* You get everything with fries. A lot of fries. Even a club sandwich. I wouldn't be surprised if you got noodles with fries but I haven't tried since I don't like noodles.
* Menus frequently include a Samuel Adams Boston Lager but nobody actually carries the beer.
* Quite a few people use crutches or canes, often because they are overweight. This I didn't expect.
* Yes, people really seem to be, um, bigger. Not all of them, mind, but enough to warrant a discussion.
* People seem a bit shorter than here. Not by much, but I do think I am right.
* There are commercials and billboards for advanced surgeries (not the cosmetic kind), not just specialised prescription medicines.
* Shop clerks will invariably greet you with "hello sir, how are you?" which will eventually drive you mad.
* Those same clerks will be extremely helpful whenever it's in their power to be helpful, but they will never ever take any initiatives that require them to cross boundaries to other people's job descriptions, especially someone higher up in the hierarchy.
* And the hierarchies are everywhere.
* Very few cities that I have visited have that same sense about concentrated power that Washington DC has.
* And yes, the society seems to be built around cars, with the central DC being something of an exception.
* People drive surprisingly big cars, with long wheelbases and huge V8 or V12 engines. The cars are frequently quite new but also ill kept.
* Bus drivers are a helpful bunch. If you don't have exact change or have misunderstood how the fare system works, they will rather offer you a ride for free than close the door on you.
* The Americans really are a patriotic lot. It's not just the flags, it's the whole lifestyle. And yet, the patriotism is not about the leaders or the parties or anything like that, it's about the country and its principles, which means that at the airport, you will be able to buy a t-shirt stating that yes, you do love your country but it is the government you are afraid of. 'merica fuck yeah.
Etc. I might add to the list.
I should probably add that I really had a great time and hope to be back next year
ponds from now on.