Culture Shock

I was born in a small town in Ukraine during the time of the Soviet Union. As a jewish family, my family was always persecuted and left as soon as the regime fell and we were able to get to America. I observe American culture all around me, even with my immediate family. But when I visit grandparents or have a big family dinner, I see the differences from the typical New York City household. First of all, drinking is a must, whether man woman or child over 15, you must drink and say cheers. This is a very important part of our gettogethers, with toast's said regularly. Otherwise we play with children, eat cold food and salads before hot and we watch T.V. somewhat. Perhaps the foods are different, more bland, although I myself would never eat them as compared to the sushi or burgers I adore. The culture of America is hard to divine, its so mixed with other cultures that I cannot even say what is usual or unusual, however, my household and extended family makes up one part of the vast cultural richness of the United States.