- I don't use ice in drinks. Most Europeans don't and now anything with ice is generally too cold for me.
- I drink hot tea. Lots of it. Without sugar.
- I naturally walk a lot. It's normal, since it's always a walk to the metro and not having a yard means walking with Maggie. My daily step count drops drastically when I'm stateside.
- The ease of payments by bank account transfer is spectacular.
- I've adjusted to the climate - now anything over 80 degrees is just too hot and PA humidity just about takes me out.
- I think temperature in Celsius and time in military time. My distance tracker is set to km.
- I'm used to small supermarkets and individual shops for specific items: stationary, drugstore, pharmacy, home goods... Target and Wal-Mart are now super overwhelming.
- I love having no screens on the windows and opening the balcony doors wide on beautiful days. There just aren't that many bugs.
- I'm more comfortable eating with a knife in my right hand and fork in the left - and not putting the knife down.
- Making an Advent wreath for my flat during Advent is routine and I'm baffled why I can't find the same supplies in the US
- Buying one bottle of iced tea/soda/whatever drink off the shelf in the supermarket is normal. It confuses me why I can't just buy 1 bottle in the US - why do I have to buy a 6 pack?
- House shoes: so practical
- Electric hot water kettle is a must have (years back I asked my parents for one for my birthday when I was in the States, because I wasn't dealing well without it). No, the microwave does not do it as effectively. And boiling water in the hot water pot to start your rice or potatoes cooking is so convenient.
- Definitely more comfortable with less self-consciousness regarding the body. i.e. I assume dressing gowns at the doctor will not be provided, so sometimes that just means topless and adopting a mindset of "if no one else cares/is thinking about it, I guess I won't either."
On the other hand, a few pieces of American culture that I do maintain
- Using vanilla extract instead of vanilla sugar (since I mostly bake American recipes and vanilla extract is not to be found except in the British store)
- Using a shower with the showerhead attached high on the wall, rather than near the tub with a long hose (I've done it, but really, how do you avoid getting water everywhere?? Fortunately in my current flat we have both)
- Decorating for seasons and holidays much more than Czechs (this one thanks to my mom)
- I usually cook and bake with US recipes - which means having measuring cups and spoons on hand (not so common in Europe since they bake by weight). But I do own a kitchen scales and use it occasionally.
I'm curious - what have you picked up from other countries or regions that have become part of your life?
