[Travel] Your favourite country in the world and why

[Herr Tubthumper]

Berlin in the summer and Berlin in the winter are like two different cities. Really love Berlin in the summer, but it feels very bleak and industrial in the winter, Imo like

That’s a fair assessment about the winter. But it’s a good trade off as spring and the summer are long and warm and stable. It’s almost like the city get an extra dimension in spring and summer as all the open air bars and clubs and music venues and beer gardens start to open as well as restaurant and bars adding outside tables and chairs.

 

[Muzzy]

Nice one. I have been to Memphis but I never made it to Nashville. Whilst I am not a fan of country, I’m sure I’d find the history and current scene interesting.

Now, Memphis I was very underwhelmed by. The music scene was great but very much limited by the small size of Beale St. I expected something very different from what I saw.

The country scene these days is very different but with the obvious roots still intact. The lyrics I find are what resonates with me. Songs sung from the heart and usually meaningful, whether ballads or high tempo.

Whatever floats our boats is personal and I respect everyone’s choices of music genre. It’s just that for me, without country music in my life, I would be a very different person.

 

[Gwylan]

I guess it depends what you like. And I agree Boston is dull, unless you like a certain type of America history. And I also agree there’s some troubling places and attitudes. But there’s also lots to like.

But to pick just three: Chicago has a fascinating immigration and urban history, amazing 20th century architecture, art, food, drink and music scenes. Detroit has a very fascinating urban and industrial and music history (Obvs Motown but also electronic), New Orleans has music and architecture and food. There’s plenty in my opinion. When I have more time I will go on a bit more.

You said food music, architecture and arts: it was the arts part I was questioning. Your post doesn't seem to have tackled the point I made.

My main interest is theatre/opera and then classical music. If I go to any major city in Europe for a couple of days, I'm pretty much guaranteed to find something that's on but, New York aside, most of the USA seems to be a cultural desert.

And don't talk to me about food - NY and SF aside (although I imagine that Portland and Seattle would be pretty good too), the country seems to find it very difficult to cope with vegetarians. I also find it a bit tedious to have to remember to take my passport with me if I'm popping out for a drink, I'm in my 60s FFS - it just makes for unnecessarily hostile vibe to what should be a social event.

 

[BN41Albion]

That’s a fair assessment about the winter. But it’s a good trade off as spring and the summer are long and warm and stable. It’s almost like the city get an extra dimension in spring and summer as all the open air bars and clubs and music venues and beer gardens start to open as well as restaurant and bars adding outside tables and chairs.

Absolutely, couldn't agree more. Loads of superb areas that really come alive through spring and summer.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

You said food music, architecture and arts: it was the arts part I was questioning. Your post doesn't seem to have tackled the point I made.

My main interest is theatre/opera and then classical music. If I go to any major city in Europe for a couple of days, I'm pretty much guaranteed to find something that's on but, New York aside, most of the USA seems to be a cultural desert.

And don't talk to me about food - NY and SF aside (although I imagine that Portland and Seattle would be pretty good too), the country seems to find it very difficult to cope with vegetarians. I also find it a bit tedious to have to remember to take my passport with me if I'm popping out for a drink, I'm in my 60s FFS - it just makes for unnecessarily hostile vibe to what should be a social event.

Fair enough on the points of certain performing arts and classical music and vegetarian food. If these is your interests I can understand your comment. But the country is very strong on many visual arts and other forms of music which I like, arguably some of the best in many genres and across many states. And I’m not a vegetarian.

As for the passports thing, Last three places I went to were NY, Chicago and Boston and can’t recall widespread requests for ID, if any. But it doesn’t really bother me, if their state laws specify this it’s not the bar’s fault, so maybe it did happen and it just didn’t register.

 

[daveinplzen]

Talk of a ban on foreign tourists for a year here, and cant imagine the summer without them and what the effect to life that will have. Think a lot of bars and restaurants will go under. Better photography opportunities is the only thing I can think of. If other countries do the same, the world, and places we have known and loved in the past will change drastically.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Now, Memphis I was very underwhelmed by. The music scene was great but very much limited by the small size of Beale St. I expected something very different from what I saw.

The country scene these days is very different but with the obvious roots still intact. The lyrics I find are what resonates with me. Songs sung from the heart and usually meaningful, whether ballads or high tempo.

Whatever floats our boats is personal and I respect everyone’s choices of music genre. It’s just that for me, without country music in my life, I would be a very different person.

Memphis was literally the first place I ever went outside of Europe, and in the US, as a 21 year old 30 years ago. My view is probably influenced by all of this.

I have the two Johnny Cash prison albums and most of the American Recordings series, this is as far as I’ve got with country. What would you recommend for someone like me, who’s passionate about music, open minded but never really listen to country.

 

[Muzzy]

Memphis was literally the first place I ever went outside of Europe, and in the US, as a 21 year old 30 years ago. My view is probably influenced by all of this.

I have the two Johnny Cash prison albums and most of the American Recordings series, this is as far as I’ve got with country. What would you recommend for someone like me, who’s passionate about music, open minded but never really listen to country.

What are your current music influences?

There are too many differing types of country music to make it a one size fits all category and therefore to give you my tips on what you might like to try would be difficult to get right. There is as much variety as the pop charts here in the UK.

My country playlists vary day to day in much the same way as any other music genres do for most music lovers.

Current favourites I listen to.... if you like Nickleback then your man is Luke Combs. If you prefer more mellow type music then Sam Outlaw is pretty easy listening. For a boy band sound, try Dan + Shay.
If you want to listen to UK based country then listen to both The Shires and Catherine McGrath. Her voice is stunning.

Go back 25+ years then George Strait is a legend, along with Toby Keith and Alan Jackson.

A very talented guy on the country scene is Brad Paisley. He can both sing and play guitar as well as anyone I have ever heard.

Really old country such as Johnny Cash, Merle Haggerd, although talented performers are not my bag however.

 

[Sorrel]

I've enjoyed being in Finland best outside of my homeland. But even though I've had several extended stays there (a term at university and much later working for a short while), I'm not sure about judging a country on what to people who live there all their lives probably seems still quite a distorted view.

 

[Wilko]

Kenya, a wonderful country.

The scenery, and wildlife are astounding. When you come from a small country like ours,just the space is a bit daunting.
I went to the Serengeti in a Land Rover,stood on top of it, you could see about 30 miles in all directions, and the only man made thing was our tyre tracks.
The sky at night is huge, as is the moon.
The people are amongst the nicest I have ever met, dirt poor,but, just cheerful.
I loved it there, the only downside for me was the heat, by Christ, it’s hot.

Lived in Kenya for three years and as you say, a fantastic country. It is limiting though, you can't just go out and about for a stroll, especially at night. Nairobi too is often cold and drizzly too, not warm all year around unlike the coast.

Btw - Some people on here do not know what a country is

 

[jessiejames]

Italy for me ... when my parents split up there was talk we would move there ( my mother was Italian) and in many ways I wish we had... I go at least once a year although I have no relatives alive over there now.

It’s got everything I love there.

What part of Italy was your mother from?
As already posted in this thread,my mate mum is from Foggia. Stayed many times with their family, staying and living the Italian family way was amazing. 're booking my cancelled week in Sorrento (last week) as soon as this virus is beaten.

 

[BN41Albion]

Talk of a ban on foreign tourists for a year here, and cant imagine the summer without them and what the effect to life that will have. Think a lot of bars and restaurants will go under. Better photography opportunities is the only thing I can think of. If other countries do the same, the world, and places we have known and loved in the past will change drastically.

I'm sure the lack of rowdy British (and I'm sure other nationalies) stag/hen dos would be a plus, though?

 

[atfc village]

Went to Malta for a wedding and ten days in the sun last July. Thought the place was a dump. Crap beaches (where you could actually find any) and English pubs everywhere. Wasn’t much better than Gibraltar.

Would love to go to Montenegro, that’s right at the top of my list. New Zealand is fabulous, Dunedin is pretty dull though. In fact all the cities are there.

Buggiba per chance? Did a day trip to Montenegro 16 years ago . Have a holiday booked for September 2 apartments beach front in Tivat . Cost ? £215 each for 10 nights . Will go when events allow.

 

[Robinjakarta]

Singapore, perfect other than the queue to get into Raffles and the cost of a Singapore Sling in their Long Bar.

Far better to get a meal and a Sling over the road for less than Raffles charge just for the Sling.

You're welcome to the Sling. Still, food capital of the world?

 

[The Spanish]

You're welcome to the Sling. Still, food capital of the world?

Got to be.

You can eat better in the food court of an HDB block in the middle of nowhere in Singapore for $7.50 sing than anywhere Asian in the west end.

 

[Robinjakarta]

I’d go with South Africa. Had everything when I visited. Incredible scenery, beaches, cities, safari and so much to do. Granted it had its issues but at times it adds to the intrigue.

Yep. I'd add to that great food, especially fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, wonderful people, flora and fauna and in Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities.

 

[Puppet Master]

My vote is for the USA too, purely for Austin and Nashville. Easily my two favourite cities in the world. San Fran is pretty special too.

 

[ShivasIrons]

Ken Burns just did a documentary. If you have the time and ability to watch; Country Music it was 8 episodes. Very fascinating for any music fan. George Jones interesting guy with a fantastic voice.

 

[Lyndhurst 14]

My vote is for the USA too, purely for Austin and Nashville. Easily my two favourite cities in the world. San Fran is pretty special too.

I worked in Austin for 3 months about 2 years ago. Loved the place. Incredible music scene - it's not called the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing. Great restaurants and bars as well as a very laid back vibe. Those BBQ joints are very addictive. Will definitely be going back

 

[Russconha]

Brazil. I've been there 5 times spending 2 years immersing myself in the culture. Amazing food, weather, beaches, people, beer etc