Amelia Andriacco
With America hosting the World Cup this year, many soccer fans have made their first trip to the United States. Whether they previously had assumptions about America or were simply used to living in their own country, many people were surprised by what they learned during their visit. What seems normal to Americans is unheard of to some foreigners. Here are 8 things World Cup fans have learned about America.
8. Portion Sizes
Though many Americans take home leftovers after a big restaurant meal, other people are not as used to this concept. As a result, the portion sizes came as a shock to many visitors. One Reddit user explained that they were surprised by “How HUGE your food portions are.”
In response, another user suggested, “Take your leftovers with you. That’s what we do.”
7. Friendliness
Many visitors commented on how friendly the people were. One individual said, “Americans are interpersonally some of the nicest people you will ever meet.”
People were shocked by the eye contact they received, as well as the ability of Americans to strike up a conversation with anyone they encounter. Another person added, “Americans are polite, friendly, and genuinely love hosting the World Cup.“
6. The Size of the Country
For many countries, hopping on a train to a neighboring country is normal. The idea of never stepping foot outside your home country seems foreign, because exploring other cultures is exciting and fun. Many visitors came to the shocking understanding about why many Americans choose to vacation within their own country.
“You look at a map and think you can just drive to another city, then six hours later you are still in the same state,” someone explained after realizing how big everything is. Another user said, ” I now understand why they say Americans are not well-traveled. Why would they need to be!?!? You have a massive country of 50 different cultures.”
5. Added Tax
While many newly learned concepts are fascinating to visitors, many were confused by the concept of added taxes. One person on Reddit was annoyed, saying, “Just let me know how much I must pay.”
Another user agreed, saying it “Seems weirdly pointless.”
4. Bottomless Chips and Salsa
When asked what they discovered on their trip to America, several Reddit users commented on the bottomless chips and salsa that can be found at Mexican restaurants. People reacted very positively to the American customs, with one person saying “God bless America!” in response.
Another individual did not understand what it meant until they experienced it for themselves: “When we found out that ‘bottomless’ chips and salsa didn’t refer to anything about our butts and it meant all you can eat – wow we don’t have that”
3. Driving Everywhere
For many Americans, running to the store means hopping in their car and driving there. This was a shock to many visitors, as they usually walk or take public transportation.
One Reddit user explained, “To get to shops from my hotel, I had to cross over a major highway if I wanted to walk, so I had to drive everywhere.”
2. Talking to Strangers
Making small talk is sometimes a normal part of being in crowds. It turns out, however, that it is a more American custom than we may have realized.
“Talking with random people just to talk is an American superpower,” a Reddit user claimed. This is a foreign concept to many people. Another user explained this, saying, “People have easiness on starting to talk with me, a complete stranger, in the middle of the supermarket. And it’s just a casual friendly talk which isn’t common in countries where that would be the equivalent of distract-and-rob.”
1. Ranch Dressing
Last of our list of things World Cup fans have learned about America is ranch dressing. Ranch dressing is possibly one of the biggest hits among foreigners. They may have teased Americans for loving ranch in the past, but now, they are starting to understand the obsession.
In fact, TSA has been confiscating bottles of ranch left and right as people return to their home countries. Kraft even created a limited-edition 3.4-ounce bottle of ranch specifically for travelers.