USA Baby
I had so much fun in the US that it not only meant I had no time left over while I was there to blog, but there are too many anecdotes for me to coherently combine into any one post. However, I am sure stories and experiences will trickle out over the next few months as I remember them or find the words.
Originally when I told a few people I was going to the US for a month they were surprised I would spend so long there. All I can say is I wish I was there for longer – the landscapes, cities, hospitality and of course the people were fantastic! I would definitely go back, even to Las Vegas.
The two places I would visit time and time again (apart from Austin and SxSW) were San Francisco and New York. These cities were incredibly different but both had a great energy that made every day exciting.
New York is frenetic! Anything you want to do you can do it there – day or night. I was lucky enough to be staying with someone who lived in Manhattan which not only meant he had knowledge of great places to go but was part of a small community that allowed me to see how New Yorkers truly live. I was surprised to discover these strong local communities in a city of millions of people with a reputation for being unfriendly. The best thing about New York however, is everyone fits in whatever your beliefs, profession, background or appearance.
San Francisco is much more relaxed and laid back, something that appealed to me. In the cab from the airport I immediately felt like I was visiting somewhere familiar as we approached SF and that feeling never left me the whole time I was there. “The City” as San Franciscans call it is full of cultural micro-environments – one moment you can be in a street with coffee and clothing shops and by the next block you can be in an area that is run down and has a very different clientele. This all makes for a fascinating city. The nicest thing about SF is that you know those who live there love their city – not in manner where they try to convince you how great it is – just through sharing it with you.
I can’t wait to travel again and the US will definitely be a place I will go back and visit many times.
Cameron Adams Says:
I don’t know about doing anything you want in NY. They wouldn’t let me wrestle a polar bear in Central Park.
April 26th, 2006 at 1:00 am
Lisa Says:
Judging from your photo they did not really think you were a worthy opponent.
April 26th, 2006 at 11:04 am
Cameron Adams Says:
No, no, no, that one pretended to fall over and play dead when I issued my no-holds-barred, barrel-chested, wild-wild-west wrestling challenge. What a coward.
April 27th, 2006 at 11:47 am
Maxine Sherrin Says:
Cam, you do know now that I will be expecting this as part of your WD06 presentation? That’s why I’ve got Kevin there with you: he gets to be the polar bear.
April 27th, 2006 at 8:20 pm
Chris Alexander Says:
Lisa,
My Austrailian web standards friend! I have been meaninq to make contact with everyone that I met @ MW2006, but have to admit I have been short of time. Hopefully you remember me. I was the one who was bombarding you with questions about SXSW and your work with the WestCiv conference.
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to the US. It was great to read your comparison about the two cities (NY and SF). It’s funny because I think I had said to you that it would be interesting to hear your thoughts about the two.
Anyways, it was great to meet you!l
Chris
May 9th, 2006 at 10:53 am