It seems that 4 millions Britons that visit the United States every year wil have to pay a £5 tourist tax. Currently citizens from 26 countries are not required a visa when entering the country, but would be asked to pay a $10 fee. The government guarantees that the money coming from taxes will be well spent. The sum will be invested into providing new technology at US airports and raising general awareness for tourists arriving in the US.
January 31, 2008
Valentine’s Day, February 14th
Every February, across the world, people in love exchange candy, flowers and kisses in the name of Saint Valentine. Valentine’s Day started in the time of theRoman Empire. In a time were marriages were not allowed because it stopped soldiers from joining the army, the priest Valentine secretly married couples. For his actions, Valentine suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, which later came to be known as the day of people in love.
Groundhog Day, February 2
Celebrated in the United States and Canada, Groundhog Day dates back to the fifth century, when people believed animals had certain super natural powers. If animals that came out of their dens didn’t see their shadows because of a cloudy sky, then winter will soon come to an end. Approximately 75% to 90% of the rodent’s predictions are accurate.
Martin Luther King Day, January 21
“I have a dream… I have a dream that one day little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today”.
This holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King’s birthday, January 15. This holiday is one of the four American holidays to celebrate a person, being a time to remember his fight for freedom and that chance is possible without violence.
New Year’s Day, January 1
January 1, the first day of the New Year, is welcomed differently in every corner of the world. The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays. With the coming of a new year, we wish each other good luck and we expect a new life. One of the commonest traditions is making the New Year’s Resolution that dates back to the Babylonians. The most popular resolution back them was to return farm equipment.
In whatever part of the world you may be, most of people feel the same sentiment. With a new year, we can expect a new life, new hope and a chance for a new beginning.
Getting used to the USA
You probably feel unease in a new country, among people you don’t know, like many others do. But meeting people is far less difficult than it seems. Americans easily start a conversation with someone they just met.
The best place to socialize and interact with different people. Still, many Americans are preoccupied with their safety and fear crimes so be sure to act normal when meeting people for the first time. (more…)