An A to Z of the USA
I have been in the USA now for a few months, and have also been here before on shorter trips. But as with any relocation to another country, temporary or otherwise, there are a few challenges to overcome and more than a few moments of confusion, hilarity, and frustration. I’ve seen plenty of articles around how Americans experience life in the UK (and I agree with most of what they say even when they are pointing out the ridiculous!), so here are my thoughts on life from the other side. To make it a little more interesting and easy to read, it’s an A to Z of my experiences in the USA so far… It’s meant to be funny and informational should you be heading this side of the pond anytime soon, but mostly it’s my off-the-cuff thoughts as a newbie in the USA. Let me know if you agree, disagree, or if I’ve missed anything!
Anthem
Americans are some of the most patriotic people I’ve ever met. As well as the anthem, the flag is a big part of life for many and they are all over – I counted over 500 while on a road trip in Florida before giving up. To show your respect if the anthem starts up, stop whatever you’re doing and face the flag until it’s over. Then it’s business as usual.
Big yellow school buses
Every morning and mid-afternoon you feel like you have stepped into a movie – there are so many bright yellow school buses around. Beware if you are driving; if they stop to let off kids, you must stop too whatever side of the road you are on.
Canines
My experience is largely from around Georgia where they absolutely love their dogs. Even Paris doesn’t have this many pooches around and they come in all shapes and sizes, not just pocket-sized ones! And, unlike Paris, you don’t have to watch where you step; owners are very responsible and clean up after their dogs.
Driving
Driving is a necessity here, and a big part of any A to Z of the USA. It is also pretty easy to drive here. The signage is great and the lanes are clearly marked. A few things to keep in mind:
- There are speed limits, but nowhere near as many cameras as there are in the UK. Police are everywhere though, so don’t be too tempted to speed.
- There is an outer lane on the higway (aka motorway) but drivers overtake you from all lanes. I’ve also seen more than one instance of wild veering across four lanes to get from the far left onto an exit ramp.
- There are roundabouts, but not many drivers signal when using them.
- You can turn right on a red light if there is no traffic and that keeps things moving. Watch out for the ‘no turn on red’ which comes up occasionally.
- Avoid driving in rush hour if you can, the highways turn into big parking lots.
- Oh, and everywhere, even Starbucks, has a drive-thru (sic).
Environment
I’ve been surprised to see how little awareness there is of the need for environmental protection. It’s not a Trump thing, the previous administration was very pro-environment, but compared to what we are used to the recycling facilities are limited, single-use plastics and styrofoam are everywhere (even in big hotel chains), and there is little information about energy efficiency or reducing consumption.
Fast food
If you’re looking for fast food, you’re in the right place! Fast, often fried, food is a big thing here – it’s convenient and very easy to find. It is possible to find healthier food options on the go, but you do have to look for them. Restaurants will always have healthier options and dishes typically come with a salad as a starter. You may want to ask for the dressing on the side if, like me, you prefer dressing on your salad rather than salad with your dressing – but I’m a self-confessed fussy eater. As for food portions, what you hear is largely right – they are very generous. Most of us will be able to get two meals out of any restaurant portion so ask for a box to take your leftovers home. It will probably be styrofoam though.
Guns
A sore topic of debate for my American friends and me. I don’t get the need to carry a gun, but I’ve learned not to question the constitutional right to bear arms, regardless of whether it’s as old as the country itself or that times (and guns) have changed. Georgia may have an ‘open carry’ law, but unlike in the movies you don’t see people walking around carrying a gun and it is a safe place to be. If guns are your thing though, or you’ve always wanted to give it a go in a controlled environment, there are plenty of indoor shooting ranges for you to try. I’ve been a couple of times and really enjoyed it. I even managed to hit the target most of the time!
Honky-tonks
It wouldn’t be a comprehensive A to Z of the USA if music and dancing weren’t covered! A honky-tonk is a very typical southern style of bar, filled with country music, and two-step and line dancing. I ended up in the biggest one in the country on a night out in Fort Worth, Texas, where they even had their own indoor mini rodeo! Can’t get more Texas than that. Hilarious fun and worth going for the people watching if you don’t like country music.
ID
Always carry some form of ID, as you will be asked for it no matter how old you look. I thought they were joking when they asked me to show ID in the supermarket when I was buying a bottle of wine. And no, it wasn’t a way of complimenting me – they wouldn’t sell me the wine until I showed ID! You don’t have to carry your passport around though, a driver’s licence will do.
Jokes
Tone down the sarcastic British humour, it’s not used half as much here! A few will get it, but it will be lost on most.
Kennedy Space Center
If you make it to Florida, the Kennedy Space Center is is a must-see. Experience the thundering, shuddering take-off of the Apollo 8, see the launch pads of rockets past and future, and lose yourself in a 3-D film of the earth from space. I aimed to spend a couple of hours here and left after six!
Latino
There is a huge Latino culture here. Everywhere you go – in the south anyway – you hear Spanish spoken all around and Spanish language options are available for almost everything. In Miami, it felt like native Spanish speakers outnumbered English speakers and more often than not people are bilingual.
Military
There is a palpable sense of respect for those who have served or who are still active in the military, and it is humbling. On hearing that someone is on active duty or has retired, people will thank them for their service, a phrase that is heard frequently. Companies also show their respect by offering benefits and discounts to military personnel and veterans.
National Parks
This one could have an A to Z all of its own, there are so many national parks across the USA. I admit I have barely scratched the surface with this one, but the ones that I have been to in Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida are stunning. The Smoky Mountains and Everglades are just a small part of the country’s incredible outdoors that I’ve been lucky enough to explore. Any chance you get to visit one, grab it with both hands and you won’t be disappointed.
Outgoing
Americans are very friendly and will chat to you anywhere, any time. And they are so, so polite! For someone who is a bit of a chatterbox, I love their friendliness and outgoing nature and it makes me feel a lot less self-conscious (and weird!) when I start randomly chatting to someone in the cafe queue.
Politics
I’ve been here during presidential election debates and recently been through the midterms. While people can feel very strongly about their political views and turning on the TV means you are bombarded by debating pundits, in day-to-day life you are unlikely to come across anyone looking for a political discussion. All the same, I’m steering well clear of this one!
Q-Tip (and other random words)
They speak English, but not as we know it! I’ve had plenty of funny looks when they have no idea what I’m talking about and I feel like the foreigner that I am when I ask someone to repeat what they said for the fourth time (and I still don’t get it!). But I’m slowly learning to say tuh-may-toe.
Religion
I’ve counted as many churches as flags, especially here in the south. Religion is a big thing and people aren’t afraid to talk about their faith. Another topic that can get people very excited, and one that they do engage in conversation in.
Sports
Looking for a good way to spend five hours on a Monday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday? Look out for football – college, NFL, little league…it can be hard to get away from if it’s not your thing. Baseball, basketball, ice hockey, and even soccer (football to the rest of the world) are hugely popular though and catching a game is great fun. Look out for ‘tailgating’ options too, where you get to drink and snack in the run-up to kick-off. Similar to our picnic in the park or on the grass, but in the car park.
Trains
There are plenty of public transit options, but many still prefer their cars. Metro systems are considered unsafe by many (largely because they don’t use them but in reality they are no more or less safe than any major public transport system). I hear that there are major investments in rail coming though so perhaps things will change…
U-haul
For those of us who grew up with American TV shows and movies, U-haul trucks always seem to make an appearance, usually either at the beginning or at the end. And they not only really do exist, they are frequently spotted on roads and highways. I always imagine that whoever is in them is heading off to an exciting fresh start in a different state…just like in the movies!
Vehicles
America, land of the car. And truck. And monster truck (with such names as Titan, Silverado, and Ram). Without wheels you can’t get very far, so get your international driving permit before heading over. You see more and more cyclists around but it is still a recreational thing rather than a way to commute, so provisions for cyclists still have some way to go.
Walking
There are plenty of hiking and walking trails, but without a car you are a little more limited in getting around unless you are in the city centre. Outside of that, the infrastucture for pedestrians is not as widespread and primarily designed with cars in mind. I have often found myself cursing when pavements (or should that be sidewalks?) randomly end with no warning. If you are planning on walking, be careful!
X-tra large
Cars, food portions, buildings, roads. Supersized America. Revel in the big-ness that is this country, you don’t see it anywhere else. (Yes, a tough one to find something suitable for a USA A to Z guide, but things really are extra large here!)
Y’all
Heard from morning till night, hey y’all is a very southern greeting. Short for ‘you all’, y’all is used by everyone in almost any context. Join in and use it every so often and they’ll love you!
Zombies
Ok, slightly random for an A to Z guide of the USA… But Atlanta, Georgia, is where they film the hit TV series The Walking Dead, so if zombies or movies are your thing then there’s plenty to see!
Is there anything you think is missing from this A to Z of the USA? Let me know!