I have been in America for almost 4 months now, and I’ve noted some interesting observations in my time here. So, I thought it’d fun to do a little tongue-in-cheek piece and share my thoughts on some of them.

1. The first thing you’ll notice is the “friendliness” of people everywhere. Everyone seems to greet you with a “How’s your day?” or “How are you doing?”, a stark contrast to the stoic stare you get elsewhere in the world. Friendly? Or so it seems until you figure out that it’s a nicer way of saying “Hi”. After a while, it just strikes you how many times these phrases are delivered in a deadpan fashion. Still, a great conversation starter nonetheless.

2. The second is the tipping culture. Good service gets rewarded and that really incentivise the service staff here. I guess that’s why they are really friendly too. Nothing too groundbreaking although other places around the world can really learn a thing or two from the service standards here. Of course, money shouldn’t be the main motivation but what’s a little harm in that if service levels can actually improve!

3. Strikingly, people here are really civic-minded and gracious. These are qualities that are unfortunately lacking in many other parts of the world. Holding the door open, giving up seats for the needy, clearing tables after meals – these are sights you see here everyday on a regular basis. But what really make my days are drivers who give pedestrians the right of way, even when the light is red. Simply top-notch.

4. Bad news: For chilli lovers out there, chilli sauce is regrettably not provided at eateries here. Good news: They are still available at supermarkets. So if you’re the type who needs chilli to go with your food, please bring your own bottle around (I’m serious; there are people who do that.). Also note that when the menu states spicy or hot, it really means sweet and mildly flavored. Think barbeque sauce hot; not Tabasco sauce hot – although that’s not even hot to begin with, but you get the idea.

5. On my commutes here, one thing I’ve come to notice is that people here seem to be always alert and well-rested. In my observations, nobody here ever looks tired. Rarely did I come across anyone catching some shut-eye on my commutes, which, I must state, are sometimes over an hour long. I understand if these people are reading or talking to someone but often, they are just in a world of their own. Sometimes, you can’t help but wonder about their thoughts.

Probably a conversation starter like “How’s your day?” would help, but then again, don’t count on it!