Traveling to English speaking countries
By maximax8
@maximax8 (31053)
United Kingdom
December 27, 2009 1:15pm CST
Slowly but surely I am visiting all the English speaking countries. I live in Europe and most of the other English speaking countries are far away. I visited the USA in 1993, 2001 and 2002. I went to Australia in 1993, 1994 and 2000. I have been to New Zealand in 2001 and 2002. I went to South Africa in 2009. I went to Belize in 2006. In 2010 I shall visit Canada.
What do you think are differences between the English speaking countries?
Which English speaking countries have you been to?
2 people like this
11 responses
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
27 Dec 09
I really loved it in Belize. It thought it had a lot of what I really adore: tropical beaches, snorkeling opportunities and historical sites. I found the local people friendly and I felt really safe there.
I fell in love with Australia as soon as I saw it from the plane window. I felt totally at home when I arrived at Sydney Airport. I like Australian people because they are incredibly honest. I love Australia's fantastic landscape and its unique wildlife.
I was very impressed with New Zealand but I was there in the summer. I imagine the rest of the year I would feel as cold as I do in England. I loved the walking tracks and the scenic landscape.
In the USA I have had interesting times. Because I travel around on public transport there I always get into much bother. Like a train running five hours late but everything is taken care of perfectly. They gave me a free taxi and it cost them $40.
I have been to Singapore three times. It is a fine place and very orderly. The people there are kind and very friendly. I was amazed to find the rural national park there.
@soledadclickz (1106)
• Philippines
28 Dec 09
Hi. I have been to various states in the USA. I would say that life differ in these areas such that most people live a fast-paced life. It seemed to me that they always chase their tails - always in a hurry.
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
28 Dec 09
Hi there.
One time I was at a meet up for all foreign workers in Finland. It was lovely to hear all the nationalities talk in English. None except me had it as their mother tongue language.
I heard that Finnish people have to learn Swedish. They would rather speak to the Swedish people in English. Yes, lots of people like to speak English and feel confident in it.
Yes, most Americans live at a fast pace. I would like to see more of the USA.
@soledadclickz (1106)
• Philippines
28 Dec 09
I forgot to add that in my experience, I find it easier to travel in English-speaking countries. I guess it has something to do with the ease of communication. Even if I am not a native English-speaker I still find it easier to understand English as compared to other languages.
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
29 Dec 09
Oh I don't know, different histories, dialects, customs.
I've been to the UK, Canada and Ireland and I live in the US.
@yugasini (12836)
• Anantapur, India
28 Dec 09
hi maximax,
i think that Singpore is only English speaking country in my list i think,you know that i have visited Maldives in the year of 1990 after a gap of 7 years i have visited Singapore and Thailand,in all these i think only Singapore is the English speaking country if iam right,have a nice day
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
28 Dec 09
hi my friend Yugasini. Singapore is an easy introduction for travelers to Asia. It is clean and orderly with kind people. Yes, I have also visited the Maldives. I showed them a book with a page in many different languages. There are foreign workers there so that is why that didn't work. Have a lovely day.
@Indojo (242)
• United States
28 Dec 09
I'm from the USA. I've been to Belize on a cruise. It was ok, but I had only one day.
I lived in Singapore for a year and a half. I actually liked it a lot. I felt safe, and it was always warm, but there wasn't much to do.
I also visited Malaysia twice. They have beautiful tropical gardens and nice beaches.
I went to England to visit my brother-in-law. It had lots of interesting things to see, but it was sooo cold!
I went to Canada, but only on a stopover.
Does India count? I loved there for 6 months. But, although English is an official language, a lot of people don't speak it.
I'd like to hear about South africa.
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
28 Dec 09
It is excellent that you have been to many destinations in the world. Singapore is so close to the Equator. Although every time I was been there the sky was overcast it was always warm. I imagine it must have been lovely to live there but boring once you have seen all of it. Yes, it can get way too cold for my liking in England. I am so looking forward to going to Canada next year. It was a shame you had just one day in Belize but at least you went there. Yes, India counts because English is the business language.
There is something very special about South Africa. I think it is that it is now that the present and future there are bright. It is a beautiful country with a wild feel to it. There is quite a rich/poor divide there though. I liked visiting the poor township to learn something and give a little money.
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
11 Jan 10
The English speaking countries that I have been to are the USA, Canada, England, Scotland and Wales. The non English speaking countries that I have visited are France and China. China was a challenge, but really rewarding to work through all of the communication problems and come out the other side having seen some amazing things! 
@Sir_bobby88 (8231)
• Singapore
28 Dec 09
I had been to Australia , while i guess the whole world are trying to pick up simple English but not fluent in it . But if you want to know of a English speaking Country , you might wanna check out my country Singapore . Although we are not that fluent in English but we do speak , write and understand English , Even Uncles around the street know a bit of English yea .
@rameshkumaar57 (5908)
• India
28 Dec 09
I have been to Malysia, Singapore,Thailand and Hongkong. I had a good time in Malysia and Singapore, the reason being English is well understood, and people there speak my language (Tamil) also. In fact I felt more at home in Malaysia and Singapore, than, in my own country.Cultrally North India is different from South India, and you feel more like a outsider.
In Thailand and Hongkong, it was all sign language only.
@celebratelifeh (1142)
• China
28 Dec 09
i only visit Australia and never been to other English speaking countries still.my next station will be England if i have enough time and money to support that later.i do not travel to those foreign countries very much .i still can't afford the high cost during travel abroad .
@allknowing (130063)
• India
28 Dec 09
We in India have several schools and colleges which have English as the medium of instruction although different regions have their own mother tongue. Indians speak and write good English better than most other countries. I haved travelled far and wide and noticed that English language is quite wide spread except in France they insist on speaking French. Germans too prefer to speak German. Then there is the issue of accent which in some countries it can be followed and in some countries one has to exert to understand their accent.
@joseline0568 (355)
• Philippines
28 Dec 09
Been to Hong Kong - although Hong Kong residents can speak English but if you go to the nook and crannies you would encounter some who speak no English at all. I went to Kowloon Park and was asking for directions to the indoor pool complex but unfortunately he did not understand me. Another incident, I bought food at a local 711 store and the counter person spoke to me in Chinese (she mistook me for Chinese, since I look like one!!). Some store clerks are in awe how I speak good English when my family went and bought some shirts.
I think the difference between one English speaking country to another is how you would use the language (i.e. British English - American English) in terms of speaking and writing.
Good luck in visiting Canada in 2010.
