As an Australian, here are some initial impressions of the US after only a few days in NYC:

• Everyone is exceptionally polite and loves to say ‘You’re welcome’;
• The toilets are interesting, as many don’t have lids and they contain excessive water;
• The coffee isn’t bad at all but it’s certainly frothy;
• Children are very loud and expressive;
• The diversity of people on the street is fantastic;
• Milkshakes are excellent;
• The reliance on cash, lack of a common goods and sales tax and the prevalence of fiddly coinage are a little annoying;
• People love to beep their car horns; and
• Within our limited experience at this stage, the subway is actually a pleasure to use.