I've seen some beautiful places around the world, but I don't know of too many places that compare with Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, Bryce, the Grand Canyon, etc. I think our food is as good as anywhere, just because we can get it from anywhere. In even a moderate size city you have access to most of it.

But apart from that, I agree with some of what you're saying, in part because I've had the privilege of earning money in one economy and then spending it in another where it goes farther. So that's to your money point.