The 16 Biggest Shocks For Those Americans Visiting Europe

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The 16 Biggest Shocks For Those Americans Visiting Europe

Culture shock can sometimes be very present, if you are a fan of travel. Today we invite you to discover more specifically testimonials from Americans visiting Europe who left reviews for their hosts, whether they run hostels or stuffy hotels. In any case, as you will see, Americans have often been confused by certain aspects of Europe. Here are several enlightening testimonials on the differences that exist between the United States and the old continent.

1) history and period buildings

I wasn’t ready for the sheer number of extraordinarily beautiful ancient buildings and cities I saw in just two weeks. I couldn’t understand what I was seeing. It was a surreal experience, as if I was really in touch with a completely different era of humanity. There is absolutely nothing like it in America. It blew my mind and made me more interested in European history, town planning and architecture!

The age of most cities. People still live in buildings older than the United States. Walking through some of the old streets feels like stepping back in time to a medieval fairy tale. (…) We hear about the size of the Roman Empire and all the advanced building techniques it possessed. But you don’t really realize it until you see it with your own eyes.

2) the absence of taxes

I was really very surprised to see that the price was exactly what the label said. I like that the tax is included, especially when I learned what a country’s currency was worth.

3) occasional nudity on television

The amount of casual nudity on TV. I chuckled at all the frequently visible bare breasts. Europeans are simply healthier in their view of sexuality and nudity. We Americans are ridiculous prudes by comparison.

My grandmother took me to England at the end of my 4th year to see my nanny and the place where she grew up. I still vividly remember discovering that there is a very big difference between what is allowed on television in England and what was allowed on television in the United States, when it comes to nudity. For a young boy, this was a very exciting discovery.

4) less work pressure and more breaks

In France, people have two-hour lunches. For example, some stores have two separate opening and closing times because they close for two hours a day for fun. Most people seem happier and more relaxed overall. From what little I have seen, I have the impression that there is also less pressure on the backs of employees in general.

5) and the holidays, we talk about it?

Europeans have so much paid vacation! I had discussions with some of my American friends because they legitimately believed that tons of Europeans weren’t taking their paid vacations because there was too much work to do. But if people didn’t have time off here, they would riot. Everywhere I went at the end of July-August, there were tons of stores closed, because people were spending the month with their families and enjoying their holidays.

6) walking is frequent

I was surprised to see that it was possible to get around many cities without a car, doing everything on foot. I enjoyed it, and I have never walked so much in my life! In fact, some adults I’ve met don’t even have a permit. Which would be aberrant in the United States.

7) public transport

I was very surprised by the quality and efficiency of public transport. Where I’m from (Oklahoma City) there’s hardly any public transportation.

Young children used public transport (city bus, metro) – unaccompanied by adults – to get to and from school, rather than the designated yellow bus. Where I come from, public transport is barely usable by adults and even less by children!

8) small countries, but with a varied culture

I was in Switzerland for a few days. I felt like the fattest person in the country, with my 1.85 m and my weight of 100 kg. I was also surprised to find that I felt like I was in two different countries going from Geneva to Zurich. The language changed from French to German and the architecture was completely different between the two cities. An absolutely beautiful country.

9) food shock

I went to Europe, I drank all the alcohol, ate all the food they gave me, I stayed 2 months… And I lost 20 pounds! Americans aren’t overweight because they’re lazy or gluttonous or whatever, they’re overweight because they’re fed crap.

The food was much better. Everything was fresh, made from minimal ingredients, and most were locally grown. (I traveled to France) I also lost about 15 kilos, even though I stopped exercising in a gym. Also, my skin and hair looked better than ever. Vegetables are exponentially smaller too, because they are not genetically modified.

10) the so-called “small” portions are really tiny

I wanted to order a drink from a cafe, which offered different sizes of drinks to take away. I ordered a small drink, thinking it would be similar in size to what we are served in the US. When I saw the tiny size of the drink that was brought to me, I regretted it!

11) ahhh, social security

Here, people can get medical treatment without going into debt. But in return, they very often go to the doctor, even if the latter cannot do anything for their little cold.

12) pedestrians cross without paying too much attention

The only thing that really surprised me was how much pedestrians trust cars not to crash into them. They sometimes cross without really paying attention.

13) relationship to alcohol

Photograph of the front of Player One (Paris).

People literally drink alcohol whenever they get the chance, and everywhere I’ve been in Europe.

14) cats everywhere

During the different places I visited in Europe, I saw countless numbers of cats… There are cats everywhere!

15) speak directly

People here are honest with you and tend to speak straight. To make friends is more complicated, but when you do, these friendships are made to last over time.

16) cigarettes

I was surprised how many people still smoke cigarettes and how common it is to see people smoking in outdoor restaurants and bars. It’s gotten to the point where you almost never smell cigarette smoke in these places in most of the United States.

And you, what shock did you feel when faced with a culture you didn’t know (or knew little about), during one of your trips? We let you answer this question via our comments section! And if you’re an explorer at heart, you can always find our previous report on the most difficult travel destinations.

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