Howdy all. Yep, Andrew is getting all thoughtful for today’s blog. What country am I discussing today? It’s the good ol’ US of A. Why? Well, today is the 4th of July, Independence Day, the day when Will Smith and Bill Pullman save the world! And that Labrador jumps from an exploding tunnel for the most unlikely story of survival EVER!
But, please. You know, the United States of America is an incredible country, a unique country – well every country is surely unique in some way, shape or form – and one that rewards travellers who visit. But is there a more divisive country on Earth? A country that people both love and hate in equal portions? I don’t know. Frankly I think anyone who flat out loves America is just as ridiculous as someone who hates them in equal amounts. To sum up a country, ANY country, as this or that, as good or bad, it’s just not the way to think because every country has something of interest.
I’ve had bad experiences with Americans whilst travelling – a lady I met at a guesthouse in Bolivia basically refused to listen to anything I had to say because I’m Australian and we treat refugees appallingly (and as I said to her, I totally agree we do and we should all be ashamed by that) and so apparently I am responsible for governmental policies and it’s all my fault. Then there’s the opposite – in fact I have never been taken in in a country by more people and able to stay for free than the USA. Travelling in 2004 in Europe I met loads of Americans and got invited to stay with so many in Boston, Colorado, Houston, Austin and San Francisco. That showed to me that you can’t judge a book by its cover and that people are people. Because, let’s face it, Americans have a bad reputation and honestly, it’s not at all deserved.
Just as one rude person from this country doesn’t prove that everyone there is rude, any stereotype you may have in your mind about Americans just isn’t a fair way to judge everyone in America. And you know, even though some people have a different political viewpoint to you, it doesn’t disqualify them from being a good person, or that you couldn’t potentially get along with people because we all disagree on some things, that’s just a fact of life. And let’s be honest, American politics is a huge scene and its weird and there’s nothing quite like it replicated in any other country that I know of. And it has been a beacon for democracy for a long time, even if right now it possibly isn’t. The world is seeing a move towards populism as it seeks to integrate life and social media together in a meaningful way.
But beyond the people and the politics of the USA, the country itself will be an amazing destination for so many years to come because it’s diverse and varied as its people. From the Grand Canyon, to Mt Rushmore, to it’s incredible National Parks. Not to mention Hawaii versus Alaska, two extremes and two places I hope I can visit in my lifetime. And yes, very VERY different.
The cities are electric, New York City is a place you really should try to see before you die. And Washington DC too I would say. But Boston, New Orleans, Austin, San Francisco, are all cities that I think are truly brilliant places to visit. And iconic, all of them in some way – and you know because of the wealth and reach of the USA, the rest of the world has been exposed to a lot of their culture through film and TV and music and more.
So. There you have it. The USA. It’s your day. Enjoy it and enjoy the amazing country that you have! May the Journey Never End!
Andy's World Journeys 
Thanks for this post, Andy; it’s wonderful that a non-American like yourself has had fond memories in my home country. While there are many things that I don’t like about my country, I still consider it my home, and I’m proud of the diversity there is here in the people, geography, and activities to last a lifetime. Wishing you a wonderful Independence Day!
I came here to say basically this and I couldn’t have said it better!
Thanks Diana how are you?
Hanging in there. Glad things in the US are starting to open up again. How are things with you?
A bit depressed at the mo it’s very challenging we really can’t see our way out of this pandemic here. Hopefully you’ll be going places and blogging again soon!
With all the vaccine hesitancy, I fear it may be years before we leave COVID behind. Here’s to hoping things begin to improve for you soon 🤞🏼
Thanks Rebecca. I think its very different from person to person in the USA good and bad and imagine that’s the case in if not all tuen most countries on earth
I am completely with you on this way of looking at the United States, there are certainly criticisms to be made, but what country would be perfect? I have never understood this violence against a country where so many seek to emigrate. People vote with their feet and there is no migration crisis to dictatorships.
That’s very true. Hopefully things are going to smooth over in the states after the events in the last few years may take some time though
The U.S. suffers from believing its own propaganda rather than understanding reality. Good ole USA is the most brainwashed country in the world.
Hmm no I wouldn’t say that John but I know what you mean.
Hi Andy, I agree with you on this point : we need to be careful not to judge a country because of one or two persons we’ve met from there. In the UK it was more or less the same : life was tough regarding work and money but I’ve never been as much helped as I was there by many people, some of them that I didn’t even know. Both things were co-living : some kind of harshness and a huge solidarity at the same time so we need to learn how to not see things in black and white. In France for example, on the one hand, the system supports people, gives you money etc, but on the other hand, people never help each other out, even your friends from 20 years wouldn’t lend you a little bit of money in a tough moment. No one does that. So that’s always interesting to see differences and how people react in different kind of systems. Thanks for your post and I hope you’re still travelling 😉
i havent been able to travel since late 2019 unfortunately in Melbourne we are lockdown central. I have travelled to Tasmania earlier this year when lockdown was out but now its back with vengeance. Australians are basically not allowed outside Australia unless there is a reason for exemption. thanks for reading!
I love the US. I have been there more than 10 times for sightseeing, they have the best theme parks and lived there for a year as an exchange student. I had encounters where people asked me if Germany is in Sweden, one of these I have to role my eyes moments, but then I had the best time ever living there as an exchange student, attending homecoming and prom, visiting country fairs with my friends, I just loved all the after school activities and every weekend there was something happening in my village. I think we lack that here in Europe.