On 14 March, I arrived for a month of study and research at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, North Carolina. The main purposes of my visit were to gain a better understanding of the USA planning system and planning education, develop case material for a book, and extend my networks and knowledge of coastal hazard management, especially in relation to tourism, fisheries and aquaculture. ECU as a whole has two main strengths; its medical school and all things coastal. All in all, I can highly recommend ECU and a visit ‘Down East’. There is much to be learnt from the USA. I found my concepts of what is planning, and what is the public interest, especially challenged. However, we really do have considerable advantages that are not due to our small size or our small population, but our multi-cultural, political heritage.