I have been in the USA for some time, but now I am back at home. As always, the USA seems more and more a foreign country. Some things do go down well. Things are cheaper as a rule, inventories are huge, people in Alabama seem more open and friendly, and a car will pass you on the approach and there is a wave from a perfect stranger. Some stores are always open. A visit to a Walmart Super Store at 5 AM is no problem, etc., etc.
Sadly, it becomes quickly evident that the USA has basically no mass transit outside of the large cities. Even those cities with it, still have most of the citizens riding (or standing in jams) in cars with one person in them. Gasoline is dirt cheap by European comparisons, and pollution is rampant. Recycling, except in a few places, is a token effort.
Someone has said that if you want to feel good about yourself, go to a Walmart. That amuses me, but I doubt its veracity. I am a Walmart groupie when I am in the USA. Often I make daily trips. There are still a few things that we get to take back to CH. Interacting with the sales people gives one a great insight into the hospitality of the South. I found people of all sorts to be polite and helpful. Once again, it impresses me to see the great volume of inventory.
I always meet someone that I know in the Alabama Walmart. It is usually an old patient or hospital worker. This time was no different, but it had to wait until my last trip before leaving to come home. L was a long time scrub nurse in the OR where we did most of our cases. When things began to get tough during a case, L had this habit of beginning to moan lowly. More than once I had told her that I didn't need that, especially at those times. She was, in spite of the moaning, always a great help who knew what she was doing. Anyway, there I was, looking for masking tape, and she walks up and says, "Are you who I think you are?" Then we knew each other immediately. L hasn't had the easiest life, but she is going to be a grandma for the first time and is already foolish about it. We had a great chat, and I got to meet the pregnant daughter who is one of those women who look more beautiful pregnant. It was a lot of fun.
People in the USA as a whole, seem less able to respect another person's opinions now. I didn't get into any fights though. It seems that the waves as one passes by in a car persist no matter the politics.
