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I’m in the middle of my sixth month outside the US. I’ve been to South America, Southeast Asia, and now Eastern Europe. And let me tell ya, things are different (and sometimes really, really strange) outside the States. 

1. On a positive note, just about everywhere I’ve been, things are cheaper than they are in America (which is a HUGE blessing while living on a tight budget).

2. People seem to be impressed I’m from America, and they say I have a cool accent. (And then I’m like, no you have a cool accent!)

3. Bartering is a big deal at outdoor markets. If someone asks a certain price for something, you say you’ll pay 60-70% of whatever that price is. And it almost always works, and it’s expected that you do this.

4. Hot chocolate in Europe isn’t actually like American hot chocolate. It’s hot, chocolate-flavored pudding! Which isn’t always a bad thing.

5. In Serbia, you always have to scrub the toilet with a brush after your number 2’s. ALWAYS. It’s very rude if you don’t do that.

6. In South America and Southeast Asia, traffic laws aren’t really important. We fit 8 people into a five-person sedan in Chile, and sat in the back of a truck on a bench for 40 minutes on the highway in Cambodia. And if you could fit it (or them) in your car or on your bike, you’re good.

7. In many places, they charge to use public bathrooms, which usually don’t even have toilet paper, so we have to bring TP everywhere we go.

8. In Serbia, coffee shops aren’t actually coffee shops- they’re bars that happen to sell coffee.

9. South America doesn’t really have indoor heaters, so it’s just as cold inside as it is outside.

10. In Asia, they sell squid-flavored everything. Potato chips, snacks, squid jerky, etc.

There are so, so many things that are different from the way that life is lived in America. And some of these things make me thankful that I’ll be back in America in five and a half months. Not because the American way is always objectively better, but because all of these different things become a little exhausting after a while.

America, I’ll be glad to see you when I get back.

But Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda, get ready, because the Lord is coming for you and I’m coming with Him!

I still need to raise about $3000 to be able to continue on this missions trip! If you would prayerfully consider donating any amount, such as $100, that would be a huge help and blessing as I work to bless the people in all these countries I’m visiting!

One response to “10 Things I’ve Noticed About Other Countries”

  1. Hi Lauren, as always great hearing from you??. Thanks for sharing your insights on differences between US and countries you are visiting. Point #5 is one that would be ok with me if that was a common practice here. Lol. Continued blessings and safety as you continue your journey. Love and prayers always, Shirley