I love visiting the US and after my trip to Macedonia last year, it made me really appreciate having the same language (well, almost).
What I don't like about the USA -
- Immigration on the East Coast. My only West Coast entry into LAX went very smoothly! And probably the most polite customs official ever! Where as the East Coast ones can be like eating at Wong Keys - if you don't get abused you feel cheated!!
- Tipping. I appreciate it's part of the culture and staff in some cases don't get wages, but when a place whacks on a 20% "service charge" and then leaves the "gratuities" line open, it doesn't get my respect or money.
What I do like about the USA-
- Rich variety of food - if you know where to look, ie past the chains etc.
- Shopping - nuff said!
- TV - Loves seeing episodes of my fave TV shows before they are shown in the UK (admittedly that's happening less and less now with shows broadcast with a few days of US launch).
- The People - Generally I've come across some really nice people and my radar normally warns me of ones that I wouldn't trust.
- The Landscape - Have only recently done the Grand Canyon and want to do Yellowstone and more someday.
- The Cities - probably the same reason why I felt so at home in London when I moved here (thanks to EastEnders!
) is that via film and TV you already have some idea of what to expect when you land there - just don't be watching a movie from to long ago as it's probably changed a bit since then!!
I wouldn't limit my self to the US, but can see it becoming an "easy holiday option" as I get older when I don't want to struggle with the language issues any more.