What's better at home?
#45
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Omigod Martha - you miss 'really delicious coffee' from the US???? Mmmmm, Okaaaaay...<BR>No offence but coffee in the US is weak, stale & bitter - not surprising given its often that drip filtered crap thats left to sit on a heating plate in a jug for hours on end losing whatever flavour it ever once had (not surprising its all you can drink!!!)- doesn't even come close to the rich full flavour of a good european expresso!!!!
#46
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I really don't miss anything when I am there (Europe) but if I had to say, it would be:<BR>+ Ice<BR>+ Ice Tea<BR>+ Microbrew Beer (my husband's <BR> choice)<BR>+ Non-Smoking Areas<BR><BR>That is about it - I really don't miss anything at all but I've never been gone longer than 2 weeks. If I was, I am sure I would miss other things like Mexican food (I've had really bad enchiladas in London), BBQ ribs and giant Caesar salads!<BR><BR>JB<BR>
#47
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After three years in Europe, the things I miss about the U.S. are:<BR>1. Up to date plumbing and wiring. Go on. Find cat-5 wiring (or equivalent) in a European home. I'm green with envy over the waterpressure in the shower in my parent's Florida home. Having a European handshower is nice, but the drizzle that comes out of it is annoying.<BR>2. Big kitchens (although it amuses me that Europeans can turn out great meals in shoebox size kitchens while *many*--not ALL--Americans use their aircraft carrier size kitchens mostly for microwaving or reheating takeout)<BR>3. Window screens. I went to the biggest home show in Europe and you could find everything except window screens. Just not done. <BR>4. Decent sliced white bread. Yes, I eat all those wonderful European breads. But once in a great while, I want a peanut butter sandwich (you can get Skippy here) on sliced white bread. You can buy it, but it's stale before you open the package.<BR>5. Squash. No kidding. Acorn squash is almost impossible to find. Nobody's even heard of spaghetti squash. And we live in a 7th floor apartment, can't grow our own.<BR>6. Feeling like I'm having an impact on the community. We volunteer in a few organizations, but it's not the same as being involved in your community back home.<BR>7. Friendly neighbors. Or rather, American style friendly neighbors. It's the difference between the help your neighbor, come on in, pioneer spirit of the U.S. and the watch out, your neighbor may be invading you next week spirit of Europe. <BR>8. Informality. I've got all the scarves, smart shoes and black clothes a proper expat should have. But from time to time, I'd love to just throw on a jogging suit or pair of shorts and t-shirt and still feel decently dressed. <BR><BR>Do I miss the USA? Yes, I do. Do I love living in Europe? Yes to that one too. You can't have everything.
#49
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I'm an American living in London. I miss:<BR>The pizza<BR>The bagels<BR>Good delis<BR>Generally more open and direct people<BR>People who don't give me shit for being an American<BR>The distinct change in the seasons<BR>Multiculturalism (yes London is diverse, but in a different way.)<BR>A good, fat steak<BR>Shops having things in stock<BR>Affordable and good restaurants<BR>NYC<BR>
#50
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I'm American here's my list:<BR>Iced Tea<BR>Sense of space <BR>Krispy Kreme Donuts<BR>Red Hot and Blue Barbeque (Memphis style chain we have in Dallas, very yummy)<BR>Coke (I do not care for the taste in Europe, tastes a lot different to me)<BR>Margarita<BR>my own bed<BR>American Plumbing<BR>Bigger living space<BR>Good Tex Mex<BR>the list goes on and on....<BR>but I agree there are so many things in Europe that I have grown to absolutely love and cherish. some things are hard to find but when I do I go bananas buying it!<BR>
#51
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Gotta be .... ICE! <BR><BR>I've started carrying ice trays in my baggage so that I can make my own in self-catering accomodations.<BR><BR>The other thing that has always been an issue for me is finally improving; the lack of mixter water taps in Ireland and the UK. Thank goodness the old style is finally going out of fashion!
#52
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To xxx:<BR><BR>Your first comment 1) A more humane society which does not kill it's own citizens even though they have broken the law......wouldn't it be better and less hypocritical to say 1)A more humane society which does not kill it's UNBORN BABIES even though they have NOT boken the law.