I'll never pass for a European but people (tourists, I'm assuming) always stop and ask me for directions when I'm in NY. I admit that it does please me because I'm a New Yorker at heart.

My main goal in life is on my next trip to China to pass as a local.

<she said tongue firmly in cheek>

...make a meal of everything<<

Assuming that means staying on sharp lookout for reasons to become irate and/or offended, may be interpreted as lack of self-confidence and therefore more to be pitied than scolded.

Though it does make for rockier communication, doesn't it? Heavy sigh possibly best response.

Am I missing something or is it really a goal to be considered a local while travelling? I have had plenty of people ask me for directions and I never even considered that they mistook me for a local. I just assumed I had a look on my face that was slightly less pathetic and confused than the person who was trying to find their way at the time. I am American, proud of it and don't try to be something I am not. I am sometimes able to give the directions asked for, usually in English, and other times I just have to shrug my shoulders and give the universal sympathetic look that indicates that I have no idea of what they just asked and am totally incapable of provding a response in anything other than English. I don't buy new clothes to take to Europe but wear what I have in the closet at home. I don't wear white tennis shoes because I don't own any but I am sure my clothes, haircut, manicure and everything else about me gives a clue that I am from the US and not a local. If anyone is mistaken about that they are quickly informed the minute I open my mouth and speak. I am a tourist, I dress like one, act like one and don't try for anything else. I simply use the same good manners when travelling that my mother taught me to use at home and I have never had a problem.

Am I missing something or is it really a goal to be considered a local while travelling? >>>>

It's a bit of an in-joke. There have been many threads about not looking like a tourists and fitting in in various european places.

Often people will say they fitted in so well that a local asked them for directions (although given how monglot Americans (and brits) are the local may simply have been telling them they have mad hair).

"smelled of wet dog and regret' - that has to be the best line of the year! Thanks!

The man has a way with words.

<i>Am I missing something or is it really a goal to be considered a local while travelling?</i>

You are not missing anything, at all. I've never understood this whole concept of trying to live, act, or dress like a local, either. You can't, at least not to a meaningful extent. Sure, being asked for directions or being addressed in the local language might give the ego a little boost, but in what way does this really enrich your experience?

I think about this way: Suppose I were a New Yorker. If I took a two week trip to Houston, would I be able to successfully pass myself off as a Texan? If I were being honest, I would have to say no. So why, exactly, would I think that I can pass myself off as a Frenchman or a Swede? And, when in Texas, would wearing cowboy boots improve my experience? Cowboy boots are cool, sure, but I don't see how wearing them dramatically improves the travel experience.

If you were talking a longer-term relocation, then maybe things would be different, but that isn't what these threads are about. And even then, it isn't clear you will ever shed the label of outsider.

JDraper: The others have pretty much explained this very well. On this thread, at least, we are just making fun of some of the snobby people who think you HAVE to dress/act a certain way. Unfortuantely, there are a fair amount of snobs here who follow that school of thought. Life's too short, I say.

Padraig: is that Irish for classless?

flsd asked: &quot;Padraig: is that Irish for classless?&quot;

Not that I advert to it, but in fact it does mean something close to the opposite.

You debate like a juvenile, including turning a difference in opinion into a personal issue. Go away; you may come back when you acquire some sense of decorum.

I debate like a juvenile? Check the mirror, pal.

You are quite an amusing fellow - and not worth any more of my time.