An American woman traveling with her family in India is going viral as she perceives the cultural contrasts between the two countries. Anna Haakenson, a mother of two, spent two and a half months exploring India – and says she expected differences but didn’t realize how different everyday life would be.
In the popular Instagram post, Haakenson highlighted everything from eating habits to family structures — sparking a lively discussion online.
9 Differences American Family Noticed
In America, honking signals anger; in India it’s more like — “Hi, I’m here, please move”.
“Spicy” in the US = mild heat.
“Spicy” in India = can result in a digestive adventure for foreigners.
Haakenson says Americans can act like you don’t exist — but in India, people want to know immediately where you’re from and where you’re going.
Where appropriate, in many parts of India – according to her post.
USA: Follow the rules, drive individually.
India: A system of “controlled chaos” understood only by locals.
India: Heat, monsoon and ‘surprising extra heat’.
Quiet Churches in America Vs. temples and festivals that can dominate entire cities in India.
Everything seems expensive in the US, he writes, but India felt much more accessible for everyday life.
single-family homes in the US; several generations living together in India.
“It’s True” — Social Media Matters
Haakenson’s post has now crossed nearly four million views, with many Indians agreeing — and offers other points she “missed” about the country’s quirks and charms.
One user wrote: “I knew India would be different, but I didn’t know how much!”
Another user wrote: “Thanks for sharing the differences you noticed! Even though I didn’t live in India, I knew all about it from being there.”
“You’ve only seen temples, here are mosques, a church, a gurudwara and a jinalaya,” a third user wrote on Instagram.
