My girlfriend has gone back home for the summer, which is rubbish, but the good part of this deal is that I get to go and stay in Colorado (Glenwood Springs in particular, but I’m apparently being taken to lots of different places) for the start of July. I’m leaving next monday, and staying for just under two weeks.
This will be my first visit to the US, and the girl isn’t sure if I’ll be able to handle America/Americans particularly around the 4th July celebrations. I am very, very English[sup]TM[/sup] and can easily get drawn into what I would term discussions about politics, religion and other contentious areas, but she calls them arguments. Either way, I’m going to avoid doing that as a guest of her family. There are certain aspects of American culture that I want to discuss/compare particularly, and I will have to learn to bite my tongue; I certainly do not want to offend anyone.
So, dopers, can anyone give me any pointers about things to expect that I may not have thought of, and things to avoid doing/saying. Simple things like how well percieved will I be as a twenty-something British male? The girl tells me that ‘everyone hates the English’, but I dont quite believe her. And will my accent be as charming as I’m hoping (middle class southerner, but I talk differently to fit the situation), or will I just be hard to understand?
Glenwood Springs is a tourist town located on the Western Slope of the Rockies. In a Colorado tourist town, the only folks who are hated are Texans and Californians. I don’t think Englishmen even put a blip on the radar. I’m a relocated Californian who lived in a Western Slope tourist town (Durango, not Glenwood) for four years, then I moved out from the mountains onto the flats (Grand Junction) 13 years ago. If someone asks where I moved from, I still say Durango. If you stay away from religion and politics and be polite, you’ll probably be OK. Most people are very friendly and will greet you as you walk down the street, whether you know them or not. If you ask what the local attractions are, you will be met with enthusiastic opinions and directions. Stay casual. We think dressing up for dinner means putting on a clean T-shirt. Try the local food. Take a tour at the Hotel Colorado, and walk across the bridge to the Hot Springs for a soak. Visit Doc Holliday’s grave. You’ll find plenty to interest you. Have a great vacation!
Like anywhere, as a good host or guest, don’t bring up politics or religion.
Colorado does get a lot of overseas tourists. Though Glenwood perhaps not so many. People will be charmed with your accent. Some dofus may ask you if you knew the Beatles though.
We are very laid back in this state. Bring a pair of shorts, some tee shirts and some sandals and you will fit right in. If somebody suggests wearing sun block, take their advice. The sun is brutal. Even in Glenwood.
Umm…. The Glenwood hot springs is well worth a visit. If you wear a speedo though, you will um…. Stand out. They do sell ‘American style’ bathing suits at the Springs. Buy one.
Sunglasses are not worn because they are ‘cool’. They serve a purpose.
I’m new to Colorado and I’m sure it varies city by city, but people really get into their 4th of July fireworks. In some areas, they’re illegal, but if you live in an area they are legal, expect WWIII. It’s that bad. Nothing but noise and smoke, as thick as the thickest London fog. It’s bizarre.