So i just booked a flight to the US - the ESTA

You are heading to the wrong state to see American living in general. Californians are phony as a $3 bill and are severely disconnected from reality to the point of no return.

Head here to the Midwest if you are looking to see genuine American living.. that is down-to-earth people who do not live off plastic credit cards and take care of one another.

Sorry about your choice of destinations pal but uh Cali life is not representative of the American status quo. I would say head EAST until you get to Kansas City, MO and as far east as Chicago, Illinois then you will be in the know.

Everyone in Cali is living the ticky-tacky life...that is high on the hog with no frying pan to cook it with.

Cali is one of the most bankrupt states in the union. Are you going there to meet their Terminated State Governor?

Do you like to gamble? Come to Cleveland's soon to be world famous Horseshoe Casino....or try Las Vegas, Nevada or Atlantic City, New Jersey you are sure to have yourself a good time.

Just please whatever you do don't go back to England saying that you see how we Americans live by Cali standards. California is a quirk soon to be underwater like its state budget.

Don't act touristy, keep your mouth shut and try not to get robbed.

Be careful, stay safe and vigilant and have yourself a good time here in the US!

*Also... if you are accustomed to eating well you are in for a nice shocker!...You will more than likely get back home to England and eat everything in your refrigerator!..... you are guaranteed to be that starved !

reply to post by Biigs


Yes, the (old, now no longer) requirement was only for the working crew....and, get this: Never once did they check to see if I had one! In fact, I asked many Flight Attendants, especially the ones who flew Paris regularly, and more often than I ever did, and same story from them.

But, that was the "rule".....it was just a hassle, especially for some people. I was lucky, living near the D.C. area, to have a French Consulate to walk into and get same-day service (as opposed sending the Passport out, and waiting).

Still, it was "Company Duty" that took time out of my time off, and was un-compensated (the time spent). So, I still lost, in a way.

reply to post by maestromason


LOL!!

You open with "Californians are phony" (Native here, BTW), then suggest Las Vegas?!?

Sorry, but the irony is sweet!!

reply to post by maestromason


Thanks maelstromason, but as i sed before im my first post this is not my first time, this will be my 3rd time to the states.

At the anti cali stuff, well one of my very good friends who im meeting and staying with is a professional bodyguard for some swanky posh dude. So i should be covered (its his birthday the day i land too!!!!)

I guess this all took me by surprise, previously it has been easy, a little intermediating having your photo taken and finger scanned (back in 2008). So i have the money ready, supplies bought, plans made and VERY VERY excited then im hit with an hour of horrible probing questions and then a 14$ tip for it!

If you think im tipping the TSA too for not feeling up my balls too, you can forget it! HAHAHAHA

reply to post by ProudBird


I just said if he likes to gamble...those are some places of interest...I know Las Vegas is ONLY a playground with LOTS OF SAND...nothing more.

reply to post by Biigs


So the other two times were in California also correct?

California IS NOT THE United States's status quo...I suggest visiting the Midwest you will have a better time here. The people are as true to life as sunshine and are genuine. When I travel I move around and walk around and visit the urban areas and get with the locals. I can't stay hemmed up in a hotel or stay just around familiars.

..but if you are of the phony type Cali is right up your alley!

I move all around the city and state when I travel. I also travel right and lite!

reply to post by maestromason


They were not, no.

What i was trying to convey, badly it seems, that i know about America, Americans and whats what

If cali is not like the other the places and i find it harder to cope with at least my good buddy will be there to make sure i have a good holiday.

So i hear Compton is pretty cool this time of year? joke

reply to post by Afterthought


No offense taken. Houston sucks. You went to the worst part of Texas, don't let one bad apple convince you the whole barrel is rotten.

Back on topic, it is distressing that the US government is making visiting the United States such an aggravation. Tourism generates many millions of dollars every year. It's almost as if the government is trying to strangle this country and bleed it dry....and while they're at it, squeeze every last bit of money from the few remaining people who want to come here on vacation.

After reading the OP's experience, I'm surprised that anybody comes here at all (especially since Canada is right next door!).

reply to post by FissionSurplus


Believe me, if my friends lived there, id be going there!.

Pretty glad they dont live in tornado alley however, that i might have to give a miss LOL

I just found the info the ESTA required to be above what was necessary to find out of im a bad person, terrorist or whatever else they dont want to let it. I admit im not a pro at finding bad people, perhaps theres is some totally mad reason that need that much info, after clicking next i had no idea what they could want and if it was even more personnel (like asking for FB/email and password) id have already submitted my first page of private info!!!

Oh and the 14$ just totally annoyed the hell out of me. OH # i forgot!!! you have to pay by Credit Card, you HAVE TOO. so they probably got all my bank info too. sigh

Anyone want my ATS login details? i'll give you 14$ to take it..... (joke!)

reply to post by FissionSurplus


Good to know that Texans also dislike Houston. Too bad that city was my first experience with that state. But, like they say, you only have one chance to make a first impression, so I'm glad you weren't offended.
I'm sorry that I had to go there, too. It was the longest two months of my life!

You're right that the US officials are making it more and more difficult for tourists. Hell, the gas prices are so high that I probably won't be able to get to Virginia or Pennsylvania (love PA in the fall!) this year let alone try to visit another country. It's almost as if they want to keep everyone home. Keeping everyone in their place is probably easier and is also a form of control.

reply to post by Biigs


I wouldn't know never been to Compton...I stayed at my cousin's house in exclusive Ladera Heights, Ca.

I chilled with stars like Denzel Washington and Chris Tucker while there.

Then I traveled from The Greater LA area to San Diego(bay side) to visit my other peoples then headed south of the boarder to Mexico to party.

(no joke)

reply to post by Biigs


"TSA Tip"....funny. Tell 'em to 'Keep the Change'.

BTW, OP.....dunno if you're a 'savvy traveler', but just in case ---- one of the worst parts of the airline flight can be the seat. Presuming you aren't in Business** or First Class? And, depending on the air carrier you've selected....

(**You'd be amazed at the deals out there, for Business. Back in '08 I found Biz seats, D.C./London return, for $1,800 on British Airways. Better, in my opinion, to have a guaranteed seat, rather than being on Stand By).


There is a great resource online for investigating the seat maps (as they're called) for the various airlines....besides the airline's own websites, of course. It's:

SeatGuru.com

British Airways, for instance (Just guessing that might be the airline you're booked on).

Of course, the airline's website will tell you the type of airplane, then you can choose based on the recommendations.


Back to Business ( ).....deals in Business Class may be had from UK and Europe...I know there are sites specialised for U.S. departures. Worth searching out, just for comfort alone.

But, Premium Economy can be worth it, at a fraction. (If offered).

(P.S. Saw the joke about Compton. Yeah....I'm in LA. Born and raised).

The US is making it more difficult for people like yourself to come here to the US and have a good time. Do you think that the government is purposely doing so? Even though you are coming from a "friendly and non-hostile" country?

Lot of red tape and paper work seems to be the norm for you travelers headed here to the US.

Hey Biigs do you find the US more interesting and exciting than your homeland of England?

You may want to move here to the United States on day. We are still the best place on earth to live regardless of the BS going around.

reply to post by maestromason


It occurs to me:

Lot of red tape and paper work seems to be the norm for you travelers headed here to the US.

....the possibilities for "home grown" terrorism are anywhere. Each nation has its own rules for granting citizenship.

Therefore, the abundance of caution being exhibited, in this day and age, by the U.S.?

Just a thought......

reply to post by maestromason


California has a population of 38 million. probably more then most of the midwest states combined. So yes, it is part of the status quo. Whether you want it to be or not.

You actually suggested Cleveland?

The person already knows where they are going. They aren't looking for a travel agent.

reply to post by maestromason


In '98 i came over wiht my family to do disney land Florida (they saved since we were babies) it was the same as ANY normal flight to anywhere, id been to spain a few times already and france and it was just a longer flight - no issues.

In '08 i came over with some friends to meet up with friends on the east coast, obviously after 9/11 we expected some extra questions and whatever. We filled out our only mildly intrusive green "visa wavers" on the plane, got our photos and prints taken upon landing general pat down/scan/metal detector business. again no problem

its now '12 and im a month away from this trip, i feel i have already had more unnecessary security probings and i havnt even got to the airport in my country yet. So yeah, its not nice and WELL over the top, do i think they are trying to discourage all tourists, no i dont, do i think its over the top to stop terrorists OH MY YES.

reply to post by ProudBird


I love the states (once in anyways lol) everyone is super loverly, the British accent tends to do more good than harm, and for all its flak its a beautiful land. Would i choose to live there in the future one day, its not first on my list but it is actually above where i live in the UK for a number of reasons.

If i met a girl there and things got serious some how, i would think about moving for sure.

Hey Biigs...if you want to have one hell of a time head to Jupiter Island, Florida or Ocean Crest, Florida.

I will be returning there in 1 month for an extended birthday vacation. You have to yacht past Tiger Woods's mansion... it is a sight to behold!

My business associates down there know how to truly live and have a good time. They fly me in on a Citation Cessna business class jet via Flight Options. They flew in some Parisian models and we yachted on a custom 180 footer from the Jupiter inlet to Miami and partied the whole trip.

The sunshine is beautiful and so are the women and waters.





I have the party pics from on board the yacht...but they are not suitable for posting being of tri-X nature

They need the £14 to recoup the cost of all those Visit California advertisements on the TV :-)

Its a lot more difficult to visit than it used to be.

Fortunately for tourist numbers though, there isn't really anywhere else that compares to the gulf coast of Florida. They'll have to charge me a lot more than £14 to put me off.

reply to post by nixie_nox


Mind your conversation will you please. Got manners?

Thank you,

Maestro.:
_________________________________________________________________________________

reply to post by Biigs


Just a suggestion for future travel destinations. Have a great time here in the US.

reply to post by Afterthought


Yeah it's probably intentionally confusing, that way when you are too confused and you mess up, they can charge you a fee for the error. That's how they roll over here. Cha-ching!