How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
Jun 6th 2004, 5:33 pm
#91
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 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...
They don't. Notice how it's 9/11, not 11/9.
J/
SOTW: "Shake Some Action" - The Flaming Groovies
news:[email protected]...
> 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...
They don't. Notice how it's 9/11, not 11/9.
J/
SOTW: "Shake Some Action" - The Flaming Groovies
Jun 6th 2004, 5:36 pm
#92
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
On Sun, 06 Jun 2004 09:20:46 +0100, Welsh Witch <[email protected]>
wrote:
>On Sat, 05 Jun 2004 23:15:24 -0700, 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?
>************************************************* ***********
>Yes!! Why don't you take a Welsh woman with you. 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...
>***************************
Wales is very nice. Just dont try to pronounce any of the place
names. While the resulting trip to the hospitals emergency ward will
be free..its so undignified when they use a crowbar to straighten out
your jaw and tounge and a mallet to adjust the crossed eyes.
Some mighty pretty women in Wales also, though I couldnt say how their
bedroom arts are.
Gunner
That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's
cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays
there.
- George Orwell
wrote:
>On Sat, 05 Jun 2004 23:15:24 -0700, 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?
>************************************************* ***********
>Yes!! Why don't you take a Welsh woman with you. 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...
>***************************
Wales is very nice. Just dont try to pronounce any of the place
names. While the resulting trip to the hospitals emergency ward will
be free..its so undignified when they use a crowbar to straighten out
your jaw and tounge and a mallet to adjust the crossed eyes.
Some mighty pretty women in Wales also, though I couldnt say how their
bedroom arts are.
Gunner
That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's
cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays
there.
- George Orwell
Jun 6th 2004, 5:37 pm
#93
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in
Hi On-Liner,
Well, I've seen similar stupid laws here, in the USA, too.
John Mullen
On-Liner wrote:
>
> "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.
>
> .
Well, I've seen similar stupid laws here, in the USA, too.
John Mullen
On-Liner wrote:
>
> "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.
>
> .
Jun 6th 2004, 5:38 pm
#94
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"jos boersema" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> [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.
That's all well and good, but European cities don't have things like a
street that heads West. The block system doesn't apply.
Trouble is, that's as much a problem with directions as with maps.
...
> 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.
Americans are polite, in their own terms (of course, that means something
different in NY to NM).
In fact, most people are polite. They just seem rude to people who come from
somewhere else.
> 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.
Nobody objects to being tipped, except sometimes the police.
...
J/
SOTW: "Shake Some Action" - The Flaming Groovies
news:[email protected]...
> [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.
That's all well and good, but European cities don't have things like a
street that heads West. The block system doesn't apply.
Trouble is, that's as much a problem with directions as with maps.
...
> 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.
Americans are polite, in their own terms (of course, that means something
different in NY to NM).
In fact, most people are polite. They just seem rude to people who come from
somewhere else.
> 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.
Nobody objects to being tipped, except sometimes the police.
...
J/
SOTW: "Shake Some Action" - The Flaming Groovies
Jun 6th 2004, 5:46 pm
#95
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
I always see Canadians wearing a back pack with a HUGE maple leaf patch sewn
on the back. Meaning, "I'm a white Anglo, even though I have no European
accent I'm and NOT AMERICAN."
After all, Canadians are European, not North Americans. Just look at there
money.
God save the queen!
--
http://home.earthlink.net/~harp357/
"A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man."
- Jebidiah Springfield
______________________________________
All outgoing messages scanned to be virus free
by NIS 2004.
"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?
on the back. Meaning, "I'm a white Anglo, even though I have no European
accent I'm and NOT AMERICAN."
After all, Canadians are European, not North Americans. Just look at there
money.
God save the queen!
--
http://home.earthlink.net/~harp357/
"A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man."
- Jebidiah Springfield
______________________________________
All outgoing messages scanned to be virus free
by NIS 2004.
"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?
Jun 6th 2004, 5:56 pm
#96
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]...
> pencil wrote:
> >
> > Lose about 25 stones.
> 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...
> Turlough
<snickle>
news:[email protected]...
> pencil wrote:
> >
> > Lose about 25 stones.
> 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...
> Turlough
<snickle>
Jun 6th 2004, 5:57 pm
#97
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Rick" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'll just be me wherever I go.
> "Be what you is, not what you is not." :-)
"I've just gotta be me!"
news:[email protected]...
> I'll just be me wherever I go.
> "Be what you is, not what you is not." :-)
"I've just gotta be me!"
Jun 6th 2004, 5:57 pm
#98
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Padraig Breathnach" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news
[email protected]...
> 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?
> --
The fat asses don't take responsibility. The lawyers take the cases.
McDonalds takes the hit.
BfB
news
[email protected]...> 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?
> --
The fat asses don't take responsibility. The lawyers take the cases.
McDonalds takes the hit.
BfB
Jun 6th 2004, 5:58 pm
#99
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Madra Dubh" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "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.
Yao Ming may disagree. (or was that Ming Yao?)
BfB
news:[email protected]...
> "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.
Yao Ming may disagree. (or was that Ming Yao?)
BfB
Jun 6th 2004, 5:59 pm
#100
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]...
> "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.
> .
It's to keep the brawling away from the kiddies.
BfB
news:[email protected]...
> "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.
> .
It's to keep the brawling away from the kiddies.
BfB
Jun 6th 2004, 6:03 pm
#101
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"Madra Dubh" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Rick" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I'll just be me wherever I go.
> > "Be what you is, not what you is not." :-)
> "I've just gotta be me!"
What else could I be, but, what, I, am.
BfB
news:[email protected]...
> "Rick" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I'll just be me wherever I go.
> > "Be what you is, not what you is not." :-)
> "I've just gotta be me!"
What else could I be, but, what, I, am.
BfB
Jun 6th 2004, 6:04 pm
#102
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"westprog" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Magda" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > 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...
> They don't. Notice how it's 9/11, not 11/9.
That is because it IS 9/11.
BfB
news:[email protected]...
> "Magda" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > 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...
> They don't. Notice how it's 9/11, not 11/9.
That is because it IS 9/11.
BfB
Jun 6th 2004, 6:04 pm
#103
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
What do you mean look at our money?
We are N American bud. However we are international in scope.
I do not feel it necessary to wear a pin. I just ry to speak as much of
the local language as possible.
It is not the nationality, it is the concept of respecting where you are
that is important.
My German is not great but I tired in Berlin. My French a lot better and I
spent a week in Nice mostly in French. I was not trying to be a tourist. I
was acting as if I lived in the place I stayed.
We happen to like our money. Have you checked our 100, 5 and 10 notes? You
will see previous Pirme Ministers.
Maybe you have never been to Canada as you certainly need some lessons
Vive le Canada!
"Cletus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I always see Canadians wearing a back pack with a HUGE maple leaf patch
sewn
> on the back. Meaning, "I'm a white Anglo, even though I have no
European
> accent I'm and NOT AMERICAN."
>
> After all, Canadians are European, not North Americans. Just look at
there
> money.
>
> God save the queen!
>
> --
>
>
> http://home.earthlink.net/~harp357/
>
> "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man."
> - Jebidiah Springfield
> ______________________________________
> All outgoing messages scanned to be virus free
> by NIS 2004.
>
>
> "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?
>
>
We are N American bud. However we are international in scope.
I do not feel it necessary to wear a pin. I just ry to speak as much of
the local language as possible.
It is not the nationality, it is the concept of respecting where you are
that is important.
My German is not great but I tired in Berlin. My French a lot better and I
spent a week in Nice mostly in French. I was not trying to be a tourist. I
was acting as if I lived in the place I stayed.
We happen to like our money. Have you checked our 100, 5 and 10 notes? You
will see previous Pirme Ministers.
Maybe you have never been to Canada as you certainly need some lessons
Vive le Canada!
"Cletus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I always see Canadians wearing a back pack with a HUGE maple leaf patch
sewn
> on the back. Meaning, "I'm a white Anglo, even though I have no
European
> accent I'm and NOT AMERICAN."
>
> After all, Canadians are European, not North Americans. Just look at
there
> money.
>
> God save the queen!
>
> --
>
>
> http://home.earthlink.net/~harp357/
>
> "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man."
> - Jebidiah Springfield
> ______________________________________
> All outgoing messages scanned to be virus free
> by NIS 2004.
>
>
> "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?
>
>
Jun 6th 2004, 6:05 pm
#104
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
"jos boersema" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> [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?
Forget all that. Just wear an English Premier League football jersey. No
matter where you go, there will be football fans and they will automatically
assume you aren't American. And if they notice that you are, it will be
immediately forgivable seeing as you like football. Just do a quick study
of your team: the best goal player, the best passing player, (as in
Liverpool's Owen and Gerrard), the goalkeeper, the ranking of the team this
year (Liverpool was 4th), and very importantly, the name of the team's
manager (Liverpool just got a new manager for next year). And if you're
really smart you'll learn one of their songs but that's only if you get
caught in a pub full of fans.
Liverpool fans also have a reputation for being psychos, so nobody will tell
you they're a Man United fan unless you're off UK soil, which anyone under
house arrest for hooliganism wouldn't be.
English suits will just make you look like an Eton pouf, which unless you're
hobnobbing with the upper crust will make you an immediate target for blue
collar hate. Don't do it. Also, Liverpool jerseys are very wearable in
Ireland along with Glasgow Celtic, except that a Liverpool jersey has the
added benefit of not attracting a beating by Protestants.
alliekatt
news:[email protected]...
> [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?
Forget all that. Just wear an English Premier League football jersey. No
matter where you go, there will be football fans and they will automatically
assume you aren't American. And if they notice that you are, it will be
immediately forgivable seeing as you like football. Just do a quick study
of your team: the best goal player, the best passing player, (as in
Liverpool's Owen and Gerrard), the goalkeeper, the ranking of the team this
year (Liverpool was 4th), and very importantly, the name of the team's
manager (Liverpool just got a new manager for next year). And if you're
really smart you'll learn one of their songs but that's only if you get
caught in a pub full of fans.
Liverpool fans also have a reputation for being psychos, so nobody will tell
you they're a Man United fan unless you're off UK soil, which anyone under
house arrest for hooliganism wouldn't be.
English suits will just make you look like an Eton pouf, which unless you're
hobnobbing with the upper crust will make you an immediate target for blue
collar hate. Don't do it. Also, Liverpool jerseys are very wearable in
Ireland along with Glasgow Celtic, except that a Liverpool jersey has the
added benefit of not attracting a beating by Protestants.
alliekatt
Jun 6th 2004, 6:13 pm
#105
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
On Sun, 06 Jun 2004 18:05:19 GMT, "Alliekatt"
<howmuchspudscouldaspudsuckersuck@ifaspudsuckercou ldsuckspuds.com>
wrote:
>"jos boersema" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> [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?
>Forget all that. Just wear an English Premier League football jersey. No
>matter where you go, there will be football fans and they will automatically
>assume you aren't American. And if they notice that you are, it will be
>immediately forgivable seeing as you like football.
Depends which team. Wear the the wrong jersey in the right area and
you might get Stanleyed!
<howmuchspudscouldaspudsuckersuck@ifaspudsuckercou ldsuckspuds.com>
wrote:
>"jos boersema" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> [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?
>Forget all that. Just wear an English Premier League football jersey. No
>matter where you go, there will be football fans and they will automatically
>assume you aren't American. And if they notice that you are, it will be
>immediately forgivable seeing as you like football.
Depends which team. Wear the the wrong jersey in the right area and
you might get Stanleyed!