Guadeloupe -- do they hate Americans? Is it safe? Thanks for the help
 

Guadeloupe -- do they hate Americans? Is it safe? Thanks for the help

Surfrider,
My husband and I went to Guadelope 4 years ago...it is still our all-time favorite vacation. We never encountered any 'Anti-American' attitudes while there. But bear in mind that my high-school french was barely enough to get driving directions and order meals...so any negativity most likely would have gone over my head. However the locals we met and spent time with were all friendly and helpful. Safety: We explored the entire island and never felt unsafe. Hope you enjoy your trip - its absolutely beautiful!

We were only in Guadeloupe for one day on a cruise but it was enough for us to determine we would never go back. I think they hate everyone who doesn't speak French.

Why would the French hate Americans ?

I know it seems may Americans are Francophobes, but the feeling is NOT mutual.... not to get political, but many French people did not approve of the actions of the US Government in the Iraq War, but that does not make them anti-American.

Aside from recent political history, I think the main reason why many US (and UK) visitors feel that the French (and Guadeloupe is part of France) are unfriendly, is a lack of cultural sensitivity on the part of the visitors.

One simple thing.... if in someone elses country, try to speak their language.

France, in particular, is a country proud of their language, culture and heritage, so if you respect that by at least making the effort to at least commence a conversation in French, then you will normally find a very warm response, and often in English.

If, on the other hand, the approach of the visitor is to soley speak English, then when they don't get the response they want, to repeat it LOUDLY and s..l..o..w..l..y , then you are likely to get a rude response.

Might seem odd to an Anglophone, but try imagining it in reverse, if someone from France came to visit the US, spoke only French to Americans, then, when not understood, repeated the same question in French but louder and slower... something to think about.

As you can tell, I am a Francophile myself, Paris in particular is one of my all time favourite places, and a direct flight and low fall fares from MIA makes it a nice choice for a long weekend :)

Well said Tom!!