Quickies

Here are a few more thoughts about my experience of the US.

In most states, there is a "selling tax" applied to any sell. It's very annoying because if something is advertised as being $5, you'll end up paying something stupid like $5.43. It's really annoying how unexpected tax keeps on creeping in just as you're about to pay. In Europe, the taxes are usually included in the price!

While driving, I saw countless "Adopt a highway" or "Highway adopted by..." signs. http://www.adoptahighway.com/ I can just see the scene: "Dear, this year for our anniversary, I've decided we should adopt... a highway!"

On a lot of petrol pump, you have only one nozzle and you have to choose your fuel by pressing a button! It shocked me, but I think I've only seen that when you have to choose between different grade of Petrol. Diesel has its on nozzle.

I must have not been careful enough with my mobile phone number, or maybe I was just plain unlucky, but I got a lot of spam on it. Example of text:

"Easter Sunday at Baby Dolls! Doors open at 7p& Juanito will be KY wrestling the girls! Amazing drink specials till 2! Ritmo will be in the house! Plz 4wrd:-)"

What the hell is that about? Actually, I have received that one on April 11, 15:53, which is just a few hours after having bought the phone! It's quite ironic, considering my job is in Antispam...

One last fun fact. Driving long distances in the US is very easy. Sometimes roads are straight for dozens or even hundreds of miles. And with speed control, you don't need to use your feet. A funny thing is that if, say on a 65mph road for instance, your speed is set at 71, you will eventually catch up with people that are set a 69mph. It can then takes several minutes for you to pass them!