We just got back from two weeks in America. Fra's first visit! Here's what he thinks about the good ole US of A.
Everything's Bigger in America
"Wow! Look at that car! And that one!"
Driving through Hot Springs, Arkansas, with Fra was cute. He was enamored with the trucks (of which there are many in the South) and marveled at how wide the roads are. I, for one, was relieved to not be driving on narrow streets like we have in Calabria!
Mexican Beer? Mexican Food? Yum!
My brother turned Fra onto Modelo, a Mexican beer. Good lord, there are so many better beers in America, but piano piano.
If there's one thing I miss in America (besides my friends and family), it's Mexican food. We got our fill on this trip. Fra loved rice and beans.
Store Clerks are So Nice
After shopping in a few stores in Arkansas and Washington DC, Fra commented on how friendly the clerks were. In Italy they really couldn't care less whether you need something or not.
The funny thing is, now I prefer the "leave me alone" approach here in Italy. I felt like in the U.S. they were a bit over the top and ingenuine.
American Coffee Ain't So Bad
Despite the fact that I make American coffee a few times a month at home in Italy, Fra never drinks it. Yet, in America, he had it every day. Despite the fact that we also had a Moka! He liked savoring his coffee in the morning as we watched the sun rise over the lake where we were staying.
I Couldn't Navigate the Airports Without You, Su
We had nine layovers over two weeks. We visited six different airports in Italy and the U.S. At each one, Fra marveled at how big and complicated they were. I've been traveling for so long that I take it for granted that everyone knows how to navigate them.
He had a moment of panic in Washington D.C. at customs. We went in separate lines, and when they asked him what address he would be staying at, he didn't know. Fortunately, they didn't lock him up, and I was able to come to the rescue!
It was special, viewing my country of origin through his eyes. Everything to him was as magical as Italy was to me on my first visit.
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