<p class="p1"><em>The more I come to USA, the less I understand it, in fact I could say, the less I like it.</em>Before we explore that further, I had to leave Germany first…Leipzig airport has a couple of positives and negatives being a small airport…The main negative is you can’t seem to online check-in to international flights that originate from there, but on the flip side, check in and security takes about ten minutes.I’ve been in Australia so long that I had forgotten (or it’s changed?) that Europe to America flights don’t server free alcohol, ah well… Sadly in Chicago I didn’t have quite enough time to get into the city so stayed in the airport which was an extremely busty and stressful airport. It also had atrocious wifi, no shops before checkin and confirmed the typical American stereotype of having no phone stores. Still, got my first beer and burger in :)Back to America…I guess this was my first trip where I left the major cities (ignoring Portland last year) behind and you fast realise that smaller town America is a whole different world. I’m about to make some general sweeping statements that are based on my experience, they may be right or wrong, but they’re based on my experiences.Firstly is the massive noticeable difference between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’. This is not an original observation but it’s increasingly noticeable and very confronting to outsiders. Especially in downtown areas and ‘ghettos’, there are frequent groups of people who really look like they need help and aren’t receiving any (as far as one can tell). Then a block away you will find expensive restaurants, shops or homes that flaunt their exclusivity. Of course you will find these extremes in every country, but it is especially noticeable and when you are aware of America’s social security system and attitudes towards private enterprise it’s repercussions are very clear.Secondly is the assumption that you drive. Again, this is not unique to America, but much more of an issue. In both Minneapolis and Providence I struggled to find any decent (or affordable) supermarkets in the central areas, they were all in the suburbs in giant malls. This continues into general life where riding on public transport or not having a car available for other trips is considered very odd, even for tourists. Take Providence, I know it’s a small city, but there was one grocery and liquor store in the entire downtown area, which were both overpriced.It also seems that visiting America’s smaller cities in August (much like many other cities in the world) is a bad idea as they’re half empty and lots is closed.Now to get more specific… <h2>Minneapolis</h2>
