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 mattyrm wrote:
Dont listen to Frazz, he is jelous because he is a Texan and there is only a couple in Dallas/FT Worth.

My job happens to be within a reasonable walking distance of one. However, the 5 Guys is closer, so I go there instead.

 kronk wrote:

 Jihadin wrote:

And I used to be a fat feth

What? You were a CHub Scout Leader?

I don't know what that is. I was fairly heavy, though.

Eating to many brownies?

[/rimshot]

Eating to many brownies?

[/rimshot]

Does the "wave" for the shot.

Chub Scout Leader is another fatty term in the US Army. Sounds more official then fatty, chubby, or over weight.

Sparklabar wrote:
So, I'm going to the US in september for a three week holiday and was wondering if any of you local boys had any tips for things to do or see while I'm there. I should be able to find my way to the most well-known touristy things myself, so I was thinking more in the line of cool gaming stores,events, lesser known sights or other things you might think a nerd in his late 20's could find interesting.

I'll be going to New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Oh, and if you know of any places I should definitely stay away from as a nerdy white tourist, that would also be nice to know =)

In the US personal space is a lot wider than many of the other countries I've been to, if someone is in your bubble be suspicious. Go to the Intrepid in New York, it's the ship Will Smith golfs off of in I am Legend. Other than that the best part of a trip to New York is leaving. In Vegas walk the strip, preferably at night. I always like the Coke place there where you can sample sodas from around the world. There's a hot ginger soda I'm particularly fond of. Other than that vegas isnt much more than a hole you throw money at. Never been to LA or San Fran.

I completely forgot about in n out... Eat there at least once. It's a west coast burger chain that makes everything fresh. Simple burgers simple fries just delicious. I get a double double animal style with sm fries, so delicious.

Don't do Jack in the Box.....

 Jihadin wrote:
Don't do Jack in the Box.....

I will fight you.

I'll help him, Jack must DIE!

Auston....don't fight me.....I cheat

I've no problem biting your knee caps off as your beating me down

 Gitkikka wrote:

 mattyrm wrote:
Dont listen to Frazz, he is jelous because he is a Texan and there is only a couple in Dallas/FT Worth.

My job happens to be within a reasonable walking distance of one. However, the 5 Guys is closer, so I go there instead.

I was wondering when somebody would recommend 5 Guys over InO. I've never been to an InO (or heard of it), but most people I know tend to agree that 5 Guys is king of the fast food burgers. Get Cajun fries. Don't ask, just buy. And don't get a large unless you get that insurance Mel suggested. A large will feed a family of 4, a regular size shouldn't be finishable with a burger. Trust me...go regular sized.

 Necros wrote:
In NYC, bring an appetite and cash and go to the Carnegie Deli. Try to go in an off hour when it's not the middle of lunch or dinner time, but every time I've been there it's been busy anyway. Another good one is Katz's Deli. The specialize in ginormous pastrami sandwiches. Like, enough meat to feed a family of 27, all in a sandwich built for 1. I haven't been to too many places, but I've never ever had better pastrami ever than those 2 places.

And if you have a lot of time to kill and want to drive down to Philly (2 hrs away) I'll tell ya where to get the bestest cheesesteaks

2nd Katz's and Carnegie. Also Philly is about 30-40 mins by train and the best way to get through New Jersey. Pat's, Gino's and Jim's on South Street (In that order) for Cheesesteak.... Plus South Street is a must see.

 Jihadin wrote:
Auston....don't fight me.....I cheat

I've no problem biting your knee caps off as your beating me down

I was about to respond by saying I fight dirty too. Then I realized that's not what you said.
I totally do that too.

Lots of people recommending places to visit, but very little practical advice....

 Melissia wrote:
Lots of people recommending places to visit, but very little practical advice....

Don't pay the hookers, in the United States they are really cops!

Is that better?

 d-usa wrote:

 Melissia wrote:
Lots of people recommending places to visit, but very little practical advice....

Don't pay the hookers, in the United States they are really cops!

Is that better?

Cops that will pleasure you and turn you in after you are sated.

 Amaya wrote:

 d-usa wrote:

 Melissia wrote:
Lots of people recommending places to visit, but very little practical advice....

Don't pay the hookers, in the United States they are really cops!

Is that better?

Cops that will pleasure you and turn you in after you are sated.

If they are good looking cops that could really pleasure and satisfy, then it might just be worth it.

Could also be a fund raiser for cash-strapped departments.

Don't show a lot of cash either...

While European public transport may be quite good, I do not recommend using it in LA, or Vegas for that matter.... San Fran and NY.. never been there, can't tell you much about the subways or trolleys.

The Trolleys in San Fran are a decent way to get around, a little expensive though. I usually just walk, its not that bad really.

In San Fran, Hit the Wharf. Some amazing food there, especially off the boat seafood.
Sorry... I'm a Foodie, first thing I look for is places to try new things to eat.

New York:
best eating place I found was accross from our hotel and people I have told to go since have all loved it.
http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php

We went here in little italy for lunch on a hot september day. Sat outside in the garden (don't sit inside) and it was awesome.
http://danicoristorante.com/home.php

We did a pedal cab at dusk in central park which was great.

For dinner, go a couple streets east or west where people live, the restuarants are much cheaper.

Las Vegas:
Rent some firearms and shoot away. Bring camera and video. Is a long way from the strip. Get a cab.
http://thegunstorelasvegas.com/

In New York, by most of the attractions, like the Empire State Building, there are usually tons of people trying to sell you tickets; don't do it, it's a scam. They scan your credit card, and you don't get the ticket. Plus, they say they give you lower prices, but they really don't. Avoid them at all costs.

If your flexable Washington dc is only a 45 minute plane or a few hour train ride from nyc, and has loads of nerdy things to do. Check out the spy museum, or the cryptology museum (they have two working enigma machines you can actually use!!) After that pick any Smithsonian they are all awesome! Moreover the national arboritum has one of the best bonsai collections outside Japan, they even have a tree that survived the bombing of Hiroshima.

Keep away from Ft Meade. We're crazy there....well the wounded warrior company there.

 WhatTheFudge wrote:
In New York, by most of the attractions, like the Empire State Building, there are usually tons of people trying to sell you tickets; don't do it, it's a scam. They scan your credit card, and you don't get the ticket. Plus, they say they give you lower prices, but they really don't. Avoid them at all costs.

O'yeah, don't trust anyone hocking stuff on the street. The stuff's either not real or stolen.

Heck, don't trust the Internet either. look places up on the Better Business Bureau.

Also, if you don't hav ea driver's license, don't come to Texas.

Our public transportation sucks for the most part, and we regularly spend an hour one way to drive somewhere. We have plenty of sights, both historic and modern, but Texas is bigger than most European countries-- I'm not trying to be arrogant here, it's just that, well... we have a several huge cities, but there's a lot of rural or semi-rural areas between them, and the cities themselves are pretty huge, so you can expect to spend a lot of time traveling, and do you really want ot travel in the hot Texas sun on foot, with black asphalt beaming heat back up at you?

But you can time your trip to hit the optimal time for weather or travel.

I reccomend coming when School is in session, don't come during break or all the sights will be swarming with families packed into minivans and it will take forever to get anywhere.

March or April is best. School is still in session and its warm but not hot yet. best time to go to amusement parks like Disney Land or Universal Studios.

Just make sure you have your papers...

 d-usa wrote:

 Melissia wrote:
Lots of people recommending places to visit, but very little practical advice....

Don't pay the hookers, in the United States they are really cops!

Is that better?

Those emails about the Nigerian Lottery they're absolutely true!

NYC:

- This place can be very expensive if you stick around the tourist traps. Don't get me wrong -- it's worth going to the Empire State Building, Times Square, etc. But just be prepared and plan.
- Broadway is expensive. If you want to see a show, you can always rush. There are also many off-Broadway shows that can be quite good.
- I'd highly suggest a tour of the UN if you are in to that sort of thing
- There's a great (and diverse) nightlife in NYC. You can try to ask locals, or you can just Google.
- Many of the museums are fantastic (for American standards). The Natural History museum is one of my favorites. Most of the better Art Museums are modern art.


Las Vegas:

- Set a limit for gambling and don't spend more than that. Playing the games can be incredibly fun, but it's not hard to over-do it.
- Remember that there are other things in this city than casinos. There's some great nature stuff nearby