A couple lists about the U.S.

I've made a couple shallow, non-comprehensive lists about our recent trip to the U.S. Nothing deep but all true:

 

Things I enjoyed about the U.S.

 

1. Comfort-comfortable furniture, comfortable carpet, comfortable cars, comfortable people, comfortable food, comfortable hot drinks, the list could go on....

 

2. Walmart-We were in Walmart in my hometown, and I actually shouted out "We are in America!" So many items so easily accessible!

 

3. Not sweating

 

4. No fermented fish--No fermented fish scent in the air, no fermented fish basking in the sun outside my house, no fermented fish in my food, no fermented fish on my breath

 

5. Clean feet--I hadn't had really clean feet for over a year. I had clean feet EVERY DAY while in the U.S.

 

Things I won't miss about the U.S.

 

1. Crowds consuming--For some reason while in the U.S., I was not overwhelmed at my own consumption. I confess I sipped on my $3 lattes without much guilt. However, when crowds of people were consuming, it overwhelmed me. A crowded Starbucks, a crowded restaurant, and I found my anxiety level increasing. I'm not sure why, but that's how I felt.

 

2. Walmart-I know I said I enjoyed it, but I also won't miss it. There's something refreshing about not having everything I want and need at my fingertips.

 

3. Babies R Us-My goal while in the U.S. was to avoid Babies R Us. We managed to only pay one quick visit there and that was more than enough (although our son looks pretty cute in the Bumbo seat we bought! :). I have never read The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and I have only seen the first movie, but as I gazed at the never-ending row of car seats, I found myself feeling a bit like how the characters of the books feel about the ring: knowing there was something evil about it and yet wanting all the car seats all at the same time. My greed is still present in Cambodia; it's just a lot easier to manage.

 

4. U.S. Airports and Airlines--I have been spoiled with Asian airline travel. Asian airline workers see you from a distance with a small child in your arms and ask you to sit down while your husband checks your bags. They re-route you so that you don't have to stand in long security or customs lines. They give you priority boarding. You don't even have to ask. U.S. airline workers stare through you and your little baby. If you ask for special assistance, they have to check with their supervisor. As a vulnerable person, in this case a person traveling with a small child, the American ideal that all people are created equal kind of stinks. A small child needs greater care than others do.

 

5. Lack of sun--The sun may be hot here, but I like it. I think Americans should be allowed shorter work hours during the winter months. The sun makes it so much easier to function!

 

-Katy