I’m visiting the US for the first time in two years, so there’s a lot of stuff that strikes me as awesome, that people who live here all the time probably don’t notice. So, today at Inc., I’m documenting some of the things that are happy about America. I figured as the news is all awful, we need something cheery. 5 Great Things About America That You’ve Forgotten.
Yes, the free refills! Even the doggie bags (in some countries, they don’t provide those, I’m told from visiting friends). All things I take for granted here and was surprised about when I visited overseas. 🙂
I have drunk so much root beer. 🙂
I had one observation I always wondered about when I visited London. I’m told there’s some kind of fee for driving on certain roads (not sure if all roads or certain roads). But…I saw a neverending sea of black taxi cabs. Tons of them. 98% of them seemed unoccupied, just driving around, using gas, polluting the air, creating congestion…apparently hoping for a customer? But people weren’t really driving a lot of their own cars (I assume because of the fee, etc.)? From any of the EHR readers in England–am I missing something? I’ve always been curious about that after my London visit! I thought maybe they were just for tourists, but we got around via the bus and the tube just fine. We never thought about taking a taxi cab, and no one else seemed to either.
Hmmm, good question! I’ve never been to London, but I’m planning a trip in October, so I’ll check it out. Also, I love public transportation so I would only use a cab if desperate.
Oh, thank you for that last comment. I love public transit too, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone else say that. (FWIW, I’m in the SF Bay Area.) I do think that sometimes it’s a little uncomfortable (physically or socially) but I just hate sitting in traffic *so much* that I’m okay with that.
And it’s certainly a good way to see an area in the way its residents do. Plus I read, or listen to books or podcasts and knit. (Currently about 1/4 thru The Count of Monte Cristo, thanks to a podcast called Craftlit.)
Hiya from the UK! I think they were referring to the congestion charge. London implemented it a few years ago to try and cut down on traffic jams during rush hours. Anyone that drives into London (not sure if it’s the entire city or the city centre) has to pay a fee. From what I understand, once you’re inside the zone, you’re good to go. I could be completely wrong, though, since I’m based in the north and only moved over about 6 months ago.
It is so easy to get fixated on the negatives, or to feel overwhelmed by the challenges that our society is facing. I appreciate you sharing your point of view and reminding us of some positive things that we take for granted. Despite the difficulties we see, hear, and experience, Americans have a lot for which to be thankful. Service, kindness, innovation, volunteerism, and of course the availability and diversity of so many exciting food options, contribute to improve our quality of life each and every day. Thank you for sharing your observations and offering them with such an encouraging voice. I hope the rest of your visit is safe and enjoyable.
Thank you so much. I am so tired of hearing spoiled, whiny, Americans bad-mouthing our own Country!
After 2 years overseas, and it sounds like you will be going back:
Welcome home! and enjoy your stay!
I love you more after this! Ive lived around the world and could make a longer list than this! The news seriously needs to stop with their current trajectory and put out some feel good stuff like this.
Other random items I appreciate about the US – you can drive more places, there are so many different regions, unsweetened iced tea (simply doesn’t get sold in European restaurants), the majority of the country is pretty empty and laid back, and that there is something special about being from somewhere that was such a trailblazer of democracy (well, besides having slavery…….)
I agree there are some good things here. It is hard to see them through all the negativity and it’s lovely for you to point to some. I have personally been feeling very negatively about our country. I hope the good qualities shine through.