Haha, sounds like you got a lot out of your experiences. You're right, some of this applies to Americans as well. But I do think it's fair of me to mention that some Europeans overestimate media as well. ;)

I've met plenty who struggled to realize America is not all like in movies or news, especially because so much media originates in the US. I've got plenty of stories as well so looks like we're all guilty. To me, can't really say one versus the other.

And yes, some Europeans LOVE to stare. 😂