Europeans vs Americans

 Europeans like Americans are basically the same. For the most part they want the same things out of life that we do - peace, happiness and a long and healthy life.  However, during my travels I have noticed a few differences in lifestyles.  Please keep in mind these are not black and white, but generalizations I find amusing or interesting.

10)    If you wear shorts in Europe you are probably an American and this is especially true if you are wearing a pair of white sneakers.  For European men the answer to shorts are "Capris" (see above - too long for shorts and too short for trousers) similar to the women's styles. Next time you visit Disney World the European men will be easy to spot. 

  9)    Europeans love to eat outside when dining out - they drink really strong coffee from tiny cups with their pinky pointed skyward.

8)    The number one sport in Europe and maybe in the world is football (aka soccer) and their team shirts are on every corner and worn proudly. The number one sport in America is also football and yet it is a completely different game.

7)    Scarves are a major accessory for European men and women.  It is like a security blanket, tied very specifically, and not just thrown around your neck.  Also, it is not just a winter item, but a fashion item worn year-round.  I believe American ladies are following the trend, but men not so much. (Gentleman, how many scarves do you have in your closet?)  

6)    Europeans do not wear loose clothing.  They are almost always custom tailored and well fitted no matter where they are going.  They almost always dress to impress which is far more important than comfort.  Our deal in America is to dress casually, which means different things to different people.

5)    Trains are a great way to see Europe.  Nearly every town has a train station, and trains are very accessible and not expensive.  Trains are a great way to meet people, unless like many Americans, they are buried in a book or their earbuds.  We have met many expats and locals on trains by sharing a friendly smile. Europe has trains that travel 186 mph, and the "Chunnel" that connects London to Paris will take you underwater for over 24 miles.  No, you will not be able to see any fish.

4)    Don't want student debt? Send your students abroad.  In addition to really low tuition fees, send them to Iceland, Norway, Finland and Germany and tuition is free for international students.

3)    Vacation time - the European Union mandates by law that employees must receive at least 20 to 30 days of paid vacation time in addition to 12 paid holidays per year.  Americans have no such mandate, but most do average 10 days a year.  Most Europeans take longer vacations as opposed to shorter one week at a time vacations.  In July and August many small businesses just shut down the entire month - call ahead.

2)    Pizza is good in America or Europe, but in Italy where it started, it is quite different. Is it better than American pizza? That is for you to decide.  In Italy, the original Margherita pizza is prepared with a thin crust, the sauce is a bit herbal and tangy, and it is always made with fresh ingredients. When served in restaurants it is almost never sliced and generally comes in only one size.  To get the pizza voted number one in the world, you have to go to Naples, Italy.  In America, Domino's is the number one seller.  Pepperoni to go please.

1)    One of the best things about Europe is they have a lot of old stuff.  For example, the Pantheon in Rome (27 BC), also in Rome, the Colosseum (72 AD), the Parthenon in Athens (447 BC), Stonehenge, UK (3,000 BC) and my personal favorite the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Construction began in 1173 and finished over 200 years later.  In America, we have St. Augustine, Florida which was founded in 1565.  

If you get a chance, visit Europe!