What says “America!” to you?

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by

Amy
in ,

You might have read that our family is about to host a foreign exchange student from Germany.

On Friday I asked readers to share their advice for rearing teens. (And I’m still up for more advice if you’d like to click over and share.)

Now, I’m gathering your opinions on what is American.

I know what I think is American, but what about you?

If you were living in our country for the very first time and didn’t have long to stay, what would you want to be sure to experience, see or taste?

I’d love your input on what is American and what we should be sure to share with our new daughter for a year. Feel free to share links to family-friendly places, recipes and anything typically American that you think she shouldn’t miss.

So… What says “America!” to you?

Comments

9 responses to “What says “America!” to you?”

  1. karin Avatar
    karin

    My parents were immigrants from Germany, and I visited often. We also had family and friends visit us. I say yes to all the comments, but also, Germany is a smaller place. In some areas, people are raised a bit gosh, well I’ve heard the German experssion “what the farmer does not know, he does not like” So you may want to ask her if there is anything she would like to see or do? Find a German deli go shopping with her. Let her know the food probably will not taste like moms, but you hope that she can teach you! Giving her some power might help hwe. It can be overwhelming.

    Reply
  2. katia Avatar
    katia

    ~ American apple pie, homemade, please!
    ~ Hamburger on the grill with all of the side dishes that it deserves.
    ~ Bank system – drive through, shorter lines. (one feels so special going through it)
    ~ Drive through restaurants.
    ~ Pump your own gas. (allow her to help you and take her photo to)
    ~ Grocery stores, self checkout, and the abundance of everything.
    ~ Malls.
    ~ Outlet stores, this is a huge thing, for our friends who come for a visit here.
    ~ Pizza, wow, this can be a shock to some, as it was to me. Americans love way too much sauce and dough. Not sure what Germans like, but we like very little to no sauce and a very thin crust.
    ~ I agree a good homemade dinner.
    ~ Family night at church.
    ~ Museums.
    ~ I asked my DD and she said – the Rockie Mountains and amusements parks.

    I would like to add, the beauty of just being and living a wholesome Christian life. Most foreigners come here thinking that all Americans are Christians (protestants).
    Many blessings to your and yours.
    Katia

    Reply
  3. Michaela Avatar
    Michaela

    Oh and I forgot, if you ever need a translator, I doubt it, but if you do I be happy to help.
    Michaela Jones

    Reply
  4. Michaela Avatar
    Michaela

    Big stuff, when I came to america the first time I was amazed how big stuff was cities, landscapes, and malls. She will be amazed how cheap stuff is over here, clothes and food. Well she is a child so I don’t know it all depends how mature she is really.
    Also, when I first came here and I went to church I was shocked, so give a good run down of what you church does before you take her. Church in Germany was very different when I came here in the 80s. When I went to church here the first is scared the heck out of me. It took years for me to go back. Church as it was, was a very quite place and calm.
    I came from Germany in 1986 and I have been in several states but for the most part I have lived in Georgia and made it my home. I believe its going to be easier for to adjust since Germany has become more and more americanized. Germans a neat and clean. They race their children to be independent and strong minded.
    Hope that helps.
    Michaela Jones

    Reply
  5. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    I would say that for me the diverse natural landscape is what makes America, America. I’m not sure where you are, but I would definitely hit some state parks/national parks, lakes, etc.

    I also think of amusement parks are pretty unique to the US. And so much “American” food-corn dogs, barbecue, etc…

    Sounds like fun!

    Reply
  6. Anna B Avatar
    Anna B

    Hot dogs!! And goofy things like cotton candy. Oh, and Peanut Butter! I don’t know if they even have peanut butter in Europe.

    Reply
  7. Tabatha Avatar
    Tabatha

    Oh and MALLS! They don’t have malls over there just streets with a bunch of little shops- so the mall would definitely be some place I would take her.

    Reply
  8. Tabatha Avatar
    Tabatha

    Deep dish pizza and good ole fashioned American cook out, July 4th style!

    Reply
  9. Adrienne Avatar
    Adrienne

    Big grocery stores that sell everything you might need (fruit, meat, bread, medicines, cosmetics, etc.) all in one place in a really big building.

    Reply

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