what surprised me about traveling in the usa

So, I’ve been traveling around the US for a few weeks now—coming from the Netherlands, this trip has been a real eye-opener. I’ve seen everything from wild forests in the Pacific Northwest to the endless highways of Texas. Honestly, the sheer size of this country is mind-blowing. Back home, you can drive across the whole country in a few hours. Here, I spent half a day just getting from one city to the next, and my GPS still says I have hours to go! One thing I have to admit: Americans are way friendlier than I expected. I got lost looking for a breakfast spot in Nashville, and a stranger at a gas station not only gave me directions but also recommended his favorite diner. In the Netherlands, people usually keep to themselves, so this was a pleasant surprise. But here’s my question: Is everyone really this chatty, or did I just get lucky? Now, let’s talk about food. I was so excited to try an American breakfast, but I ended up with pancakes drenched in syrup and a side of what they called cheese—honestly, it tasted like plastic. I miss my fresh bread and real cheese from home. Do you all actually like this kind of breakfast, or is there a secret spot for good bread and cheese that I haven’t found yet? And can we talk about tipping? Every time I pay, I have to do math in my head to figure out the tip. Back home, the price you see is the price you pay—no surprises. Here, between the tax and the tip, I never know what my meal will actually cost. Why is it set up this way? Doesn’t it drive you nuts? Also, I have to roast the obsession with plastic. Every hotel breakfast I’ve had comes with disposable plates and cutlery. In Europe, even the cheapest hotels use real dishes. Isn’t this a bit much? Or is there a reason for it I’m missing? And don’t get me started on miles, gallons, and Fahrenheit. I keep having to Google conversions. Why not just use the metric system like the rest of the world? I’d love to hear from Americans who’ve visited Europe—did you have the same culture shock? And locals, do you ever get frustrated with these things, or is it just me being a confused tourist? #travelstories #usavseurope #cultureclash #touristproblems #fooddebate #Travel