How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
Jun 6th 2004, 4:34 pm
#76
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in
I'll just be me wherever I go.
"Be what you is, not what you is not." :-)
"Be what you is, not what you is not." :-)
Jun 6th 2004, 4:35 pm
#77
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Peter File" <[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.
> Lose some weight.
> Try to remember that in Europe we don't have 30lb steaks for dinner.
> Drive a car that is more economical then a 15 ton SUV that does around 10
> gallons to the mile.
> When entering a sports bar, never ask if thay can put on the baseball.
Wow, you've got a well researched opinion of the average
American. <snicker>
BfB
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.
> Lose some weight.
> Try to remember that in Europe we don't have 30lb steaks for dinner.
> Drive a car that is more economical then a 15 ton SUV that does around 10
> gallons to the mile.
> When entering a sports bar, never ask if thay can put on the baseball.
Wow, you've got a well researched opinion of the average
American. <snicker>
BfB
Jun 6th 2004, 4:35 pm
#78
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
> >
> > Please could you cite a a report regarding attacks on American
> > tourists?
> >
> Ugly sentiments sting American tourists
> By Marco R. della Cava, USA TODAY
>
> "I'd say one in three conversations wound up the same way, basically that
> 'America is the devil.'
>
> But if you're heading overseas, be prepared to have it. Again and again. If
> the past 100 years were widely considered the American Century, this new one
> is fast shaping up as the Anti-American Century.
> http://tinyurl.com/6twj
>
Ho, sure... But people who criticize Bush and other americans for
unjustified, excessive use of physical force are not going to use
force themselves, usually.
Looks like violent people just cannot imagine others may really
be different...
> > Please could you cite a a report regarding attacks on American
> > tourists?
> >
> Ugly sentiments sting American tourists
> By Marco R. della Cava, USA TODAY
>
> "I'd say one in three conversations wound up the same way, basically that
> 'America is the devil.'
>
> But if you're heading overseas, be prepared to have it. Again and again. If
> the past 100 years were widely considered the American Century, this new one
> is fast shaping up as the Anti-American Century.
> http://tinyurl.com/6twj
>
Ho, sure... But people who criticize Bush and other americans for
unjustified, excessive use of physical force are not going to use
force themselves, usually.
Looks like violent people just cannot imagine others may really
be different...
Jun 6th 2004, 4:36 pm
#79
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in
On-Liner wrote:
> "JohnT" wrote
>
>
>>15. Order beer in McDonalds, NOT coffee.
>
>
> Wrong way round.
>
> UK McD's don't serve beer.
>
> Mind you, they barely serve edible food either - or is that McD's in
> general?
>
>
>
They do, or so I'm told, sell beer in some French and German McD's.
I've never tested the truth of this since they sell beer in lots of
other places in France and Germany, too.
Steve
> "JohnT" wrote
>
>
>>15. Order beer in McDonalds, NOT coffee.
>
>
> Wrong way round.
>
> UK McD's don't serve beer.
>
> Mind you, they barely serve edible food either - or is that McD's in
> general?
>
>
>
They do, or so I'm told, sell beer in some French and German McD's.
I've never tested the truth of this since they sell beer in lots of
other places in France and Germany, too.
Steve
Jun 6th 2004, 4:41 pm
#80
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in
Magda wrote:
> On Sun, 06 Jun 2004 11:10:03 +0100, in rec.travel.europe, Padraig Breathnach
> <[email protected]> arranged some electrons, so they looked like this :
>
> ... "pencil" <[email protected]> wrote:
> ...
> ... >
> ... >"Mean Mr Mustard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> ... >news:[email protected]...
> ...
> ... >> Any other suggestions?
> ... >
> ... >Lose about 25 stones.
> ... >
> ... That doesn't mean "get your rocks off". Brits have quaint systems of
> ... weights and measures.
>
> 25 stones = 158.7573 Kg.
>
Don't try to confuse Americans by using metric. Twenty five stone = 350lb.
Steve
> On Sun, 06 Jun 2004 11:10:03 +0100, in rec.travel.europe, Padraig Breathnach
> <[email protected]> arranged some electrons, so they looked like this :
>
> ... "pencil" <[email protected]> wrote:
> ...
> ... >
> ... >"Mean Mr Mustard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> ... >news:[email protected]...
> ...
> ... >> Any other suggestions?
> ... >
> ... >Lose about 25 stones.
> ... >
> ... That doesn't mean "get your rocks off". Brits have quaint systems of
> ... weights and measures.
>
> 25 stones = 158.7573 Kg.
>
Don't try to confuse Americans by using metric. Twenty five stone = 350lb.
Steve
Jun 6th 2004, 4:44 pm
#81
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"The Rifleman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> And I still say leave your American kids at home
)
That one I have to agree with. Except for my grandson, who is
at four, already an experienced world traveler, and a well behaved
representative of America. (imho)
BfB
news:[email protected]...
> And I still say leave your American kids at home
)That one I have to agree with. Except for my grandson, who is
at four, already an experienced world traveler, and a well behaved
representative of America. (imho)
BfB
Jun 6th 2004, 4:52 pm
#82
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
On Sun, 06 Jun 2004 17:41:48 +0100, in rec.travel.europe, Stephen Glynn
<[email protected]> arranged some electrons, so they looked like this :
...
... Don't try to confuse Americans by using metric. Twenty five stone = 350lb.
...
... Steve
I'm always amazed that they count the *time* like the rest of us...
Of course, they live months before living days, but it's their problem. ;-)
<[email protected]> arranged some electrons, so they looked like this :
...
... Don't try to confuse Americans by using metric. Twenty five stone = 350lb.
...
... Steve
I'm always amazed that they count the *time* like the rest of us...
Of course, they live months before living days, but it's their problem. ;-)
Jun 6th 2004, 4:52 pm
#83
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?
---------
Wearing a ten gallon hat and addressing people as "buddy" while chewing gum
would probably be a bad idea. Another bad move would be assuming that Europe
consists entirely of south-east England, as you have done.
--
You are Not entering Chapeltown.
We walk on two legs, the one abstract
the other surreal.
All important political action should be
aimed at persuading people of the
necessity of further sacrifices.
- Ardian Vehbiu, "Handbook for
Aspiring Stalinists"
--
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?
---------
Wearing a ten gallon hat and addressing people as "buddy" while chewing gum
would probably be a bad idea. Another bad move would be assuming that Europe
consists entirely of south-east England, as you have done.
--
You are Not entering Chapeltown.
We walk on two legs, the one abstract
the other surreal.
All important political action should be
aimed at persuading people of the
necessity of further sacrifices.
- Ardian Vehbiu, "Handbook for
Aspiring Stalinists"
--
Jun 6th 2004, 5:02 pm
#84
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Magda" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 06 Jun 2004 11:10:03 +0100, in rec.travel.europe, Padraig
Breathnach
> <[email protected]> arranged some electrons, so they looked like this
:
> ... "pencil" <[email protected]> wrote:
> ...
> ... >
> ... >"Mean Mr Mustard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> ... >news:[email protected]...
> ...
> ... >> Any other suggestions?
> ... >
> ... >Lose about 25 stones.
> ... >
> ... That doesn't mean "get your rocks off". Brits have quaint systems of
> ... weights and measures.
> 25 stones = 158.7573 Kg. =349.999935 pound
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 06 Jun 2004 11:10:03 +0100, in rec.travel.europe, Padraig
Breathnach
> <[email protected]> arranged some electrons, so they looked like this
:
> ... "pencil" <[email protected]> wrote:
> ...
> ... >
> ... >"Mean Mr Mustard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> ... >news:[email protected]...
> ...
> ... >> Any other suggestions?
> ... >
> ... >Lose about 25 stones.
> ... >
> ... That doesn't mean "get your rocks off". Brits have quaint systems of
> ... weights and measures.
> 25 stones = 158.7573 Kg. =349.999935 pound
Jun 6th 2004, 5:04 pm
#85
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:
>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?
Never refer to your trousers as pants.
Better yet; wear a kilt.
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?
Never refer to your trousers as pants.
Better yet; wear a kilt.
Jun 6th 2004, 5:12 pm
#86
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
> > > 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.
> >
> > Lose some weight.
> > Try to remember that in Europe we don't have 30lb steaks for dinner.
> > Drive a car that is more economical then a 15 ton SUV that does around
10
> > gallons to the mile.
> > When entering a sports bar, never ask if thay can put on the baseball.
> >
> Wow, you've got a well researched opinion of the average
> American. <snicker>
Bloody hell, this thread is only meant to be a bit of fun. I hate all people
equally, whether American, French, German, Algerian, Thai..................
> > > 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.
> >
> > Lose some weight.
> > Try to remember that in Europe we don't have 30lb steaks for dinner.
> > Drive a car that is more economical then a 15 ton SUV that does around
10
> > gallons to the mile.
> > When entering a sports bar, never ask if thay can put on the baseball.
> >
> Wow, you've got a well researched opinion of the average
> American. <snicker>
Bloody hell, this thread is only meant to be a bit of fun. I hate all people
equally, whether American, French, German, Algerian, Thai..................
Jun 6th 2004, 5:15 pm
#87
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Stephen Glynn" wrote
> On-Liner wrote:
> > "JohnT" wrote
> >
> >>15. Order beer in McDonalds, NOT coffee.
> >
> >
> > Wrong way round.
> >
> > UK McD's don't serve beer.
> >
> > Mind you, they barely serve edible food either - or is that McD's in
> > general?
> >
> >
> They do, or so I'm told, sell beer in some French and German McD's.
> I've never tested the truth of this since they sell beer in lots of
> other places in France and Germany, too.
Probably. It's just the UK where the Government is stupid enough to think
that it's fine to drink beer in the half of the building designated as a bar
but not in the other half because it's designated as a food retailer. You
know, like it makes a difference.
.
> On-Liner wrote:
> > "JohnT" wrote
> >
> >>15. Order beer in McDonalds, NOT coffee.
> >
> >
> > Wrong way round.
> >
> > UK McD's don't serve beer.
> >
> > Mind you, they barely serve edible food either - or is that McD's in
> > general?
> >
> >
> They do, or so I'm told, sell beer in some French and German McD's.
> I've never tested the truth of this since they sell beer in lots of
> other places in France and Germany, too.
Probably. It's just the UK where the Government is stupid enough to think
that it's fine to drink beer in the half of the building designated as a bar
but not in the other half because it's designated as a food retailer. You
know, like it makes a difference.
.
Jun 6th 2004, 5:25 pm
#88
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"John P. Mullen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> 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.
What is obvious from his post is that he is a troll.
What is obvious from your post is that you're a xenophobic bigot.
> 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?
news:[email protected]...
> 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.
What is obvious from his post is that he is a troll.
What is obvious from your post is that you're a xenophobic bigot.
> 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, 5:30 pm
#89
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Ryan B" <[email protected]> wrote:
>"Mean Mr Mustard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> 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.
I'd prefer an American who attempts to amuse to one who fails to see a
joke.
--
PB
The return address has been MUNGED
>"Mean Mr Mustard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> 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.
I'd prefer an American who attempts to amuse to one who fails to see a
joke.
--
PB
The return address has been MUNGED
Jun 6th 2004, 5:31 pm
#90
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"On-Liner" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
...
> Probably. It's just the UK where the Government is stupid enough to think
> that it's fine to drink beer in the half of the building designated as a
bar
> but not in the other half because it's designated as a food retailer. You
> know, like it makes a difference.
FSVO UK.
Dublin supermarkets now have delays while the 17-year-old checkout girl has
to call her supervisor to sell a bottle of wine. If she celebrates the end
of her shift by getting legless on cider that's a different matter.
J/
SOTW: "Shake Some Action" - The Flaming Groovies
news:[email protected]...
...
> Probably. It's just the UK where the Government is stupid enough to think
> that it's fine to drink beer in the half of the building designated as a
bar
> but not in the other half because it's designated as a food retailer. You
> know, like it makes a difference.
FSVO UK.
Dublin supermarkets now have delays while the 17-year-old checkout girl has
to call her supervisor to sell a bottle of wine. If she celebrates the end
of her shift by getting legless on cider that's a different matter.
J/
SOTW: "Shake Some Action" - The Flaming Groovies