As mentioned in our previous post, which described our summer wanderings in Europe, this one will focus on our autumn in the US. But not only that, because I would like to delve a bit deeper into what makes this country stand out from all the others. Why so many people want to be part of the “American dream” that they would sometimes risk even their lives to get here? What exactly is the American dream?

Our fall/autumn months have been spent mostly in the state of Missouri, with trips around it, and a recent international getaway to Cancun and then Houston. We have purchased a condo, not as an investment but to settle in, and for the first time ever bought a (used) car as well. While the condo was a very straightforward purchase, car purchase was an uncomfortable experience we were not prepared for. Now, with our wallets thinned out, we are looking forward to a period of saving…just after I seize a Black Friday laptop deal!

When I observe all that, with my outsider perspective, but right now being on the inside, I can say that this consumerism, as shallow as it might seem, is one of the appeals of the USA.

USA is proud of its capitalism and there’s no denying it. It as an “export product” which has, for the lack of better word, infected the majority of the planet as THE ideology to strive for. Even the countries that profess themselves as communist, function as its polar opposite, capitalism. As everything touched by humans and our egos, it is a system equally capable of good and evil.

This pursuit for money, for better or for worse, is what makes the modern world go round, as the figure of the speech goes. But is that the American dream? The accumulation of wealth? The ability to provide for your family? According to the biggest Know-it-all, Google, the American dream is “the ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved.” Equal opportunity for everyone. And even though money is able to take shortcuts, in my experiences I can truly say I believe USA offers, if not equal, then the most even playing field for everyone. With enough willpower, you can accomplish whatever goals you might have. That’s because behind the system, are the people.

Once you pull aside the curtain of politics and Wall Street, behind it you will encounter incredibly caring, genuine and generous human beings.

The state of Missouri, where we are situated, has offered us that and much more. And actually, it has shown us, on a smaller scale, what the whole country exemplifies as its core value – variety.

Variety of wealth, wealth of variety

From the aforementioned consumerism to the selfless people; from a charming St Charles Main Street walkway to the stunning nature of Dogwood Canyon; Missouri as well as the US is built on variety. That variety is the main flavor of this country and what allows it to be a shining beacon to the world. Wealth of this country, be it material, spiritual, intellectual or any other kind, stem from this melting pot where, to quote Aristotle, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.

One special mention has to go to the library system here, which is free and full of (you guessed it!) books, both paper and digital. But it doesn’t stop there – you can borrow movies, shows, comic book, video games and even items like an air fryer or wifi hotspot. Combined with a plethora of events for people of all ages and interactive playgrounds for kids, it makes libraries my favorite place to go to.

I find myself in a unique position, having lived in Asia and Europe, where I can appreciate different aspects of the world and what they offer. For sure, every place in the world will have its intricacies and quirks, especially once that place becomes a home; a place where you witness the details of every day life. Living in Missouri and US is no different. Whatever differences there are with my previous homes, I have grown to appreciate them, good and bad. And I feel, no matter what you might crave, in US it is never far away. Be it a calm and serene forest reminiscent of my Croatian home, or a delicious Asian dish, I have learned where to find them here. In no small part to great people surrounding me. I can’t say I know everyone’s dreams, but I can say one thing. I am living my American dream.