More than just walkable distance

    In my last blog, The Unexpected Shocks, I was very negative towards the American culture. It does not mean that I have not experienced anything great in the United States. I did and still am experiencing beautiful things. However, it took a while to get used to the language, driving, food and culture. Because of that, in today's blog, I would like to tell you about the great aspects of American culture.

A walk in New York City

   There is a huge difference between the Slovak and American attitudes towards other people, even strangers or family. Since Slovakia is a collectivistic culture, it is in our nature to "carry" all the pain of previous generations on our shoulders. This shows on our "Slavic" faces, our gestures and in everything we do.

   The US is an individualistic culture, meaning that people do and care more for themselves. This causes the people to act much nicer on the outside. I have many experiences with random people commenting on my outfit just because they liked it. This never happened to me in Slovakia. The cashiers in the US are smiling and usually try to have a small talk with almost every customer. This has NEVER happened in Slovakia. The environment this attitude creates, in the US, makes it much easier to feel at home.

My birthday dinner at a steakhouse, where the waiter
cared to have a fulfilling conversation.

    Another important aspect for me when it comes to feeling more comfortable with a new environment is its nature and city landscape. The US is not the best when it comes to that because everything is far. Thankfully, I can drive! I have been to more than 20 states and cannot wait to see more. I have seen the Niagara Falls, New York City, Boston, Miami, D.C.,...I swam in the Atlantic Ocean. The cities are very rushed and big, on the other hand, the nature is calm, cared for and well preserved. It was all much further than an acceptable walkable distance, but it was worth it. 

Niagara Falls, United States side

Central Park, New York City

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts

    Being a part of a new culture often means being able to forget my own, so I can enjoy something different, something new. It is not easy. But when I allowed myself to forget about my homeland for a bit, I have found beautiful places, met amazing people and accomplished great things. It is okay to be homesick.

  What is the distance you need to go to feel homesick? I would love to hear about your personal experiences with a new culture, moving around the world, or any interesting encounters with other people!