Questions for our American friends

[blueballsdc]

Originally Posted by palo5

I have read that Minnesota is good, as long as you don't visit Minneapolis

But I don't know if it's true. Is it?

I have been to the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul many times. I usually refer to them together because they are right next to one another and separated by a river. Minneapolis is the younger of the two cities (or that is how it seems to me) with more modern architechture. St Paul is the older and more European of the two cities. Both cities have some great neighborhoods with a variety of restaurants. There is also a very good theatre and music scene, especially in Minneapolis. Remember that Minneapolis is where Bob Dylan and Prince got their starts.

If you do happen to get to Minnesota and have time, I would recommend heading north to Duluth. It is at the western tip of Lake Superior and is a beautiful area. It can get a bit cold, snowy, and windy but I wouldn't think that would bother you.

[tygrkhat40]

Originally Posted by blueballsdc

And I have lived in New Jersey. It is a great state for shopping malls and toxic waste dumps and not much else.

Why does New Jersey have so many toxic waste dumps and New York have so many lawyers?

New Jersey had first choice.

[blueballsdc]

Originally Posted by tygrkhat40

Why does New Jersey have so many toxic waste dumps and New York have so many lawyers?

New Jersey had first choice.

It is a shame about New Jersey. They get such a bad rap based, for the most part, on the parts of the state right next to New York City and Philadelphia plus the stretch along the NJ turnpike which is what most people see. Of course, now they have the show Jersey Shore (populated by New Yorkers) which has further brought down the image of the state.

Much of the state is quite nice and they have some fantastic beaches and some good wreck diving (if you are into that sort of thing). One thing I have noticed about people from the areas of New Jersey outside of those mentioned above. They tend to associate themselves with the town they are from; Somerset, Princeton, New Brunswick, etc... and leave out the New Jersey part.

[bombermouse]

Originally Posted by blueballsdc

I have been to Great Falls Montana several times. It isn't that bad a place. There are golf course, bars, nightclubs, and hookers. What more could a growing boy want?

Plus there is lots of fishing nearby when you get tired of golf, drinking, and hookers.

Two thumbs up on the fishing if you're into that and I am. Golf, to me its only virtue is that it keeps the riffraff off the water.

[keefriff]

Originally Posted by palo5

I have read that Minnesota is good, as long as you don't visit Minneapolis

But I don't know if it's true. Is it?

Are you looking for a fight Comrade?

I live in Minneapolis. Born and raised here. It's one of the best cities in the country imho. It is a clean, beautiful and active city with many great things to do and see. So back off Comrade or I'll ship you off to Siberia. Oh wait...it's too late.

But seriously palo5 Minneapolis is a great place. The weather would suit you and please come and visit us anytime. I will have plenty of vodka ready for you.

[deepsepia]

Originally Posted by keefriff

Are you looking for a fight Comrade?

I live in Minneapolis. Born and raised here. It's one of the best cities in the country imho. It is a clean, beautiful and active city with many great things to do and see. So back off Comrade or I'll ship you off to Siberia. Oh wait...it's too late.

I was surprised to hear anyone say anything bad about Minneapolis -- it's America's little bit of Finland, clean, progressive, well educated, cold. Ethnically interesting, home to surprising minorities like Hmong refugees from Vietnam, and the coolest musician formerly known as Prince.

[Welderman]

Why Hasn't Brian Griffin got his own TV spinoff show.?..



Please don't tell me he's not real...

[blueballsdc]

Originally Posted by deepsepia

I was surprised to hear anyone say anything bad about Minneapolis -- it's America's little bit of Finland, clean, progressive, well educated, cold. Ethnically interesting, home to surprising minorities like Hmong refugees from Vietnam, and the coolest musician formerly known as Prince.

MSP also has the largest Somali community in the US.

[dbailey]

Can I say that as a Brit, coming from a Northern town with failed or failing economy and infrastructure it is always a delight to visit the US and A.

If I had more money or retired or both I would love to visit every state in the Union and see all the big towns, it all looks so exciting to me......apart from Trenton New Jersey.......

Oh and Princeton can't be all bad, some of the huge Billion Dollar Drug companies have offices or research bases in Princeton.

I will be in Orlando in just 4 more weeks....roll on vacation

[keefriff]

Originally Posted by deepsepia

I was surprised to hear anyone say anything bad about Minneapolis -- it's America's little bit of Finland, clean, progressive, well educated, cold. Ethnically interesting, home to surprising minorities like Hmong refugees from Vietnam, and the coolest musician formerly known as Prince.

Originally Posted by blueballsdc

MSP also has the largest Somali community in the US.

Great points fellow VEFers!

I don't know how the topic has gotten on to my fair city. I think it was that pinko palo5. I'm only joking palo. It is an American expression and an old Cold War joke. No harm intended.

Somali and Hmong? Who would've thunk it? But you guys are dead on correct. The Hmong were immgrating here in the late 70's and 80's and have established a great community. Most of the community is in St. Paul along historic Univeristy Avenue in the Frogtown section. Great Asian groceries and eateries line the streets. They have become a huge political force in St Paul politics with many Hmong and Vietnameese immigrants or first generations having crucial and influential roles throughout the government.

Somali immigration has been more recent, in the last 10-20 years. It is seemingly such an odd combination. The coldest city in America and thousands of Africans are moving here. It's crazy but it works. Their community is primarily in Minneapolis especially the South/Central area. Again, they have thriving commercial areas with some of the most surprisingly good restraraunts I have ever eaten in. I know the old jokes and all but the food is plentiful and is really unique and tasty. BTW, they are the worst drivers in the world. I have one or two death defying encounters with a Somali driver each week.