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Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






If you’ve been following my rambling threads about a proposed holiday to the US, I’m afraid I’ve got another one.

See, being British i pride myself on being really rather polite, and knowing how to form an orderly queue of one.

But with the Warhammer Citadel coming in the near future, looks like I’m going to be visiting Texas. So what I want to explore is the social mores of that State, and indeed the general area.

We’ve previously covered Tipping in some depth, so please do take that particular art as read. Some that spring immediately to mind....

1.I’m a smoker (tobacco only. I’m not daft!), but prefer my roll ups to straights. Upside is they’re far cheaper. Downside is to the untrained eye I may appear to be smoking a Doobyspliffjoint. Seeing as I not only enjoy my civil liberties, but also don’t want to waste Police time from a simple misunderstanding, is it better if just for the trip I buy regular ciggies?

2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?

3. Eye contact in public. In London, it’s generally a no-no. One certainly doesn’t strike up conversation at the bus stop or in general. But in Texas? Is the person chatting the odd’un, or it is me for not?

That sort of thing. It’s not so much I want to blend in seamlessly - I just want to ensure I’m being as polite as possible and don’t ruffle feathers that don’t need ruffling.

Oh, and swearing. I’m normally quite sweary. Is this something I’d need to rein in as I do at work?

   
Made in fi
Confessor Of Sins




I can't recall meeting too many Texans in person, but far as I know they're really some of the more conservative Americans. So being polite is always going to be a good thing. No hugging strangers unless a woman decides to hug you!

No idea how well they police smoking, but when it comes to alcohol it's 21 to buy in most counties - a few don't allow sales. You also can't have open alcohol containers in a car if the driver or passengers could access them (easily), so they could be in the trunk but not on the back seat even if it's a big 'Murican car you'd have to stop to reach the can. Saying hello, or somehow acknowledging another person in a quiet area, is good so I guess some eye contact plus a tilted hat is fine as long as you don't stare. Whether that means you can strike up a conversation or not I can't say.

And yes, it might be a good idea to cut down on the swearing. For a nation producing such a large amount of all pr0n they're often surprisingly prudish, so yelling certain British profanities might result in a beating or possibly becoming a convicted sex offender. OK, maybe not that last one...
   
Made in gb
Fixture of Dakka







It might be worth getting an "International Drivers Permit" I think they're called.


Although I think it isn't strictly legally necessary, quite a few people I know going from the UK to the US have had quite a lot of problems with the American police, particularly if they're the small town police types, when it comes to drivers licenses.
   
Made in gb
Potent Possessed Daemonvessel





Why Aye Ya Canny Dakkanaughts!

Isn't the 'no eye contact in public' only a Southerner thing (English southerner, not American southerner)?

Ghorros wrote:
The moral of the story: Don't park your Imperial Knight in a field of Gretchin carrying power tools.
 Marmatag wrote:
All the while, my opponent is furious, throwing his codex on the floor, trying to slash his wrists with safety scissors.
 
   
Made in us
Beautiful and Deadly Keeper of Secrets





 mrhappyface wrote:
Isn't the 'no eye contact in public' only a Southerner thing (English southerner, not American southerner)?
It is, in the south you really will be talked up at random at times especially in area's of congregated people. You do want to look people in the face as you talk with them as otherwise it looks like you are trying to avoid them which is rather rudel/
   
Made in gb
Xeno-Hating Inquisitorial Excruciator




London

Is it true that The sonuvabitch needed killin'... is still a legally valid defence for homicide in Texas?
   
Made in us
Fixture of Dakka






Americans are less socially tactile so no hugs or cheek kisses.

Also prepare to be mistaken for an Australian as by and large Americans are ignorant of the world outside their own borders.

Also also when they say “oh I’m Irish” what they mean is “I’m fairly sure my great great grandad was half Irish so I’m clinging to that culture because for some reason I don’t want to identify as American.” Americans only identify as American when presented with their flag, taking offense at a joke about Americans and when getting all patriotic about bombing Muslims.

P.S. Contrary to English people, Americans generally can’t take a joke at their own expense, so no traditional British country-knocking is advised.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2018/03/11 22:42:29


"The Omnissiah is my Moderati" 
   
Made in gb
Longtime Dakkanaut





UK

I have worked a lot in the US (including Texas) and with Americans all over the world. I've found Texans are not particularly any different to any other Americans (tho they think they are ! Its the equivalent of Yorkshire)

There is no golden rule, but politeness always wins, a firm handshake and please and thank you etc. Some will be quite religious others not at all, its really no different to anyplace else. Work the English accent Yank ladies genuinely love it !

I would smoke pre rolled cigs (don't call them fags…) Most Yanks i know will quite happily drink for hours and then try to drive home, don't do that last bit.

Drinking in America is fun, you will need to get your Whiskey legs sorted, be prepared to deliver a 10 minute lecture on the similarities and differences on US / Scottish whiskey.

If you are being hosted take a bottle of good Scottish whiskey as a gift, as long as they aren't Mormon or something, it will be appreciated. You can buy Margaritas the size of Mars in most restaurants.

Have fun and let us know how you got on when you get back !

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/03/11 22:40:31


   
Made in us
Did Fulgrim Just Behead Ferrus?





Fort Worth, TX

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:

1.I’m a smoker (tobacco only. I’m not daft!), but prefer my roll ups to straights. Upside is they’re far cheaper. Downside is to the untrained eye I may appear to be smoking a Doobyspliffjoint. Seeing as I not only enjoy my civil liberties, but also don’t want to waste Police time from a simple misunderstanding, is it better if just for the trip I buy regular ciggies?


Depending on the jurisdiction, smoking may be illegal in certain public areas and most private establishments. I haven't paid much attention to the various smoking ordinances passed in the DFW area, so I can't really help you there. But a roll-your-own might raise some eyebrows.

2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?


Basically, just find a beer you like. There are a lot of craft brews available in the area. Just don't overdrink to the point of losing self-control, and DO NOT DRIVE, even if you only had one drink. Trust me, the sober drivers in DFW are bad enough.

3. Eye contact in public. In London, it’s generally a no-no. One certainly doesn’t strike up conversation at the bus stop or in general. But in Texas? Is the person chatting the odd’un, or it is me for not?


Most people keep to themselves, especially with cell phones everywhere now. You'll find the occasional person who likes to make small talk with anyone who'll stand still long enough to listen.

Oh, and swearing. I’m normally quite sweary. Is this something I’d need to rein in as I do at work?


Depends on where you are. If you see kids or old people around, do your best to protect their virgin ears. For just language in general, you might have to repeat yourself sometimes, especially if your accent is a strong one.
Also, depending on when you'll come, shoot for April to May. The weather's not really hot yet, and you can check out the Scarborough RenFest.

"Through the darkness of future past, the magician longs to see.
One chants out between two worlds: Fire, walk with me."
- Twin Peaks
"You listen to me. While I will admit to a certain cynicism, the fact is that I am a naysayer and hatchetman in the fight against violence. I pride myself in taking a punch and I'll gladly take another because I choose to live my life in the company of Gandhi and King. My concerns are global. I reject absolutely revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method... is love. I love you Sheriff Truman." - Twin Peaks 
   
Made in us
Fiery Bright Wizard





California

Yeah the key with drinking in the states, is don't drink and drive. Also don't get belligerent. A lot of bars have regulars or folks who basically treat it as a home away from home. So don't mess with the locals.

 
   
Made in us
Kid_Kyoto






Probably work

I can't speak for Texas, but generally speaking in the states:

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:

1.I’m a smoker (tobacco only. I’m not daft!), but prefer my roll ups to straights. Upside is they’re far cheaper. Downside is to the untrained eye I may appear to be smoking a Doobyspliffjoint. Seeing as I not only enjoy my civil liberties, but also don’t want to waste Police time from a simple misunderstanding, is it better if just for the trip I buy regular ciggies?

Be mindful of where you smoke. Some places in Texas and throughout the states have restrictions on that kind of stuff. Almost universally you can't smoke indoors (unless it's a private place like a house or some hotel rooms). Generally not within some amount of distance of a hospital, school, or government building, and usually most public places will have a designated place where it's "allowed". Some bars will allow it, while others won't. Again, depending on where it is and it's usually not well spelled out. If you're at a bar, just ask the bartender. Far as your doobies, I don't think you'd get hassled too much. The difference in smell between tobacco and pot is immediate enough that if anyone's giving you any hassle, they either REALLY don't know better or they're just looking for something to hassle you about. I'd imagine the cops would not want to waste their time with you on it.

2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?

Rounds with strangers are pretty unheard of here. I've bought people drinks before that I've been talking to for a while. They may or may not respond accordingly, and it's nothing personal. We're just strange like that here. Tipipng your bartender is a good idea (particularly if you're looking to come back), usually at the end of the night when you cash your tab out, though if it's a thing where you're paying cash as you go, leaving a dollar or so with each drink is reasonable. If I'm drinking while out anymore it's because I'm eating, so I'll just figure the alcohol into the total bill and do about 20% of that, and waitstaff that recognizes me usually seems to be pretty happy when they see me come in, so I assume it's a safe amount. Other people will probably tell you differently, and be just as right as I am. We're really weird about things here.

Drinking on the street is usually not a good thing to do unless you have the container disguised or you're in a place that specifically allows it. Drinking outside at a bar establishment (i.e. a "beer garden" or a bar patio type thing) is acceptable. Also, being "drunk in public" is a thing that can get you in trouble. Long as you're not lurching around like something out of Fear and Loathing, you'll probably not be hassled, but if you're outrageously drunk, you might get some negative attention. I don't think I've ever gotten drunk enough in a bar to get thrown out of a bar before, and I've spent some long hours there, but I'm a pretty mellow guy when I drink.

3. Eye contact in public. In London, it’s generally a no-no. One certainly doesn’t strike up conversation at the bus stop or in general. But in Texas? Is the person chatting the odd’un, or it is me for not?

This one is tricker. Friendly conversation is fine. At the bar would be fine. On the bus? Maybe? I think it depends on where you are.

Oh, and swearing. I’m normally quite sweary. Is this something I’d need to rein in as I do at work?

This one is hard to say. I know I go overboard with swearing, but in some regions of the states, that's just a normal thing. In others, it's going to get you looked at very funny. Be aware that things don't mean the same as they mean there. I don't know how it works in that neck of the woods, but avoid using the "n-word" or anything else can could be construed as a racial slur. Excepting pretty horrible places in the South, those are unacceptable basically anywhere, and if they're being used then it does a pretty good job to establish the character of the company you keep, and not in a good way.

Assume all my mathhammer comes from here: https://github.com/daed/mathhammer 
   
Made in us
The Conquerer






Waiting for my shill money from Spiral Arm Studios

As a general rule, do not smoke except in designated smoking areas and certainly not within any businesses unless it is explicitly allowed. Bars for example often do allow smoking, but most other places prohibit it. Don't smoke near entrances to businesses either.

Hand rolled tobacco might visually appear to be weed, but once you're lit its impossible to mistake it for weed. Weed and tobacco have very different scents, and the cops should be understanding. Just be completely honest if you are approached about it and you'll be fine.

As for drinking, you'll have no issues in Texas.

Self-proclaimed evil Cat-person. Dues Ex Felines

Cato Sicarius, after force feeding Captain Ventris a copy of the Codex Astartes for having the audacity to play Deathwatch, chokes to death on his own D-baggery after finding Calgar assembling his new Eldar army.

MURICA!!! IN SPESS!!! 
   
Made in us
5th God of Chaos! (Yea'rly!)




The Great State of Texas

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
If you’ve been following my rambling threads about a proposed holiday to the US, I’m afraid I’ve got another one.

See, being British i pride myself on being really rather polite, and knowing how to form an orderly queue of one.

But with the Warhammer Citadel coming in the near future, looks like I’m going to be visiting Texas. So what I want to explore is the social mores of that State, and indeed the general area.

We’ve previously covered Tipping in some depth, so please do take that particular art as read. Some that spring immediately to mind....

1.I’m a smoker (tobacco only. I’m not daft!), but prefer my roll ups to straights. Upside is they’re far cheaper. Downside is to the untrained eye I may appear to be smoking a Doobyspliffjoint. Seeing as I not only enjoy my civil liberties, but also don’t want to waste Police time from a simple misunderstanding, is it better if just for the trip I buy regular ciggies?

2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?

3. Eye contact in public. In London, it’s generally a no-no. One certainly doesn’t strike up conversation at the bus stop or in general. But in Texas? Is the person chatting the odd’un, or it is me for not?

That sort of thing. It’s not so much I want to blend in seamlessly - I just want to ensure I’m being as polite as possible and don’t ruffle feathers that don’t need ruffling.

Oh, and swearing. I’m normally quite sweary. Is this something I’d need to rein in as I do at work?
where are you visiting? Texas is the size of France, there are distinct regions.

Outside of Austin people will think you are smoking a joint in public. This is bad. Avoid official interaction with police. You might get fethed up.regular cigs. A pipe would be cool.

Beer. Texas beers suck. Shiner and ziegenbock were local but still horse piss. Wines are ok. Liquor is good. Texas is known for texmex and barbeque not beer. Deep Eddy vodka is an Austin thing.
.
People who do not look you in the eye are suspect, and maybe confused for used car salesmen or worse Californians.

Rein in profanity at work. It depends on work. Be careful around women or children if you cuss. It could be bad.

Also do not pick a fight here. This is not a population that fistfights. You might get shot. Seriously.
Also stay away from south of San Antonio (unless you speak Spanish) and East Texas.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 War Drone wrote:
Is it true that The sonuvabitch needed killin'... is still a legally valid defence for homicide in Texas?

Only for women. And it's "needed Killin your honor."

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/03/12 01:24:01


-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
 
   
Made in us
Kid_Kyoto






Probably work

 Frazzled wrote:
Shiner and ziegenbock were local but still horse piss.


Hey, I LIKE Shiner Black.

But yeah, that's about the only drinkable Texan beer that comes to mind.

Assume all my mathhammer comes from here: https://github.com/daed/mathhammer 
   
Made in us
5th God of Chaos! (Yea'rly!)




The Great State of Texas

Yep.

Deep Eddy vodka,
Tito's vodka

A couple of Bourbons.

Messina hoff wine.

Only eat seafood near the coast. If you go to West Texas make sure they tell you that the size of the steak. It's a bit of a macho thing and they'll drop half a cow on your plate.

Dallas thinks it's new York
Austin thinks it's Berkeley.
Houston is Pittsburgh.
San Antonio is actually older than the US.

-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
 
   
Made in au
Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests






Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?
Well, it's American beer, so you'll need to drink twice as much to get the same effect.

But as you'll be in Texas, you'll need a big hat, boots with very noisy spurs, several holsters, and a belt of bullets to go around your shoulder/hips. Consider getting some horse-riding lessons. It'll make getting around town a little easier.

And have an extra glove, in case you find yourself needing satisfaction from someone who has offended you.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2018/03/12 01:54:11


Industrial Insanity - My Terrain Blog
"GW really needs to understand 'Less is more' when it comes to AoS." - Wha-Mu-077

 
   
Made in gb
[SWAP SHOP MOD]
Killer Klaivex







 H.B.M.C. wrote:

And have an extra glove, in case you find yourself needing satisfaction from someone who has offended you.


Make sure to be well equipped with potatoes also in that case.

https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=LAH19080802.2.110.17
Los Angeles Herald, Volume 35, Number 305, 2 August 1908 wrote:
A POTATO DUEL

The habit of fighting duels is absurd, and the man who makes it contemptible does a sterling service to his generation. Experience has proven that duelists cannot be threatened or persuaded out of their barbarous beliefs, but they are senstive to ridicule and that is the best weapon to use against them. A story current in Kentucky tells how "Hill Bowman," a noted circuit preacher and "muscular Christian," used this effective weapon about fifty years ago. At one of his meetings a local desperado mated a disturbance, and, on being publicly rebuked by Bowman, sent him a challenge to fight, Bowman, as the challenged party, had the choice of weapons. He selected a half-bushel of Irish potatoes as big as his fists for each man, and stipulated that his opponent must stand fifteen paces distant and that only one potato at a time should be taken from the measure. The desperado was furious at being thus freshly insulted, and made an indignant protest but Bowman insisted that he was the challenged man and had a right to choose his own weapons, and threatened to denounce the desperado as a coward if he failed to come to time. As there was no way out of the box but to fight, the desperado consented. .... .

The fight took place on the outskirts of the town. Everybody was present to see the fun. The seconds arranged the two men in position, by the side of each being a half-bushel measure filled with large potatoes, as hard as bricks. Hill Bowman threw the first potato. It struck his opponent and flew into a hundred pieces. A yell of delight went up from the crowd, which disconcerted the desperado, and his potato flew wide of the mark. Bowman watched his chance, and every time his opponent stooped for a potato another hit him in the side, leaving a wet spot on his clothes. He hit the desperado about five times, and then the sixth potato struck him in the short ring, knocking the wind completely out of him and doubling him upon the grass. The people were almost crazy with laughter but Bill Bowman looked as sober as if he had just finished preaching a funeral sermon. The desperado was taken home and put to bed, and there he stayed for more than a week before he recovered from the effects of his Irish potato duel. That was the end of dueling in that region.

This message was edited 7 times. Last update was at 2018/03/12 02:11:39



 
   
Made in au
[MOD]
Making Stuff






Under the couch

 Big H wrote:
... Most Yanks...

On a side note, Americans may be confused and/or offended if you refer to them as 'Yanks' to their face...

 
   
Made in us
Kid_Kyoto






Probably work

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?
Well, it's American beer, so you'll need to drink twice as much to get the same effect.


That is a tragic misconception brought on because we don't export the good stuff because it's not made my large enough companies to have a worldwide reach. So the rest of the world sees the Coors and the Budweiser and all that garbage. It's like assuming that all Australian beer is Fosters. It's all we see, so we all assume that you drink that stuff because you're criminals or something and it's all you know how to make, and then we try it and find out it's worse than Coors!

So around here in the supermarkets of even unpretentious neighborhoods, you can still find stuff like Tank 7 (8.5% ABV) or Voodoo Ranger (9.0% ABV) and I assure you, it will do the job right quick. The bar faire is a little trickier, but as long as you're not going into a low-brow redneck bar, you can usually find something decent on the menu. Granted, I'm not in Texas, but everywhere I've been in the US has always had at least one or two viable options that's not the mainstream pisswater.

Assume all my mathhammer comes from here: https://github.com/daed/mathhammer 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





IL

Generally Texans are some of the most friendly and laid back people that I've met, they are big on being friendly and polite so you'll get along just fine if you treat them in a similar manner. A lot of Americans have a stereotype that Texans are loud, hotheaded, good'o boys which I don't really find to be true. Cowboy and Country culture is a big thing in Texas but don't make the mistake of assuming thats the same as being ignorant rednecks or hillbilly. While country folks can be rough around the edges they're some incredibly hard working, independent, and smart people, if you group them in with the redneck stereotype they'll be insulted.

There certainly are country rednecks, but don't make assumptions because they have a Texans accent and drive a truck because that's almost everyone. You'll spot the trueblood rednecks by the open beer in their trucks, presence of lawn chairs and perhaps a makeshift hot tub in their truck bed and likely sporting "Murican flags or Southern Dixie. Their behavior makes them stand out pretty well. Like most anywhere in the US you can see the entire cross section of humanity gone horribly wrong on display at Walmart. It can be like going to modern day freak show exhibit. Go and be amazed but steel yourself; for what is witnessed at Walmart can never be unseen.

Open carry of firearms is a thing in the Southwest so get used to seeing people walking around armed, they'll have gun racks in their trucks stocked with rifles and shoguns for hunting. Shooting practice and hunting are a major way of life in Texas and they will not react well to discussing gun control and politics from a UK/European position so just politely avoid that conversation entirely and try not to let anyone goad or trap you into it because it'll get heated fast. Don't freak out about seeing all the guns but keep in mind that most people are probably carrying, if they aren't packing a pistol there's a damn good chance they have a knife and being largely a rural population they probably know how to use either option quite well. They're usually very laid back people so fighting probably won't be an issue unless you go looking for it but there are a couple things not to do, don't mess with peoples trucks and especially bikes. They don't mind people admiring from a distance but don't ever touch it without permission, doubly so with bikes as they tend to be a much rougher crowd and their bikes are valued more than their own kids. (not a joke)

If you deal with the police be as respectful as possible, despite all the horror stories in the news there's lot of good cops but you never know what you're dealing with at first. They expect you to follow orders so it's best to keep calm and comply without being hostile. In most cases you'll just get a polite warning unless you're doing something outright criminal. As mentioned earlier drinking and driving is big deal so don't do it, but you'll probably see it plenty. Same with texting and driving, causes a lot of accidents there and when you have all these huge trucks around they can be pretty bad so pay extra attention while driving and drive defensively.


.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2018/03/12 05:24:00


Paulson Games parts are now at:
www.RedDogMinis.com 
   
Made in us
Douglas Bader






Texas is known for texmex and barbeque not beer.


Lol. Texas known for "bbq". That's a good one.

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 2018/03/12 05:27:51


 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





IL

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

And have an extra glove, in case you find yourself needing satisfaction from someone who has offended you.


While dueling occurred all over, the glove slap is traditionally dealt by distinguished white dressed gentlemen from the likes of Georgia and the Carolina's. Then it's met by pistols at dawn.

In the southwest the time honored tradition is to spit some chew on their boots and say "go ahead and draw boy" then you shoot each other without leaving the the bar, or you have a high noon face off in the street.

Paulson Games parts are now at:
www.RedDogMinis.com 
   
Made in us
The Conquerer






Waiting for my shill money from Spiral Arm Studios

 insaniak wrote:
 Big H wrote:
... Most Yanks...

On a side note, Americans may be confused and/or offended if you refer to them as 'Yanks' to their face...


Indeed. Yanks quite explicitly only applies to people from New England.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 Peregrine wrote:
Texas is known for texmex and barbeque not beer.


Lol. Texas known for "bbq". That's a good one.


Piss and Vinegar doesn't qualify as BBQ

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/03/12 05:41:57


Self-proclaimed evil Cat-person. Dues Ex Felines

Cato Sicarius, after force feeding Captain Ventris a copy of the Codex Astartes for having the audacity to play Deathwatch, chokes to death on his own D-baggery after finding Calgar assembling his new Eldar army.

MURICA!!! IN SPESS!!! 
   
Made in gb
Longtime Dakkanaut





UK

 Grey Templar wrote:
 insaniak wrote:
 Big H wrote:
... Most Yanks...

On a side note, Americans may be confused and/or offended if you refer to them as 'Yanks' to their face...


Indeed. Yanks quite explicitly only applies to people from New England.


Hmm, I reckon the Texicans I worked with loved it in a morning when I walked in the office and loudly proclaimed “morning Yanks “
To which they would all smile , call me a “ fetching Brit” and hand me coffee, whiskey and / or firearms.
Good times.

   
Made in fr
Longtime Dakkanaut




Smoking isn't very common there, and usually not seen in a good light. As has been suggested, always avoid smoking close to a business/house entrance (don't know about Texas specifically, but some states have laws that actually forbid smoking close to entrances). And sometimes big areas can be tobacco free: university campuses come to mind, but I've seen plazzas that were completely smoke-free. It's unusual for us, so check there's no sign (sometimes the no-smoking symbol is painted on the wall) before lighting one.

Cursing is very different there. A good portion of people consider cursing to be extremely rude, even small words like s**t are seen as very foul, and should never be heard by children. Of course it varies widely from a person to the other, but every time you're in a public place with a wide variety of people around (restaurants, supermarkets, tourists spots etc.), you should try your best not to swear at all. In bars it's a lot more accepted, mostly because there are no kids or puritans there.

Always have some kind of ID if you want to drink. They always ask for proof that you're over 21, even if you're 35 and look the part. You will get kicked out of bar if you don't have any ID.
Drinking outside is usually forbidden, unless you're in a beer-garten or something similar. Or in a private lawn enjoying a BBQ. You can't have a beer on a bench in a park with your lunch, especially if the beer can is not wrapped in a brown bag to hide the fact that it's alcohol.
Driving drunk is a very serious offense. If you run someone over with your car while sobber, you just have to say you didn't see them/mistook the brake for the gas, and you'll be fine (like in most countries sadly). But if you had a drink beforehand, you're going to jail for a while. Oh, and if you ever get pulled over by the cops, stay in your car and wait for the police officer to come see you (like you see in movies). Don't get out of your car to ask the policeman why he/she pulled you over, that could get you shot.

Driving is insane over there (probably even more for someone used to driving on the left). You have huge highways, which often have like 4 or 5 lanes going each way. People use their turn signals like half the time (or more likely only half the people ever use them), and passing people on the right is legal (I think, at least it is in the states I lived in) and very common. That's something you might not be used to. And of course, big pick up trucks everywhere, blocking sight and blinding you at night (you'll finally get to use the "low reflection" mode on the rear mirror…).

About eye contact and general social interaction, it never felt like the US and Texas were very different than France. People are friendlier (especially in the South), and a bit more likely to start a conversation while you're waiting in line at the supermarket or something, but it always felt pretty normal. Small talks is very similar, and will probably very quickly turn into a conversation about where you're from/what you're doing here.
I don't stare random people in the eye for no reason, but short eye contact in public is just as normal as it is anywhere I've been to. Really, if you can navigate social interactions in the UK, you should be pretty okay in the US too. Just stay clear of some topics (mostly religion, gun control, and politics in general) unless you know the person pretty well. As someone earlier said, try to be mindful of people trying to bring these topics in the conversation. They might very well just want an outside opinion and are genuinely interested in an open debate, but most people do not talk about politics to have their mind changed. It's usually easy to say you don't have an opinion on gun control in the US because the situation is very different than in your own country, then quickly change the topic to something else. In my experience it's not very common, but if you go to local bar and try to talk to folks there, it might be.
   
Made in us
Aspirant Tech-Adept






Honesltly, my advice about going to Texas is simple: Don't.

I'm an American and I have no desire to set foot in Texas.

"I learned the hard way that if you take a stand on any issue, no matter how insignificant, people will line up around the block to kick your ass over it." Jesse "the mind" Ventura. 
   
Made in us
Monstrous Master Moulder




Rust belt

Tell the ladies your the stunt double for the latest Bond film and you won’t be lonely at night.
   
Made in gb
Potent Possessed Daemonvessel





Why Aye Ya Canny Dakkanaughts!

 Chute82 wrote:
Tell the ladies your the stunt double for the latest Bond film and you won’t be lonely at night.

What if you're a stunt double in the latest Johnny English movie?

Ghorros wrote:
The moral of the story: Don't park your Imperial Knight in a field of Gretchin carrying power tools.
 Marmatag wrote:
All the while, my opponent is furious, throwing his codex on the floor, trying to slash his wrists with safety scissors.
 
   
Made in us
Proud Triarch Praetorian





 H.B.M.C. wrote:
and a belt of bullets to go around your shoulder/hips.


A bandolier?

Also, say howdy a lot. Tell everybody you are on vacation. Ask them if they knew Davy Crockett. Make sure to inform them that Texas BBQ isn't even real BBQ and it is also inferior to Kansas City BBQ. Ask them about the last time the Dallas Cowboys won the Superbowl.

Definitely mess with Texas.
   
Made in us
Lead-Footed Trukkboy Driver





General tips:
Americans say, "I'm Irish-German," not because they don't want to be American as the previously ill-informed poster commented, but because we are all rather recent immigrants (historically speaking) and the average American knows quite a lot about their ancestry as a result. It is also a way for people to connect to strangers. Despite the stereotypes, most Americans strive to be polite and are uncomfortable in situations of potential social awkwardness. We will strike up casual conversations most anywhere, although it is far less common in cities due to the usual reasons.

In regards to your specific questions:
1. Rolled cigs are fairly popular here too, although it varies from place to place. I can't say regarding Texas specifically.
2. Beer - you will be incredibly surprised. I have been all over the world, and the US is without a doubt one of the best countries to find great beer (despite the garbage mass-produced and sent around the globe). I don't know anyone who actually drinks Budweiser. There are literally tens of thousands of breweries throughout the country. In St. Louis, the local supermarket easily carries 3-4 dozen varieties of beer. Apart from a few puritan states (Texas isn't one of them), drinking your fair share of beer is perfectly fine and the norm.
3. Eye contact - do not avoid eye contact. It isn't rude, per se, but it would be perceived as suspicious.

I've been to England a few times, as well as Germany, Italy, and Croatia. The US and England are the most comparable, which shouldn't be surprising given the history. Moreover, most Americans have a fairly romanticized view of England, so they will be inclined to forgive you any social faux pas.

Edit*
Beware of discussing politics in Texas. There are liberal parts where it wouldn't be much of an issue (Austin in particular), but the very serious problem with the US (and it may be for the rest of the world if it continues to spiral out of control) is that political affiliation has become dangerously connected to identity. I dare say the majority of my compatriots now hold the view - "I would never vote for a Republican/Democrat regardless of the faults of my own party's candidate." Polite political discourse is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, unfortunately.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/03/12 12:08:17


Active armies, still collecting and painting First and greatest love - Orks, Orks, and more Orks largest pile of shame, so many tanks unassembled most complete and painted beautiful models, couldn't resist the swarm will consume all
Armies in disrepair: nothing new since 5th edition oh how I want to revive, but mostly old fantasy demons and some glorious Soul Grinders in need of love 
   
 
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