We are going on a 2 week tour of Germany, Austria &amp; Switzerland in June/July. We were told that people in those countries frown on Americans wearing shorts. Is this true? If so, what is proper comfortable attire? We toured Itay a few years back and wore shorts except in the churces and we slipped a skirt on. Any help is appreciated. Also, is the weather cool in June/ July? I thought it's in 60's. Probably need jacket or long sleeves at night?<BR><BR>thanks,<BR><BR><BR>Audrey

Dear Audrey,<BR><BR>I ...I do think I'd rather you wore slacks instead of shorts. I don't have a good explanation other than that anytime we are overseas we represent our country whether we are thinking about that or not and perhaps being more casual than the bulk of the host nation tourists is not the best idea. Kindly forgive the rambling sentence, but it expresses my not-cast-in-concrete but sincere thoughts. Have fun.

If it's hot, wear shorts. No problem. If it's cool and rainy you may look funny. It will be cool at night, especially in the mountains. I doubt I need to say this but REALLY short shorts aren't appropriate here any more than they are in the states.

I's not so much that shorts are frowned on apart from the obvious thing about wearing them in churches. It's more that Europeans on average are concerned about their appearance and think that older people and those of "full habit" as tailors tactfully call it just look slightly ridiculous in shorts and sleeveless tops.

Audrey:<BR>Shorts in a place of worship are not forbidden but are not a welcome sight as you noted.<BR>As for day to day attire if you want, wear your shorts. Audrey, if you have the body girl, sport those really short shorts and dare anyone to say a word!<BR>I have never had anyone in America or elsewhere tell me my short shorts were not appropriate...illegal and dangerous but nerver inappropriate...Enjoy your travel clothes!