Here are four more things I miss about life in Europe:
1. Mass transit. Subway trains that come every 3-5 minutes during peak times, at least in major cities like London, Paris and Berlin. Subway stations that look halfway clean and decent – unlike New York’s, with crumbling paint, foul odors and rodents. Buses from which people disembark only from the rear door(s), to keep things moving. And signs, on both subway platforms and bus shelters, telling you how long you have to wait for the next one!
2. Taxes being included in prices. I had forgotten that nothing is quite as cheap as it seems here, since you have to add tax to most items. It’s easier to calculate what you’re spending when it’s included upfront.
3. Straight men who dress like gay men. Okay, it poses a challenge to your Gaydar, and can make for some awkward stares, but it’s still nice to see other guys regardless of sexual orientation looking good on the street, in fashionable jeans, tight T-shirts and the like. Just not enough eye candy on this side of the Atlantic!
4. Good beer. I had forgotten how awful and watery American beer is until I had a Coors Light at Yankee Stadium this week. It shouldn’t even be in the same category as the good stuff!
