America: Not as Bad as You Think.

I think America and Americans get a fairly bad rap in the rest of the world. People tend to think that all Americans are like that one overweight, loud, obnoxious American tourist they met that one time. But if there's one thing I have learnt since we have been here, it's that you cannot generalise about America. For every 'dumb tourist' there are many more thoughtful travelers who are keen for cultural exchange. For every radical liberal, there's an equally radical conservative. For everyone who hates Obamacare, there are others who think healthcare for everyone is a good idea. For every gun-toting red neck...you get the idea. You can't say 'Americans are like this' or 'Americans are like that' because, in most cases, whatever you say, it will only be a true for a portion of the population. This truly is a land of extremes.

On a unrelated note, I would just like to share with you an interesting fact. A4 paper. They don't really use it here. Their standard paper is called 'US Letter', which measures 21.6 cm by 27.9 cm. A4 measures 21.0 cm by 29.7 cm. I never knew that until I got here. I sometimes wish the UN or someone would standardise this kind of thing. I feel the same way about arbitrarily-designed power outlets.