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-   -   When travelling in Europe, what is it that Americans miss most about the USA? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/when-travelling-in-europe-what-is-it-that-americans-miss-most-about-the-usa-632599/)

hsv Jul 20th, 2006 10:12 PM

What's it about all that complaining about no bottled water without gas being available?

There's Evian (it actually comes from Europe!), Volvic, Vittel (all from Europe, too, but probably not that well known in the US) - all available at almost any supermarket, in drugstores, kiosks etc.
There are also local brands (at least here in Germany) that almost all can be had without gas, too.

luveurop Jul 20th, 2006 10:19 PM

I don't miss anything while on vacation.

However, if I were to move to Paris (my dream) I'd eventually miss some American TV, i.e. 24, Oprah, Young and Restless.

LoveItaly Jul 20th, 2006 10:22 PM

hsv, I never had a problem getting a bottle of water that is not bubbly in Italy so I don't understand.

I do feel like the "odd man out" so to speak because I don't miss anything when I am in Italy but I miss so much when I am not in Italy. Just thinking about it makes me sort of homesick. So guess I will go offline and call one of my friends in Italy..she will be having her coffee and we can chat for a bit..not quite the same as being there but it helps!

TRSW Jul 21st, 2006 12:52 AM

I miss my 'son' Diablo! Other than that nothing. Who needs TV while you are on vacation?

As for the bubbles in the water, simply ask for 'non gasso'

Tom

MaureenGP Jul 21st, 2006 05:31 AM

Just got back from Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg, and the ONLY thing I missed was air-conditioning because of the heat wave. Normally, even that doesn't bother me.
The two younger members of our party missed, of all things, hot wings! But they were quite happy with the bratwurst and schnitzel while we were abroad.

vjpblovesitaly Jul 21st, 2006 05:45 AM

I am with you LoveItaly. There is NOTHING I miss from the US when I am Italy.

SAnParis Jul 21st, 2006 05:48 AM

Ice...but generally not much.

Poohgirl Jul 21st, 2006 06:37 AM

I miss fixed-head showers, large wide-open spaces (OK, they aren't everywhere in the US but they are where I live), and nonsmoking places.

In the interest of fairness, one thing I miss about Europe is when I go to a store to buy something, the price on the object is the price I pay. No figuring out how much tax I have to add. I wish we'd do this at home.

GeorgeW Jul 21st, 2006 07:01 AM

Understandable weights and measures. Fahrenheit rather than Celsius. The Mossburg shotgun and .38 police speical in the attic. Mexican food. Edible Chinese and Thai food. Grits. Hush puppies. Corn bread. Carb cakes. Milk shakes. BBQ. Pickup trucks. Ice cubes. Hamburgers and steaks on the backyard grill. Baked potatoes. Real peanut butter.

Of course, there's lots I don't miss. McDonald's.......

jay Jul 21st, 2006 07:03 AM

An American size bathroom.

napoleonsdauphin Jul 21st, 2006 07:50 AM

One of my dear friends goes to school at Bristol in England, and she says all her friends think because she's an American she MUST have a gun. So, I feel inclined to jokingly say I miss my gun when I'm in Europe!

But kidding aside, I thought I'd miss ice a lot when I was there...but as long as something is cold to begin with, then I don't mind it.

I also long for the day when stores are open on Sunday. (I don't care what day of the week it is, I've only got limited time to prop up the German economy with my billfold and I need Sundays too! And nighttime!!!) Some of the most beautiful shopping districts in Europe would be sooo much more alluring/romantic if one could shop in the evening hours.

Oh well.

But that said, I'd much rather be there than here. I'll just have to find a safety deposit box to store my gun ;)

haha


USNR Jul 21st, 2006 08:19 AM

Miss? People using deodorants.

cantstayhome Jul 21st, 2006 08:24 AM

coffee to go on every street corner

loisco Jul 21st, 2006 01:23 PM

My own shower!

As far as ice goes, I always just ordered drinks."avec des glacons"....

FauxSteMarie Jul 21st, 2006 04:43 PM

I once ordered ice tea at a fancy salon de the in Paris. I got hot tea with one ice cube.

Girlspytravel Jul 21st, 2006 04:58 PM

hmm. other than the great American/European divide-i.e., ice cubes-which I force them to give to me, one at a time, pretty much nothing.

L84SKY Jul 21st, 2006 04:59 PM

I don't miss anything except my dog and the cats.
It's great to be in a place where I don't have to tell people, "no ice" What is this thing with ice??


John Jul 21st, 2006 05:00 PM

Peanut butter!!!

Carrybean Jul 21st, 2006 05:22 PM

Remembered something else - my clothes dryer. The washer/dryer combos in the UK don't dry clothes too well. The washer part works great though.

Girlspytravel Jul 21st, 2006 05:41 PM

Carrybean, you bring up an excellent point-London, Paris, Venice-washers in abundance, they work very well-but dryers? nowhere to be seen.


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