A mother of two from the USA who travels the world with her family recently spent over two months in India and shared her observations. Anna Haakenson highlighted subtle differences between life in India and the United States that caught people’s attention. From the way people drive and honk to the way food is seasoned, Anna noticed everything feels different in India. She also pointed out that while Americans tend to follow strict rules and maintain personal space, Indians are generally more open and curious.
She also observed differences in weather, religion, and family life. In India, it’s common for multiple generations to live together under one roof, whereas in her home country, families typically reside in separate houses. Anna further
noted that the cost of living in India is significantly more affordable compared to America.
American Woman Shares Her Observation About India
Taking to Instagram, Anna Haakenson explained, “I took my family to live in India for 2.5 months, and this is what I realised. America: a honk means someone’s about to lose their mind. India: a honk means, ‘Hi, I’m here, look out, thanks.’ Food: America: ‘spicy’ = mild heat. India: ‘spicy’ = your digestive system is filing a complaint. People: America: people pretend you don’t exist. India: people will absolutely ask where you’re from, where you’re going, and why. Trash: America: trash is placed in trash cans. India: trash goes wherever the nearest person decides.”
Here’s what else she observed.
Cars and Driving:
America: Driving your own car is the default, and you follow traffic laws.
India: Controlled chaos on the road that outsiders would not understand.
Weather:
America: Winter, spring, summer, and fall in most places.
India: Hot, monsoon, and “surprise extra heat” season.
Religion:
America: Mostly Catholic churches and quiet gatherings.
India: Temples everywhere plus festivals that take over entire cities.
Affordability:
America: Everything is expensive.
India: Everything is manageable.
Family Life:
America: Single-family living.
India: Multiple generations under one roof.
How Did Social Media React?
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “Just so you know, India isn’t just Hindu, and also has all seasons.”
Another shared, “Aww, you missed our spirituality, diversity, festivals, warm hospitality, cuisine, our cultural heritage, and our instant UPI payments. Very observant of you, still I’m not tempted to visit your country.”
“You just explored what you wanted, but you have not yet explored the unexplored,” a comment read.
An individual stated, “India has bearable weather except few summer months. I live in the US, and the air is clean, but the East Coast has unbearable cold weather, West has unbearable hot weather. Cali has the best weather, but it is so expensive. I am from Pune, and trust me, when I moved out, I realised how much better the weather was. Not too cold and not too hot. Pollution can be severe in metro cities.”
Another mentioned, “People socialising and having fun, which I find difficult in the United States.”
One more added, “With a small budget of 100 dollars, you can only experience this and love to defame our country. I am not saying that India is a developed, super high-tech nation, but still, you can go to a place in India where you wouldn’t find this with an extra budget.”
Anna Haakenson shared that she expected India to be different from the US, but the reality surprised her even more.
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