Why does anyone go to America?

Biggins · 13-11-2010 02:21PM

Austerity wrote: »

When I went to Canada they asked me where I would stay and who paid the ticket. They also asked me about what kind of job I had. I didn't have to give up any fingerprints like when I took they Greyhound from Vancouver to Seattle. At the border to the USA I had to scan my fingerprints. Ridiculous, not I never had to do that in China even. Airport security seems to be a more pleasant experience in CHINA than in the US.... Land of the free... What a joke!

So your judging a whole country of millions, of many different languages, of many ethnic regions, of many different areas - just because of the security on the way in?

Ever hear the saying "Cutting the nose off to spite your face?" or "Throwing the baby out with the bathwater?"

liah · 13-11-2010 02:26PM

Dunno. Canada's cleaner, cheaper, not as overpopulated (as long as you stay out of Toronto, it's a dump), has beautiful sights and scenery, is very, very diverse and mostly friendly-- you don't have nearly as much crime or ghettoization or racism in Canada. Not to say it doesn't happen (you could bring Vancouver into it, the Chinese have taken over parts of it to the extent that there's places they won't speak to non-Chinese people, it's getting kinda ugly, but overall this is very rare), it's just a new, much smaller (population-wise) country that hasn't had to deal with the problems caused by loads of people crunched together.

There's some great sights in America (Joshua Tree or most of Arizona in general, the Grand Canyon, New Orleans, etc).. but I never quite get why people settle there. The government has too many issues and has a lot to recover from after the Bush era.

I may be biased :pac: but I did live in the States too. And obviously there's plenty of really nice places in the states, but again, the way it's run just isn't ideal.. you actually have more human rights and freedoms in Canada than the US, despite propaganda. The US has lost a lot of them in the last decade.

krudler · 13-11-2010 02:52PM

I was there a few weeks ago, if I could move there tomorrow I would. In the space of a week I went to San Diego zoo, took a trip round the mountains of Sedona in a jeep, flew over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, partied like a loon in Vegas, and saw some stunning scenery along the way. I've been to Canada as well and its a gorgeous country.

And the op is against all this because of....fingerprints? the security takes all of 5 minutes to get through, they ask you why you're there, where you're staying and when you're leaving, thats it. The people themselves in the country are amazingly friendly for the most part. Compare that to the "security" coming back through Shannon, where a guy sat at a desk barely takes a glance at your passport and grumbles something, its a joke.

FreudianSlippers · 13-11-2010 02:55PM

jimthemental wrote: »

Very cheap beer and cost of living. Christ the J1 was a serious piss up!

Anywhere that is worth going is not cheap.

FreudianSlippers · 13-11-2010 02:56PM

krudler wrote: »

I was there a few weeks ago, if I could move there tomorrow I would. In the space of a week I went to San Diego zoo, took a trip round the mountains of Sedona in a jeep, flew over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, partied like a loon in Vegas, and saw some stunning scenery along the way. I've been to Canada as well and its a gorgeous country.

And the op is against all this because of....fingerprints? the security takes all of 5 minutes to get through, they ask you why you're there, where you're staying and when you're leaving, thats it. The people themselves in the country are amazingly friendly for the most part. Compare that to the "security" coming back through Shannon, where a guy sat at a desk barely takes a glance at your passport and grumbles something, its a joke.

Yeah, because that's what the ordinary person living in the US does on a daily basis. You visited it there.

High taxes, poor schools, no welfare... the list goes on with all the negatives for days.

krudler · 13-11-2010 02:57PM

OisinT wrote: »

Anywhere that is worth going is not cheap.

Thats one of the most ridiculous statements I've ever read.

FreudianSlippers · 13-11-2010 02:59PM

krudler wrote: »

Thats one of the most ridiculous statements I've ever read.

How so? Where in the US is cheap cost of living that is worth living? You were there on J1, hardly an expert on the place :rolleyes:
I'm so sick of idiots who post replies like this with no support.

krudler · 13-11-2010 03:00PM

OisinT wrote: »

Yeah, because that's what the ordinary person living in the US does on a daily basis. You visited it there.

High taxes, poor schools, no welfare... the list goes on with all the negatives for days.

So...the same as this country then? except with more stuff to do.

Hail 2 Da Thief · 13-11-2010 03:01PM

Austerity wrote: »

I didn't have to give up any fingerprints like when I took they Greyhound from Vancouver to Seattle. At the border to the USA I had to scan my fingerprints. Ridiculous

Your being a right little drama queen imo!
I also got a greyhound from Van to Seattle. It takes all of what? 60 seconds for them to take your prints & you're on your way again.
No big deal!

FreudianSlippers · 13-11-2010 03:01PM

krudler wrote: »

So...the same as this country then? except with more stuff to do.

We have lower taxes, better schools (by about a million percent) and very generous welfare payments. Not to mention free healthcare and free schools.

There is loads of stuff to do in this country too... but people tend to do things on holiday and not do things when they live somewhere. We have a zoo and helicopters and places to drink too.

blorg · 13-11-2010 03:02PM

Incidentally you probably would have a better US immigration experience flying from Ireland. Immigration is all done in Dublin or Shannon, on Irish soil, so the worst US immigration can do is not let you on the plane, you won't be off to Gitmo.

The US lets Irish and many other citizens in without a visa... I'd take that over the over a month wait, bureacracy and possible bribe-seeking I have had to deal with in other countries.

The fingerprinting is annoying but it is one finger and done electronically. I have been to countries that are far more thorough (all fingers of each hand plus knuckles) and do it with ink- not to me, but to the French person I was travelling with. Why? In retaliation- France fingerprints all tourist visa applicants. Wouldn't apply to you if you have EU citizenship but I would suggest on principle you stay out of France in future.

krudler · 13-11-2010 03:02PM

OisinT wrote: »

How so? Where in the US is cheap cost of living that is worth living? You were there on J1, hardly an expert on the place :rolleyes:
I'm so sick of idiots who post replies like this with no support.

Err, actually I wasnt. Try not making stupid assumptions, its quite easy.

Austerity · 13-11-2010 03:03PM

Biggins wrote: »

So your judging a whole country of millions, of many different languages, of many ethnic regions, of many different areas - just because of the security on the way in?

Ever hear the saying "Cutting the nose off to spite your face?" or "Throwing the baby out with the bathwater?"

A country which blatantly violates its own constitution time and time again is not a country under the rule of law. Countries that do that are generally banana republics and I stay away from such countries.

FreudianSlippers · 13-11-2010 03:04PM

krudler wrote: »

Err, actually I wasnt. Try not making stupid assumptions, its quite easy.

Misread someone else's post as yours. Not a stupid assumption. Good job backing up your viewpoint though.

You went there a few weeks ago on holiday. Went to Las Vegas (some shíthole full of prozzies, druggies and frat boys).

krudler · 13-11-2010 03:08PM

OisinT wrote: »

Misread someone else's post as yours. Not a stupid assumption. Good job backing up your viewpoint though.

You went there a few weeks ago on holiday. Went to Las Vegas (some shíthole full of prozzies, druggies and frat boys).

Now you're just being a dick for the sake of it, Vegas is an awesome place to visit once, anyone whos been there will tell you the same.

krudler · 13-11-2010 03:15PM

OisinT wrote: »

How so? Where in the US is cheap cost of living that is worth living? You were there on J1, hardly an expert on the place :rolleyes:
I'm so sick of idiots who post replies like this with no support.

Also,you said anywhere worth going isnt cheap, not anywhere worth living in, theres a huge difference.

FreudianSlippers · 13-11-2010 03:18PM

krudler wrote: »

Now you're just being a dick for the sake of it, Vegas is an awesome place to visit once, anyone whos been there will tell you the same.

I've been there. Found it awful, kitschy and annoying.

Looking at all the Americans going to the Venetian and Paris LV and commenting on how it's "better than the real thing" or making ignorant comments along those lines was hilarious. It's like disneyland full of idiotic fratboys and old people.

I stayed in a tower suite in the Wynne and was not impressed at all. The Bellagio is ok from the outside, but not nice on the inside and the Luxor (the most awesome hotel on the outside) looks as if it hasn't been done up since 1970s.

The strip is full of drunk idiots getting in fights and getting arrested at night.
The old strip is a good place to go get drugs if you're so inclined... or cheap hookers I hear!

Las Vegas is great for people who are into that sort of carry on and who have no sense of sophistication. If you're one of these people who can tick off Egypt, Paris and Venice because you "saw" them in Vegas then I'm sure you'll absolutely love the place.

FreudianSlippers · 13-11-2010 03:20PM

krudler wrote: »

Also,you said anywhere worth going isnt cheap, not anywhere worth living in, theres a huge difference.

OisinT wrote:

jimthemental wrote: »

Very cheap beer and cost of living. Christ the J1 was a serious piss up!

Anywhere that is worth going is not cheap.

I meant anywhere worth going (to live) does not have a cheap cost of living. I generally don't choose my living conditions on the price of beer though

blorg · 13-11-2010 03:23PM

Austerity wrote: »

A country which blatantly violates its own constitution time and time again is not a country under the rule of law. Countries that do that are generally banana republics and I stay away from such countries.

Er, you mentioned that you went to China?

krudler · 13-11-2010 03:28PM

OisinT wrote: »

I've been there. Found it awful, kitschy and annoying.

Looking at all the Americans going to the Venetian and Paris LV and commenting on how it's "better than the real thing" or making ignorant comments along those lines was hilarious. It's like disneyland full of idiotic fratboys and old people.

I stayed in a tower suite in the Wynne and was not impressed at all. The Bellagio is ok from the outside, but not nice on the inside and the Luxor (the most awesome hotel on the outside) looks as if it hasn't been done up since 1970s.

The strip is full of drunk idiots getting in fights and getting arrested at night.
The old strip is a good place to go get drugs if you're so inclined... or cheap hookers I hear!

Las Vegas is great for people who are into that sort of carry on and who have no sense of sophistication. If you're one of these people who can tick off Egypt, Paris and Venice because you "saw" them in Vegas then I'm sure you'll absolutely love the place.

wow, would you like some sugar lumps for that high horse of yours? dont assume anyone who enjoys going to America is some cultureless moron. I've been to Paris, and even though the museums and sights are amazing, the city itself is hole,its filthy and the people seemingly would rather stab you in the face than say hello. you can find negatives about any city or country in the world, Ireland has endless ones but it doesnt mean there arent places I dont enjoy visiting here as well, but I love visiting the States, so we'll agree to disagree.

Austerity · 13-11-2010 03:29PM

blorg wrote: »

Er, you mentioned that you went to China?

a somewhat freer country than the US.

Biggins · 13-11-2010 03:34PM

Austerity wrote: »

a somewhat freer country than the US.

O' for gawds sake, get real!

FreudianSlippers · 13-11-2010 03:38PM

krudler wrote: »

wow, would you like some sugar lumps for that high horse of yours? dont assume anyone who enjoys going to America is some cultureless moron. I've been to Paris, and even though the museums and sights are amazing, the city itself is hole,its filthy and the people seemingly would rather stab you in the face than say hello. you can find negatives about any city or country in the world, Ireland has endless ones but it doesnt mean there arent places I dont enjoy visiting here as well, but I love visiting the States, so we'll agree to disagree.

I didn't say it about all of America. I said it about Las Vegas. There are some very nice places in America: New York, Chicago, Vancouver BC, Québec, Portland, San Francisco.

I don't think Paris is dirty at all. Not that "dirt" would bother me.

Paparazzo · 13-11-2010 04:12PM

Austerity wrote: »

Why does anyone travel to America when you have to undergo humiliating treatment from TSA staff, such as going through porno scanners or possibly have one of them feeling you up. I for one will never go to America if I have to take this kind of treatment. I'd much rather go to Canada instead. Canada feels much more civilized to be honest.

You get searched going to EVERY country. TBH, I don't think its much of a loss for America

Overheal · 13-11-2010 05:41PM

OisinT wrote: »

How so? Where in the US is cheap cost of living that is worth living? You were there on J1, hardly an expert on the place :rolleyes:
I'm so sick of idiots who post replies like this with no support.

never tried living out in the country then? Alison O'myskankyapartment would probably be sitting on her own little ranch.

FreudianSlippers · 13-11-2010 05:42PM

Overheal wrote: »

never tried living out in the country then? Alison O'myskankyapartment would probably be sitting on her own little ranch.

Ah, I did say anywhere "worth living" right?

orourkeda · 13-11-2010 05:43PM

To get sucked off, drugged up, drunk and gamble my tits off in Vegas

Overheal · 13-11-2010 05:43PM

Austerity wrote: »

a somewhat freer country than the US.

Representative for Foxconn perhaps?

OctavarIan · 13-11-2010 05:45PM

OisinT wrote: »

I meant anywhere worth going (to live) does not have a cheap cost of living.

Oxford, MI.

FreudianSlippers · 13-11-2010 05:46PM

OctavarIan wrote: »

Oxford, MI.

oh god I hope that was sarcasm!

Why does anyone go to America?

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