[_pferreir_]

I don't mean to generalize, but this is my own experience.

Sincerely, I don't know how the US manages to be the second most touristic country in the world. Travelling to the US can be a nightmare - customs, TSA, metal detectors, body scanners, etc. As a tourist, I've never felt as unwelcomed as when travelling there.

Maybe it's just a cultural thing, but I seriously got the feeling that people who work at airports, subway, or any other place that is by definition essential to tourists are unable to communicate without shouting. The fact that in spite of working at such a place most of them don't even speak a second language may contribute to that - it's like people will understand better what you say if you just say it louder. Not to mention that you are expected to know exactly how everything works, from the local language (which sometimes becomes Spanish) to how much you have to tip, otherwise people will look at you with that "oh, you must be new here" look.

Strangely enough, the common american that you find in the street tends to be relaxed, friendly and always willing to help. People will sometimes start talking to you in a pretty natural and informal way (this wouldn't happen in Europe).

So, tl;dr: services suck but once you are through the trial of idiocy that is getting into the country, you'll most likely have a good time.

[colkassad]

I moved to eastern Europe for a while and was struck by how cold and aloof people were to each other in day to day life. It took me some time to adjust; I had to tone down how I spoke with people I didn't know. No compliments or talking about the weather or coming weekend. This was easier as I started learning the language as I was naturally more self-conscious and reserved. Paradoxically (or not?) I started to make friends much faster once I started becoming more aloof myself. I have to say, it was a bit of relief not having to worry about small talk on the elevator. I also noticed that I valued my friendships much more.

On that note, the personal space thing is spot on. When speaking to friends and colleagues, they enjoyed getting a foot or so away from my face...when drinking this distance would dramatically decrease.

[a-priori]

I definitely noticed this in Switzerland with service staff (not so much with strangers in other situations though). It seemed rude first to not have a waiter/cashier/whoever strike up small talk while serving you, or for a waiter to not check on you part-way through a meal, or speak very formally with you. But once you realize it's their way of being polite, valuing your time and not being intrusive into your private life, it grows on you. I find the North American way annoying now!

[dguaraglia]

True story: first time I'm at San Jose Diridon waiting for the Caltrain to SF, I notice the platform specified in the ticket was closed. I go to the counter, and the guy there tells me to "go through that door, walk to the left, the train should depart from that platform".

I follow his instructions and can't find the platform, so I come back and ask him (very politely) "Hmm, I couldn't find the platform, was it through that door there?". His answer? He looks at me as if I had pissed on his lunch and asks "Sir, are you asking me a question, or questioning my reply?".

WTF? What had I done to piss him off? I'm obviously new to the place, I've asked similar questions in countless train stations/airports/bus stations around the world and never ever has anyone treated me like that. All I told him was "I was asking for confirmation, but thank you, I'll go ask someone else."

[tjic]

Don't judge the US by our government workers, please.

We can't stand them either.

[maratd]

They're victims of circumstance. They would be wonderful people, if only they had normal jobs.

It's the government's fault. It makes them into that.

[StavrosK]

This echoes my own experience too, down to the letter. Screw air travel in the US, but people are very friendly, at least in cities I've been.

Hell, the TSA even gave me a free massage!

[batista]

>Sincerely, I don't know how the US manages to be the second most touristic country in the world. Travelling to the US can be a nightmare - customs, TSA, metal detectors, body scanners, etc. As a tourist, I've never felt as unwelcomed as when travelling there.

That is mostly a small BS business that ends in, like, 15 minutes. Then you are in the US and you can start your travel.

I've visited the US six times, road-tripping for 40 days each time, and visited (more than once) all states but Vermont (just for lack of time, next time).

You can opt for a traditional holiday (i.e pick a place, like NY, Chicago, Miami, L.A, S.F etc) or have excellent road trips, or go explore huge natural parks.

In any case, you will find great city life, places untouched by tourism at all (e.g. I remember Langtry, TX, where the nearest shop was like 50 miles away, or Avalon, MS, where only 2-3 blues buffs a year ever venture), and generally helpful and curious folk (with the occasional idiot).

Everywhere you go with a small drive you can find 99% of anything you want (just walk into the nearest Walmart for example), and you can find places to sleep ranging from $3000 a day hotels to $30 a day motels, with even the latter being just fine compared to shitholes you can get in other countries.

What I want to say is, this TSA/Airport business is an INSIGNIFICANT part of the trip. Act along with the security theater, and it is over in a few minutes.

In contrast, there are countries where you even have to bribe some officials to get in (or to avoid trouble).

[xtracto]

>That is mostly a small BS business that ends in, like, 15 minutes. Then you are in the US and you can start your travel.

Uuhhh... I don't think so. I travelled around Europe in the 7 years I lived in two countries there, and I found it very easy to go from country to country (even to Eastern Europe countries like Bulgaria, Croatia and Serbia).

Now, due to my job, I must go the US and man... all the stuff we have to put up. For starters, to get a VISA I have to go to the ASC to give my fingerprints and photo (and I am afraid they'll ask for a surprise anal probe). THEN I have to go to the embassy to convince the officer that I am not going to stay there (who would like to, when they treat you like that?).

In contrast, going to live in Germany was a breeze, no photos, no fingerprints, a very straight and to the point questionnaire (not the huge online form in which I have to specify when was my great-great-great grandmoher in the USA).

Anyway... I have ranted too much. Now I am just hoping that it is worth it and that the visit I must do to the US is so great that I forget all this stuff.