopoly · 26-02-2023 07:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291341#Comment_120291341

I did a long road trip in USA a few years ago. Managed to take in 13 states in 2 weeks - mainly east coast. I have to say I wasn't that impressed - all the towns looked the exact same and the local people were very boring/dim. Shopping seemed to be the most popular pastime.

What did I like? Maybe the forests. Not much else. NYC was cool but I wouldn't go back to USA in a hurry. Perhaps the Rockies or Montana/Dakota.

The food portions were just wrong. Cops were just rude.

Wanderer78 · 26-02-2023 07:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291526#Comment_120291526

...tis changing though, more is being developed for long term use, cant see how we can have forestry in the country without an element of for profit

Strumms · 26-02-2023 08:01PM

The fact that every state is different, has its own character, landscape, architecture, history…

I toured the east coast in a car going back and it was an experience.

no identikit towns and cities… everywhere had charm, culture, character, space, nice landscape, uniqueness, not like the cheap identikit BS that passes for towns here, here our architecture and both residential and corporate business that passes our planning ‘laws’ here…laughable… ‘sure if it won’t fall down, it be grand’ is the seemingly inevitable mantra 😅👍🏻

was staying in New York but was driven to and through as well as stayed in Delaware, New Jersey, Virgina, Maryland, Washington State / Washington DC…

it was an experience.

much better value and service to be had eating out, in clothing stores etc…and shopping in general.

small stuff like in a restaurant and refilling soft drinks for free, here in some places you are charged about 3.50 for a regular coke…

if healthcare was better I’d have examined the possibility of a move..

elperello · 26-02-2023 08:02PM

The way they invite you to their house and mean it.

Nigel Fairservice · 26-02-2023 08:11PM

I travelled across the US by myself for the bones of 3 months over 10 years ago. Took in 27 states on the trip, big cities and small towns. I'm not the most social person but people there were exceptionally friendly and chatty. When people found out I was travelling by myself I had some offers of places to stay. Didn't take anyone up on the offers but they were kind to offer all the same. Got some great local advice about things to see and so as well.

There's some amazing scenery there too from the forests of New England to the desert of California.

dxhound2005 · 26-02-2023 08:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286016/things-you-like-about-america

I would prefer to do the etc.

Mister Vain · 26-02-2023 08:22PM

The hospitality and the buckets of fries with melted cheese.

Tell me how · 26-02-2023 08:26PM

It's hard to make a general statement about America, given the size of it and the very different things such as environment, climate and economy which massively impact so many things.

On the east cost, (most of it) there is generally a good work and business environment if you are in any way hardworking and have a good head on your shoulders. Like really good opportunity. I understand that this is the case in places like Texas, some of the mid-west and California also, but definitely not the case everywhere.

There isn't the same level of begrudgery that we are used to experiencing in Ireland. Think part of Irelands in this respect is the fact that so many people know everyone in their community and that leads to more comparison going on (even subconsciously) and because of that, the begrudgery seems to always be in the air somewhat.

Again, if you live in an appropriate area, you can do so so much of a weekend without having to think about it until Friday afternoon. But, again, such appropriate areas is a very small area of the country so that has to be considered with respect to that statement also.

Agree with comments about healthcare, good quality, pleasant experience, once you're able to access it. Not the case if you are not. Out of pocket cost for a GP appointment of less than 15 minutes cost me 250 before I had insurance available.

It's no different to any other country in that there are pros and cons about the place. Some days it feels like more pros than cons, next it flips around. I've always felt that if I had children, I'd like to give them the opportunity to experience it, but I'm not sure I'd like to raise children here either.

corner of hells · 26-02-2023 08:26PM

The choice and variety of serial killers they have.

Fr Tod Umptious · 26-02-2023 08:36PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291597#Comment_120291597

This

This is the type of genuine friendliness I mentioned earlier.

Now obviously there are all sorts in America like anywhere else but by and large they do come across as very genuinely hospitable.

hoodie6029 · 26-02-2023 08:42PM

Milk Duds

Junior Mints

York Peppermint Patties

Ubbquittious · 26-02-2023 08:43PM

Big cars

Cheap petrol

Lots of guns available that you wouldn't even be allowed to look at in the EU

I also admire their friendliness and enthusiasm and the way they don't think anything of chatting someone up in a supermarket and going on a date. If you tried same here you risk being vilified in the community for it. Their whole dating culture is a lot more open and accepting, although that may be changing now that people are used to the apps.

BrianD3 · 26-02-2023 08:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291762#Comment_120291762

Can legally own one of these in the US if you have lots of money and are willing to jump through various hoops.

https://youtu.be/QOta2isADdE

Bobblehats · 26-02-2023 08:55PM

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standardg60 · 26-02-2023 09:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291732#Comment_120291732

I'd imagine being white and Irish counts a lot though.

Eating out, shopping, definitely, scenery yes but that's a once off. Struggling to think of anything else tbh.

thebaz · 26-02-2023 10:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286016/things-you-like-about-america

I like a lot about America , lived ther , but the medical system would not be one of things I would be highliting , people bemoan the HSE , but the Amrican health system is appaling to non existent for about 40% of poplulation , much worse than HSE , you only have to look at backlash to Obamacare that would have helped so many who really needed it , that was orchestrated by the tiny influential wealty elite.

Things I liked about America - music, the Arts and culture, the weather, the democracy to doing things and getting good pay, most people are pretty friendly