An Average Ohio Family
My host-family and I are staying in front of Ohio Northern University's dormitory. We have already lifted my huge suitcases into my room, moved the furniture more comfortable and made the bed.
That means it's time to say goodbye. It's strange, I lived with these people for a little over three weeks, but I got so used to them and love them that it's hard to imagine I need to say this phrase.
S’s family showed me what it is to be American, what it is to live in the US. There were a lot of things that made me crazy but I have made up a list of top five features of the US everyday life that surprised me a lot.
1. Not all Americans wear shoes in their houses.
In Russia we usually think Americans do not take off their shoes at home, it's like one of the most popular stereotypes we have about the US. But my host-family prefers not to wear shoes at home as they think it is uncomfortable and unhygienic especially after rain. That is why I was glad I did not have to get used to wearing boots in my room.
2. American food is tasty.
Even though almost all American food is usually very unhealthy it is still delicious. My favorites are sloppy joe, s'mores and PBJ sandwich. I didn't expect that Americans eat only fast food but I was surprised that buying healthy food is much more expensive than just a burger. Comparing to Russia where eating healthy or even vegetarian food is quite cheap. Anyway, my family showed me any sort of dishes Americans prefer. I found Latin America food is extremely popular in the US. The only fact that I could not be used to is not to say “Bon appetite” before starting to eat, Americans just don’t do it. So, I taught all my host-family saying “Priyatnogo appetita” (“Bon appetite” in Russian) before every meal.
3. Americans are more religious than we used to think.
Because of the Russian history, the Russian Orthodox Church was forbidden for almost all the XXth century, today it is going to be more and more popular, trying to transform its strong rules to the modern age. But still, we have a lot of non-religious people from any generation. Churches in the US had the opportunity to keep their traditions during the time but they are also transformed to the tastes of the new generation. I was shocked by some modern Churches in the US. They have high-qualified technical equipment, children’s rooms and even coffee-holders on the chairs. Still, my host-family always prays before the meal even if we are in McDonald’s, they visit churches every Sunday and have decorations with Holy Bible quotes.
4. Hollywood is a reality.
I knew a lot of things about American culture because of Hollywood movies but I could not believe it is the truth. American houses really look like in movies, people really like and know how to play baseball, they do not play European football or soccer, they call American football just football but they do not use feet while playing. They cook swarms not because they saw it in a movie but because it is a tradition. They really like their flag and they use it everywhere (saying everywhere I mean EVERYWHERE, even on swimming suits or rugs). Sometimes when we spent time camping or just hanged out with my family I felt like I was in a movie and that was amazing.
5. Everyone has a car.
In a small town like Ada people have to use their own cars. Every family usually has more than one car. Americans use cars every day even if there is no need to use them: they go to a supermarket by car, to school, to a party. That is why there is no public transport at all. It sounds very strange for Russians as we usually have buses even in small countryside. So, the only way to travel for me is to find friends with a car or ask my host-family to drop me somewhere else.
It’s time to go, - says Mr. S, - wish you goodnight! I hugged him and Mrs. S and came to my room. I am thankful for them to such a beautiful time we spent together and I miss them already but I need to start my own adventure at Ohio Northern University. In the end, I would like to ask a question about an average Ohio family. Do you agree or disagree with the points I made? Do you know anything you may add here?
That means it's time to say goodbye. It's strange, I lived with these people for a little over three weeks, but I got so used to them and love them that it's hard to imagine I need to say this phrase.
S’s family showed me what it is to be American, what it is to live in the US. There were a lot of things that made me crazy but I have made up a list of top five features of the US everyday life that surprised me a lot.
1. Not all Americans wear shoes in their houses.
In Russia we usually think Americans do not take off their shoes at home, it's like one of the most popular stereotypes we have about the US. But my host-family prefers not to wear shoes at home as they think it is uncomfortable and unhygienic especially after rain. That is why I was glad I did not have to get used to wearing boots in my room.
2. American food is tasty.
Even though almost all American food is usually very unhealthy it is still delicious. My favorites are sloppy joe, s'mores and PBJ sandwich. I didn't expect that Americans eat only fast food but I was surprised that buying healthy food is much more expensive than just a burger. Comparing to Russia where eating healthy or even vegetarian food is quite cheap. Anyway, my family showed me any sort of dishes Americans prefer. I found Latin America food is extremely popular in the US. The only fact that I could not be used to is not to say “Bon appetite” before starting to eat, Americans just don’t do it. So, I taught all my host-family saying “Priyatnogo appetita” (“Bon appetite” in Russian) before every meal.
3. Americans are more religious than we used to think.
Because of the Russian history, the Russian Orthodox Church was forbidden for almost all the XXth century, today it is going to be more and more popular, trying to transform its strong rules to the modern age. But still, we have a lot of non-religious people from any generation. Churches in the US had the opportunity to keep their traditions during the time but they are also transformed to the tastes of the new generation. I was shocked by some modern Churches in the US. They have high-qualified technical equipment, children’s rooms and even coffee-holders on the chairs. Still, my host-family always prays before the meal even if we are in McDonald’s, they visit churches every Sunday and have decorations with Holy Bible quotes.
4. Hollywood is a reality.
I knew a lot of things about American culture because of Hollywood movies but I could not believe it is the truth. American houses really look like in movies, people really like and know how to play baseball, they do not play European football or soccer, they call American football just football but they do not use feet while playing. They cook swarms not because they saw it in a movie but because it is a tradition. They really like their flag and they use it everywhere (saying everywhere I mean EVERYWHERE, even on swimming suits or rugs). Sometimes when we spent time camping or just hanged out with my family I felt like I was in a movie and that was amazing.
5. Everyone has a car.
In a small town like Ada people have to use their own cars. Every family usually has more than one car. Americans use cars every day even if there is no need to use them: they go to a supermarket by car, to school, to a party. That is why there is no public transport at all. It sounds very strange for Russians as we usually have buses even in small countryside. So, the only way to travel for me is to find friends with a car or ask my host-family to drop me somewhere else.
It’s time to go, - says Mr. S, - wish you goodnight! I hugged him and Mrs. S and came to my room. I am thankful for them to such a beautiful time we spent together and I miss them already but I need to start my own adventure at Ohio Northern University. In the end, I would like to ask a question about an average Ohio family. Do you agree or disagree with the points I made? Do you know anything you may add here?
Anna,
ReplyDeleteI could feel every word when I began reading your post. I only lived with my host family for 3 days and I still found it really hard to say goodbye to them and move into the dormitory. I think this is because we are so far away from home and our family that we find love within other people. The first people who accepted us as a part of their family were the members of our host family. Maybe we can't let go because we think of them a glimpse of our family back home.
Hello Anna,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely am loving reading your blog! It's interesting to hear about how religious your family is, since I come from one that is not at all religious. That is definitely something that Americans can become very divided over, and I'm interested to hear more stories about how your host family and their beliefs may impact your time here in Ohio!