Irrational blaming

[HighwayStar 0]

From what I've been able to see so far, I think there are HUGE differences within the USA - which is not surprising, considering that the country as a whole is bigger than Europe. Where I live (Northern Virginia, DC metro area) public transport is very efficient, recycling is getting more and more widespread, environmentally friendly products are widely available, and there are lots of opportunities for walking. On the other hand, my fiancé told me there are areas in the country which are completely different, and that he'd never dream of taking me there to live, as he knows I would be miserable.

As for Europe, I am a born and bred European, but unfortunately not all countries on that continent are the same... Italy seems to be much more backward than places such as the UK, Germany or the Scandinavian countries (I lived in Finland for almost 6 years, and loved it there - most Italians wouldn't have). I would've loved to move to another European country instead of waiting eight months for a visa to the US, but I will be 48 next week, and getting a job at this age in most European countries is not easy (and impossible in Italy).

[trinket 30]

Ok here is my ranting-- Its COLD COLD COLD out here, I can't breath at night sometimes, my throat gets all dried up and I wake up at least 5 times to drink water. Husband says it will be all good in time, but I am not sure so much.

Another thing--- Why every frigging food smells like CHEESE . Either its cheesy or its frozen..................but I did enjoy cheesecake somehow.

I am trying to adjust a bit, but first few days were horror with food, I ended up crying like a big baby

Edited December 8, 2008 by trinket

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

But at the same time when I lived in Europe, Europeans would blame everything that went wrong in their country or lives on America. And if they discovered I'm American they would vent to me as if I were single-handedly responsible for everything my country has done or is about to do.

You mean you are not personally responsible for global warming, the war in Iraq and prevalence of McDonalds and Starbucks? How could this be?!

I think some valid points have been made, but I don't think it JUST comes down to culture shock... things like this are complex; all sorts of things have an impact... even the fact that unlike many other countries, (certain) new immigrants here are forced to sit around for months before they can start working - all reasons for this aside, it not only delays the person starting to make a new life for themselves (at least as far as work is concerned, and for most of us that's a big part of life), but also allows them time for introspection that may or may not end up being healthy

I think this is the hardest thing about the immigration process for the K visa, it certainly was for my husband. If there was one thing that would improve it that would be it.

[Der Bücherwurm 1]

For example, rather than piss and moan about how much I miss proper bacon, sausages, and brown eggs (why are they all white over there!!?? )

Eggism. Affirmative action never took hold in the poultry community.

Edited December 9, 2008 by Hoomsfuturewife

[trailmix 77]

The list goes on. But ultimately, more things suck about Japan, I think, so I hung it up there and came back. All countries have things that suck.

Saying America sucks in general because the bathtubs are ####### and there are too many lardasses would be rather foolish, though.

Yeah.

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Interesting read. Of course, from my personal perspective, the adjustment will be so much easier having lived there for 2 years already (between 2004-2006). Although I understand the frustrations of the change, and especially the little things you miss, I always try to put a positive spin on things.

For example, rather than piss and moan about how much I miss proper bacon, sausages, and brown eggs (why are they all white over there!!?? ) I'll focus on how much better the steak is in restaurants there. After eating out at several steak houses stateside, I can safely say I'd NEVER take an American friend out for steak here in the U.K. - I'd die of embaressment. Similarly, rather than complain that I can't get a certain brand of soft drink, I focus on the free refills you get there that you don't here. And you can't get Mountain Dew here, either. I've also becomke very partial to iced-tea - you get looked at like you're some kind of retard if you order that with a meal in the U.K.

That is basically what I did when I was living in Germany. Better than sitting around and whining. I also looked at every day as bit of an adventure, even when it got me frustrated or in trouble.

I think in general though, some people just don't adjust well to change regardless of location.

[aidan80 9]

Aidan, I read with interest your point about hearing country music everywhere. Where I am (in the Midwest) it's classic rock on every station. And I'm in absolute HEAVEN. Here, you have to go to some specialist rock club that invariably looks like a dungeon and is full of hairy-arsed bikers if you want to listen to rock music. Why? Because chavy dives like Yates Wine Bar, and various other soulless chains, are the norm in our towns and city centres. Out there, every bar has jukebox loaded with classic rock 'n' roll - great stuff.

* Obese people are disgusting. They should stay home, or walk around with refrigerator boxes over them with holes cut out for their eyes so we don't have to look at them. And stop blaming genetics- you lardasses are the way you are because you eat like sh!t and don't get any exercise.

I know the country music is a regional thing.. I was back home earlier this year in Wal-Mart's evil twin sister.. ASDA and they had dance/chart music on in the store I found that weird as I almost got used to hearing a depressing country song playing in the background. I have to admit I do miss the bacon, sausage rolls and everything but there are plenty of things here to make up for it. Your 100% right about eating out over this way.. hard to beat the refils and the meals!

[StillThePrettiest 3]

I think the point about the steak is spot on, but otherwise my experience has been that in America, lack of quality is made up for with an over-abundance of quantity

[catrocks 0]

I've been there, though my hubby tends to agree with me and wants us to move to the UK as soon as we can. Examples - vacation time here sucks (that's been a big one lately), why do they put bacon and brown sugar in beans? Why does Time Warner assume that I want to have recurring payments coming from my account even though I never agreed to it? And why can no one at TW tell me how to change it back?

I lived in Belgium for 3 years and noticed it much more there. It was Belgium's fault that it would take a week for my car to be fixed, and that once it was fixed it still failed the MOT because the brakes had actually not been fixed properly.

But then living in England, many things were England's fault. I think I just like to complain...

[Fuzzymiss 2]

I think I was lucky, when I came over here I met a couple of ex-pats who could show me the ropes ie the British food stores, the rest was a bit of an adventure, especially with my accent trying to communicate with the natives..ordering a sandwich became a huge deal. It was scary at first but now I just laugh if people can't understand me, I think my British-isms are endearing to my husband..at least he is able to translate me into American (most of the time)

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

you know what's especially weird, when most of the time you are the one going 'this is easier / better / faster / more sensible back home' and then you go home for a visit, or have guests from home, and find yourself defending or at least explaining some of the weird stuff here. You suddenly realise you perhaps agree that it's better at home but at least maybe understand how it got to be the way that it is. Anyone else found this yet?

[StillThePrettiest 3]

yes

we humans are weird beings

[Mrs.J06 4]

you know what's especially weird, when most of the time you are the one going 'this is easier / better / faster / more sensible back home' and then you go home for a visit, or have guests from home, and find yourself defending or at least explaining some of the weird stuff here. You suddenly realise you perhaps agree that it's better at home but at least maybe understand how it got to be the way that it is. Anyone else found this yet?

That is so true!

Even though I do complain to my husband about certain things here (mostly drivers and health care matters), I find myself defending the Americans and the way of life here towards the (sometimes quite ignorant) Germans all the time.

First time I did it, my husbands' jaw almost hit the kitchen counter!

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

My husband does this as well, but probably because he is a natural contrarian who loves nothing more than a good disagreement.

[HappyDancer 7]

I am not sure if America can be blamed for constipation too... Anything else?