Empty streets, free water, huge portions: 20 facts that surprised a Russian in the USA

The United States surprise and shock many newcomers from post-Soviet countries. Vladislav, author of the blog, shared his impressions of working in the country Adobe master.

The idea of ​​this post has been ripening for a long time - I wanted to share what I thought was strange during a trip to the USA, and there it was in the order of things.

Such "cultural" (and not only) differences between representatives of different nations are inevitable, this is a consequence of the peculiarities of upbringing, mentality; traditions also play a role.

Want to know what I noticed? Check out the list of 20 items.

About cities, animals and transport

1. As if extinct, such empty cities. Of course, this does not apply to megacities like New York and Miami, where one gets the feeling that no one ever sleeps there at all. But in the early days upon arrival, these empty streets simply hit me. The walk took about an hour, and during this time I did not see a single living soul. In my opinion, this is impossible in principle in any country of the CIS. Even in the most deaf village, I would at least come across someone. Over time, I found an explanation for this fact, it is very prosaic. These provincial cities have big problems with public transportation. He walks infrequently, there are few routes. Therefore, a personal car for every member of the American family is almost a must-have. People with incomes below the average can afford it, gasoline is also inexpensive. Although I can’t say anything bad about public transport, everything is very comfortable, with the latest technology, convenient for people with disabilities.
2. For the fact that there are no homeless animals, definitely - respect! For four months I did not happen to meet a single ownerless cat or dog. And both in megacities and in very small towns.
3. Size definitely matters. For an American, a large car is a clear sign of high social status. There are more huge SUVs on the road than anything else.
4. The habit of turning on the air conditioner to the maximum. This applies to any transport, food service establishments - it’s really cold everywhere. If you cannot bear this, stock up on warm clothes when you are planning to fly a flight with an American airline or take a long-distance bus.

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About food, drinks, clothes and smiles

1. Very generous portions of ice in drinks, half a glass or more. They don’t get used to it, but I just got my teeth off.
2. The habit is at the wheel. In the vast majority of institutions, especially those specializing in fast food, there are cash desks to which you can drive by car, make an order and pick up food without leaving your car. Moreover, the queue for such ticket offices is long, but inside there is no one at all. Therefore, if they think that in this way they save time, then it is unlikely.
3. Constant smiles. If a stranger smiled at you on the street, this is absolutely normal. Of course, a smile is far from sincere and natural, but it still has a positive effect on mood. Our people often have gloomy faces.
4. The main thing in clothes is comfort. And what others think about it - it does not matter. You can go to the store in pajamas and a bathrobe.
5. Dinner at home is an exception to the rule, they themselves hardly cook. Most often, Americans in the evenings go to a cafe, restaurant or pre-order something to take away in order to go home to take food with them. What is the matter, I did not understand - either laziness is to blame, or again, an attempt to save time.
6. Free water. You can go to any cafe and ask for a drink. You will be poured a glass of water without question.

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About shops, street shoes and a system of measures

1. Free packages are even more than you need. Individual packaging is provided for almost every product.
2. Quick and easy return of goods. What are the checks and undisturbed packaging! Even obvious second-hand ones are taken back without question. Some, by the way, take advantage of this - they buy a thing, and after a while they return it back in a state far from ideal, stating that they simply “did not like it”.
3. The habit of walking around the house, lying down on the sofa, climbing into bed in street shoes. Many, seeing such scenes in films, were surprised at this. There is no fiction here.
4. The cost of goods on the price tags excluding tax. Be prepared that a check for a much larger amount will be struck at the checkout.
5. Widespread use of credit cards. There is a payment terminal even in the most remote province.
6. A system of measures and weights unusual for a European person. First pounds, gallons, inches at the level of Chinese letters, but in about a month you inevitably get used to it.

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About courtesy, tips, infrastructure and workaholics

1. A question that does not require an answer, “how are you?” In fact, this is an analogue of our "hello." The person who asked him will be very surprised if you begin to explain in detail how you really are doing.
2. Well thought out infrastructure for people with disabilities. You understand that they do everything possible to the maximum so that this category does not feel left out. Everywhere there are special doors, ramps, lifts. This experience would be nice to adopt.
3. Tipping by default. Most often they are included in the check. If not, and you did not give tea - this is a direct insult to the waiter. He will think that you were unsatisfied with the quality of his service.
4. Workaholism. Many people come to work much earlier than the official start of the work day, and leave almost after midnight.

These are not all, but my main observations about the USA and Americans. I hope you also learned something new and interesting for yourself.

Original column published on the blog. adobe-master.ru

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