Is it really that different?
- narrow streets,
Yep. Most streets were laid out before the US became U, and for some reason most people are opposed to having their house torn down in order to build a wider street
- old buildings,
Depends. Mostly, on what was bombed/burned/otherwise demolished during WWII. A few buildings have survived since before Columbus was born.
- people sitting about drinking wine
Sure. What's so strange about that?
- and signs in all sorts of strange languages
Errrmmm.... you know that not everywhere in the world is spoken English? Ok, the UK has also some areas with signs in Welsh, which do look somewhat strange for everyone not from Wales...
- They said the food was completely different everywhere they went
Of course. It's called 'local specialities'.
- and that people get around on bicycles and trains
How else? That's what both bikes and trains are there for (as opposed to cars, which apparently are built for standing in a traffic jam)
.
Ya, it's different alright.
No strip malls on every corner and no Taco Bell or In & Out's.
Sad thing though is they now have Subway sandwich, TGIF Friday's Burger King and of course there is always the Mickey D's.
Slowly but surely it is becoming more and more like the US, makes me wonder why I even bothered moving overseas at times.
It depends what part of Europe you travel to. London is going to be way different than Rome. Certain cities are going to be more modernized than others. Honestly, I found it fun to travel to places with older architecture and new foods. It will give you a new perspective on America. If you do decide to travel, London is probably the city closest to the United States. Have fun!
Yes Europe is very very different - the first thing is the History of Europe from Ancient Greece through Ancient Rome and then on through European History into the modern era.
While it is true some American things have stuck, they are seen by most of us here in UK and also in Europe as being transitory - just fads which will soon be forgotten, eventually. But worry not.
Here are some webcams for you to look at - give you some idea of what some places in Europe are actually like.
The Pantheon in Rome - a 2,000 year old building still fully functional and in use today. Live.
http://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/...
Webcams in Malta
http://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/...
Classical Greek Theatre 2,500 years old and still in use today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CVO9Vd0...
Now let's visit Westminster Abbey here in London over 900 years old and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD9Xli8mMN0
The awesome majesty of the mighty Canterbury Cathedral dedicated in the name of Jesus Christ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSbhhhieM3U
York Minster - City of York - once capital of Britain under the command of Constantine the Great first Christian Emperor of Rome
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rIjwIq98Mo
Warwick Castle (pronounced Warrick not War-Wick)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu2PRCnVyuc
London 2,000 years old city build by the Romans
Buckingham Palace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VsbK5c96hU
Mr John Adams meets George III
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YHl_0P2EJ4
and the rest is history as they say. . . . .
But then this - it is a clear signal to the American people that Britain is your friend.
President Barack Obama is the first (and only) American President to have ever been
invited to speak at the 900 year old Westminster Hall here in London - our oldest surviving
parliamentary building.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp85zRg2cwg
It will not end.
Do those friends of your parents not have a TV, internet or some books to be so surprised about it? What did they expect? The whole world to be like USA?
? ???? Hi from France ???? ? ?
Yes it's different, the culture too.. You know I felt the same than your parents' friends, when I visited my sister in the Usa. !o! !! Anyway I loved America and its people !
Best
Cat.
I forgot to say that they had decided to explore England and had arranged car rental before they flew there. They found the driving so traumatic that they just abandoned the car in the end and used trains instead!
You should google images of European towns
It's a much older civilisation, for a start. The US is merely a poor copy.
Yes, It is so much more beautiful, and Food is better, and there are old buildings, castles and simular
