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Post by gatecrasher on Jan 18, 2004 22:55:00 GMT -5
This summer I am planning to goto europe this will be my first time going. I have heard from several people that Americans are not liked in some countries, espicially in greece, where I am going. Should I say that I am an American or from Canada ;D
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Post by Kim on Jan 18, 2004 23:27:27 GMT -5
You say where you are from - you don't make up things. I don't believe in ever trying to hide who you are and where you are from.
People will judge you on how you act, how respectful you are and once and a while, you may get judged on something other - but really, it's their loss. If you try and blend in and make the effort, people will treat you with kindness. Being loud, making scenes, refusing to try and say even one or two words in the local language, saying "Well, that's not the way it's done in my country" - those are things that people will look down on you for.
I am Canadian but there is no way anyone could have told that I was Canadian or American and in 7 months, there were very few times that we were ever treated anything but great. And this includes Greece, where we found the people to be warm and wonderful!
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Post by LHR02 on Jan 19, 2004 6:09:46 GMT -5
If you are behaving inappropriately they won't like you regardless what country you claim you are from. If you are respectful and courteous they likewise will be so to you...again regardless of where you are from. It's true that Americans often have a bad reputation in Europe, and if you keep your eyes open and observe the nonsense of some of our 'fellow' travelers you'll understand why, sadly. However, ask the Italians just how well thought of the Germans are there! ;D How you are treated will directly depend on how you behave in their county.
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Post by Melody on Jan 22, 2004 9:29:57 GMT -5
All great points! My sis & I took a trip to Paris about a year ago (just before the war started). We were warned that the Parisians were HORRIBLE people and that they were really rude to Americans. Well, I'll tell you this... we had the most wonderful experience! Everyone we met was fabulous! We don't speak French, but we tried. And however horrible it was, they really do appreciate you making the effort! I can only imagine that its the same in other countries.
Don't do anything you wouldn't want done here in the US and you shouldn't have a problem. Be respectful to those you meet, and especially to those that help you. Always be courteous, and mind your manners! You'd be surprised at the truely kind, and wonderful people you will meet!!
Have fun & don't worry about it!!
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snorkelman
Senior Travel Member
Travel Guru
Posts: 220
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Post by snorkelman on Jan 28, 2004 17:00:05 GMT -5
Trust me, they will love you if you are bringing money to leave in their pockets.
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Post by wrldtrvlr03 on Feb 6, 2004 14:30:21 GMT -5
I spent 4 months backpacking through Europe this past summer and being American, like the norm, I do not speak any other language. BUT, I had my little "help" book so I tried to speak their language. Everyone I came into contact with, loved it. They would teach me their language, I would in turn teach them. it was a great way to meet people. Also, throughout those 4 months, I never met anyone that was ever rude to me (except a French lady on an overnight train but that is a different story) and when asked where I was from, I proudly told them America. You will get asked a lot of political questions but I kindly shrugged them off and asked a lot of questions about their beautiful country and customs. Never had a problem.
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