People Are Sharing 72 Things About Europe That Americans Would Find Weird

What do Europe and the United States have in common? Depending on who you ask, the answer might be, “Not much!” But the majority of inhabitants of both places love Europe. Americans live for their summer trips to Paris or Rome and love dedicating the next six months of their Instagram feed to photos in front of the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, and Europeans love staying in Europe because it can be incredibly easy and affordable to travel within the continent. There are about as many countries in Europe as there are states in the US, providing nearly unlimited cultural experiences.

But when Americans hop across the pond to Europe, there are a number of cultural differences that might stand out to them, depending on where they visit. Curious Reddit users have been bringing these quirks to light for years, asking for examples of things that are “normal in Europe but strange in America”, what surprises Americans most about Europethe biggest differences Americans who move to Europe have observed, and things that are socially acceptable outside the US but would be “horrifying” inside. We’ve gone through these threads to find the most interesting responses and gathered them for you to read down below, so if you’re an American planning a Euro-trip, you can avoid some of the inevitable culture shock. And if you’re not from Europe or the US, you can enjoy hearing a bit about European culture from other people on the outside.

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Read on to also find interviews with Dani Heinrich, creator of the travel blog Globetrotter Girls, and Sarah Hollis, the woman behind The Pack Mama blog, to hear about some of the cultural differences they have observed from living in Europe and the US. Then once you’ve finished this list, be sure to check out Bored Panda’s last publication on the same topic right here.

#1

Americans think 100 years is a long time, and Europeans think 100 miles is a long way.

Image credits: notsamsmum

To hear about this topic from a travel expert, we reached out to Dani Heinrich, the woman behind the blog Globetrotter Girls. Though she is originally from Germany, Dani has traveled extensively around the world, so we asked her if she could note some of the biggest differences she has observed between American and European cultures. “The most shocking thing I saw when I traveled around the Southwest of the US: people carrying guns on them – and openly showing them! As someone who has lived in several European countries where I have never ever seen anyone carrying a gun, that was astonishing to me. It also scared me, to be honest – how quickly would these people to use their guns if something or someone upset them?”

“The other thing that shocked me were the portion sizes in restaurants. Oftentimes, the food portions were twice as big as portions in Europe. The same goes for the size of fast food drink containers (a small one in the US equals a large size in Europe) and coffee cups (do we really need half a liter of coffee, or in the case of an iced coffee at Dunkin’: 32 ounces (just under one liter)?!”

#2

Still trying to get used to my five weeks of vacation. The three weeks this summer with my family was incredible. Still having two weeks to spend with them at Christmas, is beyond belief. All vacation is paid vacation. And it is standard everywhere. Oh and the two hour lunch, and 32 hour work week. I think this is is literally going to add up to years more with my family. Since I think time with my family is the most important thing, this just makes the quality of life here so much higher. I don’t know if I will ever get used to it. But I love it!

Image credits: 2abyssinians

We also asked Dani if there was a favorite place of hers she has visited in the US and Europe. “I love the landscapes of the Southwestern US,” she told us. “The canyons and deserts, the saguaro cacti in Arizona and the colorful rock formations in Utah and Arizona. I can’t get enough of the scenery there, but I also love Southern California. As for cities, New York, New Orleans and Savannah are my top three.”

“In Europe, I love all the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea – no matter if it’s Turkey, Spain, Italy, Croatia or Malta: I love the Mediterranean coastline, the Mediterranean diet, the wine, the culture and the rich history of the region. Italy is probably my favorite country – the towns are all so picturesque, the food is incredibly delicious, and the history – the Roman Empire in particular – is fascinating.”

#3

I’m Canadian, but I had a pretty profound moment when I realized the bench I was sitting on was older than my country.

Image credits: seawest_lowlife

Lastly, we asked Dani why she believes traveling and experiencing other cultures is important. “Traveling the world has really shifted my perspective on a lot of things,” she told us. “A lot of things that I took for granted, such as free education and free healthcare, both things I was lucky enough to grow up with – I don’t take them for granted anymore after spending a few years in the US. I also find it very rewarding to learn about different cultures, different ways of doing things, and expanding my horizon by trying new foods and talking to people who have a completely different background.” If you’re interested in hearing more about Dani’s travels, be sure to check out her blog right here.

#4

Not me, but my sister. She may say something else if she were asked, but this had always stuck out to me.

She moved to Sweden about 4 years ago. A year prior to the move, she noticed a large lump on her neck, kind of just under her ear area. Concerned, we went to instacare to check it out. Tumor. Benign, so not dangerous yet but we still wondered how much it would cost to remove.

I think the number was around $17,000. After insurance.

So she waited, got surgery after being in Sweden for awhile. The entire thing cost her $30

Image credits: Socialist-heathen

Americans tend to get a bad reputation for how they travel. As an American who has lived in several European countries, I have heard my fair share of, “I would have never guessed that you were American!” or “Wow, you don’t look American!” While I understand that these were supposed to be compliments at the time, as these comments came from people trying to reassure me that I fit in, they just go to show that some people have a very narrow idea of what Americans look or act like.

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As soon as I hear those words, I know exactly what “kind of American” they are picturing. They would have expected me to be wearing flip flops, sweat pants, an American flag t-shirt and a “Make America Great Again” baseball cap while holding a 44oz soda and using a selfie stick everywhere I go while yelling, “Does anyone here speak English?!” Of course, that stereotype is an exaggeration, but I think I have met some people who, although they would not admit it, expected me to be that caricature.

#5

How everyone uses normal speaking voices, and how loud I am as an American.

Image credits: yunith

#6

How awesomely rural a lot of England is. I stayed in Cambridge and was impressed by how well preserved the green space was.

Also, when you buy produce, how it’s usually labeled with the farm it came from. Awesome.

Image credits: [deleted]

Americans tend to get a bad reputation for how they travel. As an American who has lived in several European countries, I have heard my fair share of, “I would have never guessed that you were American!” or “Wow, you don’t look American!” While I understand that these were supposed to be compliments at the time, as these comments came from people trying to reassure me that I fit in, they just go to show that some people have a very narrow idea of what Americans look or act like.

As soon as I hear those words, I know exactly what “kind of American” they are picturing. They would have expected me to be wearing flip flops, sweat pants, an American flag t-shirt and a “Make America Great Again” baseball cap while holding a 44oz soda and using a selfie stick everywhere I go while yelling, “Does anyone here speak English?!” Of course, that stereotype is an exaggeration, but I think I have met some people who, although they would not admit it, expected me to be that caricature.

#7

The other day I asked a pharmacist how much my prescription would be and she laaaaaaaughed and laughed, as in, ‘Oh you silly Americans, having to pay for your medicine…’

Also, the wind in Scotland is simply hilarious. I couldn’t stand still without being pushed backwards, let alone walk in a straight line.

Image credits: retrouvailles26

Another thing I commonly hear in Europe is, “Oh, but you don’t sound like you’re from Texas.” This is always delivered with disappointment. I’m sorry to disappoint, but I don’t sound like a character from a 1950’s Western film, nor do I know how to ride a horse. But I can’t blame Europeans for sometimes stereotyping me, and I have a sense of humor about it. Plus, we all do it occasionally, even by making harmless assumptions like that all Europeans are physically fit and extremely beautiful. (Many of them are though!)

One thing about Europeans is that they tend to know a lot more about the US than Americans know about Europe. They know who the president is, they hear about monumental supreme court decisions, and they can probably name many of the states. They watch American films and TV shows, and lots of Europeans keep up with US news outlets online. I don’t think the average American could name many European capitals, let alone many presidents.

#8

How clean and efficient the rail system is. AmTrak is a f*cking joke.

Image credits: [deleted]

Americans also tend to grow up speaking only one language, which can minimize their interest in other countries and cultures. The US Census Bureau reports that only about 20% of Americans can hold a conversation in two or more languages, while over half of Europeans can. Sadly, the American education system just does not put an emphasis on foreign language studies, and it is far too easy to get away with speaking only English, even when traveling the world. In Europe, on the other hand, because so many countries are in close proximity, traveling internationally for work is extremely common. Citizens of EU nations can even move freely between other EU countries to live and work, so there are a lot more opportunities to visit other nations than Americans have. The continental US only shares borders with Canada and Mexico, and many states are hundreds of miles from those borders.   

#9

Got off the plane in Frankfurt and there were people riding bicycles and smoking cigarettes inside the airport. There were also people riding bicycles and smoking cigarettes at the same time inside the airport.

I also got the notion that people in Europe in general were far more free than in the United States. It opened my eyes to the fact that the USA isn’t really such a “sweet land of liberty” and freedom at all.

Image credits: leftofmarx

Before we get into cultural differences, there are plenty of physical differences between the US and Europe that can be startling to residents of either place when they take a trip to the other. First of all, the US is quite massive. The entire country combined has a landmass of about 3.8 million square miles (or 9.8 million square kilometers), while the entire continent of Europe has a landmass of only 3.9 million square miles (or 10.2 million square kilometers). And when you compare the landmass of the EU to the US, the EU is only about half the size of the United States. This makes traveling in Europe seem extremely easy to Americans, as flights always feel short and driving is a breeze when many of us are used to taking multiple-day-long road trips. On the other hand, Europeans are sometimes shocked by the vastness of the US when they attempt to visit multiple states within one trip.  

#10

The three things that struck me when I visited France for the first time:

– So many people smoking.
– You can actually get near old things. I live in California, where 150 years is archaic. Walking through a 900 year old building, and being able to touch the walls was mindblowing to me.
– Just how insanely easy it is to spot other Americans.

Image credits: leicanthrope

#11

The Italian’s way of driving. Never in anytime of my life was I more paranoid of being hit by a moped.

Image credits: Chippedcoffeemug

#12

Affordable higher education.

Image credits: SnooGoats4933

Many Americans are also surprised by how efficient public transit is in most European countries. Coming from a nation that requires the majority of its citizens to rely on cars as their primary modes of transportation, Americans often find it refreshing how great buses and trains are in Europe. Especially within capital cities, biking, walking and scootering are viable options to get around as well. Very few cities in the US are built to accommodate cyclists or pedestrians, and even fewer have excellent public transportation. Contrary to most European cities where residents can get around without ever needing their own vehicles, unless Americans live in one of about 15 cities in the US, they are probably reliant on their cars.

#13

The way the use of foreign languages is seen. In the states, there was always a certain amount of indifference, or even stigma for being a foreign-language enthusiast.

But around here, the use of foreign languages on a daily basis is essentially a social norm.

Image credits: mberre

#14

It is much safer. There are (almost) no panhandlers. People are much more relaxed and secure about their lives. Everyone is at least bilingual. People are generally better educated and knowledgeable about the world. Health care is a breeze. Public transportation makes life better (I wouldn’t even think of buying a car). People are somewhat more open to different points of view and perspectives. Junk food is consumed, but just as something extra once in a while – it’s generally not seen as ‘real’ food or a proper meal. There’s a general sense of being in a society, ‘in it together’, respect for human dignity. Protecting the environment is in everyone’s interest. Canals. Lots of canals.

#15

Not being bankrupted by a broken leg.

Image credits: [deleted]

Aside from many Europeans not using cars because they don’t need to, plenty of people in Europe opt to go without a car for environmental or health reasons. Taking advantage of walkable or bikeable cities is a great way for residents in European countries to stay fit and active, which is probably one of the reasons why Europeans are generally healthier than Americans, especially adults between the ages of 55-64. Europeans are also serious about protecting the environment, with recycling mandates becoming stricter and stricter over time. The US should definitely take note of the ways European nations have prioritized taking care of the planet and making transportation accessible; it’s about time they caught up.

#16

Went to London and Paris recently. I tipped a bartender in London and he looked shocked. Also everything I bought was the exact price it said. I’m so used to adding up 6.5 percent to everything.

Image credits: vheissu417

#17

I never realized how consistently, unconsciously unsafe I felt in the USA until I moved over here. People don’t really f*ck with you or your sh*t where I live now.

Image credits: NapalmZygote

#18

Public transportation across cities, in rural areas and across countries.

Image credits: 57471571C5

When it comes to cultural differences, Americans can encounter countless culture shocks in various European countries. From the first time an American is confronted with a public restroom that costs money (I still think that should be illegal…) to paying for tap water (Again, how is this legal?) to spending their first summer in an apartment, excuse me a flat, without air conditioning, Europe can feel like a completely different world for first time visitors. Cold drinks are served with much less ice than back home, people enjoy swimming in freezing cold water, and summer days have seemingly endless daylight due to being further north in the hemisphere.  

#19

Metric system.

#20

I traveled around most of Europe with my parents when I was 15. By far, the most surprising part about Europe was how relaxed you guys were with sexuality. I’m from the south and being open about your sexually is generally frowned upon. But in Europe? Boobs. Boobs everywhere.

When we first touched down in Belgium there was a museum which had an exhibit called ‘The Art of Orgasm’. I found an ad booklet in Switzerland for watches that was just 20 pages of attractive women making out. One night in a hotel I discovered that most of the channels on the TV were soft core porn.

I shared a bedroom with my parents for most of the trip.

It was a challenging time for me.

#21

My first trip into Amberg, Germany, a bus pulled up to the station and a bunch of small children got off and wandered into the fußgängerzone completely unaccompanied by adults. That’s how safe it was.

That and the more liberal sexuality. According to many of the friends I had, I was the only American they had ever met to even attempt learning German. I had never been told that my accent was so sexy before. That was all it took to go home with some of them.

Definitely worth going back.

Image credits: futurebutters

Many of the differences that Americans encounter are pleasant surprises, though. For example, going places where tax is already factored into the price of an item on the shelf can be refreshing. In the US, tax rates vary state to state, so you are never 100% what something costs until you check out. Tipping culture is also very different in Europe. When eating at a restaurant in most European countries, tipping is not required, but if you would like to leave something, 10% should be fine. In the US, leaving a tip of 10% at a restaurant would be an insult to your server, but because they receive actual wages in most other countries, they don’t have to rely on tips.

#22

I lived in Hengelo for a year for work purposes. Bike culture in the Netherlands is absolutely wonderful and I miss it.

Image credits: [deleted]

#23

People in Scotland (Specifically Glasgow) are the nicest I’ve ever met, seriously. People would have friendly conversations with you at bus stops, and one person even lent me £2 spare cash at a gas station for petrol. It seems to be 90% of people there are like that. Very unusual.

Image credits: I_might_be_naked

#24

I was on a two-day shore leave in Bergen, Norway. I don’t know if I just happened to be in the right places at the right time, but everything was clean, and everyone was beautiful and chic. Women, men, everyone. That place seemed perfect.

And how could I go through this entire article without mentioning some of the elephants in the room: healthcare and guns. On average, Americans spend about $10k a year on healthcare costs, while the average citizen in the EU spends about 3,100€ on healthcare annually. Aside from not fearing they will be plunged into debt every time they go to the hospital, Europeans also have to worry much less about gun violence. Due to the lax gun control policies in the US, “age-adjusted firearm homicide rates in the US are 22 times greater than in the European Union”, as reported by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. While no one in the world should have to worry about exorbitant medical bills or gun violence where they live, Americans certainly encounter both of those things far less in Europe than back home. 

#25

The lack of homeless people. I live in Germany and I think I’ve seen maybe 5 homeless people here, most of which were probably refugees. I went back to the US last year and was astonished at all of the homeless people everywhere. They were literally on every corner. It broke my heart. I had completely forgotten about that part of life there.

#26

The cleanliness in Germany shocked me. While driving through the countryside, there was not a single piece of garbage on the road anywhere. Just about everywhere in the USA has litter almost everywhere.

#27

Living in the NL for a year now, moved from Texas. A lot of comments already mentioned the main differences, but one other is taxes. The taxes are wayyy higher here which was difficult to reconcile at first. However, once you see how far your tax money goes here versus in the US, I actually would prefer to pay more in taxes to have a nicer place to live for everyone.

A few immediate differences include almost no hobos, no really bad areas of town, public areas and parks are really nicely kept, etc.

Traveling and experiencing other cultures is often an eye-opening experience. Especially for Americans who can easily go their entire lives without ever leaving the country, cultural differences when visiting Europe can be vast, but it is important to view any other nation with an open mind and a respectful attitude. Hopefully this list has inspired you to go out and do some of your own traveling this summer, and maybe even learned a thing or two about a nation you haven’t yet visited! Be sure to upvote all of your favorite responses, and then let us know in the comments if you have ever traveled from the US to Europe, or vice versa, what did you find most surprising?

#28

The lack of branding on stores, and it made me completely jealous. You mean, drugstores can exist without ten-foot high signs? Restaurants can look like normal buildings? Revolutionary.

#29

I moved to the Netherlands in 2005 and I think the biggest difference between here and the USA is work. There’s a minimum of 21 days paid vacation, you don’t have only 3 sick days for the entire year, and if you’re asked to work overtime you can say no without risk of being fired on the spot (DO NOT miss at will employment).

It did take about 3 years to be able to call in sick without major guilt and about the same amount of time to learn to take vacation days vs. hoarding them.

#30

Moved to Germany. There are a lot of little differences, but I think the biggest difference is the work-life balance. Not only do I get 31 days (essentially 6 weeks) of vacation, because I have a disability, I get 5 extra days of vacation because the idea is that I have to work harder to do the same amount of work so I should get more time off.

A lot of the differences I’ve noticed here have to do with my disability, actually. (Visually impaired)

And then of course, there’s the whole “stores not being open super late or on Sundays or on holidays” thing.

I also miss Cheetos, weirdly enough.

Image credits: selling-seashells

#31

People tend to dress nicer – you’ll see hardly anyone walking around in sweats. I feel like this has something to do with the fact that you see more people walking in general, and therefore try to look a bit more presentable, whereas in the US people usually just drive everywhere.

#32

That the nightlife doesn’t start until after 2300 hours (11 pm) or later.

#33

A friend who moved to Germany was surprised how everything closed at night. After 5 PM or so there was nothing to be purchased in her town.

Image credits: Scappy_Larue

#34

Went to France. The most surprising thing to me was the sheer amount of graffiti everywhere. I live in a fairly large city but I’ve never seen graffiti on that level.

Image credits: [deleted]

#35

The soda over there is 10 times better. They don’t use high fructose corn syrup like we do in the states, and holy sh*t is it noticeable.

#36

I was taken aback by how small the village streets are. Also, how quaint the small villages are, they’re like out of a fairy tale.

Image credits: misanthralope

#37

Pleasant suprise the bathrooms aren’t dinky stalls they are usually little rooms.

#38

I’m an American, from New York who has moved to Paris. I’ve also lived in Austin Texas. The biggest difference between New York and Paris I’ve found is that despite Paris being a big city (for Europe) it is relatively slow paced compared to New York. Things close. Stuff can wait until later. People take leisurely lunches and dinners. I actually had a friend here complain about the check being brought too quickly. They were offended the restaurant didn’t let us sit there leisurely drinking our wine (we had already been there for 2 hours). Biggest difference between Paris and Austin is that people don’t casually smile at each other as an acknowledgment. Only Americans do that here it seems.

#39

Buildings older than several centuries old

#40

This one was sort of obvious, but how thin and slender everyone looked. At least in Italy where I was. Everyone just looked so much more attractive without any fatties.

#41

Less cops. US is pretty police statey by nordic standards

Image credits: throwawaybreaks

#42

A few years ago I spent a semester abroad in southern spain. I had been to Europe a few times, but my youngest brother had never been. My dad decided that he and my brother would come visit me, and apparently in the cab between the airport and my apartment, my 16-year-old brother turns to my dad and says “I don’t get it, I just saw two the the most beautiful people I have ever seen….and they were picking up trash.”

#43

When I was sixteen I went to Poland (Krakow) with my best friend and our moms. I had never been to Europe before and we were coming from a densely populated small state, where pretty much no ethnicity seems to be a minority. Poland was the whitest f*cking place I have ever been. I only met two black guys and an Asian chick while I was there, and all three were British. I guess it makes sense that I’m used to seeing all kinds of people, coming from the US, but it was shocking to teenage me.

Another thing was that all of the people were beautiful. Well-dressed, perfect hair, and ridiculously good looking. All we wanted to do was talk to guys all day.

Image credits: [deleted]

#44

Americans use too many pleasantries. In Italy, I had restaurant staff laugh at me and my American friends because we’d thank them for everything. Don’t get me wrong, service staff anywhere will still be pleasant, but they’re not going to ask how you are, or expect tons of thank yous for just doing their job.

#45

In Zurich, I was surprised at how lax everyone is about drinking. I go into one bar, everyone’s got a pint of Guinness, and it was like walking into a coffee shop. It’s strange to not be carded and everyone being civil.

And in another bar, it was strange to see two teenage girls get a pint of Carlsberg and gab about he said/she said gossip (in German, which was kinda strange, but amusing). They drank their beers casually and only drank one each.

#46

I moved to the UK when I was 14 and one of the things that unexpectedly took me back was how all the houses were made of brick. Every. Single. One.

I previously lived in the Mid-West and most houses were wood with aluminium siding.

#47

Went after sophomore year in high school. While playing soccer (football) with my homestay family and experiencing my first ever drunken holy sh*t moment, I realized (leaning quite defeatedly against the goal post, I might add) that if I didn’t know I was in France, I would have assumed I was in America. In my head it was always just a “place,” but somehow not really real. That they were people with lives and sports and homework and petty dramas that plagued me back in America. They were people, not the French. It’s hard to explain, and I’m sure I sound like a f*cking idiot right now, but I’d only ever prepared myself for the differences, and never considered that basically everything other than language was indistinguishable from it’s American alternative.

#48

hmmm, the vibrant colors in spring in england. Especially the greens and yellows (rapeseed fields and grass).

That is all I got! ~shrug~

#49

Speaking many languages! Apart from immigrants, I don’t know any Americans who speak a language other than English. In Europe, students are taught 3-4 languages in school and often have a parent that speaks another language too! -Style (the fact that wearing yoga or sweatpants is frowned upon) -Traveling : eu citizens get 5-6 weeks paid leave, USA gets 2… we are lucky to be able to travel more! -Public transport -Healthcare

#50

Topless women on beaches and even sometimes on TV.

#51

No ice in my drinks

#52

Mayonnaise on french fries

#53

The mentality that exists that’s basically “Keep your head down, don’t stand out, don’t be noticed”.

I understood finally why Americans are seen as loud and obnoxious. There seemed to be real shame attached with drawing any sort of undue attention to oneself in Europe. I saw this especially in Denmark and Germany. I’m not saying I was streaking through the streets of Cologne or anything, but they found it odd that I even smiled.

#54

Not from america, but from America-Lite (Canada): Taxes included in the sticker price. I spent a week in greece and never saw anything smaller than a full dollar. Rumours abound amongst my traveling group that pennies did exist, and someone got one on the last day, but only because they asked.

#55

I was really surprised to see that a glass of wine is 2 or 3 times cheaper than a can of Coke. I think the worst I saw was 7 € for a glass of Coca Cola in a Champs-Élysées’ restaurant.

#56

16 year olds legally having sex. Age of consent in UK and a lot of European countries.

#57

Your stick figures on signs are much more active than our stick figures.

#58

Drinking age limit is 18

#59

I live in Ireland and I’m just now trying to navigate the school system for my oldest kid. In the U.S. you would just send your child to your local public elementary, but here you can choose to send them to whatever school you want and some kids are on wait lists from the age of 2. Also 90% of primary schools here are Catholic, and when you’re not that can be a challenge.

#60

The rivalry between the people that live 20 minutes away was odd to me as well. Like Rotterdam vs. Amsterdam have a big rivalry (dont wear the wrong teams jersey in the other city kind of stuff) which is really crazy to an American. That would be like me having some huge rivalry with someone in Sugar Land (a city outside of Houston) We really dont have crazy rivalries like that, except for people who live in Boston.

#61

A lot more privacy

#62

I moved to London a year ago from Austin, Texas. I grew up in Scarborough, ME; Albany, NY; and Boston, MA.

The roads are narrower and much more oriented for pedestrians.

The doorknobs are dumber

The healthcare system is a lot less stressful for my wife to figure out. She is overjoyed with the NHS.

#63

Norway: your cashiers are allowed to sit! Also, a lot more racist than what I’ve ever experienced here in America. And I think I saw maybe 3 fat people in the month that I was there.

#64

The main thing that cracked me up was how people view distances. I was in Hartlepool (UK) for work and wanted to go out and have fun. One of the locals said, “Well you could go to Newcastle, but its a long drive.” It was like 30 friggin minutes away which is nothing to me. I live in Houston and it can take over an hour to drive across the city. God forbid you want to drive across Texas! I went to Tiger Tiger by the way, that sh*t was intense.

#65

The public trasportation was AMAZING! I was surprised by all the people pissing in the streets. The racism is interesting, more out in the open, and people really say whats on their mind, which I appreciated but also found rude. The age coins for cigarette machines were funny. Lastly, all the young people at the bars were kind of a trip and made me feel really old and weird.

#66

Athens, Greece was freaking filthy.

#67

I’m back in the US but I moved to Italy for a year.

Not trying to make a sweeping statement about Italians or anything, but wow it was really shocking experiencing a whole different level of street harassment. I lived in a large CA city so I thought I’d caught a good bit of it in my life, but Italy was completely different. At home it happens every once in a while and is easy (for me) to brush off but in Italy it was truly a daily occurrence and was much more sexually aggressive. Lots of touching, ass grabbing, face grabbing, trying to kiss me, pushing against walls. And just constant shouting and commentary. It was just really different and really stood out to me, as I never expected it to be such a regular occurrence.

#68

I lived in Oxford in the UK from the ages of 13-16. The biggest difference that I noticed immediately was how dense the population felt. In Tennessee it isn’t that hard to drive out into the country and feel completely isolated, far from any towns or cities. Even when my parents and I went out of the city and drove around the rural areas in England, it never felt like we were truly in the countryside. I always felt a weird sense of claustrophobia the entire time we were there. I love how big the U.S. is.

Image credits: Merio1220

#69

Took a trip to Germany, all of the milk is not refrigerated, instead it comes warm and lasts much longer also is much different than US milk.

#70

Everything is smaller. What caused me to move back to Canada (close enough) from the UK is that I lived in a tiny house on a tiny street with tiny cars in front of it.

#71

I studied in Madrid. In Spain it’s culturally acceptable to stare at others. That definitely weirded me out a bit.

Also, I volunteered in an elementary school classroom and the teachers were (from an American perspective) almost cruel to the children. One young girl, maybe 8 or 9 years old, spilled paint on her paper and requested a new piece from the teacher. He then proceeded to yell and her and call her an idiot and humiliate her in front of the whole class. All of the students fell silent, including the girl being yelled at. She basically just stood there while he hollered, said “yes sir” when he finished, and sat down and tried to resume work with her ruined paper.

#72

Holy cow the racism! This may not be true of all of Europe but man in Italy I was shocked with how casually racist most of my friends were.
Source: boredpanda.com

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