Well, where does one begin? I cannot express the phase shift in my general thoughts of America and Americans enough... Two years ago I was a card carrying anti-American, and I was not afraid to let people know, and I am the first to admit my state of ignorance! Since I have been here, I have only encountered people who are all to happy to enhance my United States experience, especially nubile young women!
I am reserving judgement on America in general though, because I live in a ski town, where everyone is here for the same reason and it is rare to see a frown. I don't think I will get a chance to see as much of the States as I would like on this particular visit, but I am confidently saying now that I will be back next year with extensive plans to do some travelling before and after the Ski season. I have made friends with the most unlikely people - a homophobe from Arkansas, and a leggy blonde from New Orleans who likes George Bush.
Sure, the people are fantastic, but the reason I am here and the reason I will come back is the quality of the snow. I have been riding with a guy who almost made the US ski team, and he has been throwing me off 30ft cliffs so my snowboarding has improved because I have had no choice! There is no fear because the texture of the snow is glorious and not painful at all! I have been working the evening shift at work and gettting as much riding done as possible! this is the second best season at Vail in the last 43 years of keeping records, and it is shaping up to be the best. The thing about Vail is there are so many Australian's and New Zealanders that it is impossible to feel homesick! I was speaking on the phone to an American gentleman and he remarked that my accent sounded like I was Vail born and bred.
I do have some moments of frustration though - I couldn't beleive the ignorance when a gentleman asked me if "y'all celebrate Christmas in Australia?" and people think my accent comes somewhere from the east coast! I had one gentleman who couldn't understand a word I said so he handed the phone to his wife to translate... English to American... I suppose I just take Australians and our worldly attitude for granted back home, it is true though, America really is the centre of the universe - this is not surprising because the food you guys eat over here, some of you are so fat you have your own gravity belt - healthy food is expensive and harder to find, and it took me some time to adjust to the diet and I am sure to enjoy my multi-vitamins every day because I certainly can't be sure of getting my nutrients any other way!
Vail also epitomises opulance. Every second store is well stocked with dead animals for the purpose of fashion, and people wipe their bottoms with $20 bills. There is a company that operates here for the sole purpose of turning lights on and off in peoples second or third holiday homes. I have certainly come to the right place to find a sugar momma.
I am not one to complain though, I am a guest in the USA, and the hospitatily thus far has been amazing, I have learnt that if you tip the bar staff well at the start of the night, they will look after you for the remainder of the evening. I am pertty much on first name basis with many of the doorman and bar tenders, and I am well looked after at many of the fine establishments Vail has to offer. If any of you feel like a spot of skiing, let me know when you are in the area, and we shall have a drink!
Y'all take care now you hear!