Interesting Facts About the United States: Our First Impressions

Traveling to the United States can feel like stepping into a movie. From the vibrant streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of the Midwest, every corner of this vast country offers something unique and often unexpected. It’s a land filled with curiosities, quirks, and cultural nuances that can leave travelers both amazed and baffled. Here, we explore some of the most interesting aspects of American life that we encountered during our journey.

It feels like being in a movie

Throughout our travels, we often felt as if we were characters in a film. The way people interact, the vibrant settings, and even the unexpected comedic moments contributed to this cinematic experience. Whether we were exploring bustling cities like New York or quaint towns along Route 66, we found that the portrayal of American life in movies is not as exaggerated as one might think. America feels genuinely lively and authentic, inviting you to be part of its narrative.

Public restrooms and privacy

One of the most surprising cultural differences we noticed was in public restrooms. The design of many stalls left a lot to be desired in terms of privacy; there was often a noticeable gap between the door and the wall, allowing curious onlookers a view of what was happening inside. This led us to three intriguing theories:

1. To encourage people to finish quickly—no one wants to linger when they know someone might be watching.
2. To provide ventilation, although it seemed counterintuitive in enclosed spaces.
3. To deter any illicit activities, as it would be difficult to hide anything shady.

This unique restroom design is just one of the many curiosities of America that left us pondering.

Not everyone is overweight… or are they?

Contrary to the common stereotype portrayed in media, we were surprised to find that many Americans, especially on the East Coast, appeared to be in good shape. We frequently encountered people who were active and engaged in sports. However, as we traveled southward, this perception shifted dramatically; we began to see a more significant number of individuals with obesity. It seems that lifestyle choices, availability of healthy food options, and cultural attitudes towards fitness play a crucial role in shaping these differences across regions.

Commemorative plaques

The United States has a relatively short but rich history, which its citizens commemorate with numerous plaques and markers. From sites of historic battles to quirky milestones, these markers showcase a deep-seated appreciation for their past. It's fascinating to note that some Americans even use humor to poke fun at their own history, which adds a light-hearted touch to these commemorative efforts.

You can eat well

Dining in America can be a delightful experience, but it can also be costly. Fast food options like McDonald's and Burger King are ubiquitous, yet there are countless other chains worth exploring, such as In-N-Out and Panda Express. For those looking to eat healthier, supermarkets like Whole Foods offer fresh and organic options, while many restaurants provide affordable lunch specials for around $10. The healthy eating trend has grown significantly, especially in cities like San Francisco, where wellness is a cultural norm.

The kindness of strangers

One of the most heartwarming aspects of our journey was the friendliness of the American people. From simple smiles to offers of assistance when we appeared lost, the warmth we encountered often felt like a scene from a feel-good movie. While it's true that we did meet some less-than-friendly individuals, especially in larger cities where life moves at a frantic pace, the overall kindness we experienced changed our preconceived notions about Americans.

License plates are a collector's dream

Each U.S. state boasts its own unique license plate design, often featuring images or symbols representative of that state. This diversity turned into a fun photography project for us as we collected snapshots of various plates during our travels. It's a reflection of state pride and individuality that adds a colorful element to the roads.

Watch out for measurements

Traveling in the U.S. can be a lesson in measurement conversion. The country primarily uses the imperial system, which can be confusing for those accustomed to the metric system. Prepare to navigate a world of pounds, gallons, ounces, Fahrenheit, miles, inches, and feet—a challenge that might leave you scratching your head!

Medications are readily available

In the U.S., we were struck by how easily accessible medications are. Over-the-counter drugs are available in large quantities for just a few dollars, often leading us to joke that any American's medicine cabinet must be overflowing with colorful pills. This is a stark contrast to many other countries, where such easy access to medications is not the norm.

Pharmacies are more than pharmacies

While pharmacies in the U.S. do sell medications, they also resemble convenience stores. You can find everything from shampoo to snacks alongside your ibuprofen, making them a one-stop shop for various needs. It's essential not to be misled by the signage!

Cars are enormous

In comparison to European vehicles, American cars are significantly larger. We were often astonished by the sheer size of SUVs and trucks, some with tires larger than we are! This fascination with size is just another quirk of American culture that we quickly noted.

So are the bottles

From soda to juice, the sizes of beverage containers in the U.S. are staggering. Americans tend to favor larger portions, and it's not uncommon to see drinks in family sizes that could easily serve a small village back in Spain!

And the food portions

When dining out, be cautious about ordering extra-large sizes; they can be overwhelming! The portion sizes in the U.S. are notoriously large, often leading to leftovers that could feed you for days.

Flavors of soda galore

As fans of Coca-Cola, we were intrigued by the various flavor options available. From cherry to vanilla and even blends of multiple flavors, the selection was vast. It's not just Coca-Cola—many beverages come in an array of fun and unusual flavors that can surprise even the most adventurous of taste buds.

Caffeine consumption is high

Americans seem to have an unshakeable love affair with coffee. Whether it’s iced, hot, flavored, or blended, the caffeine culture is alive and well. It's common to see people strolling through the streets with a coffee cup in hand, regardless of the time of day.

Spanish is the second most spoken language

Spanish is prevalent throughout the U.S., especially in areas with large Hispanic communities, such as Texas and Florida. It's not uncommon to see signs in Spanish or hear it spoken in everyday conversations, highlighting the significant cultural influence of the Latino population.

Tap water is a blessing

In most American restaurants, tap water is served for free, which can be a budget-friendly option for travelers. We often found ourselves amazed at how attentive servers were, promptly refilling our glasses before they were even half empty. It's a refreshing change from dining experiences elsewhere!

Flags everywhere

The American flag is a common sight, proudly displayed on homes, buildings, and vehicles. The national pride here is palpable, with even a day dedicated to celebrating the flag itself on June 14th. This display of patriotism was a fascinating aspect of the culture.

Drive-throughs beyond fast food

While drive-throughs are well-known for fast food, we discovered that they extend far beyond that. From ATMs to pharmacies, the convenience of staying in your vehicle is a remarkable aspect of American life that we found incredibly useful.

Charming houses outside the city

Venturing beyond urban centers, we were charmed by the picturesque houses dotting the suburbs. These wooden homes, often adorned with little gardens, exuded a cozy, inviting atmosphere. While we loved the coziness, we still dream of a modern apartment in a bustling city like Manhattan!

Mini airports are everywhere

No matter how small the town, there's a good chance it has an airport. This accessibility is remarkable and can be a lifesaver when traveling across the vast landscapes of the country.

The fascination with dinosaurs

We quickly realized that Americans have a remarkable passion for dinosaurs. From roadside attractions to dedicated museums, dinosaur-themed sites are plentiful. This fascination adds a whimsical charm to the culture, especially for families.

You’ll feel younger

In the U.S., you’ll find that asking for identification is a common practice, even if you’re just buying a beer or entering a casino. This emphasis on checking IDs can be amusing and often flattering, making you feel younger than you might be!

Supermarkets are a wonderland

Walking through American supermarkets can be an overwhelming experience. With countless varieties of snacks, cereals, and sauces, the choices seem endless. If you enjoy shopping, be prepared to spend quite a bit of time exploring the aisles!

Advertisements for lawyers

One of the quirkiest things we noticed was the abundance of advertisements for lawyers. Billboards promoting legal services are everywhere, reminiscent of the “Better Call Saul” phenomenon, which adds a humorous touch to the landscape.

Costumed sign spinners

Creative marketing goes a step further with young people dressed in costumes spinning signs outside stores. Whether it's a giant chicken or a dancing pizza slice, these tactics may seem unconventional, but they certainly catch the eye!

The bread isn’t great

Despite the plethora of baked goods, we found that American bread often lacks the quality we are accustomed to. The absence of a good baguette or artisanal bread was something we genuinely missed!

The highways

American highways are generally in excellent condition, with clean and well-maintained roads. During our journey of over 10,000 kilometers, we didn’t encounter a single toll road! However, navigating through Los Angeles traffic can be quite a shocking experience, with its many lanes and notorious congestion.

Helmets: a foreign concept

We observed many motorcyclists riding without helmets, which struck us as strange in such a developed country. In fact, several states do not mandate helmet use, which underscores a cultural difference in safety regulations.

• Endless trains crossing the country from coast to coast
• Ghost towns with rich histories
• Sales tax not included in displayed prices
• Laws that vary significantly from state to state
• The diverse personalities of Americans across the country
• Gratuities are expected in many service industries
• Waitstaff checking in frequently to ensure satisfaction
• The Midwest’s unexpected skyscrapers
• Money that can look remarkably similar at first glance
• The unique charm of casinos and Native American casinos
• Humorous Burma Shave signs from yesteryear
• The Amish community and its distinct lifestyle
• Americans' love for craft beer (think Budweiser = Cruzcampo)
• The breathtaking National Parks
• The inclination of many to embrace nature, despite some littering behaviors

Indeed, the United States is a land filled with surprises and curiosities. We are certain there are countless other intriguing aspects we have yet to discover, and we plan to continue sharing our findings as we explore further.

If you're curious to learn more about the wonders of the U.S., check out this insightful video that highlights 18 things you might not know about the country. It’s a great way to delve deeper into American culture!

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