Seven things truly American (?)

During my time in Davis I couldn't help but notice a few things uniquely American, basically stereotypes that were surprisingly accurate or noticeable around the house or town. Here is a quick list, not to be taken too seriously :)

1. Plush carpets

Maybe this is differrent for you guys, but I have never had such thick, soft, cloud-like carpets. It almost invited to lay down on it and snuggle it. Almost. Then you remember that it's the floor and maybe it should not be that comfortable... Also, such carpets need a vacuum cleaner with little brushes on the bottom that kind of re-fluff the carpet. Does not do a great job on hardwood floors though ...

2. Bonus features for the fridge

Obviously the fridge must be huge. Such size gives room for additional features, such as the unavoidable ice machine or tap water. Since you want your tap water filtered to improve the taste, getting it out of the fridge is super convenient. I never understood the obsession with ice though.

3. Funny doorstopper-thingies

Any doorstopper I have seen before, was basically a rubber knob integrated into the wall or the floor or a heavy, movable object to stop the door. But both of these solutions are always in the way. Not so the US solution. The spring makes it flexible enough to pass over the vacuum cleaner but still keeps your doorhandles from finding new portals into your drywall. On top of that, they are said to offer inexhaustible diversion for cats ... and possibly toddlers.

4. Scared power outlets

I can't be the only one who sees these horrified little faces before plugging in my phone. Had a few giggles :) (I hope no one saw me through the window when I was posing with the knife for the shadow...)

5. US-flags everywhere

This one was to be found in the garage and it was (admittedly) the only one in our house. A few people have flags on the front door, often illuminated at night. Someone told me that it is illegal to hang the flag in a wrong way or not shine a light on it after dark. It is a nice flag, but of course we are pretty low key about these things in Germany.

6. Everything is bigger ...

... for example big streets, big cars, big fridges, big washing machines, big burgers, ... the list goes on. There is so much space in this country and of course people utilize it to create some space around themselves.

 7. Open and super friendly attitude

People are so nice and inviting here! Some examples: When I arrived in Davis I couldn't find a taxi to take me to the first place I was staying at (everyone uses Uber or Lyft these days). So I crawled through town with all my luggage and soon enough some students interrupted their chat in the evening sun to drive me there. 

All my interview partners took time out of their schedule and critical Christmas preparations to help me out. Some of them invited me for Sunday coffee and cake, colleagues invited me to dinner, breakfast or Thanksgiving parties. And of course all the trips that I have described in this blog were only possible because some amazing people offered to join me and were happy with taking their car.

It is this openness and generosity which was the strongest take-away from my time in California. It is something remarkable and unanimous and definitelly worth adopting.

This final picture is of the joint farewell lunch my colleages at the ITS took me to. Everyone (who had not left for Christmas already) came out with us and we had a great time. By far the biggest lunch group we ever assembled!

Thanks to everyone who made my trip so enjoyable and rewarding. I had a fantastic time and hope to see you again in the near future!