I was born and raised in the United States, but was never able to travel outside the country. Given this, I believe that the only culture I know is the American culture and the many aspects to it. One aspect of U.S. culture that is prominent in my life is our reliance on cars for transportation. Growing up in Florida, there was zero walkability. If I needed anything from lunch, to groceries, and even medication, I had two options presented to me. I had to either ask my parents to drive me when I was younger and then when I was of age I had to go drive myself to get it.
Cars are the primary form of transportation for a large majority of Americans. Very few American cities have large scale walkability or public transportation. Because of this reliance, many children in the United States look forward to getting their driver’s license at age 16. Because of this reliance on cars, the American cityscape is filled with parking lots. Infact, many governments have it in their laws that there must be minimal parking per square foot. In addition, there are dozens of businesses, some earning billions of dollars, that rely on drive-thrus. There are a variety of drive throughs to choose from such as food, grocery, dessert, pharmacy, liquor, dry cleaners, and so much more. Americans have become so accustomed to this lifestyle that I believe it contributes to an unhealthy sedentary lifestyle. I am guilty of this as well, from the age of 16 I used my car to drive myself to school everyday, go to my jobs, and visit friends. I also love to go through the Chick-fil-a drive thru.
From the outside perspective, the reliance Americans have on cars is very disturbing. I have always questioned the need for so many cars. After researching Europe, it is a shock to me that they have created large scale cities that are walkable. Not only are these cities pedestrian friendly, Europe has many different forms of public transportation that I will be able to use to travel quickly around the city. Yes, there are Europeans who have cars but the reliance on this mode of transportation is not nearly as intense as in America. There are no drive throughs in Europe, if you want something you have to walk to the local store versus driving. From researching, European people are far more fit because they have much more walking in their daily lives. I am excited to live this lifestyle because it will help me to feel much more fit and be able to see the small details of the city.
I am excited to depart for my study abroad experience because I want to learn more about the European way of life. I am also interested to see how I adapt from my dependance on cars. Thinking to move-in I am worried about how I will stock my apartment with essentials. I know that Europe has homegood stores such as Ikea, but I wonder how I will bring towels, toiletries, and even sheets back to my apartment. Besides this, I cannot wait for the cultural immersion I will have in Italy.