If you have been following our blog for awhile then you would know that it is no secret we love the US.
We lived in Raleigh, North Carolina for four years. Funny, how life turns out. When we first heard I had been placed there for teaching, we were worried as we had never heard of it and it sounded like Hicksville.
We soon learned this was not the case at all and it now makes our list of 11 places we could live around the world.
I’m thankful for these things Life in America Taught Me…
Small towns in the US should not be underestimated
America is not just LA, Miami and New York. There is so much diversity in America and some of their small towns and cities will just capture your heart, especially their college towns.
enjoying a few beers at Top of the Hill Brewery, Chapel Hill NC
Our local college town Chapel Hill just happens to be voted one of the BEST college towns in the country. Other smaller cities and towns we love include Savannah, Charleston, Boulder, Santa Barbara and Austin.
Moral: Don’t be blinded by the glitz and glamour. Explore the shadows as well.
American Football is Not Boring
I will admit it, the first live NFL game I went to I fell asleep. Yes. Four hours in the nosebleed seats watching a game you do not understand will do that to you.
“What? They’re stopping again.”
Enter, Craig, a massive fan, and tailgating (hmm party and football, I could get used to this).
I couldn’t escape learning about the sport, since from September to January it was on in our apartment often. After annoying Craig by asking lots of questions, I finally understood the game and secretly could not wait for football season to start every year. Strange but true.
So besides the tailgating fun, it has great tradition, incredible atmosphere, and is a game of strategy which I love.
Moral: Don’t judge before you understand
Four Seasons are Better than Two
Australia pretty much has two seasons – cold and hot. The leaves don’t change much and the flowers always seem to be in bloom. The UK and Ireland seemed to have only one season: wet and cold and Thailand was just hot.
For me, I only ever appreciated one season - summer and wanted it to be that year round
Until I lived in the States and understood the beauty of each season. The fiery fall forests, white wintry snow, the vibrancy of blooming flowers and the sound of returning birds, and then the humid heat signalling summer fun.
Lake Johnson in Raleigh, NC during the Fall
I LOVED it. With each season came a very different way of living with different festivals, events, clothing and activities.
Moral: Every season has unique blessings to cherish
Politics hmmm
I was never interested in or spoke about politics before living in the US. Its’ just not something we really do in Australia.
It’s hard to live in America and not talk politics. Most people do and most people are pretty firm in what political idealogical throne they sit on.
It certainly made me think more about the role of politics in mine and society’s life, BUT what shocked me was the fact that many people chose not to be friends with others because of their political viewpoint.
That made me happy to know in Australia I have no idea where my friends stand and even if I did I don’t think I could let it come between us as friends. There is so much more that is important and I think we can work together more by taking the best of both worlds and creating something great.
Moral: Don’t let your differences divide you.
There is nothing wrong with striving to be the best you can be
I was chatting with someone the other day who suggested that one of the reasons Australia is so far behind the rest of the world in telecommunications could be related to the Tall Poppy Syndrome. I totally understood what he was talking about.
The Tall Poppy Syndrome severely impacts a person from progressing, growing into more and being the best they can be. Why? Because if you did, it might mean that you are trying to look better than someone else, and you will get torn down in a hurry with that one.
I think if everyone forgot their insecurity issues and worked on being the best they could there would be no problem.
Living in America made me realize that being a tall poppy is detrimental to our growth. We came here with a purpose, we need to live it and help others do it too.
There is nothing wrong with success. I don’t think we would have had the success with our blog if we first didn’t change our mindset in regards to that.
Moral: Let your own light shine.
Be Considerate of Others
It took us awhile to get used to the fact that if we attempted to cross the road in the States, the cars would just stop no matter where they were, to let you pass by. In Australia its up to you to work your way around them.
My parents could not believe it when they came to visit.
“Every one is so considerate here. Look at how they stop for you.”
Little things like apologizing to me when something went wrong or I shared bad news.
“I’m sorry that happened Caroline.”
At first, I’d kind of look and say, “Why? Its not your fault,” until I soon learned that it was just a polite way of saying they were thinking of you.
I kind of get those strange looks back now when I say it to others.
Moral: Sometimes its the little things that show you care.
Respect and the Value of Manners
It’s not that we don’t use manners Down Under, we do, it’s just that there is a great deal of Southern politeness going on where we were living.
I felt uncomfortable with being called Ma’am or calling someone else Sir or Ma’am as it just did not fit with my cultural background, where everyone is equal and you wouldn’t be caught dead calling someone by these terms.
My boss used to always refer to me as Ma’am and that was when I really started to understand that it was less an expression to address a superior, but more a term of respecting the value of the person standing before you.
I would even use it when referring to my students, which they loved. You should see the faces on the students in Australia when I call them Sir or Ma’am. It makes them stop and think though!
Moral: Honour those who stand before you no matter what their age or social status.
How to be Organized
Actually, I’m still not that great at this, but I have improved a lot. I found Americans to be really organized.
They have spreadsheets and proformas, schedules, policies and procedures for everything. It’s so well thought out and planned.
I would die from embarrassment each time I walked into my colleague’s classrooms and saw how well-managed and organized it was. I was paying attention though so I could apply it to my own room and teaching practices.
Since I have been back home, I have noticed that the majority of teacher’s rooms I walk into are a chaotic mess.
Moral: Being Organized helps you think clearer and perform better. Clear the clutter.
The Definition of Good Tasting Beer
I know you are shaking your head at my madness right now with thoughts of Budweiser in your head. Just as Fosters is no indication of the quality of Australian beers, neither is Bud.
Old Well White - one of our faves
The great thing about America is they have so many micro-brewery pubs. You just need to spend an hour or two in one of those and you will be learning what good beer tastes like.
I can taste it right now, and would love me some of that good ole wheat beer!
Thanksgiving is a Beautiful Holiday
I am not one for Christmas. I am not religious and I believe Christmas has taken too far a slide down the commercialism trail. I find it very difficult to celebrate something I don’t believe in or am not passionate about.
Thanksgiving, on the other hand, is something I can get excited about. It’s a simple, yet effective holiday. You just hang out with those you love, eat, drink, have fun and give thanks! Perfect.
Moral: Giving thanks and being present is the perfect gift.
Thank you America for teaching me some positive things about life and living.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day today. We’re thinking of you!
This is such a lovely post Caz, it’s made me feel all postive and thankful for things, even though I’ve never been to America
Thank you.
That’s wonderful Beverly. How cool that it could help you be thankful about things as well. Thanksgiving is a great holiday for that
What a warm fuzzy post. I find myself getting down on America too often, and I’m American! Just had a surprise turkey dinner in Korea, so I’m feeling pretty thankful. Thanks for reminding me of what’s good about my home country on Thanksgiving.
You are welcome Lauren. I think we all get a little down on our own country’s at times so it is nice to be able to stop and remind yourself how great they really are. Glad you had a turkey on thanksgiving
I really enjoyed this post–it really put a smile on my face. I’m American and love to see how my culture is perceived by others and especially those who have actually lived here (vs those who only visited briefly). I’m so glad that you said the US is not NY or LA, etc. There’s so much more to it than large cities.
I’m fascinated by the regional differences in my own country. I’m from the Northeast and have limited experience in the South (just West Palm Beach, FL, which has many transplants from up here, and Georgia), so it’s interesting to learn about NC. (Unfortunately, where I live–NJ–people are less polite than the folks south of here.)
PS: I teach Advanced Reading/American Culture to ESL students at my college and may ask them to read this post. I think they would learn a lot!
Thanks Lisa! That would be awesome to share it with your students. I’m happy it put a smile on your face. I know Americans come sometimes get a bad wrap around the world, so we like to show that this is not warranted. it’s a beautiful country with so many lovely people
This is a lovely post and very inspiring. I completely agree about the beauty of the seasons, having 4 and experiences the changing of the seasons is something I look forward to as the year progresses. I’m from the UK and can completely disagree that we only have 2 seasons, we have a mild climate (which I’ve only come to realise since moving to Korea) but regardless the beauty of autumn and spring, the crispness of winter and warmth of summer are still to be found upon our shores!
I should have said London in my post rather than England. London is such a concrete jungle you don’t really get to notice the seasons. Although I did know when spring was upon us as my hay fever would kick in
This is such a nice list. As an American, I know we get a lot of negative publicity, most of it warranted, but it’s nice to see some positive things about America.
I never realized that saying “I’m sorry” when you hear about something bad happening to a friend was so unpracticed around the world. When I started teaching English in Korea, I said it to the kids and they laughed at me! They said, “Teacher, you no do it!” I explained that I say it because I feel badly for them and want them to not be hurt. Then I corrected their grammar.
Ha Ha! It’s sad that America gets a lot of bad publicity, it’s such a great country with beautiful people. We had friends come back recently from a six week holiday and they raved at just how nice the people were. Its the same with every country you really have to do there to discover the truth
Yeah I was very impressed by the diversity within the States! And the micro-brews!
Tall Poppy Syndrome is silly but I’m not sure if the American way is better
I think the tall poppy syndrome is everywhere, but particularly bad in Oz.I think AMericans are taught that success is good though from an early age. They are always striving to be the best and I noticed that a lot from teaching there. As Bono said In Ireland they look at the mansion on the hill and say I am going to get that fucker but in America they say I want to be like him!
Now I know why Craig’s a 49ers fan! Lol. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! =)
Reading this article was a great way to end my day. Your observation of diversity in American life is right on the money. It’s nice to know that this article will be read by many and hopefully provoke the thought that all Americans don’t live the LA or NY sterotype of being glitzy, arrogant, or pompous. Sure that does exist, but it is a small slice of what makes America. As you said, the small towns, the countryside, and politeness in the majority of small town America is what we are about. America is a country of “Immigrants”, that is what has made it unique and so diverse.
Oh, before I finish. As i type this I am drinking one of those micro brewery wheat beers you mentioned. “Singletrack Copper Ale” and on top of that it is brewed in “Boulder.” Mmmm, sure is good!
The last item is, first thing I am buying when I get to Thailand is a shirt like Craig is wearing (Bangkoker). I hope that doesn’t make me tourist!
Thanks for the uplifting article, Cheers
Oh yum! Would love one of those beers. We loved Boulder, such a great town. I think you really have to get to the small towns to get a great rounded picture of America. The small towns are wonderful.
You wouldn’t actually be a tourist in buying a Bangkoker shirt as not many people do. Our friend took us to an artist there who has his own T-shirt design shop (called Bangkoker) He has the best designs. the shop is a few away from Khao San Road. I’ll try to see if I can find out the street name. He’s really cool
Thanks, street name or landmark would be great. I learned in San Jose, Costa Rica that there virtually no street signs, much less numbered addresses…The locals didn’t couldn’t even help with an actual address. If you couldn’tgive them a landmark you were on your own. A lesson well learned as I finally found my off the beaten track Hostel soaked to the bone from rain.
Here is the website http://www.bkker.com/
You go to the end of Khao San Rd (where Gullivers travels is) turn right, go over the bridge and it is on the left hand side. Can’t remember how far down the street it is- maybe 5-10 mins
Totally agree with the small town bit–nothing like an American college town! So grateful that I decided to go to school in a college town instead of a big city
Best part of my college town: when the leaves turned red in October. So. Freaking. Pretty.
I’m spending Thanksgiving in Hawaii, snorkeling and lying on the beach and drinking an insanely cheap Corona and barbecuing linguisa with my family: it might not be the most “traditional” Thanksgiving, but it does remind me of all I have to be thankful for
I wish I was in Hawaii having a thanksgiving like that. Sounds amazing. sometimes you have to create your own traditions.
Nicely said. I lived in Boulder for close to 10 years (a wonderful place to live especially if you love sunshine and the outdoors) and they were some of the best years in my life.
The Americans are known for their generosity and at Thanksgiving we never lacked for dinner invitations.
We would have loved to have spent more time in Boulder and will be back. What a great place! Americans are generous people
Great story, Caz! I grew up in the South, so all the stuff you talk about getting used to was a huge part of how I was raised (and how I’m raising my daughter). Glad to see it made such a good impression on you!
Certainly did! We loved the South. Great lifestyle, great scenery, great people. would love for our daughters to grow up with those southern manners
My favourite is the fact that you point out that each seasons brings unique blessings to cherish. That is so true;) Awesome post!
Thanks Lorenzo- love the seasons now, although I am happy for winter to be really short
Lol
I love America too I think it doesn’t really get viewed as a good place to backpack which is a shame.
It is not a big backpacking place actually, I think it should be a place more people are willing to travel in this way. You can do it and its so worth it
Hey Caz!
Wonderful wonderful wonderful post! You must come back to the US and spend some time up north and out west… I think comparing the differences between regions in one country is just as fun as comparing different countries to one another. Just like Beijing & Shanghai are both in China yet while they both have similarities, they’re both so different as well!
And yes – Bud… SUCKS! I love to have a cold beer a few nights a week and Bud is never ever ever my choice. They call it “Fatweiser” around here b/c the only people that drink it our middle-aged med with beer bellies haha.
Anyway, Happy Gratitude day and thanks for the positive post! It made me smile
- LAUREN
Thank you so much Laura and you are welcome.
We will definitely be coming back to the States, it is our second home. We can’t wait to explore more. The north is an area we have not explored much of but really want to. There is so much to see and do in the States.
Fabulous list of things to be thankful for! I’ve just returned ‘home’ to Australia after a trip to the USA and we tended to avoid the cities and stay close to National Parks and the natural places that make the US so amazing. I agree with you about the changing of the seasons too. I’ve been there in winter and fall and both are just stunning in their own way. So much thanks!
The National Parks are amazing and I think your photos are some of the best I have seen! We loved Utah and Colorado for their NP’s – WOW
Good post, Caz! It’s nice to be appreciated for once! I meet so many folks in hostels around the world who get the wrong idea about Americans… I might send them all this post in the future =)
You are welcome Angie and yes please share it to those people. It is sad that America gets a bad wrap, judgements are made based on a few crappy politicians and celebrity ning nongs- not what the real people are like! We appreciate America a lot, it gave a lot to us so we are happy to give back in this way.
I’m in complete agreement across the bored! Love it!
Thank you Alex!
If you think Americans say sorry a lot, you should see Canadians. Usually when we phone someone up, the first thing we say is sorry…. “oh sorry…im just calling to ask…. “
He He. Actually I think Aussies might do that one a bit too.
So positive, Caz!
I love the US too, having spent so much time there. I’ve been there something like 10+ times!
I’ve worked there, studied there, had an American boyfriend even!
One thing, is that I will never say I know the country and the people well, because I’ve been to less than 10 States. Definitely not enough to say “I know it”. It really is so diverse, with 300 million+ people.
One thing you said I found interesting: Could you expand on what you meant by being a tall poppy is detrimental to our growth?
There is so much diversity in the States, which always makes it such a great place to travel.
The tall poppy syndrome usually prevents people from standing out and being the best they can be or achieving. If you aren’t striving to be the best you can be and doing what you came here to do then you aren’t evolving and growing like we all should be.
So refreshing to find a list of NICE things about the US. As an American myself, who is definitely to a point of disillusionment with my home country … this was a welcome perspective. I hope I return to this positivity myself one day. For now, I think I need a few years living in other countries before I can return to my own with a positive perspective.
Thanks Kirsten. It must be difficult to see nasty things written about your country all the time. I’m happy to be able to shine a light on the good things. I think every country has its faults, but what is the point in dwelling on them and highlighting them for others. At times, it can be beneficial in order for growth to happen, but usually its far better to celebrate what is great
Sometimes we forget the positive cultural things about being American, and particularly the American South. Thanks for pointing out what’s right in front of me all the time
Interesting, some things I would never have considered or really thought about as an American. Thanks for sharing.