After returning from spring break, where a group of friends and I explored Italy, there have been a number of differences I have noticed compared to back home in Nebraska. There are even some differences when comparing southern Europe and central Europe.
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1. There is ZERO personal space.
In Nebraska, generally if someone bumps into you or if you are standing in their way, they will say "I'm sorry" or "excuse me". Nope, not in Europe. Europeans will just ram their entire body weight into you and not even think twice about it. They will also cut you off when walking as well. This was hard for me to adjust to at first, because that would be considered rude back home. However, after living in a place with so many people for the last couple months, bumping into each other is a common thing. Although, I still always say "excuse me" due to my Midwestern culture. :)
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2. EVERYONE carries backpacks here.
This one might be a weird one to notice and feel the need to include, however, this was super strange to me at first. It was odd seeing elderly people toting around backpacks all the time like school children, because in Nebraska they don't. Of course, back home, everyone has cars so generally all a person's belongings are in there. In Europe they are needed much more often. Some places (grocery stores, clothing stores, etc.) make you pay extra for a bag if you did not bring one yourself, which is where the backpack comes in. Whereas back home, they ALWAYS give you a bag. Luggage is also super common to see here, whether it's from tourists or locals.
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3. European countries are very environmentally friendly.
This is something that I think the United States should take note of and adopt some of these in our own country. For example, here they do not only have trashcans, but they will have bins that are designated for paper, plastic, glass and then waste. I have even seen them at fast food restaurants such as McDonald's. This makes it so much easier for people to separate their trash and increase recycling. In the United States, hardly ever are we given this opportunity, other than the big blue recycling can that only some people have at home. Also, as mentioned earlier, in Europe if you do not bring your own bag to the mall or to the grocery store, you must pay for one. This also would decrease the amount of unnecessary waste of plastic bags that we all know are terrible for our environment. This rule also goes for take out boxes in restaurants, if you want to take your leftovers, you are going to pay for the box too. Also, when we go out to dinner, everywhere has glass bottles of water rather than plastic bottles, which again, we all know are terrible for our environment. Another interesting thing, plastic straws are also hard to come by here. In Nebraska, we get a straw in almost every drink at restaurants. One time use plastics such as bottles, cups, straws, bags, etc. are extremely wasteful and hazardous to our earth. Even in some fast food places, if you order a coffee it will come out in an actual glass cup rather than a paper to go cup like in the States. In restrooms more times than not, there are the electric blowers to dry your hands rather than paper towels. They are also much more powerful and efficient here compared to the USA. It did not occur to me how much waste the United States produces until I witnessed these better ways in Europe. This is probably one of the most valuable things I have noted during my time abroad. AMERICA, WE CAN DO BETTER!!
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4. Bathrooms and water are NOT free.
One of the largest differences and one I have realized I take for granted back home, are free bathrooms and free water. In some cases, water is more expensive than a beer. This concept has me wondering if every person in Europe is dehydrated? How do they get enough water intake? Anyways, to adjust to this I always carry a water bottle with me. Of course without ice, because that doesn't exist here either. Bathrooms, unless you are buying a meal at a restaurant or cafe, or something at a shop, are not free and should be taken advantage of when they are. In the States you could walk in anywhere and only use the restroom and nobody would bat an eye.
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5. Driving here is CRAZY.
Especially in large cities like Paris, you could not pay me to drive a car. It is like every man is for himself and it constantly looks like people are going to hit each other, but somehow they don't. I still don't think I have seen a speed limit sign either. In Italy, the mopeds will speed and weave in and out of traffic, with what seems like no system whatsoever. That would definitely get you a ticket back in the states. As a pedestrian, you also either have to commit to the crosswalk or don't. Do not hesitate, either go or don't. I have had numerous encounters where the driver stops for you, but they are going so fast it doesn't look like they will, so you stop, and then you are in a back and forth game of who is going to go first. So either commit and they (hopefully) will stop or just wait. Also, jaywalking is a serious offense in some countries so always try to use a crosswalk.
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6. Some places will charge you to even sit and eat at their restaurant.
This is mostly a southern Europe thing and possibly hotspot tourist destinations, but I noticed this a lot in Italy. It is called a "cover charge" and usually it is 1.50-2.00 Euros (around $2.30 USD) PER PERSON to sit and eat. In my opinion, pretty unnecessary, some will have it listed on the menu outside the restaurant, some won't, and also some will lie and say they don't but they do. One thing I am grateful America and the Czech Republic doesn't have.
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7. Don't accept free things on the street, because they aren't actually free.
Luckily I was informed of this beforehand so I never had any personal encounters with it. Especially in hotspot tourist areas, there are going to be people who walk up and try to give you things. These could be bracelets or flowers, which are the most common items I have seen. Do not take them, they aren't free. After you let them wrap this bracelet around your wrist that they claimed was "free" is now 5 Euros & you better pay him. Or these could be pickpocket tactics which are also very common and easy to spot. Once they distract you, someone will come up and take your phone, wallet, passport, etc. from your backpack or purse.