NationStates Jolt Archive

Im going to europe soon i.e. France Germany mabey Mulan is there anything that i should avoid doing that would mark me as a jerk american
Besides usial manners

Im going to europe soon i.e. France Germany mabey Mulan is there anything that i should avoid doing that would mark me as a jerk american i think i'll try to pretend to be canadian
Besides usial manners
Why should you pretend to be Canadian? Not that there's anything wrong with Canadians, but if you are a good person you can be like a goodwill ambasador for the USA. Be proud of who you are.

Just don't be a jerk. People won't hate you for being American. Remember, we just hate your president, not all of you. Be proudly American as usual.

Why should you pretend to be Canadian? Not that there's anything wrong with Canadians, but if you are a good person you can be like a goodwill ambasador for the USA. Be proud of who you are.
Thanks that just a joke i forgot to mention im going with my family

Two tips...

At all costs avoid saying "DOOO...YOUUU...SPEEEK...EEENGLIIISH?"

And avoid contamination by liberal ideas - stick to right-wing places such as the UK, Italy and the Baltic States.

Oh, and just in case you run into trouble remember this phrase
"Get out of the way you filthy foreign bastards. I'm an American and if not for me you would all be speaking German!"
Note: does not work in Germany

And im kinda curious how cold is it im going in december and where i come from when it gets down in the fifty's we wrap up in layers but from what i hear italys not that bad

If you out in the country side of France and visit shops. Talk to the owner before looking around.

If you mean Milan. I would skip it.

Boring dirty place.

If you out in the country side of France and visit shops. Talk to the owner before looking around.

If you mean Milan. I would skip it.

Boring dirty place.

In france im going to grenoble,possible paris and i do mean milan and hows Munich
(sorry about the spelling)

Im going to europe soon i.e. France Germany mabey Mulan is there anything that i should avoid doing that would mark me as a jerk american
Besides usial manners
Don't demand special treatment cause you saved France.

Don't demand special treatment cause you saved France.
I didnt intend to really try that plus im going there for bissness

I didnt intend to really try that plus im going there for bissness
If in France don't try to order Freedom Fries.

what? I havent seen any advertisemnet for FFs even in Arkansaw
Jeez. Can't you tell I'm kidding?

Im going to europe soon i.e. France Germany mabey Mulan is there anything that i should avoid doing that would mark me as a jerk american
Besides usial manners
I'm not a spelling nazi, but seeing as you asked... Milan, Europe.

As for avoiding appearing to be american... I'd be hugely surprised if you can pull it off unless you're able to speak the language and willing to forgo the standard apparal of American tourists, camera, fannypack, baseball cap etc.

Oh, and just in case you run into trouble remember this phrase
"Get out of the way you filthy foreign bastards. I'm an American and if not for me you would all be speaking German!"
Note: does not work in Germany
LOL!!!

Oh, and just in case you run into trouble remember this phrase
"Get out of the way you filthy foreign bastards. I'm an American and if not for me you would all be speaking German!"
Note: does not work in Germany
Hahahaha... :D

I'm not a spelling nazi, but seeing as you asked... Milan, Europe.

As for avoiding appearing to be american... I'd be hugely surprised if you can pull it off unless you're able to speak the language and willing to forgo the standard apparal of American tourists, camera, fannypack, baseball cap etc.

I dont neccesarily dont want to appear american i just dont want to appear like a obnaxious one and stick out like a sore thumb i.e. loud lazy ect

I dont neccesarily dont want to appear american i just dont want to appear like a obnaxious one and stick out like a sore thumb i.e. loud lazy ect
Well... be quiet and energetic then.

Oh, and just in case you run into trouble remember this phrase
"Get out of the way you filthy foreign bastards. I'm an American and if not for me you would all be speaking RUSSIAN!"


Just a minor edit! ;)

Maybey i should refraise that how bout an sterotypical american

Maybey i should refraise that how bout an sterotypical american
You want to be a sterotypical American now?

You want to be a sterotypical American now?
No no gaa i mean i dont i dont want to be an strieotypical american

You want to be a sterotypical American now?

Zeg VON Witzleben, ik wil effe meehelpen in je strijd hier. Kan je even naar het stekje in onze taal gaan? Vertel je daar wel we ik ben. Moet zeer voorzichtig, vanwege mijn echte naam, sorry voor de rare en NL gebrekkige taal, maar ik moet, zie me op "onze taal topic" en we pakken ze beiden aan, moet eerst iets uit leggen (wie echte identiteit is, we kennen elkaar goed).

Zeg VON Witzleben, ik wil effe meehelpen in je strijd hier. Kan je even naar het stekje in onze taal gaan? Vertel je daar wel we ik ben. Moet zeer voorzichtig, vanwege mijn echte naam, sorry voor de rare en NL gebrekkige taal, maar ik moet, zie me op "onze taal topic" en we pakken ze beiden aan, moet eerst iets uit leggen (wie echte identiteit is, we kennen elkaar goed).
DOOO...YOUUU...SPEEEK...EEENGLIIISH

No no gaa i mean i dont i dont want to be an strieotypical american
Well, then don't be a typical American. How hard can that be? Just don't run around comparing all stuff to America.

Alrught my blood pressure rising i poked my self with a toothpick and lets just those painters won't need to be commin
I'll try to get this thread back on track (is there anything that i shouldnt do that would be considerd rude like walking into a shop and staring not tipping ect

[QUOTE=Pan slavia]DOOO...YOUUU...SPEEEK...EEENGLIIIS]


SPREEK JIJ NEEEEEEEEDEERRRRRRRLAAAAAAANDDDSSS? FRANçççççççççççççççççççççççççççCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIS? DDDDDDUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTTTCH??,GGGGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN?.

No,US Republican, you don't, but I speak 6 languages , so what is your fucking problem.? :upyours:

Alrught my blood pressure rising i poked my self with a toothpick and lets just those painters won't need to be commin
I'll try to get this thread back on track (is there anything that i shouldnt do that would be considerd rude like walking into a shop and staring not tipping ect
Just be polite. Don't start conversations about politics.

Alrught my blood pressure rising i poked my self with a toothpick and lets just those painters won't need to be commin
I'll try to get this thread back on track (is there anything that i shouldnt do that would be considerd rude like walking into a shop and staring not tipping ect
Tipping is less common in Europe, whereas in America its so common that its expected (in what sense is it still a tip at this point I have to wonder?). I don't imagine it'll ever be unwelcome though, except possibly at the customs desk, police station etc. Find a travel guide for wherever you're going to be sure.

Someone earlier said that the UK and Italy are right wing. Well, no, they're not. I just went to Rome over the summer, and London en route, and they absolutely cannot stand the current leadership of teh United States.

Oh, and to avoid looking like a stereotypical American? Just be extremely polite and somewhat softspoken to everyone you meet, even if they aren't. Many people will know English, some will not. Speak clearly, but not too loudly or slowly. If the person does not know English, use appropriate hand gestures (not inappropriate ones such as the middle finger). In Italy, take public transportation, as I think you'd be crazy to drive among such aggressive drivers. Don't make comparisons to how things are in the US except out of interest in the local way of doing things. Don't whine about how things are better in the US. They don't care, you're not in the US and it will simply annoy those around you. DO learn the local ways of saying "Excuse me," "Please" and "Thank-you."

It is always better to be more polite than necessary than less polite than necessary.

[QUOTE=Pan slavia]DOOO...YOUUU...SPEEEK...EEENGLIIIS]


SPREEK JIJ NEEEEEEEEDEERRRRRRRLAAAAAAANDDDSSS? FRANçççççççççççççççççççççççççççCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIS? DDDDDDUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTTTCH??,GGGGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN?.

No,US Republican, you don't, but I speak 6 languages , so what is your fucking problem.? :upyours:

Gee wilikers i was just joking i didnt mean to offend good sir

Someone earlier said that the UK and Italy are right wing. Well, no, they're not. I just went to Rome over the summer, and London en route, and they absolutely cannot stand the current leadership of teh United States.

Blair is rightwing? Since when? Berlusconi, sure.

In Europe, just spend your euro liberally, don't point out how much better things are in America, don't comment on how the cars aren't like they are back home, and don't say "Call that a *insert object of inferior size*???".

Avoid discussing the World Wars, of the Gulf Wars. In fact, avoid talking about any war, or politics, or sports, unless you have an intimate knowledge of the UEFA Champions League or the World Cup Qualifying campaign of the respective countries.

And above all, just be a nice, polite and kind person. Say please and thank you (maybe avoid 'Have A Nice Day!') and, if you can, try throwing in a basic phrase like "Merci bien", "Danke!" or "Grazi" instead of the English equivalent, depending on which country you're in.

That's the best advice right there.

In Europe, just spend your dollars liberally, don't point out how much better things are in America, don't comment on how the cars aren't like they are back home, and don't say "Call that a *insert object of inferior size*???".

Avoid discussing the World Wars, of the Gulf Wars. In fact, avoid talking about any war, or politics, or sports, unless you have an intimate knowledge of the UEFA Champions League or the World Cup Qualifying campaign of the respective countries.

And above all, just be a nice, polite and kind person. Say please and thank you (maybe avoid 'Have A Nice Day!') and, if you can, try throwing in a basic phrase like "Merci bien", "Danke!" or "Grazi" instead of the English equivalent, depending on which country you're in.

That's the best advice right there.
And instead of trying to spend your dollars, you might want to exchange them to Euro's. :D

Just don't be a jerk. People won't hate you for being American. Remember, we just hate your president, not all of you. Be proudly American as usual.


That perception is starting to shift because america proved itself to be bad country by electing bush.

I suppose though that most bush americans dont hold passports, so it may not be so bad.

And instead of trying to spend your dollars, you might want to exchange them to Euro's. :D
Euro, there's no s at the end :D

But good point (duly noted and edited ;)), this is not the third world, so people wont accept dollars, or trade goods for large American automobiles, CD players or even a Bart Simpson toy.

Well, maybe the Bart Simspson toy......

But anyway, don't worry, you wont be hated if you are a nice polite person who doesn't do any of the don't dos done above.

Blair is rightwing? Since when? Berlusconi, sure.


I'm talking about the people themselves... you know... the ones you actually might meet... and in Italy, for the most part, they cannot stand the current administration of the US.

Tipping is less common in Europe, whereas in America its so common that its expected (in what sense is it still a tip at this point I have to wonder?). I don't imagine it'll ever be unwelcome though, except possibly at the customs desk, police station etc. Find a travel guide for wherever you're going to be sure.
giving tips is common in america in police stations? lol it could get you into trouble in europe. they will see it as attempted bribe, and if the officer got a bad day he will throw you into prison. dont give tips to goverment employees, the best reaction would be that they think your just an arrogant tourist...
avoid even mentioning ww1+2 like the plague. its a trap where both sides can only loose. even us "natives" ( ;) ) always avoid it unless you know for sure how the other one thinks about it.

Learn to eat with a knife and fork. If you cut your meat with your fork, or put the knife down when you're done cutting with it, you'll be an obvious American.

Learn to eat with a knife and fork. If you cut your meat with your fork, or put the knife down when you're done cutting with it, you'll be an obvious American.
but i do this t...uh forget it :D

Get a map of every city, as ones over here aren't laid out in Blocks or anything, so can be fairly crazy places. Speaking from experience, i have met more than a few tourists from canada and the states who found many old cities more than confusing!

But as the others said, take a small phrase book, people appreciate it when you make the effort, even if they switch to english half the time!

Just don't be a jerk. People won't hate you for being American. Remember, we just hate your president, not all of you. Be proudly American as usual.

Well said.

(and that goes even for whining tree-hugging liberals like me)

PS - we don't even have "american jokes" the way you have "french jokes". So, you see...

Get a map of every city, as ones over here aren't laid out in Blocks or anything, so can be fairly crazy places. Speaking from experience, i have met more than a few tourists from canada and the states who found many old cities more than confusing!

But as the others said, take a small phrase book, people appreciate it when you make the effort, even if they switch to english half the time!

that last one is a good one. my family went to the french speaking part of canada this summer and as they speak both french and english, they had a lot of conversations with the people and everyone was nice against them. As my dad, despite his boss and a lot of his collegues speaking french, has a terrible accent, the french speaking canadians often replied in english while he spoke french.

One day they were eating in some place and there was the stereotypical american family. Some of them were drunk, all were speaking very loud and they didn't seem to care about everybody overhearing their conversation. All of a sudden a canadian woman (with english as her native language) made a remark about this and the americans were stunned and started telling her that they were suprised to see someone who spoke english as they had been travelling in canada for 15 days and they hadn't met a single person who understood english. Everyone around had trouble not to start laughing...

Im going to europe soon i.e. France Germany mabey Mulan is there anything that i should avoid doing that would mark me as a jerk american
Besides usial manners

If "Mulan" is Milan, and btw Italy, I can suggest you to visit some little village instead of big city like Milan. A "metropoli" is quite the same all over the world (with some exception like Paris, Rome, SF, ...), but in italy u can find unforgettable place in small town. I'm talking about places like "Cinque Terre", or Siena, Urbino... (there are a lot of).

and don't be affraid to be American, at least u can try to don't eat at McDonald ;-)

One thing that will mark you as an American is talking about Europe rather than individual countires. In the UK we say USA, Canada, Mexico, we don't say I'm off on holiday to North America, or I'm off to Australasia.

Just a thought, as it flags up US citizens to me when they say things like: 'I went to Eurpoe for my vacation.' What? All of it?

Most Brits going to the states for holiday will tell some one exactly where they went rather than say I went to the US.

One thing that will mark you as an American is talking about Europe rather than individual countires. In the UK we say USA, Canada, Mexico, we don't say I'm off on holiday to North America, or I'm off to Australasia.

Just a thought, as it flags up US citizens to me when they say things like: 'I went to Eurpoe for my vacation.' What? All of it?
Good one. It's really annoying. It looks like you couldn't care less of the country you're in. Europeans are proud of their own culture, not of European culture.

a little story that happened some years ago.
i was walking in the city, when one of this hugh, sharp-edged american cars stopped beside me. (dont ask me how they managed to get this car to europe. they usually dont exist here.) a typical american came out, complete with cowboy hat and cigar, like out of a movie.
"Hey boy come over here" he called to me. i was 23-24 at this time, so in no way i looked like a BOY and he didnt say even please or something...
"Where is WBMW here, your citys are so bad planned".
I was pissed about this guy, so i said him to just stay on this road and follow it. he didnt say another word and got in his car and threw a coin at me. i just turned around and walked away.
What this asshole didnt know was that he was on the "Südring"... and thats Southring in english. staying on this road means to go in a circle. i wonder how long it took for him to notice :D

and this story really happened. no shit.

Also, you seem like an intelligent person, i.e. one who asks for some advice before leaping in, so i suggest also doing a little research before you go, on the places you will be visiting, caus the amount of times you hear stories about american tourists saying, for example in edinburgh, "man, its great that they built the castle so close to the railway station." ( :headbang: ) etc etc.

Try to learn a few phrases before you go, rather than assuming that everyone will speek English to you. Some times if you make even the smallest of efforts people will be happy to speak English to you, where-as if you assume they speak English they may well pretend that they don't understand.

Some handy phrases:
"Outa maway je rks" means "Excuse me please"
"Ello filth eepess ants" means "Hello"

Try to learn a few phrases before you go, rather than assuming that everyone will speek English to you. Some times if you make even the smallest of efforts people will be happy to speak English to you, where-as if you assume they speak English they may well pretend that they don't understand.

Some handy phrases:
"Outa maway je rks" means "Excuse me please"
"Ello filth eepess ants" means "Hello"


;)

If you're going to Paris or other major cities, it's often very useful to learn enough of the language to get you by. There is a lot of resentment of the US and though they mostly speak English in the big cities, they'll refuse to be awkward.

Oh, and just in case you run into trouble remember this phrase
"Get out of the way you filthy foreign bastards. I'm an American and if not for me you would all be speaking German!"
Note: does not work in Germany

Priceless!! LOLOL

If you say that you voted for John Kerry, people will like you. And french people speak horrible english. Just remember that french people say th as z.

If you're going to Paris or other major cities, it's often very useful to learn enough of the language to get you by. There is a lot of resentment of the US and though they mostly speak English in the big cities, they'll refuse to be awkward.
Parisians aren't discriminating against americans. They are equally rude towards us europeans too. No amount of language skills will help you; they'll smell the fear and look down on you.

Can't resist posting this.. it'll get you some insight ;)

What should the perfect European be like?
http://www.ece.mcgill.ca/~eurydice/Euro-sml.jpg

Can't resist posting this.. it'll get you some insight ;)

What should the perfect European be like?
http://www.ece.mcgill.ca/~eurydice/Euro-sml.jpg

Consider this printed and placed in a frame on my desk!

DOOO...YOUUU...SPEEEK...EEENGLIIISH

Nice come-back! show it to him, that stupid Dutchie!

And always, if some jerk doesn't understand you immediately, just raise your voice and repeat what you were saying (naturally in your own language). That's the way we Finns like to communicate with foreigners.

And always, if some jerk doesn't understand you immediately, just raise your voice and repeat what you were saying (naturally in your own language). That's the way we Finns like to communicate with foreigners.

...or we try the universal "Perkele!"

...or we try the universal "Perkele!"
That really works.
Some drunken idiot wouldn't leave me and my friends alone (happened in one of Berlin's subway stations). When he went too far and put his hand on my thigh I just jumped and shouted perkele as loud as I could. You should have seen his face... and he didn't bother us anymore. Even got some applauses from people watching this little scene. :D

those finns :rolleyes: de gekkerds

Heh, great ^^

And I thought it mostly only works in Sweden, when you need some free air around you, and even then you should move your hand to your belt, as if looking for a knife :P

Heh, great ^^

And I thought it mostly only works in Sweden, when you need some free air around you, and even then you should move your hand to your belt, as if looking for a knife :P
it works well in countries which don't have a strong "R" in their vocabulary.

http://www.ece.mcgill.ca/~eurydice/Euro-sml.jpg
pah we germans have great humor, you just dont get the jokes :mad:

...or we try the universal "Perkele!"
what means it? sounds like food :D

pah we germans have great humor, you just dont get the jokes :mad:


what means it? sounds like food :D
just one of the names for the devil (pagan one)

just one of the names for the devil (pagan one)
As if the meaning was important... it's the way you say it.

pah we germans have great humor, you just dont get the jokes :mad:


what means it? sounds like food :D
BTW why the name? Isn't it part of France?

As if the meaning was important... it's the way you say it.
yeah.
PeRRRRRRRRRR-ke-LE!

BTW why the name? Isn't it part of France?
nah it was todays netherlands, belgium, a bit of todays france and west to Düsseldorf-Dortmund. as a county of the early middle ages its very hard to say exactly.

nah it was todays netherlands, belgium, a bit of todays france and west to Düsseldorf-Dortmund. as a county of the early middle ages its very hard to say exactly.
alright, I found a site about it. Lorraine says a lot more...

and Lothar...my memory slowly recovers..

alright, I found a site about it. Lorraine says a lot more...

and Lothar...my memory slowly recovers..
well, i got it from a 1936 history book :D
it was the second choice, some other country name sounded better but was taken already.
come on, its not really important.

well, i got it from a 1936 history book :D
it was the second choice, some other country name sounded better but was taken already.
come on, its not really important.
huh? It's very serious *being serious* and the most important thing. we bhutanese are very precise on this kind of things.

Don't pretend to be a Canadian. There is nothing wrong with being an American. Just don't wear super white runners, and completely matching shiny track suits with the ends zipped up! But then again your not 60!

Nice come-back! show it to him, that stupid Dutchie!
He's Flemish if I'm not mistaking.

RIGHT!

Places i have been/know and what to do whilst there:

England:
Try to go somewhere else as well as our capital
Lake district is nice. england is almost always cold and rainy.
restraunts: check to see if 10% (usual tipping amount in blighty) has been put on the bill and if it hasn't, and if you enjoyed the meal, add 10%
Hotles etc tips are not always expected but ALWAYS appreciated, so if you get good service, TIP!
Tourist info centres, guide books, maps etc are all the stuff u need, england is V easy to get around. trams are good, trains are mostly good, buses are, as a rule, frightning. the underground in london is good but a little unkempt.
we are, i think, a very accepting nation so unless you start talkin bout the war or your crazy american "moral issues" thing you've got going on then you'll be fine. try some earl grey tea rather than always drinkin coffee and yeah, just don't be too loud/coo every time you see something that america doesn't have. enjoy the differences but keep it down!

Scotland: definately worth a visit, amazing scenery, some v cool stuff going on, lovely people, lovely place!

Ireland: without doubt one of the most visually stunning areas i've ever been is the south west of ireland. plus they drink loads of Murpheys! yum! fantastic country, you should go.

France:
Paris is gorgeous, you have to go. learn about the counrt that for some very bizarre reason you americans don't particularly like. the french are v appreciative of you trying to learn their language so buy a phrase book! this is true for all countries really! french food is second to non so eat lots! travel round, south coast should b warm. as with everywhere, avoid the touristy places.

Italy:
super gorgeous, go to tuscany- city of Florence will not let you down! eat pizza the way it should be made! eat it!!!!

Spain:
never been but andalutia is meant to be stunning

Portugal, again never been, should be warm tho!!

Germany:
pretty cool place really, not a fan of their appreciation of cooked cold meats but hey, some great places!

Switzerland: lots of amazing scenery, good for skiing - lots of chocolate!!

can't be bothered to write any more! but please try to go to the following:

Ireland, UK, Italy, Poland, Turkey (too many people ignore it - go to the south coast, it's gorgeous), Bulgaria, Czech republic and France. basically, go everywhere you can and absorb as much culture as you can - i.e try to stay a little off the beaten track.

At least my mother is claiming that this is true (this will only be funny if you have seen the city hall of Stockholm). When she followed some americans (there for a medical congress) on a tour to the city hall the guide asked: "How old do you think this building is? I have got no idea, is it after or before Christ?"

Note: The city hall was built in the eraly tweentieth-century.

Conclusion: Remember that much of european culture and history takes a long time to get a grip of as it is old (and complex). Read about the places you are going to visit, most people who see an american breaking the sterotypes about ignorant and rude american tourists will be flattered.

At least my mother is claiming that this is true (this will only be funny if you have seen the city hall of Stockholm). When she followed some americans (there for a medical congress) on a tour to the city hall the guide asked: "How old do you think this building is? I have got no idea, is it after or before Christ?"


roflmao
or maybe they know some other Christ we haven't heard of

roflmao
or maybe they know some other Christ we haven't heard of

Wouldn't be very surprised, knowing all the sects they have..

"It doesn't lean as much as I thought it would," said an American to a tour guide at the Eiffel Tower.

"I heard that the baby Jesus was born here," said an American to another tourist at the Leaning Tower of Piza.

"Oh, you have a moon too," said an American in a restaurant in France one night.

An Englishman was on holiday in the US. An American asked him what nationality he was, and when he told him he was asked another question. "Oh, England huh? What's your first language over there?"



I think I heard those on Channel 4 News one lunchtime; they'd polled the viewers on what stupid things they'd heard while on holiday. I'd say if you can avoid saying things like that, you've got it made :).

"It doesn't lean as much as I thought it would," said an American to a tour guide at the Eiffel Tower.

"I heard that the baby Jesus was born here," said an American to another tourist at the Leaning Tower of Piza.

"Oh, you have a moon too," said an American in a restaurant in France one night.

An Englishman was on holiday in the US. An American asked him what nationality he was, and when he told him he was asked another question. "Oh, England huh? What's your first language over there?"



I think I heard those on Channel 4 News one lunchtime; they'd polled the viewers on what stupid things they'd heard while on holiday. I'd say if you can avoid saying things like that, you've got it made :).
Please tell me this is a joke. Are there any people who are really that dumb?

At least my mother is claiming that this is true (this will only be funny if you have seen the city hall of Stockholm). When she followed some americans (there for a medical congress) on a tour to the city hall the guide asked: "How old do you think this building is? I have got no idea, is it after or before Christ?"

Note: The city hall was built in the eraly tweentieth-century.

lol
but shouldnt it be obvious when a building was made? you can always fairly accurate guess when something was build by its style and decorations.

Please tell me this is a joke. Are there any people who are really that dumb?

Don't ask me, I'm just relaying what I heard. I doubt the news made them up, but whether or not the people who submitted them did... we may never know. However, given the shockingly limited general knowledge, or indeed specific knowledge, my sister has stored in that coconut she calls a head, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if every one of those quotes were genuine.

Im going to europe soon i.e. France Germany mabey Mulan is there anything that i should avoid doing that would mark me as a jerk american
Besides usial manners


well any tips? simple.. be yourself.. :) we mainland europeans don't hate americans like most of you think, its really a hatred of the government- (just don't say you like bush) haha

oh and don't order a hamburger and chips in a posh resaurant! :rolleyes:

France, Germany - both wonderful places to visit. Munich is lovely, and personally I had no problem with Milan, either.

The key to being an American outside of the United State is to remember this - You're an American OUTSIDE the United States.

In France, the French are at home and you are the visiting foreigner. French is the indigenous language. In Germany, the Germans are at home and you are the visiting foreigner. In Italy, the Italians are at home...you get it, I'm sure. The trick is to remember it, and act like a gracious visitor.

Make an effort to use whatever little French/German/Italian you may know, and the be gracious when they slip into English because their English is better than your French/German/Italian. Because it will be. I spent 3 years in Europe, and where ever I went someone spoke English - almost always better English than I speak (and I am a native born citizen of the US, here in NY). The vast majority of Europeans are very nice people who actually enjoy spending a little time with an American, as long as that American doesn't act like the king of the world. And they really like to show of their country - of which they are (rightfully) proud.

They (all Europeans that I met) really appreciate your trying to use their language, and making an effort to see them and their culture as they are, and not some "odd" version of American culture.

Try VERY hard to eat what the local folks eat (which is going to be a real treat, by the way) - go to restaurants that they eat in, and not places that cater to American tourists. Go to the entertainment that the local folks go to - again, not what's there to cater to Amercians.

Eat bratwurst from a little stand somewhere in Germany.

Get yourself a loaf of bread (REAL bread - not this white sliced stuff) and some chocolate in Italy, and have that for lunch.

Find a little store way off the main road in France somewhere, and buy groceries for a picnic. A long, thin, loaf of French Bread is MANDATORY.

Drink local wines and beers. It doesn't matter how old you are - as long as, if you are a kid, your parents are ok with it, in Europe (as I remember it, and as it was when I took my kids) there is no drinking age. Don't get drunk.

Look for local celebrations, and go there.

Be astounded by the DATES on the cornerstones of buildings. When it say 852, they didn't leave a digit off.

Basically, act like you would if you were visiting relatives in a distant state. Enjoy, and behave.

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By the way - If you have time before the trip, find "Innocents Abroad" by Mark Twain, and read it.

Blair is rightwing? Since when? Berlusconi, sure.

Blair is the natural heir to thatcher. He's more right wing than most of his party want him to be.

Please tell me this is a joke. Are there any people who are really that dumb?

It is astoundingly common for americans to say things like "Where are you from, England? Well your english is really good".

Or "You're english are you? What language do you speak there?".

Just don't wear super white runners, and completely matching shiny track suits with the ends zipped up! But then again your not 60!

Honestly, you can see much weirder outfits in any big european city, I don't think anyone would even notice. Or were you referring to another problem?

(Thinking about it further) if you avoid acting like a colonist in occupied land (which Americans have no monopoly on, guess it's a mightily common disease among tourists) and if you avoid talking about politics (you might be lucky but a majority of Europeans dislike the current US govt) you should have no problem.

lol
but shouldnt it be obvious when a building was made? you can always fairly accurate guess when something was build by its style and decorations.
And that's the great thing about it :) (and if you really don't know that is still a stupid thing to ask because it looks like a gothic cathedral in distance)!

It might help your confidence to remind yourself that the U.S. by no means has a historical monopoly on doing evil and backhanded shit. Americans are overdoing it lately with this annoying "Please like me, Mr. European!" complex. As long as you have a genuine interest in people and their way of life, and remember you are a guest, you won't have any problems and you'll probably meet some cool people.

I go to Europe often(no place I'd rather go) and have only had a problem on two occasions(both in Paris). Still, I'd go there again. Hell I'd move there if I could. When you think about it, your always going to have an asshole here and there. We're all human. Have a great time.

It is astoundingly common for americans to say things like "Where are you from, England? Well your english is really good".

Or "You're english are you? What language do you speak there?".
Hahahahahaha :D

In france im going to grenoble,possible paris and i do mean milan and hows Munich
(sorry about the spelling)


Well :) munich is cool, its one of the most expensive cities in all of germany and one of the cleanest. Some of the "immigrants" from Berlin or Hamburg say "If you have lived in Munich for one year, EVERY other city looks dirty...

Please tell me this is a joke. Are there any people who are really that dumb?

yep, people can be that stupid and most important, they WILL be that stupid on every occasion. But don't worry EVERYONE is an idiot, it just depends on time, place and current circumstance if you are an idiot or not.