LOL @ bilboburgler

I want to buy you a pint.

>Down south we are taught manners at a very young age. Soft spoken,and respectful.<

Until the second glass of wine.

Then they are so loud that you can't hear the person next to you.

((I))
BTW, I've noticed groups of Europeans in several countries do the same thing. Is there something in wine?

Hi B,

regarding tipping -

In some countries the menu will note that a service charge of 15% is included in the price.

This is what we in the US call a tip.

If you want to include something extra for the waiter leave a few euro on the table.

It is also usual to round up to the nearest euro when picking up your change.

However, tipping practices vary by country. Consult your hotel staff.

((I))

<i>Is there something in wine?</i>

Truth?

Are Americans louder? Probably. I'm a native New Yorker, so certainly we are. And Yes, I've been to Charleston, it's one of my favorite places, & the peo are very polite & genteel. I'm also Italian, and we are not known for our subtleness, lol. But I have noticed that our sense of personal space is VERY different from many other cultures. I suppose it goes back to our English heritage. And just as many europeans find our loudness rude, we find their less-personal space rude. So be it. I mean, isn't part of the reason we travel to experience different peo & cultures? If we all were the same what would be the point?

Why not just embrace the differences & respect them? I don't expect europeans to act like me - they shouldn't expect me to act like them.

However I must admit that I get tired of hearing about "ugly americans", & somewhat condescending comments from europeans about how we are less cultured, less worldly, blah blah ......

Maybe some of is are. We are a very diverse country. And a very BIG country. I've traveled most of the US, & I can tell you for certain that NYC and the metropolitan area is a culture all its own. Go out to the middle of the country and its a whole different world.

I think one of the reasons we seem to connect well w/ Aussies is because we have much in common. We are relatively young countries, our culture basically still in its adolescence. The US was founded by adventurers, rebels, rugged individualists, criminals ........ In the words of Ben Franklin: "we've formed a new nation ... rougher, more violent ....."

I also find it amusing that while many europeans can be condescending towards us -- their young peo are snatching up our movies, music, tv, like crazy.

It would be nice if we could all try harder to appreciate our differences, & learn from ec other.

Your perception of who calls who an ugly American is simply not true.
If you followed the boards here, you'd have noticed that it was mostly your fellow countrymen who had been to Europe a few times, who would make a big fuss about what Europeans expect of visitors from the US.
Most is just crap, like the eternal discussions whether you can wear jeans or white trainers in Europe.
Or that Americans must talk in a whisper when abroad.
None of the Europeans here ever cared about this.
Actually, most of "us" 500 million over here have enough of a life.. so if Tom from Kansas wears his white Nike's or if Sally from Tallahassee has a bit of a loud voice you can not seriously believe that anyone will give a fiddler's fart about these non-events.
The whole concept of trying to "blend in" is just total bogus.
It is very useful to know local customs from tipping to store hours, but the rest is just fantasy.

Adrienne ,Cowboy 1968

Americans eat with one hand on the lap because it is considered poor manners to put elbows on the table.No weapons under there ;)


We all have different culture due to the fact that our grandparents are from different countries.

<sparkchaser> My grandparents were German and Itialian.

gigi - I wanted to know about swapping the fork and knife, not keeping your hand in your lap. Besides, if you lay your hand on the table your elbow is not on the table.

Swapping fork and knife are for those who haven't mastered the knife. Sadly, I fall in among that crowd. :(

I don't own a gun so I guess I can eat with both hands!


Most people only need one hand to eat. Unless you are in a big hurry.
Sip water or wine with the other,or use it to cut. No switching.And you did mention the gun silly.

Have you watched a German eat? They are like a world-class sculpture with a fork and knife. It's fascinating.

My mama always tol' me to holster my peacemaker while eating my vittles.

Yes sparkchaser I have watched my husband eat.

I beg him to slow down.

This has got to be the silliest topic on this site.

Americans are often ridiculed for their "insincere" expressions such as "have a nice day" etc. Having spent over two months in Paris earlier this year, after awhile, I found the quick-fired "Merci-Au Revoir" after routine transactions sounding a bit insincere myself.
Upon returning to the States, I noted store clerks, at least around where I live in the Southwest to be as polite if not more so than the shopkeepers I met in Paris.

"I also find it amusing that while many europeans can be condescending towards us -- their young peo are snatching up our movies, music, tv, like crazy."

lojoblais, probably true since it was already said in the 1950's about John Wayne movies and Elvis Presley.

The young people of that time are today in their 70's and 80's by the way.

Well, don't:
- tell them you love George W. Bush
- tell them you carry a concealed gun at home
- complain about paying for tap water if you haven't ordered anything else to drink along with it
- talk too loudly
- ask for doggy bags
- burp
- fart

You are absolutely correct, Lojoblais, about the personal space requirements of Americans and Europeans. In the States most consider about a meter distance comfortable when talking to someone. In Europe this comfort zone is less, IME.

I once watched a Spanish engineer back an American colleague down a long hallway. The Spaniard would step forward to make a point, and the American would sidle backward. Both were engrossed in the technical discussion, and neither was aware of what was happening.

You might also notice this phenomenon at parties. In both Spain and Italy hundreds can comfortably crowd into a tiny space, where they are crushed nose to nose, and have a swell time. Most Americans feel claustrophobic, and flee to a less crowded area. It has been my sad observation (from a distance) that the Europeans are having more fun.

This thread reminds me of so many Seinfeld episodes...

À propos culture: I have been surprised in Paris to note that almost every occasion that I heard incidental vocal music in eating places, stores, etc. it was songs sung in American English,

Wow. What an active forum. Thank you for the excellent advice and comments. I will read them all again slowly and filter out the banter.