There are so many things that tourists in our country love about America that I just never considered til I hosted some European friends for a few weeks. Some struck me as odd at first, but with a little explanation, they all make sense. Ready?
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1. Our Candy
... but not our chocolate. Twizzlers, Dots, Sour Patch Kids, and Swedish Fish are all faves.
2. Petrol Prices
While we're whining that gas is hovering around $3 a gallon, they'repaying a heck of a lot more - like, $10 a gallon. Also a bonus: we apparently have a lot more gas stations than most European countries.
Frequently asked questions
3. Target Stores
I kind of hate Target (because somehow I always, always end up spending at least $100 there), but my friends love the place.
4. Free Restrooms
Most malls, stores, theaters, museums, restaurants and other public places have restrooms, and we tend to take them, and the fact that they're free here, for granted.
5. Unrelenting Friendliness
We Americans are pretty friendly, walking around with smiles on our faces, always ready to help a stranger find directions and to recommend a good restaurant. That's a plus!
6. American Sports
Baseball is a hit, but another surprising favorite is American football. Who knew?
7. Our Accents
Tourists especially adore southern accents, with extra points for funny expressions and Texas accents, in particular.
8. Yards
Again, something I kind of hate (lawn mowing, ugh!) but something most Europeans may not have - a front and/or back yard.
9. Minivans/SUVs
While most of my European friends have driven a small SUV at home, most are mystified and then enamored of minivans.
10. Huge Serving Sizes & Free Refills
Our "normal" serving sizes are about twice what my friends are used to - which may explain our ample waistlines? And high cholesterol?
If you've spent time in the U.S. as a tourist, what did you love? What surprised you?
Comments
XxscemoXx: I'm a American from the south and the people here suck not all people but I have yet to see a person walk around with all smiles
Jem: The laundry places! They are the best sooooo big
Katie: I have lived and visited America I miss going for happy hour, or restaurants at 11pm most places here in the UK stop serving food at 9.30pm and 10pm and I love southern accents and southern accents in southern men :)
peony: What I loved on New York was the free coffee refills also I loved the fact that you are automatically given a glass of water so you don't have to indulge in soft drinks if you don't want to when I bust America next time I plan on visiting target it sounds awesome yee has!
E: I don't know why u think ppl love Americans when in reality when u travel everyone hates Americans and refuses to help them, you're not very friendly and the southern accent is one of the worst accents. Also how bout you're having a huge racism issue and all the "good" stuff u listed can be found & done in Canada, Australia & a ton of other countries Except target cuz uh well that was tried & failed miserably in Canada. I do love San Francisco, NYC, Hawaii & a few other states 😉
GunnerChiK: Great article Jennifer! I absolutely agree with the free restrooms. Not only is it free to use but it comes stocked(most times) with toilet paper and hand dryers while in other countries you also pay for that. Definitely love living in the good ol' US of A!
Tango: All of this in Britain-except target 💫 personally I think England is 50% better lol
stubbornpanda: The only thing I didn't like in America was that as a woman, you can't go anywhere by yourself! You can't go out late without anyone else! There are "stalkers everywhere!
Elaine: Warming
Taylor: Not that true actually. When I was in Europe people would always ask if I was American and when I said no, they were like oh good! It was odd
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