Ice tea
Big skies
Big, impractical dreams that will probably never come to anything but that's not the point (have you noticed all the I-wanna-farm-and-an-alphorn types on here are Americans? Europeans seem to have a much more finely tuned sense of the achievable.)
Peanut butter
Hugs

...starting to get a little homesick now

Oh yes, the hugs. Those warm, cuddly, "I feel you," bear hugs.

Much better than a handshake or the 3 superficial kisses on the cheek on any day.

I'm glad to say they are becoming more popular in Switzerland, especially among the younger generation.

I have a list on my whiteboard at work - it includes:
Beer (microbrews from the northwest)
Being able to pee in the woods without anyone seeing you
Availability of a variety of Ethnic foods in one place
Mountain biking on single track trails
More freedom to do what you think is right the way you think it is right to do it....

But I think the question can be answered in a different way. After living in Switzerland for a year, I've given some thought to what it is that is right in America. I don't think it is our political system - that seems beyond fixing at this point. I don't think it is our corporate world - they are too powerful. Our education system seems to be flailing....

I do think, however, that the people are what is right. Individual freedoms. They take risks with their lives in pursuit of their dreams. They are generally happy - smiling is not uncommon. And I believe in the US, we have many different cultures living together as one. By cultures, I mean the ones that immigrants bring with them, but also the ones that are uniquely American - i.e. California, Texas, New England, southern, mid-west... etc.

And, the National Park system, is stellar.

I third this sentiment!

Affordable Gyms
Spacious Living spaces
Spontaneous Family/Friends get together (often)
Multiple choices of food and everyday things
Costco
Central Air (Summer heat)
A really good tasty meal in nice a restaurant. (affordable)

Good Mexican food
Good BBQ sauce
Clothing and shoes that are not ridiculously over-priced
The feeling that I'm not a mutant for having large boobs (anyone with large boobs who has tried to buy a bra or swimsuit here might know what I'm talking about...)
All-night diners
The ability to buy non-prescription drugs that are NOT sold from behind a counter (e.g. cold medicine)
Halloween and trick-or-treating
Heated swimming pools
Owning a house, acquiring equity and having a yard for kids to play
Employer-paid health insurance... though sadly, that's probably becoming more and more rare

Great wine
National and State parks
Diners for breakfast
Gap
Great places to eat

Yep, I too have a soft spot in my heart for "40s"--that most elegant of beer size.

never tought the "jejeje" would give me away (by the way im mexican) ...and yeah i would love to have jeep here but right now i am tight on the budget thing ... and read somewhere in here that offroading here in switzerland is kind of a no-no


im actually jelaus of kevlegs going to the states and have all the jeep stuff so close to him ... i was a part of the jeepforum and i droll over all the stuff you can buy and do over there

Oh yes, the hugs!

- snow or fall in New England
- The beaches of California
- The happy, easy going and open minded attitude
- the style of making you feel welcome - where ever you go
- pro problem solving, instead of the Swiss attitude of "no, we do not have a problem, it's you and only you"

seems like this could as well be a is a list of whats wrong CH:

people (there are some crazies, but overall good warm people)
open, welcoming society
open living spaces
language (i understand it)
culture of non-discrimination and acceptance of other
unbelievable california weather
driving
dynamism, fast pace
multiculturalism without making such a big fuss about it

The impossibility of ordering breakfast without being asked several questions for every item!

"Wholewheat please. With whipped butter. Over Easy. Cream please. With syrup. Canadian please. Swiss. 2% please. Fresh squeezed........." etc etc

Some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. The national parks in the South-West are simply amazing, Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley & Canyonlands to name a few. All are well worth a visit.

And perhaps , Carrie F's boobs .....

I mean, do they even come in different sizes?

Crispy Creme Doug-nuts and Quiznos sandwiches.

In and Out burger please globalise !

ah, so that is what the "F" stands for.. one learns very day.

Oh, oh..how about Carl's Jr. and Krystal burgers.

Yes, but I usually go by "Suzie Bigguns."