1. FLAGS EVERYWHERE
You really can’t go a block or two without seeing the American Flag, by no means is it a bad thing, it’s just everywhere. Every government building, bank, school and church pretty much has one up. You may on occasion find a flag on a pet or two as well.
2. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Americans are used to saying it all of the time, but to people from other countries seeing a bunch of school children mindlessly pledging allegiance is a little..strange.
3. LAWYER ADVERTISEMENTS
Whether or not their reputation is deserved, lawyers and attorneys in America are very stereotyped. Advertisements on television, on the internet and print media attempt to paint the picture of the assertive lawyer who wants to help.
4. TIPPING
In other countries servers are able to make a decent wage without having to rely on tipping from customers who may or may not have different expectations for service.
5. FOOD PORTIONS
Americans love their food! From BBQ to Chicago style deep dish pizza, American food is the best that there is. One thing about American restaurants that baffles people from around the globe is the massive portion sizes.
6. FREE REFILLS
Soda flows freely in all of its high-fructose corn syrup glory! In almost any restaurant in America, soda refills are free.
7. LOUD PEOPLE, FRIENDLY PEOPLE
Partially depending on the region of the country, people in America are generally really loud and unnervingly friendly. It just isn’t normal in many countries to strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you on the bus.
8. WATER WASTE
Toilets in America use a lot of water, not sure why, but they do! Foreigners see this and are baffled at how much water is being wasted one very flush while other places in the world are in desperate need of water.
9. COLLEGE SPORTS
College athletes are worshipped and venerated in America. Aren’t they just students that are playing a sport? When they are treated like professional athletes, this baffles non-Americans.
10. PICKLES
Bread in America is full of sugar. Just like cake. It is unsettling to some foreign guests. However, we love it because it’s simply delicious!
11. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES
America is a huge place, so common phrases and phrase meanings differ from region to region. It isn’t difficult to see how non-Americans can be confused by many phrases that you use everyday without even thinking about them. Here are a few “dime a dozen,”Bite the Bullet,” and “Caught Red-Handed.”
12. BATHROOM STALLS
Public restrooms in America are a risky endeavor. With toilets low to the ground and large gaps in between the walls and door, American public toilets can leave one yearning for just a little more privacy.
13. CHEESE IN A CAN…YUP
Cheese isn’t supposed to come in a can. Aerosol cheese is puzzling and is an affront to all of the good dairy farmers and cows out there.
14. SALES TAX
Taxes exist in every country, but most countries include tax into the listed price of goods. This is a constant frustration for non-Americans whenever they attempt to purchase anything.
15. SUGAR EVERYWHERE
Only in America do people sweeten things so liberally. Whether it be coffee, tea, or strawberries, Americans never miss a chance to add some sugar.
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