True American experience for international visitors?  How about White Castle…

 This blurb on Brandfreak about endearing images of Twinkies in popular media reminded me of past attempts to showcase our culture to international visitors.  For David from Paris, we spent the week trying to find the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie.  We tried Potbelly’s  (sidenote–best day ever was being at Potbelly’s at closing–they give away any leftover baked goods!), a co-worker swore hers were best, and finally bought the ingredients so that he could learn to bake them and bring the treat back home. 

For Fabio, above, who was on an exchange via Partners of the Americas to learn about the Chicago Latino International Film Festival, we spontaneously popped into White Castle for a ’slider,’ in between the ‘important meetings’ to learn about US Culture.  “Imagine it’s 3 am, and your eating 20 of these, not just one,” I guided, reminiscing high school and college days.

It reminds me of a very endearing exchange between Jon Stewart and then-President Musharraf of Pakistan, where Steward welcomed him to the show by serving tea and Twinkies.  I loved, too, Stewart’s modeling of language, to convey his intent (regarding the tea) just in case he accidentally offended.

 What do/would you show your international/cross cultural visitors?  Can you name three things that are typically “American?”