What I think of America

Los Angeles, USA

When I think of America I immediately think of the USA. I have to admit that 
I actually thought America and the USA were the same “country” until just a couple of years ago. I know the difference between America and the USA, but I have to say that when someone talks about America, the USA is what immediately pops into my head. Despite the fact that America consists of both the North- and the South-America, most people only see the North as “America”. America consists of countries like USA, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and so on. There are loads of different countries within America, however North-America is often seen as just the USA, and not the as USA along with Canada and Mexico (if you don’t part America in three parts: North-, central and South, but only in North and South you can count Mexico as a part of the North-America)

My impression of America is really good. I haven’t had the chance to visit America yet, but I would really love too. In today’s global society, the world seems so small, and as a teen living in Norway I know an awful lot about America. Firstly I know how to write, read and speak one of their main languages; English, furthermore I know a lot about their culture, geography and history. Not only am I familiar with the country and its culture, but I also spend quite a lot of time either watching American tv shows, youtube videos, or listening to American music. I believe that 90% of the songs I listen to on a daily basis are either made in America or sung in English (American). Also, I have to mention that I listen to these songs on my iPhone (an Apple product produced in the USA) or on my computer HP (produced in the USA aswell) As a consequence I am strongly affected by the overall American culture, and have to admit that I cannot imagine my everyday life without the American influence.

I must say that the impression I have of America is based mainly on the USA as a country, rather than the entire continent of America. However I find the entire continent very interesting, with all its diverse people and cultures. It’s said that the USA is the country were dreams come true, and if you move to either New York or Los Angeles you will have a greater shot of turning your dreams to reality. Who doesn’t want to live "the American dream”? Undoubtedly we are more familiar with the “glossy picture” of America; nevertheless people choose to give up a “safe environment” in Norway, and move to America, preferably the USA. I must say that the option has crossed my mind. It is a tempting thought to be able to enjoy life in sunny Los Angeles alongside with many of the world’s biggest celebrities, or to live every fashionista and Gossip Girl addict’s dream in New York; “the concrete jungle were dream are made”. 

To conclude; when I hear the word "America" I think of five tings in particular;  the USA, sunshine, skylines, celebrities and politicians. Yes, the USA is a big political power, unlike Mexico, the Bahamas, Canada or Cuba, the USA is one of the worlds superpowers and have a massive impact on the rest of the modern world. So even though America as a continent consists of several different countries, USA and its culture are the first things that cross my mind in this context. 

New York, USAPalenque, Mexico

SOURCES (Pictures): 

(2013) Marriot.co.uk, Downloaded 06.05.13
http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotel-search/los-angeles.hotels.california.united-states.travel/

(2013) Selectlatinamerica.co.uk, Downloaded 07.05.13

http://www.selectlatinamerica.co.uk/visit-mexico-holiday-destinations
The Associated press (2012) Sfexaminer.com, Downloaded 07.05.13

http://www.sfexaminer.com/news/2012/12/city-issues-meningitis-health-advisory-gay-men-traveling-new-york