In the land of the free and the home of the brave, where patriotism seemingly drips from every porch, a newcomer from South Africa finds themselves genuinely astounded. Imagine stepping foot into a world where the national flag waves proudly on every corner, front yard, and window. For someone from afar, this burst of star-spangled banners is not just a symbol but a vivid display of American zest for the red, white, and blue.
On to the next bemusement—money! The South African, familiar with brightly colored notes resembling fun Monopoly money, finds American currency rather dull by comparison. Every bill looks nearly identical, except for the numbers and the occasional portrait change. It’s a game of spot the difference, but with serious stakes! And who knew dollar bills could be so petite? In their opinion, the one-dollar bill ought to be a mere coin. But then, why make it simple when you can have piles of paper?
The young visitor’s saga of surprises doesn’t end there. America’s charming custom of excluding tax from price tags is a unique riddle. Imagine the head-scratching moment at the checkout when the price seems to pull a rising act. In South Africa, what you see is what you pay, no surprises! Yet, in the U.S., the true cost appears only at the register.
Dining experiences are filled with yet more intrigue. After enjoying a hearty American meal, the visitor is left baffled as the server walks away with their credit card. Panic might set in if you’re used to a world where a machine accompanies servers, securely processing payments right at the table. But in America, there’s a dance – card goes away, comes back with a slip, and then, the mystical art of tipping begins. It’s a theatrical experience akin to playing a credit card magic trick.
Lastly, let’s chat about the infamous small talk. Many can’t help but giggle at the notion that someone might ask, “How are you?” while marching on without actually awaiting an answer. It’s a friendly gesture—an audible nod your way, but always on the move. In South Africa, such queries invite genuine conversation, whereas in the U.S., they might just be a polite breeze passing by.
For this South African explorer, the move to America is peppered with quirks and cultural overdose. They navigate through fascinating surprises, one flag wave at a time.
