Some Thoughts on America

I never had the inclination to visit America. It held no attraction for me. It was big. Very big.And it was very far away.
And then a few years ago my interest in American history was awakened. In particular history in relation to the Native Americans and the Civil War.

In 2012, I realised that the TFP held an annual weekend meeting in Spring Grove in Pennsylvania, and that this was not far from Gettysburg.
I began to look at the possibilities. Using Google maps I studied the area. I had driven in Canada, and so driving in the USA would not be totally new. My GPS had USA and Canada on it. So that took care of most map reading.
My wife was quite happy to let me travel. She was not sure her back would be up to the journey.
So I made my preparations, and in late October that year, I flew from Glasgow to Newark, and from there to Baltimore. I picked up my rental car and set off. I had a most enjoyable week long stay in York Pa, and spent 3 days in Gettysburg. I even experienced a sudden an unexpected snow storm with 10 inches of snow over the first weekend.

I went back again in 2012, and travelled a bit further, spending some time in York Pa, and some time in Fredericksburg VA. I also experienced my first USA hurricane - Sandy.

And now I am back from a third visit, where I travelled even further, about 1600 miles in 12 days, visiting 4 States. So, what do I think of America? How do I see it.

I love it.It is big. It is colourful. People are generally helpful and friendly. Driving is ok, though the freeways can be scary with the drive- in- any- lane and overtake- on -any -side. .
Gas is so cheap! Automatic cars so easy to drive. Such light steering. And U- Turns!
Eating out such fun. A huge variety of places to eat. Friendly service everywhere.People use forks much more than knives,and sharing from a large dish at the table. And I loved the steak and the ribs. Applebees! Outback Steakhouse!
 Prices so much cheaper than here in the UK, though taxes are not shown in the prices and added at the end. I was able to buy a card reader for my I pad at much less than the UK price.
But like many countries, there are the rich and the poor. Leaving a Walmart, there was a man begging for food from passing cars.
People in beautiful houses, people in run  down trailer homes. Sleek cars. Rusty cars.
Huge shopping Malls spreading out on both sides of the highway. Having to drive everywhere. Sometimes even to cross the road you have to drive!
Whenever I have attended Sunday Mass, the church has always been full, with people of all ages and colours, whereas here at home Churches are so empty.

So, my love affair with America goes on. I am already wondering if I can get enough supply work to fund another visit next October.
Keep watching this space.