u/AppropriateNetwork90

Hey all,

I will be visiting June 1st and am considering whether I should spend 1 or 2 full days in St. Augustine and looking for recommendations for things to do.

I will be staying in a cheap hotel downtown and bringing a bicycle with me to better explore the area.

I really want to see the natural beauty that this old city has to offer such as the spanish moss covered trees, beaches, and parks. If the conditions are good for surfing, I will definitely spend a couple hours in the water.

I'm traveling on a budget so I'd prefer to do things like free walking tours/museums/sightseeing.

The dilemma is whether 1 day is enough or if I should spend extra money for an extra night at the hotel.

Also, on my way out I will be biking up to Jacksonville probably through the Guana Nature Reserve/A1A so if you happen to know any scenic/bike friendly routes I could take that would also be greatly appreciated!

Over the years of traveling outside the US I have adopted the habit of refering to America as "The US." As most of us know, America is a continent comprised of many countries (35 or so). So naturally, referring to it as "The US" seems to be more politically correct although Mexico is also comprised of "United States"

Lately though, it has felt more like a nuisance in conversation to say "people from the US" instead of just "Americans" when referring to its people. It's awkward, lengthy, and stripped of character. I'm also starting to think that maybe the majority of people from outside don't even mind.

For example, let's take a look at Colombia, a country in Latin America. From my limited perspective, Colombians seem to be prideful of their nationality and identify more with being "Colombiano(a)" instead of "Latinoamericano(a)."

Being Americano/a is a very broad and removed part of their identity that only holds relevancy to some Italian dude five centuries ago who "discovered" the land which consequentially helped his European brothers wreak havoc on innocent lives. So if anything, shouldn't Americano(a) be an identity left behind due to its shameful ties? And yes, I do see the irony that the name Colombia originates from a more violent dude, but what else would we call the country? Which brings me to my next point..

The United States of America is the only country I can think of that has no name secondary to America. The Dominion of Canada can simply be called Canada, the Republic of Cuba can simply be called Cuba, etc. What real name can we call ourselves but Americans?

Also, I think its quite fitting if the USA carries the name America and its colonialist origins considering that no other country in the region dominates over and exploits other land quite like we do.

What do you think?

Over the years of traveling outside the US I have adopted the habit of refering to America as "The US." As most of us know, America is a continent comprised of many countries (35 or so). So naturally, referring to it as "The US" seems to be more politically correct although Mexico is also comprised of "United States"

Lately though, it has felt more like a nuisance in conversation to say "people from the US" instead of just "Americans" when referring to its people. It's awkward, lengthy, and stripped of character. I'm also starting to think that maybe the majority of people from outside don't even mind.

For example, let's take a look at Colombia, a country in Latin America. From my limited perspective, Colombians seem to be prideful of their nationality and identify more with being "Colombiano(a)" instead of "Latinoamericano(a)."

Being Americano/a is a very broad and removed part of their identity that only holds relevancy to some Italian dude five centuries ago who "discovered" the land which consequentially helped his European brothers wreak havoc on innocent lives. So if anything, shouldn't Americano(a) be an identity left behind due to its shameful ties? And yes, I do see the irony that the name Colombia originates from a more violent dude, but what else would we call the country? Which brings me to my next point..

The United States of America is the only country I can think of that has no name secondary to America. The Dominion of Canada can simply be called Canada, the Republic of Cuba can simply be called Cuba, etc. What real name can we call ourselves but Americans?

Also, I think its quite fitting if the USA carries the name America and its colonialist origins considering that no other country in the region dominates over and exploits other land quite like we do.

What do you think?

Edit: A lot of people are saying "who cares/ppl shouldn't be offended" and I just want to say i'm not worried about hurting people's feelings, I just find it to be an interesting ethical/etymological dilemma. If you also find it interesting, I'd like to hear what you think