Colors of Phoenix - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Arizonans are always smiling. At first, this smile seems unnatural and disingenuous. But gradually you will get used to this feature of local residents. Of course, you can meet a frowning person on the streets of the city. But it will be an immigrant from Mexico or China in the vast majority of cases. Americans consider a smile a simple and necessary part of polite communication. For example, if you accidentally run into someone's eyes (this is considered embarrassing), you should immediately smile. This will mean that everything is fine.

Another point that you should keep in the mind is the love of citizens for the so-called "small talk". These are easy conversations on everyday topics. This is also a courtesy here. For example, you go to the store to buy a toy. It is quite normal for the seller to ask who you want to buy it for and for what reason. He will also give you a couple of tips. This is not just a professional skill. Such superficial conversations are accepted everywhere here. Locals can start a similar conversation with you in line at the Bank, in the elevator or in the locker room. For example, if a citizen sees a young man with a pizza, it is normal to say something like: "so nice-smelling food – it’s just not fair." Such light jokes are another part of the local mentality. It may seem that it's normal for Americans to bring social distance closer. However, this opinion is wrong. It is not customary to come close in transport or in a hospital corridor while waiting for a doctor's appointment here. You can't even call close relatives after 22:00. If someone finds out that you are a tourist, they may ask where you came from. It doesn't matter what you answer – from Russia, France or Zimbabwe. The answer will be the same: "Welcome!". We can't say that there is any indifference in this. Arizonans really welcome all guests. Americans generally believe that the origin of a person, as well as his past, doesn't matter…

The idea of "create your own life" is very important for Americans. It is not customary to complain about the lack of money or personal problems here. The Bank helps with material needs. A psychotherapist helps to cope with personal problems. Everything is always fine for everyone else. If a citizen is trying to tell you something in Phoenix, it's better to listen. There are many dialectics here. Therefore, the speech of a local resident will not always be clear even to those who speak English well. But usually, the locals try to explain everything in great detail. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Failure to comply with the rules and laws is punished quickly and with great pedantry here. You should not park in the wrong place "for ten minutes". There is a great chance to find that the car was taken to the impound lot on the return. If you are going to Phoenix or America in principle, be sure to get health insurance. Of course, you will not be left without help in a critical situation. But you may find a huge bill after treatment. You should not call the local emergency department for the same reason. You should do this only if the situation is really critical. Otherwise, you will have to pay for a false call if it turns out that you could get to the hospital by taxi. It is customary to give way to special vehicles, even if you can damage your own car.

The locals have great respect for the sport. This applies to broadcasts of matches of the favorite basketball, baseball or football team, and person’s own physical activity. Almost everyone plays in amateur team or runs in the morning here. Local men and women love the sport in equal measure. Games of University teams attract almost as many spectators as matches of professional athletes. If you talk about sports with citizens, remember that "football" is a more aggressive form of Rugby here. Americans call "soccer" the sport that is called "football" all over the world. Don't be surprised that the locals may confuse Austria and Australia and hardly find New Zealand on the map. Home country and state events are the most important for local residents.

Patriotism is not just a phrase in Arizona. Constitution Day, National Flag Day, and Independence Day are always celebrated on a very large scale here. Thanksgiving, Halloween, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and New Year are also popular with locals. New Year is considered a youth holiday, signifying the end of the winter weekend. Christmas markets are held here in December. You can see the Buffalo Soldiers Festival in February. Festivals of rock, electronic, and classical music, as well as performances of local theater groups, are held in the city in spring and summer. You should also visit the Renaissance Festival and the Ostrich Festival.