suze

I think the problem with the perspective originates with the fact that this person was on a tour bus doing 9 countries in 20 days. How can you expect to actually have interaction with people when you are being herded around in a group. And going to the restaurants that the tour provides. Hardly fair to blame all of Europe, for your bad choice of doing your first trip on an organized tour.

crefloors

The OP is yanking your chains people. So, carry on.

GreenDragon

Although I've not been to continental Europe (yet), I have found the English, Welsh, Irish and Scottish to be incredibly friendly. And I come from a friendly part of the US (north Florida). They go out of their way to help you in a jam, always ready with a smile and even a hug on occasion. Some of my best mornings or evenings have been spent chatting with my B&B hosts, or folks at a pub, or out at a store, etc.

I think, as mentioned before, we reap what we sow. If we go somewhere expecting everything to be precisely as we have at home, why travel? We should go to experience new food, drink, people, vistas, and experiences.

Chris_England

Consider my chain 'Merkined

suze

crefloors, We know. We're bored.

annesherrod

At the risk of sounding really rude this poster is simple.

Period.

josephina

I thought the post title was a dead giveaway ("the European people"--like it's one big country) and automatically supposed it was either a troll or a send-up of ignorant poster.

Was unprepared for the sheer amount of wierd postings by this person. Wonder what set travelguru1 on his/her mission? Meds?

suze

oh good, here it is... i was worried this silly thread got cleaned up by Fodor's new look this morning.

cigalechanta

http://tinyurl.com/36zylx

InMiami

I will take a troll to a harsh, rude, judgmental responder any day.

At least a troll promotes interesting discussion. This case in point.

marigross

I dont care that this a troll...it just plays into my pet peeve:

I am usually shocked (and a bit offended) by the overly fake friendliness exhibited by waiters and salespersons in the US.

I dont want waiters to sit in my table to discuss the menu. I dont want to be presented with the bill as soon as I take the last sip of coffee.

OK...off MY soapbox

kerouac

TG should have at least given us a cackling "Goodbye, suckers!" instead of just disappearing.

GSteed

Great Post! Look at the replies it has generated. Guru is a title given to experts in certain fields. Who believes that this poster is an expert in 'travel'? What I like to read best are the comments the culinary righteous post about McDonald's and their brethren. If they don't patronize them how do they know what they are serving? Fodorites usually note that they travel to experience local culture. Trying hotels, restaurants and pubs is certainly that. All Europe is rebuilding itself...All international hotels offer amenities that are available in USA Holiday Inns. Day's Inn was a low cost operation. Much of its furnishings simply depreciated in about five years. Savvy Indian immigrants bought them and are now enjoying the fruits of a profitable family business. I dare Travelguru to visit a USA neighborhood bar and learn what unfriendly really is!

rogeruktm

While on my last trip I admit to having a "Whopper" at Burger King. This was my last night in London. I enjoyed it.

Zeus

MiGod but some of you like to complain about ANYTHING and Everything. What's wrong with smiling and enjoying oneself? Personally, I don't see Europeans as a bunch of sourpusses nor Americans as grinning idiots. Maybe some of you with your panties in such a tight twist and so angry about everything give off a negative vibe to the Europeans so they seem dour (dull) to you. From what I've seen they seem to like to laugh just like everybody else in the world. Lighten up.

windycity847

I just recently returned from Paris hwhere I traveled on my own and had a very different experience with the people there. Must add I know a little bit of French and always used what I could to start (Parlez Vous Anglais?) and end (Merci or Merci beaucoup and auvoir). Such simple words really seemed to promote interaction.

I must add that at my hotel I noticed an attitude from some of the people at the front desk but that really seemed cultural. For example, made a big deal out of my request to change rooms. But I recognized that and took it all in stride.

Sorry you had a bad experience and hope that you don't let that keep you from traveling in the future. Before you consider taking your next international trip do some research to see what you might be able to do to promote positive interaction with those who live in the country you visit.

janisj

&quot;<i>hope that you don't let that keep you from traveling in the future. Before you consider taking your next international trip do some research to see what you might be able to do to promote positive interaction with those who live in the country you visit.</i>&quot;

No, no, no -- don't encourage the OP! Take a look at some of his other threads -- he and everyone else will be much happier if he sticks closer to home . . . . .

bilboburgler

Capital cities tend to have rushed people. I note that even large cities say New York are not noted for their patience.

Generally if you are looking for the slow europe then you need smaller places out of season and you need to approach the individual with a smile, their own language and behave warmly.

Many europeans find the openess of Americans to be a somewhat shallow and so you have to really mean the above.

I find generally food in Europe and USA is pretty bland and unispiring. Luckily I have also stumbled into real Gems. Despite a series of trips to North America I have only ever eaten well on one occasion, in Canada

travel2live2

Out of curiosity (from a Canadian) where did you eat well in Canada?

I have had the fortune to eat very well in Europe but I am an obsessed foodie and gourmet cook and will travel to great things to great restaurants.

NeoPatrick

Welcome back to the Whine Fest, Distant Traveler.