Murthy's Blog

Here is a collection of footnotes on our USA trip. These are my observations on the people, place and environment of the country.

Roads and traffic : Overall it is a highway marvel and a good example of how roads and bridges are to be constructed and maintained, and how heavy traffic of all types of vehicles, is to be regulated. We have a lot to learn from this. This interstate system also gives an opportunity to a visitor to view the countryside of the US in close quarters. Road signs like, "Don't drink and drive, arrive alive", and "We are only safe and courteous drivers", are common.

Food and eating habits: Americans, of all age -groups, love eating. All food portions are maxi-size. Age and sex do not matter while eating. They all eat very well. Many eat fast and junk food. Eating joints are all over the place. They do not drink much water but guzzle lot of aerated drinks and alcohol. Usually one comes across posters on the highways saying, " Get out and stretch your mouth". !!!

People: People generally mind their own business and would like to maintain distance. They are cordial, friendly, and exchange greetings frequently.

Hygiene and Sanitation: Hygeine in the Americas is at a different level from India. They wash off their hands with antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, etc. All public rest rooms are very clean and all public areas are very well kept and maintained.

Attitude to Work: Americans are extremely focused and dedicated at workplace - whether they do investment banking or they wait at tables. They don't cheat at their work timings. It is often said here, "our driving force are the people".

More Observations:

• All over the USA, the Armed Forces veterans are treated with respect.
• Traffic Police on the highways/exits are most efficient
• Americans, especially in California are tolerant to other religions.
• American enjoys their holidays fully. They plan their holidays well in advance. Some of them move in their Caravans.
• Americans generally never stop learning. They follow rules implicitly.
• Health care is largely facilitated by health insurance, which is a big industry.
• In earlier years, Americans had great respect for Indian scientists and doctors. They now respect Indian software engineers as well.
• All airports cater to complete requirements of the visitor with excellent infrastructure. Most of the facilities are self-managed.
• Right from master planning of infrastructure of towns, and cities, till execution of micro-aspects, everything is documented and facilitates the end-user,
• Standardization is mandatory in many areas.
• Electric power supply, water supply, gas supply are all meticulously planned.
• In the rest room areas, eco friendly tissues are used. "No littering,” signs are they’re everywhere. Defaulters are fined heavily. Owners even take responsibility of their pets shit. They dispose off these droppings in garbage areas.
• In case of traffic jam, most of the time there is no losing of temper. People are calm and patient.
• The concept of neighborhood watch is prevalent everywhere in the USA. In case of suspicious movements of people in the area, people are alert, and take appropriate action.
• Americans take pride in flying their flag everywhere.
• Weather forecasting is excellent and in conveyed to people through all available media (TV, Radio, paper, etc.)