My dad and step mom just got back from a trip to Scotland and Ireland.Right before their travels, I was talking to a friend about her trip to Europe.She was talking to me about how American tourists are known by their footwear. Wearing tennis shoes is a sure way to give away our "tourist status."

Unfortunately, I have never had any traveling trips toEurope, so this first conversation intrigued me. As I sat talking to my family about their trip our conversation started with footwear. From there it progressed to so many different things. Obviously it was about the travels that had just been had, but then the conversation turned to one that I raptly listened to.

The bathroom situation is apparently much different there....so clean, so nice, so environmentally friendly.The U.S. is behind the times by leaps and bounds European standards. All public restrooms have hand dryers that you put your hands in....and they dry very quickly! A time saver and good for the planet. In addition, after sitting on the "loo" the seat cover will magically have a clean clear coating...ready for the next sitter.

Europeans know more about what is going on with our presidential election than we do.There is one candidate that generally all believe would be much better for the economy, way of life, and for diplomatic relations and is expressed through numerous conversations.

Food is delicious. All items are fresh - without being frozen and having the preservatives.

Television is not banned, but there is not much on, so entertainment takes a different feel. One of the favorite things my dad saw were two boys about age 10 who went into the pub.They played the banjo and guitar and knew all of the Irish songs.They just looked liked they had been doing it forever.They lived in a small town and the townspeople had as much a hand in raising these boys as the parents did.

In addition most Europeans know more than one language, as this is imperative in communicating with bordering countries and neighbors.

I am proud to live in America and I love the place I call home, but occasionally I wonder, hope, and long for things that I have never known.