Hey guys! We recently got back from an awesome adventure in the USA, where we visited our NSR athletes at assorted colleges in the U.S.A. Here are a few things we learnt along the way….
– Everyone we came into contact with: from everyone to airports, colleges, restaurants, petrol (…or should we say gas?) stations blew us away with their nice and helpful nature. We never felt scared to ask anyone anything, the Americans truly are a friendly bunch!
– Americans just go crazy for that Aussie accent! Everyone would instantly ask us where we’re from, which was usually met with a “I can’t wait to go there!”
– Food prices are insanely cheap. You won’t need to worry about eating on a tight budget! We found that main meals, for breakfast, lunch AND dinner were anywhere from $4-10.00! Obviously this depends on the restaurant, but it really isn’t hard to eat cheap!
– Yes, Wallmart really is as crazy as everyone says! For all our Aussies back home, imagine a Big-W, Target, K-Mart, JB HI-FI, Coles, Safeway AND gardening shop, all rolled into one glorious super-sized giant market!
– Everywhere you go to eat, be prepared to receive a massive tall glass of ICED water with a straw. We hear that Americans can’t believe that doesn’t happen in Australia!
– Mexican food in Australia can’t compare at ALL to the delicious array of Mexican eateries in the U.S!
– Tipping is customary, you have to do it! Usually you will find that the servers are extremely helpful and polite. To tip something small, even when on a budget, is better than nothing.
– American college students generally possess exemplary manners. Ladies, we’re talking being addressed as “Maam” and “Lady”, and getting doors held open for you! We learned that manners are a huge part of American culture.
– An internet stick, or GPS system will help a lot when you’re in the USA. Similarly, you should organise your phone carrier.
– Book your ticket (and connecting flights) all through one carrier. If flights are delayed, they will have to fix it for you, which means no frantic calls at the airport.
