This never would have happened in the States.
Yesterday, I wrote what I miss about the United States. It’s a short list but after sitting in front of my computer for a bit, I realized: if I can’t think of something I miss automatically, then I probably don’t miss it.
With that in mind, here’s what I don’t miss about the United States:
Attitudes Towards Others
On average, the people in Colombia were a lot more open and happy to meet strangers. People would come up to me and ask me if everything was OK or if I needed help finding anything. Then, they wanted to know a little bit about me. Argentines and Panamanians are much more closed on average. This might have something to do with the fact they’ve had much more exposure to the Western culture than Colombians. Westerner’s aren’t as exotic to them.
It’s more difficult to begin conversations with people in the States. I’m not saying I’m great at initiating conversation, but a lot of people in the States are in a hurry. There’s always something else they’re rushing off to do. There’s not a lot of time to interact with strangers.
Don’t get me wrong. There are good and bad people everywhere. And, there are happy and sad people everywhere too. I was in hostel in Buenos Aires when a girl started talking in English. To me, her accent sounded very North American. So, I very casually asked her, “Are you from the States?”
She responded, “No. I’m from Holland. Why do you ask?”
I said, “Oh, because from your accent it almost sounded like you were from the States.”
To which she said, “Oh my God. Don’t say that. That’s an insult.”
Is this an acceptable thing to say to someone you’ve just met? Isn’t this type of attitude the exact thing she doesn’t like about Americans?
Fast Paced Life-style
Personally, I enjoy a life-style full of action and activities. But Central and South America has taught me to slow it down a bit. Join your friends for a 3-4 hour dinner every once in awhile.
I simply can’t knock the US’s fast-paced business output. The States has created and produced a lot of valuable things that have influenced the rest of the world. However, this society has also created a lot of unhappy, stressed people. There always needs to be balance.
Drinking Laws
The US has very strict drinking laws. First of all, the 21 year old age limit is pretty ridiculous as most would agree. Second, open container laws on the streets can be quite restrictive also. Some of the best nights I’ve had have been spent enjoying drinks in a park or square with friends. We didn’t disturb the peace or cause damage in anyway. We just had fun in the open air.
The laws are much more relaxed, thus drinking isn’t a big deal. Getting drunk isn’t some sort of rebellion against your parents. It’s just a part of life.
Public Transport
In my limited experience, public transportation seems to be a bit more developed outside of the States. And for good reason: a lot of people simply don’t have cars.
In the States public transport isn’t as necessary because everyone is in love with driving their cars. Even if there were incredible public transport systems, I’m not sure the American culture would adopt it.
Contrary to what a lot of the world might believe, I think the United States does a lot of things well. Like I inferred above, it really depends on the person. Every country has it’s intricacies and faults.
Surround yourself with good people and doesn’t matter where you live.
