I’ve travelled quite a bit but I’m not really a city person . I once had to go to Detroit and didn’t like it but I think there are dark areas in most cities and perhaps I only saw the dark side. I’ve passed through New York but never stayed so can’t really comment otherwise.
Several years ago, whilst visiting some of my relatives in the colonies, they took us to New York. I remember a rather early, and long, bus ride from Rhode Island.
One thing we had a look at was the Empire State Building. I distinctly remember two things: firstly, long queues; secondly, unbearable heat and, surprisingly, there was no air conditioning in the building, just some rather ineffective fans!
An impressive sight from near the top, but not something I should like to repeat. Not unless they’ve since installed AC, anyway.
Oh gosh, Bratti. I feel like I almost have to apologize for Detroit that is still struggling from the decline of US manufacturing, poor urban planning (and tear-down policies with abandoned buildings), and tax problems. There are good, fine people who are trying to turn it around, but Detroit will probably be an outlier for some time to come.
Such a good turn of phrase ;-).
Isn’t it interesting how we are willing to put up with long lines (queues) and other inconveniences when visiting other places that we wouldn’t tolerate in our own backyards? I haven’t been in the ESB since I was four, mostly for the reasons you described. In the back of my mind, it’s there, and I’ll get around to it sometime.
I love going to Washington D.C., but am always taken aback that most of the visitors are from other countries - not here.
I suppose we all have a taste for the exotic. BTW, the Empire State Building must be the last place here in “the colonies” that doesn’t have a/c. I’m forever half-frozen.
If you are a teenager, black, carrying a knife yourself, while visiting the wrong social housing estate, after dark, then yes you had better be careful.
If this problem is entirely gang related, it is a good thing. Let the buggers kill each other and rid the country of people we don’t want.
I’m not so sure, though, because aren’t innocent non-gang members also involved?
Some mistaken identity going on too.
Unless they are recruiting petite old ladies, then I can run the streets naked at 2 AM without worry.
In fact, that might be the solution - sending gang members screaming for the hills 
.
We really enjoyed Las Vegas, neither of us are gamblers but we were that week lol. We didn’t play big, only small change but it was fun. We broke even every time too. We even renewed our wedding vows in the Elvis Chapel, so fun yet meaningful. Yeah, we sure had a fab time in Vegas.
I must confess to having similar degenerate thoughts. 
It benefits the gene pool too and reduces the benefit bill. A win win situation all round.
I guess that depends on where one is sticking their gene pool tool.
If they are dead they wont be sticking anything anywhere?
This is a must if you are coming to England. Yorkshire is fabulous, well, not the part I live in but York and the Yorkshire Dales are fab. I’d love to move to the Dales.
Wild horses couldn’t keep me away from Yorkshire! When i eventually make it GB way, I plan do do what I suggest to people coming this way, which is setting aside at least 2-3 weeks to see it properly. I appreciate the suggestions, Summer!
I like touring around Britain, looking at museums, castles, old towns & villages, and going to folk and blues festivals.
But this summer I have been put off by the state of our motorways, they are just so busy & crowded now, and almost permanently in a state of repair, it just makes things so difficult.
It used to be quieter if you drove overnight, but it doesn’t seem to make much difference now
I live in Burnley, but now if there is anything that means I will have to cross Spaghetti Junction I’ll have to seriously consider if it’s worth the effort. In fact I missed a festival in August for that reason
You are perfectly correct. I, too, despair at the state of our motorways. They have been inadequate for many years.
The explanation is there for all to see. Take a look on a map of Europe. Look at the extent of motorways in Germany, a country that is not a great deal bigger than the UK, and compare that to a map of our own motorways. Lack of investment is a British characteristic, I’m afraid.
What makes it worse is that the problem is reflected in other aspects of our transport infrastructure.
Our railways are a national joke, which is particularly annoying when you remember that we invented them!
So that leaves domestic flights. Well, in my experience most are good (I exclude Ryanair of course!), but all are held back by slow security, check-ins, etc.
I sometimes feel that the only reliable mode of transport is Shanks’s Pony!
I haven’t travelled by train for several years; their reputation has proceeded them; a friend recently travelled from Leeds to Nottingham, which was “standing class only”
I’ve just posted another thread about bus passes,and I hope to use use mine more often
Yes it will be slower, but I’m retired, and I’ll make the journey part of the holiday
I think the main problem with trains, at least in our experience, is cancellations. Northern Rail has been on the national news several times regarding this problem.
I have a bus pass as well, but I’ve only used it once! I suppose I could make more use of it, but I’d have to do some research to see where the buses go and when they go there!
We’ve strayed a bit from the Thread title, and started discussing transport, so let’s get back to Crossing Paces Off Your List
Here are some of the places I’d like to see next year -
Various museums in the south east Midlands & Home counties, such as The de Havilland Museum; Weald & Downland Museum; Bletchley Park; Northampton Museum of Leathercraft
I expect there will be others when I look into things further
My favourite guitarist is Michael Chapman. He sings a song called ‘Postcards from Scarborough’ in which he mentions Paradise, which is the old part of town; thought I’d just go and have a look, though I think it has been discovered & gentrified since he wrote the song.
I’ll combine it with a visit to Flamborough Head, Spurn Point, and have a look at the coastal erosion
I passed through Berwick - on - Tweed several years ago when I was on my way to some hiking in the Borders & Kielder. It looked a nice town, so I’ll make a proper visit & spend some time there
For all these I’m sure I’ll find other things to see
Not sure what I’ll do for transport; probably drive in the north - east and buses in the south east