Category Archives: The United States of America

America

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Oh, say does that Star – Spangled Banner yet wave
Over the land of the free and the home of the brave?

What can I say about the country I spent the first 40 years of my life in?  Well I guess I would have to say that I, like many Americans are not very happy with the way things are going there now. But that would require a long political discussion and this blog is about travel and not politics.  Unfortunately they do sometime go hand in hand. With a legislative body dedicated to doing nothing but thinking of new laws to pass, some as inane as it is illegal to cut off a cow’s tail, it truly pays to know the laws before traveling there. To elaborate on the laws in America. I don’t think most Americans know all the laws established here.

When I lived  in Thailand a few years ago, I read on the internet about how America passed something like thirty thousand new laws that year.  The thing to remember is that America is a Republic with Democratic overtones. China is a Republic with Communistic overtones. My pledge of allegiance when I was a child was: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the REPUBLIC for which it stands. One nation under god, indivisible, for Liberty and Justice for all.”

Now I think over the years, with the separation of Church and state, the term under God has been removed. But never has this said “and to the DEMOCRACY for which it stands”.  This means it is a police state and as such most Americans will see the inside of a jail cell at least once in their lives.

We have starving children homeless on our streets. Yet we worry about helping the rebels in Libya and of fighting an incredible war in the Middle East that was really never any of our business to begin with.  We spend our time passing laws to make our society equal for everyone and to try to take the hate crimes and the violence out of it. Yet I believe that America is one notch below Mexico in the most dangerous place that I have ever lived.  We have now killed bin Laden and are having debates on how ethical it was to take this man out and to execute him.

My God, violence is a part of the world and these people have no problems taking American Citizens, cutting off their heads and posting it on the internet.  What happened to showing the world that we are strong?  What happened to the Inglorious Basterds way of making these people fear us?  Now we have become the laughing stock of the world and we are losing our position as a super power.  What will happen when these other countries over run us? Even the greatest superpowers of the world have lasted a short time. What happens to all of our laws and the alienation we cause our own?  What will the world be like then?  Isn’t it time to take a lesson from the bible and remove the thorn from our eyes before we attempt to remove the splinter from theirs?

I’ve learned a lot of things the world could live without that America brings with its culture. But that will be a topic for another page.  As dangerous as America can be, and if you read all the news that American media spits out (one of the things I believe the world would be better off without) you will find that America is probably one of the most dangerous countries to live in.  I mean let’s face it, one wrong turn in a city or being in the wrong place at the wrong time could lead to an untimely death, beating, or mental and physical scar for the rest of your life

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Now with all of that being said, I would like to steal 10 cc’s lyrics and say.  “I don’t like America, but I do love her.”  And here is why. America has some of the most diverse and amazing landscapes’ in the world.  From the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean there are some of the most interesting and beautiful places in the world.  Los Angeles, Hollywood and Disneyland in California are something that every one should see.  The diversity in people and languages can not be equaled anywhere else in the world.

One of the man made wonders of the world is Las Vegas Nevada. I say that because its built in a desert most thought could never be inhabited. Bugsy Siegel lost his life proving it could be. However, with the resilience of the American people and some help from the Mafia, the City of Lights is one of the most incredible places in the world that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.

Being situated in a valley with soaring mountains behind it, Salt Lake City is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in the world.

The Grand Canyon in Arizona and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming are two of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Living on this planet without seeing them and learning about them would indeed be a shame.

Colorado is my home state. The Rocky Mountains run through it. Not only does it have some of the greatest snow skiing in the world, it also has some of  the most beautiful scenery anywhere you could travel.  Take the drive from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek. Cripple Creek’s location is in the bowl of an ancient volcano.  As you drop into that bowl, you can view the entire continental divide stretching from New Mexico to Utah. Tell me that’s not the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen.

New Mexico hosts Roswell where the conspiracy of space aliens are still in the air and Carlsbad Caverns boasts some of the most impressive underground views in the world.
Texas is the largest State in America, and as such has some of the most diverse scenery there is.  From the western plains and the oil fields to the Hill country outside of Austin, (where you will find Lake Travis, Lake Buchanan, and a string of lakes found on the old LBJ ranch), to the Pine trees of Eastern Texas. There is something here for everyone.

The people of Texas are some of the proudest people in America and proudly display the star of Texas on all the gates leading to their domicile as well as flying the Texas flag in front of their homes. The term “Don’t’ mess with Texas” is taken very seriously in these parts. And its no wonder why these people feel the way they do.  This is a state with large ranches and beautiful countryside. And lets not forget the Alamo. These attractions shouldn’t be missed. If you’ve never tasted Texas Bar-b-Que or Whataburger, might I suggest these taste sensations are worth the trip itself.

Branson Missouri is the Grand Ol Opry capitol of the world. In Memphis Tennessee you will find Elvis Presley’s mansion Graceland. Beal Street, which is where the blues was born, still remains one of the greatest blues music streets in the world. Its also a place that Elvis Presley himself used to spend his time on when he wasn’t on the road or spending time in his beloved home.

New Orleans is the birthplace of American Jazz. A trip down Bourbon Street will give you a taste of what its evolved into. It will also give a special treat to you ears.  It’s also the site of one of the greatest hurricane disasters in American when hurricane Katrina made her way onto their shores. And of course, Its the site of Mardi Gras. One of the greatest festivals you could ever attend.

The Great Smoky Mountains are another beautiful mountain range. They run along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.  It’s the only place I’ve seen a town with the proud and prominent name of “Buck Snort.”

The northern, East Coast is a Mecca of history. With the original 13 colonies being found there, it also has sites of some of the greatest battles of the civil war.  Here you can take tours through these sites and learn about this tumultuous time in our history. A history lesson while you have fun. What a great idea! You can find the original slave quarters in Charleston South Carolina. This is where the slave traders would bring slaves, house them and put them up for auction.  This is indeed a very dark part of American History. But as they say; those who don’t learn from past mistakes are will surely to repeat them.

New York City is of course one of the cities that everyone knows and would like to visit.  And who can blame them?  With amazing architecture, shopping, entertainment, and social diversity its truly one of the greatest cities every built.

Florida houses Disney World which is indeed the happiest and cleanest place on earth.  It also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world found on the Gulf of Mexico side as well as on the Atlantic Ocean side.  Of course it is also home to one of the most famous spring break destinations called Fort Lauderdale. Daytona Beach is the site of the Daytona 500, of one of the greatest car races in America.

The citizens of America are some of the friendliest and most considerate people in the world. When there is a problem or crises we do love to chip in and help.  I still consider America to be one of the most dangerous places in the world to live. But if you watch the neighborhoods you’re in, and use some common sense, you could come away knowing that we are some of the kindest people you will ever meet.

America, America, God shed his grace on thee and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!

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Airport Etiquette

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I was reading through some of my papers the other night and found my rules of Airport etiquette I had written about 15 years ago.  I was traveling primarily in America during the time I wrote this. And I think all the planes and hotel rooms had been getting the best of me.  However, as time has passed I have learned that these rules should apply everywhere in the world and decided that this would be a great story to share with you.  So please enjoy and without further adieu I give you…

AIRPORT ETIQUETTE

So my flight to Minnesota went well today and I already can’t wait to get back home on Saturday.  I’m sitting in my hotel room now waiting for the festivities to get started. I’ve always found it interesting and fun watching people and thinking of my own observations of life and the things around us.  I understand that we as human beings have a very high opinion of ourselves. But it never ceases to amaze me the animalistic behaviors we can exhibit.  We really are not that far from being out of the caves.

Have you ever stopped to think about how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things?  I mean with all of the galaxies and planets out there and the length of time they have been there, why the hell do we still believe that we are the center of the universe?  I mean isn’t this life meant to be fun and for us to create the things we want?  So why are we so hung up with society, money, power and all of the things that cause wars?

Oh well, enough of my ranting and raving.  What I really want to say is that I think when we’re flying we should be required to follow some simple rules of etiquette.  Below is what I believe should be THE LAW.

1. Pushing and shoving through the security gate will not get you through faster. With me in line it could get you punched in the mouth.  If my daughter is with me and you touch her it will. Likewise, yelling at the people that work there because you’re late will not help, and they don’t deserve your hate. They’re only doing their job.  Settle down, or TSA could be informed that you are a known terrorist and you need a full cavity search.

2. If, while waiting for the plane to arrive, I’m talking to someone and there is a seat open between us, don’t just sit down and pretend like we weren’t talking. WE WERE.  It’s rude and you’re an idiot.  Your mama should have taught you better than that.

3. When the plane pulls up to the tarmac, I promise you are not going to get off any faster by being the first one out of your seat and grabbing your luggage from the overhead compartment.  Relax and enjoy the moment!  You’ll get off at the same time regardless of what you do or the desperate look on your face. If an additional thirty seconds really means that much in your life, you’re going to be late anyway. Besides, you standing in the aisle looking like a caged monkey is funny to some of us and an embarrassment to you.

4. If you’re like five foot seven and weigh over three hundred pounds, that third and fourth egg Mcmuffin is not doing you any good. They will make you fatter, clog your arteries and cause you an untimely death.  Besides that, watching you shove those things in your mouth whole and then swallowing them without chewing makes some of us sick and unable to eat.

Do us a favor, step away from the counter, and go for a walk.  And on that note, if you’re a man and your belly sticks out so far that you can’t see your feet, you’re disgusting, (even to other men like me who are not gay) and you give us all a bad name.  Go on a diet and get on a treadmill, you’ll feel better about yourself and the world will be a better place for us all.

5. If there’s a sign on something that says “out of order”, and someone took the time to tape it up, odds are pretty good it doesn’t work. (Candid camera is not coming here to give you your fifteen minutes of fame and make you miss your plane.)  Trying to use it, or trying to flush toilet paper down it is only going to make the rest of us look at it. We really don’t want to see it, and no one wants to clean it up.  Please leave it alone.

6 I don’t care how pretty or handsome you think you are, you do not deserve special treatment. When you’re rude you’re ugly anyway, so get over yourself.  If you’re a woman and I’m looking at you it only means that I am fantasizing about getting down your pants and that’s all. It doesn’t mean I will try, or even talk to you. It just means that I’m thinking about it. Accept the compliment and move on.

7 If you are wearing a shirt that is showing off your tits, me, like the rest of the men in the world are going to look at them.  It does you no good to get pissed off at us. Nor does it mean we want you.  WE AS MEN LOVE TITS AND ARE JUST LOOKING.  I understand that women dress to impress other women but good God, men do exist.  I have an idea, cover them up and you won’t have the problem, or accept the compliment that we think they are spectacular and move on.

8 As a man; if you’re a woman and want to look at me while I’m walking down the hall, please do.  Check out my tits if you want.  Lol   I work hard at keeping myself fit and I promise you I will smile and get a little extra happiness in my step.  We as men love compliments and you checking us out is the best we can ever hope for.  Believe me, it doesn’t matter what you look like, if you’re checking us out, you are a ten!

9 If you see me skipping down the hall or doing my John Travolta Saturday Night Fever imitation, lighten up and quit starring at me.  You’ll only encourage me further.  And besides, life is way to short to be that serious.  We will all get to our destination and if you ever really understood the concept of time you would know that fifty years after you die, no one will really care if you were on this planet or not!

10 The rule has always been women and children first.  What happened to looking out for one another and to being a gentleman?  Have we really come to the point where we’re so busy we can’t take the time to help a little old lady struggling with her luggage or a child that is lost and looking for its mother?

Get over yourself!  The world does not revolve around you and your job.  If you can’t take a few minutes to help a fellow human being, you’re a jerk. Remember your actions when it’s you looking for help and the world is trampling you under its feet
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For the record, I love little old ladies and children. I would miss my plane to help them if it became necessary.  You might be surprised at how heartwarming their smiles are when they realize someone truly cares. So quite starring at me like they’re going to rob me of all my earthly possessions. Mind your own business and move on with your busy life.  If they need what I have I will happily give it to them. And you can rest assured it won’t cost you anything!

I know you’re all going to think I’m trying to be funny here, but these really are the things I saw at the airport today.  Kind of sad isn’t it?  And for the record the child wasn’t lost, it was just running a little behind her screaming mother.  I did help the little old lady, and I didn’t get robbed or miss my plane.  I guess God was looking out for both of us.  Amazing isn’t it?

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The United States of America

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The United States of America is part of North America.  It is a country that consists of not only 50 states but also of 16 territories.  48 of the states are contiguous and cover a vast portion of North America. It borders the Pacific Ocean to the West and the Atlantic Ocean to the East. Canada borders the North while Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico border the South.

The state of Alaska is in the northwest corner of North America. It is similarly bordered by Canada but to the east. Its across the Bering Strait from Russia to the west. The state of Hawaii is a volcanic group of tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean.

The United States of America covers 3.8 million square miles which equals 9.8 million square kilometers. This makes it the world’s third largest country by total area. It is also the third most populous country with over 324 million people, and is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations.  It’s also home to the world’s largest immigrant population.

The United States has many options to accommodate your vacation needs as it has three natural wonders located inside its borders.  One is Niagara Falls which is in New York and borders America, and Canada.  Next is The Grand Canyon, located in the state of Arizona. And finally there’s Yellowstone National Park, located in the state of Wyoming.

California, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska border the Pacific Ocean. California, Washington and Oregon offer fine sand, coarse sand and even cobbles beaches dotted along panoramic rocky cliffs.  They also offer whale watching, swimming with seals, or driving through a giant red wood forrest.  Alaska offers some great hunting, fishing and outdoor adventures.  Fish for Salmon, Hunt a Grizzly bear, or go white water rafting.  Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It offers five islands featuring some of the largest waves in the world, whale watching, or active volcanoes. And whether you like the city life or the country side, Hawaii offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Main border the Atlantic Ocean.  They all offer beautiful beaches and Florida offers Disney World too.

Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Lousiana and Texas border the Gulf of Mexico. They boast beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water.

in addition, There’s Snow skiing  and white water rafting in the Colorado, Utah and New Mexico mountains. And in Las Vegas you can gamble in the most famous gambling city in the world.

New York offers world class shopping many countries are searching for or you can find one of the most romantic places in the world when you visit Hawaii. The Great Smoky Mountains straddle the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, and in Hollywood you can literally find stars on the sidewalk while walking down Hollywood Boulevard.

There’s so much to do and see in America that one page could never get them all. But, this should give you an idea of some of the things you can do during your stay here or when your planning your vacation.