TWU by Jeff Rehmar | February 25, 2024 – First Ever Tuesday Edition

A Special Tuesday Edition of The World Unfolding

Something I’ve been thinking about lately is how the U.S. and Europe are both similar and vastly different at the same time. They each offer a distinct way of life, shaped by history, geography, and culture. The U.S. covers about 3.8 million square miles, while Europe spans roughly 4 million. Despite their similar size, they operate with entirely different mentalities—one built on speed, convenience, and scale, the other on history, depth, and tradition.

Europe, in its modern form, is still young. The European Union was officially established in 1993, bringing together nations that had spent centuries at war, attempting to create economic and political stability. The euro followed in 1999, simplifying trade and travel across much of the continent. Not every country adopted it, but the idea was clear: unify Europe, at least financially. Compare that to the U.S., which has functioned as a single economic and political entity since 1776. A flight from California to New York—about the same distance as Paris to Istanbul—requires no passport, currency exchange, or language barrier. Americans can travel thousands of miles within their own country without needing to adjust much at all.

That’s an advantage, but Europe offers something America can’t match. A one-hour flight can drop you into a completely different culture. The language changes, the food shifts, the architecture transforms. In the U.S., despite regional differences, cities often feel similar. A Target in Texas looks like a Target in Washington. A hotel chain in Chicago feels identical to one in Florida. The U.S. has incredible diversity, but the sheer convenience of a unified country makes it harder to experience the kind of cultural contrast that is common in Europe.

Food is one of the biggest differences. In America, bigger is better. Portions are massive, menus have seemingly endless choices, and fast food is built for efficiency. There’s something uniquely American about being able to get a burger, sushi, and pancakes from the same restaurant at two in the morning. The variety is incredible, but the trade-off is often quality. Fast-casual dining has made food widely accessible, but it has also industrialized the process to the point where many meals feel manufactured rather than crafted.

Europe takes a different approach. Meals are often smaller but more intentional. A baguette in France, a bowl of pasta in Italy, a piece of cheese in Spain—simple, but perfected. You rarely see to-go cups in European cafes because coffee is meant to be enjoyed sitting down. Lunch in some countries still stretches over two hours. And while the U.S. prioritizes customization—sauces on the side, extra toppings, substitutions—European restaurants often take a this is how it’s meant to be served approach. There’s something to learn from both. America could benefit from valuing food quality over convenience, while Europe could embrace a bit more flexibility and efficiency in its dining culture.

Size is another defining characteristic of America. Big cities, big cars, big houses, big stores. There’s room to spread out, and Americans do. But that space has led to sprawling suburbs, massive highways, and a reliance on cars for nearly everything. Walkable neighborhoods are rare outside of major cities, and public transportation is often an afterthought.

Europe, by necessity, is compact. Streets are narrower, apartments are smaller, and walkability is a key part of city life. Public squares replace parking lots, and local markets still thrive in many places. The trade-off is that space is at a premium. American travelers often comment on how tiny European hotel rooms are. Owning a car in a major European city is often impractical, if not impossible.

There’s something appealing about both systems. America’s space allows for comfort and freedom—big homes, yards, and the ability to drive for hours without seeing another soul. But it also creates inefficiencies, long commutes, and an environment where walking isn’t an option. Europe’s density makes daily life more connected but can also feel restrictive. The ideal system would be one that embraces the best of both—a focus on walkability without giving up too much space.

Nothing highlights the differences between the U.S. and Europe more than transportation. America bet big on highways and cars, while Europe invested heavily in rail. The result is a high-speed train network that makes travel between European cities faster and easier than air travel.

A train from Paris to London takes just over two hours. Madrid to Barcelona? Two and a half. Milan to Rome? Under three. No TSA lines, no baggage fees, no showing up two hours early to sit in an airport lounge. Just hop on and go. The U.S., outside of the Northeast corridor, has almost no functional rail system. Amtrak, while nostalgic in some ways, is slow, expensive, and unreliable. A high-speed rail network between major U.S. cities could have revolutionized travel, but America went all in on car culture instead. At this point, it’s unlikely the U.S. will ever match Europe in rail infrastructure, but if high-speed rail does take off in places like California or Texas, it could completely change the way Americans think about regional travel.

The way people work also differs dramatically. Americans are known for their grind culture—long hours, short vacations, checking emails at all hours. Productivity is king, and taking time off often comes with a side of guilt.

Europe sees work differently. France enforces a 35-hour workweek. Many European countries mandate at least four weeks of paid vacation. Spain still embraces the afternoon siesta in some regions. Italians linger after meals, ordering coffee long after dinner has ended. Some Americans look at this and think, how inefficient. Europeans might look at American culture and wonder, what’s the point of working so much if you never enjoy life?

It’s easy to romanticize the European approach, but it comes with trade-offs. European economies often grow at a slower pace, and in some countries, starting a business is bogged down by bureaucracy. Meanwhile, America’s work-first culture has led to incredible innovation, from Silicon Valley to the finance hubs of New York. The challenge is finding a middle ground—a system where people can work hard without sacrificing their health, relationships, or sense of purpose.

Neither system is perfect. America’s scale and economic power have led to unmatched opportunities for success. If you want to start a business, reinvent yourself, or chase big dreams, there’s no better place. But the U.S. could learn to slow down, focus on walkability, food quality, and public transportation, and embrace a better work-life balance without losing its ambition.

Europe, for all its strengths, could benefit from a bit more flexibility—whether in customer service, business regulations, or transportation infrastructure. Sometimes, efficiency matters more than tradition.

The best approach isn’t one or the other—it’s a mix. A world where cities are walkable but not cramped, where food is high-quality but accessible, where work is productive but not all-consuming. The beauty of travel is experiencing both worlds and taking the best parts home. I love meeting people, sharing experiences and learning from each other.

Coming Thursday: The Price of Playing Great Golf
Why $300 for a round of golf can be a bargain and $100 could be a total ripoff. I’ll break it down.

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