10 things we will miss about America

We have had many great experiences in our three years in the US, some we will not miss (i.e pointless gun violence, relentlessly disjointed state and federal bureaucracy, and sensationalism driven politics), but there are many elements that we will:

# 1; School Buses

The ubiquitous yellow Thomas buses that feature in so many American movies are a very much a real part of the daily cycle of life for Americans. Having your kids trundled to or from school, in all weathers, can make a big difference to the efficiency of the daily family routine.

#2; The Free Righthand Turn

This is a biggie. Being able to slide through when there is no other turning or through traffic is a dream. It’s not so good as a pedestrian however, as many drivers are looking over their left shoulder and do not notice that you are trying to cross the road!

#3; Moving aside for Emergency Vehicles

Having both sides of the road clear for emergency vehicles is simply a great idea that works for everyone concerned.

#4; Avenue & Street Numbering Systems

Alphabetical avenues that tangent to sequentially numbered streets makes way-finding a breeze in unknown locations. Not just confined to the big cities, this city planning technique can sometimes be found in the smallest of towns in the middle of nowhere.

#5; Respect for Elders

While not universally true, in general I would say that elders were shown more respect here in the US than at home. Perhaps this is more a mid-west attribute than on the coasts, but it was good to experience none the less.

#6; The eternal Highway System

Mile after mile of smooth, bumpy or downright lumpy asphalt with at least two lanes in each direction makes for easy hour-after-hour driving. Traffic flows, even with the random adjustment of legal speed limits as you pass through the various jurisdictions that claim each section.

#7; Craft Breweries & Ice Creameries

After decades of gross monopolisation, the brewery scene now truly belongs to the hundreds of passionate and dedicated brew masters, each with their own spin and personality in their product. The ice cream scene is similar, and Mitchell’s Ice Creamery may be the best we have tasted on the planet!

#8; Roller Coaster Parks

Ok, so we may have been spoiled here, but having access to a full-on coaster park like Clevelands’ Cedar Point will genuinely be missed. New Zealand’s “best” park, Rainbow Springs, has all of the excitement of your average country fair attractions by contrast.

#9; Bike Night at Quaker Steak & Lube

This one confused many of our local friends for its seeming banality or everydayness, but watching all the bikers roll in on a Thursday night, in full regalia, was a real sub-cultural point of difference.

#10; Streetside City Services

Once again, some spoiling may have happened here, and the Avon hard fill days, curbside leaf & lawn clipping collection & branch grinding will be well and truly missed.