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When we visit other countries, it's like we're tourists in a bizarre theme park. Some places might seem kind of familiar, but just a short walk away, and you're in the Twilight Zone of lifestyles. It's like a sitcom where, even though we're all Earthlings, our quirks and customs are as diverse as a box of chocolates.

Take Spain, for example – they've got the siesta, the ultimate nap time. In Denmark, they've got a peculiar hangout spot – cemeteries are the place to be. In Japan, it's all about slurping noodles as if it's an Olympic sport. And then there's the good old U.S. of A., where everything seems to be supersized.

From stores big enough to host a small army to highways that look like they could double as airport runways, packages that could hide a small treasure, and cars and houses that belong in a giant's dream. But when you visit the States, get ready for more things that might be weird to you, and that's the topic we're diving into today!

#1

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The Scout
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gun apologists often cite Switzerland as an example that more guns do not lead to more violence. What they fail to mention is that while the average Swiss citizen owns a gun, the sale of ammo is heavily regulated (next to impossible to attain for a private citizen outside a shooting range without special permits), and neither open nor concealed carry is a thing (again: permits very difficult to come by). It is a part of their civil defense concept, not a mysterious "right to shoot whom I please...".

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Talk to anyone who's been to the US, and they'll say there are some pretty funny and weird things about the culture. 

Americans sometimes say they don't have a unified culture, but despite the diversity, there are distinctly American things.

From throwing pet birthday parties to loving vacations in lake towns, American traditions can be both funny and heartwarming.

Are you ready to share some laughs, shed a tear, and reminisce about your childhood? We have some only American things that might be difficult to grasp for a foreigner.

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Bernd Herbert
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about NOT having a system that expects someone to take home leftovers in the first place? There's a reason that the US is in the top countries regarding plastic waste per capita. And this is one of the reasons. In the EU more and more single use plastic stuff is being abolished and the US still lives like it's 1985. (I haven't seen a styrofoam package, like that on the picture, in decades)

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The Scout
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "walkable city" is deemed an ideal of future living in large parts of Europe. Shops, Workplace (if even neccessary bc of WFH), parks and recreation, cultural institutions, learning, all in walkable distance. Cars taken out fo the picture as much as possible (underground parking garages if necessary but mostly parking outside the area, combined with really good public transport - in this model many people will opt not to own a car). Unfortunately this ideal will not realistically be archieved in the next decades.

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For example, in the US, food portions are way bigger compared to China, where they serve food 'family style' for everyone to share. It's quite funny to see the expressions on the faces of Chinese tourists at places like The Cheesecake Factory when their enormous dishes arrive.

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Jill Bussey
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And religion. More hatred is caused by religious bigotry than anything else.

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Libstak
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why America? No one else is this inconsiderate towards others privacy...

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What about supersized drinks? In most European countries, beverage packaging is typically standardized, usually around one liter or one-and-a-half liters. Additionally, Europeans tend to buy just the amount of milk they actually need. It's a different story in the US, where it's common to purchase milk or red wine in large containers, ensuring it lasts for weeks ahead.

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Cyber Returns
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's like the US is a large theme park where the goal is to survive, and you buy memorabilia with US flags on them in the gift shop on the way out

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Libstak
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wyoming looking a little like they gave their last dollars to a billionaire, rusty car much?

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#9

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Hawkmoon
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a butcher near my house (Europe) who offers a whole series of sausages prepared with different elements such as wild garlic, tarragon, chilli,... All absolutely delicious.

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Getting accustomed to the fast food culture in America can be challenging. It appears that many Americans have a fondness for eating on the go and in a hurry, whether it's at the drive-through, grabbing a quick bite at In-N-Out Burger, or making a brief pit stop at their favorite food truck on the corner.

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FeelingFrisky
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never seen this and I live in farm country (Nebraska) probably a holiday celebration.

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If you're used to Germany's six-lane Autobahn with speedy driving, it can be quite surprising to find highways in the US with 12 lanes or more, where most cars travel at similar speeds. Learning the driving rules in this setup can be tough!

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digitalin
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This type of cookie is sold in every grocery store and has different color frosting depending on the season/holiday. Chances are this was around 4th of July, US Independence Day

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Tim
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, you are allowed to drink a cup and keep the rest for later....

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Everyone adores dogs, but it's safe to say that Americans have a special knack for treating them like members of the family. The latest trend that highlights this is throwing elaborate birthday parties for dogs.

There's no denying that these celebrations can be adorable. However, some might find it a bit over-the-top to invest time and money in decorations, cakes, and even party favors (yes, it's a thing) for a furry friend who can't grasp the concept of birthdays.

Of course, people have the freedom to spend their money as they see fit, but for those willing to splurge, perhaps considering a donation to a worthy cause could be a more meaningful way to make a positive impact.

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María Hermida
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate the whole "flavouring" concept. I love spices and herbs, which add a mixture of natural flavours and smells, but I hate all these products that taste like something else, like bacon-flavoured crisps, or shrimp-flavoured pasta, with all those chemical artificial flavours. They don't even taste remotely similar to the real thing.

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#17

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YetAnotherSarah
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's the problem here? These people are traveling by motorcycle. Chaps are protective. Not a single flag or eagle in site, yet we're gonna throw those emojis on the comment? OP sounds like a jerk.

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#18

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Libstak
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As old as time, they've always been around in some form in most civilisations.

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You might have seen jokes on social media about Americans and Europeans taking vacations. The jokes suggest that Europeans have extended breaks while Americans hardly take any time off, even working during their days off.

Though these jokes are exaggerated, there's some truth to them. Most countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have laws setting minimum paid time off for workers, but the United States doesn't. American vacation time often depends on employers' decisions.

In comparison, countries like France legally require a minimum of 30 days of paid leave, plus holidays. This significant difference in vacation policies can make a move to Europe seem quite appealing.

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Libstak
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They grow them over old nuclear testing sites? I don't know, ask Monsanto what they are putting in the fertiliser...

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You've probably seen this before in TV shows or real life: teenagers telling their parents they can't enter their room. It's a common situation, but it can still be surprising.

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In some American households, it's seen as a way for teenagers to assert their independence. However, in many other cultures, it's quite amusing to think that you can dictate what your parents can do in their own home. Unless you own the house, trying to control your parents' actions is usually met with disapproval.

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Ace
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did anyone ever see one of these sign-holders and suddenly convert to christianity? Never understood who they're aiming their message at.

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We could keep talking about American things all day, which would be fun. But for now, if you're curious or feeling nostalgic, check out the rest of our American-only pictures. Upvote the ones that bring back memories or make you want to visit the United States.

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#27

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jmdirks
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Peanut pretty much lasts a long time. Again, price per unit, this is less expensive than buying smaller containers multiple times. Also more time effective.

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J Adams
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

F U!! diabetes is NOT caused by overeating junk, ‘type 2 diabetes’ is in some cases, there are 7 types of diabetes and all of them except type 2 and gestational diabetes are down to genetics, they are autoimmune conditions. Hate that it is ok to mock and joke about diabetics being fat and unhealthy when it’s factually inaccurate you are talking about a proportion of type 2 sufferers and you are bringing every other person with every other type into that, it’s wrong. You wouldn’t write ‘now I know why y’all have cancer’ despite some cancers being caused by lifestyle choices. Diabetes is a very hard condition to have and deal with day in and day out, posts like this only push the inaccurate stereotype and make it all the hard for sufferers to be taken seriously, respected and treated right. A health/medical condition SHOULD NEVER BE THE PUNCHLINE OF A JOKE

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#31

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Libstak
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The price...we would get less than a quarter of that size in Australia for that price.

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Jared Robinson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

get a picky dog and you'll realize that even walmart doesn't have everything you need.

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#33

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YetAnotherSarah
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My house was built like this. It's modular construction. The halves/quarters/whathaveyou are built in a warehouse, to code, then transported like this to the land where the foundation is already in place and utilities are waiting, then it is assembled via crane. Then finish work is completed. It's efficient in time, dollars, fuel, and weather concerns.

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michael Chock
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chick-fil-A is an oppressive religious establishment. They force their religious beliefs on their employees. Don't eat there.

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#37

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Biofish23
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are we not supposed to have parties? Are we not supposed to serve tortilla chips at parties? Is this just some weird assumption that fat, glutinous Americans can't resist eating entire packages of food, no matter how large, in a single sitting?

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#39

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Cyber Returns
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't let the bottom fall out of your world, eat at chipotle and let the world fall out of your bottom!

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#40

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Libstak
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are international and would come in all shapes and sizes, it's hit and miss surely?

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Huddo's sister
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's the problem here? It just looks like 3L milk, which we can get in Australia too.

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#42

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Libstak
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's no such thing as too much cheese, we've been over this already, sheesh

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