Some observations from our re-entry to the US:
We love the diversity of people who live here and are (on the surface, at least) accepted. We saw faces of every shade and shape just among the workers in customs and the airport and were really moved by the breadth and texture of American-ness.
Of course, everything is huge including the serving sizes, the groceries, the cars, the streets, the refrigerators.
Convenience and customer service still reign… and it’s oh so VERY nice and often taken for granted.
It is incredibly easy to come by a wide variety of great foods, anytime and anywhere, but without restraint and intentionality it would be very easy to eat very poorly.
Strangers seem a little too friendly sometimes, and shaking hands is a strange custom. Really, think about it!
Americans are much more reserved in their attentions toward children. We have gotten used to the constant refrain of oohs and ahs over Joy in Italy. Here she walks through a room with her best charming smile and only a fraction of the people notice her.
At the same time, things are much more kid friendly — toys and play places for kids in big stores and malls, special carts with little cars attached to the front, kids menus in restaurants.
Hi guys – Glad that you made it safely to the US. We second your thoughts on children in the US. I know that they love children in America, but people almost seemed cold compared to the revelation that children seem to be here in Greece… everybody lights up when they see Sofia, even the most hardened looking person.