NationStates Jolt Archive

What was the stupidest question someone has asked you about a place you have been?

It's a toss-up between

"You went to the UK!? They speak English there, right?" (That's kind of where the language comes from... :rolleyes:

or

"Virginia Beach? What state is that in?" (Missouri, of course! :rolleyes:)


How 'bout you guys?

Upon returning from Puerto Rico.

"So, was it hot down there?"

Upon returning from a month in Bombay in AUGUST.

"So, was it really hot over there?"

:headbang:

not about a place i've been, but about where i grew up (jersey): "so do you know bergerac then?"

you'd have to watch a fair bit of british daytime tv to understand that though. but i can tell you it has been i asked more than once in all seriousness.

I grew up in Folsom, California.

Upon hearing this, I am often asked something like, "What'd you do to get in there?" or "Are you on furlow?" or some other nonsense.

Upon moving to Kansas from Canada...do you guys all live in igloos?

This is not to say that all the folks in Kansas are ignorant, on the contrary, I met some of the greatest people there, but I guess it has no shortage of idiots, like every other place.

Not really a question, but while at Anime North and talking to a guy from Michigan he tried telling me Canadians don't have a right to freedom of speech because we "don't have the first amendment" and that all of our signs needed to be printed in both English and French, I pointed to the stop sign and no parking signs (with the bylaw information printed on them in English only) that were less then 15 feet from the car and grinned smugly.

Another gem, about my town:

"Hey, I've been to North Carolina before! I saw all these houses by the highway but I didn't know which one was yours!"

:rolleyes: My town has a 5,000 populaiton. Most of them live in the housing development by the middle school, or down the road from the elementary school. And then there's more housing developments because the stupid Virginians (who gave me that gem, by the way) are sick of the idiots in government, even though they voted for them, so they move to the middle of goddamn nowhere and whine because there aren't 15 shopping malls and 2813 McDonald's, EVEN THOUGH THEY MOVED AWAY FROM IT.

Stupid Virginians. :mad:

Upon moving to Kansas from Canada...do you guys all live in igloos?

This is not to say that all the folks in Kansas are ignorant, on the contrary, I met some of the greatest people there, but I guess it has no shortage of idiots, like every other place.

You know, I've heard people talk about the igloo comment a million times, yet have never actually met an American who's ever asked me that, and I've been stateside plenty of times.

It's gotta be part myth.

"You live in New York?"

I swear to God I'm going to knife the next person who asks me that.

I grew up in Folsom, California.

Upon hearing this, I am often asked something like, "What'd you do to get in there?" or "Are you on furlow?" or some other nonsense.

I get the same thing occasionally, being from Chino. Apparently some t.v. show last year was set in Chino, using some slum in east L.A. for its scenery. So I get both fans of that show who think it's a pit, or people who've only heard of the prison.

You know, I've heard people talk about the igloo comment a million times, yet have never actually met an American who's ever asked me that, and I've been stateside plenty of times.

It's gotta be part myth.

It's probably 80% myth. I've never heard anyone ask if Canadians had igloos.

People here in NC robably would have igloos if it snowed enough.

When I told someone I live in Texas they asked, "So do you ride your horse everywhere?"

When I told someone I was Mexican they asked, "So you have a donkey then?"

It's probably 80% myth. I've never heard anyone ask if Canadians had igloos.

People here in NC robably would have igloos if it snowed enough.

I've been to NC. I believe you. Or maybe I'm confusing it with SC... I was just kinda passing through.

Nice drive though.

I've been to NC. I believe you. Or maybe I'm confusing it with SC... I was just kinda passing through.

Nice drive though.

Both states have so many damn trees.... :headbang:

"Atlantic City, you mean the one with the beach?" :p

Both states have so many damn trees.... :headbang:

That's a good thing. Enjoy it while it lasts.

I'll admit a stupid assumption of my own; before I ever visited the states, I expected massive urban sprawl and a lack of greenery. Boy, was I surprised. My first visit to New Jersey was quite a revelation. There I was moving someone in to their beautiful new home, and deer were playing in their front lawn. America really is beautiful.

And then I went to Hackensack... and saw sort of what I 'expected'. The only city I've ever been to where a local gave me grief for keeping a candy wrapper in my pocket. "This is Hackensack... you throw it on the ground!".

Unless my memory is completely fuzzy, the drive through NC included some hilly/mountainous terrain. It was quite nice.

I've been asked if we ride Kangaroos to school. Believe it or not, it was an American.

...do you?

I've been asked if we ride Kangaroos to school. Believe it or not, it was an American.

I've been asked if we ride Kangaroos to school. Believe it or not, it was an American.

Just sad.

I've been asked if we ride Kangaroos to school. Believe it or not, it was an American.

Yeah, I've had similar things coming my way. "Do you have a pet kangaroo?" and the like. :P

Yeah, I've had similar things coming my way. "Do you have a pet kangaroo?" and the like. :P

*awaits answer with anticipation*

...do you?
There may have been incidents..
<.<
>.>

but the point is that the overwhelming majority of Australians have not at any time slept with Kangaroos!
Wait.. what were we talking about?

...do you?

no we just eat them as well as emus

*awaits answer with anticipation*

I don't keep one as a pet, I keep it as my bitch.

You guys suck. I would hunt down a Walaby and name him Rocko, then pair him up with a cow named Hefer.

Oh my beautiful dream will come to fruition one day.

"What's so great about Philly?"

:upyours:

I don't keep one as a pet, I keep it as my bitch.
*Throws Kanabia the Kangaroo-fit tailored-Kangaroo-leather gimp suit plus chain.*

but the point is that the overwhelming majority of Australians have not at any time slept with Kangaroos!

No, they remained awake to attain complete satisfaction.

*Throws Kanabia the Kangaroo-fit tailored-Kangaroo-leather gimp suit plus chain.*

*records it to sell on net*

right, so I'm originally from Vancouver, I don't live there now ut I digress. My cousin in wisoncsin asked me this one: Vancouver, that's on the east coast right? me: "pfffff what?"

"You live in NYC? How many times have you been mugged?"

:rolleyes:

"What's so great about Philly?"

:upyours:

I'd be impressed if you could come up with an answer. :p

and don't say Rocky.

Yeah, I've had similar things coming my way. "Do you have a pet kangaroo?" and the like. :P

Isn't that illegal?

"Latin America? They speak Latin there, right?"

"I know you teach Spanish, but I'm going to Mexico and I was wondering where I could take a Mexican course."

"You're from Canada? Do you speak English?" (during a conversation IN English)

I'd be impressed if you could come up with an answer. :p

and don't say Rocky.

I have actually never watched Rocky. *nods*

And how can you say such a negative thing about Philly?! It is the greatest place on earth.

Isn't that illegal?

Aborigines can have them as pets

I have actually never watched Rocky. *nods*

And how can you say such a negative thing about Philly?! It is the greatest place on earth.

Only if the rest of the earth were annihilated in an alien attack. I would rather live in Atlantic City, at least the traffic isn't as bad. And there are no roads called "Skull Kill" :p

"Latin America? They speak Latin there, right?"

"I know you teach Spanish, but I'm going to Mexico and I was wondering where I could take a Mexican course."

"You're from Canada? Do you speak English?" (during a conversation IN English)

My opinion of humanity has just sunk to a new low. I didn't think it was possible to be that stupid.

"Youre from south america, so you speak MEXICAN there?"
"In wich part of MEXICO, CHILE is?"
After i got asked the second one i felt sad.

"Youre from south america, so you speak MEXICAN there?"
"In wich part of MEXICO, CHILE is?"
After i got asked the second one i felt sad.

Un chileno, ¿viviendo en Chile? ¿De verdad? Creo que eres el primero…tenemos aquí en NSG un chileno ubiquado en Canadá, pero no creo que nunca hemos tenido uno escribiendonos desde el capital.

Only if the rest of the earth were annihilated in an alien attack. I would rather live in Atlantic City,

1. You see? Even the aliens love Philadelphia!
2. AC? That's.. well.. that's just fucking rude! .. even though I do enjoy the tackyness when I'm there..
at least the traffic isn't as bad.

How many times do I have to tell you people?! You walk in Philly. Park the damn car and WALK!
And there are no roads called "Skull Kill" :p

1. If you seriously pronouce it that way, I will have to make you listen to Paris Hilton singing rap.
2. I happen to live in "Skull Kill" county. You're welcome to visit any time you like. :p

EDIT:
I can: RUFFY!!!!!!!

*humps*

I'd be impressed if you could come up with an answer. :p

I can: RUFFY!!!!!!!

As a Minnesotan, I sometimes get asked if we all have Scandinavian accents like in the movie Fargo (which, incidentally, I have not seen). :rolleyes:

For the record, very, very few Minnesotans have Scandinavian accents, except maybe in those really small towns with Swedish names (many of which are twinned with cities in Sweden).

1. You see? Even the aliens love Philadelphia!
2. AC? That's.. well.. that's just fucking rude! .. even though I do enjoy the tackyness when I'm there..

Think about it. If the average germ wipes out their entire invading force. Imagine what stepping into Philly would do to them. Especially around Lincoln Financial Stadium. :eek:

The bright lights do make you feel like you entered a watered down, more lethal Vegas.


How many times do I have to tell you people?! You walk in Philly. Park the damn car and WALK!

Actually the times I did walk through Philly it was lovely. Especially UPenn and the area around the historic sites.
[/QUOTE]

Hm...I think the current record is (upon returning from New York):

"Did you see a yellow taxi?"

Guh...

I live in Switzerland.

"Ever been to the mountains?"

"Do you get lots of cheese there?"

My opinion of humanity has just sunk to a new low. I didn't think it was possible to be that stupid.

I did. But it's still awful. :(

These aren't personal experience. They happened to people I know.

A Belgian I know was asked, when visiting the States, whether he goes to school on horseback. (Huh?) Turned out the person asking thought the invention called "cars" hadn't reached Belgium yet.

A (French) friend of my sister's stayed for a while with a family in the US. When she arrived, they showed her the TV, started explaining to her what it was, and told her not to be frightened of it. (I wish I were joking... :( )

I live in Switzerland.

"Ever been in the mountains?"
lol

But are there not low-lying regions to the southeast?





Upon coming back from Norway -

"Ah, Norway. They speak Swedish there, right?"

(sadly from an Englander)

I did. But it's still awful. :(

These aren't personal experience. They happened to people I know.

A Belgian I know was asked, when visiting the States, whether he goes to school on horseback. (Huh?) Turned out the person asking thought the invention called "cars" hadn't reached Belgium yet.

A (French) friend of my sister's stayed for a while with a family in the US. When she arrived, they showed her the TV, started explaining to her what it was, and told her not to be frightened of it. (I wish I were joking... :( )


Gosh, that can't have improved the rather bad image of American intelligence in Europe..

It's not some much the degree of stupidity as it is the quantity...

"Luxembourg? That's part of Germany, right?"
"Oh, so you live in Germany?"
"How's Germany?"
"Are you still occupied by Germany?"

Rinse, repeat...

I have actually never watched Rocky. *nods*

And how can you say such a negative thing about Philly?! It is the greatest place on earth.


Philly, the city that loves you back! :D

.....unless of course you're from Jersey :p



dumbest question ever... "Does it snow in Iceland?"

It's not some much the degree of stupidity as it is the quantity...

"Luxembourg? That's part of Germany, right?"
"Oh, so you live in Germany?"
"How's Germany?"
"Are you still occupied by Germany?"

Rinse, repeat...

That must get very tiresome, yes.

This thread is depressing me...

Upon coming back from Norway -

"Ah, Norway. They speak Swedish there, right?"

(sadly from an Englander)

I can only hang my head in shame on behalf of my countrymen. The Chav revolution is destroying our once fine country. (Americans online would call chavs 'trailer trash'). I don't tend to remember stupid questions as I could get infected, but here's a really disgusting bestiality joke instead -
Q. Why would someone wrap a duck in parcel tape?
A. So it won't split!

Ho Ho Ho (well I laughed):eek:

From time to time when I say I'm from New York...

"Which borough are you from?" Nevermind that I'm from NY *state*, not the city....

That must get very tiresome, yes.

This thread is depressing me...
Not me, this thread has produced a whole new list of stock replies for when I talk with foriegners. I'll especially have to remember the bit about cars and tvs not having gotten to their home countries.

It's probably 80% myth. I've never heard anyone ask if Canadians had igloos.

People here in NC robably would have igloos if it snowed enough.

I live in NC also, but even if it did snow enough it would have to stick around longer than a day. And to reply to stupid questions I know we all heard this one, when someone calls your home and asks for your phone number. And I moved to NC from Wisconsin and the most commenly asked question was " Was it cold up there?" Duh.

Don't get me started about foreign tourists on The Mall (the center of Washington DC) and their questions.

I have to endure them every day at lunch.

"So, is China part of Japan, or something?" asked by a high school girl yesterday.

I was just....GAH!

"You live in NYC? How many times have you been mugged?"

:rolleyes:

That too, of course, but I've had some fun making silly people feel nervous about talking to me. I've also been accused of being a member of a gang. I didn't bother denying it. :p

Only if the rest of the earth were annihilated in an alien attack. I would rather live in Atlantic City, at least the traffic isn't as bad. And there are no roads called "Skull Kill" :p

It's pronounced School Kill.

"So, is China part of Japan, or something?" asked by a high school girl yesterday.

I was just....GAH!

when did they take over one another ?
that girl needs some help

You guys suck. I would hunt down a Walaby and name him Rocko, then pair him up with a cow named Hefer.

Oh my beautiful dream will come to fruition one day.

What about a turtle named Filbert?

lol

But are there not low-lying regions to the southeast?


That's Austria, not Switzerland ;)

when did they take over one another ?
that girl needs some help

I don't think she had any idea that Japan was even an island. She just thought there was this place with yellow people, and it could either be called Japan or China. I think. I sorta walked away from the conversation in shock after that question.

I don't think she had any idea that Japan was even an island. She just thought there was this place with yellow people, and it could either be called Japan or China. I think. I sorta walked away from the conversation in shock after that question.

i would walk away too

Stupidest question I ever got asked by a German :

"You're going to Montreal? Do you speak Spanish, then?"

Me: I live in NY
Person: Oh really which part Manhattan or The Bronx
Me: No i live Upstate
Person: Oh?Where they keep the cows..Are you a farmer
Me: Yeah we all are everyone is issued a herd.
---------------------------------------------------------
Me: My kids live in Portland, Or
Person: Are they hippies
--------------------------------------------------------
The last is one from my grandma
She met my filipino sister in law for the first time
She leans over and whispers to my mom.
Oh my gosh he married a black girl........
---------------------------------------------------------

What was the stupidest question someone has asked you about a place you have been?

It's a toss-up between

"You went to the UK!? They speak English there, right?" (That's kind of where the language comes from... :rolleyes:

or

"Virginia Beach? What state is that in?" (Missouri, of course! :rolleyes:)


How 'bout you guys?

Well, I got a stupid one about my ethnicity. Two goodies, actually. (BTW, I'm Indian)

One person thought my parents were from Indiana (first grade), and another person (fourth grade), asked me "If you're Indian, why aren't you with your tribe?" ROFL.

Questions I've been asked about Belfast/Northern/Ireland:

"How long did it take you to drive here?"

"Do you have computers in Ireland?"

"What's it like being shot at all the time?"

"Do you want help overthrowing the British oppressors?"

"Do you know how to work that camera? They don't have them in Ireland, do they?"

(all the above were asked in North America)

Questions I've been asked about places I've been:

"Argentina...did they not put you in prison for being British?"

"Is Romania run by the Romans?"

"Is Belgium not just all fields?"

Well, I got a stupid one about my ethnicity. Two goodies, actually. (BTW, I'm Indian)

One person thought my parents were from Indiana (first grade), and another person (fourth grade), asked me "If you're Indian, why aren't you with your tribe?" ROFL.

Well this is a bit confusing.

Indian with a dot, or a feather?

I'm of the feather variety.

"Do you want help overthrowing the British oppressors?"

How did you answer?

Probably the stupidest question I can remember was last semester during my English Composition class when I was talking to the girl next to me.

Her: So do you live on campus?
Me: No I commute from home everyday
Her: Where do you live?
Me: I live in Torrance, it's by Manhattan Beach.
Her: Oh I know where that is.

Then her friend interrupts: Manhattan? You mean you live in New York?

Riiiight.... Apparently I commute from New York to California on a daily basis just to go to college:rolleyes:

How did you answer?

I just laughed nervously and walked off...

I also got told once that the Republic and Northern Ireland were the same "because, at the end of the day, there are no snakes, right?"

Yes, that was an interesting take on the pro-unification argument.

Well this is a bit confusing.

Indian with a dot, or a feather?

I'm of the feather variety.

I think he's dot.

I just laughed nervously and walked off...

Aw, man. It could've been a perfect set-up

Upon moving to Kansas from Canada...do you guys all live in igloos?

This is not to say that all the folks in Kansas are ignorant, on the contrary, I met some of the greatest people there, but I guess it has no shortage of idiots, like every other place.

HAHA yeah, I've lived in Canada all my life and the first thing everyone asks me is "You guys get a lot of snow right?" and my favorite, " What does moose taste like?"

WTF? I've never tried moose meat in my LIFE! ...Is that even edible?! @___@;;

Aw, man. It could've been a perfect set-up

Yeah, but I'd rather not be implicated in the formation of an international plot to drive the UK out of Ireland...

HAHA yeah, I've lived in Canada all my life and the first thing everyone asks me is "You guys get a lot of snow right?" and my favorite, " What does moose taste like?"

WTF? I've never tried moose meat in my LIFE! ...Is that even edible?! @___@;;

That's it. I think we should revoke your citizenship.

Talk about stupid questions!!!

Yeah, but I'd rather not be implicated in the formation of an international plot to drive the UK out of Ireland...

Formation? Do you mean to imply it doesn't already exist?

I'm going to quote Family Guy on this one.

The *points to forehead* kind, not the *claps hand before mouth* kind.

heheheheheheee.

.

I also got told once that the Republic and Northern Ireland were the same "because, at the end of the day, there are no snakes, right?"

Yes, that was an interesting take on the pro-unification argument.

Indeed...

Obviously, this is the course Abraham Lincoln should have taken to unify the North and the South.

Well this is a bit confusing.

Indian with a dot, or a feather?

I'm of the feather variety.

I'm going to quote Family Guy on this one.

The *points to forehead* kind, not the *claps hand before mouth* kind.

"Luxembourg? is that really a country?"

"So why don't you participate in Karneval? You are from Köln!" (I am not...)

I just laughed nervously and walked off...

I also got told once that the Republic and Northern Ireland were the same "because, at the end of the day, there are no snakes, right?"

Yes, that was an interesting take on the pro-unification argument.

Haha. Based on that and the previous list of stupid things people have said to you, you seem to have had the misfortune of encountering rather a lot of thickies:p.

I just laughed nervously and walked off...

I also got told once that the Republic and Northern Ireland were the same "because, at the end of the day, there are no snakes, right?"

Yes, that was an interesting take on the pro-unification argument.

Well there are no snakes in all of Ireland....so it's kinda true, albeit stupid :rolleyes:
poor Ireland...

Here's the reason for all these stupid questions.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAYnc_-ddlw)

Formation? Do you mean to imply it doesn't already exist?

Oh, I'm sure several exist, but I didn't want to be implicated in the formation of one based around me :p

Indeed...

Obviously, this is the course Abraham Lincoln should have taken to unify the North and the South.

Yup. Remove snakes and all the problems go away. Ask Samuel L Jackeson, he'll back me up.

I get the "so does it rain all the time". I'm from Seattle..... Answer would be no.

Haha. Based on that and the previous list of stupid things people have said to you, you seem to have had the misfortune of encountering rather a lot of thickies:p.

Yes, I think that, for some reason, I attract silly people...

Oh, I'm sure several exist, but I didn't want to be implicated in the formation of one based around me :p

Riiiight. ;)

Yes, I think that, for some reason, I attract silly people...

I resent the implications of this statement. :p

Well there are no snakes in all of Ireland....so it's kinda true, albeit stupid :rolleyes:
poor Ireland...

Here's the reason for all these stupid questions.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAYnc_-ddlw)

Well, I know there are no wild snakes (excepting escaped pets &c.), but it really isn't a reason for unification...

Riiiight. ;)

Don't be getting any ideas young man!

Don't be getting any ideas young man!

Who, me? I'd never get ideas. :D

P.S. And whadda ya mean 'young man'? I turned fifteen, so now it's only...Err...and you turned 21 so...uuhh...nevermind...

WTF? I've never tried moose meat in my LIFE! ...Is that even edible?! @___@;;

It's edible, and many people I know consider it the best meat of all, but I think they just like it because you have to actually hunt it instead of buying it at a store. It's not very juicy, and has a certain flavor of peat.


Not to digress from the topic too much, I want to make it clear that we do not have polar bears around here, no matter what the common belief in the more southern countries seems to be.

It's edible, and many people I know consider it the best meat of all, but I think they just like it because you have to actually hunt it instead of buying it at a store. It's not very juicy, and has a certain flavor of peat.

What does peat taste like?

Well, I know there are no wild snakes (excepting escaped pets &c.), but it really isn't a reason for unification...

im guessing you are a Unionist?

What does peat taste like?

Actually I don't know for sure; moose just tastes like I'd expect peat to taste like. Go to a swamp and smell the air, that should give you the idea.

Well this is a bit confusing.

Indian with a dot, or a feather?

I'm of the feather variety.

The kind with the turbans...:headbang:

"No, where are the real leprechauns?"

I get the same thing occasionally, being from Chino. Apparently some t.v. show last year was set in Chino, using some slum in east L.A. for its scenery.Oh yes. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362359/) :p

When I told someone I live in Texas they asked, "So do you ride your horse everywhere?"

When I told someone I was Mexican they asked, "So you have a donkey then?"Man, how cool would it be if you had a donkey?!

It's not some much the degree of stupidity as it is the quantity...

"Luxembourg? That's part of Germany, right?"
"Oh, so you live in Germany?"
"How's Germany?"
"Are you still occupied by Germany?"

Rinse, repeat...
Wait, wait, so you don't just have some quirky fascination with Luxembourg - you did actually live there? :eek: Whoa. How come?

"Argentina...did they not put you in prison for being British?"See, that one baffles me. So they knew enough to know about the Falklands War but they still asked that?

Do they have snow-plows in Maryland?

(no freaking DUH, they have snow there every year!)

Isn't New York.... dangerous, because of the Mafia?

(Yeah, lady. We have a special sanitation unit that comes to take the bodies away every morning. Sad thing... SHE BELIEVED ME.)

What does peat taste like?All musty and earthy, one would think.

What was the stupidest question someone has asked you about a place you have been?

"Virginia Beach? What state is that in?" (Missouri, of course! :rolleyes:)


Except there is a town called West New York... across the river in New Jersey.

All musty and earthy, one would think.

You'd think that, but nope. Tastes like chicken.

Wait, wait, so you don't just have some quirky fascination with Luxembourg - you did actually live there? :eek: Whoa. How come?

Do actually live there. :p Dad's job moved here, we followed.

Teehee...quirky fascination...I wouldn't put it past me, to be honest.

I've been asked if we ride Kangaroos to school. Believe it or not, it was an American.

...do you?

Of course not. They need the 'roos to make their peanut butter.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/9830/skippypeanutbutterjarsbf7.jpg

Do actually live there. :p Dad's job moved here, we followed.

Teehee...quirky fascination...I wouldn't put it past me, to be honest.

It says "Location: Michigan" next to your post.

Of course not. They need the 'roos to make their peanut butter.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/9830/skippypeanutbutterjarsbf7.jpg

That explains why my Peanut Butter jumped off the table yesterday.

Do actually live there. :p Dad's job moved here, we followed.

Teehee...quirky fascination...I wouldn't put it past me, to be honest.
But, wait, why does your location say Michigan, then? And when did you move there? Didn't you show us pictures just like a year ago or so that you had taken of the snow around your house? That didn't look like a European house. But if you moved while already on NS, why didn't you, I don't know, make a thread about it, as every good NSer should? Or at least a post like "Public transport here in Luxembourg is a lot better than back home but their burgers suck!" or something? And what's the deal with all those Canadian girls if you're an ocean away instead of just across the border?

Are you sure you're not pulling my leg? http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/images/smilies/custom/doubt.gif

I'd be impressed if you could come up with an answer. :p

and don't say Rocky.

Cheesesteaks, Liberty Bell, Franklin Institute, Independence Hall, Penn's Landing....

...hell, and I only visit.

Cheesesteaks, Liberty Bell, Franklin Institute, Independence Hall, Penn's Landing....

...hell, and I only visit.

You forgot Ruffy.

From time to time when I say I'm from New York...

"Which borough are you from?" Nevermind that I'm from NY *state*, not the city....

:D

At least they knew enough that there's more that just Manhattan (sorry, The City).

You forgot Ruffy.

How could I forget Ruffy?

*hugs Ruffy*

How could I forget Ruffy?

*hugs Ruffy*

Well, Ruffy is sort of the unspoken most awesome thing about Philly. That's why they haven't made a film about him yet.

Cheesesteaks, Liberty Bell, Franklin Institute, Independence Hall, Penn's Landing....

...hell, and I only visit.

oh, but there's so much more than that!!!


are there anyother NSG-ers from Philly that anyone knows about?

oh, but there's so much more than that!!!


are there anyother NSG-ers from Philly that anyone knows about?

Ruffy.



Wow, this thread has a lot of Ruffy in it. Awesome.

This is indirectly related to a place I've been:

Asshat: "So, can you speak Indian?"

Me: "There are, like, over 13 languages in India."

Asshat: "*pause* So can you speak Indian or not?"

:headbang:

Isn't that the date rape drug?

I'm scared...

Don't be, you'll wake up in the morning and won't remember a thing. And if you can't remember it, it didn't happen. :)

Wow, this thread has a lot of Ruffy in it. Awesome.

Isn't that the date rape drug?

I'm scared...

oh, but there's so much more than that!!!


are there anyother NSG-ers from Philly that anyone knows about?

I lived in Philly for 2 years before moving back to Jersey in the Fall.

It says "Location: Michigan" next to your post.

But, wait, why does your location say Michigan, then?

I'm too lazy to change it.

And when did you move there? Didn't you show us pictures just like a year ago or so that you had taken of the snow around your house? That didn't look like a European house.

We moved August 06'

But if you moved while already on NS, why didn't you, I don't know, make a thread about it, as every good NSer should? Or at least a post like "Public transport here in Luxembourg is a lot better than back home but their burgers suck!" or something?

Seemed attention whore-y

And what's the deal with all those Canadian girls if you're an ocean away instead of just across the border?

Still Michigander at heart. :p I can't let an ocean make me give up on TC.

[Are you sure you're not pulling my leg? http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/images/smilies/custom/doubt.gif

Indeed.

"Lincolnshire very flat isnt it" do I hate that comment when you ask them if they ever been to the county they usally say no , makes me want to froce them to climb steep hill every time somebody says that

"Lincolnshire very flat isnt it" do I hate that comment when you ask them if they ever been to the county they usally say no , makes me want to froce them to climb steep hill every time somebody says that

Huh?

I think i have never been asked a stupid question about a place i've been to.
I guess i am lucky or something.

I think i have never been asked a stupid question about a place i've been to.
I guess i am lucky or something.

I can fix that.

So, you're like...married to a sheep aren't you?

Except there is a town called West New York... across the river in New Jersey.

LOL, yeah, plus there's a town called Texas about an hour away from my town in Northeastern NC. :eek: :p

I can fix that.

So, you're like...married to a sheep aren't you?
Oh wow Zing Zing!:eek:
So you kill Canadians and Wolverines for a living?

Another one about New York.

"You live in New York? But you said you own a car."

"Why is that unbelievable?"

"People in New York walk everywhere."

"No. People in New York drive normally."

"But they can walk or take the subway, that's dumb."

"Uhhh, in NYC yes, but I'm talking about the state here."

"What?"

"The State of New York."

"Isn't NYC the state?"

"Are you kidding... ?"

"No..."

LOL, yeah, plus there's a town called Texas about an hour away from my town in Northeastern NC. :eek: :p

We have a Dallas and a Moscow. :p

I think i have never been asked a stupid question about a place i've been to.
I guess i am lucky or something.

You live in New Zealand, eh? I bet it's colder there than it is here in December!

I used to visit an Aunt and Uncle who lived in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, USA. I learned very early in life not to mention that fact unless I WANTED to start an embarrassing conversation.

I told some one I went to Toronto. They said, "That's the capital of Canada right?"

I told some one I went to Alaska and they said, "O, I've never been to another country before, I don't feel safe leaving the U.S."

I told some one I went to Toronto. They said, "That's the capital of Canada right?"

I told some one I went to Alaska and they said, "O, I've never been to another country before, I don't feel safe leaving the U.S."

Even some Torontonians would have you believe that T.O. is the capital of Canada... Clearly it's Oshawa. I'm sure that's what the Queen Wanted at the time, and simply mispronounced it 'Ottawa'.

I'll start taking your taxes now.

I'm too lazy to change it.



We moved August 06'



Seemed attention whore-y



Still Michigander at heart. :p I can't let an ocean make me give up on TC.



Indeed.
Wow. I can't believe I didn't know. I can't believe you didn't tell us! That wouldn't have been attention whore-y!

So, without meaning to pry, how is it - good or sucky? How long are you going to stay? Are you going to move back to Michigan again or somewhere else? How is school? Are you going to an international one so you at least can keep speaking English? Have you lived abroad before? Am I too curious? :/

We have a Dallas and a Moscow. :p

Hey, don't knock Moscow, PA. I bought my telescopes from there.

Wow. I can't believe I didn't know. I can't believe you didn't tell us! That wouldn't have been attention whore-y!

Hehe. ^_^'

So, without meaning to pry, how is it - good or sucky? How long are you going to stay? Are you going to move back to Michigan again or somewhere else? How is school? Are you going to an international one so you at least can keep speaking English? Have you lived abroad before? Am I too curious? :/
S'okay, not enough snow.
4 years, prolly
With any luck, I'll be going to college.
Fine. *nodnod*
Aye, English speaking curriculum. www.islux.lu
Nah. We wen't to Toronto once, for a vacation. That's about it.
No more than most. Besides, you're better looking than most of the peole who ask these questions, so it's far more tolerable.

no we just eat them as well as emus



Emo's? Well at least you don't have to cut your food; they do it for you.

Emo's? Well at least you don't have to cut your food; they do it for you.

Emus, not emos.

Emus are birds.

Emus, not emos.

Emus are birds.

:fluffle:
oh an you never want one after you thank Mars for the barb wire fence that i jumped over to get away from it
too bad the other persons land on it between his legs

"Germany, that's where the Nazis live, isn't it?"

Invited a couple of visiting friends from the UK to go to a shooting range/gunstore with me.

"You can buy guns here?"

"Germany, that's where the Nazis live, isn't it?"

Silly person, they all live in Uruguay now.

me: I'm from the US
german man: Oh. So do you have a rifle?
me:...please tell me you're joking
german: I thought you guys had to own one

me: I'm from the US
swiss1: What area?
me: Connecticut, up in the northeast
swiss2: Wait, didn't you just say you're from the US?
me: Yeah
swiss2: But you said you're from Connecticut, too.
me: Yeah...my state is Connecticut, which is a part of the United States. I'm about two hours outside of Boston and New York City.
swiss2: So you're from New York City?
me: No. I'm two hours away.
swiss2: So what's it like living in New York City?

the first swiss guy came up to me later and asked if it reminded me of "Who's On First" and told me his friend was a little slow some times.

What was the stupidest question someone has asked you about a place you have been?

It's a toss-up between

"You went to the UK!? They speak English there, right?" (That's kind of where the language comes from... :rolleyes:

or

"Virginia Beach? What state is that in?" (Missouri, of course! :rolleyes:)


How 'bout you guys?

I live in New York, but I went to the small town of Warren Pennsylvania for a friend's wedding. One of the guests overheard me say where I was from and interjected "you're from New York? Do you know Billy Joel?"

me: I'm from the US
german man: Oh. So do you have a rifle?
me:...please tell me you're joking
german: I thought you guys had to own one

me: I'm from the US
swiss1: What area?
me: Connecticut, up in the northeast
swiss2: Wait, didn't you just say you're from the US?
me: Yeah
swiss2: But you said you're from Connecticut, too.
me: Yeah...my state is Connecticut, which is a part of the United States. I'm about two hours outside of Boston and New York City.
swiss2: So you're from New York City?
me: No. I'm two hours away.
swiss2: So what's it like living in New York City?

the first swiss guy came up to me later and asked if it reminded me of "Who's On First" and told me his friend was a little slow some times.

Europeans don't seem to want to consider certain parts of America to have anything in common with the more Rednecky parts.

I went to visit some cousins in England back when I was in highschool, and my cousin used to hang out with French foreign-exchange students in the summer. He would introduce me as "my cousin from America," and the French would respond with a grunt that seemed to say "basic courtesy requires that I acknowledge your existence, but nothing more."

When it came up that I was from New York those same people became excited and very interested in talking to me. When they introduced me to their friends it sounded to me like "fwah fwah hugh fwah New York,"
and those French students responded with an "oooooohh" that seemed to say "you must be a fascinating individual whom I wish to converse with in greater detail than my limited English allows."

Friend of a friend: So you went to high school in Belgium?
Me: Yeah, all four years.
Friend of a friend: Wait, were all your classes in Belgianese?
Me: Uhh... no.

My friend's cousin: Did you visit Rome when you were in Italy?
Me: A few times, yes.
My friend's cousin: Wait, did you have to learn Latin?
Me: Wha??
My friend's cousin: You know, to visit Rome.
Me: Well, Rome is in Italy, so...
My friend's cousin: Oh well I know they speak Italian everywhere else in Italy, but don't they speak Latin in Rome? You know, since that's where the Romans are?
Me: The Romans... oh. Yeah, I had to learn Latin to visit Rome. Everyone there walks around in togas, too.
My friend's cousin: Really? Cool!
:rolleyes:

im guessing you are a Unionist?

Why do you say that?

Because I don't believe a mutual lack of snakes is a particularly good reason for two countries joining together?

Who, me? I'd never get ideas. :D

P.S. And whadda ya mean 'young man'? I turned fifteen, so now it's only...Err...and you turned 21 so...uuhh...nevermind...

Yes, see, "young man" :p

how's this one, your from British columbia right? me: yes and damn proud of it. Them: can I have free weed.

okay, well for starters not all bc'ers do weed, I sure don't. Secondly, even if I had some, what makes you think, being some random guy on a road, I would give it to you for free?:gundge:

Friend of a friend: So you went to high school in Belgium?
Me: Yeah, all four years.
Friend of a friend: Wait, were all your classes in Belgianese?
Me: Uhh... no.

My friend's cousin: Did you visit Rome when you were in Italy?
Me: A few times, yes.
My friend's cousin: Wait, did you have to learn Latin?
Me: Wha??
My friend's cousin: You know, to visit Rome.
Me: Well, Rome is in Italy, so...
My friend's cousin: Oh well I know they speak Italian everywhere else in Italy, but don't they speak Latin in Rome? You know, since that's where the Romans are?
Me: The Romans... oh. Yeah, I had to learn Latin to visit Rome. Everyone there walks around in togas, too.
My friend's cousin: Really? Cool!
:rolleyes:

Belgianese? Latin in Rome? I can find only one suitable response.

http://www.joemanna.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/roflcopter.gif

Why do you say that?

Because I don't believe a mutual lack of snakes is a particularly good reason for two countries joining together?

Im truely sorry if you took offense, i didn't mean it to be that way. :(

i often get asked "so, are you a millionaire then?" when i say i'm from jersey. no, just because it is a tax haven does not mean that everyone is automatically a millionaire, or even particularly wealthy.

Im truely sorry if you took offense, i didn't mean it to be that way. :(

No, no, I was just wondering why the absence of snakes would be a good reason for unification, not taking offence :p

No, no, I was just wondering why the absence of snakes would be a good reason for unification, not taking offence :p

clearly it is the best reason ever. It is exactly why you should be looking at a union with much of Polynesia.

hmm...could this "no snake" thing explain why the British Empire eventually fell? It was due to a fear of snakes!

clearly it is the best reason ever. It is exactly why you should be looking at a union with much of Polynesia.

hmm...could this "no snake" thing explain why the British Empire eventually fell? It was due to a fear of snakes!

And Badgers!

http://www.badgerbadgerbadger.com/

clearly it is the best reason ever. It is exactly why you should be looking at a union with much of Polynesia.

hmm...could this "no snake" thing explain why the British Empire eventually fell? It was due to a fear of snakes!

*Australia puts up it's hand*
"Can we join?"
*Rocks hopefully, stuffing king brown snakes and taipans down pants*

(I wish I were joking... :( )

I wish, too. :(

On ze intarwebz:

kid from Alabama: so ur from california huh? r u gay?

To which I respond...

me: so ur from albama huh? do you fuck ur sister evry nite?

Someone I knew once went to Europe and asked why was she not wearing a grass skirt

Isn't that illegal?

Yes, most of the time (for practicality reasons more than anything, they're very hard to contain) but if you have a large enough property it's possible to adopt orphan joeys unable to return to the wild and hand raise them. Some people in rural estates also tame the kangaroos by feeding them occasionally, so they hang around much like pets and are accustomed to humans, but are still technically wild. As far as I know, that's not illegal. (and hell, i've hand fed them...so shoot me :P)

i often get asked "so, are you a millionaire then?" when i say i'm from jersey. no, just because it is a tax haven does not mean that everyone is automatically a millionaire, or even particularly wealthy.

Huh? How the hell does that work? I'd be asking you how many gun fights you get in per day or how many 7/11s you can stick up in an hour.

Huh? How the hell does that work? I'd be asking you how many gun fights you get in per day or how many 7/11s you can stick up in an hour.

Guns and 7/11s in Jersey?

Guns and 7/11s in Jersey?

Oh... I was thinking of NEW Jersey.

My bad.

clearly it is the best reason ever. It is exactly why you should be looking at a union with much of Polynesia.

hmm...could this "no snake" thing explain why the British Empire eventually fell? It was due to a fear of snakes!

No. It was due to acquiring good food.

The British Empire was built on the spice trade. Once they conquered India people from all over the Empire moved to England where the money was. By the 50's there was curry all over England. When they asked themselves whether or not it was right to rule a foreign people against their will they could only answer "well we've already got the food, what's left to take?" That's why the whole Empire fell apart by then.

Well, I cant say anything about any place I've visited, but a few weeks ago i wore a shirt to school that said "Stop Genocide in Sudan"
Somebody stopped me and asked "what's Sudan?" then his idiot friend replied "ooh, i know, that's a 4-door car" and then he went on to say" what's genocide? isn't that that one book from the bible"
And the sad part is, they weren't trying to be funny or anything, they were just that ignorant.

Well, I cant say anything about any place I've visited, but a few weeks ago i wore a shirt to school that said "Stop Genocide in Sudan"
Somebody stopped me and asked "what's Sudan?" then his idiot friend replied "ooh, i know, that's a 4-door car" and then he went on to say" what's genocide? isn't that that one book from the bible"
And the sad part is, they weren't trying to be funny or anything, they were just that ignorant.Holy shit...

Oh... I was thinking of NEW Jersey.

My bad.

yeh that's another stupid thing people ask:

person: "where are you from."

me: "jersey."

person: "oh, new jersey?"

it's worse when they then say: "i didn't know there was an old jersey!"

why the fuck would there be a new jersey if there wasn't a jersey to begin with? and it's not 'old jersey', it's just jersey. the original, the island, the one from whence most of the original immigrant fisherman in new foundland came. the one where many of the names in nova scotia come from.

"You live in New York?"

I swear to God I'm going to knife the next person who asks me that.

You threatened to stab someone.
You're definitely a New Yorker.

You threatened to stab someone.
You're definitely a New Yorker.LOL, I never thought of it like that before.

No. It was due to acquiring good food.

The British Empire was built on the spice trade. Once they conquered India people from all over the Empire moved to England where the money was. By the 50's there was curry all over England. When they asked themselves whether or not it was right to rule a foreign people against their will they could only answer "well we've already got the food, what's left to take?" That's why the whole Empire fell apart by then.
True...a good curry will chase away even the best imperial power.
yeh that's another stupid thing people ask:

person: "where are you from."

me: "jersey."

person: "oh, new jersey?"

it's worse when they then say: "i didn't know there was an old jersey!"

why the fuck would there be a new jersey if there wasn't a jersey to begin with? and it's not 'old jersey', it's just jersey. the original, the island, the one from whence most of the original immigrant fisherman in new foundland came. the one where many of the names in nova scotia come from.

I always assume New Jersey, just out of habit because so many of my friends are from there, and it's usually truncated to "Jersey" instead of "New Jersey"...but sometimes, you just kinda have to think for a second.

One of my high school English teachers went on vacation to Vermont several years ago. While in line in a supermarket she was talking to her husband, the lady in front of her heard her Southern accent (we're from Mississippi) and asked her where she was from. When she told her the woman asked, perfectly serious, "So you've actually met a Black person?"

One of my high school English teachers went on vacation to Vermont several years ago. While in line in a supermarket she was talking to her husband, the lady in front of her heard her Southern accent (we're from Mississippi) and asked her where she was from. When she told her the woman asked, perfectly serious, "So you've actually met a Black person?"...

ROFL.

One of my high school English teachers went on vacation to Vermont several years ago. While in line in a supermarket she was talking to her husband, the lady in front of her heard her Southern accent (we're from Mississippi) and asked her where she was from. When she told her the woman asked, perfectly serious, "So you've actually met a Black person?"
to be fair, there aren't many black people in Vermont...its 98% white

True...a good curry will chase away even the best imperial power.


I always assume New Jersey, just out of habit because so many of my friends are from there, and it's usually truncated to "Jersey" instead of "New Jersey"...but sometimes, you just kinda have to think for a second.

i always say Jersey (it being right across the delaware from me) or Joisey when i want to make fun of them :p .

No, no, I was just wondering why the absence of snakes would be a good reason for unification, not taking offence :p

Well i do believe in eventual Irish unification, but i completely agree with you that lack of snakes is not a good reason for that. :)

:p

i always say Jersey (it being right across the delaware from me) or Joisey when i want to make fun of them :p .

That's because New Jersey is the better Jersey.

Guns and 7/11s in Jersey?

Uhh no.

We have Knives and Wawas :D

Working in an ice cream shop on the shore of Lake Michigan:

"Aren't you supposed to be able to see Wisconsin?"

Yeah, that's why the Great Lakes were called inland seas. Yeesh. :headbang:

Working in an ice cream shop on the shore of Lake Michigan:

"Aren't you supposed to be able to see Wisconsin?"

Yeah, that's why the Great Lakes were called inland seas. Yeesh. :headbang:

Supposedly you can see The Sears Tower from Canada.

S'okay, not enough snow.
4 years, prolly
With any luck, I'll be going to college.
Fine. *nodnod*
Aye, English speaking curriculum. www.islux.lu
Nah. We wen't to Toronto once, for a vacation. That's about it.
No more than most. Besides, you're better looking than most of the peole who ask these questions, so it's far more tolerable.Oops, sorry, read that yesterday but forgot to reply. Yay for the international school and a groan & an eyeroll @ that last sentence.

Ive lived my entire life in a city in NY...

I travel around the world, and people go, "Oh where ya from?" when I reply New York, they go, "Oh like New York City?"...
and when I say no, they are like "well, then where????"

its like, New York City, is not the ONLY part of NY!!!

grr... it just bothers me

You live in New Zealand, eh? I bet it's colder there than it is here in December!
It could be, but it also is warmer,the wind chill factoris the killer here in Wellington, the wind chill factor.
Say it with me kids, 'The Wind Chill Factor'.

How cold does it get in Philly?

It could be, but it also is warmer,the wind chill factoris the killer here in Wellington, the wind chill factor.
Say it with me kids, 'The Wind Chill Factor'.

How cold does it get in Philly?

Pretty f-ing cold, especially in the University City area. Somehow the buildings amplify the wind, making it into a wind tunnel and forcing you to fight your way while moving anywhere. This also lowers the temperature as a result of Wind Chill Factor...

I used to visit an Aunt and Uncle who lived in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, USA. I learned very early in life not to mention that fact unless I WANTED to start an embarrassing conversation.

O_O I live only a matter of miles from Intercourse.
PA has a lot of dirty town names:
Intercourse
Paradise
Blueball
Bird-in-Hand
There like 4 more but I forget them... DIRTY STATE!

O_O I live only a matter of miles from Intercourse.
PA has a lot of dirty town names:
Intercourse
Paradise
Blueball
Bird-in-Hand
There like 4 more but I forget them... DIRTY STATE!

You guys will never beat Hell, Michigan or Fucking, Austria.

I went to Arizona during the summer and someone actually had the gall to ask me if it was hot over there...

Honestly, what the hell do these people think when they say these things? I mean, its like peering outside into a Canadian blizzard, seeing someone out there, and asking "Is it cold outside?"

Geez...

I went to Arizona during the summer and someone actually had the gall to ask me if it was hot over there...

Honestly, what the hell do these people think when they say these things? I mean, its like peering outside into a Canadian blizzard, seeing someone out there, and asking "Is it cold outside?"

Geez...

Random fact: Arizona doesn't have standard aluminum siding for their buildings, as the heat from the sun beating down on them would make them hot enough so that if you were to lean against it, it would burn the flesh directly off your body immediately. They use a special concotion that doesn't get so hot, so it only REALLY BURNS when you lean against it. In short: Arizona is fucking hot in the WINTER!

Some of the dumber things I have been asked...

Whilst on holiday in America -

Oh you are from England, I have a cousin in England, John Doe (I don't remember the actual name) Do you know him?

Oh I love your accent, you guys speak english so funny!

Do you know the Royal Family?

Do they have this kind of thing (pointing at a buffet with a mixture of food on it) in Britain?

Then just to prove English people are just as stupid as Americans, I live on the Isle of Wight, a small Island on the south coast of England, but still part of England. I work at Marks & Spencer and in the summer we get a lot of tourists, I have been asked -

Can I get duty free here?

Is the money the same?

Can I use my debit card here? I am from England

Do I need my passport to pay?

Is the time the same here?

Do you all live here or just work?

Have you ever been to England?

People are universally dumb....

A friend said to me after my holiday in italy last summer, 'oh I don't know if I would like it in Italy, I wouldn't know what to eat' Not pasta or pizza then? :headbang:

People are universally dumb....

Quoted For Great Truth.

"You're from Australia? My Cousin lives in Australia - do you know him?"

also following from "You're from Australia..."

"Do you have Christmas on the beach?"
"Do you have a pet kangaroo/snake/koala?"
"Do you know that crocodile guy?"
"Are you an aboriginal?"
"Do you live on the neighbours set?"
"Do Drop Bears really exist?" ... Me: "Of course"
"Have you eaten witcherty grubs?"
"Do you have black people in Australia?"
"Whats a dunny?"

Oh there's so many... I can't remember them all at the moment...

"You're from Australia? My Cousin lives in Australia - do you know him?"

also following from "You're from Australia..."

"Do you have Christmas on the beach?"
"Do you have a pet kangaroo/snake/koala?"
"Do you know that crocodile guy?"
"Are you an aboriginal?"
"Do you live on the neighbours set?"
"Do Drop Bears really exist?" ... Me: "Of course"
"Have you eaten witcherty grubs?"
"Do you have black people in Australia?"
"Whats a dunny?"

Oh there's so many... I can't remember them all at the moment...
an you say to that do i look black or a coffee colour thats if you not one

"Do you live on the neighbours set?"
ROFLMAO

a guy from Michigan he tried telling me

That's the worst part. If he was from Arizona or something and had never been near Canada it wouldn't quite make my brain want to explode.

Anyway, I actually had someone seriously ask me once if French girls shaved.

That's the worst part. If he was from Arizona or something and had never been near Canada it wouldn't quite make my brain want to explode.

Anyway, I actually had someone seriously ask me once if French girls shaved.

I think they ment shaving armpits and bikini lines.

i live in Canada and when i use to do customer service phone support, i talked to mostly Americans. there was this one guy who asked me where i was from and when i told him Canada, he said he knew a guy from Canada and asked me if knew him. he thought Canada was a small town on an iceberg ......


:sniper:

I think they ment shaving armpits and bikini lines.

They meant legs and armpits.

That's the worst part. If he was from Arizona or something and had never been near Canada it wouldn't quite make my brain want to explode.

Anyway, I actually had someone seriously ask me once if French girls shaved.

I remember something a friend of mine said:
"Why is it that all the fancy, expensive hair removal products are French, but the French women don't use them?"

"MUM! I'm back from football!"
"Was it good? Did u score any strikes?"
"MUM! FOOTBALL!"
"Oh so i suppose you got lots of three pointers then?"

*sigh*

Goal!

What was the stupidest question someone has asked you about a place you have been?

It's a toss-up between

"You went to the UK!? They speak English there, right?" (That's kind of where the language comes from... :rolleyes:

or

"Virginia Beach? What state is that in?" (Missouri, of course! :rolleyes:)


How 'bout you guys?

"MUM! I'm back from football!"
"Was it good? Did u score any strikes?"
"MUM! FOOTBALL!"
"Oh so i suppose you got lots of three pointers then?"

*sigh*

This one isn't so much asking about a trip, but happened while I was at university in the US. One of my friends wanted me to teach her Welsh so everyday I would write a word or phrase on her dry erase board on her door. One day one of the neighbours came by while I was doing that. She looked at what I wrote and said, "What's that?"
"It says, 'Dwi’n hoffi coffi', which means I like coffee in Welsh."
"Welsh, where do they speak that?"
"Wales."
"Suurrreee, you can talk to whales."
I just walked away because I wasn't in the mood to have that discussion.

The other one didn't happen to me but to my husband. A few years ago, he was travelling around in the US, sitting in a bar in NYC.
"So where are you from?"
"Germany."
"Ah, isn't that next to Japan?"
"No, Japan is Asia, Germany is in Europe. It borders France."
"Ah, France, that is near England, right?"
"Yes."
"Have you been there before?"
"Yeah, I went all around Britain, England, Scotland..."
"Oh you have been to Scotland? Don't have to take a boat or something to get there from England?"
"No, it is on the same island."

Weelll. Some 18 years ago I was In France, Blois with my then girlfriend. Spent the christmas holiday there. Parisians were generally rude, but in a smaller town called Blois people were exceedingly nice and curious about any furriners. So to our astonishment the owner of the small hotel (an inn, really) asked us to join their family for their christmas eve dinner at home (yes, most Euros celebrate christmas on the eve). The granddad of the family was a really sweet old coot as well, but a bit dim...

(translated from French)

-So you come from Norway, eh?
-(smile) No, from Finland. Norway is one of our neighbours.
(a pause of few minutes)
-So how is the king doing?
-(wider smile) Finland is a republic, Norway is a representative monarchy, tho.
-Aaaa, so was there much snow in Oslo when you left?
-(grin) Well, I guess there was.

Joona

This one isn't so much asking about a trip, but happened while I was at university in the US. One of my friends wanted me to teach her Welsh so everyday I would write a word or phrase on her dry erase board on her door. One day one of the neighbours came by while I was doing that. She looked at what I wrote and said, "What's that?"
"It says, 'Dwi’n hoffi coffi', which means I like coffee in Welsh."
"Welsh, where do they speak that?"
"Wales."
"Suurrreee, you can talk to whales."
I just walked away because I wasn't in the mood to have that discussion.

The other one didn't happen to me but to my husband. A few years ago, he was travelling around in the US, sitting in a bar in NYC.
"So where are you from?"
"Germany."
"Ah, isn't that next to Japan?"
"No, Japan is Asia, Germany is in Europe. It borders France."
"Ah, France, that is near England, right?"
"Yes."
"Have you been there before?"
"Yeah, I went all around Britain, England, Scotland..."
"Oh you have been to Scotland? Don't have to take a boat or something to get there from England?"
"No, it is on the same island."

Speaking of "it's on the same island," I used to run into that occasionally back in New York City. Now, NYC has five boroughs, four of which are on islands. Two of them, Brooklyn and Queens, are at the western end of Long Island, but you'll find people, including some taxi drivers, who insist, vehemently, that Brooklyn and Queens are not on Long Island (which, by the way, is pronounced "Lon Guyland").

Oh you are from England, I have a cousin in England, John Doe (I don't remember the actual name) Do you know him?
I used to get that one a lot when I was overseas. "Oh you're from California? I know someone who lives in Walnut Creek, maybe you know them?" Because, you know, it's not like California is a big place or anything. Clearly, everyone there knows everyone else in the state.

Do you know the Royal Family?
Yeah, I used to get that one too, only about movie stars. "You're from California? Do you know such-and-such actor/actress?" :p

On a trip to California:

"Wow you're from England? Are the vikings really vicious and bloodthirsty?"

On a trip to California:

"Wow you're from England? Are the vikings really vicious and bloodthirsty?"

Yeas they are, but we're even meaner bastards. We don't drink blood, our shamans drink piss. Shroom piss. Whoa dude, whatta trip.

Joona

I get alot of stupid questions about the place I come from.

Little old English lady: "Is it true that when the women of Iceland grow old and feel that they can no longer serve the tribe they leave the snowhouse in the middle of the night and commit suicide by walking into the freezing ocean?"

Me: "Where did you hear that?"

Little old English lady: "I seen it on the telly"

Me: "Yes. Yes it's true...My mum did that once"

I'm from Iowa. I once told a man that, and he asked me:

"Really? Which island in the Pacific is that?"

I very nearly killed him. I mean, come on, people. We are the Breadbasket of America, right smack in the middle of the Midwest! We gave this country Herbert Hoover, as well as John Wayne. It has also often been said we have more pigs here than humans...Now that I think on it, that explains how we got a Democratic governor, doesn't it?

~ Romandeos.

The stupidest question I got (over and over) was when I served in the army. The US Army mind you.
Dumbass:Where are you from?
Me: Vancouver.
Dumbass: Canada?
Me: ...

or alternately:
Me: Vancouver, Washington
Dumbass: Don't you mean Vancouver BC?

Strangely enough I started saying I was from Portland and everyone's first guess was Oregon, even though there's a Portland Maine.

Oops, sorry, read that yesterday but forgot to reply. Yay for the international school and a groan & an eyeroll @ that last sentence.

:P It's true, I'd bet. The more attractive the perosn asking, the less annoying it'd be. We should run a study.

I'm from Iowa. I once told a man that, and he asked me:

"Really? Which island in the Pacific is that?"

I very nearly killed him. I mean, come on, people. We are the Breadbasket of America, right smack in the middle of the Midwest! We gave this country Herbert Hoover, as well as John Wayne. It has also often been said we have more pigs here than humans...Now that I think on it, that explains how we got a Democratic governor, doesn't it?

~ Romandeos.

Meh, no one cares about Iowa.

I just laughed nervously and walked off...

I also got told once that the Republic and Northern Ireland were the same "because, at the end of the day, there are no snakes, right?"

Yes, that was an interesting take on the pro-unification argument.

ROFLMAO! I hope they weren't being literal. Although for humor's sake I'm going to pretend they were.

I'm from Iowa. I once told a man that, and he asked me:

"Really? Which island in the Pacific is that?"He was probably thinking of Iwo Jima.

The stupidest question I got (over and over) was when I served in the army. The US Army mind you.
Dumbass:Where are you from?
Me: Vancouver.
Dumbass: Canada?
Me: ...

or alternately:
Me: Vancouver, Washington
Dumbass: Don't you mean Vancouver BC?

Strangely enough I started saying I was from Portland and everyone's first guess was Oregon, even though there's a Portland Maine.Well, to be fair, everybody knows Vancouver, BC, and - hate to break it to you :p - nobody knows Vancouver, WA.

Pretty much the same goes for Portland. The Oregon one is just bigger and more well known.

:P It's true, I'd bet. The more attractive the perosn asking, the less annoying it'd be. We should run a study.You're probably right, too. Ugh.

Speaking of "it's on the same island," I used to run into that occasionally back in New York City. Now, NYC has five boroughs, four of which are on islands. Two of them, Brooklyn and Queens, are at the western end of Long Island, but you'll find people, including some taxi drivers, who insist, vehemently, that Brooklyn and Queens are not on Long Island (which, by the way, is pronounced "Lon Guyland").

Although it's true Brooklyn and Queens are on Long Island, it's sorta understood that Long Island generally means out of NYC. Like, I would never say that I come from Long Island. Although Long Island City is in Queens, causing much confusion for all.

ROFLMAO! I hope they weren't being literal. Although for humor's sake I'm going to pretend they were.

No, no, he was being serious. Somebody working at the Pittsburgh Regional History Centre. Fun fun.

Although it's true Brooklyn and Queens are on Long Island, it's sorta understood that Long Island generally means out of NYC. Like, I would never say that I come from Long Island. Although Long Island City is in Queens, causing much confusion for all.

Oh, I know, but sometimes I was surprised by people who were ignorant of the fact that physically, they're on the same island. And yeah, LIC does confuse people. I worked out there for a while, and the only good part of that was getting a seat on the F Train in the evenings going home.

Semi-related:
At the base of Big Ben, a tourist says:
"Is that thing on Tokeo time?"
Oh, of course it is!

Ive lived my entire life in a city in NY...

I travel around the world, and people go, "Oh where ya from?" when I reply New York, they go, "Oh like New York City?"...
and when I say no, they are like "well, then where????"

its like, New York City, is not the ONLY part of NY!!!

grr... it just bothers me

i live upstate and hear that all the time, too. "Oh, how can you stand it -- all that traffic? I'd hate that."
"oh, it's not so bad, and the farmers usually let you know when to pass their tractor when the other side of the road is clear."


or when i left connecticut to move to syracuse, new york. "where's that? down south?" or my aunt in boston fretting that she'd have to drive through new york city to come visit me. "yah, auntie, here, let's look at a map of your adjoining states, okay?"


the strangest conversation i had was in oklahoma. a woman asked me,"how do you like it here in flyover country?"
me: "flyover country? what's that?"
her "that's what you call it here."
me: "i didn't call it that...what does that mean?"
her: "well, usually you do."

very confusing.

the strangest conversation i had was in oklahoma. a woman asked me,"how do you like it here in flyover country?"
me: "flyover country? what's that?"
her "that's what you call it here."
me: "i didn't call it that...what does that mean?"
her: "well, usually you do."

very confusing.You do know what it means by now, do you?

Well, to be fair, everybody knows Vancouver, BC, and - hate to break it to you :p - nobody knows Vancouver, WA.

Pretty much the same goes for Portland. The Oregon one is just bigger and more well known.
.

How many Canadians do you know serving in the US Army? These were my fellow soliders asking the question.

I think the most bizarre one I've come across is something that was told to an exchange student from my school in Berlin during their stay at a school in New York:
"Do they have cars in Germany?"
(No, you see, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen are all solely export products.)

How many Canadians do you know serving in the US Army?I know (meaning yes, I did indeed get that that was the point of your complaint ;)) but hell, when somebody told me they're from Vancouver you bet I would surprisedly and automatically ask if they're from Canada before (or after, actually) I stopped to think "Hmm, wait, we're both in the US Army..."

How many Canadians do you know serving in the US Army? These were my fellow soliders asking the question.My dad met one or two in his day. Enlisting is still a means to receive US citizenship, isn't it?

My dad met one or two in his day. Enlisting is still a means to receive US citizenship, isn't it?

I have a uncle (not related to him though :eek: ) who was born in the Belize but became an US citizen by serving in Vietnam.

You do know what it means by now, do you?

Well, the impression I get is that people seem to think that New Yorkers only travel from one coast to the other, and see the center of the country as irrelevant, but seeing as I was there with an organization that was hosting our national conference in her hometown, it seemed to me to mean more that she was looking for an excuse to be snide than anything else.

I know (meaning yes, I did indeed get that that was the point of your complaint ;)) but hell, when somebody told me they're from Vancouver you bet I would surprisedly and automatically ask if they're from Canada before (or after, actually) I stopped to think "Hmm, wait, we're both in the US Army..."

More than once I said: "I'll give you a moment to re-evaluate your question."
More often than not I'd only recieve a blank stare.

I do see your point on the automatic response. It was just more than a little irritating to talk to a West Point educated colonel who'd ask the question, they were usually the ones that were adamant that there was only one Vancouver, located in BC. I really don't see the point in arguing with me my state of origin. I think I know where I was born.

I do see your point on the automatic response. It was just more than a little irritating to talk to a West Point educated colonel who'd ask the question, they were usually the ones that were adamant that there was only one Vancouver, located in BC. I really don't see the point in arguing with me my state of origin. I think I know where I was born.Well, what did you expect? :D

My dad met one or two in his day. Enlisting is still a means to receive US citizenship, isn't it?

I'm not sure how that works these days to be perfectly honest. I never met anyone in the process of gaining citizenship.

More than once I said: "I'll give you a moment to re-evaluate your question."
More often than not I'd only recieve a blank stare.

I do see your point on the automatic response. It was just more than a little irritating to talk to a West Point educated colonel who'd ask the question, they were usually the ones that were adamant that there was only one Vancouver, located in BC. I really don't see the point in arguing with me my state of origin. I think I know where I was born.

was he a loud mouth too

Well, what did you expect? :D

Point taken. They are unfortunately the ones that get the most uppity when you dare to contradict them. Even if you exercise the utmost politeness.

was he a loud mouth too

Of course. He kept asking me why I was lying to him. Everytime I tried to explain I wasn't lying he'd cut me off and tell me only to answer questions he was asking me.

Of course. He kept asking me why I was lying to him. Everytime I tried to explain I wasn't lying he'd cut me off and tell me only to answer questions he was asking me.

one of many things why we roll our eyes when work with you lot and i'm doing that now an i'm not sent my sign papers back yet

fact i'm doing that right as i think on how long you train to became soldiers

More than once I said: "I'll give you a moment to re-evaluate your question."
More often than not I'd only recieve a blank stare.

I do see your point on the automatic response. It was just more than a little irritating to talk to a West Point educated colonel who'd ask the question, they were usually the ones that were adamant that there was only one Vancouver, located in BC. I really don't see the point in arguing with me my state of origin. I think I know where I was born.Lol, alright, I didn't know we were talking repeated insistence. :p

Well, the impression I get is that people seem to think that New Yorkers only travel from one coast to the other, and see the center of the country as irrelevant, but seeing as I was there with an organization that was hosting our national conference in her hometown, it seemed to me to mean more that she was looking for an excuse to be snide than anything else.Well, it's been a common term (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyover_country) especially since the "red states" vs. "blue states" thing in 2004. I kind of think her comment was somewhere between just using the term in conversation with "outsiders", defiant pouting and maybe a little snide mixed in. :p

Supposedly you can see The Sears Tower from Canada.

maybe from the consulate in chicago. maybe.

this wasnt me, but when my mum was in America(not sure where) she was being spoken to by someone in a bar, and as she said she lived in England, she was asked "wow, is that overseas?", my mum replied yes, and was then told "woah, you speak really good english, and your accent is so CUTE!"... when in actual fact, i dont know if many people have noticed this, English comes from England!:eek:

this wasnt me, but when my mum was in America(not sure where) she was being spoken to by someone in a bar, and as she said she lived in England, she was asked "wow, is that overseas?", my mum replied yes, and was then told "woah, you speak really good english, and your accent is so CUTE!"... when in actual fact, i dont know if many people have noticed this, English comes from England!:eek:

If yer mum was transported back to when English acutally 'came from' England, she wouldn't understand a word. :p

this wasnt me, but when my mum was in America(not sure where) she was being spoken to by someone in a bar, and as she said she lived in England, she was asked "wow, is that overseas?", my mum replied yes, and was then told "woah, you speak really good english, and your accent is so CUTE!"... when in actual fact, i dont know if many people have noticed this, English comes from England!:eek:

Um...no. English comes from America, you subversive pinko tea-drinker. :)

The Balkans:
"Serbionavia? Isn't that near Madagascar or something?"
"Do they have electricity/toilets there?"
"Did you meet Milosevic?"
"Wasn't that annexed by Austria-Hungary?"
(And the like. I can understand that most people don't know much about that area, of course.)

The Middle East:
"You're going on vacation in Israel? Isn't that dangerous?"
"Did any rockets hit your city?"
"Were you kidnapped/attacked by terrorists?"
"Did you see a suicide bombing?"
And ridiculous other numbers of similar questions....

"Does anyone there speak English or do they all speak only Jewish?"
... Jewish is a language now?

Likewise, "I thought you had to be Jewish to go to Israel!"

Rest of Europe/World:
Not very much actually; odd folks equating Germany with Nazi Germany, but at least I was never asked how I survived the concentration camps.

America:
When I lived in New York City:
"Have you ever seen the Statue of Liberty?"
"Isn't everyone there awfully rude?"
(etc.)

and conversations like
<Tourist> Which way is Broadway?
<Catalasia> You're standing on it...
<Tourist> Oh, this is Broadway? So... um... why aren't there any theaters?
<Catalasia> You're in the Financial District.... the theaters are in Midtown.
<Tourist> Really? I thought there was just New York.
(American tourist, btw.)

When I lived in North Carolina:
"So, do you go to the Catholic church or the Protestant church?" (I forget their names now.)

When I lived elsewhere: Nothing special, that I can recall, actually.



I guess I've had it easy....

Um...no. English comes from America, you subversive pinko tea-drinker. :)

Wrong, that's American -- official language of Illinois!

Calling it "English" taints it with the blood of those tea-drinking, queen-worshipping commies! NOTE: Message delivered by certified Anglophile. Take seriously at own peril.

one of many things why we roll our eyes when work with you lot and i'm doing that now an i'm not sent my sign papers back yet

fact i'm doing that right as i think on how long you train to became soldiers

Whatever do you mean? Eight weeks isn't enough?[/sarcasm]

My program was different, I did all four months of training (basic and advanced) in one go. They taught us our garrison duties quite well, but only spent two weeks on field operations (completely different duties). I guess they figure you'll be assigned to a unit and train with them before you're deployed. Hooray for training standards!

Whatever do you mean? Eight weeks isn't enough?[/sarcasm]

My program was different, I did all four months of training (basic and advanced) in one go. They taught us our garrison duties quite well, but only spent two weeks on field operations (completely different duties). I guess they figure you'll be assigned to a unit and train with them before you're deployed. Hooray for training standards!

eight bloodly weeks thats all now thats why i call you lot cannon fodder
http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/default.asp?p=279

I have a uncle (not related to him though :eek: ) who was born in the Belize but became an US citizen by serving in Vietnam.

Belize doesnt require a definite article like the Ukraine.

Also, its fun to talk about getting wutter from a wawa in other states. :D

(Wutter [water to you weirdos] is a Camden thing, apparantly.)

I love learning about other countries with geniuses.
"Communism? Dont you need a strong leader like Stalin?"

"You have German ancestry? Nazi"

"So Germany allied with Hitler in WWI?"

He was probably thinking of Iwo Jima.

I really couldn't care less. It's infuriating.

Meh, no one cares about Iowa.

Really? It happens quite a few people care about Iowa, just not any stupid people whose complete knowledge regarding American geography halts at the coasts.

No offense, but that remark just steams me. Iowa is a fine State.

~ Romandeos.

Oh and to add to my mountain of evidence to why Philadelphia sucks:

Milton Street

On a trip to the USA, I was asked 'Do they have trees in India?'.

Well, it was asked by a 12 year old boy, but still..

Well, moving from San Diego to Canton, OH I hear a lot of stupid assumptions, such as they think movie stars are just walking all over the place and that Los Angeles isn't California's version of Detroit. Although when I said I used to live in Oceanside, someone said "Isn't that by the ocean?"
But my favorite stupid question was when I came back to visit a year after the move, I was flying into Los Angeles and when the pilot said we were making our final approach a lady behind me said "How can we be landing? We're still over the desert!"

And then there's when I visit my sister up in Rochester, MI. People say "That's so close to Detroit, aren't you afraid of getting mugged?"

When I came back from visiting New Hampshire someone said "I've never been that far south before."

Ive lived my entire life in a city in NY...

I travel around the world, and people go, "Oh where ya from?" when I reply New York, they go, "Oh like New York City?"...
and when I say no, they are like "well, then where????"

its like, New York City, is not the ONLY part of NY!!!

grr... it just bothers me

Yes, it is.
(look at my location) ;)

Well, when I go down island, people have a tendancy to ask if we have movie theatres and crap like that. I'm like, okay, it's a dead-end hole-in-the-ground, but we've got 70, 000 or so people. Not exactly out in the boonies.

A new guy at this job I had long ago was standing at the top of a long downward staircase. Just standing there, staring down the stairs.

I walked over to him, seeing that he was new, and asked if I could help him with anything.

He looked right at me, and with a perfectly straight face asked,

"Is this how you get downstairs?"

And he had a twin brother . . . :D

1. If you seriously pronouce it that way, I will have to make you listen to Paris Hilton singing rap.
2. I happen to live in "Skull Kill" county. You're welcome to visit any time you like. :p

Well how IS it pronounced? And if it is not spelled "Skull Kill", I would like to know how it is spelled also.

That must get very tiresome, yes.

This thread is depressing me...

Not me. I am actually AMUSED by this thread!:D