Cheap complex service

Three things I have learned about the States in the first three days of my trip:

#1 - Everything is soooo much cheaper here, I'm talking at least half the price. Running shoes $60. Meals $3-5. Movie ticket $9. Takeaway Coffee $1.50 (not that I've had any yet, staying strong). LAX Airport parking $3, Sydney airport for shame!!!! Why is Sydney so ridiculously over priced?

#2 - This nation has a food complex. For those with a sweet tooth, there are sugar coated treats on every street corner. Willy Wonka has a lot to answer for. It's not just candy, salad dressings are sweet and the bread tastes like cake.

The meal portions are huge! One greased up meal could feed a family.  And would you like extras with that?! You can also upsize for 50 cents and the portion size doubles. You can free pour flavoured liquid butter on your popcorn for crying out loud! 

But on the flipside, I have also witnessed a whole new level of super vigilance. Calorie counters on the menus breaking down the fats, carbs, sodium, etc. "Weight watcher options" listed everywhere. Sugar free, fat free, carb free, calorie free (!) versions of everything. Sugar free golden syrup (what else is there in it?!). Diet fads abound. 

No wonder these people have a food and weight complex. It's like having a European mother on your back everywhere you go, "Eat! Eat more! If you love me, you'll eat another one!" and then just as you finish that extra serving, she reminds you "you know, you better start watching your waistline, you can't keep eating like that, you look a bit pudgy".

#3 - Service with a smile. I'm heartily greeted in every shop I walk into, wait staff are particularly attentive and I am regularly referred to as "ma'am". The tipping system clearly works, a standard of service is now expected. Retail workers get a commission on sales so someone is ready and waiting to help you, but they don't hound you lest they be reported for pushy service. Yeah, 50% of the time it's scripted lines with a slightly forced smile, but simply engage with them in any off the track conversation and most people genuinely want to interact with you and help with advice.