After nearly a decade in Cambodia, my trip back to the US was eye-opening. Everything amazed me—the cold weather, toilet seat covers, restroom doors that don't reach the floor, huge restaurant portions, family-sized meat packs in supermarkets, the abundance of Teslas, the size of some people, fresh organic berries, and the variety of squash. The list goes on.
I was reminded of how friendly and outgoing Americans can be. At a farmers' market, a woman approached me and asked if I'd tried ghee in coffee because she saw me filming the stall. That was refreshing. Most people thank the bus driver when they get off, something I've never seen in Asia. Customer service in the US is also top notch. Most, if not all, staff are incredibly accommodating. Want a drink instead of a free pizza? No problem. Need new bills? They'll check the vault. Prefer two large cups for your tea bags? Done. Got any honey? They'll top it up. Hot tea at Denny's? It's on the house. Cranberry cake instead of blueberry? Absolutely. I love how flexible and obliging they are. It's no surprise that the trendy term in the US has shifted from 'customer service' to 'customer success'.
Suburban life is a welcome change from city living. It was lovely to take neighborhood walks in the crisp autumn air, enjoying the fall colors and manicured front yards. I was astonished to see little free libraries outside two homes. I appreciate the residents' generosity and their willingness to share their love for reading.
Still, there were the downsides.
During my week in the US, healthcare issues reached a boiling point, culminating in the tragic shooting of a top health insurance CEO. It's a sad state of affairs. TV and Spotify were dominated by commercials for pharmaceuticals and law firms — this says a lot about the US culture. The hotel TV was flooded with urgent Medicare (Advantage) ads, all urgently announcing the approaching sign-up deadline. It was unpleasant. Someone once said the US is a business, and I have to agree.
Prices in the US have skyrocketed. A latte or a slice of pizza costs $6.55, and most meals are $17 or more. Many ordinary folks in the Bay Area can't afford to eat out anymore, so they cook at home. A cab driver told me he needs to make $150 daily just to break even. When I pointed out the new condo developments along 101, he said they cost $900K to a million. Housing has become a major issue. People have to pay a premium to live comfortably in the Bay. Tech workers seem to be doing well, but with sudden layoffs, many are worried about their job security.
It seems the US government, at all levels, needs to catch up with the private sector. SFO hasn't changed much in a decade. From the jetway to immigration, everything looks the same—like it's stuck in the 70s. It pales in comparison to Asian airports that welcome visitors with bright, colorful LCD displays. Worse yet, they charge $9 to rent a cart, while everywhere else I've been, carts are free. Seeing Tesla Cybertrucks on the road alongside the same old public transit buses makes you realize how slow the government is to modernize and innovate. Often considered the high-tech capital of the world, it's a shame that Silicon Valley’s public transportation can’t compete with those in Bangkok, Seoul, Singapore, or Tokyo.
As a result, many people rely heavily on cars. Due to the spread-out nature of workplaces, businesses, and residential areas, driving is a necessity. Instead of shopping at a multi-story mall, people must drive to several flat strip malls to get what they need. The prevalence of 9-series license plates now suggests a significant number of car upgrades since I last lived in the Bay, when 4-series plates were common. Newer, fancier, electric models now populate the road. It’s no easy feat to reduce people’s dependence on their car.
Finally, I didn't feel safe in the US. A friend mentioned that disorderliness has increased since the pandemic. Drivers are speeding more, and businesses are being pilfered. With the justice system tying their hands, cops have turned a blind eye. While random shootings aren't as common in California compared to other states, it was still a concern in the back of my mind. When I asked a receptionist for a pair of scissors, she said they're not allowed to have those items lying around. She added, 'We're living in a crazy world now.' I couldn't agree more.
As such, I have joined the ranks of many Americans who have relocated abroad for a lower cost of living and a warmer, safer lifestyle. I enjoy patronizing small businesses because eating out in person doesn’t break the bank. My favorite chicken schnitzel plate with two sides (salad and fries), for instance, costs just $6 in Phnom Penh—no tax, no tip necessary. That's at least three times cheaper than in the Bay Area. I no longer fear for my life due to carjackings or random shootings. Healthcare and insurance in Asia are practically affordable. I don't drive anymore; instead, I get around in plentiful, wallet-friendly tuktuks. While Asia isn't perfect, I’m really happy to be back in this part of the world for the long term.
Until next time, pax et bonum.
