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I'm afraid I'd need a jollier population than the Swiss.
Denmark might be interesting. It's the least religious country in Europe, and of course has top notch social services, transport, and a very friendly and intelligent population. Small, flat, so that's not so spectacular, but they always score highest on the various "satisfaction" or "quality of life" indexes.
I'm pretty subdued, so I can deal with the Swiss. Denmark wouldn't be bad either, very clean and a good standard of living, good food, less social ills than even the decent surrounding areas. And I could still visit Germany for some fast driving :shades:
One advantage that many Europeans are impressed with is the efficiency and friendliness of our service sector employees. Service sector employees in the U.S are generally trained to be more customer oriented than in most countries, and our compensation system tends to encourage and support this. Just compare the service we enjoy in our stores and restaurants with that in most countries. Also, the merchandise return policies of our retail businesses are virtually unparalleled. They're catching on in many countries, but we still lead, in my opinion.
Remember that it is preferable to do something yourself many times rather than rely on the motivation and skill of some public servant.
We can say that the models, drawings, and other ideals of the European transportation, medical, and retirement systems are better. But then a Snickers bar costs $2.50, and a BigMac is $7.00 in France.
Yes, the USA is more consumer-oriented, to which I say, "oh, yippee...."
I'd rather have the civic life, medical benefits, mass transit, love of art and science, high educational standards, and other amenities and suffer the rude waiters and surly postal employees.
I mean, you have to admit, the Swiss are pretty clever---they are a financial global powerhouse and you'd be hard pressed to even find their army.
On the negative side, if you are an American living in Europe and you aren't plugged into some sort of support network, you'll forever be an outsider.
The US has a transportation and transit system, even in many cities, which is second world at best. Something needs to change as the population continues to grow. The US does not have the highest standard of living or the best quality of life - and it certainly has the ability to make improvements as the intellectual capital surely exists.
Where in France is a chocolate bar $2.50 and a hamburger $7? The last food court at CDG or at a touristy amusement park?
I don't really fall for the superior customer service angle. The British and Germans I know openly mock the canned American style "how are you? have a nice day!" retail interactions. It's a facade...people in low paying service sector jobs are no happier in the US than anywhere else, they are just forced to smile. My interactions primarily in German speaking Europe - where people are famously cold and severe - are mixed: some people were nice and chatty, others surly and distant. But I didn't feel like someone was putting on a show to impress micromanagers.
Maybe the coldness also doesn't put me off because people in my region (pacific northwest) are famously aloof and distant - see the "Seattle chill". I'm used to it. People from the south or midwest might not see it the same.
Then it glowed again and my wife was able to spot it. Then we spotted four or five more.
Apparently fireflys (and other glowing bugs) will glow in the larva stage. And that's the first time I've ever seen a glow worm glow.
Kentucky is special..
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We climb down our mountains, not up (see Mammoth Cave)..
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We were there after Sturgis and after the schools reopened. I could imagine it getting a bit busy in high season.
I am a French guy living near Paris and I was active on the Forum a few years ago.
I, my wife and my 2 children, 15 and 13, will visit the US / North-East Coast during the first 3 weeks of July.
I haven't been in the US for quite a while. Apart from a short NY trip in 2011, this was 1998 in California.
It will be a first time for my wife and the two kids.
While the programme is not set in stone, we think about staying one week in NY, going to Washington D.C. for a day, then make a big loop that would lead us upstate NY, Montreal, Quebec, then (maybe New Brunswick ) Maine, Boston and back to NY.
Most journeys would be done by rental car (i will go cheap with a Toyota Camry or any equivalent)
Speed limits being much lower and distances bigger than in Europe, I expect travel times to be very long.
This will be the very first time I venture into such road trips. Any advice will be welcome.
I did not book any hotel along the way. I wish to drive and drop by any motel on the way when we feel it is time. The rationale behind the wish not to book is to allow myself the flexibility to extend my stay if I like the place, or to pass if I don't.
Is my thinking any realistic or did I just watch too many American road movies where protagonists never struggled to find available room in conveniently placed motels ?
Which reasonable daily budget should I consider for a 4-people accomodation ?
What should I watch out, and what would you suggest me ?
I am looking forward very much to this trip
Thank you , kind regards Valery