Writing about International Women’s Day is not working out. (See comments to previous posting, IWD was to be the next topic.)
When my notes International Women’s Day reached four pages, I knew it was too much. It may be that obsessiveness was about to take me over again, but I have nipped that for the time being, at least for this topic.
Coincidentally, Google thought that I might be interested in a Buzzfeed article where they collected 34 Things That People Didn’t Realize Were 100% American Until They Left America. Since in our few months we have experienced many of these differences, it occurred to me that I could just use the Buzzfeed post for my blog post. https://www.buzzfeed.com/ehisosifo1/34-things-that-people-didnt-realize-were-100-american-until
That would be wrong – but an annotated selection I think is fine. See below:
Drive-thrus:
“I’m from Northern Europe but have visited the US a couple of times. Their love of SUV cars and drive-thrus is unreal — like there is a Dunkin’, a Subway, and three other kinds of fast food places next to each other, and all of them have a drive-thru.”
No, we don’t have drive thrus here. And, there is no Dunkin; plenty of Starbucks, McDonalds, Nandos, and, of course, KFC.
Sales tax:
“The prices abroad don’t add tax after the fact. You pay what the price shows. No need to figure out the tax before you pay.”
True here too. The price is the price. Few exceptions on restaurant bills where a ‘service’ may be added, otherwise the cost on the menu is the cost; very little discretionary ‘tipping’.
Multiple soda flavors:
“Getting to choose from like 50 different types and subtypes of sodas.”
Nope, very few soda flavors; Coke, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero. Many restaurants make their own sodas and flavored waters. And, no refills; not even for iced tea. I learned that lesson early on, when my lunch cost me way more than expected; one ice tea + one ice tea + one ice tea.
Water fountains:
“I’ve noticed there’s a big shortage of water fountains once you leave the US.”
Another truism. Even museums which I thought you could count on to have a fountain by the restrooms – nope; bring your own water.
Cashiers bagging your groceries:
“I went to Germany and found it strange that they don’t bag your items for you. Everyone just brings their own bag or dumps their stuff in a backpack.”
This is true in London also. The cashiers sit on chairs, scan your items, and wait for you to pack up.
Cold drinks:
“In every European country I’ve visited, the drinks would best be described as cool, but definitely not ice-cold like in the US.”
Some places will provide ice if you ask for it, but some others do not even have an ice maker. Just not the way they are used to it.
Free public restrooms:
“When I visited Europe I thought it was the strangest thing that you had to pay to use a public restroom.”
One of my recommendations for visitors is always to carry a couple 50 pence coins with them. Many times, you can find a restroom, but just as likely you will have to pay for it.
And, I will end my version of the list with this one:
Sugar:
“When I visited Japan, even some of their sweetest desserts paled in comparison to how much sugar is in American food.”
So true here. A bottle of lemonade here is 38 calories. Compare that to what you have at home – 120 at least.
On that sour note, my posting for this time is complete. I will continue to look for things that are the same only different as we transition into spring in the UK.
Cheers!