If you are from North, South or Central America and have been in Europe,
what did you like there and what didn't you like there (edit: from a culture and society standpoint)?

Just curious,
thanks

i like the autobahn, castles(dungeons are cool). nice trains too.

Well as an american who has moved here possibly permanently I like having all those other countrys so near for one. I like being immersed in a different culture and that I certainly am, my 6 year old hardly speaks english! There are many things but hard to pin down, here in Norway I like that my kids can walk to school in first grade for example. I'll try and think of more.

Edit: yeah like peta says I love the history, I remember the first time I came to europe my friends flat was in a building from the 15th century! :D

BTW my sister in law was in Riga last weekend and is selling it to us like she was a tour operator...It's so historical and lovely great architecture yadda yadda

I spent alot of time in Europe, mainly in Germany, Hungary, England and Ireland. In my personal opinion, I think Europe in general is a much better place to live than America. Many would, and probably will, argue with that statement, but I do mean it. I find that European culture is much more open-minded and tolerant to different social issues. And I love the cultural traditions that Europe carries from its long and indulgent history.

^they are definitely more open-minded than americans.

I spent alot of time in Europe, mainly in Germany, Hungary, England and Ireland. In my personal opinion, I think Europe in general is a much better place to live than America. Many would, and probably will, argue with that statement, but I do mean it. I find that European culture is much more open-minded and tolerant to different social issues. And I love the cultural traditions that Europe carries from its long and indulgent history.

I would guess it depends on where you are from in the states I lived in center city Phila PA and it was very diverse, open etc. I do miss it sometimes but now I have kids here that go to school , have friends etc so I have no intention of moving back to the states anytime soon.
And peta every year we used to go down to chinatown for chinese new year and watch the dragon dances and be pelted with fireworks in philly, something I can't do here in Norway.

I forgot and it is definately because I lived in a large diverse american city was the lack of diversity here in Norway. Anything (food and culture wise) was available only a short trip from my front door in Phila PA.

i always wanted to visit prague. europe is a lot like asia in that you can still even live in or see old world architecture. It gives a great sense of cultural history and meaning mixing the old with the new.

Unfortunately not all Europe is that open and tolerant. In Eastern Europe we have a problem with people having problems with homosexuals and the like. Mainly it's because in soviet times homosexualism was a crime and people generally still have that mindset.
Also there is less tolerance in strongly catholic countries like Poland.
I hope it will pass in time just like it did in Western Europe, we were just isolated from those cultural developments. Blood has to change.

BTW my sister in law was in Riga last weekend and is selling it to us like she was a tour operator...It's so historical and lovely great architecture yadda yadda
I'm glad she liked it. :)

I liked it all. Except Latvia.

Iwas in Italy over the summer, everything was enjoyable. Beautiful nation. The only thing I did not appreciate was that I was treated differently because I was American. I was at this restaurant in Naples, at first the waiter thought I was British, so he was friendly and came readily to our service, but later he asked where we were from, someone said America, and his attitude completly changed.

I would love to live in Europe, but why do so many people hate America?

envy

That makes sense.

Iwas in Italy over the summer, everything was enjoyable. Beautiful nation. The only thing I did not appreciate was that I was treated differently because I was American. I was at this restaurant in Naples, at first the waiter thought I was British, so he was friendly and came readily to our service, but later he asked where we were from, someone said America, and his attitude completly changed.

I would love to live in Europe, but why do so many people hate America?

americans are perceived as rude. And pompous.

Example,
american a: envy.
american b: that makes sense.
lmao

There are 300 million Americans, do people in Europe think they are EXACTLY the same?! Honestly, it's those damn Jerry Springer shows that give the American people a bad image!

american a: envy.

I wish!!!

americans are perceived as rude. And pompous.

Example,
american a: envy.
american b: that makes sense.
lmao

Apparently "european a" hates Americans. I don't hate Europeans. Ask yourself, why would you judge an entire nation from one bad incident or maybe even from what someone told you?

Apparently "european a" hates Americans. I don't hate Europeans. Ask yourself, why would you judge an entire nation from one bad incident or maybe even from what someone told you?

mwa? i just told you what that waiter was probably thinking.

Ohhhhhhhh, sorry.

I hope you didn't eat any food the waiter served you after that.

The waiter must have thought I was rude because I did not know italian, I know german, but I wonder why my family didn't decide to go there.

I hope you didn't eat any food the waiter served you after that.

He asked us once he served the food! :D

In that case I hope you didnt order dessert. :eek:

Do they still spit in the food or drink if they don't like you? :D

Europeans are a strange and alien people, with weird customs and odd accents. They don't think like you and me and they certainly don't look like us either. They practice ancient customs (i.e. human sacrifice) and they are known to eat their young under certain circumstances.

The landscape of Europe is just as alien as well. Typically, Europe has thousands of active volcanoes and green skies that rarely allow much sunlight in (possibly contributing to their odd skin color). The noxious smell of European air can be overwhelming to some, just as well, few American visitors ever go there.

A note to travelers: Europeans laws permit the immolation of law breakers, so be sure to follow all local codes strictly.

~String

To try and label "europe" is impossible and you end up with stupid comments like "It's more open minded than home" and "there is always beautiful old-world culture".

1. Many parts of Europe are severely close-minded. In fact, most of that 'old-world' culture so many of us seem to love is distinctly racist and sexist, not to mention homophobic. So while I loved living in a small town in Italy, just like China, it gets old after a while being around so many people that hate gays, think women are beneath them and consider blacks sub-human.

2. As for living amongst old-world relics, if you have money, sure. Not all of Europe is covered in castles and very few cities are genuine historical sites. Americans and tourists just think Europe is like this because they've never lived there, they only visit the cities worth seeing. Same with the comment about living in Asia. Most of my country is covered in rather unattractive mass-produced sky-scrapers, not old-China buildings. In fact, I believe my city has exactly one old-world building total.

3. If you love Europe so much, live in America and aren't rich; visit Quebec City. You'll find you receive a similar wonderful feeling as in small-town France.

The waiter must have thought I was rude because I did not know italian, I know german, but I wonder why my family didn't decide to go there.

beats me. if you know german then it would be the perfect place to go, brush up on the language and immerse yourself in the culture at the same time.

I plan to do that sooner or later. I'm working on german and spanish for future convenience. I'm surprised America doesn't require people to learn a second language, do you think we're that lazy?

To try and label "europe" is impossible and you end up with stupid comments like "It's more open minded than home" and "there is always beautiful old-world culture".

1. Many parts of Europe are severely close-minded. In fact, most of that 'old-world' culture so many of us seem to love is distinctly racist and sexist, not to mention homophobic. So while I loved living in a small town in Italy, just like China, it gets old after a while being around so many people that hate gays, think women are beneath them and consider blacks sub-human.

2. As for living amongst old-world relics, if you have money, sure. Not all of Europe is covered in castles and very few cities are genuine historical sites. Americans and tourists just think Europe is like this because they've never lived there, they only visit the cities worth seeing. Same with the comment about living in Asia. Most of my country is covered in rather unattractive mass-produced sky-scrapers, not old-China buildings. In fact, I believe my city has exactly one old-world building total.

3. If you love Europe so much, live in America and aren't rich; visit Quebec City. You'll find you receive a similar wonderful feeling as in small-town France.

there IS beautiful old world culture all around the world. I never said it was perfect, just that part exists in some way. Even people who have visited japan and other parts of asia and europe have commented on that. America is only a few hundred years old. Pfft!

Actually I think the any anti-American tendencies in Europe (note that generalizations go both ways...) arose only after the Iraq issue. Less, I think, because the US actually went to war, but rather by the freedom fries affair and the anti-European (or rather anti non-conforming allies) sentiments that arose in the US (likely overblown in both media, though).
Of course there were always jokes going both ways (I never understood why the US-France relationship, though), but I did not experience it as that bad up until then.

If you are from North, South or Central America and have been in Europe,
what did you like there and what didn't you like there (edit: from a culture and society standpoint)?

Just curious,
thanks

i didn't like that fact that they were almost all communists and living on handouts

Difficult question in light of the fact that I've only gone to Europe on vacation. Things always seem better while on holiday. Nevertheless, I much admire Italy, Ireland, Great Britain, Switzerland, and Austria. The cities are generally cleaner and far more interesting in terms of architecture. The trees are also much larger than in the U.S. Europe reeks history which gives a certain enchanting sense of place totally foreign in the U.S. Politically, Europeans seem far more relaxed and less paranoid, which is probably a good thing.

i didn't like that fact that they were almost all communists and living on handouts
i think you fail to understand just how little freedom they have.

How is a return of tax money or labor you put into a system a handout?

Depends on where in Europe. I've live in the UK, France and Germany. I like much of the history, etc. It's a bit of a dilemma to anwer if attitudes are 'more open'. On the surface, yes, but just scratch the surface and I found many Swiss, Dutch, Swedes, etc. quite liberal on the exterior but almost racist in everyday life. Fortunately there isn't an element of 'Christian self-righteousness about the racism but rather cultural.
Western Europeans have created a very efficient social welfare society...the safety net for the most part is a positive...a few warts but overall a balanced approach and inclusive. Europeans aren't as vigilant in their individual rights as Americans but the single mom in Germany with two kids has peace of mind that her family will have a decent quality of life.

When in Europe what I miss the most about Canada and the western USA is the FREEDOM to just get out and wander around without being regulated to death. European's idea of the 'natural world' is removed from reality. I like to hop in the Jeep and just 'get away' hiking, fishing, etc. without seeing other humans. Go for a hike in the Swiss Alps, etc. and there are friggin tea houses...everything is so developed and controlled. I felt at times that I was in a straight jacket. Happiness in life in Alberta or Montana, etc. can come down to something as simple as driving off road in the Jeep, popping open a beer and then shooting the empty cans off a rock. It's just a different world from the joy of touring an old castle on the Rhine and stopping off at some ancient Gasthaus for 'ein bier'. When push comes to shove I'll take the natural world over history, etc. but each to their own.

Indeed, the amount of racism in Europe is massive compared to the USA.

It's so hard to find alone time in Europe?

Actually yes, it seems that people are everywhere.

Doesn't Europe have national parks?

Depends what you mean by a park. There are national parks in Canada bigger than Switzerland.

A national park or 'nature preserve' in Europe is hardly a natural area. Usually an area protected from further development but often still including human presence or surrounded by human activity. fortunately most western European countries are quite vigilant in preserving what they do have left....some wetlands for birds, native trees and so on. Unfortunately southern Europe and Eastern Europe is 'open for business' and anything natural takes a second seat to development. If you get up into northern Scandanavia it's a bit more North American-like in but more managed and regulated and not as 'free' feeling.

Well, 44% of the territory of Latvia is covered in forests, but you can still find humans everywhere. :(

That's interesting. I could care less about being "free" in the wild. I'm a city person. But, for you nature lovers out there, I guess Europe would present a problem. Why do you love nature so much? Or conversely, why do you hate people so much?

I don't hate humans, but sometimes I wish to be alone with no-one disturbing my thoughts.
Then it's harder than in the US, you can't just take a jeep and find yourself in almost limitless wild, you have to carefully select the spot in which it will feel like in the wild, but probably 20km from you there is a living settlement, and that's less than a days walk away.

Difficult question in light of the fact that I've only gone to Europe on vacation. Things always seem better while on holiday. Nevertheless, I much admire Italy, Ireland, Great Britain, Switzerland, and Austria. The cities are generally cleaner and far more interesting in terms of architecture. The trees are also much larger than in the U.S. Europe reeks history which gives a certain enchanting sense of place totally foreign in the U.S. Politically, Europeans seem far more relaxed and less paranoid, which is probably a good thing.
:bugeye:
Huh? What parts of the U.S. have you been in? You do know that the largest trees on the planet live in the U.S., don't you?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia

Norway has lots of wilderness and little population.

Do you have any big trees?

That's a fragment of an ancient growth forest. You can't see the lack of forest for the trees! I've been in many places throughout the U.S. Most U.S. trees are fairly young due to the fact that the forests have been logged over and over again.

Do you have any big trees?

A few and best of all no bush!

That's a fragment of an ancient growth forest. You can't see the lack of forest for the trees! I've been in many places throughout the U.S. Most U.S. trees are fairly young due to the fact that the forests have been logged over and over again.

There is truth to that statement, though most of the forests in the Blue Ridge, Adirondacks and higher Rockies are still old growth. Then there's Alaska.

~String

There is truth to that statement, though most of the forests in the Blue Ridge, Adirondacks and higher Rockies are still old growth. Then there's Alaska.

~String

Is that you in your avatar???? Your one intimidating looking guy. Now I know who NOT to mess with lol.

The size of trees is more a function of species than age. The largest trees in the world are on the Pacific coast of North America from northern California (Redwoods and Sequoias) up through Canada and Alaska (Douglas Firs). They dwarf anything in Europe. The oldest trees in the world (Bristlecone Pines) are in high dry ecosystems of the American west and quite small.

So, the species of deciduous trees in Europe is different in the U.S.? I thought Europe had elms, oaks, walnuts, and sycamores just like the U.S.?

I think Europe is very nice, it has simple life and simple people. They did let Nazism take root and Communism but it is a very laid back atmospehere. oh, and best of all they are very polite.

A few and best of all no bush!

Yeah. That's what I heard too.

So, the species of deciduous trees in Europe is different in the U.S.? I thought Europe had elms, oaks, walnuts, and sycamores just like the U.S.?

There is not 'an oak', elm etc. but various species of each. Some are old world (Europe) and some new world (the Americas). Many cultivated trees in Europe (those planted on estates ) are American species. Less so the reverse but a familar tree from Europe is the apple. Even the same species planted in different ecosystems will grow differently. On the Canadian Pacific coast Douglas firs will grow well over 300 ft wheras here in Alberta, (sunny and dry) they grow a third of that.

So, the species of deciduous trees in Europe is different in the U.S.? I thought Europe had elms, oaks, walnuts, and sycamores just like the U.S.?

Both continents also have myriad coniferous trees. Most of the really impressive forests in the US consist of pine trees. For example, the Sequoia and Bristlecone forests in California, which include the biggest, oldest trees on the planet. Aspens also figure prominently.

Well, 44% of the territory of Latvia is covered in forests, but you can still find humans everywhere. :(

Once my cartographer friend was some 15km from the nearest village in the middle of a forest and he stumbled upon a gipsy tabor.

Of course that's very charming and all, but quite restless. Then there's also all the abandoned USSR military bases, old trenches and hideouts from both world wars, etc. Most of the old hideouts are in the middle of swamps on swamp islands. Sometimes you can still find skeletons or parts of them, as well as of old military equipment in the woods, and also mines, lots of mines from ww1, ww2 and USSR.

On one walk we discovered five ritual stones from the neolith period (I think) not far from an ancient castlehill. Even made in the national nature journal: http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=101&what=34

What is a gypsy tabor, and why is it charming? Of course, even speaking of gypsies is foreign to Americans. We call them bums and drifters. But, "gypsy" certainly has a romantic European ring to it.

What is a gypsy tabor, and why is it charming? Of course, even speaking of gypsies is foreign to Americans. We call them bums and drifters. But, "gypsy" certainly has a romantic European ring to it.

Wow, where did you grow up?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy

:confused:

Tabor is a name for an ethnic gypsy settlement. Horses, children, tents, thieves, mild criminal activity. It's their way of life. We didn't know such remote settlements existed though.

Well, in the U.S. And in the U.S., we don't have gypsies. (although for you technical freaks out there I'm sure there's gotta be a few gypsies in the U.S. somewhere). The closest analogy the U.S. has to gypsies are the homeless, bums and drifters. Of course, the homeless are generally various races and are not uniform in ethnicity. You still haven't answered what a gypsy tabor is? Still waiting. . .

So, gypsies are like nomadic squatters?

gypsies, roma...

have them everywhere. And since they travel only by horse and carriage they never arrived in the USA.

I answered, it's the name for a gypsy settlement. Like a village (movable houses, animals, equipment) with its people - all together they form a tabor. Tabor = community + their stuff.

I don't know what's a squatter.

gypsies, roma...

have them everywhere. And since they travel only by horse and carriage they never arrived in the USA.

Believe it or not yes there are roma in the states.

A squatter is someone who trespasses on another's land with the intent of taking up residence.

So, gypsies are like nomadic squatters?

Hardly squatters

Indian gypsies

http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/e44/896/e4489622-987d-4d3a-a5bb-cc85c890efce.large-profile.jpg

gypsies, roma...

have them everywhere. And since they travel only by horse and carriage they never arrived in the USA.


Wikipedia disagrees: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_people
300,000 in Argentina
678,000 in Brazil
80,000 in Canada

Doesn't list any significant US population.
Brazil and Argentina is because of the Spanish, there are lots of gypsies in Spain.

So, gypsies are like nomadic squatters?

They are nomads. They don't care for the location, they don't want the land, they just travel. The road is their land.

Believe it or not yes there are roma in the states.

Wikipedia disagrees: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_people
300,000 in Argentina
678,000 in Brazil
80,000 in Canada

Doesn't list any significant US population.
Brazil and Argentina is because of the Spanish, there are lots of gypsies in Spain.

obviously they are lying because there is no landbridge between Europe and the USA where horse and carriages could have passed.

Here:
By the 14th century, the Roma had reached the Balkans; by 1424, Germany; and by the 16th century, Scotland and Sweden. Some Roma migrated from Persia through North Africa, reaching Europe via Spain in the 15th century. The two currents met in France. Roma began immigrating to the United States in colonial times, with small groups in Virginia and French Louisiana. Larger-scale immigration began in the 1860s, with groups of Romnichal from Britain. The largest number immigrated in the early 1900s, mainly from the Vlax group of Kalderash. Many Roma also settled in Latin America.

probably written by the CIA.

So, the Roma are sort of like retirees who travel the country perpetually in their RVs?

So, the Roma are sort of like retirees who travel the country perpetually in their RVs?

If the retirees live a life in the shadow of society.

Sort of like hobbits? Always hiding from the humans?

Not really :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5DeZOxq9KA

Why do they keep moving?

itchy feet.

Not really :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5DeZOxq9KA

that was beautiful man.:bawl:

Video response by John99:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWeezUxIzaE

European girls are very beautiful. Well, compared to here in the States.

European girls are very beautiful. Well, compared to here in the States.

Having lived on both places, I can tell you for certain, that there is relatively no difference between the attractive peoples of either continent. Mass media has seen to it that what is beautiful in the EU is beautiful in the USA.

~String

You must've spent the bulk of your time in the UK.

I lived in Spain the first time for three months (in the Canary Islands and Barcelona-- went to the olympics) and then I spent 18 months there as a student (12 months on Tenerife and 6 in Madrid) and France for just under six months. After all that, I spent two months taking adavantage of a Eurail pass and saw most of the continent.

~String

Having lived on both places, I can tell you for certain, that there is relatively no difference between the attractive peoples of either continent. Mass media has seen to it that what is beautiful in the EU is beautiful in the USA.

~String

aren't you gay?

Yes, yes. The whole gay thing. Because gay people don't have the ability to see a beautiful woman. Who do you think takes all their pictures, does their makup, dresses them and choses which shots go in which magazines? Guess what, it ain't the straight boys.

(besides, I could have been talking about men, anyways... notice that I used the neutral word, "people")

~String

Yes, yes. The whole gay thing. Because gay people don't have the ability to see a beautiful woman. Who do you think takes all their pictures, does their makup, dresses them and choses which shots go in which magazines? Guess what, it ain't the straight boys.

(besides, I could have been talking about men, anyways... notice that I used the neutral word, "people")

~String

all I am saying is that maybe your female beauty appreciation center in the lower frontal prehind cortex could be knackered and hence you are not a reliable judge.

I believe it was Watson who said that this might be a possibility.

Having lived on both places, I can tell you for certain, that there is relatively no difference between the attractive peoples of either continent. Mass media has seen to it that what is beautiful in the EU is beautiful in the USA.

~String

See... I know you're the one with the experience, and I am not. I've only been to Canada. But if Canada is anything like Europe... then the chicks are way hotter than they are in the States. It's simple really. They just have a much lower incidence of obesity. So there may be lots of chicks who, in theory, might be good looking girls under varying definitions of excess layers of adipose. But in Europe, and I know in Montreal, there's just not such thing as obesity. So as a result, the girls who would be hot under all of that fat, are. Because there are no fatties. In Montreal, literally, every other girl I saw, even the 30 and 40 year old women, were very good looking. Like maybe more than 50%. Here in the States? Ahh, I don't want to talk about it.

Obesity is rising in the UK. Fat chicks rule.

Obesity is rising in the UK. Fat chicks rule.

Been once in the UK. Spend several days in York. Haven't seen a single beautiful woman since I was there.

In my experience, only a certain percentage of any population is "beautiful". That percentage, IMHO is roughly the same in Europe as it is in the States. Though, I will admit that the portion of the population who fill the "ugly quotient" is less in Europe due, in part, to the fact that they eat right and seem to get exercises. This fact may skew the overall average of the entire continent.

~String

Well, in the U.S. And in the U.S., we don't have gypsies. (although for you technical freaks out there I'm sure there's gotta be a few gypsies in the U.S. somewhere). The closest analogy the U.S. has to gypsies are the homeless, bums and drifters. Of course, the homeless are generally various races and are not uniform in ethnicity. You still haven't answered what a gypsy tabor is? Still waiting. . .

Yes there are Gypsies here, even nomadic ones. I went to one of their car washes recently... and nothing was missing from my car afterwards! LOL

Wikipedia disagrees: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_people
300,000 in Argentina
678,000 in Brazil
80,000 in Canada

Doesn't list any significant US population.
Brazil and Argentina is because of the Spanish, there are lots of gypsies in Spain.

I've never seen a gypsy in Canada. Must all be ex-gypsies. Or maybe they all got the religion and turned into Hari Krishnas....mind you, don't see them anymore either.

"Let's load up the wagon and head to the next town...be there by next Spring"

I've only been to Canada. But if Canada is anything like Europe...

No, it's not. Canada is much more similar to the United States than it is to Europe.

Canadian women are definitely hot, but this has no bearing on anything in Europe.

i think you fail to understand just how little freedom they have.

excuse me?

You heard me.

You heard me.

Care to elaborate?

Nick is saying they have no freedom to be hot in.