NationStates Jolt Archive

OK, this is for our friends in Europe, Australia and NZ, and Asia.

How do you feel about American toursits?

As an American myself, I have traveled quite extensively due to my work and also because I love to experience and learn about new cultures. On my trips to Europe (France, UK, Hungary, Greece) I have always noticed other Americans and they usually make my skin crawl, especially YOUNG tourists. They behave with a wide-eyed, dismissive, and totally condecending attitude. Whenever I see other Americans, I usually ask them "how are you behaving?" The older tourists I have seen are usually more cultured, and respectful. Young tourists are the real problem.

One example was my last trip to France. There was a tour group full of teens from California at my hotel in Paris. I was having lunch at the restaurant, and there was a small group of them a couple of tables away, making all kinds of rude comments about the French, mocking their food, etc. They looked over to me and said "these French people are SOOO weird duude" . I casually glanced up and said "you know, you are giving Americans a really bad name and leaving a very poor impression of yourselves." They left a few minutes later a bit subdued.

So what have been your experiences with American tourists in your countries? How do you see us in terms of etiquette, manners, and the treatment of your languages and culture?

I'm an American, but from seeing how other Americans behave, I think that we are, as a general rule, horrible tourists. Typically, I just blend in with the people in the area that I'm visiting, so I can sit back and watch how the people behave, and it's very embarrassing :/.

I'm an American, but from seeing how other Americans behave, I think that we are, as a general rule, horrible tourists. Typically, I just blend in with the people in the area that I'm visiting, so I can sit back and watch how the people behave, and it's very embarrassing :/.

I do the exact same thing, and I am equally embarrased.

I gather then that you already know how the US tourists behave in South America. (Unless you are using American to mean all of the Americas in which case fine.)

Generally there are three distinct categories of US tourists that come to Brazil.

Rich and elderly who go on cruises up the Amazon, spend a lot of money and, despite a tendency to be rather loud, really don't upset anyone.

Environazis who have decided that they are going to come to Brazil and tell us how to manage our ecology. These are not at all welcome. I am not referring to the dedicated environmentalists who come and live here, who learn the local ways of life etc. Just those who come on their summer vacations from studying Ethnic Folksongs or somesuch and try to tell everyone here what to do. These are not welcome at all. They do the environmental movement more harm than anything else. (i.e. shut the f**k up Sting, you know S**t. Yes I know he is not American, but yo get the type I am referring to.)

Party animals who come for carnaval and the beaches. These are OK so long as they can be bothered to discover the bare minimum of the local way of doing things. You will not get your beer quicker by being angry and loud. In fact it will take much longer if you start behaving that way. If you are in a sleepy tropical village, under palm trees, with a cool breeze coming across the white sand, why the hell do you need to have your beer now, instead of in a couple of minutes time. Adapt to the local pace of life.
The essential problem is that US tourists seem to expect people to run after them, and in the North East of Brazil, they don't even run after a football. Chill out and you will be fine.

So I can't answer your poll as it is a case of some are "Great! We welcome them quite enthusiastically!", others are "Terrible! Yankees GO HOME!!!!" and the majority (the party animals) are a modified version of "Not good... Their uncouth behavior leaves a bad impression".

The Brazilians do not generally expect foreigners to speak their language (who does speak Portuguese after all?) and certainly not those from countries that don't speak Spanish. (Hispanics could make the effort to speak portuñol!) and as we have a lot of Japanese/Korean tourists coming here, the US ones are not intrusive with their cameras by comparison.

I am not referring to the dedicated environmentalists who come and live here, who learn the local ways of life etc. Just those who come on their summer vacations from studying Ethnic Folksongs or somesuch and try to tell everyone here what to do.

Haha, there's this episode of South Park where Cartman talks about different kinds of hippies, and one of the forms is the "college know-it-all hipp[y]." Somehow I have a feeling that this is what you speak of :X.

You don't really see all that many American tourists down in Aus. Just hordes of businessmen. Japanese and Chinese tourist on the other hand just crack me up :rolleyes: .

I think the last time I actually saw an American tourist would have been in South Africa, and to tell the truth the only thing that set them apart from the rest of us was their accents.

I was surprised Canada wasn't put on the list of places American tourists come.

I put so-so.
The more northern ones are fine, usually.
The dumbasses in the south who come up here and ask if the road stops are kinda stupid, but offer us some funny stories to tell people later. Seriously... just because I live north of the border doesn't mean I live in an igloo and own a dogsled team because there are no roads, and there is constant snow. :p
The ones they put the "handguns are not allowed in Canada" signs at the border for can just go home.

It's never the male American tourists that are bothersome, they are usually just drunk and full of giggles.

It's the nagging 'soccer mom' types that have a voice like nails on a chalkboard who complain about everything and state loudly every single problem with their trip up to that point - seeing how everyone else cares, uh-huh.
Wether it be the weather, the driving, the tours, the giftshops, the prices, anything and everything seems to be the cynical rage for the bitchy American ladies.

I'm an American. The furthest I've gone from the borders of my country is one hundred miles into Mexico. But, if I were a tourist...I'd certainly not be your typical young American going around being a fuckwit acting like America is such a superior country and all that jazz.

If I wear my "Not My President" shirt with Bushs picture on it when I go to London, Amsterdam and Paris next week, do you think I might be better received? :fluffle:

*sigh*

A couple of friends and myself are planning a trip to Europe next summer. I think I'll get a Canada flag to affix to my bag.

If I wear my "Not My President" shirt with Bushs picture on it when I go to London, Amsterdam and Paris next week, do you think I might be better received? :fluffle:

Have fun with the French, I am sure they love Americans..

If I wear my "Not My President" shirt with Bushs picture on it when I go to London, Amsterdam and Paris next week, do you think I might be better received? :fluffle:

I don't think it will make much difference. However giving a little more than a couple of days to each of these three cities (each set in a completely different culture) might enable you to appreciate them a bit more, and thus be better received.

Have fun with the French, I am sure they love Americans..

Hehe ... freedom fries. *giggles*

It's the nagging 'soccer mom' types that have a voice like nails on a chalkboard who complain about everything and state loudly every single problem with their trip up to that point - seeing how everyone else cares, uh-huh.
Wether it be the weather, the driving, the tours, the giftshops, the prices, anything and everything seems to be the cynical rage for the bitchy American ladies.

:headbang: Gah! Those are the types you see blaming San Andreas for "corrupting our youth".

*sigh*

A couple of friends and myself are planning a trip to Europe next summer. I think I'll get a Canada flag to affix to my bag.

You'll only upset the Canadians. Knowing your attitudes from your behaviour here, I don't think you will have any real problems from the majority of people. (There are always one or two idiot locals however, where ever you go.)

*sigh*

A couple of friends and myself are planning a trip to Europe next summer. I think I'll get a Canada flag to affix to my bag.

I was thinking of doing that as well :D

Have fun with the French, I am sure they love Americans..


i've been to France briefly (Charles DeGaull (sp?) Airport) and it was not pleasant trying to get any sort of help whatsoever

i've been to France briefly (Charles DeGaull (sp?) Airport) and it was not pleasant trying to get any sort of help whatsoever

Try to speak some French. It doesn't matter if you fail in this attempt, the attempt is what matters to them.

I don't think it will make much difference. However giving a little more than a couple of days to each of these three cities (each set in a completely different culture) might enable you to appreciate them a bit more, and thus be better received.


I will be spending 3 days in London, 2 in Amsterdam (I've been there before and LOVE it) and 3 in paris (which I think would be fun, if I don't let the rude ones get to me.) I appreciate anyone who won't stereotype me for being USian and give me a hard time just because of where I am from.

Try to speak some French. It doesn't matter if you fail in this attempt, the attempt is what matters to them.

I plan on it. I took french in high school and so did my wife so hopefully we can refresh our memories of some of the basic stuff to help us get by better.

Try to speak some French. It doesn't matter if you fail in this attempt, the attempt is what matters to them.

I've been to France about 4 times and I can tell you, one of the things that grates the French the most is the utter lack of understanding Americans have of languages. I speak French fairly well, and I have been treated very politely and kindly by the French. But when you see these American yahoos who walk up to them and say "Y'all talk english?" UGH thats what gets them.

So please, to all of you limited monolingual Americans, pick up a Berlitz dictionary before you leave!:upyours:

:headbang: Gah! Those are the types you see blaming San Andreas for "corrupting our youth".
Its them that are corrupting 'our' youth... needless to say I am 'our' youth...:rolleyes: :p :D

Depends, most of them are very nice. (yes, I am very honest)

I've been to France about 4 times and I can tell you, one of the things that grates the French the most is the utter lack of understanding Americans have of languages. I speak French fairly well, and I have been treated very politely and kindly by the French. But when you see these American yahoos who walk up to them and say "Y'all talk english?" UGH thats what gets them.

So please, to all of you limited monolingual Americans, pick up a Berlitz dictionary before you leave!:upyours:

it's not our fault our public school systems sucks so bad. :(

I tried learning French and did well in high school over 10 years ago but never have a chance to use it on anyone so i forgot it all.

I've been to France about 4 times and I can tell you, one of the things that grates the French the most is the utter lack of understanding Americans have of languages. I speak French fairly well, and I have been treated very politely and kindly by the French. But when you see these American yahoos who walk up to them and say "Y'all talk english?" UGH thats what gets them.

So please, to all of you limited monolingual Americans, pick up a Berlitz dictionary before you leave!:upyours:
...while I will not apologize for my fellow countrymen who pull that idiot crap, I do not appreciate the insult regarding my inability to speak different languages. It is incredibly difficult for me to pick up other languages. No matter how long I work at it I simply cannot do it. The occasional word here and there: yes. Otherwise, no.

(Yes I am well aware that was not targeted just at me. I don't care.)

So, let's say I try English first hoping for an unlikely scenario in which the person understands English. If I do it politely, asking if they understand English--perhaps speak the phrase in French--how would they react?

(i.e. shut the f**k up Sting, you know S**t. Yes I know he is not American, but yo get the type I am referring to.)


Tell you what, give Sting to the yanks. We don't want him either. We'll take Stewart Copeland as a trade in. Can't say fairer than that.

...while I will not apologize for my fellow countrymen who pull that idiot crap, I do not appreciate the insult regarding my inability to speak different languages. It is incredibly difficult for me to pick up other languages. No matter how long I work at it I simply cannot do it. The occasional word here and there: yes. Otherwise, no.

(Yes I am well aware that was not targeted just at me. I don't care.)

So, let's say I try English first hoping for an unlikely scenario in which the person understands English. If I do it politely, asking if they understand English--perhaps speak the phrase in French--how would they react?

Negatively. It must be possible for you to learn the absolute minimum (excuse my very rusty French) of "Pardonnez mois, je ne parle pas français, parlez vous anglais?" Even this minimal courtesy of making the first contact in their languge will eliminate 90% of the hostility.

*sigh*

A couple of friends and myself are planning a trip to Europe next summer. I think I'll get a Canada flag to affix to my bag.

Tell you something for nothing: if you have a Los Crudos or Man Is The Bastard patch on your backpack you will find greater immediate acceptance in some quarters than with a Canadian flag. We are wise to your wiley transatlantic ways.

EDIT: sidenote - a citizen of the US flying a Canadian flag of convenience without good grounds is as unethical as military intelligence pretending to be journalists.

Negatively. It must be possible for you to learn the absolute minimum (excuse my very rusty French) of "Pardonnez mois, je ne parle pas français, parlez vous anglais?" Even this minimal courtesy of making the first contact in their languge will eliminate 90% of the hostility.
That's what I meant. Of course I'd try to learn that phrase. If they answer in the negative, I'd hate to resort to dictionary usage. It would incredibly embarassing and I get the feeling that they would feel offended anyway.

That's what I meant. Of course I'd try to learn that phrase. If they answer in the negative, I'd hate to resort to dictionary usage. It would incredibly embarassing and I get the feeling that they would feel offended anyway.
In general, after you have made an effort, if they speak any English they will be willing to try using it. If they don't, and you don't speak Frech, then a negative reply results in a shrug and you move on. No hard feelings, no animosity, simply a failure to establish meaningful linguistic communication. If communication with them is essential, then you will have to resort to dictionaries, or acting (usually much more effective).

When I moved to Brazil I spoke about six words of Portuguese. When I was with my wife, this was no problem, but I was not always with her. So I had to resort to other means of communication. Some people spoke English, but I found that I was always treated better if I did not depend on this. What it comes down to is that most people will make an effort to help you if you are making an effort as well.

In general, after you have made an effort, if they speak any English they will be willing to try using it. If they don't, and you don't speak Frech, then a negative reply results in a shrug and you move on. No hard feelings, no animosity, simply a failure to establish meaningful linguistic communication. If communication with them is essential, then you will have to resort to dictionaries, or acting (usually much more effective).

When I moved to Brazil I spoke about six words of Portuguese. When I was with my wife, this was no problem, but I was not always with her. So I had to resort to other means of communication. Some people spoke English, but I found that I was always treated better if I did not depend on this. What it comes down to is that most people will make an effort to help you if you are making an effort as well.
I suppose you're right. I just have that stereotypical "Frenchpeople hate Americans" image floating around in my head, which I know intellectually is idiotic. What I need is an actual visit to France. Or anywhere in Europe, really. I want to get off this continent for once.

it's not our fault our public school systems sucks so bad.

As Americans, yes it is our fault, think about it. :rolleyes:

In new york, i find that tourists from the midwest/south are far more annoying than foreign tourists. Of course, that is not always true, as there are rude foreign tourists and nice domestic tourists, but it seems mostly true.

As a tourist, I would take way too many pictures, so I can remember everything. I would also try to take in local culture, make sure to know some of the language, and be very polite.

I suppose you're right. I just have that stereotypical "Frenchpeople hate Americans" image floating around in my head, which I know intellectually is idiotic. What I need is an actual visit to France. Or anywhere in Europe, really. I want to get off this continent for once.

I went to Belgium and Holland and spoke nothing but english and everyone (excluding like 3 people) were extreemely nice to me (even the ones who didn't speak english). I was in France at the airport for 1 hours and got NOTHING but rudeness from every single person i tried to get help from, so it's not just a stereotype.

I went to Belgium and Holland and spoke nothing but english and everyone (excluding like 3 people) were extreemely nice to me (even the ones who didn't speak english). I was in France at the airport for 1 hours and got NOTHING but rudeness from every single person i tried to get help from, so it's not just a stereotype.
Huh. You'd think they'd try to be nice.

As Americans, yes it is our fault, think about it. :rolleyes:

As a US citizen who works towards a better public school system, no I am not at fault. The apathetic USians who do nothing are at fault, yes, but if some idiot in another country is rude to me because I can't speak their language, then they are just being stupid and have no sense of courtesy. I have encoutnered people here in the US who did not speak english and I didnt give them a hard tiem because of it. I usually do my best to accomodate them if they are trying to get help of some sort.

...while I will not apologize for my fellow countrymen who pull that idiot crap, I do not appreciate the insult regarding my inability to speak different languages. It is incredibly difficult for me to pick up other languages. No matter how long I work at it I simply cannot do it. The occasional word here and there: yes. Otherwise, no.

(Yes I am well aware that was not targeted just at me. I don't care.)


Of course it is difficult for SOME people to learn new languages, and as we get older, we lose that capacity to learn languages, but not entirely, its just more difficult. But its the LACK OF INTEREST and EFFORT that is most insulting to other countries, just as insulting as it is when immigrants come to America and make no effort to learn English.

So, let's say I try English first hoping for an unlikely scenario in which the person understands English. If I do it politely, asking if they understand English--perhaps speak the phrase in French--how would they react?

:rolleyes: Badly, this is the sort of ignorance the French find most insulting. DO NOT ASSUME THAT THEY SHOULD KNOW ENGLISH. THATS RUDE. You should make the effort to learn their language. They don't expect you to know everything, but at least make the effort to learn a few phrases, enough to find your way around and communicate. That is not too much to ask.

In new york, i find that tourists from the midwest/south are far more annoying than foreign tourists. Of course, that is not always true, as there are rude foreign tourists and nice domestic tourists, but it seems mostly true.

YEAH, YEAH, WELL, I FIND THAT IN THE NORTH, PEOPLE ARE REALLY IMPOLITE AND UNSOCIAL COMPARED TO PEOPLE IN THE SOUTH.

But yeah, the Midwest, holy Jesus. Did you know that "cornhole" in Ohio doesn't have anything to do with the anus? It's a game that's like beanbag toss. When there were flyers for a "cornhole tournament" on campus, I nearly lost it. I didn't know whether I was supposed to ignore it or bring a video camera. I decided to go and check it out, and it was just a bunch of people throwing beanbags at holes cut in a plank of wood. And they play it all the time. I don't understand this.

When I go to NYC, I usually stay with friends, and I have a pretty good understanding of how things work there. I know how to use the train systems, how to find my way from point A to point B, to always freakin' avoid Times Square, et cetera. The domestic tourists there are horrible though, you're right. I'd lose my mind if I had to deal with them all the time. I have enough troubles with the tourists in Nashville, and there aren't even that many of them.

Huh. You'd think they'd try to be nice.

I was hoping they would be. I didn't expect to get so much greif and thought the whole rude french thing was just a stereotype, but I was either mistaken or perhaps it was just a coincidence they everyone i ran into was just an asshole *shrug*

Of course it is difficult for SOME people to learn new languages, and as we get older, we lose that capacity to learn languages, but not entirely, its just more difficult. But its the LACK OF INTEREST and EFFORT that is most insulting to other countries, just as insulting as it is when immigrants come to America and make no effort to learn English.



:rolleyes: Badly, this is the sort of ignorance the French find most insulting. DO NOT ASSUME that THEY should know English. THATS RUDE. You should make the effort to learn their language. They don't expect you to know everything, but at least make the effort to learn a few phrases, enough to find your way around and communicate. That is not too much to ask.
So, even said politely, it's a no no, as the other dude said. Wow. Nice to know you're that easy to offend. For the record, if someone asked me in French if I spoke French, I would not be offended.

That said, you should know that OF COURSE if I ever actually asked that question I would ask it in French, not English. Why would I actually ask it in English? I love you assume I'm an ignorant boob who can't learn anything.

Oddly, the worst US tourists I've met was when I was on vacation in the states! Went on this small tourist boat trip on this wide-bodied catamaran, but nonetheless it was a little bit wavy out and 70% of the pasangers on board ended up seasick. Even though the crew tried to make everyone comfortable, at the end most of the people who were sick were making loud scowling remarks about like how it "ruined the vacation" or complaining that they should get their money back.

Oh yeah, no one took the crew members advice! They -ALL- decided to go below and focus on how miserable they were, rather than sit up and look at the horison...

As a US citizen who works towards a better public school system, no I am not at fault. The apathetic USians who do nothing are at fault, yes...

I think that it has a lot to do with the institution of political correctness in our society. In Nashville Metro Schools, for example, teachers are not allowed to put tests with high marks on the board for other students to see because it might make lower-grading students feel badly about themselves. They no longer give awards for valedictorian and salutatorian, there are no academic honour awards given to students at the end of the academic year, there is no mention of high-scorers on AR, et cetera. What push is there to succeed if the successful children are ignored because of children who aren't willing to apply themselves to their studies? It's ludicrous. I'm glad I went to college prep school ¬_¬...

I was hoping they would be. I didn't expect to get so much greif and thought the whole rude french thing was just a stereotype, but I was either mistaken or perhaps it was just a coincidence they everyone i ran into was just an asshole *shrug*

There are long standing and traditional rivalries between certain nations that can cause this type of behaviour. Essentially neither Holland not Belgium have any beef with the UK, but France and Britain are like brothers in a maladjusted family. Always looking to pick a fight with the other, but not really being able to.
(the same applies to Argentina and Brazil.)

As such, the use of English, in France, is a red rag to a bull. It is a trigger for behaving like an asshole to the person using the language. This is not a French reaction to the USA, it is much older than that. (The French supported the Americans in the War of Independence just because you were fighting the English.) The French deeply and irrevocably hate the British. In the last millenium, the two nations have been at war with each other for more than 500 years in total.

Why this reaction is still as strong as it is in the French I don't know, as the British seem to be getting over it (Blair even speaks French). What I do know is that the French resent deeply anyone expecting them to speak English. The majority of educated french can speak English, but they will not make the effort unless you show a willingness to try to use French first.

I was hoping they would be. I didn't expect to get so much greif and thought the whole rude french thing was just a stereotype, but I was either mistaken or perhaps it was just a coincidence they everyone i ran into was just an asshole *shrug*

I actually ran into the "rude French" thing when I was in France, but only once. We went to a McDonalds in some random town in the middle of nowhere and my mum tried to order in English. The woman got mad, so I came up and started ordering in French for her. Instead of listening to me give the order in French, she put her hand around her ear and started going "QUOI? QUOI?" I thought I was pronouncing things wrong or something, so I got very nervous, but later, our guide told me that the woman was just being a bitch.

Other than that, I never had any problems. The French people I know are absolutely fabulous people--one, Josephine, I met on a flight from Nashville to Detroit when I was flying to Berlin, and we both missed our flights out of the country, so we ended up being put through De Gaulle (I went from Nashville to Detroit to Paris to Amsterdam to Berlin... it was awful). When we got to De Gaulle, she stayed with me and spoke French to everyone so we could find our next gates quickly. When we got on the bus to the terminal, she leaned over to me and went "you know, I really hate other French people. They're so haughty. Once I was old enough, I came to America, and all of my family moved from Paris to Genève."

Heh, so I guess sometimes French people hate each other just like Americans hate other Americans. It's nice to know that some things are international.

Hate (and pie) do truly unite the world.

i voted ok. but in my experience it's the old tourists that are the worst. the young ones seem to be very interested in actually immersing themeselves in local culture. and i mean real culture rather than exclusively focusing on museums and art galleries. perhaps it depends on what sort of places you are staying in. when i was travelling for a year i was staying in hostels and all the americans i met were thoroughly enjoyable people to be around. the older people at hostels were fine generally too. but when you'r staying in hotels (as i assume you would travelling for work reasons) there are mostly older people and if they'r americans they will probably be the sort of people that 'do europe' in a few weeks and only go to museums and art galleries and shit like that. in my experience it's the older tourists who eptomise the stereotypical arrogant american abroad. the few younger people you find in hotels will probably be spoilt little rich kids travelling on mummy or daddy's credit card and obviously then they will be obnoxious, condescending and vacant because thats just how those sort of people are anywhere.

i guess it all comes down to how you look at people and where you are looking at them (from). i only know a few older americans and they are all arseholes. i know more younger americans and they are all great. *shrugs*

I actually ran into the "rude French" thing when I was in France, but only once. We went to a McDonalds...

I see the problem right there! Did you, by any chance, order "freedom fries"?

Edit: I feel feel for the woman, however. First: she is working at a Mcdonalds --seeing one makes most French people cringe. Second: And then an American comes in and starts ordering in English! Kind of like giving the middle finger to everything French...

I went for "So-So... Their tacky toursty gawking and pic clicking annoys me"

I live in Australia, so the tourists always seem to think everybody is Steve Erwin/Crocodile Dundee type.
One of my friends worked at Wendies...American tourists always (without fail) did the "Hey Wendy" thing. Alsi they tried to order stuff the American version of Wendies had, even though the menu was above their heads, flashing neon.

But; oh well. At least it's good for the economy. & I've met some really nice people too. Though, as you say, it's mostly the young people who put down America.

Though also, I think, In some countries Americans are treated badly. When I went to France (England & Japan, though I don't usually hear complains from Americans about those countries) everyone was really nice to me & my family. I don't think I ment a single 'mean' person, & I was there, & at school, for two months.
But I've heard complaints about France from American tourists...

Hate (and pie) do truly unite the world.
Man, I have to agree on the pie. Who hates pie? No one, that's who, because pie can be anything you want it to be. Sweet, savoury, whatever.

And I don't care what people say, cheesecake is not cake. It has a crust, it's pie.

There are long standing and traditional rivalries between certain nations that can cause this type of behaviour. Essentially neither Holland not Belgium have any beef with the UK, but France and Britain are like brothers in a maladjusted family. Always looking to pick a fight with the other, but not really being able to.
(the same applies to Argentina and Brazil.)

As such, the use of English, in France, is a red rag to a bull. It is a trigger for behaving like an asshole to the person using the language. This is not a French reaction to the USA, it is much older than that. (The French supported the Americans in the War of Independence just because you were fighting the English.) The French deeply and irrevocably hate the British. In the last millenium, the two nations have been at war with each other for more than 500 years in total.

Why this reaction is still as strong as it is in the French I don't know, as the British seem to be getting over it (Blair even speaks French). What I do know is that the French resent deeply anyone expecting them to speak English. The majority of educated french can speak English, but they will not make the effort unless you show a willingness to try to use French first.


Actually my friend here in teh states that is from England HATES teh French. I asked why and he said "I've never thought about it" but then he gave me the history of their rivalry. lol.

I see the problem right there! Did you, by any chance, order "freedom fries"?
Heh, yeah, globalisation at its worst.

And hells no I didn't. First of all, I hate French fries, and secondly, that was stupid. I also happen to hate McDonalds (mostly because I'm a pollopescatarian, and they have crappy chicken) and would much rather have gone to a café in the town, but I was with a group of fellow students and they wanted to have a "taste of home." I didn't go to France to have crappy fast food >O.

I actually ran into the "rude French" thing when I was in France, but only once. We went to a McDonalds in some random town in the middle of nowhere and my mum tried to order in English. The woman got mad, so I came up and started ordering in French for her. Instead of listening to me give the order in French, she put her hand around her ear and started going "QUOI? QUOI?" I thought I was pronouncing things wrong or something, so I got very nervous, but later, our guide told me that the woman was just being a bitch.

Other than that, I never had any problems. The French people I know are absolutely fabulous people--one, Josephine, I met on a flight from Nashville to Detroit when I was flying to Berlin, and we both missed our flights out of the country, so we ended up being put through De Gaulle (I went from Nashville to Detroit to Paris to Amsterdam to Berlin... it was awful). When we got to De Gaulle, she stayed with me and spoke French to everyone so we could find our next gates quickly. When we got on the bus to the terminal, she leaned over to me and went "you know, I really hate other French people. They're so haughty. Once I was old enough, I came to America, and all of my family moved from Paris to Genève."

Heh, so I guess sometimes French people hate each other just like Americans hate other Americans. It's nice to know that some things are international.

Yeah actually i dated a half Japanese/ half french girl who grew up in france half of her life. She was awesome.

oh the public schools thing - could be but even when they did recognize the high scorers, teh problem still existed.

I don't think that American tourists are all that bad, I'm not going to classify someone based on their nationality. One thing I don't like though, is when noisy, annoying, rude Americans go to other countries and pretend to be Canadian. Why should the ones that are disrespectful of us at home have any right to be "representatives" of our country, just because they don't want people to dislike them? Sorry, if you're an American, show it, and show that you DON'T dislike other cultures, don't pretend to be someone else. I would hold the same standard if a Canadian went to another country and pretended to be an American and made a fool of themself, they shouldn't do that either. (I do not think that the majority of Americans are rude, just the ones that go to hockey games and make fun of the Anthem.)

Actually my friend here in teh states that is from England HATES teh French. I asked why and he said "I've never thought about it" but then he gave me the history of their rivalry. lol.
I too, am English, by birth and upbringing and I admit that there are many of my compatriots that hold the same view as your friend. It just seems less predominant of late, that is all.

I don't think that American tourists are all that bad, I'm not going to classify someone based on their nationality. One thing I don't like though, is when noisy, annoying, rude Americans go to other countries and pretend to be Canadian. Why should the ones that are disrespectful of us at home have any right to be "representatives" of our country, just because they don't want people to dislike them? Sorry, if you're an American, show it, and show that you DON'T dislike other cultures, don't pretend to be someone else.
(I do not think that the majority of Americans are rude, just the ones that go to hockey games and make fun of the Anthem.)

I think people would be able to tell the difference, don't worry.
Canadians have much nicer accents. No offence ment, or anything.

oh the public schools thing - could be but even when they did recognize the high scorers, teh problem still existed.

Yes, but there wasn't bureaucratic support for the problem. Doesn't it seem incredibly insipid to be making an executive decision like that? Isn't it just a little absurd to be saying that something like seeing a higher grade is going to make someone feel badly about him or herself? There are always going to be people with high grades and trying to hide that fact from low scorers doesn't do anything, but it will sure as hell try to sugar-coat the entire situation. Teachers should be able to display the good work of a student if they feel that it would work towards the betterment of the class--this shouldn't be a decision that is made by a board that is nowhere near the classroom.

Canadians have much nicer accents. No offence ment, or anything.

I think it has something to do with laziness. Americans are far less concerned with pronunciation (and grammar, and vocabulary, and...), but Canada has a better appreciation for the English language and language in general.

Have you ever heard a typical American speak a foreign language? I'm a French minor, and listening to the people in my class speak is like listening to nails on a blackboard. The same thing happened in Japanese class, except the biggest problem there stemmed from otaku who thought that they should speak in the highest voice possible.

Yes, but there wasn't bureaucratic support for the problem. Doesn't it seem incredibly insipid to be making an executive decision like that? Isn't it just a little absurd to be saying that something like seeing a higher grade is going to make someone feel badly about him or herself? There are always going to be people with high grades and trying to hide that fact from low scorers doesn't do anything, but it will sure as hell try to sugar-coat the entire situation. Teachers should be able to display the good work of a student if they feel that it would work towards the betterment of the class--this shouldn't be a decision that is made by a board that is nowhere near the classroom.

I agree it's stupid - but I don't think that is why our public schoosl suck. In fact I ahve been to public schools in both rich and poor neighborhoods. The difference is astounding! Apparently the amount of money a school gets per student is based on the land value of the homes or something to that effect.

I know that there are other causes too like poro management and stuff but goign to a public school in a rich neighborhood was the best thing that ever happened to me and really opened my eyes to the possibilities of what a school can offer. Goign from a poor public school to a rich one made me feel ike I jumped several grades

OK, this is for our friends in Europe, Australia and NZ, and Asia.

How do you feel about American toursits?

As an American myself, I have traveled quite extensively due to my work and also because I love to experience and learn about new cultures. On my trips to Europe (France, UK, Hungary, Greece) I have always noticed other Americans and they usually make my skin crawl, especially YOUNG tourists. They behave with a wide-eyed, dismissive, and totally condecending attitude. Whenever I see other Americans, I usually ask them "how are you behaving?" The older tourists I have seen are usually more cultured, and respectful. Young tourists are the real problem.

One example was my last trip to France. There was a tour group full of teens from California at my hotel in Paris. I was having lunch at the restaurant, and there was a small group of them a couple of tables away, making all kinds of rude comments about the French, mocking their food, etc. They looked over to me and said "these French people are SOOO weird duude" . I casually glanced up and said "you know, you are giving Americans a really bad name and leaving a very poor impression of yourselves." They left a few minutes later a bit subdued.

So what have been your experiences with American tourists in your countries? How do you see us in terms of etiquette, manners, and the treatment of your languages and culture?

Can't agree with you more. American tourists are loud, condescending, rude, and imposing. Daily, I will have american tourists try to pay me in US$ (and become quite disagreeable when refused). It would seem that American tourists are not actually interested in experiencing and learning about the many and varied cultures of the worlds, so much as comparing them to their own 'superior' culture. I feel as if the American tourists expect me to be grateful for their presence in my country, and that we have something to learn from them. Unfortunately for you, Callixtina, you are vastly outnumbered, and will most probably be pidgeonholed in with the rest. I know that I put on my passive resistant mask as soon as I hear an American accent. Fortunately, these americans no longer irritate me since I began to understand the sociological roots of their flagrant conceit. They certainly don't win any respect, but nor do they attract any malice (at least from me).

Apparently the amount of money a school gets per student is based on the land value of the homes or something to that effect.

It's based on tax revenue in a given area. If the houses are worth more, people have to pay more in taxes, so the schools receive more money.

And by the way, even if your kids go to private school, you still have to pay the school taxes for the area :/...

Originally Posted by 20 Zealots
Canadians have much nicer accents. No offence ment, or anything. Lol, none taken, thanks for the compliment, actually, I have to routinely inform people that I am not Irish, you should see how disappointed they are when I say, "No, I'm Canadian." :p

It's based on tax revenue in a given area. If the houses are worth more, people have to pay more in taxes, so the schools receive more money.

And by the way, even if your kids go to private school, you still have to pay the school taxes for the area :/...

In many areas, that is not true anymore. Many states have passed laws so that tax money goes to the state first, and then is distributed equally to all the districts.

A mixed bunch. Can't stand the geriatric ones but I can tolerate the college students.

In many areas, that is not true anymore. Many states have passed laws so that tax money goes to the state first, and then is distributed equally to all the districts.


Thats how it should be IMHO

A couple of friends and myself are planning a trip to Europe next summer. I think I'll get a Canada flag to affix to my bag.

Stay out of certian parts of the UK then.

In many areas, that is not true anymore. Many states have passed laws so that tax money goes to the state first, and then is distributed equally to all the districts.

I'm moderately certain that we still do it the old way in Tennessee... we have a state education budget, but there are many schools that are much better funded than others. For example, my family used to be zoned for Franklin High School, but when my younger sister decided that she didn't want to go to prep school after this year, we moved to the Brentwood High School zone because it is in a higher income area and therefore has much better facilities than Franklin. It certainly isn't a decision of the county, as they are both in the same county, and Franklin is even the county seat--I'm not completely certain how it all works out, as I always went to an independent college prep school, so we just got our funding from tuition and donations :D.

Perhaps after this next year, my sister can enlighten me as to how her new school is so much nicer than other area schools.

Usually I'd agree with all the posters that have said how loud and obnoxious American tourists are, but right now I'm in a cafe having a coffee (my @*#%!! monitor's no working!) and being aurally assaulted by the horrid tones of an extremely loud annoying upper class british woman çhatting' with a friend but, I suspect, is secretly intent on making sure everyone in this whole friggin' cafe gets to hear her views on life. In a truly revolting, piercing, ear-bleeding pouncy voice.

Thus, right now I hate British tourists, not American. But that'll no doubt change as soon as I leave this place.


Oh god! She's laughing like a seal being machine-gunned! I'm outta here.

Basically they are just like any other Westerners. The older ones are fine -- polite, and they like when someone speaks tolerable English.

The young are terrible. Drinking Coca-Cola, then rolling empty plastic bottles down the aisles of the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory -- during the concert... Atrocious.

The young are terrible. Drinking Coca-Cola, then rolling empty plastic bottles down the aisles of the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory -- during the concert... Atrocious.

...

I'd like to formally apologise for my generation of Americans. You must understand, they have not been taught how to behave in polite society. They have no idea how to dress in business attire, how to act when in concerts and operas, et cetera.

That's just horrible :/. Hopefully, if their parents were there, they would hit them for being such atrocious children.

a seal being machine-gunned!

That I HAVE to see...

I'm British. I tend to find that Americans are much better outside of the USA than they are when they are at home. I've travelled all over the world and tend to find that about two-thirds of them realise that the sun does not shine out of their backsides, and are perfectly friendly and inoffensive human beings. This is particularly true of the ones who are willing to travel further to get to know a country better. It tends to be the ones that congregate around London tourist attractions which are the most unbearable tourists, because they tend to be loud, high-pitched, and quite frequently just plain ignorant. I have seen people standing outside Buckingham Palace asking where the Queen is....:headbang:

There is nothing quite so amusing as visiting America itself. In 2002, I spent three weeks on the eastern seaboard. I was frequently asked if I was from New Jersey. One man in Washington, DC, was shocked to hear that we had travelled from Europe in a plane. I was asked if I knew the Queen personally. Did I know Elvis had died? Did I know the Beatles? The thing that really got me giggling was being asked if I had heard of British bands like Coldplay and Travis, by people who clearly had absolutely no clue why that was amusing. Aye, America's full of funny ones...

...

I'd like to formally apologise for my generation of Americans. You must understand, they have not been taught how to behave in polite society. They have no idea how to dress in business attire, how to act when in concerts and operas, et cetera.

That's just horrible :/. Hopefully, if their parents were there, they would hit them for being such atrocious children.

lol. And in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory of all places! :eek:

I went to Belgium and Holland and spoke nothing but english and everyone (excluding like 3 people) were extreemely nice to me (even the ones who didn't speak english). I was in France at the airport for 1 hours and got NOTHING but rudeness from every single person i tried to get help from, so it's not just a stereotype.

You are basing your experience of the French treatment of American tourists on ONE HOUR being spent in a very large and hectic AIRPORT!?

That's fair. :rolleyes:

My enduring impression of American tourists is a of couple of college girls from New York having a loud racist conversation at a youth hostel near Arnhem, in which they attacked blacks, Arabs and in particular, Poles.

I happened to be there to visit the battlefields and museum/memorials for the British and Polish paratroopers who got massacred fighting the Nazis in a WW2 battle there. :mad:

That's as low an impression as it is possible to make, and it will last for some considerable time.

According to my sister, the American tourists in Disneyland aren't nearly as bad as the Spanish or British ones...

Well, British package holiday tourists are a whole different story. Now they are scum.

Well, British package holiday tourists are a whole different story. Now they are scum.Yeah. I had to verbally put down an annoying little girl that kept trying to cut during the hour long wait for Space Mountain 2.
(I'd like to add that I really don't like French keyboards...)

:headbang: Gah! Those are the types you see blaming San Andreas for "corrupting our youth".
Is a "soccer mom" a mother whose child(ren) play(s) soccer?

It tends to be the ones that congregate around London tourist attractions which are the most unbearable tourists, because they tend to be loud, high-pitched, and quite frequently just plain ignorant. I have seen people standing outside Buckingham Palace asking where the Queen is....:headbang:

Aye, I really didn't like London that much, to be honest. I was much happier when we got out into places like Brighton (which amuses my Leeds-based friend to no end), Bath, et cetera. Places that were more tucked back, places that you couldn't fly directly into. It's lovely :D.

There is nothing quite so amusing as visiting America itself
My friend from Leeds, Dano, has been living in the US for the last three or so months. I went to visit him in Virginia a couple of months ago and we went out to lunch. When the waiter came around, Dano said that he'd like a "toe-MAH-toe" wrap, and the man just stared blankly at him. We looked at each other and I supplied "toe-MAY-toe," and all was well.

Oddly enough, I get the "where are you from?" thing too. I was once asked by a girl in a small French town if I was from Britain, asked by numerous Germans if I was Canadian, and around here, people ask if I'm from Europe. I'm not sure what leads them to think any of this up, but... all right.

Is a "soccer mom" a mother whose child(ren) play(s) soccer?
Haha, not necessarily. It's a mom with a really huge car who is always porting around her child and all of its friends. My mum is a soccer mom, but she calls herself a hockey mom--they live and breathe for their child's sport, get very overprotective, sometimes pick fights, et cetera. It's very amusing. I hope that I never become one.

There seems to be 2 types of American tourist: The nice, docile, mild, sensable ones. These are good guys, I liek them, they come talk to you, pay you properly arn't loud. in fact they fit in well.

And then you have to others. Unfortuntly the loud and over-patriotic ones. The ones who shout 'Boring' at a rugby match, that throw littler at cricketers, thnat refuse to assimilate, that go into a pub and ask why it's called the Foresters Arms when it's a Bar. The sort that refuse to pay in pounds and insist on paying in dollars. The sort that chase sheep and pay no attention to the coutnryside way, that let there dogs off the lead.

For instance, our farm has several footpaths through it, there all clearly marked and well signposted with lots of signs like 'KEEP DOGS ON THE LEAD' and 'CLOSE GATES'. But last year as I was doing my rounds I found a group of Americans (Though I didn't know this at once) walking through a feild of cows, with there dogs off the lead. They'd even left the gate open and the footpath was miles away. Odviously the dog was worrying the cows, and they where getting heated up, crowding together and getting ready to charge.

By law I could have shot the animal and had them arrested for tresspassing, but I didn't. Instead drove in, scarred the dog away and went over to them, and asked them what the hell they wehre doing. Instead of being apologetic they started shouting back, and it ended up with me and my dad driving them off the farm.

Not only had they done all that but they had also left every single gate open on the way to where I'd found them, which cased havoc as the animals escaped. But this is what I eman, I wouldn't have minded as much if they had apologised, but they didn't. They where arrogant and refused to accept they wehre in the wrong.

I'm an American who has spent about 3/4ths of my life overseas, and I have to say, American tourists tend to act a bit odd. Now, I live in Panama, and everyone here uses the term "tourist" as an insult (such as, "Look at that guy! He looks like a tourist!"), but they don't really care where the tourist comes from, as long as it brings them money. Now, since I live here, you couldn't really call me a tourist. Of course, I live in Panama, where everyone likes everyone, because they're too lazy to hate anyone.

They seem to avoid me like the Plague...my boyish charm I suppose. The French and Italians used to try to buy drugs off me, which at least was a conversation starter....

I work as a conductor on South Eastern Trains in the UK and work the routes between London and Dover and Canterbury, and therefore deal with American (and other) tourists on a regular basis. I have formed several generalisations about our cousins from across the atlantic (and they are generalisations, before anyone starts...)

Pros

1 - Americans tend to be much more polite to deal with. During a ticket check most British train passengers will simply wave their ticket in front of your face without even making eye contact. The Americans rend to actually make eye contact, smile and use the word "thankyou", which is always appreciated.
2 - As tourists the Americans require more information than most Brits (timetables, directions etc). When I explain that I only work the train to Canterbury and never even leave the station and therefore do not know the way to the cathedral, they generally laugh and say something like "of course, how silly of me!". The British response tends to be "Well why don't you know? You call this service?"
3 - American tourists are quite willing to stop and have a quick chat with me, always willing to listen to any advice I can give them about the best places to visit or eat. Brits either sleep or read the paper, quite capable of sitting in silence for an entire 2 hour journey.

Cons

1 - Some Americans (some, not all) have a tendency to speak in very loud voices. I have no idea why this is, but they tend to speak at several decibels abive other nationalities.
2 - When I speak French to the French tourists the look of amazement on their faces is incredible. Many cannot believe that a blue collar guy is capable of speaking another language.
3 - When talking to them they seem to have the belief that whatever we have in this country, there is something comparable in America that is bigger and better.

Like I say, generalisations only.

Cons

1 - Some Americans (some, not all) have a tendency to speak in very loud voices. I have no idea why this is, but they tend to speak at several decibels abive other nationalities.
2 - When I speak French to the French tourists the look of amazement on their faces is incredible. Many cannot believe that a blue collar guy is capable of speaking another language.
3 - When talking to them they seem to have the belief that whatever we have in this country, there is something comparable in America that is bigger and better.

Like I say, generalisations only.

Urgh. I know exactly what you mean. A generalisation it may be, but I happen to live with someone who speaks in the loudest voice you'll ever hear; not only that, he happens to also be my dad. I don't think I'll ever take him on a trip overseas, because his voice is really that loud and irritating. It's so loud that when he's on the phone, you can hear him from outside our house (five or so metres away, I might add). He doesn't so much talk as shout, you could say.

I'm an American, yes, but that doesn't mean I haven't had bad experiences with American tourists. I used to live on South Padre Island, a very popular resort in the Summer months. The interesting thing is that the younger tourists were mostly very nice, while the older ones (senior citizens) were loud, rude, and disobedient of local laws. Seeing them litter on the beach wasn't the least bit uncommon.

I, for one, would very much like to go overseas (Australia and Japan being my first and second destinations, respectively). I'm one of those Americans who will gladly learn the language of a country I'm visiting (I'm actually learning Japanese at the moment). I emphasize perfect pronunciation when I speak (my dad, who has the worst Texas accent ever, hates that --- he calls me Canadian now), I'm not the tourist type (I'd much rather go to a pub or a hangout rather than museums), and I'm eager to learn local customs.

Sorry about getting a rant started everyone, but I felt that I needed to say what I've said. Not all of us over here are pricks, you know. ;)

There are long standing and traditional rivalries between certain nations that can cause this type of behaviour. Essentially neither Holland not Belgium have any beef with the UK, but France and Britain are like brothers in a maladjusted family. Always looking to pick a fight with the other, but not really being able to.
(the same applies to Argentina and Brazil.)

As such, the use of English, in France, is a red rag to a bull. It is a trigger for behaving like an asshole to the person using the language. This is not a French reaction to the USA, it is much older than that. (The French supported the Americans in the War of Independence just because you were fighting the English.) The French deeply and irrevocably hate the British. In the last millenium, the two nations have been at war with each other for more than 500 years in total.

I know what you mean. When I was staying in a youth hostel in the south of France I tried to explain to some French people at my table that I was going to try to limit the amount of French I spoke because it would only encourage them to go on believing their language had a future.
Boy, that got me some frosty stares, I can tell you.:)

I love you assume I'm an ignorant boob who can't learn anything.

I never assumed, but thanks for confirming it...:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :headbang:

Have you ever seen a Chinese toursit?

A few years ago (middle of March 2003 to be exact, a cookie to anyone who remembers what was going on in the world at that time) my family went on a vacation to Paris. My mother remembered a bit of French from when she was in high school but the rest of us didn't know more than 20 words of French between us. The people there were as kind as could be and did not seem to bear any ill will towards Americans even if they did dislike Bush and his policies. Since my family is very Democratic we could easily respect that. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was that some random Frenchman stopped us on the street and said, "Vive la France." And we responded in kind but sounding very much like Americans. He then said, "Americans?" We said yes and he said, "Vive la America." That and all the lines for major places were short because there weren't many tourists in France at the time.

I was surprised Canada wasn't put on the list of places American tourists come.

I put so-so.
The more northern ones are fine, usually.
The dumbasses in the south who come up here and ask if the road stops are kinda stupid, but offer us some funny stories to tell people later. Seriously... just because I live north of the border doesn't mean I live in an igloo and own a dogsled team because there are no roads, and there is constant snow. :p
The ones they put the "handguns are not allowed in Canada" signs at the border for can just go home.

You're just mad because a million Canadian dollars is 890,000 American dollars.

I've only been overseas once, earlier this month, and Im going again next month on a school trip, so I can't say I've been a tourist much. However, I do try very hard to not be a typical tourist by setting myself some ground rules:
1. Not be a jerk
2. Try to be unobtrusive
3. Don't shove cameras everywhere
4. Try to adapt local ettiquite
5. Speak the native language as much as possible (knowing Spanish, and with the help of a phrasebook, I was having short chats in Italian very quickly, and hardly used English there. Sadly, I didn't know any Greek when I went to Greece, but will try to use as much Spanish as possible when I go to Mexico)

to always freakin' avoid Times Square, et cetera.

yeah my parents went to America for their honeymoon, when they went to Times Square some nice old African American guy told them someone was folllowing them and they should leave or they could get mugged. they were there really early in the morning and if the guy wasn't there to tell them there was no one else around.

but back on the topic of american tourists, they're fairly good in Australia, maybe a bit too loud.

The worst is when they stand on the pavement in crowds of 25-30 and nobody can get past.

They're standing there taking photos of something insignificant, or being told about something, nobody can get past, and none of the tourists makes any effort to move out of the way.

Incredibely frustrating.

I know of American tourists who tried to buy 'real' leprechauns from a souvenier shop.

It's never the male American tourists that are bothersome, they are usually just drunk and full of giggles.

It's the nagging 'soccer mom' types that have a voice like nails on a chalkboard who complain about everything and state loudly every single problem with their trip up to that point - seeing how everyone else cares, uh-huh.
Wether it be the weather, the driving, the tours, the giftshops, the prices, anything and everything seems to be the cynical rage for the bitchy American ladies.

those are the same females who, on an interstate, clog/back-up the left (fast) lane by driving under the speed limit...

(to most drivers here, probably, the speed limit is seen more practically as a speed minimum.)

The worst is when they stand on the pavement in crowds of 25-30 and nobody can get past.

They're standing there taking photos of something insignificant, or being told about something, nobody can get past, and none of the tourists makes any effort to move out of the way.

Incredibely frustrating.

try this:

If they're from the South: "Excuse me, y'all"

...from the Northeast: "Get the fuck out of the way"

...from the Midwest, Mountain states, Pacific NW: "Excuse me"

...from California: "Like, excuse me, dudes and dudettes."

try this:

If they're from the South: "Excuse me, y'all"

...from the Northeast: "Get the fuck out of the way"

...from the Midwest, Mountain states, Pacific NW: "Excuse me"

...from California: "Like, excuse me, dudes and dudettes."

I wouldn't advise that. If they're from the North East (more spefically, New England), they've probably had a few local drinks. And we do like to argue...

I could imagine that denizens of some countries probably think we're (Americans are) always in a hurry, very punctual, etc.

In Italy, my sis and I stayed with some old family friends... average day:

Me: Yo, Giulio, what time's dinner?
Giulio: Oh, come up about 6pm

(fast-forward to 5:55pm)

My sister and I are finishing up getting ready for dinner. We head upstairs for dinner and arrive there at approximately 5:59pm, 1 minute early.

We sit down at the table with everyone... and commence to talk for an hour, when finally (at 7) dinner is served.

.....

or going somewhere... if we were told we'd be leaving at 8, we soon learned that 8:30-9 was what was really meant.

etc.

now we were great friends with these people and never said a word about their lateness (we're not assholes... they were very kind to us and we were grateful for their hospitality... the time thing just took some getting used to).

So do Americans seem overly time-conscious... anal-retentive/pushy about being on-time?

Dear Brothers...

Once upon a time Americans were known to be rich and spending their money...
Now these bloody tourists have no money, no manners and don't even speak our language.
We are a very nice and courteous nation with real tourists like Germans with lotta Euros to spend or some Rich young Japanese with no idea 'bout the change.
We do not welcome the others tourists who are much labour tourists trying to get a job in our Holy See.

How to be a good tourist without enough money to spend???

Poor people have mass holiday packages to some far resorts (Thailand for pedophiles, Vietnam for ... and Amsterdam for drug addicts, etc...). Why should we received these laborious mass in our cities?
Tourism here is for connoisseurs, well educated people with enough interest in the local economy.

Now let's pray, brothers, let the tourists bring their wives, we are the fathers of your children and sometimes we need to interbreed. Amen

The High Priest
Great Tourist among tourists

I wouldn't advise that. If they're from the North East (more spefically, New England), they've probably had a few local drinks. And we do like to argue...

hehe, that was New York City.