After spending five months in Europe, I've finally returned to the United States. I spent almost all of that time in Germany and saw many things we need to introduce over here. The efficient mass-transit system, recycling that works, low crime and more. What amazed me was running into many students and regular people who want to move to America.

My, what a nice place you have here!

The city I lived in was a perfectly fine, clean and safe place to raise a family, yet I was astonished to hear from so many who asked me what life back home was like. What also shocked me was how often I was blamed for the election of our current President. I gently reminded them that most Americans voted for somebody else, but due to our system using the Electoral College, the results were different.

While I love my country and count myself as a patriot, I can assure you paradise does not exist everywhere here. there are good and bad all over. So if you're planning to travel to the States, do some homework before you arrive. You might have it just as good right where you are.

Only one political party

On paper, the USA has two major political parties, the Democrats, and the Republicans. In reality, they are two sides of the same corporate coin. In Europe and most of the world, you have a parliamentary system where in theory, a small party at least has some chance to win seats. This is much more representative of real democracy in action.

Fun with food

If you'd seen my face you would have howled with laughter when I ordered French fries at a mall. They came (for some reason) with gobs of mayonnaise on them. Nope, nada, nil - Americans put ketchup on fries, Mayonnaise goes on a sandwich. I sent it right back. Salami on a pizza? NOPE. We like pepperoni here, I spent 5 months searching in vain for a pepperoni pizza in Germany, LOL! Paprika potato chips? NOPE! I can laugh about it, but I'm sure others find our food choices bizarre as well. And that's what makes life interesting, it would be a boring world if we all thought alike, right?

The college actually had healthy snacks in the vending machine! I should have taken pictures as no one here believes me! Lol

Soccer

Nope. BORING! (Nothing ever happens) We would rather watch paint dry. Moving right along... lol!

The good ol' UK

I LOVE the UK. The accents, the rich history and the Monarchy. However, I kept hearing the same complaints about the weather in Britain. Dreary and cold is what I heard and the stated desire to move someplace warm. I like their Prime Minister's "Question Time" (we need to import that over here) and just the general cleanliness I saw in the short time I was there. If I'm amazed about how clean Europe was, that should tell you a little bit about things back home. :)

Your airport screeners were also polite and professional which I'm also not used to. Very nice. Why would anyone want to leave?

Do you really wanna move here? (Just a few examples)

Florida: Sinkholes, Hurricane’s

California: Earthquakes, mudslides, wildfires

Kansas: Tornadoes (remember The Wizard of Oz? they weren't kidding...)

New Jersey: They don't call it "The armpit of the country" for nothing! Lol!

South Dakota: Freezing cold, almost no people. They call this "The Badlands" for a reason...

Nebraska: More cattle than people - Cattle: 6,150,000 People: 1,868,516 just imagine the smell... Any questions? :)

The grass isn't always greener - except in Colorado...

No matter where you are, there are wonderful things about your own country that you can take great pride in. The sense of history I saw "over there" was ever-present. The ability to drink a beer in public was so refreshing. We're finally catching up with the "green stuff" and the state of Colorado seems to be leading the nation in turning weed into a viable business. So that might be a good spot to land in.

We had a little fun taking a lighthearted look at other places. Be proud of where you come from. We all have something unique to share with the rest of the world. What has your experience been when visiting other countries? And remember, do your research before you come here, or this little honey might be waiting for you! :)