I am convinced that traveling to the U.S. is just as difficult as getting a job with the Secret Service.
I felt like a criminal at my first interrogation. I had to convince The U.S. Customs to let me in by answering a bunch of questions. “Have you ever violated any law related to possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs?”
I tried to get into the mindset of a drug dealer and I concluded that the answer was “no” either way. After comfortably being placed beside the tired guy who thinks your shoulder is a pillow, you get a pamphlet which states that the American government would like to know how valuable your luggage is.
So there I sat trying to remember what I paid for my sneakers and how much money I spent on Christmas gifts. Once I arrived, an officer asks you what you are doing in America and while picking the answer that does not make you a lunatic, they take a picture of you and prints of all ten fingers just in case you do anything illegal and lose a thumb in the process.
I arrived in Dec. and learned the phrase: Christmas extravaganza. Not that I do not love Christmas, but after seeing that, I am convinced that Europe celebrates Christmas as they make their homes – minimalistic.
Driving through New Hope, I was worried for the electric bills, which the 5,000 light bulbs and the glowing Santa Clause definitely multiplied ten times.
I do admit it is captivating. However, I do have one piece of advice to the American Christmas enthusiasts: shorten your to-do-list!
One thing the Europeans are fond of is the concept that “less is more.” This does not apply to America. Take, for example, your drive-thrus.
You have drive-thru everything! Drive-thru bank, drive-thru pharmacy, drive-thru… okay, we do also have drive-thru McDonalds – because face it, you may want a cheeseburger, but you do not want to get out of the car.
Speaking of fast food restaurants, I think you should rethink your cup sizes. I went to Chick-fil-A ordering a regular sized lemonade. I came out with an amount of liquid that, I am sure, could quench the entire Danish population’s thirst!
However, one thing that does apply to the “less is more” fact in America is your public transportation.
I mean, where is the bus that drives through my neighborhood every ten minutes?
Normally, I can make plans and be on the bus two minutes later. I thought to myself, “oh well, I will just take the bike” – And I was shocked; where are the bike lanes? These are some solid mistakes, America.
Something I do appreciate is your kindness.
In Denmark, we mind our own business and even though that is quite convenient most of the time, I would appreciate someone who cared to ask me how I was doing.
Americans sure make up for this. During a day in America, I say the word “good” more than I blink. Because that is what you expect, right?
It is not only that question that makes me think of this as a friendly country.
One day, I went to buy a snow globe. A helpful employee greeted me and I casually told her that the snow globe was for my brother in Denmark.
She suddenly became interested in knowing me and she told me about her Norwegian family.
I was a bit thrown off by this stranger’s interest in my life, but in a good way. I remember walking out of there thinking, “that would never have happened back home.”
After living what I consider a normal American life for a month, I have come to one conclusion: traveling is neat.
Meeting a population, getting to know them, and loving them.
That is what it is all about. I love Americans! However, I still look forward to getting home to my blue buses and my not so friendly neighbors.