Most of the time I feel like US or UK people are fake, because of all the forced smalltalk.

Yes, this is their culture and I respect it, but I just don't feel comfortable with it :/

I must live in a different part of the UK than you, because I rarely get any small talk. Yes, they do come and ask if everything's okay, but that's it really.

When I visited the US it was like every 5mins asking if I wanted anything else, a drink, etc., etc.

I thought small talk was illegal in the UK.

Never heard the UK accused of forced small talk before.

The US on the other hand...

Having to wait a much longer time till waiters acknowledge you in the German-speaking countries is certainly a bigger part of it than the smiling or lack there of.

Is that just "design" of the culture though? If you're working 20% less of the time you've more time to relax; perhaps then you don't need to stress if you've a little more time to chat before your strudel arrives.

Personally I hate it when you've only just sat down and the waiter is asking what you want, especially if it's a big menu and you've arrived at a meal time.

And I hate when you have to wait 20 min for the "garcon de cafee" to even notice you have finished and want the bill.

Right, you can tell an early waiter you need a couple more minutes, but you can't (easily) tell a late waiter to come early.

What's even more annoying than them not coming on their own is that they actively try to avoid eye contact.