This has been why I have enjoyed living and working in Europe (DE and CH): high-quality windows to be opened at a moment's notice at home or in the office.

I agree, the small “people” in other continents don’t truly enjoy the atmosphere in the same way that we do, with the highest quality windows demonstrating the apex of European craftsmanship. Air just doesn’t feel the same when it’s being wafted through a lesser window in an inferior continent.

I heard that other places don’t have toilets, opening windows, or even the opera!

They may have been referring to "tilt and turn" style windows (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT8eBjlcT8s) which I saw everywhere in Germany but I've never seen in the US.

Too bad, they're pretty great.

Most office and hotel buildings in the US can't be opened for fresh air. In Germany, they can. Mostly because AC is not a given for every building.

I am in Austria, in a very modern building, and I believe every second window is blocked, I have never seen where all windows would be blocked.