Make a Contribution to Remove NSFW Ads

Travel Debate: Three American myths I don't believe anymore after living in Europe

playahaitian

playahaitian

Rising Star
Certified Pussy Poster

​

I'm an American who moved to Europe two years ago. Here are three American myths I don't believe anymore.

Myth #1: The American Dream is built on constant busyness.**

In the US, we're obsessed with being busy. We wear it as a badge of honor. But in Europe, they value leisure and balance. I've learned to slow down and enjoy life more.

Myth #2: Individualism is the key to success.**

In America, we're taught to be independent and self-reliant. But in Europe, they value community and collaboration. I've learned that it's okay to ask for help and rely on others.

Myth #3: The US is the best country in the world.**

America has a lot to offer, but it's not perfect. Other countries have better healthcare, education, and social safety nets. I've learned that there's more to life than just the American way.

If you're curious about life outside of America, or if you're looking to make some changes in your own life, this video is for you.**
 
After spending weeks in Madeira and now having an apartment in Panama, we learned not to be so hell bent on being punctual. We learned to be more laid back like the citizens of those countries were. Also, late dinners are the norm and family is HUGE over there. Especially in Panama.
 
woodchuck said:
After spending weeks in Madeira and now having an apartment in Panama, we learned not to be so hell bent on being punctual. We learned to be more laid back like the citizens of those countries were. Also, late dinners are the norm and family is HUGE over there. Especially in Panama.
Click to expand...

How do they function being so casual about TIME??
 
playahaitian said:
How do they function being so casual about TIME??
Click to expand...
It's engrained in them. I did notice that a lot of the people in Panama work 6 days a week, but they get so many holidays, it balances out. We were over there last month, and damn near the whole of November was a holiday. Also, when you factor in Carnival, and 2 Independence days, and a shit ton of other holidays, they get more than enough time off.
 
woodchuck said:
It's engrained in them. I did notice that a lot of the people in Panama work 6 days a week, but they get so many holidays, it balances out. We were over there last month, and damn near the whole of November was a holiday. Also, when you factor in Carnival, and 2 Independence days, and a shit ton of other holidays, they get more than enough time off.
Click to expand...

Did you feel like the service was slow? Like at stores and restaurants etc?

Are the people friendly especially to Americans?

Did the lackadaisical annoy you?
 
playahaitian said:
Did you feel like the service was slow? Like at stores and restaurants etc?

Are the people friendly especially to Americans?

Did the lackadaisical annoy you?
Click to expand...
No, not at all. The service at all of the places we went to were great. If you're with a large party, the wait staff will let y'all sit there and chop it up for a minute and then approach the table to see if y'all are ready to order. Once you put your orders in, the food comes quicker than you'd expect. The people here in Panama City were very friendly, BUT, don't think shit is all sweet in Panama. You don't want NO parts of Colon. These are the West Indians that helped build the canal and then got pushed out to Colon. They're still feeling some kinda way about that, and rightfully so. As for the bold part, it's one of the friendliest countries in the world for people from the U.S.

EDIT: One thing did annoy me a little. It takes them a little too long to bring the check after dinner.
 
Last edited:
playahaitian said:
Myth #2: Individualism is the key to success.**​

In America, we're taught to be independent and self-reliant. But in Europe, they value community and collaboration. I've learned that it's okay to ask for help and rely on others.
Click to expand...
I think that is a case by case basis. A previous job in the Czech Republic they're were a lot of silos as far as information and processes. They had no problem helping, but you ALWAYS had to go to them instead of writing something for everyone to use.
 
woodchuck said:
After spending weeks in Madeira and now having an apartment in Panama, we learned not to be so hell bent on being punctual. We learned to be more laid back like the citizens of those countries were. Also, late dinners are the norm and family is HUGE over there. Especially in Panama.
Click to expand...
Wonder if there's going to be a mass exodus of people coming there from the U.S in January once tRump takes office..
 
As a European that moved to the US
one thing i believe in is the power of the individual

my hard work and self reliance, has gotten me way much more than my peers that still live in the UK

That is my American dream.

I came here, worked my ass off and have been rewarded for it.

That would not happen in England
 
tallblacknyc said:
I hear what she saying but I’m not moving to the cac birthplace known as Europe… I’d move to a place majority black.. like a country in Africa, maybe the West Indies, even possibly a Latin American country.. but no pale faces or Asian
Click to expand...

I would love to learn how returning to Africa works out. Which is the better country for Americans ?
 
havelcok said:
As a European that moved to the US
one thing i believe in is the power of the individual

my hard work and self reliance, has gotten me way much more than my peers that still live in the UK

That is my American dream.

I came here, worked my ass off and have been rewarded for it.

That would not happen in England
Click to expand...

WOW. Can you expand more of that bruv?
 
havelcok said:
As a European that moved to the US
one thing i believe in is the power of the individual

my hard work and self reliance, has gotten me way much more than my peers that still live in the UK

That is my American dream.

I came here, worked my ass off and have been rewarded for it.

That would not happen in England
Click to expand...
Interesting and much appreciated POV. :thumbsup:
 
playahaitian said:
I would love to learn how returning to Africa works out. Which is the better country for Americans ?
Click to expand...
Never been but have family that’s been to several countries over there and love it… got a lot of African friends from the Ivory Coast that always tell me to come out there and how it’s a great place.. I’ve had various Ivory Coast females and oh yeah they niccceee
 
playahaitian said:
WOW. Can you expand more of that bruv?
Click to expand...

In the Uk there is a glass ceiling, its easier to get on the ladder, but harder to progess.
unless you are a white male, from the right schools and speak the right way
you wont hit the top unless you sell out

In the USA, i feel there are more barriers to getting on,
but once you get on, the only limit is how hard you are willing to work...

Cities like Detroit, Chicago, NYC, Baltimore
where I see black guys in power, doctors, nurses, heads of business
etc etc
 
ThaBurgerPimp said:
Wonder if there's going to be a mass exodus of people coming there from the U.S in January once tRump takes office..
Click to expand...
You never know. A lot of people have been asking my about it lately. My sis-in-law moved to Thailand last month. She loves it. I'm not really into SE Asia like that. Our move was in the works for 2 years. I wouldn't advise panic moving though.
 
the only thing i miss about america is customer service and speed
america is built on speed and efficiency
these other countries just dont give a damn
the customer is always right is an american ideology only
 
havelcok said:
In the Uk there is a glass ceiling, its easier to get on the ladder, but harder to progess.
unless you are a white male, from the right schools and speak the right way
you wont hit the top unless you sell out

In the USA, i feel there are more barriers to getting on,
but once you get on, the only limit is how hard you are willing to work...

Cities like Detroit, Chicago, NYC, Baltimore
where I see black guys in power, doctors, nurses, heads of business
etc etc
Click to expand...

Thank you.
 
playahaitian said:
Okay need more explanation on this
Click to expand...
The customer is not always right. Karen showed us that! I have a friend that manages a Chick-Fil-A. They stop serving breakfast at 10:30, and they would have a customer show up at 10:50 and swear they were already in line for breakfast when the video footage shows otherwise. If we're being honest, overall, the customers are entitled assholes.
 

Make a Contribution to Remove NSFW Ads
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Lexx Diamond
Boston's Museum of African American History gets Fed. grant rescinded by Trump
Replies
3
Views
115
Politic Negro
Politic Negro
N
A month in Asia. What I learned.
2 3 4
Replies
131
Views
3K
alexw
alexw
DC_Dude
7 Principles Hidden in Ancient African Wisdom Your Blueprint for Survival and Success
Replies
1
Views
95
Jumbodicc
Jumbodicc
DC_Dude
7 Principles Hidden in Ancient African Wisdom Your Blueprint for Survival and Success
Replies
1
Views
51
ORIGINAL NATION
ORIGINAL NATION
DC_Dude
How Ancient Kemet Connects to West Africa: On September 28, 2016, I made a discovery that changed my life forever
Replies
1
Views
26
keone
keone
Back
Top