Topic #3 - Differences Between Your Country and the U.S.

Welcome to Week 3!

Now that you have been in the U.S. for a few weeks or maybe for a few months, what are some differences that you have noticed between your country and the U.S.?  Don't write about the obvious, like the middle eastern countries are primarily Muslim in their religion, whereas the U.S. has many different religions.

Here are some of my observations from my experiences.  When I traveled to Taiwan, I noticed that to turn on a ceiling light, you flip the wall switch down.  To turn off, you flip the switch up.  In America, it is the opposite.  Up means on, and down means off.  In the toilets in Asia, they do not provide toilet paper.  You must carry your own toilet paper.  In America, every restroom stall provides a roll of toilet paper.  Finally, when I traveled to the Philippines, every time I entered a store, the salespeople would greet me with, "Yes, ma'am" instead of "Hello, how can I help you?" or simply "Good morning."  I thought their greeting of "Yes, ma'am" was very odd because I didn't ask them a question or issue any request.  I guess that is just what they say when greeting customers.

Anyway, what things have you noticed here that are very different from your country?

I am looking forward to reading your observations.....
Mrs. Tong