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Here I think it's valid to say we all still have a wanderlust in us as Americans. Our Conestogas or rafts on the Erie Canal or Mississippi were just a few ways we spread out, to enjoy a huge country.

What is this argument even based on? Do you think Europeans spend their days in an office, perhaps only looking out the window? For example, I have driven to Paris by bicycle. Considering I live about 1500 kilometers away, this is not a sprawl.



I think it is safe to state that I'm an extreme on this matter, but the point I am trying to make that a "wanderlust" is not an American phenomenon. We do like our holidays, in our own country, or abroad. We do use cars for this as well, kind of hard to walk all the way with heavy bags isn't it? And enjoying your freedoms at the place of arrival can be done by canooing, cycling, or even hiking.

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Our reality (unlike Europe's) is our sprawl. With less than 10% of all land actually developed, we enjoy much more than cramped quarters.

What is your view on Europe anyway? Do you think people in Munich, Germany take the train to Barcelona, Spain and get there a half hour later? We do have countryside, cities, small towns and even small villages you know. And to help another misconception out of the world. We are not a backward continent where ruins and monuments can be found on every street corner. There was even an American guy who asked me in a very serious tone of voice if we even had fridges over here... (BTW... we do)



We do have monuments and ruins, but there is so much more to our society. So if anyone comes to Europe for a 'Euro-trip'. Remember there is so much more than just sightseeing. And for anyone who has seen the movie Hostel. If you're ever walking through Amsterdam, don't think someone will shout in German at you if you're to loud in the middle of the night. It is a well known fact that people in the Netherlands speak Dutch instead of German!