"I Will Never Come Back Here !!!"
Feb 3rd, 2004, 09:20 AM
#141
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Good points about language, Snoopy. This is a "conversational" forum, and people write what they are thinking rather than carefully choosing their language.
StCirq, <i>your</i> language continues to express my feelings with an uncanny precision. "A subtle unwillingness to make light of any situation" was exactly what bothered us, as opposed to rudeness or coldness.
And I have spent some time elsewhere in Germany and did not notice that same attitude. I thought perhaps it was a southern German trait. Actually, some of my best friends are German. (Honest, it's true!)
Wow -- hard to believe someone hated Crete! I guess if you are only in the very developed and touristy parts, it's possible. It was one of our favorite trips and we can't wait to go back.
StCirq, <i>your</i> language continues to express my feelings with an uncanny precision. "A subtle unwillingness to make light of any situation" was exactly what bothered us, as opposed to rudeness or coldness.
And I have spent some time elsewhere in Germany and did not notice that same attitude. I thought perhaps it was a southern German trait. Actually, some of my best friends are German. (Honest, it's true!)
Wow -- hard to believe someone hated Crete! I guess if you are only in the very developed and touristy parts, it's possible. It was one of our favorite trips and we can't wait to go back.
Feb 8th, 2004, 02:50 PM
#142
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Paris (esp CDG post 9/11) specifically
had multiple bad experiences although we were only there fore 1 day at the eginning of our trip and 2 at the end
France in general. Found the people with afew exceptions to be snobby, unhelpful, unsympathetic and many times downright rude. (unpleasant incidents in our 2 week trip are too numerous to detail)
FYI have been to Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary in Europe (working my way through one country per vacation, one vacation per year). Have travelled extensively in North America, Central America, Caribbean as well, can't think of a place I absolutely wouldn't go back too.
Enjoyed my trips to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Salzburg in particular
But never again to France
had multiple bad experiences although we were only there fore 1 day at the eginning of our trip and 2 at the end
France in general. Found the people with afew exceptions to be snobby, unhelpful, unsympathetic and many times downright rude. (unpleasant incidents in our 2 week trip are too numerous to detail)
FYI have been to Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary in Europe (working my way through one country per vacation, one vacation per year). Have travelled extensively in North America, Central America, Caribbean as well, can't think of a place I absolutely wouldn't go back too.
Enjoyed my trips to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Salzburg in particular
But never again to France
Feb 8th, 2004, 03:46 PM
#143
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Everyone is entitled to their opinions here. I can say that I would probably go back to most or all of the places I have been to after I have seen other things on "my list." As to Texas, I live in a really small town and would not tell anyone to put it on your travel agenda but if you had to come you could even go to a couple of museums here and at least have something to do. And Fort Worth is great if you like diversity. I would like to go back to Israel but not now. From my several visits to NYC I can tell you I have only found helpful, friendly people.
Feb 8th, 2004, 03:56 PM
#144
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Hmmmm...this is a tough one. I've been to lots of places and liked pretty much all of them. But my two cents would be...
Vienna...because I made the mistake of going there are after Prague.
and...
Santorini...because I made the mistake of going to a romantic island after I left a man whose whirlwind romance took us from Prague to Salzburg to Ljubljana to Dubrovnik to Positano (you get the idea...)
Vienna...because I made the mistake of going there are after Prague.
and...
Santorini...because I made the mistake of going to a romantic island after I left a man whose whirlwind romance took us from Prague to Salzburg to Ljubljana to Dubrovnik to Positano (you get the idea...)
Feb 8th, 2004, 07:40 PM
#145
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Quite possibly the rudest person I have met in years was a young man who worked at the desk of an auto rental firm at the main railway station in Brussels.
Seeing that I was American, he proceeded to lecture me on the failings of the United States. On and on he went. Finally I just took my car keys and found the car in their parking lot. I was steaming mad. But I kept my cool.
The next day I wondered why I didn't punch him in the nose. But that would have spoiled my trip for a brief moment of personal satisfaction. As it was, on that second day, I fulfilled my mission: to find the grave of a high-school buddy. The over-educated (and under-employed) punk at the car rental desk faded into memory as I gazed out at my buddy's grave...and 17,000 other Americans buried under the soil of Belgium.
Seeing that I was American, he proceeded to lecture me on the failings of the United States. On and on he went. Finally I just took my car keys and found the car in their parking lot. I was steaming mad. But I kept my cool.
The next day I wondered why I didn't punch him in the nose. But that would have spoiled my trip for a brief moment of personal satisfaction. As it was, on that second day, I fulfilled my mission: to find the grave of a high-school buddy. The over-educated (and under-employed) punk at the car rental desk faded into memory as I gazed out at my buddy's grave...and 17,000 other Americans buried under the soil of Belgium.
Feb 8th, 2004, 09:49 PM
#146
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This post is amazing!! Crazymina I would say what you did but absolutely in REVERSE!! Loved Vienna and did not love Prague. Wouldn't say we hate any place but Prague is definitely on our do not return list. Having said that, after travelling for over 50 years I cannot think of any place that did not have something that we liked. People or food or sites - sometimes one can find everything perfect and that's when you go back.. Realize this post is for dislikes but some poor soul out there is being turned off of visiting places.. so love Madrid, only thing I would go back to Barcelona for is the Picasso museum. As some of the other posters said.. keep an open mind and don't take things personally. Sometimes it's perhaps native culture!
Feb 9th, 2004, 12:20 AM
#147
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Tangier- dirty, no moroccon feel, dangerous, a ugly city.
Munich - cold people, everything in german, an average city, I found no beauty in it.
Palermo- old, dirty with absolutely no charm.
Las Palmas - the city is awful and the beaches are black sand and burn the feet.
Hotel Savoy in London - tired, decadent, bad service,I had a room more of a 2/3 star hotel. Never again.
Budapest - A place to go once and that's all. Was robbed in my hotel room, the Kempinsky Hotel, by some maid . Was robbed at the market, was given hungarian coins mixed with euros and lost nearly 40 dolars . I only noticed it when I was at the hotel already.
Feb 9th, 2004, 03:27 AM
#150
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Wow, after spending a year living in Europe and a few minutes reading this string of responses, you guys have all given me renewed enthusiasm for my time here! Seems like everyone wants travel to be like Disneyland - happy hosts with perfect food and entertaining rides. Sorry to sound like I'm scolding, but I am. Enjoy where you are or move on. And don't expect towns that are really the European equivalent of Cleveland to be your dream Euro-experience! And don't extrapolate that one crabby person in wherever means that all people in that country are rude or arrogant or snobs! You know what, American cheeriness drives some Europeans nuts!
Feb 9th, 2004, 08:40 AM
#152
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Two previous posters are obviously didn't get this thread.
It is NOT a complaint board, but helpfull tips to travelers with limited abilities I guess.
If I was wondering where to go vs not to go - here is tons of opinions. Count how many times Venus got "No" or Prague and figure out whether you want to go.
But be aware - things aren't perfect.
So, I found all these very helpfull, so, what is YOUR, baldrik/horsepin problem, who knows?
It is NOT a complaint board, but helpfull tips to travelers with limited abilities I guess.
If I was wondering where to go vs not to go - here is tons of opinions. Count how many times Venus got "No" or Prague and figure out whether you want to go.
But be aware - things aren't perfect.
So, I found all these very helpfull, so, what is YOUR, baldrik/horsepin problem, who knows?
Feb 9th, 2004, 08:52 AM
#153
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Tat-Ziana, you started this thread, but have yet to "share" those places you won't return to. Now that you have learned so much from all these well traveled Fodorites, where will you choose to avoid based on the input of this thread? Come on, please share!
Feb 9th, 2004, 09:23 AM
#154
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Iregeo,
are you absessed with me or something ? Could this be like ... long distance attraction based on ... nothing ?
Anyway I'll tell you. I will be less shoked now in Paris if I see some "urine spots" ( I would be WAY too much shocked before this thread, as I pictured Paris as "perfect"
.
I will however go to Venice just to prove "them" wrong. It is my life dream.
I will probably skip Prague, but if on the way - I would stop for a day.
I will still go to Germany as coldnest of people doesn't bother me. If I do not stay in place for long - what difference does it make whether they smile or not ? However I saw that my impression of Germans was the same as for most people in this forum.
I can continue Iregeo, but what for ?
I said - I am learning from this thread.
For you it is just a troll place.
Good Bye.
are you absessed with me or something ? Could this be like ... long distance attraction based on ... nothing ?
Anyway I'll tell you. I will be less shoked now in Paris if I see some "urine spots" ( I would be WAY too much shocked before this thread, as I pictured Paris as "perfect"
.I will however go to Venice just to prove "them" wrong. It is my life dream.
I will probably skip Prague, but if on the way - I would stop for a day.
I will still go to Germany as coldnest of people doesn't bother me. If I do not stay in place for long - what difference does it make whether they smile or not ? However I saw that my impression of Germans was the same as for most people in this forum.
I can continue Iregeo, but what for ?
I said - I am learning from this thread.
For you it is just a troll place.
Good Bye.
Feb 9th, 2004, 09:59 AM
#155
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No, Ziana, I assure you that I am not obsessed with you. I simply do not understand the judgemental nature of your reply. You asked people to share, and so they have. I was truly interested in your input. Perhaps you should heed your own advice and consider a valium or a cold shower? Regards.
Feb 9th, 2004, 10:05 AM
#156
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Iregeo,
I could NOT give you input as I haven't been to Europe yet. Gosh !
I am asking all of those questions in order to plan and make less mistakes and I appreciate responses very much,
when here you are hunting me with your "share you" stuff. I don't want to argue anymore. So far no one but you having a problem with me, guess why ?
Because only YOU bugging ! I am not responding to you anymore as it can lead into pickering I don't want.
Thanks
I could NOT give you input as I haven't been to Europe yet. Gosh !
I am asking all of those questions in order to plan and make less mistakes and I appreciate responses very much,
when here you are hunting me with your "share you" stuff. I don't want to argue anymore. So far no one but you having a problem with me, guess why ?
Because only YOU bugging ! I am not responding to you anymore as it can lead into pickering I don't want.
Thanks
Feb 9th, 2004, 10:47 AM
#157
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Hoespin
On both sides of the Atlantic, people have been gossiping over the back fence about 'The Neighbours' for centuries. This thread is just more of the same. Stop taking it so seriously!
Besides, you are quite right - the world isn't Disneyland. Which means the people and travelers in it aren't going to be like Minnie and Mickey Mouse, you know, eternally sweet, smiling, always non-complaining.....and gossip-free.
As for me, I found the people in Germany to be perfectly friendly. But my hairdresser, Bernice, swears those blonde German ladies all have dark roots......
On both sides of the Atlantic, people have been gossiping over the back fence about 'The Neighbours' for centuries. This thread is just more of the same. Stop taking it so seriously!
Besides, you are quite right - the world isn't Disneyland. Which means the people and travelers in it aren't going to be like Minnie and Mickey Mouse, you know, eternally sweet, smiling, always non-complaining.....and gossip-free.
As for me, I found the people in Germany to be perfectly friendly. But my hairdresser, Bernice, swears those blonde German ladies all have dark roots......
Feb 9th, 2004, 11:34 AM
#160
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I am always happy to travel, especially to places which have consumed my imagination since I was very young.
So it is with extreme sadness that I have to say: CAIRO
All the sites and treasures were indeed amazing. But the whole experience was deflated by the poverty, filth, smell, overcrowding and more importantly, the attitude of the people.
The touts were intense and persistent (I almost fell off the "cliff" area next to the Sphinx due to a postcard vendor's jostling); they were literally in your face and would not leave you alone. Around the Pyramids, vendors harassed tourists by pushing items in one's face, following at every turn, not leaving one alone (a repeated and firm NO was ignored).
This was aggression greater than any exhibited by Asian or Mexican vendors.
Dead animals (one was a dog) were left on the highway, rotting (or cooking) in the heat.
At the Mena House Oberoi hotel, musicians who had serenaded tourists as they ate later accosted us and asked for money outright (I would have given them a tip... but now).
PS
I overheard several German tourists and an Egyptian gentleman express anti-American sentiments (Bush, Cheney, invasion of Iraq, US support for Israel, etc).
No matter what your political leanings, it still rankles to hear your country criticized with such venom!
I don't think they thought I was American (oddly enough, other than myself, I met only 2 other Americans on this trip).
So it is with extreme sadness that I have to say: CAIRO
All the sites and treasures were indeed amazing. But the whole experience was deflated by the poverty, filth, smell, overcrowding and more importantly, the attitude of the people.
The touts were intense and persistent (I almost fell off the "cliff" area next to the Sphinx due to a postcard vendor's jostling); they were literally in your face and would not leave you alone. Around the Pyramids, vendors harassed tourists by pushing items in one's face, following at every turn, not leaving one alone (a repeated and firm NO was ignored).
This was aggression greater than any exhibited by Asian or Mexican vendors.
Dead animals (one was a dog) were left on the highway, rotting (or cooking) in the heat.
At the Mena House Oberoi hotel, musicians who had serenaded tourists as they ate later accosted us and asked for money outright (I would have given them a tip... but now).
PS
I overheard several German tourists and an Egyptian gentleman express anti-American sentiments (Bush, Cheney, invasion of Iraq, US support for Israel, etc).
No matter what your political leanings, it still rankles to hear your country criticized with such venom!
I don't think they thought I was American (oddly enough, other than myself, I met only 2 other Americans on this trip).
