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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!
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#1
The Scout 1 year ago
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...".
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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#2
Bernd Herbert 1 year ago
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)
#3
The Scout 1 year ago
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.
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.
#4
Jill Bussey 1 year ago
And religion. More hatred is caused by religious bigotry than anything else.
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.
#7
Cyber Returns 1 year ago
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
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.
#12
FeelingFrisky 1 year ago
I have never seen this and I live in farm country (Nebraska) probably a holiday celebration.
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!
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.
#16
María Hermida 1 year ago
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.
#17
YetAnotherSarah 1 year ago
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.
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.
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.
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.
#23
PeeledPotato 1 year ago
me and my friends getting 20 nuggets for 20 dollars (Australian currency)
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.
#29
J Adams 1 year ago
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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What do you think ?
Petra Schaap 1 year ago
Blehhh... can we get a FUN post about the USA please? This European gets tired of this whiny shti
María Hermida 1 year ago (edited)
I think they (OPs) are from Central or South America. They use a word we don't use in Spain: mani (=peanut). Spanish people wouldn't understand what you are talking about.
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Biofish23 1 year ago
I'm really confused by the "Oh NO! Groceries come in large packages!" posts. Most Americans drive to a supermarket once a week or so, some of us have multiple children. Sometimes we even host parties. Are we supposed to buy all our food in tiny single serving packages?
Leo Domitrix 1 year ago
I don't think they grasp that our nation has realllllllly big distances. We went to the grocery store "in town" twice a month whenI was a kid. It was too far to go every day to pick up the day's meals. It's just a different set-up. That's all. No "good/bad", just what it is. It used to be common in the US (and Canada!!!) to buy 3-6 months of food from a store at a time b/c it'd be that long before you could make the long-a** trip back to town! We don't live on top of ourselves. It's just different. (And why mock the attire? What's wrong with jeans and t-shirts? I see this in Europe. I see it in Latin America. Why pick on the uS about it?)
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Petra Schaap 1 year ago
Blehhh... can we get a FUN post about the USA please? This European gets tired of this whiny shti
María Hermida 1 year ago (edited)
I think they (OPs) are from Central or South America. They use a word we don't use in Spain: mani (=peanut). Spanish people wouldn't understand what you are talking about.
Load More Replies... Biofish23 1 year ago
I'm really confused by the "Oh NO! Groceries come in large packages!" posts. Most Americans drive to a supermarket once a week or so, some of us have multiple children. Sometimes we even host parties. Are we supposed to buy all our food in tiny single serving packages?
Leo Domitrix 1 year ago
I don't think they grasp that our nation has realllllllly big distances. We went to the grocery store "in town" twice a month whenI was a kid. It was too far to go every day to pick up the day's meals. It's just a different set-up. That's all. No "good/bad", just what it is. It used to be common in the US (and Canada!!!) to buy 3-6 months of food from a store at a time b/c it'd be that long before you could make the long-a** trip back to town! We don't live on top of ourselves. It's just different. (And why mock the attire? What's wrong with jeans and t-shirts? I see this in Europe. I see it in Latin America. Why pick on the uS about it?)
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