First Observations on Returning to the United States

People on the airplane were speaking "American" (using words like gonna, wanna, gotta).
The grass was green. Spring already!
Lots of American flags were flying. Large flags.
"Welcome to Chicago"—signs were correctly spelled!
Toilets were well-marked and easy to find.
Toilets were sparkling clean and supplied with toilet paper.
Rest rooms were free!
The lines through customs were orderly and moved quickly.
The forms asked for month/day/year, not day/month/year.
The customs official knew someone in Anchorage.
No customs checks or baggage searches.
The luggage arrived immediately.
The woman at the Information Desk had the information we needed and more. An Information Desk with information! What a concept!
When we asked for directions, people were specific and didn't just wave their hand.
Signs were everywhere. It was nearly impossible to get lost. The escalator even had a sign that said "Up" (as if we couldn't figure that out without assistance).
People smiled and looked me in the eye.
A package of gum cost $.65.
The ticket agents were fast, courteous and efficient.
Shelves of new books filled the bookstore, the latest books.
I could browse in peace, without anyone pressuring me to buy something.
Someone handing out religious literature thought we looked European.

It was great to be back!