So lately I’ve been thinking about two differences between us here in the States and in Europe. They have to do with regular parts of our daily lives, so I thought they were worth mentioning.
Okay – so what are these two things?
Screens in windows and clothes dryers.
Perhaps we just take them for granted in the US.
First – screens. Why oh why do they not have screens in Europe???? Bugs get in. Especially at night if you have your light on and keep your window open. And keeping the window open is usually necessary on hot summer nights, because much of Europe does not have air conditioning.
I mean, the occasional bug will get in even if you have a screen, but overall, you can keep your lights on at night with your windows open and not worry about bugs getting in. Works great in the daytime too! Moths, mosquitoes, wasps, bees, beetles, etc. Screens do a great job of keeping these critters out of our homes in the USA. And if you have a sturdy screen or double screen, you can be calm knowing that your indoor cat can lounge in the window all he wants without falling out or being tempted to escape and explore.
Second – clothes dryers. They’re really rare overseas. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the same as the non-existent screen situation over there, but pretty much all clothes will get the air-dry treatment. Pull out the drying rack and arrange your wet clothes accordingly. I mean, I don’t terribly mind it, but certain items are just so much SOFTER when dried in the dryer. Jeans, for example. And tees – they come out softer and without those little wrinkles from the washer. I guess it saves energy and money to skip using the dryer, but when I’m in the USA, I’m all about the dryer! (Except, as we women know, for the myriad of items we own that can’t go in the dryer – but that’s another topic completely. Haha!)
So yeah, those are a few of my random thoughts for the day. Til next time!
