How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
Jun 6th 2004, 12:37 pm
#46
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
Of course the easy option is to think how americans behave in public then do
the opposite and you will be fine.
)
the opposite and you will be fine.
)
Jun 6th 2004, 12:38 pm
#47
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in
Padraig Breathnach wrote:
> Turlough <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>If the average Yank lost 25 stone, he'd fall through his arsehole and
>>hang himself. 20 years ago or so, I spotted a McDonalds in Dublin. I
>>recall saying to my wife, "Give them a generation or two, and the
>>Europeans will be sporting the huge arses they accuse us of." I should
>>have taken up fortune telling...
>
> So you suggest that it is McDonald's that are responsible?
Not McDonald's per se, but the entire American diet. The results of
studies on 2nd and 3rd generation Oriental-Am's has shown that the
change to a western diet was a leading factor in increased cases of
obesity and diabetes among that group. Urbanization, which usually leads
to a decrease in normal daily exercise, and poverty are also relevant
factors.
Turlough
> Turlough <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>If the average Yank lost 25 stone, he'd fall through his arsehole and
>>hang himself. 20 years ago or so, I spotted a McDonalds in Dublin. I
>>recall saying to my wife, "Give them a generation or two, and the
>>Europeans will be sporting the huge arses they accuse us of." I should
>>have taken up fortune telling...
>
> So you suggest that it is McDonald's that are responsible?
Not McDonald's per se, but the entire American diet. The results of
studies on 2nd and 3rd generation Oriental-Am's has shown that the
change to a western diet was a leading factor in increased cases of
obesity and diabetes among that group. Urbanization, which usually leads
to a decrease in normal daily exercise, and poverty are also relevant
factors.
Turlough
Jun 6th 2004, 12:50 pm
#48
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in
Mean Mr Mustard wrote:
> Unfortunately, I drew the short straw and will be heading to Europe on
> a business trip this summer.
Now *that* was a successful troll -- ironic, subtle and believable.
Congratulations. You must be very proud.
-- Ron
> Unfortunately, I drew the short straw and will be heading to Europe on
> a business trip this summer.
Now *that* was a successful troll -- ironic, subtle and believable.
Congratulations. You must be very proud.
-- Ron
Jun 6th 2004, 12:59 pm
#49
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
On 5 Jun 2004 23:15:24 -0700, [email protected] (Mean Mr Mustard)
wrote:
>Any other suggestions?
Miss your flight.
JRP
wrote:
>Any other suggestions?
Miss your flight.
JRP
Jun 6th 2004, 1:09 pm
#50
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in
" Whoever speaks of Europe is wrong: it is a geographical expression."
Marginal comment on a letter, from the Russian Chancellor Gorchakov.
Otto Von Bismarck November 1876,
The Independent of Clackamas County, Oregon
"The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of
speeches and majority decisions ... but by iron and blood."
(Otto Von Bismarck, Speech, Sept. 30, 1862.)
Marginal comment on a letter, from the Russian Chancellor Gorchakov.
Otto Von Bismarck November 1876,
The Independent of Clackamas County, Oregon
"The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of
speeches and majority decisions ... but by iron and blood."
(Otto Von Bismarck, Speech, Sept. 30, 1862.)
Jun 6th 2004, 1:21 pm
#51
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Welsh Witch" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news
[email protected] op...
<Edwardized>
> Yes!! Why don't you take a Welsh woman with you.
That would have to be the best offer to date on the old Internet.
Now me being too old to travel, I'll not be leaping to my feet and shouting
"LET ME! LET ME!"
But I will, with your kind permission, indulge in a bit of fantasy.
<Fantasy Mode on>
Sigh!
<Fantasy Mode off>
> They have plenty to say in a notably different accent from American and
would like a trip
> abroad:-)
> Just don't wear loud check trousers please! AND hey come
> on....there is more than one sort of English person and not many of us
> would say "fag" at least not unless you're still at school :-)
> I think
> you're being a bit paranoid loads of us LOVE the sunshine American
> people. You'd certainly be very welcome here. Come and have a look at
> Wales! Made me smile at your assessment of your compatriots...Have a nice
> holiday...
news
[email protected] op...<Edwardized>
> Yes!! Why don't you take a Welsh woman with you.
That would have to be the best offer to date on the old Internet.
Now me being too old to travel, I'll not be leaping to my feet and shouting
"LET ME! LET ME!"
But I will, with your kind permission, indulge in a bit of fantasy.
<Fantasy Mode on>
Sigh!
<Fantasy Mode off>
> They have plenty to say in a notably different accent from American and
would like a trip
> abroad:-)
> Just don't wear loud check trousers please! AND hey come
> on....there is more than one sort of English person and not many of us
> would say "fag" at least not unless you're still at school :-)
> I think
> you're being a bit paranoid loads of us LOVE the sunshine American
> people. You'd certainly be very welcome here. Come and have a look at
> Wales! Made me smile at your assessment of your compatriots...Have a nice
> holiday...
Jun 6th 2004, 1:24 pm
#52
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Turlough" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Padraig Breathnach wrote:
> > Turlough <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >
> >>If the average Yank lost 25 stone, he'd fall through his arsehole and
> >>hang himself. 20 years ago or so, I spotted a McDonalds in Dublin. I
> >>recall saying to my wife, "Give them a generation or two, and the
> >>Europeans will be sporting the huge arses they accuse us of." I should
> >>have taken up fortune telling...
> >>
> >
> > So you suggest that it is McDonald's that are responsible?
> Not McDonald's per se, but the entire American diet. The results of
> studies on 2nd and 3rd generation Oriental-Am's has shown that the
> change to a western diet was a leading factor in increased cases of
> obesity and diabetes among that group. Urbanization, which usually leads
> to a decrease in normal daily exercise, and poverty are also relevant
> factors.
But also increased height, Turlough, at least among the Japanese.
Must have something to do with good red meat.
news:[email protected]...
> Padraig Breathnach wrote:
> > Turlough <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >
> >>If the average Yank lost 25 stone, he'd fall through his arsehole and
> >>hang himself. 20 years ago or so, I spotted a McDonalds in Dublin. I
> >>recall saying to my wife, "Give them a generation or two, and the
> >>Europeans will be sporting the huge arses they accuse us of." I should
> >>have taken up fortune telling...
> >>
> >
> > So you suggest that it is McDonald's that are responsible?
> Not McDonald's per se, but the entire American diet. The results of
> studies on 2nd and 3rd generation Oriental-Am's has shown that the
> change to a western diet was a leading factor in increased cases of
> obesity and diabetes among that group. Urbanization, which usually leads
> to a decrease in normal daily exercise, and poverty are also relevant
> factors.
But also increased height, Turlough, at least among the Japanese.
Must have something to do with good red meat.
Jun 6th 2004, 1:55 pm
#53
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
On Sun, 6 Jun 2004 13:35:30 +0100, in rec.travel.europe, "The Rifleman"
<[email protected]> arranged some electrons, so they looked like this :
... > I was watching him on telly at the D-Day remembrance yesterday. He
... > looked like a grinning loon!
...
... He is an inbred grinning loon and so is his shitty son for going to play
... golf instead of going to normandy.
William is playing golf ??
Rifleman La Gaffe... LOL
<[email protected]> arranged some electrons, so they looked like this :
... > I was watching him on telly at the D-Day remembrance yesterday. He
... > looked like a grinning loon!
...
... He is an inbred grinning loon and so is his shitty son for going to play
... golf instead of going to normandy.
William is playing golf ??
Rifleman La Gaffe... LOL
Jun 6th 2004, 2:01 pm
#54
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
[email protected] (Mean Mr Mustard) wrote:
<snip>
>10. Little Canadian flag lapel pin - Last resort, but I think the
>Europeans would just assume I'm an American trying to fool them with a
>little Canadian flag pin.
>Any other suggestions?
11. At least TRY to know your own way around before you ask "can you
help me, I'm an American". Buy a good map, buy a compass.
12. Don't wear complex shoes with all kinds of fiddly bits and colors
on it, keep it simple. I don't recommend sandals.
13. Don't wear white shorts. If you have to wear shorts, choose a darker color.
14. Don't wear a fashionable new sporty bag, use a simple bag or a plastic bag.
15. Don't wear flashy sunglasses, use something more conservative. If you're
not wearing it put it away, don't put it on your head.
16. Leave your intricate big sports watch at home, choose a plain model.
17. Don't wear jewelry.
18. Don't be fat !
19. Travel in a smaller car.
20. Don't over do your hair.
21. Try to pretend you know what you're doing. You can always spot an
American from the look of their eyes: like a small wild animal lost
in a scary big world. Don't be scared. If you have to, first try to
figure out where all the shops and eating establishments are, being
an American: once you can forage you'll probably feel more relaxed
and we'll notice that. :-) Another great way to avoid looking lost
is knowing a few things about Europe. Clue: it's not much different
from the USA.
22. Leave all your pistols home (they're illegal here.)
23. Be polite. If someone helps you that is just out of his goodness,
and not your right to demand as "an American". Try to show you appreciate
the trouble someone is putting in for you by trying to limit that
trouble: pay close attention when people talk to you. Don't over do the
thank-you's afterwards.
24. Figure out in which parts of Europe waiters expect a tip and in which
they don't, and how much. In Holland it is not costume, though it will
be appreciated.
25. Don't wear the American flag, don't wear articles with "sports" written
on them. We may wear them, but if you do that is too much of a giveaway.
26. NEVER walk to the fridge in someone else's home, and take what you need
not even with friends (unless they're American).
If you want something, say something like "shouldn't we get something
to eat ?". Or "I'm thirsty, can i drink something ?." Or "I'm thirsty,
do you have some water ?".
27. When you go to the McDonald's, order medium or small drink, not large.
28. Don't be seen drinking soft-drinks at all in public. Drink coffee or tea
instead. When you want to eat in public, emphasize the coziness of the
experience, not the feeding frenzy.
29. Don't be too hysterical.
--
<snip>
>10. Little Canadian flag lapel pin - Last resort, but I think the
>Europeans would just assume I'm an American trying to fool them with a
>little Canadian flag pin.
>Any other suggestions?
11. At least TRY to know your own way around before you ask "can you
help me, I'm an American". Buy a good map, buy a compass.
12. Don't wear complex shoes with all kinds of fiddly bits and colors
on it, keep it simple. I don't recommend sandals.
13. Don't wear white shorts. If you have to wear shorts, choose a darker color.
14. Don't wear a fashionable new sporty bag, use a simple bag or a plastic bag.
15. Don't wear flashy sunglasses, use something more conservative. If you're
not wearing it put it away, don't put it on your head.
16. Leave your intricate big sports watch at home, choose a plain model.
17. Don't wear jewelry.
18. Don't be fat !
19. Travel in a smaller car.
20. Don't over do your hair.
21. Try to pretend you know what you're doing. You can always spot an
American from the look of their eyes: like a small wild animal lost
in a scary big world. Don't be scared. If you have to, first try to
figure out where all the shops and eating establishments are, being
an American: once you can forage you'll probably feel more relaxed
and we'll notice that. :-) Another great way to avoid looking lost
is knowing a few things about Europe. Clue: it's not much different
from the USA.
22. Leave all your pistols home (they're illegal here.)
23. Be polite. If someone helps you that is just out of his goodness,
and not your right to demand as "an American". Try to show you appreciate
the trouble someone is putting in for you by trying to limit that
trouble: pay close attention when people talk to you. Don't over do the
thank-you's afterwards.
24. Figure out in which parts of Europe waiters expect a tip and in which
they don't, and how much. In Holland it is not costume, though it will
be appreciated.
25. Don't wear the American flag, don't wear articles with "sports" written
on them. We may wear them, but if you do that is too much of a giveaway.
26. NEVER walk to the fridge in someone else's home, and take what you need
not even with friends (unless they're American).
If you want something, say something like "shouldn't we get something
to eat ?". Or "I'm thirsty, can i drink something ?." Or "I'm thirsty,
do you have some water ?".
27. When you go to the McDonald's, order medium or small drink, not large.
28. Don't be seen drinking soft-drinks at all in public. Drink coffee or tea
instead. When you want to eat in public, emphasize the coziness of the
experience, not the feeding frenzy.
29. Don't be too hysterical.
--
Jun 6th 2004, 2:15 pm
#55
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in
It is obvious from your lest and probably you demeanor that you are an
"American," so there is no point in trying to hide it.
In general, people don't mind you being an "American" as much as people
mind being insulted. Pay attention to people and be courteous and
people will reciprocate.
John Mullen
Mean Mr Mustard wrote:
>
> Unfortunately, I drew the short straw and will be heading to Europe on
> a business trip this summer. Now my primary concern is just making
> sure I get through this trip and back to the US safely in one piece.
> I figure this will be a challenging task with all the reports of
> anti-American protests and assaults on American tourists.
>
> That said I'm trying to compile a list of tactics that will prevent me
> from being a target:
>
> 1. Never dress casual - I figure most Americans can be spotted a mile
> away by something "wrong" with their wardrobe. Tailored English suit
> should help keep me out of trouble.
> 2. No shouting or raised voices - Always speak at a level tone
> 3. Show no emotion – No laughing, no smiling, no signs of frustration
> or desperation.
> 4. Do not leave the hotel except for business – When the business
> meetings are over, head straight back to the hotel and stay there.
> 5. No American greetings – "Hey", "Hi", "Howdy" and "Yo" are banned.
> 6. No hand gestures when talking – especially no pointing
> 7. Walk upright; do not flail arms too wildly when walking.
> 8. "Bob's Your Uncle" – Rumor has it that this phrase will stop an on
> coming mob of hooligans in their tracks but I haven't confirmed this?
> 9. Correct words - "petrol" instead of "gas" or "fag" instead of
> "cigarrette"
> 10. Little Canadian flag lapel pin - Last resort, but I think the
> Europeans would just assume I'm an American trying to fool them with a
> little Canadian flag pin.
>
> Any other suggestions?
"American," so there is no point in trying to hide it.
In general, people don't mind you being an "American" as much as people
mind being insulted. Pay attention to people and be courteous and
people will reciprocate.
John Mullen
Mean Mr Mustard wrote:
>
> Unfortunately, I drew the short straw and will be heading to Europe on
> a business trip this summer. Now my primary concern is just making
> sure I get through this trip and back to the US safely in one piece.
> I figure this will be a challenging task with all the reports of
> anti-American protests and assaults on American tourists.
>
> That said I'm trying to compile a list of tactics that will prevent me
> from being a target:
>
> 1. Never dress casual - I figure most Americans can be spotted a mile
> away by something "wrong" with their wardrobe. Tailored English suit
> should help keep me out of trouble.
> 2. No shouting or raised voices - Always speak at a level tone
> 3. Show no emotion – No laughing, no smiling, no signs of frustration
> or desperation.
> 4. Do not leave the hotel except for business – When the business
> meetings are over, head straight back to the hotel and stay there.
> 5. No American greetings – "Hey", "Hi", "Howdy" and "Yo" are banned.
> 6. No hand gestures when talking – especially no pointing
> 7. Walk upright; do not flail arms too wildly when walking.
> 8. "Bob's Your Uncle" – Rumor has it that this phrase will stop an on
> coming mob of hooligans in their tracks but I haven't confirmed this?
> 9. Correct words - "petrol" instead of "gas" or "fag" instead of
> "cigarrette"
> 10. Little Canadian flag lapel pin - Last resort, but I think the
> Europeans would just assume I'm an American trying to fool them with a
> little Canadian flag pin.
>
> Any other suggestions?
Jun 6th 2004, 2:21 pm
#56
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
What's wrong with being American?
If someone has a problem with that then that is their own problem not
yours.
While In Europe stick in white, Christian, European zones, avoid
ghettos, Arabs or anyone who looks a little dusky, wears a long shirt
and is ticking.
If in Britain avoid parts of big cities, such as Manningham in
Bradford, Glodwick in Oldham, anywhere in Birmingham etc, they have
many Muslims and the police are not allowed to give assistance if you
are accosted.
You should in general be OK in Europe with Europeans and the British.
Good luck.
If someone has a problem with that then that is their own problem not
yours.
While In Europe stick in white, Christian, European zones, avoid
ghettos, Arabs or anyone who looks a little dusky, wears a long shirt
and is ticking.
If in Britain avoid parts of big cities, such as Manningham in
Bradford, Glodwick in Oldham, anywhere in Birmingham etc, they have
many Muslims and the police are not allowed to give assistance if you
are accosted.
You should in general be OK in Europe with Europeans and the British.
Good luck.
Jun 6th 2004, 2:24 pm
#57
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
On Sun, 06 Jun 2004 15:55:30 +0200, Magda wrote:
> On Sun, 6 Jun 2004 13:35:30 +0100, in rec.travel.europe, "The Rifleman"
> <[email protected]> arranged some electrons, so they looked like this :
>
>
> ... > I was watching him on telly at the D-Day remembrance yesterday. He
> ... > looked like a grinning loon!
> ...
> ... He is an inbred grinning loon and so is his shitty son for going to play
> ... golf instead of going to normandy.
>
> William is playing golf ??
Can Billy really play?
> On Sun, 6 Jun 2004 13:35:30 +0100, in rec.travel.europe, "The Rifleman"
> <[email protected]> arranged some electrons, so they looked like this :
>
>
> ... > I was watching him on telly at the D-Day remembrance yesterday. He
> ... > looked like a grinning loon!
> ...
> ... He is an inbred grinning loon and so is his shitty son for going to play
> ... golf instead of going to normandy.
>
> William is playing golf ??
Can Billy really play?
Jun 6th 2004, 2:45 pm
#58
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
On 5 Jun 2004 23:15:24 -0700, [email protected] (Mean Mr Mustard)
typed:
>Unfortunately, I drew the short straw and will be heading to Europe on
>a business trip this summer. Now my primary concern is just making
>sure I get through this trip and back to the US safely in one piece.
>I figure this will be a challenging task with all the reports of
>anti-American protests and assaults on American tourists.
depends on the country....
in some, the best thing for you to do would be to paint
a broad yellow stripe down your back.....
or perhaps you are already provided....
if you don't know in which countries this is appropriate...stay home....
--
web site at www.abelard.org - news and comment service, logic,
energy, education, politics, etc >750,000 document calls yearly
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
all that is necessary for [] walk quietly and carry
the triumph of evil is that [] a big stick.
good people do nothing [] trust actions not words
only when it's funny -- roger rabbit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
typed:
>Unfortunately, I drew the short straw and will be heading to Europe on
>a business trip this summer. Now my primary concern is just making
>sure I get through this trip and back to the US safely in one piece.
>I figure this will be a challenging task with all the reports of
>anti-American protests and assaults on American tourists.
depends on the country....
in some, the best thing for you to do would be to paint
a broad yellow stripe down your back.....
or perhaps you are already provided....
if you don't know in which countries this is appropriate...stay home....
--
web site at www.abelard.org - news and comment service, logic,
energy, education, politics, etc >750,000 document calls yearly
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
all that is necessary for [] walk quietly and carry
the triumph of evil is that [] a big stick.
good people do nothing [] trust actions not words
only when it's funny -- roger rabbit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jun 6th 2004, 2:48 pm
#59
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Maria" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 6 Jun 2004 09:49:45 +0100, "The Rifleman"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >> >
> >> >Any other suggestions?
> >>
> >> Grow some balls and walk like a man
> >
> >That is something we Brits would respect.
> >
> >
> What is 'walking like a man'? John Wayne?
Hell no!, he didn't walk he minced:-)))))))
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 6 Jun 2004 09:49:45 +0100, "The Rifleman"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >> >
> >> >Any other suggestions?
> >>
> >> Grow some balls and walk like a man
> >
> >That is something we Brits would respect.
> >
> >
> What is 'walking like a man'? John Wayne?
Hell no!, he didn't walk he minced:-)))))))
Jun 6th 2004, 2:50 pm
#60
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Mean Mr Mustard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Unfortunately, I drew the short straw and will be heading to Europe on
> a business trip this summer. Now my primary concern is just making
> sure I get through this trip and back to the US safely in one piece.
> I figure this will be a challenging task with all the reports of
> anti-American protests and assaults on American tourists.
> That said I'm trying to compile a list of tactics that will prevent me
> from being a target:
> 1. Never dress casual - I figure most Americans can be spotted a mile
> away by something "wrong" with their wardrobe. Tailored English suit
> should help keep me out of trouble.
> 2. No shouting or raised voices - Always speak at a level tone
> 3. Show no emotion - No laughing, no smiling, no signs of frustration
> or desperation.
> 4. Do not leave the hotel except for business - When the business
> meetings are over, head straight back to the hotel and stay there.
> 5. No American greetings - "Hey", "Hi", "Howdy" and "Yo" are banned.
> 6. No hand gestures when talking - especially no pointing
> 7. Walk upright; do not flail arms too wildly when walking.
> 8. "Bob's Your Uncle" - Rumor has it that this phrase will stop an on
> coming mob of hooligans in their tracks but I haven't confirmed this?
> 9. Correct words - "petrol" instead of "gas" or "fag" instead of
> "cigarrette"
> 10. Little Canadian flag lapel pin - Last resort, but I think the
> Europeans would just assume I'm an American trying to fool them with a
> little Canadian flag pin.
> Any other suggestions?
What assaults on American tourists? I spend three months a year in Europe
and have never seen this. You should stay home until you grow some balls.
Your disgusting and an embarrassment to all real Americans.
Ryan
news:[email protected]...
> Unfortunately, I drew the short straw and will be heading to Europe on
> a business trip this summer. Now my primary concern is just making
> sure I get through this trip and back to the US safely in one piece.
> I figure this will be a challenging task with all the reports of
> anti-American protests and assaults on American tourists.
> That said I'm trying to compile a list of tactics that will prevent me
> from being a target:
> 1. Never dress casual - I figure most Americans can be spotted a mile
> away by something "wrong" with their wardrobe. Tailored English suit
> should help keep me out of trouble.
> 2. No shouting or raised voices - Always speak at a level tone
> 3. Show no emotion - No laughing, no smiling, no signs of frustration
> or desperation.
> 4. Do not leave the hotel except for business - When the business
> meetings are over, head straight back to the hotel and stay there.
> 5. No American greetings - "Hey", "Hi", "Howdy" and "Yo" are banned.
> 6. No hand gestures when talking - especially no pointing
> 7. Walk upright; do not flail arms too wildly when walking.
> 8. "Bob's Your Uncle" - Rumor has it that this phrase will stop an on
> coming mob of hooligans in their tracks but I haven't confirmed this?
> 9. Correct words - "petrol" instead of "gas" or "fag" instead of
> "cigarrette"
> 10. Little Canadian flag lapel pin - Last resort, but I think the
> Europeans would just assume I'm an American trying to fool them with a
> little Canadian flag pin.
> Any other suggestions?
What assaults on American tourists? I spend three months a year in Europe
and have never seen this. You should stay home until you grow some balls.
Your disgusting and an embarrassment to all real Americans.
Ryan