How has traveling to Europe changed your daily life?

I first traveled to Europe when I was an international studies student in Salzburg many, many years ago. I have since been to lots of different parts of the world as well as going back to Europe several times. I think traveling just made me more aware in general of how things are in other parts of the world. When I see a picture on TV of somewhere I have been, or hear a news report about a place I visited, I pay much more attention to it. I have a better understanding of what peoples' lives are like there.

I married a European and now I live here.

I've learned not to stress out about things I cannot control. Ten years ago next month, when my airline de clared bankruptcy and canceled most of its flights to the US (due to the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks), I was warned that I might not be able to get back to Washington at the end of my trip to Italy. I asked my hotelier in Rome what I should do and he said "So, you stay here!" This was typical of the relaxed atmosphere about life I found in Italy and that I try to keep with me everyday. Yes, the next day the airport was chaotic, and my flight was canceled, and it took 36 hours to get home, redirected through NYC and down the east coast by train, but I arrived home safe and sound and nothing lost but the additional costs of a cab from JFK airport and a train ticket home from New York. Actually, the entirety of the reception of the good people of Italy in those weeks following 9/11 changed me forever and, I believe, made me a better person.

I have learned so much more about history and appreciation of other people's cultures. I have also learned that ice cream is just not near as good as gelato in Italy.

Most trivialy it changed my eating habits some. I now eat granola with yogurt instead of milk. More importantly it broadened my perspective on life. It has also taught me a lot about US culture vs. others, and history. But the biggest change is ALL I think about is when my next trip to Europe will be, and where will I go! I have to remind myself to live in the present, and not get caught up TOO much in planning my next trip!

As another poster said, traveling has broadened my view of the world. Though I have only been to some countries in Europe and also Israel, I am interested in events all over the world. I like that there are many ways of doing the same thing, whether it's eating breakfast or going to college. Studying art history really piqued my curiosity about different cultures. Matt - ten years ago I was in Italy for 3 weeks and came home 2 weeks before 9/11. When I came home, my family met me at the gate at the airport. None of us knew how everything would change.

It has seriously changed the way I live my life and the way I look at the world. It has altered everything from the music I listen to, the food I eat and the questions I ask myself about political and social issues. I live my life as simply as I can so I am able to travel. I question some of our American lifestyle and long for a blend of what I love about European culture and what I don't want to change about our culture. But, I would be very happy to change about 90% of our food for the food I have when I go to Europe... I always wonder...do they make the good stuff and send it to Europe because the Europeans would not accept the food if its not good?

One of the more valuable aspects of travel for me personally is having an opportunity to meet new people and to learn about their take on many of the things I'm interested in. Perhaps it's politics, foreign policy, education, the economy, music, social media, pop culture, or any number of topics, but it's always pretty interesting to make new friends and learn what they think about things. For example, I just met a couple from Montreal, who shared with me their very favorable opinion of the universal health care system in Canada. They gave me a brief education on it. I found their opinion was quite similar to a couple from Madrid I met back in July, who really appreciated the Spanish system. And yet, people I know here continue to suggest (minus any first-hand knowledge) that all Canadians hate their system and always come to the US for care. But I've talked with other Canadians as well , and this favorable opinion squares with what I've heard from others. Another example is from that Spanish couple – it turns out that Europeans don't hate America (but they don't like our foreign policy at all). In fact, they love American culture, and they love touring the U.S., especially when they visit unbelievable natural beauty that isn't available back home (like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Niagara Falls, or Death Valley). This couple has travelled all over the U.S., but their favorite place of all time is Death Valley (go figure). Their favorite site upon arriving in the U.S. for the first time? It was Yellow Cabs in NYC...they are real...just like on TV (seriously). Anyway, there are lots of other examples, but making new friends from the countries I'm visiting and learning are certainly things I dig from traveling. As for daily life, I learned that Bitburger beer is about the worst-tasting beer on Earth and that it should never be consumed ever again for the rest of my life!

My first trip to Europe was several decades ago as an American G.I. At the German schnell stands they had a mayonnaise like substance to put on french fries. While I don't use mayonnaise every time I eat fries these days I do it once in awhile. My wife still thinks it's disgusting. On a recent trip to Germany however (my wife's first) I did get her to try currywurst.

Agree w/ all the previous replies posted. Gaining an better understanding of the world by "being" in and "experiencing" different places. Even though we are usually on guided tours, we still take time to talk with locals. When something appears in the news or in a national paper about any country we have visited (or is under consideration for a visit), we pay more attention. We have a little better understanding of how different populations think. And, of course, every time I see a photo or video snippet of anywhere we've been, I am instantly transported back (with a smile). BUT, all that said, we have always been amazed at how so many young people in the countries we visit REALLY want to come to America (or how proud the mother/father, etc. is that their son/daughter live somewhere in America). They are curious about what we do, how we live, etc., and when I genuinely show an interest in them, they tell me what they are studying and how they really want to live/work in America. So, despite all our economic/political dismay, we are still seen as "the land of opportunity." That's a good reminder.

The simple answer is that the next trip gives me something major to look forward to and to plan for. I think life can get quite dull without milestones like that. It has given me an ever-deepening reservoir of fond memories to think of when I have a moment let my mind wander. There are deeper changes like a better appreciation for history, ethnic, religious and political differences, etc. But those things don't really count as "daily". They are important, though...

I suppose it made me get my butt in gear and get going on my Paralegal certification, so that I can start making enough money to go back!

Has it changed my daily life? I'd say yes in my early tourist only days, but mostly superficial things like coffee preferences, food taste, etc. (Oh...and that Frenchman I almost married). But the more time I spend with the average Jaque/Jose/Jack, the more I realize you can throw out 90% of the good and the bad you read or see on a TV show. From my personal experience and contrary to what I read, if you want to clear out a room, start talking politics, whatever your home team is. I was at a conference and hanging with some Brits, when this poor young girl out of college (US or Canadian, not sure) kept trying to go there when finally one of the old Brit dudes said he'd rather discuss her toilet habits. The rest of the conversations involved why NOT to do that. While I adore the culture and history of say Italy for instance, try working there and watch your utopic vision fade into your vino. While what I do for a living is unusual for a woman, it's unheard of in Italy. It's so bad I have to have a guy that works for me pretend he's the one in charge. While there's no place I'd rather be than Rome, there's no other place I'd rather be from than the US. I'm happy most Italians feel the opposite too!

I have to agree with almost every post, especially Jill's, but Texans are "mighty fine smart folks"!! I learned to embarrass my children by going to Grocery store with white socks on and my sandals over them. LOL

I bought an espresso machine after one of my trips. I am never satisfied with the bread I can buy in stores here. I am more content with my small house and spending less so I can save more for travel. Like others have said, when I hear about news events in places I have been to, I am more aware and interested.

"So what did traveling change in your life?" I am no longer content with wimpy crust American bread, particularly so called "Kaiser rolls". I love soft boiled eggs. Try ordering one at a restaurant that say, "eggs, any style". I no longer believe that everything in the good old US of A is better than Europe. Compare Germany's Bahn with Amtrac. Or German health care with our excuse for it.

I'm in agteement with Lee on that. I no longer feel like I'm superior because I come from this side of the Atlantic. Feel quite the opposite now.

Got time for a book?
Short version: early on, I made it a goal to live overseas. I am now living the dream... and it is still nice after 8 years. I pretty much agree with all that earlier posters have said. One thing, though: even on this side of the Atlantic, "work is still work, otherwise they would have named it something else." I can still get frazzled at work. I can still get annoyed with my boss. And, even with the European "work to live" lifestyle, I still put in more overtime than I like. However, all that aside, I get to wander around old Vienna on my lunch break, we visit different cities in Europe when the kids have holiday, etc. We certainly get a different perspective from our European friends. Day to day stuff: I tend to eat more "seasonal and local" now. Also get more exercise...just in the form of walking and running for trams. Actually slimmed-down a bit. On the other hand, I drink more than I did living in the states. I'm now a recycling fool. Take more public transit. Live in a smaller place than we would own in the States. Enjoy the low crime rate (our teen girls are pretty much free to roam the city). More frequent shopping trips...our fridge is small. Eat out more. Way more vacation and travel. Health care has been excellent. Bureaucracy can be a hassle. In summation, I'd say it is a smaller lifestyle day-to-day, but the quality of life is high. Being an expat American is fun. I agree with what someone said that we are pretty well liked as people. This July I went back to the USA for the first time in a few years. Had a blast and reconfirmed that there are things I like about America too. Americans are really friendly and willing to chat. Was also amazed how easy everything is in the US because it is all in English! :-) (Language barrier is minimal over here, but still.)

@Thomas.... sounds like a European dream.... and it is all about the day to day that makes life what it is, and I have to say I think the Europeans beat us hands down when it comes to 'family value' time. (health care, vacations, sit down dinner time, healthy foods) but you're right... we are friendlier...just not happier according to studies. I believe Denmark ranks first and most European countries follow...we are way down on the list. I think that should be the goal of the US, forget about all the rest and work on the happiness quota...its what I dream for my kids and grandkids.

"As for daily life, I learned that Bitburger beer is about the worst-tasting beer on Earth and that it should never be consumed ever again for the rest of my life!" I can easily recommend worse, if you would like... I am in agreement with my fellow ex-pats... living in Europe is not like an extended vacation, rather its a different way of living. Work is work, no matter which side of the Atlantic you live on. Probably the biggest change I have undergone living in Europe is that when I've come back to the US, I simply can't enjoy typical restaurant food. It's just too heavy and the portions are too large.

It has changed our lives as we now live in Europe. We moved to Spain from Australia over 4 years ago - fulfilling a long held dream to live in Europe, but one we thought we would never manage to achieve. It is only possible as I work outside of Spain, as we are not legally allowed to work here. I spend 3 - 6 months of the year here, which is fine, and he took early retirement, which worked for us. The good - almost all of it - the Spanish people are wonderful and we simply love living in Europe. We have not yet explored anywhere near as much as we had hoped, largely due to time taken having a house built - but instead of 20 plus hours on a plane, everywhere is within a couple of hours. The cost of living is very low compared to Australia. Bureaucracy can be a pain at times - but we knew it was never going to be simple for us, with non EU passports, to live here. We have deliberately moved to a predominantly spanish community where we have both spanish and expat friends. However, it is not for all - those with stronger family ties than us, with elderly parents, dependant children, grandchildren, strong community ties at home etc, would probably prefer just to visit.

Lots of people here with rose tinted glasses. I think people need to realise that visiting a country is a far cry from actually living there. I agree with the posters who live in Europe and claim that they still get stressed out over things and work is work is work no matter where you live. I have a sibling who lives on an island that is quite popular during the summer. I have a hard time convincing some people that she and her husband work a lot to support themselves (prices tend to be higher when you're cut off from the mainland) and aren't at the beach all the time. Also, I think travelling anywhere (not just to Europe) is going to open your eyes to different cultures/people/ways of life etc. I certainly hope that people visiting the US go away with a new outlook on our country and its people. I'd hate to think they all thought it really was all Jersey Shore and McDonald's. Blech!

Kathleen: I see what you mean about putting yourself in another's shoes while thinking about newcomers invading your land and killing everyone off. I bet that's what the descendants of lesser native tribes have thought about before when recalling how the Mayans did that very thing and hauled their ancestors all off to Chichen Itza to be sacrificed. Come to think of it, that's probably very similar to how the Pueblos felt about the Apaches.

Of course all those things are available in the US, but the OP asked how travel changed you, and those were my answers. These were things that I changed. I guess the next time I visit Ohio, I will walk downtown every day and be sure to visit all those farmers markets in Columbus and tell those restaurants and stores to turn the A/C down. It is quite a struggle though to get my family to turn the water off in the kitchen while they walk around doing something else and that they might use a cloth dishtowel rather than paper. Maybe you could come give them a little talking to about using a little effort? Good grief, sorry we don't all live up to some peoples standards.

While visiting a castle, I suddenly realized that it had been built 250 years before Columbus came to America. Then I thought maybe they had learned a few things we didn't know yet. I'm amazed by all the different cultures of Europe and , though they're quite unique, they all seem to work.

Hi Larry. 250 years before Columbus came to America (thank you for not saying he "discovered" it) there were people already living here. Had their own cultures/ways of life/languages etc. Makes you wonder if the Europeans learned something on their arrival.

I married a Madrileña, and the rest is history!

The problem with the statement about not discovering America is that for tens of thousands of years, those first nations or indigenous people did nothing as historically significant as linking the eastern and western hemispheres. So as it relates to trade and commerce from a historical perspective, Columbus did discover America. That should be pretty clear. But then later, we decided to murder everyone and steal their stuff.

Most of my closet are travel clothes now. Each item bought with an eye toward packing it on a trip.

Michael, put yourselves in a native's shoes. Your people have been living on a continent for thousands of years and then suddenly newcomers show up and claim YOUR land as THEIR own. And your descendants get to listen to the descendents of the invaders talk about "discovery". Not such a good feeling is it? Yes, the Europeans did HELP connect the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, but that was only to benefit/profit from the "New World's" riches. It certainly wasn't to help the indigenous people. I think a lot of Americans have this romantic notion that Europeans helped "civilize" the natives when in fact the natives quite often were far more civilized than the Europeans. I'm a huge fan of learning about indigenouse cultures around the world. You would be surprised at how many white (Americans, Europeans, Canadians, etc.) view the natives as irrelevant. :-(

I came back from our trip last year, looked into my closte, and started cleaning it out to give stuff away. After living out of a 21inch suitcase for two weeks, I realized I needed to down size. Keep in mind that I had already been in the habit of giving away things that didn't fit or that I didn't wear. I started giving away things that fit and that I enjoyed wearing, because i realized I don't need a closet full of clothes!

It wasn't until I went to Greece during a water shortage that I discovered how much water most of us waste on a daily basis. This made me very aware and I changed many of my water habits. Recyling trash has become a habit too and when I am back in Ohio, it is appalling how many paper towels people use every day, or that they throw their batteries in the trash or their old meds in the toilet. Air conditioning wastes tons of energy, yet one usually needs a coat in the restaurants, malls and stores while the outside tables sit empty in beautiful, temperate weather. I have gotten used to using public transportation and it was shocking for me to remember how often I used to drive just 1 or 2 blocks rather than walk. Eating, fresh seasonal produce is a change, rather than finished products and fresh fruit juices are a real treat. Visiting our local farmers market on almost a daily basis allows me to support small farmers rather than industrialized farming. These are all things I never thought about before moving here. Buying fresh flowers on a regular basis is something I never did in Ohio and I certainly never went to museums or galleries on my days off, like I do here. Coffee - can't believe I used to drink weak, insipid coffee where you could see through the whole pot. Decent good coffee, made with beans we grind each morning is now a must.

Hi Jo. You can do all the European things you listed in the US too. I don't know why but some Americans NEED to go to a foreign country to learn how to do things that are readily available at home. It boggles the mind. Farmer's Markets aren't unheard of in the US and yet so many people on this forum seem to need a European trip to spur them into using their local ones at home. And why do some Americans need to go walking in Europe to get them walking in the US? I don't think Europe has a monopoly on these things. I just think some Americans tend to keep looking over the fence instead of in their own backyard.

To D.D. It doesn't matter if things in the US aren't as "easy" as they are in Europe. They can be done. It just might take a bit of work to do them. Honestly, when did "effort" become such a dirty word?

Michael, now you're being silly. Why don't you just go back to the first time one human captured another one? I don't know why, but it makes Europeans and Europhiles very uncomfortable when the discussion of "settling/discovering/invading/conquering" America comes up. Somehow it always gets turned around to "well it's been done many times before you know . . . ." Or worse, there's the "well if the Europeans hadn't done it someone esle would have" brigade.

To Jo: You don't need to get your knickers in a twist. :-) My point was that you don't need foreign travel to do all the things you love about Europe in the US. I watch what I eat, I am a very healthy weight, I recycle, I conserve water and electricity, I buy local as much as possible, avoid processed foods and go on international sites to learn about life outside the US. I did all of this looooong before I started travelling overseas. The problem is too many Americans don't do these things until they see others in other countries doing them. Why does it take a foreign accent to wake some of us up?

As shallow as it sounds - I now know what good bread tastes like. I love living here, but dream of a job assignment in Europe.

I don't know where Bolton is, but I find it annoying for someone to presume that EVERYONE can live the 'European Lifestyle' no matter where they live. Failure to walk everywhere or to use public transit does not mean someone is lazy. I don't live in a rural area. But...there is NO public transportation closer than 2 miles away. The closest grocery store is a mile away. The closest farmer's market (one day a week, only during late spring - early fall) is 10 miles away. We rely on our cars because we have no choice. Unless one lives IN a major city, living that lifestyle can be difficult, if not impossible.

Andrea, Bolton is in the US. And nowhere did I say anything about a "European Lifestyle". I don't even know what that is. Does it actually exist? What I said is that Americans should not have to travel to Europe to experience what is found at home. Yes we have to drive more than the Europeans because things are spread out more, but honestly, that shouldn't prevent us from eating fresh food, taking care of ourselves, recycling, etc. Laziness comes when you return to the US and pretty much just revert back to the old ways because "it's just not as easy as it is in Europe."

While I agree that bringing home many of those things we love about Europe can be fun.... it's still not Europe, so for those of us who love the whole package (people, culture, location, food, museums....etc) a few reminders and changes in our daily life just tend to remind us of the magic that Europe holds ... and it is as much a 'state of mind' as a state of being . ( For the record, I always wear my rose colored glasses, it makes life sweet.)

Perfect, Terry kathryn! And 97% of the time, there's not a darned thing wrong with wearing rose-colored glasses. More people should try them :-) (there IS that pesky 3% - if your spouse has threatened for years to kill you, there's a weird-looking stranger at your door, etc...Take Off The Danged Glasses!!!)

After reading all these posts, my thought is the old saying "the grass is always greener on the other side", right now I'm sure there are just as many Europeans dreaming of moving the North America. Last year while in Germany I had my passport out for some reason and a German friend remarked "ah, the passport that so many people want". Interestingly along this line of thought I met a young woman this afternoon, when I noticed her accent I asked where she was from, first guessing Eastern Europe, she is from Poland, and central Europe as I was corrected. Anyway at one point it was her dream to live here and now she is doing it, she is presently studying to become a dental hygentist. So I guess it goes both ways.

I recently hosted a 19 year old French exchange student. Within three days of arriving here he was asking me how he can become a U.S. citizen. When I told him WE dream of living in France he wondered why we would want to do that! Different strokes for different folks....

Traveling has taught me to be more open to new ideas and strangely more critical too. It has taught me that the difference between Europe and North America is not that significant. I know people here that are petrified about traveling to Europe. I've met Europeans who have no interest in seeing the U.S. That's fine, to each their own. People on both sides share the same dreams and goals. In my daily life there are a few things I have picked-up from Europe that are now my standards. Coffee for example, I had 2 4€ cups of coffee in a café near Centre Pompidou in Paris. Why? The first one tasted so good that I had to have another. My friend thought I was nuts be he's not a coffee drinker so I didn't give a rat's what he thought. To this day I have been trying to find that magic cup of coffee here without success. Unfortunately I also don't recall the name of the café or brand name of the coffee. I can't drink the swill they make at work. I don't eat a lot of fast food anymore. I don't dowse my food in ketchup or sauces. I don't like Pizza with 2 pounds of cheese on it anymore. I like dark beer. I've learned to go with the flow and how to use public transit. I like it when a waiter/waitress allows me to enjoy my food. Work is necessary but not the only thing I think about. "What do you do for a living?" is not the first thing I say when I meet someone. I like cities and small towns much more than newer exurbs or suburbs. Bigger is just bigger sometimes.

Good post Mike, I can really relate. I share a lot of the sentiments and experiences many of you have posted. It's not really hard to believe that a bunch of Americans who are adventurous enough to travel abroad and also participate in an internet forum would have similar views and experiences. We already have a lot in common before our first trip.

49 replies so far and 7 of them from a single person person who has not yet offered an answer to the thread question. There are many travel web sites. This particular one focuses on Europe. One might presume that the people who frequent this site enjoy travel to Europe and probably have many varied reasons for doing so. If your answer to the thread question is "No, not at all" that is a perfectly valid answer. Nitpicking others answers - particularly to a question that can have no right answer - seems rather petty.

I had previously replied to this question, but I ended up deleting my posts because my answers were "nitpicked", to borrow Randy's term, and the thread seemed to be turning in a direction in which I did not wish to participate. I felt it had the potential to deteriorate into unpleasant squabbles. But I'll try again. One positive way my daily life has changed by living and traveling in Europe is that my reading has become much more satisfying. When I run across mention of a place I have actually been, it is more meaningful. After visiting Bath and Devon I have decided to reread Austen's novels.

Let's see: This morning I got up and made an Illy esspresso in my Bialetti pot, made some crepes as I do every Sunday morning, sat on my balcony and smoked a cigerette before my hubby could catch me, yelled at my Hungarian neighbors for letting their Rottweiler crap on my lawn, and now I'm off (walking) to the farmer's market. I'm either a walking cliche of stuffwhitepeoplelike.com or maybe I picked up a few things along the way. I also find many American familiarities wherever I travel. I think most cultures are starting to evolve into a 'Greatest Hits' collection where we take the best of all worlds. Nothing wrong with that!

You know, there really is a stuffwhitepeoplelike.com I just looked it up. Thanks Leslie!

James! Beer is superficial? This came out of you? Where's the real James? Call the Polizei! The original post asked how traveling to Europe changed my daily life. On my first trip I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried beer and food I normally wouldn't. It has encouraged me not to create a comfort zone around me. It opened my eyes to new things and that was good. Traveling in Europe has encouraged me to slow down. It stripped away the guilt of doing nothing. It taught me that my time on Earth in MINE. I can't put it in a "time bank." I can sit in a local coffee shop or bar here in my town for hours and not feel an ounce of guilt that I'm not being productive. I've friends who still don't get this idea. That's fine. I'll sit right here and just do nothing. "Another coffee or how about a beer?" Why, yes I will! Danke Schon!

Enjoy Randy! I imagine it's just a matter of time before Rick Steves makes the list of stuffwhitepeoplelike.com. Hopefully, he'll make it before Crocs or Ellen Degeneres.

"I know people here that are petrified about traveling to Europe. I've met Europeans who have no interest in seeing the U.S. That's fine, to each their own." Interesting. Americans are AFRAID of travelling to Europe; whereas, Europeans are just not that interested in travelling to the US.

To James: Now you're going to get it! :-)

To Randy: How has Europe changed my daily life? Hmmm, not really changed my daily life at all. I'm still the same laid back, strong coffee swigging, dark chocolate loving, travel fool that I was before I went there. :-) Now how has it changed my life in a general way? Easy. I've learned that even though Europe doesn't have HUGE national parks like Yosemite, castles can be pretty cool too.

To Mike: If you want to find what type of coffee it was in Paris then you need to go on a coffee site. Just google coffee and you should be all set. My friends have done this with much success. Just a word of warning though. There really is no such thing as European coffee. No European country grows it. Coffee is categorized by the type of bean and where it is grown. Once you know the bean you should have no problem finding a brand you like.

Each time we go we find something we want to bring back home. In Switzerland a few years back, our apartment came with a Nespresso machine. My husband bought one for our home when we returned.(on two subsequent trips, to Spain and to Italy, we found upscale hotels that provide these in the rooms). On our recent trip to Spain, my husband forgot to pack his underwear. We bought some at El Corte Ingles that he likes so much we are trying to figure out how to get more.

Thanks Kathleen, I already knew that coffee beans don't grow in Europe. Perhaps it's the method of roasting? Yes, I've met Americans who will not travel to Europe because they are scared. It goes back to my comfort zone remarks. Mostly it's things that they have never experienced like a language barrier or unfamiliar food or surroundings.
One friend said she wouldn't travel to Europe because she could not handle a six hour flight without a cigarette. Granted this is not a fear but it's her choice and I understand. On my last trip the girlfriend of my buddies' Belgian cousin said she could never come to the U.S. She can't take being on a plane for very long. Not much different than my friend the smoker. I've also met Americans who aren't the least bit interested in traveling to Europe. It has nothing to do with fear they just aren't interested. Just like the Europeans I mentioned. That's fine with me. I don't take it personally. To me it's like arguing over whether you prefer baseball or football.

I first traveled to Europe as a student who grew up in a Midwest suburb and attended a small residential liberal arts college in a small city. I learned a lot and over time made changes that became a part of my daily life. I discovered yogurt. Back in the 70's no one in the midwest was eating yogurt unless they were on a diet. I discovered I loved sleeping under duvets. It took about ten years, but then I bought my own and have slept under one ever since. Of course, now, there are duvet's in many hotels, but back in the seventies, we had nylon blankets and rather strange foam-backed bed spreads. I learned to look for the first strawberries. The Coop got fresh strawberries from Italy sometime in early spring. We would buy them by the boxful and eat them in class. When I was in Madison I was part of the race to get the new strawberries in the farmer's market. Here in NYC I was thrilled to find the Wednesday Market near the UN where I could get those June strawberries. Living in NYC has similarities to European living. I walk everywhere and use public transit. I grocery shop every couple of days because I have a petite frig. I eat out a lot. But there is no daily market in my area and I wish there were more cafe's with outdoor seating. This is NYC and it's not Europe, which is okay. BTW I'm happy that the UK at least has picked up some US habits. When I first visited the only B&B coffee was Nescafe. Now there is French Press. So, it is a two-way street or rather "pond." ; ) Pam

Mike---your point about the French coffee is well taken. Of course the beans are not grown in France, it is how the beans are roasted and the coffee prepared that makes the difference. You CAN find excellent coffee in the US ( at least you can in Seattle) but one must be selective. And I don't know if Kathleen will see your comment. She seems to have gone looking for greener pastures since the webmaster took down her Dazed and Confused thread on smoking, and hasn't posted much since. And a question for Lola--- has your husband's new Europen underwear changed your daily life?

I went to Europe for the first time on a charter flight when I was still a college student in 1971. That was 12 weeks solo traveling mainly in Central Europe: West Germany (back then) and a week in Vienna, staying in hostels and a few student hotels. Two years later after the first trip to Paris, I knew I had to return. Those trips definitely changed my life by broadening my horizons. I have had the urge to go back ever since. There are things I most definitely prefer in Europe, but it's also a trade-off between life here and over there. Rose tinted glasses are irrelevant when you are aware of the good, bad and ugly in Europe as a traveler there. For vacation I prefer being over there based on interests than vacationing here. As pointed out above, there are Americans who have no desire to go to Europe because they are afraid,... of getting lost, of the language problem, different foods, etc. or just plainly not interested. I've met some of these too. Likewise, I have met Germans and French who also have no interest at all in coming to the US for a variety of reasons, including political. That is their choice, biased or not. As far as traveling there changing my life, it gave me the impetus and imagination that it can be done, aside from enjoying the cuisine over there.

To Sascha: Nope still here. Just hesistant to post because people tend to get a bit prickly here. And my point about the coffee is that if Mike goes onto a coffee "aficianado" website and starts talking about "European" coffee, then he should be prepared for some challenges. When talking about "European" coffee, one is talking about brands. When talking about, say, Kenyan coffee one is talking about beans.

@Kathleen: send or post links then.

Mike, let me scrounge up the few I used to go on. Haven't been on them for a while. These people were serious about their coffee. Edited: Here's one. From the looks of it, it's quieted down a bit. http://www.coffeeforums.com/forum/coffee-table/

I try to emulate the way the Europeans plan meals by buying and cooking what is in season, and by trying to purchase seasonal items and meat from local producers. I drag out my pasta machine to make pasta that tastes more like the pasta that we ate in Italy. I also seek out Italian restaurants that offer menus that are authentically Italian. I recently had a pizza at Domenica in New Orleans that reminded me so much of my last pizza in Italy. If you are in New Orleans, the pasta dishes there remind me of the food we ate in Italy.

This thread is unintentionally hilarious. Starting with the assumption that there's such things as a "European Lifestyle" and an "American Lifestyle." I live in Germany, travel throughout Europe. In the U.S. I lived without a car, walked and took public transit everywhere, shopped only at my local farmer's market and neighborhood markets buying only local produce, drank locally roasted coffee and local wines and beers, enjoyed a wealth of cheap delicious international food in small portions, hiked and camped, jammed my rental cars into amazingly tiny spots on ridiculously narrow streets, lived in an apartment in a high-density area, blah blah blah. All things that my visiting family, who live in suburban areas of the US, think of as "european" and express delight and/or frustration over. Now in Germany I own a car, buy produce from all over the world (much to my guilt), eat way more processed food, hate the coffee to the point I patronize Starbucks for a decent cup (unheard of previously!!!) and am immensely tired of huge portions of meat and potatoes at local restaurants and can't get decent sushi. How Midwestern! It's not so much what country you're in, guys, it's more of an urban vs. suburban lifestyle. And of course region - you can eat great local produce in California year round. Your localvore options are significantly limited in Northern Europe. Admittedly I lived in the "most European" city in the U.S. - San Francisco - but that lifestyle is found in Seattle and Portland and Boston and any other major city really. And of course there is no one "European" lifestyle. Yes in general Europe is more densely populated so more people live in apartments and don't own cars, but it's not so much cultural as practical.

Second part: So my advice to Americans who long for a European lifestyle - try visiting your nearest big city. Park the car and walk around downtown. Even in the most fly-over of the fly-over states there are energetic young people creating art and food and microbrews that are all begging to be enjoyed. Appreciate the things we do have in the U.S. - universally good coffee available, for one, and nice thick bacon - and make an effort to realize that part of being a global citizen isn't idealizing what you see as exotic, particularly when it can be found in your own backyard. You don't have to live in Europe to walk and use public transit and enjoy parks and good food. Skip the TGIFridays and check out the new restaurant in your town or the next town over opened by an enthusiastic young chef and probably sadly under-patronized. Go to a local art gallery. Do the things you'd do if you were visiting your area on vacation. Don't think of it as what does Europe have that America doesn't - just get outside and walk around and enjoy your local culture.

It seems to me that when any one posts about what they like about Europe..Kathleen will post saying that you can get that, do that, etc., just as well here in the US. It's a little strange to put down Europe so much here on this website.

Travel has changed my life by making me into a sort of perpetual traveler in that most of the choices I make relate to either past experiences or in anticipation of future travel. I find that I want/need fewer THINGS, clothes, gadgets, etc., so rather than spend $$ on some fancy coffee maker I save the money for my next trip, and prefer shoes I can actually walk in and clothes that last longer than one season. An attempt to reproduce the so-called European lifestyle would feel pretentious, but it has made see alot of aspects of life in the States as rediculously wasteful or silly. I am more content with simple things, and save my money for future travel.

Europe are many countries with quite different culture and lifestyles. Imagine for example Great Britain and Romania. Nevertheless let's try to generalize: What I like here in the US is easiness of socializing. Very informal, usually first name calling, even bosses at work. Unheard of in Europe. Comparing to Europe excellent customer service. Even we think we got a lot of bureaucracy here, it's nothing comparing to Europe. What I think is generally better in Europe: food, especially bakery (bread, all different kinds of rolls- and the best are in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic IMHO), beer. There is incomparably less sprawl there. You can walk everywhere and if it's little farther there is an excellent public transportation comparing to this country. There is far less violent crime. Maybe because more people know each other because they don't move so often as here. Europe is also quite more secular than the USA and it is not important to emphasize your religiosity in politics. Sometimes campaigns get so heated here that I start to worry about theocracy getting into power. I would not say that traveling changed my life but it changed my opinions about many things. Visiting western Europe many times I don't longer think that socialism is such a bad thing as mostly Republicans are trying to convince us. Of course what was called socialism (and we called communism) more than twenty years ago in eastern Europe was very bad thing. I think there are a lot of good things we can learn from Europe and not to think that everything (although some things are) is the best here. Most people who travel make the same conclusion; those who don't are dependent on media just to name one: Fox News.

San Francisco as the "most European city" in the US....that's nice to know. I had heard of that description applying to New York....makes no difference to me.

Yes, I am familiar with the comparision between Berlin and New York both being vibrant, progressive, exciting, forward looking, unlike anywhere else in their respective countries. Of course, Berlin has the other reputation in Germany as being the most indebted (verschuldet) big city. Since I have not been to New York yet, don't care to either, which areas in Berlin can be likened to New York? Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg, Charlottenburg, Mitte, Zehlendorf? Regardless, Berlin is my favourite place in Germany. It's not called die dufte Stadt for nothing.

"which areas in Berlin can be likened to New York?" Since Berlin is very fresh in my mind, perhaps I can make a stab... Actually, it reminded me very little, if at all, of New York. Maybe the only overt similarity might be that they both have a huge park in the middle (Central Park vs. the Tiergarten), but even there, neither park reminded me of the other. Maybe she meant a similar vibe? I guess that's a subjective experience, because once again, the two cities didn't feel the same at all to me.

Fred - That's what I've always heard people say, although a search online reveals that a significant portion of people think Boston is. NYC and SF have a lot in common that both fit into what people think of as European - decent public transit systems, low car ownership, small markets, walking/bicycling as a primary mode of transportation, etc. SF has more of an emphasis on eating fresh and local by virtue of location, obviously, and then there's the whole wine region thing. While I was in Provence I kept thinking of how much it reminded me of coastal/wine regions of California (and how much Marseilles reminded me of SF) which is a thought which has appalled more than one French person. On the other hand, parts of Berlin reminded me very strongly of New York. But in general I think my point was that a lot of what people here seem to be considering as a "European lifestyle" - cafes, walking, public transit, small markets, etc - is not dissimilar to an urban lifestyle in most world-class cities in the U.S.

My last trip to Europe completely changed the way I perceive Americans being viewed in Europe. We do a lot of traveling in places where we are the only Americans. I enjoy conversations comparing life here with various countries. They are always very curious about our health care, and school systems, and tax systems, etc. But I was bowled over recently on a small Greek island, where I met a couple from Basel, Switzerland, who gave me a completely unexpected insight to some Europeans' view of Americans. They said they visited the US last year, and their trip was preceded by warnings and "are you sure you want to go there?" by their friends. Their impression of the US was that almost everyone carries guns or else are (excuse her expression) "white trash". She said she got off the airplane in Boston with both arms firmly wrapped around her purse, expecting someone to grab it from her. Instead, she found amazingly helpful people everywhere from the airport to the hotel, and onward throughout their trip. They went home to tell their friends that they have a completely wrong impression of the US. They were charmed by what they saw -- not only the sights, but the people. And they are planning a return trip for 2012. I was shocked. I knew that people outside the US are sometimes not happy about US politics, but I had no idea that American people themselves had such a bad reputation overseas. Have any of you ever heard of this? These were educated people (statisticians) in their 40's.

Charlene; Interesting story. Doesn't surprise me at all, but I'm grateful that they had a great trip and went home to spread the word that those images of America are misguided. Of course, the same thing happens going the other direction. There is a lot of nonsense about what Europeans are like, too. Hopefully travel helps to dispel those notions.

It was east Kreuzberg that reminded me a lot of Greenwich Village actually. Leafy streets, international crowd, hipsters, hole-in-the-wall eatries and bars. The Village is more upscale, but there's a definite similar vibe and aesthetic going on. But I don't think a lot of tourists to Berlin spend time in east Kreuzberg, our hotel just happened to be there. The more central areas were very different, obviously.

'Guns' .......... 'White Trash' I'm married to a redneck (but she has a PhD). I have a concealed weapons permit (but I usually wear shorts and the damn pistol won't fit in my money belt). Perceptive people, the Swiss. Now tell me how to convince people that I'm closer to Texas than I am to Mickey Mouse.

In reference to Charlenes post I do this this surprising.
How the Swiss perceive Americans, with all due respect to the people of Switzerland I find it hard to believe in this day and age a Swiss would have the idea that a racially diverse country of roughly 250 million people would all be gun toting white trash. Many in fact know more about our country than some natives, our politics, culture, businesses, the natural beauty, granted they might not know the personality differences and voice inflections of a New Yorker versus a Southern Californian as an Amerian would, but this would be like me saying, all Swiss either make fine watches or work in banks that only use secret account numbers. This might be how someone in 1955 Switzerland perceived the U.S. but it's 2011! "but I had no idea that American people themselves had such a bad reputation overseas". What are the Swiss using as a reference? Rap videos and movies such as the Fast and the Furious?

Of all the times I had been to (west) Berlin prior to reunification and afterwards, going to Kreuzberg never appealed to me....never had the interest. But, finally, on my 2007 trip I decided to go through it, at least part of it....my only time there. See the historical site in the Viktoria-Luise Park. True, you won't find any tourists in Kreuzberg, especially Americans. Kreuzberg is singularily unique, whether you like it or not. What you described as part of Ost-Kreuzberg can be compared to certain attractive sections of New York.

Did Charlene possibly discover a new species?: Swiss Rednecks? I had no idea with today's media it was possible to not realize we are post wild-west. These old fashioned stereotypes are funny as all things and people who are Western...are Western. Yeah, I have a concealed weapons permit myself, but I don't remember utilizing it on any European tourists. Then again, I buy mace because I run out, not because it expires. As my black/french grandmother always said 'Two things are guaranteed everywhere in life: rednecks & seagulls'.

Stereotypes die long, drawn out deaths. On the European side of the pond, the idea of the US as a violent, unsafe place was reinforced in the early 1990s, during the tail end of the crack epidemic. There were a series of high profile cases that got a lot of press coverage in which European travelers were robbed and killed at gunpoint. And of course, it works both ways - I get asked by Americans if my wife is a Communist or Socialist, or even if she shaves her armpits. Even on this website, people have some very outdated preconceptions about European lifestyles. BTW, that was an odd statement coming from the Swiss, seeing that almost their entire male adult population is armed. Or maybe that's just an old stereotype as well. Fred and Sarah- no, I didn't make it to Kreuzberg. Even with 4 days, I barely saw half of what I wanted to, and Kreuzberg was low on the list of priorities.

Going back to the original question, my wife and I are very different from trips to Europe. We have changed in various ways, some subtle, some extreme. We sent home a used Pavoni Stradivari expresso machine on a trip in 2002. We use a French press coffee pot, also. We drive smaller cars now, not use the big truck so much, and try to conserve natural resources more. We eat out more now, and cook with whats fresh at the time. On the other subject, our friends from Germany stayed with us and were amazed at the white sand beaches here. The could not believe the afternoon thunderstorms and the massive lightning shows. Also, they wanted to eat at the IHOP breakfast buffet every morning, and the KFC lunch buffet every afternoon. Haha. 99 pound Sabina ate so much food that the manager came out to watch. We had such a good time. They thought the size of our cars here in the states were incredible too. And not in a good way. They cringed when I put 31 gallons of gas in my truck. It gets 8 mpg or 3.4 kilometers per liter.

Did someone send a dvd depicting my town to the Swiss? Dagnabit! (Lighting up a Marlboro Light).

While I am thankful to be an American, I now realize that America certainly does not always have the best or most advanced of everything. I have learned to be more flexible in my day-to-day life after traveling in Europe and experiencing train strikes, wrong trains, wrong directions, restaurants that are not open as you expect them to be in the US, etc. After traveling in Israel in the mid-80s I returned home so thankful to be a woman in this country who had freedom and equal rights. I so appreciate the formal politeness and reserved nature of the French as well as their consideration for others. Staying in a French apt we never heard loud noise/conversation/music from others; did not experience people talking loudly on their cellphones anywhere we went (unless it was other Americans!); didn't hear cars driving with music so loud that the street shook from the bass vibrations.
Gee I miss France!

Good thoughts from Janis (post immediately above). Was looking over this thread, which has been a long running one with lots of thoughtful posts. Travel to Europe has become an expensive hobby, and of course each traveler goes for different reasons and comes back home with different experiences and insights. A few travelers get clues, in Europe, to who we are (as N. Americans) and where we came from, although of course only part of US or Canadian culture is from Europe.

Yeah, I do agree with you on the large portions and coffee. But, you must factor in the time it takes to get any service in Europe. I always manage to go out to eat within a day or two after traveling abroad and it blows my mind how great service is here in the states. Granted, they do want you to eat and run and frown on you if you are there for more than an hour, but yeah. Gotta love that American customer service! As for the coffee, I have a Keurig but I sure do miss those Espressos!! I tried getting an espresso at Starbucks when I got home once, and man, that was disgusting! Usually the smaller independent coffee shops fare better with Espresso.