Americanisms!

hi

Always so disappointing. We've had that too: we went up Snowdon in the thickest mist ever (our only day there) couldn't see a thing, and out to - can't remember which island now from North Berwick - to see the puffins and they had left 'as one' a couple of hours prior. We saw a few on the wing.

We had three days in Cape Town last November. Apparently there were plenty of whales around the week before we went. And probably the week after!

Here you go, I see they call it 'land based whale watching' ifoundafrica.com/inspiration/

lucky you ariadne

Going there sometime this year, when we return to SA! I hope.

NFK there is a coastal town in South Africa, called Hermanus where the whales come right in, you can see them in the bay from the promenade. They sometimes appear to look straight at you, they are so close inshore.

We started our trip on the 2nd Sep, I remember that because it is our wedding anniversary. I loved seeing the whales or even just knowing they were there. We saw them every day.

What time of year did you go for whales?

riverwalk sorry but I've only just got back on this thread! No, we didn't, missed that one (Hearst Castle), but I have heard all about it. It was a wonderful trip though. As we drove along there were whales that were going in the opposite direction on their migratory route from south to north and we would stop on the side of the road and watch their spouts. Loved it. I LURVE America .

As to the differences between our countries, the main ones we noticed were negotiating cross roads - no roundabouts, breakfasting on coffee and doughnuts in small hotel receptions, people really wearing cowboy hats and high heeled boots and chatting about rodeos - and in the same town the main road was so wide when you crossed at a junction you picked up a flag one side, held it aloft as you crossed and the cars stopped for you.

We've had a couple of holidays - one a month long - meandering around the national parks from the Grand Canyon, through the Navaho lands, Monument Valley. Arches, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Bryce etc. Fantastic! Amazing! It's an incredible country. Incredibly welcoming people too - although many didn't appreciate how wonderful a country they live in.

you all are so kind! I'm looking forward to meeting you guys and getting to know you. I feel so welcome.THe time change may delay my comments but I'll check in on you.Hope to learn from ya also.

Thanks again,I just woke up and my eyes are weary. I just couldn't get to sleep! I'll write later when I can see better. I'm so glad you enjoyed your vists.

Oh, and hello there, enviousamerican! A warm welcome to you.

We loved SF! But have to say, we love America. Last visit (apart from the usual trips to Minnesota) was New Orleans and Arizona. Stunning!

Envious SF was the first American city I visited, way back in 1983..... Notice that I am adopting American usage just talking to you
We lived in Hongkong at the time and should have been going back to the UK for our annual leave, but I couldn't face it, staying in relatives' houses with a 6 year old, a 3 year old and a six-month old baby. I told DH I wanted to see rivers, mountains, forests and beaches and found a brochure about Oregon. After flying into SF we drove through Northern California and up into Oregon, saw Crater Lake and many other beautiful places. Then we came back via the Oregon coast - breath-taking in its splendour.
We all agree it was the best holiday ever (except for the baby who is annoyed that she has no memory of it) and we were met with nothing but friendliness and courtesy everywhere we went.
So although I felt sad when I realised that DS had gone to the US for good, I can understand why
We try to combine our visits to him and his family with a little holiday somewhere - you've made Tenessee sound very inviting

Something that doesn't always occur to us in our little country: the USA is so big that San Fran must seem almost as 'foreign' to you as it does to us! I was fortunate in finding a fairly inexpensive downtown hotel, about 100 yards from where the cable cars turn around and right opposite the back of Macy's.

my only child lives in San Fran,so far away only place he can do what he loves.Maybe some day that will change. It's one of the most expensive places to live. Sob.. Can't afford to move there! Luckily I see him Christmas,Thanksgiving and birthdays in May.I did see San Fran on my honeymoon. Liked it also.

Welcome, EnviousA. I seem to be an exception in having no relatives in the USA - apart from a cousin in Florida. I haven't travelled extensively in the States, though I did manage to spend a week in San Francisco on the way to New Zealand a few years ago and was most impressed. It'll be good to get to know you.

spelling never has been a gift of mine.I also wanted to tell you,people don't wear cowboy hats and cowboy boots. You see visitors from out of town wearing them.Makes them stick out like a sore thumb. I have never been to Texas but I bet they wear them in their small towns.We are famous for our abundant lakes,parks and hills.A great place to raise a family,good schools also a lot of churches.Lived most of my life here.

Hello envious and welcome to Gransnet. Acquaintances of mine travelled through Nashville when they were on holiday in the States last year and said the people there were the friendliest they had ever met.

(Teaching English to foreigners messes with your mind! I just had think very hard to work out why the word 'aqaintance' didn't look right!! Argh! Help!)

Welcome Envious A. We have very dear friends in Virginia and love the States. It's the open hearted welcome and enthusiasm which is so enhancing to life.
One of the things that struck us most was that when anyone here in England asks us how we are, the response is often:

Mustn't grumble

Whereas across the pond it's :

I'm good!

Envious; I know I'm boring everyone senseless about this at the moment [including myself] but I'm currently off work and watching lots of Ken Burns documentaries about American history which means I'm a bit obssessed with America and it's history so I may be asking you lots of questions in the future . Welcome.

thanks for the welcome!!! I hope the time difference won't be a problem.Nashville is a very friendly town.A lot of people who visit decide to move here. We have all seasons but our summers can be hot! snow maybe once or twice during the winter. Less than when I was little which is fine with me.Its very save in most areas,but we have had over 1,000 highway deaths last year in the state!so sad. Do you notice a certain time people post?