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Post by Really Red on Nov 8, 2020 4:18:25 GMT
Here is what’s different between Europeans and Americans: My daughter lives in Switzerland and was planning a giant Thanksgiving celebration with 23 people. She had invitations out to everybody and 100% acceptance. Switzerland closed down this past week and you are allowed five people max in your house unless you have a personal family with more than that.
I asked my daughter if she canceled her dinner and she was completely confused. I said did you call everybody and tell them they couldn’t come? And she responded to me, “Mom. We are in lockdown. They know they can’t come over.” And she’s right. Nobody would even think about breaking that.
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Post by sam9 on Nov 8, 2020 4:24:51 GMT
I’m not surprised that Switzerland is now in lockdown. A week or two ago I saw a big name European card maker post a photo on IG of a Swiss restaurant she was in, enjoying a luscious chocolate fountain. I was quite frankly shocked to think that anyone would think this was acceptable during Covid.
ETA: I get your point, but I just don't agree with you. I think that people all over the world have been acting mindlessly. I'm not so sure that any country or continent is exempt from people not willing to follow medical advice. I've never blamed governments, only individuals for making bad choices.
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Post by AussieMeg on Nov 8, 2020 10:13:17 GMT
ETA: I get your point, but I just don't agree with you. I think that people all over the world have been acting mindlessly. I'm not so sure that any country or continent is exempt from people not willing to follow medical advice. Yeah, looking at the numbers in some European countries suggests that they are really not much better than the US. |
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Post by gar on Nov 8, 2020 10:22:41 GMT
Switzerland is a 'by the book' nation perhaps more than some, but no, we're not all automatically law abiding and sensible unfortunately.
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 8, 2020 10:27:26 GMT
ETA: I get your point, but I just don't agree with you. I think that people all over the world have been acting mindlessly. I'm not so sure that any country or continent is exempt from people not willing to follow medical advice. Yeah, looking at the numbers in some European countries suggests that they are really not much better than the US. I agree. We were doing so well and now it’s just exploding. I’ve only been to the commissary in the past 3 weeks, so I assumed that all were hunkered down like we were in the spring. All the non-essential stores are closed, schools are on an extended holiday, and teleworking is back on. Last weekend, DH was on a bike ride and got a flat, so I had to go and rescue him. He was in a suburb of Antwerp and there were so many people in the shops and out and about. All the parking lots were full and stores were busy. I drove by a cute little Christmas shop and the line was a good 20-30 people long to get inside. I so wanted to stop and check out that cute shop, but nope. Maybe next year. |
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
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Posts: 7,412
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Nov 8, 2020 10:37:03 GMT
Yep, Sam9 is right I’m afraid. We have our own ‘Yooman rights’ lot who won’t wear masks and conspiracy theorists who believe we are all being manipulated.
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Post by peachiceteas on Nov 8, 2020 10:39:52 GMT
Switzerland is a 'by the book' nation perhaps more than some, but no, we're not all automatically law abiding and sensible unfortunately. Agreed. You cannot blanket all Europeans with the same sentiment - as much as the original post was paying a compliment to Europeans and I do appreciate the perception that we are law abiding citizens! However, there have been anti-lockdown protests in Paris and London. We are in a second lockdown in the UK because a lot of people have been incredibly selfish and have continued to flout the rules. So I do disagree. There is no difference on the whole between Europeans and Americans in the attitude towards coronavirus. The virus is continuing to spread in both continents because people aren't following the rules. The majority of Europeans are probably just a little more discreet and don't post photos on Instagram of their big parties - whereas I saw an awful lot of big gatherings on social media for halloween from Americans. |
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Post by Lindarina on Nov 8, 2020 10:44:03 GMT
Norway’s not on lockdown yet, but we have national guidelines to follow. If we can’t get this second wave under control there will be more serious restrictions.
Well, I stopped by a mall yesterday to get a gift, took one look at the total disregard for social distancing that went on inside, and drove home instead. It seemed like people went out of their way to break as many guidelines as possible😡
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Post by AussieMeg on Nov 8, 2020 10:44:14 GMT
He was in a suburb of Antwerp and there were so many people in the shops and out and about. How the heck did I not know that you were in Belgium?!?! |
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 20:03:07 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2020 10:48:41 GMT
No the US isn't alone, it just seems like they are because there's more of you.
We have plenty of selfish idiots here too. We had it fairly under control during July and August until people got complacent and did their own thing. When we re-opened after the first lock down they were given an inch but some decided to take a mile. Now those people don't seem to think that they have contributed to this second lock down ( sigh)
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 8, 2020 10:55:54 GMT
He was in a suburb of Antwerp and there were so many people in the shops and out and about. How the heck did I not know that you were in Belgium?!?! LOL. I’m not sure, I feel like I say it every other post! We live south of Brussels. DH was on a long bike ride. As US military, the Secretary of Defense has confined us to the borders of our host country. For us, that’s Belgium. To get some exercise and a little European experience, DH has been biking various paths of the Camino de Santiago. There are several here in Belgium and he has been doing a lot of exploring. He hasn’t been getting the stamps in his Camino passport, as he can’t do the 20 km or so in the Netherlands where the Camino starts. He’s hoping to do the Netherlands, Belgium, and France portions in the summer of 2021 if he can cross the borders. |
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Post by gar on Nov 8, 2020 11:46:30 GMT
Switzerland is a 'by the book' nation perhaps more than some, but no, we're not all automatically law abiding and sensible unfortunately. Agreed. You cannot blanket all Europeans with the same sentiment - as much as the original post was paying a compliment to Europeans and I do appreciate the perception that we are law abiding citizens!. This comes back to the perception that Europe is seen as one country. It’s 44 (Ithink?) separate nations and we all have our own habits, traditions, and characteristics etc etc. While there may be some similarities and norms, there are probably more differences in fact 😊 |
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Post by AussieMeg on Nov 8, 2020 12:26:15 GMT
How the heck did I not know that you were in Belgium?!?! LOL. I’m not sure, I feel like I say it every other post! We live south of Brussels. DH was on a long bike ride. Now that I think about it, I do recall you talking about it when you were first moving over there. So how long have you been there now? (Please don't say 20 years, or I'll think I'm going crazy!) Sorry for the highjack! |
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 8, 2020 13:10:28 GMT
LOL. I’m not sure, I feel like I say it every other post! We live south of Brussels. DH was on a long bike ride. Now that I think about it, I do recall you talking about it when you were first moving over there. So how long have you been there now? (Please don't say 20 years, or I'll think I'm going crazy!) Sorry for the highjack! LOL. We’ve been here just over a year. We flew over September 11th, 2019. We had 5 glorious months of travel before the pandemic. To the point of where I was asking for a week off just to pay bills and do the laundry. DH traveled a lot with his job and Emma and I went with him. It was everything that we hoped for and then bam. Now we just stay in our tiny house. Boo! |
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Post by Zee on Nov 8, 2020 13:18:02 GMT
Agreed. You cannot blanket all Europeans with the same sentiment - as much as the original post was paying a compliment to Europeans and I do appreciate the perception that we are law abiding citizens!. This comes back to the perception that Europe is seen as one country. It’s 44 (Ithink?) separate nations and we all have our own habits, traditions, and characteristics etc etc. While there may be some similarities and norms, there are probably more differences in fact 😊 Similarly, the US is often like 50 small countries. |
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Post by Zee on Nov 8, 2020 13:24:02 GMT
If you regularly read here you'd know that not a single Pea, besides maybe myshelley, would ever admit to not following mandates and having social gatherings.
I think the reality is probably not really what's always portrayed here to be honest, and that's just human nature, not specific to any country. Numbers across the globe will tell you that people aren't staying home and frankly I don't really care. The horse has long been out of the barn. I deal with it every single day and it's not going to go away because someone mandates no social gatherings.
And thinking people will line up to get a barely tested, rushed vaccine is just not realistic.
ETA I'm not saying we should just give up trying, but I'm a realist about this thing.
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on Nov 8, 2020 13:33:11 GMT
I think it’s more that Americans have a different mentality that you can simplify with the question about healthcare or gun control. Do we do something to help the greater good for thr country or do we just take care of ourselves? I think this, in very simplified / generalized terms, sets America apart.
I think right now America needs to work on the divisiveness before it can work on the rest.
In Canada we have plenty of people who don’t follow the rules while I’ll say the majority do. The ones who don’t follow rules here don’t feel the need to protest or rant about it as there is no declaration of rights or government control. They do it quietly because they want to. They just don’t want anyone to know because then we’ll look down on them. They know that rule breaking doesn’t mesh with most.
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Post by hop2 on Nov 8, 2020 13:45:08 GMT
If you regularly read here you'd know that not a single Pea, besides maybe myshelley, would ever admit to not following mandates and having social gatherings. I think the reality is probably not really what's always portrayed here to be honest, and that's just human nature, not specific to any country. Numbers across the globe will tell you that people aren't staying home and frankly I don't really care. The horse has long been out of the barn. I deal with it every single day and it's not going to go away because someone mandates no social gatherings. And thinking people will line up to get a barely tested, rushed vaccine is just not realistic. ETA I'm not saying we should just give up trying, but I'm a realist about this thing. When I was home by myself alone for 2 months I might have been willing to be a bit flexible in interpreting guidelines. But now that I’m back to work and I’m the potential pariah, no way. I couldn’t live with the guilt of infecting someone and it went bad. I see no one that I don’t have to see for work. And that’s works fault not mine. . |
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peabay
Prolific Pea
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Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Nov 8, 2020 13:49:56 GMT
How the heck did I not know that you were in Belgium?!?! LOL. I’m not sure, I feel like I say it every other post! We live south of Brussels. DH was on a long bike ride. As US military, the Secretary of Defense has confined us to the borders of our host country. For us, that’s Belgium. To get some exercise and a little European experience, DH has been biking various paths of the Camino de Santiago. There are several here in Belgium and he has been doing a lot of exploring. He hasn’t been getting the stamps in his Camino passport, as he can’t do the 20 km or so in the Netherlands where the Camino starts. He’s hoping to do the Netherlands, Belgium, and France portions in the summer of 2021 if he can cross the borders. Wow, that sounds delightful! |
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305 
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Post by kibblesandbits on Nov 8, 2020 13:51:00 GMT
Here is what’s different between Europeans and Americans: My daughter lives in Switzerland and was planning a giant Thanksgiving celebration with 23 people. She had invitations out to everybody and 100% acceptance. Switzerland closed down this past week and you are allowed five people max in your house unless you have a personal family with more than that. I asked my daughter if she canceled her dinner and she was completely confused. I said did you call everybody and tell them they couldn’t come? And she responded to me, “Mom. We are in lockdown. They know they can’t come over.” And she’s right. Nobody would even think about breaking that. Well, clearly some Swiss citizens are acting irresponsibly, or they wouldn't be back in lock down again, hmmmm? |
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Country Ham
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Post by Country Ham on Nov 8, 2020 13:56:46 GMT
The virus is continuing to spread in both continents because people aren't following the rules. I think it's continuing to spread because it's a virus and that's what viruses do. I think we are never going to control or eradicate it. I think we can shut everyone in their homes, in masks etc and it will be there waiting for a host the minute it can find one. We are all entitled to opinions and that's all mine is. On observation. |
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johnnysmom
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Nov 8, 2020 14:59:44 GMT
If you regularly read here you'd know that not a single Pea, besides maybe myshelley, would ever admit to not following mandates and having social gatherings. I think the reality is probably not really what's always portrayed here to be honest, and that's just human nature, not specific to any country. Numbers across the globe will tell you that people aren't staying home and frankly I don't really care. The horse has long been out of the barn. I deal with it every single day and it's not going to go away because someone mandates no social gatherings. And thinking people will line up to get a barely tested, rushed vaccine is just not realistic. ETA I'm not saying we should just give up trying, but I'm a realist about this thing. Ita. In fact I’ve been saying it for months, we need to find a way to live with it. I hope somewhere out there someone is working on a treatment similar to the way tamiflu is given when a flu test is positive. So far all you hear about is intensive treatment once a patient is in ICU or a vaccine, we need something that can be given earlier. In the meantime I’m ok with reduced occupancy in places and mask mandates, those are reasonable. Telling everyone to stay home and pray for a vaccine is simply not realistic. |
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Post by freecharlie on Nov 8, 2020 15:07:38 GMT
Here is what’s different between Europeans and Americans: My daughter lives in Switzerland and was planning a giant Thanksgiving celebration with 23 people. She had invitations out to everybody and 100% acceptance. Switzerland closed down this past week and you are allowed five people max in your house unless you have a personal family with more than that. I asked my daughter if she canceled her dinner and she was completely confused. I said did you call everybody and tell them they couldn’t come? And she responded to me, “Mom. We are in lockdown. They know they can’t come over.” And she’s right. Nobody would even think about breaking that. do people in Switzerland usually celebrate Thanksgiving? Or are all the invitees American |
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Post by dewryce on Nov 8, 2020 15:10:48 GMT
Staying home long term may not be practical, but occasionally shutting down some activities is sometimes necessary to keep the medical systems from becoming overwhelmed. It is effective, there was a sharp decrease in cases when the US did this the first time.
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Post by Really Red on Nov 8, 2020 15:15:17 GMT
Here is what’s different between Europeans and Americans: My daughter lives in Switzerland and was planning a giant Thanksgiving celebration with 23 people. She had invitations out to everybody and 100% acceptance. Switzerland closed down this past week and you are allowed five people max in your house unless you have a personal family with more than that. I asked my daughter if she canceled her dinner and she was completely confused. I said did you call everybody and tell them they couldn’t come? And she responded to me, “Mom. We are in lockdown. They know they can’t come over.” And she’s right. Nobody would even think about breaking that. Well, clearly some Swiss citizens are acting irresponsibly, or they wouldn't be back in lock down again, hmmmm? Well, first of all I am deflated by the responses, which are absolutely valid and correct. Y'all are right. Second, kibblesandbits absolutely there are Swiss acting irresponsibly, but for the most part, these are the people who live outside Switzerland and come in daily to work (according to the Swiss and who knows how true that is). Also, since the Swiss have universal health care and everyone is covered, everyone gets tested and the Swiss tell the truth about their numbers. It may be that bad everywhere, but we are certain it is that bad in Switzerland. We know there are a lot of people everywhere who refuse to get tested. If you regularly read here you'd know that not a single Pea, besides maybe myshelley, would ever admit to not following mandates and having social gatherings. I think the reality is probably not really what's always portrayed here to be honest, and that's just human nature, not specific to any country. Numbers across the globe will tell you that people aren't staying home and frankly I don't really care. The horse has long been out of the barn. I deal with it every single day and it's not going to go away because someone mandates no social gatherings. And thinking people will line up to get a barely tested, rushed vaccine is just not realistic. ETA I'm not saying we should just give up trying, but I'm a realist about this thing. I am as careful as I can be and follow social mandates. If I meet up with anyone, it's outside, masked and at a social distance. I have done that three separate times in the past 8 months. But I do go to the grocery store and I went to one outdoor flea market (lots of social distance) and who knows, right? I have many friends who tell me all the time they are following the rules, but I see them seeing their friends ALL THE TIME. I have my one pod and they had a friend over and that was that for me. The friend they had over has a spouse who is an ER doctor. But people think it's not a big deal. One person, right? So Zee, while you say that the Peas say they follow mandates, I think they aren't being deliberately deceptive. I think everyone thinks one person isn't a big deal  |
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Post by Really Red on Nov 8, 2020 15:17:45 GMT
Here is what’s different between Europeans and Americans: My daughter lives in Switzerland and was planning a giant Thanksgiving celebration with 23 people. She had invitations out to everybody and 100% acceptance. Switzerland closed down this past week and you are allowed five people max in your house unless you have a personal family with more than that. I asked my daughter if she canceled her dinner and she was completely confused. I said did you call everybody and tell them they couldn’t come? And she responded to me, “Mom. We are in lockdown. They know they can’t come over.” And she’s right. Nobody would even think about breaking that. do people in Switzerland usually celebrate Thanksgiving? Or are all the invitees American No! Just my daughter who is also an American. She loves to cook and loves Thanksgiving. Last year, she had an amazing celebration and everyone thought it was incredible, so she was going to repeat it this year. The invitees are all Swiss and a couple of Brits she is friends with. They don't have anything similar (maybe Benichon for the Swiss among you?), and they love my daughter's food! |
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305
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Post by kibblesandbits on Nov 8, 2020 15:40:33 GMT
Well, clearly some Swiss citizens are acting irresponsibly, or they wouldn't be back in lock down again, hmmmm? Well, first of all I am deflated by the responses, which are absolutely valid and correct. Y'all are right. Second, kibblesandbits absolutely there are Swiss acting irresponsibly, but for the most part, these are the people who live outside Switzerland and come in daily to work (according to the Swiss and who knows how true that is). Also, since the Swiss have universal health care and everyone is covered, everyone gets tested and the Swiss tell the truth about their numbers. It may be that bad everywhere, but we are certain it is that bad in Switzerland. We know there are a lot of people everywhere who refuse to get tested. If you regularly read here you'd know that not a single Pea, besides maybe myshelley, would ever admit to not following mandates and having social gatherings. I think the reality is probably not really what's always portrayed here to be honest, and that's just human nature, not specific to any country. Numbers across the globe will tell you that people aren't staying home and frankly I don't really care. The horse has long been out of the barn. I deal with it every single day and it's not going to go away because someone mandates no social gatherings. And thinking people will line up to get a barely tested, rushed vaccine is just not realistic. ETA I'm not saying we should just give up trying, but I'm a realist about this thing. I am as careful as I can be and follow social mandates. If I meet up with anyone, it's outside, masked and at a social distance. I have done that three separate times in the past 8 months. But I do go to the grocery store and I went to one outdoor flea market (lots of social distance) and who knows, right? I have many friends who tell me all the time they are following the rules, but I see them seeing their friends ALL THE TIME. I have my one pod and they had a friend over and that was that for me. The friend they had over has a spouse who is an ER doctor. But people think it's not a big deal. One person, right? So Zee , while you say that the Peas say they follow mandates, I think they aren't being deliberately deceptive. I think everyone thinks one person isn't a big deal Not sure why, of all the people disagreeing with you and pointing out the flaw in your paintbrush criticism, you decided to put me on blast. ?? Whatever. I'm quite sick to death of all the "you Americans, stupid and callous and dumb and uncaring and . . . . on and on and on". People are the same EVERYWHERE. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 8, 2020 16:17:29 GMT
Here is what’s different between Europeans and Americans: My daughter lives in Switzerland and was planning a giant Thanksgiving celebration with 23 people. She had invitations out to everybody and 100% acceptance. Switzerland closed down this past week and you are allowed five people max in your house unless you have a personal family with more than that. I asked my daughter if she canceled her dinner and she was completely confused. I said did you call everybody and tell them they couldn’t come? And she responded to me, “Mom. We are in lockdown. They know they can’t come over.” And she’s right. Nobody would even think about breaking that. do people in Switzerland usually celebrate Thanksgiving? Or are all the invitees American It’s pretty common for expats to share in their celebrations with friends from their host nations. We do it here and other places that we live. DH brought candy corn into his office last week, including the thanksgiving flavored ones. The German officer asked, “why would you eat that?” About the thanksgiving flavored ones—they were indeed horrible! |
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Post by Bridget in MD on Nov 8, 2020 17:11:20 GMT
My Swedish friend said she's been home since March. Her husband was back to work but this week they have sent him to work from home again.
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Post by sam9 on Nov 8, 2020 17:26:32 GMT
The government having to mandate a lockdown means numbers and hospitalizations were going up and people were taking risks, so not really gold star behaviour. I’m surprised that your daughter was comfortable inviting 23 people into her home for Thanksgiving dinner. It takes just one person to turn something like that into a super spreader event.
I’m not judging, just wondering. I also agree that people everywhere will always find a reason/excuse for what they do. It’s human nature. We’ve pretty much been in a second lockdown for the last two months and yet our numbers, including hospitalizations and deaths, continue to climb every day. It’s not working.
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