How to do Wengen "NOT" like an American tourist?
Jun 4th, 2009, 02:02 AM
#1
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How to do Wengen "NOT" like an American tourist?
Obviously we will be American tourist but how can we avoid the "tag"? Our biggest joy of travel is getting off the bus ..Getting off the beaten path..enjoying the locals and then culture on their terms.
We try not to be loud or brazen. We try to assimilate into the areas people and ife style.
I guess the world has made this area a tourist meca for its over the top beauty.
Is there any TIPS, Hints or insider information that would help us not be pegged as "tourist"..I do not intend this to be snobby in any way..I just want to represent in the best possible light!
We try not to be loud or brazen. We try to assimilate into the areas people and ife style.
I guess the world has made this area a tourist meca for its over the top beauty.
Is there any TIPS, Hints or insider information that would help us not be pegged as "tourist"..I do not intend this to be snobby in any way..I just want to represent in the best possible light!
Jun 4th, 2009, 03:44 AM
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Yes, probably the best way to not be tagged as a tourist is to learn to speak the local dialect fluently; and take other measures such as buying your clothing locally (wear a disguise while buying the local clothing so you won't be later recognized, "Ach, look, Liebchen. It's that filthy tourist who bought our native clothing earlier today."). It would also be a good idea not to stay in a hotel or inn--instead buy a house in the area.
Certainly do not wear a "Made in the USA" t-shirt or a baseball cap. Baseball caps are fine for blending in if you're visiting Japan, but a real no-no in the Alps.
Certainly do not wear a "Made in the USA" t-shirt or a baseball cap. Baseball caps are fine for blending in if you're visiting Japan, but a real no-no in the Alps.
Jun 4th, 2009, 05:07 AM
#8
"Liebchen?" Then you'd be a German tourist.
There are only tourists and a few locals in Wengen.
If you go up to the Jungfraujoch, you'll see 50% of the tourists are from India and the people selling expensive watches at the counter are Asian.
American tourists are a minority in the BO.
Wear good walking / hiking shoes, get walking poles if you have problems with your knees, have a good wind/rain jacket and bring a backpack. You're all set.
There are only tourists and a few locals in Wengen.
If you go up to the Jungfraujoch, you'll see 50% of the tourists are from India and the people selling expensive watches at the counter are Asian.
American tourists are a minority in the BO.
Wear good walking / hiking shoes, get walking poles if you have problems with your knees, have a good wind/rain jacket and bring a backpack. You're all set.
Jun 4th, 2009, 05:13 AM
#9
How not to stand out like an American Tourist.
Order Cafe Zwetchgen.
Don't order coke with fondue.
Take two hours for your meal.
Wear the same clothes 3 days in a row.
Bring picnics on your hike.
Fart outloud.
Jodel a little tiny bit.
Walk around with a blade of grass in your mouth.
Stop every two hours for a coffee break.
Bring zip off pants.
Learn to say Gruezi and Ade.
Learn to say beschte Dank
Learn to say Lappi to the idiot next to you.
Don't talk loudly.
Ask about European football (soccer)
Pay in Francs
Order Cafe Zwetchgen.
Don't order coke with fondue.
Take two hours for your meal.
Wear the same clothes 3 days in a row.
Bring picnics on your hike.
Fart outloud.
Jodel a little tiny bit.
Walk around with a blade of grass in your mouth.
Stop every two hours for a coffee break.
Bring zip off pants.
Learn to say Gruezi and Ade.
Learn to say beschte Dank
Learn to say Lappi to the idiot next to you.
Don't talk loudly.
Ask about European football (soccer)
Pay in Francs
Jun 4th, 2009, 06:28 AM
#10
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Egad, how can one not look like a tourist in this area? Maybe if you don't carry a camera or a map, visit in offseason, don't ride up the train to Jungfrau, don't ride the lifts to the hiking or ski trails, and don't eat in restaurants. Dress like you are going to work in the local shops and restaurants or going to work on a farm rather than going hiking, skiing, or sightseeing.
I don't know if there is an "off the beaten path" in Wengen. The path is pretty small. Shop in the local market with the residents and the tourists? Attend a local church service? Look for a community actitity in one of the larger towns while you are there? Tourists pretty much wander about everywhere from what I could see.
Who cares about your nationality? Tourists from countries other than the US are likely to push ahead of you in line, stand for 30 minutes blocking the best views/photo ops as each individual in their group gets their picture taken, etc. As long as you are as polite and considerate when visiting Wengen as you are when traveling around your hometown, I would hope you would represent yourself and your country well, just as you represent yourself and your family well at home.
I hope you have a great time as a tourist in Wengen. It is a beautiful destination.
I don't know if there is an "off the beaten path" in Wengen. The path is pretty small. Shop in the local market with the residents and the tourists? Attend a local church service? Look for a community actitity in one of the larger towns while you are there? Tourists pretty much wander about everywhere from what I could see.
Who cares about your nationality? Tourists from countries other than the US are likely to push ahead of you in line, stand for 30 minutes blocking the best views/photo ops as each individual in their group gets their picture taken, etc. As long as you are as polite and considerate when visiting Wengen as you are when traveling around your hometown, I would hope you would represent yourself and your country well, just as you represent yourself and your family well at home.
I hope you have a great time as a tourist in Wengen. It is a beautiful destination.
Jun 4th, 2009, 07:05 AM
#11
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If you want to get off the beaten path a little bit, you could go to the Lower Engadin next time.
I am still amazed how little tourism (compared with Berner Oberland, or Upper Engadin in winter!) the valley gets.
I am still amazed how little tourism (compared with Berner Oberland, or Upper Engadin in winter!) the valley gets.
Jun 4th, 2009, 07:25 AM
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We were in Wengen just last week. My husband wore a baseball cap on the four hikes we enjoyed and also wore it up on the Jungfrau. His head has little hair on top and skin cancer is a concern. There were other tourists wearing their caps and no one got any unusual stares. Just go and enjoy--forget the image. Take sunscreen for sure.
Jun 4th, 2009, 11:37 AM
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Ok, I DESERVE ALL THIS..I think I posted for 2 reasons…
1. Bored and can’t wait to go!!!!!!!!!
2. To get a reaction to a stupid question!!!!
I guess I succeeded in both? I guess it’s not like wondering the back roads of Calabria ahh!
You guys are fun and I appreciate the laughs
1. Bored and can’t wait to go!!!!!!!!!
2. To get a reaction to a stupid question!!!!
I guess I succeeded in both? I guess it’s not like wondering the back roads of Calabria ahh!
You guys are fun and I appreciate the laughs
Jun 4th, 2009, 12:42 PM
#18
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Guys, I am at the Caprice? Worried that they are closing like a week after we get there..Should this be a concern..has anyone been? I have been to a place where this was a similar situation and they literally ran out of food on us?
Roger Federer" T-shirt?
