An American Thing - I Guess!

Ok, ever since we joined the Foreign Service, I've noticed something in every country we've been stationed. . .the locals look at me like I am downing a bottle of poison should I ever put ice in my drink. Apparently, much of the world believes that drinks are not meant to be cold and certainly never ever should include ice. Well, I'm not changing my ways on this. Nothing beats a frosty mug, filled with ice and my favorite soda and the ONLY way I enjoy a glass of water is if it is ICE COLD. I guess it is just an American thing, or maybe it's just me?