5 Ways Europeans Live Better than Americans
by Wendy Worrall Redal | July 10th, 2008 | Comments (64)
topic: Green Living | tags: europe, travel
Twice in the last year I’ve spent three weeks in Europe – last summer exploring several former Soviet bloc countries, most recently returning from a 2,000-mile driving trip through Italy and Switzerland’s Ticino region, the Italian-speaking corner that juts into the lakes district north of Milan.
Both times I’ve been struck, on “re-entry” (that’s always how it feels when I come back to the U.S. after a trip to another country), at how BIG everything is here at home. We drive big cars, especially in Colorado where I live, where every other vehicle seems to be an SUV. Our cars have big cup holders for our venti Frappucinos and Big Gulp sodas. We live in big houses that we furnish with big amounts of stuff we buy at big-box stores. Our big refrigerators – and often an extra freezer – are crammed full of food we purchase at big supermarkets. And, alas, we are big: as a nation, anyway. According to current data, 63% of Americans are overweight, and nearly 1/3 are obese.
Europeans clearly do things differently from us. Yet their ‘smaller’ lives seem in many ways richer and fuller. I’ve begun to notice some of those differences that we might do well to consider. Here are five that really struck me:
• Europeans walk and bike more. Whether in crowded cities like Rome or Budapest, or centuries-old rural villages, people get around on their own power. It’s easier than negotiating jammed streets, finding scarce parking, and paying $10 a gallon for gas (yes, that’s what we shelled out in Italy in June). Age has nothing to do with it: you’re as likely to see a wrinkled grandmother toting a wheeled market cart or pedaling her cruiser, a bouquet of baguettes in the handlebar basket, as you are more youthful cyclists – and they may be wearing an Armani business suit and silk tie, or a leopard baby-doll top and platforms, like a couple of stylish Roman commuters I watched weave through a jam of Fiats and Peugeots on the via Nomentana.
• Europeans use more public transit, and drive economical cars. If they can get there by train or bus, they usually do. Granted, Europe has a far better rail network than the U.S., and the same is true for buses, especially in small towns and rural areas. But when one must drive, what’s considered acceptable, especially for families, is a drastic contrast to American expectations. The Subaru Outback I and every seventh driver in Boulder own is considered a modest, practical car here – but in Europe, it’s big. In fact, so are Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas. Those are spacious, family-sized cars in Europe. They dwarf the Toyota Yaris, or the Fiat Panda, or the 2-door Audi A2 hatchback that isn’t even sold in the U.S. While the toy-like Smart Car is a novelty here, they’re all over the streets of Europe. The Europeans are getting 40, 50, even 60 miles per gallon and aren’t feeling a bit deprived.
• Europeans eat well, but eat less. Just try ordering a non-fat latte in Italy. You’d be laughed at (and you couldn’t get one). The standard Italian breakfast is a flaky, butter-laden croissant and a rich, foamy whole-milk 6-oz. cappuccino. No one spares the olive oil on a salad or a plate of fresh pasta. It’s a basic essential of Italian life. But restaurants don’t serve a pound of pasta as a single portion, either. And since everyone walks, the calories are burned while the calves stay toned for the stylish heels in which Italian women negotiate the ancient cobblestone streets of Florence. Another observation: virtually all European women wear bikinis at the beach — all ages, all body shapes, women who may be trim but have telltale belly rolls that are hard to avoid after having children. Europeans are a lot more at home in their bodies than Americans are. They don’t obsess about diets, and they are more comfortable and more gratified in their own skins.
• Europeans choose community over convenience. Though Britain is becoming an exception, in Europe, you don’t see people dashing off with their coffee in a paper cup. Most fast-food stands, like the ubiquitous neighborhood bars in Italy that serve a quick panini, espresso or glass of wine, do not offer disposable plates or cutlery. When I asked last summer at a casual plaza café in Croatia if I could get an impulsive espresso to go, not wanting to hold up my fellow travelers, the barista made a studied appraisal of me and asked, “Madame, are you really in so much of a hurry?” I tried to explain about delaying my companions, and he said simply, ‘They will wait.” They would, in Croatia. They would sit down together, and chat, and not be in such a rush.
• Europeans are more relaxed. At times it was irritating to find so many businesses (outside the main tourist districts, anyway) shuttered between 1 and 4 p.m. And if you didn’t eat lunch by 2:00, you couldn’t find an open restaurant until 7:00 or 7:30. The always-on, always-open nature of American commercial culture is simply not the norm in Europe, even in the sophisticated cities. In the oppressive heat of Rome in late June, it was easy to see the practicality of the ‘siesta’ tradition. A sluggish, heat-induced pall hung over the whole city, and those who were smart retreated behind thick stone walls to rest and rejuvenate. On Sundays, nearly everything is shut. Europeans learn to plan ahead so they can enjoy their culturally mandated – and embraced — leisure time.
Here’s to living more, with less.
Thoughtful travels,
Wendy
Isn’t that funny that while there standard is50 miles to the gallon overseas, our auto manufactures maintain that this kind of millage is not a practical number.
This is not about right and wrong, we as Americans choose to live the lifestyle. We take the easy way and blame the suppliers of the things we use to deaden our minds, but in real reality we are the one’s supporting this. We choose to strongly identify with junk that makes us feel good, or more powerful than our mind leads us to believe.
We live the lifestyle that that we feel on the inside
Mark Babineaux
Fantastic article, Wendy! … And so true.
My family and I just returned from Ireland, and almost everything you noticed…
we noticed! It was an eye-opening experience for my 8 yr.old son and I. But
nothing new to my husband, who is from N. Ireland~~~
Standing on the “Giant’s Causeway”, I felt a connection to the sea, earth and sky that had been lacking at home. I felt more calm, relaxed and safe…
America has changed alot in my lifetime, and sadly not for the better. We could learn alot from other cultures and countries….the return of manners; healthy, relaxed eating habits; a sense of community; acceptance of self and others as they are; learning to relax again…spend time with your children…and not work 24/7 until you die young! (Well, let’s not look to Japan…).
Also, we need more greenspace, sidewalks, bike paths, playgrounds and safe places to exercise….It’s incredibly sad when women can’t walk, run or bike ride alone without their pepper-spray and attack-dog!
God bless…Peace & Love~~~ CC from NC
We’d be wise to stop and consider why the Europeans live the way they do. Their cultures have been developed for far, far longer than American culture and as a result is more efficient and human friendly than ours. Honestly, the first thing we Americans would have to do would be to get rid of corporate person-hood. Treating big corporations as people is silly and leads to real people being looked down upon.
Vacations!!?!??? What are you a communist? That refrain is heard all too often in the corporate cubes of this country.
Also, Europeans have dealt with a lot more tyrants than Americans and thus they are more on guard, pay attention to the news and demand proper respect from their governments. Here in the USA, we’re too brainwashed to realize the holes we’re digging ourselves into. It’s not that Europeans simply live better, it’s that they live while most Americans simply follow their school-home-work path without asking questions. Why are we one of the most productive nations but also waste tons of time being forced to go to our jobs and look busy? Why don’t we demand basic necessities from the government, we sure do give them enough tax money for health care, education and infrastructure.
Bonjour Wendy!
It’s funny, because an european who’s travelling in Africa or Asia, will say the same thing as you; but it’s normal we don’t have the same culture!
As” western peoples” (i mean european and american) we should not be so different.
Evrything is big in the US, but the country is big, ….or the us mals love big cars because……you know!!!
I’m kidding, anyway your county can change fast; you image too, that is not exactly the case in my beautiful France!
Ich country, or culture have is good part, let’s lurn from ich other.
PS: in french barak mean “a house” in slang, so I wich you a new house in the White on
Awesome blog post. Less is really more. I wish A LOT of things here were more simple than they are.
Yes…this is as well in Australia.
I stumbled upon this blog, and I’m glad I did. Just today, I was telling a European Twitter friend that Americans tend to be so USA-centric, as if no one else lives “right” besides us. I envy Europeans sense of community, something I feel we have lost over the past 40 years.
Thank you for this post. It’s excellent.
Buz
Thanks for the comments! I love the chance to hear from readers and share conversation. And I agree with our French poster, Guillaume: there are good things we can find and learn from in any culture — as well as those we might not wish to emulate. I am also finding, as I’m spending a week in Washington’s San Juan Islands right now, that the more ‘European’ way of life I resonated so strongly with is prevalent here as well! Look for my next post from Orcas Island, coming up soon.
A mistake Americans make is that they think everyone lives in Los Angeles or New York. Thankfully, this is not the case. I have lived in rural, small town America, and smaller cities all of my life. We do have a sense of community, and we are more relaxed. The geography of the land is the excuse for the transportation, I think. As for the rest of it….You’re right.
I don’t agree with what you are saying.. I’m Italian and I don’t feel completely comfortable in my body. We can’t eat too much pasta..It’s true, we are not as big as Americans..but we go on diet once a year and we don’t touch pasta, oil, bread, and cappuccino!!! :(
In any case..80% of your considerations are true..the only problem is that with American colonization (Macdonalds spread in all the peninsula) we are become more and more similar to Americans. :/
Guillaume is right..we shpould look at Africans or Asian to learn something we tend to forget..
I live in a little town near Venice. After reading your experience in europe I thought: the differences she found between USA style and European style is the same I feel when I compare my life with the life of always busy, city-leisures addicted people who lve in big cities, like Milan.
I wonder, but I’m really ready to experience, what will be of me if move to a city like New York (to live and work here, not as a tourist…)
These same sentiments I feel when I return from anywhere overseas, especially Europe though. We live in an age and a country where speed, efficiency, and “practicality” are the norm, but are also self imposed tortures. I just got back from 2 weeks in Germany, and it was a true culture shock that there was air conditioning everywhere here in the USA, and in Germany, people loitered into the late, cool evenings over a drink and a small meal at a cafe. We made a habit of it, wish we could maintain that habit back in the US!
I had to laugh when you mentioned the Outback. I live in Colorado as well, and I’ve often joked that it is the State car.
Something else I’ve noticed about Americans versus Europeans is we seem to have more variety in our products, and I’m not so sure that is a good thing. Where they have one or two choices we have ten or twenty for the same item. The cereal aisle in the store actually disgusts me. We aren’t citizens, we are consumers.
I’m an American living in Europe and I am with you for the most part, all up until the last point of the post. Sure things are closed at these times, but living and working with the people this usually means more time to get stuff done like chores or left over work. Also, as far as food, in Germany they LOVE their sausage and beer. I can’t escape it, theres beer everywhere, everyone drinks it and the portions aren’t tiny food wise without eating fast food more than once a month I’ve put on 30 pounds, compared to always grabbing a sandwich back home and staying on the go. I come from Texas where I grew up in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and after living in Germany I can’t wait to get back to a slow happy life.
All that said, Europe is a great place…to visit, but don’t toss aside the US. The grass always looks greener on the other side.
lived there three years and could not wait to Home
Nice to know that Europe is still pretty much the same place it was 35 years ago, when I was living there — more mass transit and bikes, less reliance on cars. I wish to heaven we had more mass transit in this country!!
The unfortunate thing about the North American situation is that the corporations that run our lives won’t allow us to live leisurely. Everyone seems to ignore the root of the issue.
How about doing an article titled “5 Ways Americans Live Better than Europeans” as well?
“How about doing an article titled .5 Ways Americans Live Better than Europeans. as well?”
Why?
Hi, I also noticed in Belgium, Amsterdam, Puerto Rico even in India, th women look female. There are dresse and long flowing skirts.
Meals in Belgium were long and gourmet to me. In India, if there was room left in your booth, someoe would ‘fill in’.
I never felt as if the food was old or overly suced or spiced or preserved.
Try something new1
Insightful observations I concur with to a one. I hail from New Jersey but spent 4 years in Europe. This post reminds me of the main things I miss….
As an American living in Germany for over five years now, it’s nice to see this discussion about improving American “more is better” ideology. I agree with Lori, that Europe is slowly being “colonized” by corporations that bring with them drive-throughs (what happened to the slower “drive-ins” of yore?), plastic shopping bags, huge parking lots and the need to drive to their huge stores, which must be built outside of the small centers of towns. It won’t be long before these town centers start dying out, just like they did in my hometown in Wisconsin, and we’ll all be buying items shipped in from overseas (which we’re doing already) from branded stores and franchises that are not locally owned. Sigh. Is there any way to stop this in Europe? Is there any way to turn it around in the US? Fact is, in the States only very few people can walk or bike to all of the places they need to go to shop, work and do whatever else is required in their lives. Maybe gas prices will change things.
What you describe is pretty much the way it was in the 1940’s and even 50’s in this country. I miss it and the extra time we had when stores, banks and post offices were closed by 5:00 and on weekends. (Yet we had what we needed) More time for family and friends. More time for comtemplation and renewal. Less divorce and violence. We came here from those European countries but how soon we forgot the good that we brought with us. My grandmother used to say, “the faster we go…. the behinder we get.” She was from the old country.
Gretchen McCormack
I agree that we need to look to another way of living. What puzzles me is that we look only to europe, which is mostly available to those of us who can afford to travel leisurely, as you obviously did. American tourists on a whirlwind tour won’t get the message, especially if they are only going through the “capitals” of europe.
In this country, many of us who were precursors to the Green movement and “slow food” were advocating localism, natural and organic foods, communal and collective living (precursors to co-housing) and community-building, along with small, cooperatively run and collectively (worker) owned businesses as early as the 70’s. America was not interested. We were accused of “hippie-ism, idealism, even Communism!
Now we see the results in obesity, degenerative disease, corporate culture, consumerism, and Big everything. We only need to revive (or-better- support ) the alternatives right here. Your food co-ops, local farmers (especially organic), your own family and friends in community. We can turn off the TV’s and computer games for awhile, grow a garden, take a walk, dust off the bike, walk the dog and meet our neighbors. And if we start talking and acting locally, we can become more politically aware (as are many in Europe) and less sheeplike and mesmerized. Good social thinking just might ensue!
I agree for the most part. We are conditioned from an early age to operate in this lifestyle without questioning the reasoning behind the motive. it is very difficult to go against the grain in the US.
I don’t really agree with you. First of all - you can’t see Europe as a whole country. Europe consists of lots of countries with different languages and different conventions. So people in the South (like in Spain) maybe more relaxed, not so Germans. And even within Germany you’ll find differences. Second it also depends where you live. Germans love there car and use it a lot in rural parts. Cities like NYC or Chicago have much better public transport than any German city I know. And people use it a lot in the US, more than the public transportation system in Cologne for example. Also sad to see, but the “coffee to go” is getting more and more fancy here in Germany.
Ciao Wendy,
As an American living here in Europe….I welcome and cheer your beautiful observations of our European way of life…..with a warm smile, a fresh expresso and an hour of catching up! Keep comming back! We will wait for you ;-)
Wendy, I couldn’t agree with you more about European vs. North America lifestyles. Although I live in Canada, my ancestry is Croatian and I visit there often. I’m struck by how much people enjoy life there! It’s not a crime to slow down and spend an entire afternoon sipping cappucino with your friends!
On a side note, since you write about eco-travel I wanted to let you know about my mountain bike adventure company, Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Holidays (www.sacredrides.com). Since 1996, we have offered challenging mountain bike holidays around the world, with a strong focus on social and environmental respoonsibility. This year, we started our own non-profit, Bikes Without Borders (www.bikeswithoutborders.org) bringing bikes and bike-related solutions to marginalized communities.
I’ve always got room for media on my trips (I figure if you live in Boulder, there must be a good chance you mountain bike), and if you ever feel like doing a profile on us and our non-profit organization for your blog, please contact me. We have won numerous awards, including Top 40 Adventure Companies by National Geographic Adventure.
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and if we knew the symmetry rules
which merge vibration into dna…
we get..
sanskrit
I went to England and Ireland last March and fell in love with the way of living over there. I liked that when I wanted a soda, it was in a 20 oz bottle, and there were no soda fountains. I liked that the grocery store had recycling bins in the parking lot. I liked that you could get absolutely everywhere using public transportation, bicycles, and your own two feet. It really made me realize a lot of things about my lifestyle and I’ve really slimmed down how much I have in terms of possessions and what I’m doing in terms of transportation. I full support having a European lifestyle!
Travelling in Europe is very different from living and trying to do business there. I lived in Belgium for quite awhile and frankly, living in North America is *so* much better. People talk about the “closeness” of Europe, but that closeness also means that you hear your neighbours having sex at 4 AM, that few people bother to make space for one another (like on the sidewalk) , and that people are nosy beyond belief. Service in Europe is horrible - and I’m not even talking about in restaurants. Even if you’re polite, you nearly have to twist someone’s arm to get anything done. And to be honest, I got tired of dealing with people who were literally incapable of making a decision - even after hours (literally) of discussion. North Americans might come across as pushy, but there is value in efficiency.
I remember when I was young almost everything was closed on sundays and it seemed this great country we live in was a little more relaxed because there was a day of rest. In the winter I always hope for at least one blizzard that is bad enough to stop everything, I really can feel peace in the atmosphere then.
As a Brit I also despair at how life is lived at too fast a pace for health.
It’s not our choice, though I believe this could be changed. Having just returned from a short trip to Paris, I was heartened to see more people heading into the park to enjoy the summer weather, and play team sports. It is good to see, as so many look unwell, compared to the Parisiens. They look so atonal.
As a complementary therapist I like to look and see the world holisticaly. Whilst at the moment things are out of balance, we are still bound to our genetic programming. This indicator shows that the strong will survive, and that if we continue to harm our bodies with low quality, processed foods, we will breed ourselves out of the food chain.
If it follows that natural selection is innevitable, then it is up to healthy people to try to install a respect for the self, where people have such low self-esteem.
maybe it’s European culture to be free to express themselves that gives them the emotional capacity to see beyond physical needs, but we are strongly bound to our history. The U.S.A. is still a very young nation. I think that Americans will begin to value and not be scared of change. That will help them accept the frailties of being human and live within physical limitations, away from the bigness that is driving a naieve mentality.
Of course Europeans are more relaxed! Their employers allow them more vacation time than ours do. Europeans also have medical coverage and often education is covered as well. In the US we struggle with the basics of life, so we hurry faster and faster trying to get “the good life.” Our employers cut costs by cutting employee benefits, by holding us hostage with the fact that none of the benefits we do have are transferable if we leave the company, by inadequate staffing, so we work harder with longer hours than ever. Then they constantly threaten us by hinting our jobs could go overseas. Most Americans are brainwashed into thinking they are living the good life. Can you imagine a general strike here? I’ve heard so many people say they don’t like the idea of universal health care because they don’t want to foot the bill for others. It hasn’t occurred to them that do foot the bill for the very rich and very poor. I’d much rather pay half my salary in taxes for progressive benefits for all — benefits that I could use even though I’m employed. Instead the incredibly shrinking middle class allows themselves to pitted by the rich against the poor. Guess who wins that game?
Good post. I live in The Netherlands, I have experienced the “WTF” effect last year when visiting the States. I wanted to comment on some comments.
Ayngel, the diverseness in the products is not that big at all. You shouldn’t view Europe as a country. Every country has it’s own brands and it is very uncommon to see things like cereals, chips, drinks from other European countries in other ones. Every country has it’s own brands, we have more specialized shops here. Like “food-boutiques” , small shops that specializes in
products of other countries, other than there you don’t see that stuff in the bigger stores.
epapaluap, you are totally right, the infrastructure of the US doesn’t allow people to simple bike to their works. But this has never stopped me from biking 8 kilometers to school every morning in the past.
Some of the things I noticed in the States when visiting the house of some family friends. Is that people buy nearly everything in bulk. It might be cheaper, but if you bulk-buy that unhealthy soda, you will get fat. One thing that basically scared me is the expensiveness of fresh fruits and vegetables. So they bought frozed veggies and canned fruits with loads of sugars in it. Furnitures are huge just like the blogwrites states. I own a fridge that is what 5ft high maybe 2 ft wide and 2 ft deep. It barely consumes electricity. My house is decorated minimalistic á la Ikea. To keep things as efficient yet cozy as possible. I have a public transportation subscription, you pay a montly fee and you can travely freely with the bus/train/tram/metro in a specific zone and when I really have to drive I drive a small 3 doors of the BMW 1 series. It drives 75 miles on 1.5 gallon. Gas prices here are higher than in the states I pay 1.70 euro for a liter. That is 2.70$ . 1 Gallon is I recall 3.5 liters. That is almost $9 for a gallon. I’m glad I don’t own a SUV.
I totally agree! Isn’t Italy, and Europe in general, a wonderful way of life?! I’d love to live there (at least part time) someday!
I think the real lesson here is that it’s essential to travel, to get out of your own space, and see how life is on the other side of the pond.
I’m American, but have spent most of my life living in Europe and Latin America. I’ve learned that there are beautiful and negative things in every culture. While I’m painfully aware of some of the atrocious aspects of my own culture, the American culture still has beautiful things to offer. And whle I love my Italian espresso and my German beer, I do wish there wasn’t so much smoke floating around with it.
Traveling is an amazing way to learn to appreciate what you have at home and to identify things you can do to improve your life and maybe even your own community.
Happy travels to all!!
I’m Dutch, so I’m a European. European countries are very different to each other. The culture in the Netherlands is entirely different from the culture in say France or the UK.
Europe only exists as a economical unit, not as a cultural one.
I can imagine that culture in Florida will be very different from Arizona.
I have met a lot of Americans in my life, and what never ceases to amaze me is the rather naïve way of looking at the world of a lot US citizens. The average inhabitant of the USA (it that exists) doesn’t seem to have a clue about what is going on outside their borders.
In Europe we are often rather astonished about the culture in the US. You mentioned already that everything is big and the energy consumption of the USA is about the double per person compared to the Europe.
And the biggest enigma is your max speed on your roads. You drive the biggest cars on the biggest roads and you drive on them at an incredibly slow speed. Very funny.
We sometimes really don’t understand the american outlook to life.
You are so very prudish about everything regarding the human body and sex. You are shocked by two gays kissing each other but at the same time you can buy guns everywhere and extreme violence seems to a normal thing in your big cities. In some parts of your country, you practise a very harsh and unforgiven kind of religion while at the same time, you preach democracy and open values.
The USA fights for democracy and international laws and at the same time, you arrest people and put them in prisons without a lawsuit. (Guantamo Bay).
Strange.
I loved reading this and being reminded about these things. The article brought up great memories of my own European travels and made me happy to see that in some ways, I do live that life style here. Thanks!
quit so true what you said Pieter!
My impression is the balance in europe is easier to get;
that’s the good side of being ” the old world”!
in USA you have the better as the worst we can find in this world! So it’s harder to get balanced…., no?
What hurt me the the most, is the mighty power of MONEY!
It’s something i never understood! It’s looks like evrything could be for sail!!!
I’m living in Ireland…..probably one of the least European countries in Europe!! But, yes, I agree with what Wendy has to say in her article.
I have always been fascinated with the United States, its a huge country with such diversity. The difference between the east and west coast is huge, and what,s in between is even more diversity.
However, I believe that there is too much of a ‘blurring of the lines’ that should separate areas such as business and government, media and business/government, health and business, education and business etc. Each should be very distinct entities and separate from one another.
I believe that everyone should think independently and for themselves, learn to question everything in daily life but be open to an alternative point of view. European people have this ability as Adam Pieniazek above points out.
To be honest, I think both Europe and the US could learn a hell of a lot from each other, however, we have to learn the right things from each other and learn from each others mistakes.
PS. Can’t wait to get back to the US to explore some more!!! Love it!
This is so true, its scary. My wife and I spent a month in Italy and Croatia on 07. They have so much less STUFF, but seem happier. It was the most wonderful trip I have ever experienced. We walked, road the bus or train everywhere.
I just watched the documentaries, Crude Impact, Crude Awakening and The End of Suburbia. This country wants more and bigger everything, we use up 25% of the worlds oil and we think this is possible, for ever? My wife and I car commute to work, in Sacramento, but we are going back to riding our bikes to work. When gas is $10 a gallon on the USA, the world might change for the better. We will soon have to live locally. Please stop supporting BIG BOX stores. Let’s keep the small neighborhood shops open. We will soon need them more than ever.
What a wonderful article Wendy… and so true.
Originally from Sri Lanka and now living in Northern California i must say that the people here in CA are more akin to the European lifestyle than in other places in the US. (I lived in NY for a few years and boy that was a different world all together) but i have to agree with you. It is so much more enriching to live more with less.
Of course travel and life is different in European countries. Their lifestyle is adjusted to their environment. They walk, bike or drive tiny cars because everything is a hop, skip or jump away. They don’t have large anything because they live right on top of each other. It is impractical to suggest that we model our entire country after Europe. The U.S. is BIG. Our country is spread out over miles and miles. Our lifestyle is adjusted to our environment.
Public transportation and tiny cars work well in New York and Chicago because everything is close together and people live right on top of each other. But who wants to drive one of those puny puddle jumpers on the open highway alongside semi trucks? It is very dangerous!
My husband is a corn and soybean farmer, so by necessity, we live in rural America. Also, by necessity, we drive everywhere we go (in our truck, Trail Blazer or mid-size hybrid car). We enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables from our garden in summer, but are grateful for grocery stores where we can buy those things in the middle of winter (transported by all those semi trucks).
When Americans visit other countries or they visit here, we and they only get a small sense of what life is really like. I appreciate the variety our country offers in its landscapes, communities and cultures. I do not appreciate all the petty criticism in some of the posts. Our country is not perfect, but then neither is any other. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could all live in Utopia! Until then, I am thrilled to live here.
Life is what you make of it. No matter where we live, we all make choices that affect our lives. If your lifestyle leaves you feeling stressed, don’t blame the U.S. culture. You are in charge of your own happiness. Take control of what you can and let go of the rest. Find peace where you are.
P.S. In case some of you are not aware, our country’s government is a representative republic, NOT socialist or communist. I personally do not wish the government to pay for everything. I would rather take care of most of it myself. The more handouts we get, the bigger, more powerful and more dangerous the government becomes.
I think the ‘Europeans are more relaxed’ bit is more Mediterranean than general European. Not true for The Netherlands I don’t think. But then I’m pretty sure most diners won’t have cups of coffee to go either - except near the high way or something. I mean, if you’re going somewhere, why stay to get the coffee? Sort of defeats the purpose of stopping at a diner anyhow, doesn’t it?
I’m reminded of the way I was stunned that my companions were harassing the waiter in an American restaurant because things weren’t going fast enough… that’s certainly a ‘not done’ in Dutch restaurants. When you go to a restaurant, you know it’s going to take time. That’s just how it is. Except, again, for places near the trains or the airports.
Thank you, Kay, for saying exactly what I wanted to say before I could say it. The United States is a very large country and the individuals inside should not be judged en masse. I am quite aware of what goes on outside of my country’s borders, even if I’ve never traveled abroad - thank you very much.
I don’t judge other people by the actions of their government, nor do I judge them by the actions of other people I’ve met from their country, it’s not fair of me to do so. Neither should I be judged by the actions of my government or by the actions of a few of the *billions* of people who live here.
I’m sure that life in European countries is very nice. I’ve heard quite a lot about it from various people who live in several European countries (I work at the ESL center in my university). I’d like to live overseas some day, not because the United States has a horrible way of life, but because I’d like to experience something different. And that’s what life overseas would be - different. Not better, not worse, different.
BTW, I walk everywhere I can. I always have. At first it was a financial necessity, then I figured it was just better that way. I’ve lived in several environments, from big cities to my current small town in Mississippi. There is no bus system here, so I have to have a car to get anything done, but if I can walk, I do. It’s just that way. I don’t buy in bulk, I don’t drink soda, and hardly ever eat fast food (in answer to one of the comments). I do, however, drink coffee in a paper cup because I am usually going somewhere else. Guess what? so do most of my friends from Europe. That’s what struck me as odd about that statement. They love the idea, and have embraced it readily. I rarely see them without the coffee in a paper cup. I guess we Americans do have a good idea now and again.
This country, like every country in the world, is made up of individuals. Most of us are just trying to make it from one day to the next. Don’t judge us as a mindless mass. That’s all I ask.
great artik.
great article!
But don’t forget that Europe is quite small when compared to the USA.
The whole continent of Europe could fit in the US about 4 times, and there would be room left to spare. A better comparison would be “China” or “Russia” even “India”
Wow, I’m really excited at the scope and range of conversation that this blog post has generated. I have to add that the title, ‘Five Ways Europeans Live Better Than Americans,”
was actually not mine — it was my editor’s — but it’s more provocative than what I’d originally suggested, which was something like “you have to leave home to see it differentl.” I didn’t intend to set up any sort of competition, and I agree with several posters who have argued for the diversity within both Europe and the U.S., and that we can learn and appreciate various practices from all cultures and settings. That said, however, I find that I am especially grateful during this current Colorado heat wave for a few characteristically American practices: ice in my drinks, free and fast refills on cold tap water at restaurants (I paid $8 for a liter bottle of water in Switzerland in June!), screens on windows for cross-ventilation without inviting a swam of mosquitoes in…and I probably shouldn’t admit this, but in my weather-induced weakness, I will: I’ve really appreciated air conditioning, too (as I think back on Rome a month ago). However, I DO think we use way too much of it, at too-chilly levels, in the U.S., and we would be well served at times to slow down and savor a rest in the shade with a cold drink — in a glass.
I went to Austria for a month about 2 years ago and it was AWESOME!!! I loved it there, people there are definitely more relaxed (except for the homesickness, I was!) and everything (almost) closes by about 6 or 7…which means people go home to spend time with their families! And yes, everyone walked, biked or rode the bus. I, along with a couple other people in my group, lost weight while there because we ate a little better and walked everywhere! I rented a bike and it was the best thing ever! I will say this, however: Americans cannot do as much walking/biking or even bus riding because we don’t have the infrastructure. While I was in Austria (Salzburg, btw), everything was within walking distance (took a while, but definitely biking distance) and the city was set up for that. Here, in the US, it’s not quite like that in most places. Shame really.
Leon: “But don’t forget that Europe is quite small when compared to the USA.
The whole continent of Europe could fit in the US about 4 times, and there would be room left to spare. A better comparison would be “China” or “Russia” even “India”
China: appx. 1.3-1.5 inhabitans
India: appx. 1.000.000.000 inhabitans
Population:
China: 1,330,044,605
India: 1,132,446,000
EU: 499,021,851(27 states, actual europe would be higher)
U.S.: 304,798,000
Russia: 142,008,838
Square Miles:
Russia: 6,592,800 sq mi
U.S.: 3,794,066 sq mi
China: 3,700,000 sq mi
EU: 1,669,807 sq mi(27 states, actual europe would be bigger)
India: 1,269,346 sq mi
I found this stumbling and enjoyed it very much. We left a major metropolitan city to live in the middle of nowhere in a close knit rural community. I am often shocked when we go to the “town” for a big shopping trip. Everyone is always in such a hurry!
I have to agree that Europeans “get it” when it comes to the best ways to live and enjoy life, and also, to stay healthy.
I’ve been to Spain and Italy, among others, and both times I thought I’d come back packing a few extra pounds like you usually do on vacations. I came back a few pounds lighter after being in both places!
The smaller portions, the constant walking around, and also, those siestas where they close down the restaurants from around 3 to 7 surely didn’t hurt!
I was aghast to not be able to eat 24-7 like you can in the US!
But it leads to a healthier, more relaxed you. Not a bad way to live!
That’s an interesting comparison. I think the last three points only apply to continental/southern Europe, unfortunately…
The European’s way of life reflects a unique wisdom in living true freedom in life.
Knowing how to slow down and be less concerned about material acquisition is one of life’s great lesson. It’s probably a lifestyle wisdom that any fast-pace society should learn to appreciate.
I’m a canadian living in Munich for the past for years, and I have to say this article is spot on. I could add so many of things North Americans do to be “environmentally friendly” are just taken for granted here. Every employee sits near a window so they have natural light; lights are not turned on during the day unless it’s very dark out; common areas of office buildings & apartments have lights that are on timers; all toilets are low flow; no buildings are air conditioned, our modern office building is kept cool with air that is circulated over cold water pipes in the ceiling; recycling is just part of daily life; people don’t rely on elevators, in most cases they are just tiny things tucked away behind the stairs somewhere; and I could go on.
And vacations! They are taken very seriously here. No employer will give an employee extra props for forgoing them; they just think you can’t get your life organized enough to take care of yourself.
I know I will eventually go home, but there are so many things I will miss about living here, especially not needing a car. I’m able to cycle everywhere safely, on dedicated bike paths. North America DEFINITELY can learn a lot from a European city like Munich.
Reminders:
European countries are much smaller than the US with work and home within bicycle distance. Europeans are more relaxed because we in the US put our lives on the line to keep the Russians out of their countries for 50 years. I spent two of my best years as an infantry draftee on the East German border and have never received the slightest thank you from any European I’ve met. Their reaction has been ,” I wasn’t even born then.”
When there is a disaster somewhere in the world not many Europeans respond the way we do. Unfortyunately we respond better to the world than to our own. cf. Katrina.
As ugly as our political scene has been in the last eight years I wouldn’t trade it for Italy’s or Spain’s or France’s. Count your blessings !
An interesting observation, and I’m sure in many ways true although as a Londoner and frequent European traveller over the past 15-20 years its well documented that the ‘American’ influence has been creeping in, especially in major cities.
Europe is still growing it would seem & we have so many languages and different indigenous cultures which is exciting but by no means a utopia, Europe has its problems too as I’m sure most of the world does. I don’t think its your country that has the problem I think its more down to individuals who can say no to supersize soda but don’t, who can buy a smaller car but don’t, who can cycle to work but don’t. From here in Europe it looks like Americans just do what comercials & media tell them to, which I’m sure its not true either but it can look that way.
Its hard for me as an American not to chime in here. I never been to Europe. But I do live in the greatest country in the world. We give more to other countries in food and aid then any other. Plus lets not forget who saved all of you (European) in WWI and WWII. Alot of us Americans died over there so before your too hard on us just keep that in mind. Jp from Ohio
JP - you did nothing until Pearl harbour…
If not for Pearl Harbour just WHEN would you have “saved all of you”?
You responded to a direct attack on your own.
Sorry - that line just does not work well. We remember the war a little differently
“”In terms of aid given per person, the U.S. is one of the least generous rich countries,” said David Roodman, a CGD Fellow.”
Hmmmm looks like that depends on how you count it doesn’t it?
I can honestly say that I love traveling to Europe and greatly respect all of the different cultures there. However, I wouldn’t even consider trading life in the US with living in Europe.
I have always described Europe as a very expensive camping trip.
1) When camping if you left something at home… you can’t just run down to the store and pick it up. Often times this is the case in Europe, too. Stores close and sometimes they just don’t carry what you need, nor care.
2) There’s no a/c when camping. As someone mentioned above the a/c is often not to be found. I remember paying $300/night for a hotel with no a/c during the summer. It was total waste of money. I would have been more comfortable on a park bench. Yes, its enviromentally friendly, but not for the 12,000 people who died in France during that heat wave a few years ago.
3) When camping there’s really no one to wait on you. Much like many of the places I have eaten in Europe. If you don’t need anything that is fine, but if you do you are out of luck.
4) It’s damp when camping. Much of W. Europe is damp, too.
I admit the food is often better, but it should be. You pay twice as much, even the you are only getting half the amount.
Gas is the same way, pay twice as much and get half the gas.
In general that is how I sum up living in Europe. It’s twice the price at half the value.
Having said that there are so many things to love about Europe. They are more relaxed and that’s great. They do enjoy life, but they also pay a price for that. For example, I paid it one time when I needed to catch a train at the last minute, but the dry cleaner was out for a few minutes. The sign said be back in a few minutes… it was about 30. I can’t fathom that happening in the US.
Or if a place says it closes at sundown. Guess what? Anytime after 12pm the sun is going down. That’s burned me twice in Europe.
Having said that, nothing would make me happier for every American to get to visit Europe. So they can appreciate Europe, but even more so appreciate the US.
You get less food, but you pay twice the price. Same logic applies to hotels, cars and just about every else.
First of all, I am so glad i found this page-
Such an interesting read!
Ody, In America you may get value for your hard earned dollar, but at what cost -
What use are all of the goods you are consuming when they have -clearly (above)- just made you dependent on them whilst distracting you from the moments you live. You said “When camping if you left something at home… you can’t just run down to the store and pick it up. ”
That’s the beauty of ‘camping’ Did you ever consider not running down to the store , and NOT picking it up. How about sitting back, and enjoying the free things in life. You aren’t going to die because you don’t have something, unless it is your health. Your comparing Europe to a camping trip reminded me of what I personally feel is wrong with America these days ;- ‘camping trips’ are about enjoying time with people you love in the elements -ie. without the distractions of the fast-paced ’spend spend spend’ ethic which seems to be consuming your country. If you get twice as much of everything in America for the same price as in Europe - you are going to buy more crap you don’t need - just because you can. Europeans live happier lives, with less. If you are worried about all of the things that would make the moment more like home, you are clinging on to what you have, wherever you go… This naturally lessens how much you can appreciate the beauty of simply living. Corporations have spent billions and billions of dollars to make you think products will lead to a happy life, when here you have proven that they have done nothing but made you so dependent on the comfort they give you, that you can only harbour mostly negative memories from your trip to Europe . Take a look at your complaints and they are no big deal ; so what - you didn’t have air conditioning in your hotel. I would happily go to America and complain about the price of food, but luckily i don’t need to. Instead I might have to complain about a shallowness that has been instilled and is evident in a many of its people.
I am just speaking my opinion, but I know where I would rather live.
They are probably going to shoot me for revealing this information, but there is a place in America that exemplifies exactly what you are speaking of. The pacific northwest was a discovery of mine a few years ago. It seems like once you cross over the cascade mountain range, everything comes to a crawl. A good crawl though, There is a sense of community instead of anonimity, which seems to be the goal elsewhere these days. Sadly, I’m sorry to say. But everything, and I mean everything in the Pacific northwest is geared towards being your brothers keeper. It isn’t that they have changed to make it that way, they just never changed to begin with. I wish I could show the rest of america the possiblities if you desire them.
I think it’s very naive to regard “Europe” as one. Different countries in Europe are totally different - There is a huge difference between north & south … As an American who grew up in London very few of your points are true of the U.K - Every 2nd car in London is a Range Rover or Bentley! [Not many smart acrs compared to Continental Europe!] It’s go go go all the time here & is totally unforgiving, public transport is good I guess but it’s also crazily congested with vehicles even though you need to pay $10 / day to drive into the center of town … Your points definitely are more towards Southern Europe.
The poster that said about American saving Europe. Americans came in at the end of the war! And the person that said about the US being the most generous with aid - I suggest you do some research because the E.U crushes the U.S when it comes to aid & as for the GDP - The European Union [which is classed as a single market] generates 3 TRILLION more annually than the USA - some people should do research before commenting. I’m proud to be American but it’s sad when Americans talk up the U.S when they aren’t even aware of the statistics regarding GDP/Aid etc…