Strange Everyday Things In The US
Strange Everyday Things In The US were impossible to miss when I first moved from India at 13. Life felt familiar in some ways, but every day I came across little habits, customs, and routines that felt odd, funny, or just completely different from what I grew up with. At first, I thought these were small details that wouldn’t matter. But as time went on, I realized they were part of daily life here — and they constantly reminded me that I was in a new country, far from home.
These are four everyday things that stood out the most when I first moved to the U.S., and even years later, they still make me notice how different life can feel abroad.
1. Ice in Every Single Drink
In India, cold drinks meant they were stored in the fridge, and ice was something you saw only occasionally — maybe at weddings or special events. When we first went out to eat in the U.S., I was shocked to see a glass of water filled completely with ice cubes, even when it was freezing outside. It wasn’t just water — every soda, every juice came the same way.
At first, it felt strange to drink something that cold all the time. My teeth hurt, and I found myself pushing the ice aside with my straw. Over time, I got used to it, but that first year I remember wondering why Americans loved ice so much — like it was the star of every drink.
2. Drive-Thru Everything
Back home, if you wanted food, medicine, or to withdraw money, you got out of the car and went inside. That’s just how life worked. In the U.S., I saw drive-thru lanes everywhere — not just for fast food, but for pharmacies, banks, and even coffee shops.
The first time we used one, I felt like we were doing something secretive, ordering food from a window without leaving the car. It was convenient, yes, but also strange to think you could get so many things done without stepping out. To this day, I’m still amazed by how much the U.S. is designed for people to stay in their cars.
If you missed it, my post Weird Everyday Things In The US shares even more quirky surprises.
3. Automatic Doors Everywhere
In India, most places had heavy doors you pushed open, or at least handles you pulled. In the U.S., I felt like I was living in the future. Almost every store or mall had automatic sliding doors that opened just because you walked near them.
At first, I hesitated every time, wondering if the door would really open for me or if I’d embarrass myself by walking into glass. It always worked, of course, but that tiny sense of wonder stuck with me for months. It made everyday errands feel strangely high-tech compared to what I was used to.
4. Water Fountains in Public Places
Back in India, you either carried water from home or someone offered you a glass if you were out somewhere. In the U.S., there were water fountains everywhere — in schools, parks, malls, even on street corners sometimes.
I remember being surprised that you could just lean down and drink without asking anyone or paying for a bottle. At school, I’d watch other kids drink from fountains and wonder if it was okay for me to do the same. Eventually, I did, but it still felt unusual — like a luxury we didn’t think about back home.
Final Thoughts
Strange Everyday Things In The US made my first year abroad full of tiny surprises. They weren’t life-changing on their own, but they added up to remind me every day that I was living in a completely new world. Even years later, these little differences still stand out — and they’re part of what makes the experience of moving abroad so unique.
No matter how long I stay, Strange Everyday Things In The US will always be part of my story, shaping how I see life in a country far from where I grew up.
You might also enjoy A Day In The Life: Adjusting To Everyday Life As An NRI.
