Zeus

Interesting thread...I'm starting to think maybe I shouldn't continue wearing my Lederhosen when travelling on the Underground.

Jake1

We don't hide our nationality. We don't flaunt it. If the topic comes up, fine. If it doesn't come up, fine. It's just a non-issue to us.

wally34949

I think some American's need to tone it down a bit when they travel. We don't need to wave the American Flag or the Canadian flag all over Europe. I try to dress like the locals dress. I get annoyed when I see Americans walking around showing their bare bellys or walking into churches with sleeveless tops and shorts. And I'm not going to laugh at the European men for wearing those tiny bathing suits on the beach. Life is too short for that.

I'm not going to deny to anyone that I'm from the States, but you won't catch me wearing a "Hooter's Hat" or tacky American t-shirt in Europe.

wanderful

Traveling in France, Italy, and Spain, I would be pegged as an American, I guess, if the natives bothered to think about it, which the overwhelming majority, going about their daily lives, assuredly don’t.

Occasionally, I will ask for directions or for other assistance on the street in the native language of that country, or at least attempt to, and get a reply that’s far too complicated for me to understand. (But we somehow always manage to work it out.)

One time in Toledo some French school children on a field trip asked me for directions in French, and I broke out laughing. They also spoke English, but I still couldn’t help them.

audere_est_facere

you won't catch me wearing a "Hooter's Hat">>>>>>

A what?

Kristina

Northshore-that's really unfair. It's not a "throwback to the 60's", but instead unfortunately true. Every time I travel, I'm shocked at the clueless travelers out there. And no, they are not always American, but in the case I was referring to, they were. And I know if they'd heard us speak American accented English, they would have spoken to us, just as they did to the strangers at the other table next to them.
Believe me, there are loud, obnoxious travelers everywhere, of <i>every </i>nationality, but in terms of hiding my own nationality (which was the original question), the only time I've ever done it was to hide from one of my own.

missypie

The only time I've ever given the issue any thought was when we encountered a huge anti-war/anti-Bush demonstration in Paris on the first anniversary of the US bombing of Iraq. We were sort of walking against the crowd and the kids were a bit frightened. I just told them to keep their mouths shut and no one would know we were Americans-probably not true, with the kids decks out in their colorful coats from Lands End, but it made them feel better.

nbujic

&quot;a tall redheaded freckled Canadian '
- just like my husband.

He is always presumed to be an American in Europe (and even Australia).
I don't know if it is because of the the way he looks or because he'll wear shorts anywhere if the temp. is over 70 degrees.
My only consolations : he has the legs for it!

NThea

Nah. Wherever I go, I try to be the &quot;best&quot; representative of my city/state/country. No country/nationality has the monopoly on kindness, sensitivity, and intelligence or its opposites: meanness, insensitivity, and stupidity.

CarolA

I think it's a lost cause. If I was required to say anything my Southern accent would give me away immediately.

I just try to be respectful of other cultures. I know I am not a member!

I know I look like a tourist (I don't were jeans or white tennis shoes) but the looking up, the map, the camera, etc...

normal1983

Nthea has the right idea. Kindness, good manners and consideration are not the monopoly of any one nationality or race. I am an American and proud of it but I won't be rude to anyone if I can help it. My heritage is mixed American and Cuban, my husbands...German and American, my children a mix of it all. Why should we complain about other cultures and why should we hide who we are? We go visit another country to learn about the people and to appreciate another culture. It is probably quite obvious that we are tourists and that is alright with me.

girlonthego

No I would not try to hide my nationality (American), but I am very American looking so I doubt I could even if I wanted to.
I think I dress more fashionably on vacation no matter where I go. I tend to save my newer outfits for my trips. So, I am better dressed, but still American!

crefloors

No, not at all. Why would I? I don't walk into a place and announce that I'm American but if asked I have no problem saying so.

wombat7

&quot;I don't speak any language fluently &quot;

Cigalechanta - your English is pretty good

MarkvonKramer

The most talented makeup and wardrobe artists from Hollywood couldn't hide my nationality with an Oscar on the table as their prize for successfully pulling it off!

MvK

hwinokur

I enjoy dressing up in Europe and trying to blend in. But, growing up in Orlando, Florida, I've seen my share of tourists from many countries. Maybe they were trying to look &quot;American&quot; but even French and Italian tourists appeared to be dressed for comfort and convenience, rather than for style.

wojazz3

&lt;I don't were jeans or white tennis shoes&gt;

Well, I haven't been all over Europe, but jeans and white tennis shoes can be found on the locals in Ireland, the UK and Switzerland. It's crazy to suggest that Europeans don't wear jeans.

Bill

missypie

&quot;If I was required to say anything my Southern accent would give me away immediately.&quot; Do you really think a person from, say, Italy, who spoke no English at all, could detect your Southern (US) and distiguish it from an English speaker from Canada or New Zealand? I certainly doubt that I could distiguish a person from Quebec speaking French from someone from Paris, although I'm sure there must be differences.

I'd like to hear from some Japanese Americans who have visited Europe...I'm wondering if they are mistaken for Japanese tourists, or if everyone knows they are American.

I'd also like to hear from African American tourists...Do Europeans assume you are from the US, or from an African nation?

My assumption is that Americans tend to have an American look, no matter their race or coloring. Is that generally correct?

audere_est_facere

My assumption is that Americans tend to have an American look, no matter their race or coloring. Is that generally correct?
&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;

I think so - hence my obsession with American Hair.

Padraig

missypie wrote: &quot;My assumption is that Americans tend to have an American look, no matter their race or coloring. Is that generally correct?&quot;

Yes. It's the teeth -- big and white and shiny and terrifying.