This probably requires an entire an article to be written to explain in full - but the simple answer is that I find American focus on capitalism over social cohesion to be troubling. I think the EU, (although we're not in it anymore) to be a more democratic and socialist way of being. Money has tended to flow from richer areas to poorer areas and most EU countries have some form of socialised housing, health care and safety net which appeals to my innate sense of how community operates. I saw far too many homeless people, unmedicated in many cases with signs of psychosis and a decided absence of what I'd consider to be Christian values of kindness and charity. It seems to be sink or swim.

I appreciate this is a snap judgement, but it is one I've made nevertheless after a trip to NYC.

I also struggle with both the nationalism, flags and children fills me with a deep sense of foreboding, plus the infiltration of clandestine theocracy within a system of government where it is explicitly separate. I abhor that here too, I can't believe we have 4 unelected bishops sitting in the House of Lords in a predominantly secular country - but the US takes their separation of church and state very seriously, up until they don't. As a socialist atheist and classic liberal, I feel I fit better in the EU model than the US one.

Last thing the food regulations are terrifyingly absent. We do over-regulate some things in the EU, but 10 days in the US and I felt unwell which I put down largely to what i was consuming. Every coffee seemed to be 8 times the recommended amount. :o/

Good scenery though. Lovely people. Very jealous of the space and some of the housing.