I have been traveling in the USA for 8 months now. I am European. Here are my thoughts about the USA and Americans.

Before I start let's talk about why I am here and where I have been. My girlfriend is originally from the USA and later this year we are planning on moving in together in Europe. Since she is originally from America she hasn't seen much of the country itself other than her home state. So we have been driving around with her car since March, visiting states and cities along the way. So it's kinda a US road trip but without the rush.<br><br>I have been to 26 States so far and visited many cities, national and state parks as well as forests. I have been staying with family and friends during parts of the trip but also in hotels, air BnB's and camped in the outdoors. So I have seen a lot so far and have talked to a lot of Americans. Now it's time to tell you how I feel about this country and its inhabitants.<br><br>1. Americans are the nicest people on earth. They are so friendly and open towards you even when they find out I am European. I have nothing but positive experiences with the people, and I could not be more grateful for that. Almost every American I talked to has been very curious about my political, social and historical views about the country. I talk to Americans about everything, from politics and history to what their favorite fast food is (it's always Taco Bell or Chipotle).<br><br>2. America is huge, I knew this but the size of this country is insane. I have been driving almost daily for 8 months now and I have seen so many things with still so much more to see.<br><br>3. I love the diversity. Every state I visited, every city I have been to has been so different. From big cities like New York and San Francisco to smaller cities like Bozeman, Montana. One city is completely different from another which is so cool to me.<br><br>4. The outdoors in the USA is amazing. I have seen so many cool, beautiful and interesting things. Mountains in Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. Forests in Oregon, Michigan and Wisconsin. Lakes in Minnesota and Michigan and rivers in Washington. I have seen so many beautiful sunsets in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas and beautiful coastline in California and Oregon. The natural beauty of this country is truly amazing and I have taken so many pictures.<br><br>However, there are also some negative things I want to point out, I will keep it short.<br><br>1. The food. Let me be very very clear here, I love American food and am very addicted to it. Breakfast culture, diner's, fast food like Wendy's, Five Guys, Chipotle and In-N-Out are amazing. The problem for me is that I can not eat this everyday. I have been eating healthy these last few years and American food isn't really that. Everything has a lot of salt, sugar and a ton of additives in it. Food at Walmart is also very bad quality and not healthy at all, which is the problem.<br><br>2. Tips culture. I hate tips culture so much. I come from a country where tipped are highly appreciated but you don't need to give them. Here you need to give tips everywhere, for everything. I go to a restaurant and the waiter expects a 20%+ tip. I have to give tips at the barber, delivery guy, the window washer on the street, the guy at the drive thru, tips for tips. If you don't give tips you are a bad person and you will be called out on it. I have been called a bad person for not leaving a big enough tip at a restaurant once. I tipped 30% and the waiter told me I did not tip enough. It is insane to me.<br><br>This is my view on America and Americans so far. As you can see mostly positive :)