The Land of the Free

America, the place of wonders, of huge cars, gigantic stores, and so many other things.

Arriving here and going to see some of the places I was always overwhelmed by the amounts of everything there was. Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, all of them have about ten times the amount of things one would think necessary in Europe. Then again, that's Europe. I understand that this kind of "excess" is necessary because of the large distances to some homes. I know that from experience. Not owning a car here has truly proven to be a challenge. 

So, an update from the States, for organizatory reasons this will be done in numerical points once again. Also, I like doing it that way... 

1) People here are very friendly when they're not drunk. It's nice to go to a country where people put friendliness over their own problems. Even those stressed or annoyed seem to say hello and sorry etc. It's nice not to be judged by little old ladies, out loud sometimes, and not have to think about the people who are giving you dirty looks because you passed them and they feel that spot is "their space". Especially those at work are always friendly. Staff in Europe could not care less if you found everything you needed or if you are having a good day so far. 

2) Another thing I find absolutely fantastic is that I actually understand the languages spoken in this language. As in, they all speak English and I don't have to worry about not being able to understand something important. They don't speak Cantonese or quick Spanish, or French, or Romantsh. It's all under control! Then there's a plus that I can speak Swiss with my family which is awesome because how many Swiss people are going to be here anyway and so no one will understand me. It makes me feel all warm and cuddly inside.

3) The stores. Just the stores. I can't believe how large and expansive these stores become one you stand inside. I mean, you don't really appreciate their size when standing outside. You then go inside and BAM! Three hours later you're about half way through your shopping list. If there's something you need they most probably have it. Ham, check. Ice, check. Chair, check. Curtain, check. Bright green lamp with a long cable that can turn corners in the long stand, check. What? Yeah, there's everything. Just look for it. Oh, and getting lost, it's so easy. Next time I'm playing hide and seek. Last time I went to Target I encountered at least five people on the phone with someone else in the store to explain where they are. Not an uncommon scenario. 

4) Ok, so, having watched a lot of TV I always had an idea of what the States might look like. But when I got here I was thinking "Come on, it can't actually look like what it looks like on TV, they twist it to fit their story". Well, guess what? It looks just like on TV! And I know that's not amazing to a lot of you readers, maybe two of the three, but to me that was pretty amazing. I'll show you what I mean in one of the following posts. But here's a little idea of what I mean. 

So, from me to the US: Good work so far, and thanks for dropping the value of the dollar before I went shopping, that was especially awesome. Don't change too much, except maybe a Schnucks in legit walking distance to my place. Thanks.