Lessons I learned about America during my visit

Posted by John Smith on May 28th, 2016

In Europe people know about America from films and the media. I was curious to get a glimpse of how it really is in relation of what I imagine America to be like. So here are a few things I learned from my point of view that have stayed in my mind the most. Of course these are just vague impressions from a short stay.

1. New Yorkers are nice

They are presented as the rudest and most arrogant people. While the city is extremely chaotic and people are more often than not busy and don’t have time for strangers my experiences have been very positive. Whenever I would ask for directions people would help me out or apologize for not having the time to stop. In one case a person even came up to me and asked if she could help when I was clearly confused starring at the subway map for much too long.

1. Catcalling is a huge thing

I’m used to it where I come from, it happens every now and then to any woman walking by a construction site. But in the US and especially in New York it happens all the time as you’re walking down the street. I feel for the women as I was ready to start yelling at all of them but because of the amount of these guys it was pointless.

1. Details are not as important

In flats and houses I visited the construction was always very strange. It seems that as long as the place hold together and functions it’s fine. A lot of shelves were crooked, tiles were not aligned and so on. In general, it seems short term functionality in much more important than attention to details. It probably goes with their lifestyle which changes very quickly.

1. Americans are very open people

It is completely normal to chit-chat with strangers when you’re waiting in line or just standing around. It’s very easy to make conversation and they’re very good at small talk. For me it was great because I got to have a lot of interesting conversations and experience people and the culture first-hand.

1. Beer chugging is a thing

I thought it only happened in movies but it’s actually popular in collage. Well at least that’s what I was told at the one party I went to. The contraption they use to chug beer down their throats is called a beer bong. Of course I had to try it to immerse myself in the American culture. I have to give it to the people, it’s not easy to do and still stand 10 min after.

1. Gas is very cheap

I could not believe how cheap gas is. I knew it would be but was blown away by how low the prices actually were. No wonder road trips and gas guzzling vehicles are so popular there. Between that and the prices in roadside diners it would probably be cheaper to live on the road than to rent out an apartment.