How to spot an American

[Caroline]

My DH is planning to take me to India with him in business next year. I will never blend in. I am a 5'8" redhead. I didn't blend in in either Greece or Italy last year, either. Where do redheads blend in? Nowhere.

 

I always think European women are gorgeous, well dressed, and have awesome shoes. This thread has made me want to get on the treadmill and buy lots of sundresses and good shoes.

[Heather in Neverland]

 

being considered "ugly" or "septic" as stated above is unwelcoming. Being considered different isn't necessarily a bad thing. We will be different just as the country we are visiting is different to us. I'm just wondering how prevalent that "ugly Americans" attitude would be? Is that a select few that are just ill-mannered themselves or generally the view towards Americans outside the US as a whole even if they are doing their best to be good representatives but fail due to ignorance of the intricacies belonging to that culture or general ingrained mannerism that the traveler may not even be aware that he or she possesses? I do believe that we should do our best to learn about a culture we are visiting but I never knew that I would be identified by smiling too much (is that ok or somehow annoying, or just a way to identify because it is different?).... I'm actually getting ready to travel to a country in Central America and I will try to remind my DH that his volume might be offensive and he needs to be careful. Although in all our discussions about this culture from those who have been there, that has not come up neither has smiling too much. It sounds like a smile and greeting when walking the streets is culturally expected and that I should expect to not receive a greeting in return or even some ugliness because my American-ness will show no matter what.

 

Well, my experience of many countries in Asia is that Americans are generally well-liked. I have not really experienced anyone being mean to me just because I am American. Most people actually give us special treatment because we are Americans (which is odd in a different kind of way). They know we spend money and they are fascinated with American culture. The ugly American stereotype isn't really the case around here.

[Laura Corin]

Where do redheads blend in? Nowhere.

 

 

You'd blend in in Scotland - red heads are very common here.

 

L

[Caroline]

 

 

You'd blend in in Scotland - red heads are very common here.

 

L

 

 

When you have your guest cottage up and running, I will be there. We have some Scottish friends who had a Burns Night last year complete with haggis. I found it delicious, but there is nowhere around here to get it, so I need to make a trip.

[redsquirrel]

Where do redheads blend in? Nowhere

 

 

My sister lived in the UK for a while. She said she was always seeing people who look just like me in Scotland and Ireland. She said every time she turned a corner she felt like she ran into me.

 

I must have a very distinctive Celtic look? Is Celtic the right term? So, I can blend in there, lol.

[mommymilkies]

My American friend in England said they could spot Americans because of the perfect teeth.

 

I've had to be a good sport about tons of 'spot Brits by their bad teeth' comments in my life. And the number of times my country has been described as 'socialist' on this board - it's not a word that I particularly object to, but the people using it definitely don't see it in a positive light.

 

Nothing I wrote was rude: I answered an honest question honestly.

 

L

 

lol I'll fit right in, then! Braces only seemed to screw up my mouth worse! In seriousness, I read something about Brits having better cavity rates than America. Which to me is far more impressive.

 

Other than the clothes and shoes, sounds like I'd not stand out. I'm quiet and reserved, but polite. I never got to go on the French trips in High School, but from my classmates who did, they said they really did stand out dramatically because of loudness, manners, and clothing. One even had a flower pot thrown at her head for being accidentally rude in the street. I didn't like her, so I tried not to laugh when she told me. I can totally see that happening with her.

 

I have two red headed kids, and they are not very common around here. Not so uncommon that people think they're foreign, but everyone always has to comment on it!

[Kate in Arabia]

I'm an American. A tall, obese, fair skinned American. I live in Turkey and am married to a Turk. I don't speak Turkish fluently, but I do try. I almost always am identified by the locals as a foreigner as I don't look very Turkish, and almost always as American.

 

 

I'm almost never identified as American, even in America. :glare: I was out to dinner the other night with my parents (I'm visiting for a month), and someone stopped at our table and said, "Are you from overseas? I thought I recognized your accent." Um, no lady, I'm from Kentucky, sitting here in Kentucky with my parents speaking with a Kentucky accent. You could have just asked without trying to segue into it using a clearly wrong observation -- or just go right to the real issue and say it's because of my headscarf. But she was trying to be nice, so...

[beaners]

Living in India I find I always am interested to look at the foreigners! I can tell an American right away from an European. Often the glasses are a dead give away. Next would be weight as mentioned. Next, how casually a person is dressed. Americans dress down, way down, compared to other nationalities. Hard to find other adult men walking around in shorts, caps, sneakers, etc. American women also generally wear less make-up and less jewelry. On the positive side, I find that Americans are very open and friendly - to everyone regardless of status in socieity. I love that Americans who visit me are so wonderful and friendly to the people who work in my house. I am always proud to be an American when I see that!

 

 

This is something I was going to mention. We'd get quite a few European tourists at the bars and restaurants I worked at in Memphis. Women and men would both have on expensive looking jewelry or watches, and they would order a glass of wine or beer (but not American beer!) at what would seem like a very early hour to most Americans.

[LibraryLover]

Some of that doesn't sound so bad. lol We're 'overly' friendly, we wear bright colors, and we tip well.

[KungFuPanda]

My DH is planning to take me to India with him in business next year. I will never blend in. I am a 5'8" redhead. I didn't blend in in either Greece or Italy last year, either. Where do redheads blend in? Nowhere.

I always think European women are gorgeous, well dressed, and have awesome shoes. This thread has made me want to get on the treadmill and buy lots of sundresses and good shoes.

 

 

Try walking around in Seoul! I did that once. I was just walking along thinking I was part of the crowd like anyone else in a busy city. People crossed the road to touch my hair! I was prepared to have my personal space invaded a bit, but no one told me that my red curly hair could interfere with traffic.

[poppy]

I visited Paris in my 20s as a size 18. It was very early in Spring and I'd dolled myself up with nice clothes and shoes before I left. Even though I was clearly not a Parisian (don't look it even without the size issue), DH and I both noticed some women checking out my clothes - not disrespectfully, just curious. People watching is part of the Paris experience for locals and tourists alike. The only issue with being an American that I had was when I got a terrible stain on my jacket, I could not find a replacement. Finding a size 18 jacket in the US isn't as easy as walking into any store, but, I found it impossible in Paris. I imagine it'd be even tougher in most parts of Asia, where women are obviously just built very differently, genetically.

[Laura Corin]

I imagine it'd be even tougher in most parts of Asia, where women are obviously just built very differently, genetically.

 

If I could find clothes at all in China, it was in size XXXL. I'm 5'4" and take a US size 8/UK size 12.

 

L

[Laura Corin]

being considered "ugly" or "septic" as stated above is unwelcoming. Being considered different isn't necessarily a bad thing. We will be different just as the country we are visiting is different to us. I'm just wondering how prevalent that "ugly Americans" attitude would be?

 

I'll be honest with you: it's a mixture. I think that in the UK there are:

 

a) People who recognise differences but take people as people

b ) People who feel justified in 'teasing' Americans (nicknames, jibes about world domination, jokes about gun-toting crazies)

c) People who just don't like Americans (for cultural or political reasons usually).

 

I don't know what the proportions are, but a) and b ) encompass the vast majority of people.

 

As my husband was born American (he's a naturalised Brit) he comes across all of this. In general, if you are prepared to laugh off any initial 'teasing' then you will find people welcoming. He finds it tiresome but not difficult or threatening.

 

L

[justasque]

 

I have gained weight, so that is factoring in my decision not to go to Paris in Sept w/ some collegues of my dh. There you go. Lol I have

decent shoes, and I never wear jeans, yet

realistically I'm too stressed to lose weight right

now. I don't worry about being an American in

Paris, I just don't feel as secure about myself as I would like. Travel is stressful even when you feel great.

 

Oh goodness, don't let your appearance limit you! Paris and other European cities are great for feeling good about yourself, even if you don't start out that way. I lost five pounds in a week last time I went. You can walk everywhere, the museums are fabulous, and it's much easier to eat healthy. Public transport is easy to figure out. Rick Steves has lots of useful info at his web site. Get yourself a nice black travel dress (that one comes in up to 3X), a decent packable raincoat, and a carry-on suitcase and GO!

[Laura Corin]

I'd think body type would be a poor indicator of who is an American when you consider we have plenty of Americans of Asian descent who have the small build of Asians.

 

Absolutely. It's more one of a bunch of identifiers:

 

Baseball cap, large, bright jacket - check

 

White trainers, bumbag, expansive gestures - check

 

etc.

 

L

[Arcadia]

Get yourself a nice black travel dress (that one comes in up to 3X), a decent packable raincoat, and a carry-on suitcase and GO!

 

Now you tempt me to check out Marks & Spencer website and they have free shipping to US right now :p The classic black dress is a good to have though. My hubby thinks trench coat are more common in Europe than raincoat.

 

[Dory]

This thread has made for fascinating reading.

I'm wondering, are dresses and skirts so common in places like Germany, that a girl would stick out a little of she never wore them? Or would slacks and dark wash, dressy, jeans be alright?

[LibraryLover]

:) I'd be fine, I know. It's more how I feel right now.

 

 

[klmama]

 

I do believe that we should do our best to learn about a culture we are visiting but I never knew that I would be identified by smiling too much (is that ok or somehow annoying, or just a way to identify because it is different?).... I'm actually getting ready to travel to a country in Central America and I will try to remind my DH that his volume might be offensive and he needs to be careful. Although in all our discussions about this culture from those who have been there, that has not come up neither has smiling too much. It sounds like a smile and greeting when walking the streets is culturally expected and that I should expect to not receive a greeting in return or even some ugliness because my American-ness will show no matter what.

 

If people don't respond to a smile and greeting on the street, it may have absolutely nothing to do with you being an American. It may have everything to do with a cultural expectation that "nice" people do not greet strangers on the street. In some places, the ones most likely to smile and greet others are the prostitutes, beggars, or others who may cause an uncomfortable situation, and people try to avoid it by not responding. If you are going to a tourist area, though, it may not be an issue, as people there may be used to Americans' habits.

[Wheres Toto]

I'd think body type would be a poor indicator of who is an American when you consider we have plenty of Americans of Asian descent who have the small build of Asians.

 

This is a little bit of what I've been thinking reading this thread. Maybe it's where I live, but the "Americans" I know come in all different shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. Interesting ideas though.

[LibraryLover]

I don't want to start a riot or anything, and I am one who would rather blend in than stand out, but I must ask, why it would matter if a polite American is wearing a bright jacket? Is is a matter of not wanting the Anerican to be harmed by those who don't like Americans? Robbed? What if the nice American likes the bright shirt or coat? Are colors themselves offensive?

I ask tongue-in- cheek. I personally tend towards darker colors, but not all do.

I often meet British tourists in FL, and they are wearing shorts and Ts. And caps. :) is it just due to the weather?

 

[mrs.m]

If people don't respond to a smile and greeting on the street, it may have absolutely nothing to do with you being an American. It may have everything to do with a cultural expectation that "nice" people do not greet strangers on the street. In some places, the ones most likely to smile and greet others are the prostitutes, beggars, or others who may cause an uncomfortable situation, and people try to avoid it by not responding. If you are going to a tourist area, though, it may not be an issue, as people there may be used to Americans' habits.

No, not in the Latin culture we will be visiting. It is considered rude to not smile and say a greeting when passing on the street. It's not that we strike up conversation. It's much like how we smile and wave when passing each other on the country roads here in IL and in Iowa. You do it even if you don't know the person. I got this information from people that have been there and are guiding us while we are there and know the culture quite well. The negative responses clearly indicate that they are not happy that we are Americans visiting their country based on what they say and not in response to the appropriate culture greeting as that is not the usual response.

[Laura Corin]

I don't want to start a riot or anything, and I am one who would rather blend in than stand out, but I must ask, why it would matter if a polite American is wearing a bright jacket? Is is a matter of not wanting the Anerican to be harmed by those who don't like Americans? Robbed? What if the nice American likes the bright shirt or coat? Are colors themselves offensive?

 

 

Absolutely no reason to blend in if you don't want to. Just responding to the OP. No - not a danger to stand out in areas of Europe with which I'm familiar.

 

L

[Laura Corin]

 

I often meet British tourists in FL, and they ate wearing shorts and Ts. And caps. :) is it just due to the weather?

 

Yes - they're in shock.

 

L

[Mom in High Heels]

[/size]

 

Yes - they're in shock.

 

L

 

 

Bwahahahahaha! This is probably true.

[LibraryLover]

My dh's family in Europe tend to be much dressier than many Americans. Not so much the younger folks, who do wear T's,  soccer shirts etc. I do like it. My bil also carries a 'purse' as many men do. It works better than a back pocket wallet, but I'm just not sure about that. I don't mean a messenger bag, I mean something that looks like a purse...murse.

But that's a tip for American men wanting to blend in. Get a dark leather male 'purse.' :)

[poppy]

I'd think body type would be a poor indicator of who is an American when you consider we have plenty of Americans of Asian descent who have the small build of Asians.

 

Not all Americans are fat, but most tourists who are fat are Americans.

 

Interestingly, there is a bit of controversy in Japan due to a subset of that population who has exploding obesity numbers..... people who have adopted a Western diet. The lousy variety of the Western diet, I'm talking processed food, fast food, etc. But the contrast is huge compared to the majority who follow the "fish every meal, lots of rice, no sweet foods at all" of a traditional Japanese diet. But, obviously, plenty of people of Asian descent in the US do not stick to a traditional diet and do stay trim with relative ease. I guess the moral of that story is, there is no body type that can withstand a terrible diet with frequent trips to KFC and McDonalds.

[LibraryLover]

Lol . Yes, Virginia, there really is a sun.

Some Europeans, and including the British, seem to let down their clothing guard on holiday in Spain as well.
 

[/size]

Yes - they're in shock.

L

[LibraryLover]

Ok, ok. I thought she was asking about behaviors/cultural sensitivity issues.

Miss Mungo, I never understood the idea about deodorant and not shaving = unclean.

 

Absolutely no reason to blend in if you don't want to. Just responding to the OP. No - not a danger to stand out in areas of Europe with which I'm familiar.

L

[suzybluecheese]

Absolutely. It's more one of a bunch of identifiers:

 

Baseball cap, large, bright jacket - check

 

White trainers, bumbag, expansive gestures - check

 

etc.

 

L

 

And I suppose calling it a fanny pack would be a huge red flag. :laugh:

[sewingmama]

I can spot an American by their "presence". They are just " bigger" in almost everything. Height, ( I won't say weight because Aussies are pretty fat these days too) , personality, voice, talents, smiles, opinions, kindness etc etc. I've spent a lot of time in many American communities here and overseas and honestly I can get overwhelmed and need a break and quiet time LOL.

 

Americans talk a LOT compared to the average Aussie....even the shy Americans.

 

But Americans are also some of the kindest and most friendly people I've ever met...and they are very open about it. Aussies tend to be very reserved on this front.

 

They are also very well groomed compared to us Aussies, even in shorts and t-shirts.

[Lanny]

So if we have these traits are we doomed to be unwelcomed? My dh is very tall, slightly chubby, and loud. He has a voice that carries even at his softest tone. We certainly would not mean to stand out or draw attention to ourselves, it just happens, even at home. I've tried to get him to understand social queues but he can't do it. I'm general very quiet so I'm very aware of the quality of his loudness in certain situations that it isn't appropriate. I smile a lot. I like to smile. I think it is disturbing that we would come across as ugly. We are not ugly people in our hearts.

 

You and your DH do not sound at all, to me, like people who would be considered "Ugly Americans" by their actions in another country. As long as you go to another country, wanting to see new things, meet different people, experience a different culture, and you respect them and are courteous to them, you will be welcome.

 

The "Ugly Americans" I have seen, are few and far between. I remember one, when I was in the beach restaurant of a hotel, in Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlan, on the West Coast of Mexico. He was obnoxious, he was complaining, and he should have stayed in the USA, where everything in his life was perfect.

 

Those people are a nightmare, for the people who are trying to help them, and, for those unlucky enough to be near them.

 

You will be welcome! Pick a destination that you find interesting, research it and GO...

[Laura Corin]

Ok, ok. I thought she was asking about behaviors/cultural sensitivity issues.

 

Miss Mungo, I never understood the idea about deodorant and not shaving. . In fact, I sometimes want to gag over my relatives' fragrances etc. Cleanliness is very important, and my sil would not be caught dead unshaven. lol shall we say impeccable? She is also many years older than I. It's not like shaving and bathing is a new- fangled idea.

 

Shaving in Europe used to be very much a matter of choice - many women did, many women didn't. That was certainly the case in France when I lived there thirty years ago and, to a lesser extent, in Britain at that time. These days, it's pretty rare to see someone unshaven in Britain, and from a conversation I had with an emergency room doctor, an awful lot of intimate depilation goes on too. I don't know about France these days.

 

FWIW, I do get tired of the idea that unshaven = smelly. Neither my husband nor I shave our armpits and neither of us is smelly. We keep very clean and use deodorant as necessary.

 

L

[Laura Corin]

 

And I suppose calling it a fanny pack would be a huge red flag. :laugh:

 

Let's not even start on that word.....

 

L

[Mrs Mungo]

whoops, dp

[Mrs Mungo]

This thread has made for fascinating reading.

I'm wondering, are dresses and skirts so common in places like Germany, that a girl would stick out a little of she never wore them? Or would slacks and dark wash, dressy, jeans be alright?

 

Slacks and jeans are very common in Germany.

 

Ok, ok. I thought she was asking about behaviors/cultural sensitivity issues.

 

Miss Mungo, I never understood the idea about deodorant and not shaving. . In fact, I sometimes want to gag over my relatives' fragrances etc. Cleanliness is very important, and my sil would not be caught dead unshaven. lol shall we say impeccable? She is also many years older than I. It's not like shaving and bathing is a new- fangled idea.

 

Many people do not believe that daily bathing and deodorant are healthy. They will point to the fact that we then replace the natural oils in our skin with lotions and such. Often such people look with disdain on people who have become "Americanized" and shave everywhere and such. Just my experience. It's not universally true any more than the ugly American loudly discussing them is true.

[Mrs Mungo]

FWIW, I do get tired of the idea that unshaven = smelly. Neither my husband nor I shave our armpits and neither of us is smelly. We keep very clean and use deodorant as necessary.

 

In no way did I mean to imply that. I was talking about someone else loudly talking about it. Again, I was mostly with Germans. Many Germans do not agree with daily bathing or deodorant use, but would still consider themselves clean. They think Americans are obsessively weird about body cleanliness.

[LibraryLover]

Some American-born women choose not to shave, and that was true 30- 50 years ago. I agree it's not 'unclean'. I know it was also less common in the past for some European women.

 

 

Shaving in Europe used to be very much a matter of choice - many women did, many women didn't. That was certainly the case in France when I lived there thirty years ago and, to a lesser extent, in Britain at that time. These days, it's pretty rare to see someone unshaven in Britain, and from a conversation I had with an emergency room doctor, an awful lot of intimate depilation goes on too. I don't know about France these days.

 

FWIW, I do get tired of the idea that unshaven = smelly. Neither my husband nor I shave our armpits and neither of us is smelly. We keep very clean and use deodorant as necessary.

 

L

[LibraryLover]

MM said: ManyGermans do not agree with daily bathing or deodorant use, but would still consider themselves clean. They think Americans are obsessively weird about body cleanliness.

 

 

If I don't bathe or shower, I feel yucky the whole day. It's rare i don't bathe daily. You get used to it. :)

[8circles]

Many people do not believe that daily bathing and deodorant are healthy. They will point to the fact that we then replace the natural oils in our skin with lotions and such. Often such people look with disdain on people who have become "Americanized" and shave everywhere and such. Just my experience. It's not universally true any more than the ugly American loudly discussing them is true.

My father would be one of these. Eta: european but not german.

[Lanny]

<snip> This isn't an issue. In fact, it's often to my advantage because the taxi drivers, shopkeepers, neighbors will go the extra mile to help me if I founder. They get it that I don't always understand. But what makes all the difference is that I go the extra mile too. I make an effort to understand them, to understand body language, local customs, traditions. Even as a tourist in other countries (France, Germany) I make this effort.

<snip>

 

Oh yes. In 18+ years of living here, many times, I have probably been the first American who walked into a small store to buy something, or get something fixed. I bet many of them are proud to have an American for a loyal customer. And, yes, when I go to the supermarket to buy meat or fruit/vegetables, I get service that I suspect few Colombians here get.

 

The exception to this is Directv Colombia, a company with possibly the worst Customer Service in the world... However, I do recall my wife telling someone in Directv Colombia Customer Service that, "my husband is an American, he won't call you again, he will contact the President of Directv in California". I did that, about 2 weeks ago, and they responded...

 

If there is a problem, usually, my wife will have me go, or call (in Spanglish...) to try to fix it, because she thinks they will ignore her, a Colombian woman...

[mrs.m]

You and your DH do not sound at all, to me, like people who would be considered "Ugly Americans" by their actions in another country. As long as you go to another country, wanting to see new things, meet different people, experience a different culture, and you respect them and are courteous to them, you will be welcome.

 

The "Ugly Americans" I have seen, are few and far between. I remember one, when I was in the beach restaurant of a hotel, in Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlan, on the West Coast of Mexico. He was obnoxious, he was complaining, and he should have stayed in the USA, where everything in his life was perfect.

 

Those people are a nightmare, for the people who are trying to help them, and, for those unlucky enough to be near them.

 

You will be welcome! Pick a destination that you find interesting, research it and GO...

thank you, Lanny. I see people behave like that here on their own turf and it irritates me how they treat people around them. I wish they would stay home here too. 😉 I feel like this thread has opened my eyes to really be aware of myself and my mannerisms when traveling.

[Lanny]

being considered "ugly" or "septic" as stated above is unwelcoming. Being considered different isn't necessarily a bad thing. We will be different just as the country we are visiting is different to us. I'm just wondering how prevalent that "ugly Americans" attitude would be? Is that a select few that are just ill-mannered themselves or generally the view towards Americans outside the US as a whole even if they are doing their best to be good representatives but fail due to ignorance of the intricacies belonging to that culture or general ingrained mannerism that the traveler may not even be aware that he or she possesses? I do believe that we should do our best to learn about a culture we are visiting but I never knew that I would be identified by smiling too much (is that ok or somehow annoying, or just a way to identify because it is different?).... I'm actually getting ready to travel to a country in Central America and I will try to remind my DH that his volume might be offensive and he needs to be careful. Although in all our discussions about this culture from those who have been there, that has not come up neither has smiling too much. It sounds like a smile and greeting when walking the streets is culturally expected and that I should expect to not receive a greeting in return or even some ugliness because my American-ness will show no matter what.

 

The "Ugly Americans" are few and very far between. I hope you and your DH can try to, at the minimum, learn a few basic phrases in Spanish, before your trip to Central America. "Please, Thank you, You're welcome, How Much is it? and Where is the bathroom?" are phrases you should know... If you make ANY attempt to speak Spanish, Latin Americans will appreciate you, for trying to speak their language. And, for coming to their country, to visit them and to see their country and learn a little about them.

[LibraryLover]

I've always agreed with those who believe over-bathing strips the body of natural oils. I don't overdo the body soaps myself, nor do I shampoo my hair daily. I have tried to skip days, mostly from an ecological standpoint, but I don't feel clean. You do get used to daily bathing. ;) I can camp, but only for so long. ;)

[Guest]

I think this thread is very interesting. I plan to travel to England and France (at least) on the distant horizon; hopefully a few other European countries as well. I have listened with rapt attention when my French prof tells us about clothing and mannerism differences between the US and France. I have already long since decided that when I go, I'm not bringing any shorts. Skirts and dresses only. I don't wear shorts much anymore anyway, except for working out or running. Skirts and skorts only. I also don't wear athletic shoes for everyday wear. I never did like that look, even before I learned that Europeans don't do that.

 

I do know that when I go to England and France, I do NOT want to be instantly identified as an American. And that's coming from a patriot. :patriot:

[Lanny]

No, not in the Latin culture we will be visiting. It is considered rude to not smile and say a greeting when passing on the street. It's not that we strike up conversation. It's much like how we smile and wave when passing each other on the country roads here in IL and in Iowa. You do it even if you don't know the person. I got this information from people that have been there and are guiding us while we are there and know the culture quite well. The negative responses clearly indicate that they are not happy that we are Americans visiting their country based on what they say and not in response to the appropriate culture greeting as that is not the usual response.

 

 

I seem to remember walking on the streets, in the central part of Cancun, many years ago, when the city had a much smaller population and people walking in the other direction would greet me with "Buenos Dias" or "Buenos Tardes", whatever was appropriate at that hour. And, I would respond.

 

If you are going to a place where you believe you are not welcome, because you are Americans, that is NOT a good sign. It could indicate, among other things, a lot of drugs in the area.

 

I would suggest that you read the "Travel Warning" or the "Travel Advisory", on the web site of the U.S. Embassy in the country you plan to visit, very carefully, for information about the area you plan to be in. The 'Travel Warning" for Colombia mentions everything that could possibly happen or has happened in the past, and I assume for other countries the State Department would do the same. Check with the ACS (American CItizens Services) in the Embassy of your destination country, if you have any concerns about the area you will be visiting. Visit the Embassy web site...

 

Here in Colombia, there is no crime directed at Americans, because they are Americans. If an American is the victim of crime here, it is because they were unlucky or careless or involved in something illegal.

[Firefly]

I am a cultural chameleon as well; being an introvert served me well when I lived overseas! I have none of the physical characteristics of the Classic American Tourist ... I am a quiet, skinny shrimp and dress more similarly to Europeans than Americans. Like others here I was often mistaken for different nationalities. One time in Greece, on an airport shuttle, a Swedish guy came and sat next to me and started talking to me. Since I only know about two words of Swedish, I told him in French (I took a stab-- see below) I didn't speak Swedish, and we had a short conversation in French, which mostly consisted of him not believing I was American. :huh:

 

[Tangent: French is a great language to speak in Europe-- it was a huge advantage on several occasions. One time in Madrid, a man approached asking for directions to a certain restaurant. It was the only well-known restaurant in the area and we had just come from it. I said in Spanish that I didn't speak Spanish but asked if he spoke English. No. So he asked: "German?" No. "French?" YES! He was so grateful and it was pretty cool to be able to communicate through a third common language that was different from both our mother tongues.]

 

At any rate, there ARE a lot of obnoxious Americans out there... the type that seem to want everyone around them to know they're from the States. But on the other hand, those are the ones that get noticed. I'm sure there were many others like me, quietly sitting at the back of the bus reading my book, that didn't fit the stereotype. But because we blend in, no one said, "Look at the quiet American!" LOL

[PeacefulChaos]

So I'm just curious now... I get the shoes thing (I think) and so far every pair I've seen, I don't like. :p :lol: (I'm a flip flops girl, TOMS or converse in the winter, or boots. I love boots.)

But the 'clothes' thing.... I'm just really curious. When one says 'shirt' instead of 't-shirt' what does that mean? A button up shirt? :svengo: :lol:

The whole thing just makes me so curious. I'm considering googling 'what do people in European countries wear'!!! :D :lol: :lol:

 

 

ETA: Ok, so after googling it looks like, overall, they wear the same thing everyone I know wears. Not such a cultural divide after all, eh? :)

[Alessandra]

 

 

Oh goodness, don't let your appearance limit you! Paris and other European cities are great for feeling good about yourself, even if you don't start out that way. I lost five pounds in a week last time I went. You can walk everywhere, the museums are fabulous, and it's much easier to eat healthy. Public transport is easy to figure out. Rick Steves has lots of useful info at his web site. Get yourself a nice black travel dress (that one comes in up to 3X), a decent packable raincoat, and a carry-on suitcase and GO!

 

 

Oh, I love that dress! THX!

[Giraffe]

But because we blend in, no one said, "Look at the quiet American!" LOL

 

 

Exactly. When I was in Paris everyone couldn't help but notice the guy screaming in the Eiffel Tower elevator, in English, but no one paid attention to the two quiet Americans speaking French in the same elevator.