IAmA 22yo Scottish male who asked where I should go on my first visit to the US. I’m back home now. AMA.

Question

Inkeri · Accepted Answer

Dude, I feel you on the railroads thing. I'm actually a bit of a railroad enthusiast myself - having played with model trains as a child and visiting every kind of railroad museum in existence in the united states. I find the concept of massive machine engines pulling hundreds of tons of weight great smooth conquered steel distances very appealing. Rail travel is romantic, and I can't believe that a country that contributed so much to railways and railroad technology as the United States did in the early part of the century would just choose so wholeheartedly to abandon it as a means of public locomotion. I mean, this is the country of the 20th Century Limited and the diesel locomotive - the Transcontinental Railroad! The railroad that won the West! And we've abandoned that heritage. Such a shame as a nation. Maybe we would be more competitive economically if we had invested soundly in upgrading existing infrastructure rather than demolishing it to make way for roads.

Fredericka · Answer

"While the federal gov't encouraged the car by subsidizing roads, the whole "GM killed the streetcars" conspiracy theory does not carry a lot of weight when examined critically. I really recommend this book if you are interested in the subject. FWIW, I love and use public transit :) "

Saichon · Answer

How much of the US did you travel? I agree that there are some generalizations that you can make, but there are also areas of the US that quite different than others. I am from Massachusetts. I travel to the south somewhat for work. I am a novelty where I go in the south because I visit rural areas. It's almost like I'm from another country to them. If you traveled extensively, did you notice that different parts of the US felt like separate countries? I'd find it strange if you were treated as a novelty in New York or Boston. I'd also understand why in some areas you are.

Sara Reiniger · Answer

The quality of public trains really depends on where you are. Portland, Oregon has a fantastic public transportation system, especially compared to cities like Hartford (We have fail trains).

Anke Lehrer · Answer

I don't know if you would have had the same trip had you not dodged Jersey.

Sabrina Achen · Answer

"I think it should be, "Things that struck me about the East Coast US:" You will get a completely different experience in California, Hawaii, Alaska, the South, the Midwest, the Northwest, or the Southwest. "

Guenna · Answer

The one sentiment that rings the most true is the statement about cars. People from overseas always act like we are some car crazy culture right up until they visit here and realize we don't have any choice. No car, no life.

Handesu · Answer

I was not born in the United States, but I am a naturalized citizen. So many of my friends come to the United States and seem almost shocked that Americans are some of the most friendly people they have met. I guess you all think we are Imperialist Conquistadors, who hate all foreigners. That is the government, the rich people in power, and does not accurately represent us. We may be lazy and stupid, but we are not mean.

Sophie Bauer · Answer

Came here to read more of your impressions as a foreigner, and find the thread totally filled with Americans talking about their impressions of their country.

Senay · Answer

I went to Scotland last Summer for a golf trip and at one course, my crew and I were hungry, so we asked the ladies in the pro-shop if we could order some sandwiches. They had 2 kinds, cheese or bacon (ham). I asked if I could have a bacon and cheese sandwich. They looked at me like I'd just ordered some kind of strange chimera, an alien wanting to eat his alien food. Is this typical? Do you guys not regularly eat sandwiches with both meat and cheese? What did you eat here and what did you think of our food?

Brigitte Austerlitz · Answer

The obvious question: having experienced America, do you think the stereotypes are, overall, true or false?

Laini · Answer

Hi Duncan! I'm going to Boston later this year. What do you reccomend I do there? Also - nobody wants to buy your car.

Dilsa · Answer

How did you feel about the population density and personal space? I had a friend who went to Scotland for a work trip and was so taken aback by how empty the towns felt.

Kristin Cole · Answer

Next time!

Kaisa-Riitta · Answer

you asked reddit on where to visit? So how did you enjoy the gay strip club?

Lam · Answer

Very flattering, thank you! No blog but maybe I should start one about kilt freeballing and haggis sightings

Brianna · Answer

""The sheer scale of everything - wow. Everything is... bigger." - That's what she said? "

Bradford · Answer

The two things I hate most about my country: going through U.S. customs when returning home and Amtrak

Ondrea · Answer

How many douchebag bros in Boston with Red Sox caps and shamrock tattoos asked if you were from Ireland?

Frazier · Answer

What was your impression of the prices here? Did anything stand out to you as particularly expensive or inexpensive?

Deyana · Answer

When you came to America, how did you expect it to be? I mean, I know people from other countries kind of lay it out like we are all scum or something...Like, were you told it was going to suck?

Stefanie Brandt · Answer

We Americans are madly in love with all UK accents. Did you have a hard time fighting off hordes of people trying to have sex with you once they heard your voice?

nille · Answer

Where can I hire a car?

aslaug · Answer

As a Canadian who visited Scotland I went through a very pleasant time as well. More so than England, well specifically London. No offense guys, but that city blows lol. It drizzled for four days straight, smells like shit (which I never understood why), the world class tube was more annoying than useful, people are rude, food tastes like crap, could barely understand people, and uber lack of hygiene in most people. I thought all of the above was a stereotype until I saw it myself. The surprising thing was I had a much easier time communicating with Scottish folks. The Scotch was phenomenal, people are really friendly, beautiful country side (climbed Arthur's mountain - mountain biked it and almost got arrested :P) and the country has an amazing history - short of claiming Tipu Sultan as their own royal crown jewels. Like wtf.

Bethanne · Answer

We're really as fat as the world thinks we are. Well, most of us.

Figen · Answer

so....do you have cars in scotland?

Annelore · Answer

decided against informing her that we really do have modern technology, and that Scotland in fact invented the telephone, the television, flush toilets and capitalism.  And there's me thinking all we had to thank you for was pigs intestines and man skirts.

Anne-Berit · Answer

I find your experience with customs funny, because I drove over the US/Canadian border by myself for the first time a few weeks ago (about 20 minutes away from my house) and it went exactly the same going into Canada. I feel like sometimes, they just like to fuck with you. Anyway, where did you go in Vermont and what did you do there?

Jacquetta · Answer

"my friend asked, "What's the 1/2 Chicky Dinner?" my (very gay) waiter responded, "WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK IT IS?!" (answer: 1/2 a chicken. made much more sense in context. also, hilarious) "

Felecia · Answer

I went to the one in San Antonio, TX. The experience is completely up to your server. If they are awesome at it and you/your party are ready to have fun, it's a good time and unique experience. In all other cases, it feels artificial and frustrating.

Annaleena · Answer

I'm a Scot who came to live here with my American wife about 5 months ago - and I think you are spot-on with most of your observations. Especially the one about needing a car. Truly you are fucked in the USA if you don't own a car.

ZULEMA · Answer

The East Coast?  Oh God. Please! See the West! Start with the Grand Canyon and end in the Pacific. On a boat. By yourself. Avoid all humans.

Sinja · Answer

Did you get asked if you knew Susan Boyle? or lived near her? (fellow scot here.)

Ozden · Answer

Where did you go in Boston?

Gwenni · Answer

I read this all out loud in my terrible Scottish accent.

Ulla-Maj · Answer

Well this is really accurate I would say. I'm an American who used to live in England. I think everyone should travel abroad. It's very culturally enlightening. I'm glad you had a good time on your travels here and made the effort to understand Americans.

Reagan · Answer

"Regarding the urban grid topology, cities that have one are generally the ones where you need a car the least, as they tend to be much more walkable and bike-friendly. I live in one such city and get around by bike, not even owning a car. The cities that are hell to bike in and that require a car are the post-WWII suburbs, which have a "tree" topology, where only busy six lane streets go through and most side streets terminate unexpectedly into cul-de-sacs (a fancy term for "dead end"). "

Dorthy · Answer

Your vacation was the stereotypical stereotype-breaking journey. Thanks for checking us out!

Kristin Hofmann · Answer

Damn im an hour and a half out from asheville. Could have pointed you around a few places. Glad you had fun though.

Goldi · Answer

Don't want to split hairs, but the telephone is actually a Canadian invention - Bell was a Scottish-Canadian immigrant living in Canada when he invented it. OURS!

Laura Eberhart · Answer

"I've only been once, but I got "Hung like a midget in snow" "

SONYA · Answer

"When I went, my hat said "Easier to get into than community college." A friend of mine's said "I love blowing bubbles!" And her boyfriend's said "Hi, I'm Bubbles!" "

Manuela Bader · Answer

There are a few restaurants like that in the states. One sad example is Wiener Circle in Chicago. The northern side of the city is almost exclusively upper-class white and they come to the diner to yell at black people.

Helge · Answer

"My friends paper hat read " I blow bubbles" and then another friend of mines hat read "Hi, my name is bubbles." "

Merle · Answer

I just got back from Scotland, regarding immigration they asked a very similar list of questions on my way into the UK.

Brigitte Bieber · Answer

I live in Durham, NC, and I don't approve of our 400 lb spokes woman.

Hanna-Katri · Answer

" >"Do you have Subway [the sandwich shop] in Scotland?!", I was breathlessly asked... I decided against informing her that we really do have modern technology, and that Scotland in fact invented the telephone, the television, flush toilets and capitalism.  Don't take it personally. I am from the west, Idaho/Utah to be specific, and Americans from the east coast still ask me if the cities I live in have malls, movie theaters, and even (I am completely serious) cars. What did you eventually tell the woman in the bus that you were speaking with?  "

Malen · Answer

the idea of having to fight for your liberty is thoroughly ingrained into the American psyche  this. i tell people this all the time. thanks for letting me hear it from someone from another country

LEIGHANN · Answer

""Fighting" for our freedom isn't quite right. "Struggling" for our freedom is more accurate. Being from MA, we grow us hearing about history and the pilgrims and what not. The simple fact is that those that came to the New World, as Pilgrims, risked everything and crossed the ocean just so they could practice their religion. That's damned stupid and ballsy. That's America. And it just gets dumber and ballsier from there. You struggle, you work, you endure, and you make your own way in the world.  We think that's how it ought to be. We don't want anyone else besides ourselves to dictate what we can do or become.  "

Kourtney · Answer

Did you kiss an American? If yes, how was it? If no, why not?

Carlton · Answer

Having experienced America, I would be curious to know what you would recommend to Americans wanting to travel to Scotland. What aspects of Scottish life and culture do you think Americans (and foreigners in general) would get a kick out of?

JESENIA · Answer

Just wondering how much it all cost? What kind of accomodation you stayed in? And all that jazz! Thinking of going over there from ol' Blighty myself and was just curious. Where abouts in Scotland are you from?

Gerianna · Answer

A picture or two worth sharing?

Sandra Schiffer · Answer

You know, as an American citizen I have come to a conclusion about our rationale about freedom/liberty/etc. Our founding fathers fought against the largest empire in the world for independence, twice. We fought against each other in the Civil War, brother against brother, for what we believed was right. We fought and dealed our way to control land all the way to the West Coast. We were dragged kicking and screaming into World War I and fought our way to super power status. It's built into society that we have to fight for everything and it's always an uphill battle, under dog etc. That's why we always route for the under dogs in sports. It's just sad that more often than naught, we go a bit overboard and force other countries to see things our way when that's not the way the world works.

Simone Schmid · Answer

I was taken aback by how often it would be useful to know Spanish.  So are a lot of Americans.

Loralee · Answer

Thank you for posting in this subreddit. Your post will be preserved for all of eternity in our climate-controlled warehouse located next door to the historic Plymouth Rock in the bustling downtown area of Plymouth, the doorstep of the New World. It will be cared for and supervised by nano-Pilgrims during the day and tucked in by the ghost of Paul Revere each night.  Cordially, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Tanja Dresner · Answer

" Before I visited the US I couldn't quite understand why America was so impassioned about deploying hundreds of thousands of troops globally to defend this ephermal concept of "freedom". Now I see that the idea of having to fight for your liberty is thoroughly ingrained into the American psyche, because of its history. Congress apparently feels that they are doing the world a favour by deploying troops everywhere.  So I have to ask, what do you think about that? Does it challenge what you thought of us before your trip?  "

Debera · Answer

To be fair, in the NE United States Dunkin Donuts is serious fucking business.

Ann-Carine · Answer

Did you get a lot of positive attention from the ladies due to your accent? Many European guys I've met tend to play it up and the chicks flock to them. What was your impression of the American girls in general?

Eeva-Riikka · Answer

you should've ended your trip in Arizona, where you could've gotten a free ride back home

Brigitte Kalb · Answer

America is ... really too big and too diverse to simmer down to a succinct summation of its culture and achievements.  As someone who has lived his entire life in the U.S., I think you're absolutely right. And if I could change one thing about this country's infrastructure, incidentally, it would be to finally create half-decent rail travel. So frustrating.  Anyway, finally to ask a question: did you feel like there was a big, obvious cultural difference between New England and The South?

Sufia · Answer

Immigration control was very paranoid.  Imagine how much worse it would be if you were brown with a muslim name, instead of white with a scottish accent.

Anniina · Answer

your name is like dunkin donuts LOL

Olimpia · Answer

I'm glad you enjoyed your trip (or at least that's how I read it). I'm surprised you found the use of Spanish so prevalent in the places you visited. Just wait until you come to the southwest. From Texas to California you really don't need English at all. How did you find the food on your travels? Anything unexpectedly positive or negative?

Manda · Answer

I once heard a good analogy comparing the U.S. to Europe in terms of size and history. 100 years to the U.S. is old like 100 miles to Europe is far.

Qamar · Answer

You should post this again, in /r/IAmA this time.

Jose · Answer

Glad you had a good time =) May I ask where you went in Vermont? I've lived here my entire life, and am curious as to where you might have gone.

Meta · Answer

I was met with shock when I told someone I had never seen a baseball game.  let me guess, this happened in boston...

Eerin · Answer

I don't understand why. The Blue Ridge parkway is the most beautiful road in the country! I'd much rather visit picturesque mountains than some crowded city overpriced city like NY.

Bara · Answer

Can you say Nags Head? Only Virginians come down there, but people from NC and VA are one in the same, can't really tell who is a tourist.

Susanne Konig · Answer

Visit the west coast next time it's basically a different country

Grete · Answer

Thanks for the feedback! I'm surprised you ended up visiting my small college town (Hanover) out of everything you could've seen in the US, but I hope you enjoyed it there. The townspeople can be a bit stuffy, but most of the students are very laid-back and great to hang out with.

Blythe · Answer

How'd you like the food?

Nigar · Answer

immigration officers are trained to agitate you. If you show any signs of being particularly uncomfortable, they might pull you aside.

Blakelee · Answer

America is an awesome place and really too big and too diverse to simmer down to a succinct summation of its culture and achievements (maybe everywhere in the world is)  This is what I tell people all the time. I mean you even went to a small section and saw the diversity.  A lot of people I've met in my travels outside of the US have no desire to ever come here. It's so disappointing because it's truly beautiful here. I'm not saying America isn't without it's faults, but it's natural beauty is amazing, and some of the people are incredible.  I love traveling abroad because hopefully I change a few minds about the stereotypical 'american'.

GUADALUPE · Answer

"I chuckled at the fact that you used the word "y'all" in your post. Well done. "

MAGEN · Answer

I met a couple of Scottish people in Boston a few weeks ago and talked to them about Deadmau5, Tiesto, Ibiza, and The Celtic FC soccer game happening. This wouldn't happen to have been you, would it?

SOOK · Answer

At times I did feel treated like a bit of a novelty. You're foreign yet you're white and a native English speaker? lol wut  Okay, I LOLed. Guilty.

Trace · Answer

Thanks for visiting North Carolina, we tarheels would like to have you back anytime!

Aala · Answer

I'm extremely glad to hear that we didn't completely destroy any respect and interest you had in America. I always hate to learn of a non-American coming for a first visit and having the unfortunate luck of only running into the many douche bags that sadly also inhabit this nation. I truly am glad you came away with a positive image of the United States. I, for one, thoroughly enjoy learning about other countries and cultures and encourage other Americans to do the same. Hopefully you will be back for a second visit!

ROSENDA · Answer

YOU SHOULD TRY AND MAKE IT TO THE MID WEST AND WEST COAST AND THEN YOU WILL REALLY UNDERSTAND HOW DIVERSE WE ARE. THEN GO TO RURAL TEXAS AND BLOW YOUR MIND

Cajs-Marie · Answer

Gee...well, thanks. Most times we just hear about how much our government supposedly sucks and how we're all fat and lazy and throw money and food away and we all drive sports-cars and own KFC franchises that also offer abortions but only to gay couples that work in PR for BP...so it's nice to hear what we're actually really like...anyway, thanks!

Lynnea · Answer

I adopted 2 older kids (12 and 14) from Ukraine in 2002... First thing I did was take them to Subway. They did not know what to do...all the choices...and they only spoke Russian so I did my best to explain. Everyone in line was happy to wait as they just could not believe there was a place like Subway anywhere in the world. Just thought I'd share my Subway experience.

Madona · Answer

Should have gone to the West Coast. :)

Gino · Answer

How'd you like chapel hill? I go to school down the road (Duke) and I've been around some...maybe you drove through Durham at some point? :3 Also, having lived out in California for 7 weeks I'd say if you ever come back definitely visit the west coast. Best weather in the US imo (unless you like skiing, then its Utah!)

Charline · Answer

"People in the UK asked me if I own a gun, and if I feel safe walking around the streets because of "all the shootings." Still, we do have a high number of idiots per-capita unfortunately.  "

MIGDALIA · Answer

Next time you visit you should come out to the west (California, Pacific Northwest, Utah, Colorado, etc.). It is another shade of the states that is worth exploring.

Leonie Pabst · Answer

How does US political hysteria (teabaggers, birthers, fox news, etc.) compare to what you'd been led to expect in the UK media? Did you meet anybody who was on the far right politically here, and if so did you still find any common ground?

IAmA 22yo Scottish male who asked where I should go on my first visit to the US. I’m back home now. AMA.

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