10 American Tech Gadgets That Intrigue People Abroad
10 American Tech Gadgets That Intrigue People Abroad
American technology has always had its unique quirks that catch the eye of visitors from abroad. From the nostalgic to the practical, and sometimes to the downright bizarre, these inventions showcase a side of American culture that can be both amusing and puzzling to those not used to it. Here are ten such pieces of American technology that tend to amuse foreigners.
1. Drive-in Theaters
Drive-in theaters are a charming relic of the past that still thrives in some parts of the U.S. They combine the American love for cars with the joy of watching movies, creating a unique cinema experience. Imagine watching a movie from the comfort of your car, with sound transmitted through your car’s radio, all under a starlit sky. It’s a nostalgic form of entertainment that continues to delight Americans and surprise visitors.
2. Deep Fryers for Turkey
The concept of deep-frying an entire turkey might sound extreme, but it’s a popular cooking method for Thanksgiving in many American homes. This technique produces a turkey that is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. For those from countries where ovens are the traditional method of cooking a turkey, the sight of a whole bird being lowered into a vat of hot oil can be both shocking and amusing.
3. Garbage Disposals in Sinks
Common in American kitchens, garbage disposals are installed under the sink to shred food waste into small pieces that can be washed away. In many other parts of the world, where such a device is rare or nonexistent, the idea of grinding up leftovers and flushing them down the drain is both novel and surprising.
4. Reclining Cinema Seats
U.S. cinemas often feature oversized, plush chairs that recline at the push of a button, complete with cup holders and sometimes even buttons to call for service. This luxury takes movie watching to another level of comfort and convenience, puzzling those who are used to more standard cinema seating.
5. Cup Holders Everywhere
Americans seem to love their cup holders. You’ll find them not just in cars but also in movie theaters, on baby strollers, and many other places. The idea of having a designated spot just for your drink wherever you go is something that amuses many visitors from abroad.
6. Spray Cheese
Spray cheese, or cheese in a can, is exactly what it sounds like—cheese that you can spray onto your snacks. This peculiar invention is both fascinating and humorous to those unfamiliar with it. It’s a quick and quirky way to add cheese to crackers or other dishes.
7. 24/7 Everything
The convenience of having stores, gyms, and eateries that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is not as common in many parts of the world as it is in the U.S. This round-the-clock availability is something that many foreigners find both unusual and impressive.
8. Ridiculously Large Vehicles
In America, it’s not uncommon to see massive trucks and SUVs being used for regular, everyday commuting, not just for commercial purposes. The size of these vehicles can be quite a spectacle for those used to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.
9. Electric Bug Zappers
Electric bug zappers are outdoor devices that attract and kill flying insects. While practical in dealing with pests, the sight and sound of bugs being electrocuted can be both peculiar and grimly fascinating for visitors.
10. Movie Screens on Car Backseats
Having a movie screen on the backseat of a car epitomizes the American drive for entertainment and convenience. For families on long road trips, this feature allows passengers, especially children, to watch movies, making the journey more enjoyable. This concept, while practical, can seem extravagant to those not used to such in-car entertainment options.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.