When you first arrive in Europe from overseas – especially from the US of A – you’ll surely be very excited about all the new things you’ll see, all the new experiences you’ll absorb, and all the great foods and beverages you’ll try. You expect to experience a new world – and you won’t be disappointed. There are, in turn, quite a few things that will surprise you – and some of them won’t be pleasant surprises. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Old buildings everywhere
Most of the major European cities have histories that stretch over millennia. For the first time visitor, this usually translates into tons of old buildings – churches, palaces, forts, and castles – to see. What may sound as a surprise is that many of these buildings are still in use – some of them are landmarks or are used as they were originally supposed to (churches, for example). Some of them are schools, libraries, institutions. Others have apartments inside them, with people living and working behind the ancient walls.
2. No casinos – mostly
Most major cities in the US have at least one casino resort attached to them. The US has the highest number of land-based casinos at a global scale – there were over 1,500 of them in the country in 2013. Things are very different in Europe.
One of the reasons for this surprising lack of gambling destinations is probably the widespread use of online casinos. Residents of most European countries can freely play all Royal Vegas Casino games from home, or on their smartphones, whenever they feel like it. The Royal Vegas provides players with a convenient alternative to land-based gambling, easy to use and completely safe. It is a regulated operator, running under an EU-based license, which makes it available in most European countries. The Royal Vegas does not claim to be equal to a land-based casino, but it satisfies the players’ gaming needs in a simple and accessible way. And that’s what most Royal Vegas players are looking for.
3. The legal age is 18
Unlike in the US, in Europe, the legal age for drinking, voting, getting married, gambling, and driving a car. And the youngsters of Europe do make the best of their early freedom to drink, drive, and party.
4. Food can be very cheap
If you happen to visit a city away from the main tourist circuit, you will be surprised at how cheap food can be – especially in Eastern Europe. In Romania, for example, the average cost of a menu at an eatery will set you back about $3 – and this covers a three-course meal, complete with soup, main course, and most often a dessert.
5. Asian food is bad
In most European countries, the Asian food you can come across is far worse than what you may be used to. To avoid being disappointed, avoid Asian food, and stick with the local dishes – you will be surprised how filling and tasty they can be.