Every country has its own quirks, and so does America.
A Redditor asked, Non-Americans: What is the most shocking thing you saw when visiting the United States? and here are some of the most common as well as funny responses:
1. Pets In Pushchair
“Today, I was in a shopping center, and a woman pushed a pushchair around. However, it wasn’t a baby in there but 2 dogs.” said one.
“Even as an American, this drives me crazy. They are your pets, not your children; they will be okay if you go out shopping for half an hour.” another added.
2. Americans Speak Very Loudly
“I was walking to target the other day, and this woman was shouting at me asking for directions; she wasn’t panicked or angry or anything, she was just shouting.” a Redditor said.
3. Clean Tap Water
“Clean air, clean tap water (people even drink it – that’s amazing.” a user said.
“The US water laws are a rarely recognized jewel of regulation,” said one.
4. High Water Pressure
“I’m from Australia, and I couldn’t believe how high the water levels are in your toilet.” a Redditor said.
“The water pressure in American showers is so high. You could seriously kill people with those showers.” another added.
5. Big Cars
“How big the cars are. I’m Italian.” a user said.
“Yep, they’re huge. I was astonished when I saw a pickup truck in which 6 people could easily fit, AND you still had a huge rear… Here some cars can’t legally take 5 people.” another added.
6. Sugar
“A lady pouring 3 packs of sugar in a large cola.” one said. “Sugar in everything. (Even the bread tastes sweet).” another added.
7. Everything Is Bigger
“Everything is bigger (e.g., Houses, streets, parking spaces),” said one. “BIG. Everything.” another added.
8. Everyone Is Friendly
“The thing that struck me most about America was everyone’s friendliness or ‘social-ness’!” a user said.
“American is super friendly and will engage in a discussion whenever they can.” said one.
9. Fast Food Reports
“So many types of fast food. Canadian as well; I’m used to max 4 choices. Still, in the States, there’s like 15, and there’s a definite hierarchy of quality.” a Redditor said.
“McD, BK, DQ, Church’s, Popeye’s, KFC, Freebirds, 5 Guys, Steak n Shake, Whataburger, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, Domino’s, Chick-Fil-A, Checkers, Subway, Quiznos, WhichWich. That’s 19, and I know the list goes on.” another added.
10. Fat People
“I thought the fat people in Taiwan were fat. But then I saw Americans, and almost no Taiwanese are considered fat to me now.” a user said.
“I was in the M&M Superstore in Times Square and saw a woman so fat, just so fat she used a scooter.” another added.
11. Lizards
“I woke up early on vacation in Florida and the sidewalk outside my hotel was absolutely covered in lizards and it was amazing” said one.