Topic 2 - Differences between Your Country and the U.S.

Good morning class!  Happy Friday!

Now that you have been in the U.S. for a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years, what are some differences that you have noticed between your country and the U.S.?  Don't write about the obvious, like the fact that the middle eastern countries are primarily Muslim in their religion, whereas the U.S. has many different religions. 

Here are some of my observations from my travels abroad.  When I traveled to Taiwan, I noticed that to turn on a ceiling light, you flip the wall switch down.  To turn it off, you flip the switch up.  In America, it is the opposite.  Up means on, and down means off.  

In the restrooms in Asia, they do not provide toilet paper.  You must carry your own toilet paper.  In America, every restroom stall provides a roll of toilet paper.  In America, we call the room, a "Restroom." In the Philippines, they call it a "Comfort Room."  Hong Kong is similar to England.  They call it a "Wash Room" or "Water closet." 

In the Philippines, every time I entered a store, I was greeted with, "Yes, ma'am," instead of "Hello, how can I help you?" or simply "Good morning."  I thought their greeting of "Yes, ma'am" was very odd because I didn't ask a question or issue any request.  That was their customary greeting.

Anyway, what things have you noticed here that are very different from your country?

I look forward to reading your observations!
Mrs. Tong