3 Things that I thought were weird in Paris and Rome that was just culturally different from America

1. What’s up with Europe and Ice cubes???

The whole six days I was in Paris and Rome, I noticed that no one used ice or even liked to give you a cup of ice.  It was really weird.  I was in McDonalds and asked for a cup of ice.  The lady taking my order was like hold on and called the Manager.  Weird?  For some ice???????
I read somewhere that Europeans don’t believe in diluting their sodas.  I don’t know but it made me feel some type of way.  Are we Americans that spoiled?  Are we that excessive?  But it’s just ice!   Hell, in America, McDonalds always gives too much ice.
I have read on some blogs that Europeans do not feel that what they are drinking will taste the same if they dilute it with ice.  Some places in Europe even drink warm beer.  Imagine that?  We Americans would frown at the thought of that.  Some Europeans feel that ice messes with the digestive system.  I don’t know but I have had ice all my life in almost every glass of whatever I am drinking and I found it really hard to be deprived of it while on vacation.

2. They have no lanes in their streets. The drivers are scary.

People just drive with no structure and they drive aggressively.  It’s very weird.  I thought New York was scary but Paris and Rome were worse.  In Europe people just seem to drive.  They drive small cars like the Smart car and the Fiat.  They squeeze in tiny parking spaces and park really close to each other.  I did see one car accident.  One of our drivers in Rome called their roads the Jungle.  When our driver was taking us to the airport someone actually hit our passenger side view mirror and just kept going/.  That is how close cars drive to each other.
In America, I am used to 2 or more lanes.  I am used to turning signals, strict rules, and traffic cameras.  It was a bit weird or me but I do understand that it’s a culture thing and a way of life.  If I lived in Paris or Rome, I would have to forget what I have learned as a driver in America and learn a whole new way.  I would need to be super aggressive and willing to run traffic lights.  Quite frankly, I think I would just catch the bus or walk.

3. Everyone is rude and has no personality.

If I’m on vacation and someone comes off as agitated all the time.  That’s going to put a dark cloud over my head as long as I am in the presence of you.  I met this guy while going through customs in Atlanta, I was discussing the rudeness of people and he totally agreed with me.  I was like well I am so glad you saw it too because I was starting to think it was just me and quite possibly, the color of my skin.
When I returned from my trip and landed in Atlanta.  Everyone was so nice and greeted me so friendly.  When I arrived in Paris and Rome everyone was so not friendly (especially Rome) and seemingly annoyed by people being in their presence.  Well, I won’t say everyone but about 80% of people.

I am sorry for calling these things weird but to me as an American they are very different from our way of life.  The ice thing, well I understand.  The driving differences, well I sort of understand that too but the rudeness in Europe, I do not understand.  It cost nothing to smile and be nice to people.  This may also be a cultural thing but in my opinion.  That sucks!!!