8 Things No One Tells You About Moving To Europe | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

8 Things No One Tells You About Moving To Europe

Bathrooms are always a mystery.

16
8 Things No One Tells You About Moving To Europe
Lillian Hogle

1. Peanut butter isn't a thing.

Before considering moving abroad, know this: Europeans do not appreciate peanut butter like Americans do (the way peanut butter deserves to be appreciated). It is nearly impossible to find, and if you do find it, it will be in a jar slightly bigger than a golf ball and cost more than your entire grocery list combined. Europe does a lot of things right, but the lack of peanut butter love is a flaw that needs some serious attention.

2. Bathrooms are always a mystery.

Will there be a toilet seat? Will there be toilet paper? Soap? Do you flush with a pedal or a string hanging from the ceiling? Prepare to spend the majority of your time figuring out how to turn on the sink.

3. Nothing is free.

Gone is the luxury of free water in restaurants and public water fountains, free access to bathrooms, and free refills. Ordering water is about as expensive as ordering beer, you will probably pay at least 50 cents to pee, and you will pay for every glass of Coke you ask for.

4. You're going to miss the Melting Pot

There are many things to admire about Europe, but there are also many things you’re going to miss about the States — mainly, convenience and food diversity. Twenty-four hour access to anything your little heart desires is not a thing across the pond. You can’t hop in a car at 2am when you decide you want some Ben and Jerry’s because everything closes at 8pm. You can’t have a margarita with your pizza or sangria with your Chinese. Even more, depending on where you are, food diversity may be pretty rare — you might have to leave Italy if you want something other than Italian.

5. But there will always be a little bit of home everywhere you go.

It’s amazing how many American products are sold around the world. When you’re feeling homesick, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find some Coke and Pringles at your local grocery store. Walking down the street you will hear American music and see American movies advertised in theaters. It isn’t hard to get your American fix when you need it.

6. Instant foods are hard to find.

Cookie dough, brownie mix, and frozen pizza are hard to come by. One-step cooking is a luxury pretty secluded to the States.

7. Food with origins outside of the States is very different from the American version.

For example, Italian food in the States is not Italian food — it’s Italian-American food. Pizza in Italy is very different from pizza in New York. Spaghetti and meatballs isn’t a thing in Italy, nor is pepperoni or chicken parmesan. Italian food is incredible, but it is nothing like it is in the States.

8. They use the 24-hour clock.

Most countries in Europe use the 24-hour clock. Business hours and transportation schedules are almost always written in 24-hour time. Though far more practical, it takes some getting used to making dinner plans for 19:30.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

541
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

336
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199297
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20327
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments