Around the Bluhmin’ Town

By

Judy Bluhm

Oh America, how we love thee. With the influx of foreign visitors traveling around our country for the FIFA World Cup, there has been a flurry of videos, social media posts and interviews which highlight their incredible love of all things American. Visitors appear shocked and almost giddy with their testimonials of appreciation. Here are a few of the biggest takeaways from our foreign friends.

America, the Beautiful. Visitors are constantly posting videos of our skylines, neighborhoods and countrysides with awe and enthusiasm. “Every town, every state, every place you turn there is drop-dead beauty to admire,” as one Brit shouts into the camera. A Frenchman concurred, “There is more breathtaking scenery in America than we in Europe could ever imagine.”

The Friendliest People in the World. The consensus among foreign visitors is that Americans are a happy, outgoing, talkative, friendly bunch. “Wherever you go, smiles, inquiries about your day, where you are from, offers of assistance, advice on routes to take, laughter and shaking hands, all coming from ordinary people that you meet in ordinary places.”

The Food. In one video, a Brit hilariously says, “Why, my entire life, have I been subjected to bland food. Salt and pepper are the main spices I grew up with. Come to America and food is delicious because of the flavors. The tastiest food on the planet!” The other repetitive comments are how our restaurants serve “wondrous platters of deliciousness.” The Waffle House has become almost a cult favorite among foreign visitors. As one woman said, “How are we living in Spain without this place?”

Air Conditioning and Ice. As one Frenchman claimed, “Americans like to be cool. They will not suffer in the heat like we do in France. They have air conditioning. Everywhere. Also ice. Now I understand and I will miss it,” he lamented. As one visitor laughed, “We always made fun of Americans for wanting ice. But now I realize it is brilliant and now I can’t drink water without it.”

Ginormous Places. The term “ginormous” is a favorite among our British visitors. They use it in almost every single description of the size of our houses, stadiums, freeways, open spaces, and our vehicles. One man points out, “You can drive for eight hours and still be in the same state! Impossible in the United Kingdom.” Visitors report how each state is like its own country, with its unique style, topography, and culture. The ginormous big box stores have been posted many times, with videos of the variety, long aisles and stacked products. One German woman cried, “I feel I have been deprived of choices!”

Ranch Dressing. Few food items have taken center stage like this favorite dressing and dip. “On French fries, salad, pizza, carrot sticks, you name it – everything is better with this creamy white heavenly concoction that we Brits have completely overlooked,” one man exclaimed. “I cannot go on without Ranch dressing,” has become a battle cry.

Perhaps one foreign visitor summed up the “America experience” by saying, “If I were an American, I would never get a passport. Why bother to ever leave?” True . . . there is no place like home.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Contact Judy at [email protected] or visit www.aroundthebluhmintown.com