I read your post HAP and, I understand what you are saying. Most people who 'deride' the USA have never been there and never met the average American (of the USA).
'Yanks' (as we were always prone to call Y'all since the days when there were thousands of US Servicemen (and no doubt some women) posted in Australia during WW2)....have alway been friends of 'Aussies' and there are now American Servicemen stationed back in Australia (Darwin) and they do major Ship Crew change-overs in Western Australia. There are those who see America as the 'Big Bad Boy' but I always ask those people who they would rather have as the Worlds Top Power...and usually get little or no response.
Anyway, I have known several people who had once said they would never go to the USA (because they see at as what they see on TV shows) and have since visited and loved the place....
I first met some 'Yanks' when I did a Tour of Duty in Vietnam with the Australian regular Army and was fascinated to meet US Servicemen and Women, and having got back to Australia safely had always wanted to visit the USA. I was finally able to Visit and Ride there in '93 for 6 weeks and had a sensational time being hosted by a couple from SoCal, who also 'Lent' me and my wife his BMW R100RT for our 6 weeks touring the Western States...and we spent some time with them at their home as well....Awesome.....and although the offer was made for 'reciprocation' it hasn't come about.
My last visit/ride was for 7 weeks in 2009 and once again had a great time...being treated well by all and hosted by a group of Wisconsin Vets during the Memorial Weekend in DC...we all stayed in a Motel near Andrews Air Base....
Those two visits are 'indelibly' printed as 'cherished memories' in the old Brain Box!
I have friends there who I started talking to on 'forums' many years ago and have since met and wish I could see on a regular basis, but it's cost prohibitive these days as I am now retired on an Army Pension....but just one small Lotto Win and I'll be straight back.
I hope (before I get too old) that I can return the favour to one of your travellers....although not too many 'Yanks' get down here on their bikes....which I can understand as you 'have it all' over there. And the ones that do seem to forget that Australia is similar in size to the USA (48 States) and relatively 'empty'!
So, not wanting to become boring.....Here's to the good folks of the USA and may we remain good friends forever.
Cheers,
Paul.
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