Please tell me that I did not just see that happen...............
Feb 27th, 2006, 05:07 PM
#101
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Maybe this true story will be more to your 'taste':
My friend had us over for Thanksgiving dinner, and she also invited an Iranian man who was alone in the city but connected with a church mission somehow. Anyway, we are all at the table, passing the dishes around. One of them was an orange jello salad, like a mousse, and the Iranian fellow picked it up, took a scoop then proceeded to spread it on his bread. Everyone kind of darted eyes at each other, as in "what should we say??" when my husband took the orange mousse salad, got a scoop and began spreading it on his bread. His inspiration saved the moment and we all relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the dinner, and her guest was not embarrassed.
My friend had us over for Thanksgiving dinner, and she also invited an Iranian man who was alone in the city but connected with a church mission somehow. Anyway, we are all at the table, passing the dishes around. One of them was an orange jello salad, like a mousse, and the Iranian fellow picked it up, took a scoop then proceeded to spread it on his bread. Everyone kind of darted eyes at each other, as in "what should we say??" when my husband took the orange mousse salad, got a scoop and began spreading it on his bread. His inspiration saved the moment and we all relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the dinner, and her guest was not embarrassed.
Feb 27th, 2006, 05:59 PM
#103
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After reading these last few posts just to get the gist of the topic, I readily see that "rudeness" is the key word...so may I share something heartwarming, emotional, and a damn-site more beautiful for you.
When group tours were the only way to get into China during the late 70's, my late wife and I and a couple of friends joined one. It was quite well-behaved, and consisted of veteran travelers like ourselves. We had a marvelous 30-day tour of 12 Chinese cities in most major regions, and also included HK (then Brit)and Macao (then Portuguese). I might add that flying Chinese aircraft in those days was an adventure in itself!
While in fairly remote Kunming, we were staying at a rather seedy hotel on the town's Green Lake, and at a sumptuous banguet dinner, we shared the dining room with a Japanese group of 20 tourists, all men!
Several of our group including me were military vets, and one was a Flying Tiger pilot who was actually based near Kunming at the terminus of the Burma Road. The Japanese tourists also had many old timers who we quickly surmised were vets. The Flying Tiger and I decided to go over to the Japanese group and start a conversation with my terribly broken Japanese from my two years in Japan. In no time, we were exchanging toasts as there were at least half dozen who spoke pretty good English..one of whom was also stationed in China and was a combat pilot with several engagements against The Flying Tigers, no less.
The general topics of the toasts which by this time were springing forth from almost everyone in both groups...were P-E-A-C-E, and Health and Friendship for all...not a dry eye in the dining room....the peak moment was when Hal McConnell, our Flying Tiger, embraced the Japanese fighter pilot... as they drank glowing toasts to each other....their group then serenaded us with "Chatanooga Choo Choo" which for some reason they all knew...and with one of our group playing the harmonica very well, we sang a variety of pop songs to them...in fact I sang one favorite the way the Japanese sang it when I was stationed there, and drew huge roars of laughter...(" I rubba you, for sentimentar reasons, I hope-a you do belieber me, I gibba you my heart...etc)"
Truly a highly emotional night to remember...When their bus left after breakfast the next morning, our entire group embraced each of them as they boarded and waved goodbye. Cameras were snapping at a furious pace on both sides...I cherish those photos to this day.
Stu T.
When group tours were the only way to get into China during the late 70's, my late wife and I and a couple of friends joined one. It was quite well-behaved, and consisted of veteran travelers like ourselves. We had a marvelous 30-day tour of 12 Chinese cities in most major regions, and also included HK (then Brit)and Macao (then Portuguese). I might add that flying Chinese aircraft in those days was an adventure in itself!
While in fairly remote Kunming, we were staying at a rather seedy hotel on the town's Green Lake, and at a sumptuous banguet dinner, we shared the dining room with a Japanese group of 20 tourists, all men!
Several of our group including me were military vets, and one was a Flying Tiger pilot who was actually based near Kunming at the terminus of the Burma Road. The Japanese tourists also had many old timers who we quickly surmised were vets. The Flying Tiger and I decided to go over to the Japanese group and start a conversation with my terribly broken Japanese from my two years in Japan. In no time, we were exchanging toasts as there were at least half dozen who spoke pretty good English..one of whom was also stationed in China and was a combat pilot with several engagements against The Flying Tigers, no less.
The general topics of the toasts which by this time were springing forth from almost everyone in both groups...were P-E-A-C-E, and Health and Friendship for all...not a dry eye in the dining room....the peak moment was when Hal McConnell, our Flying Tiger, embraced the Japanese fighter pilot... as they drank glowing toasts to each other....their group then serenaded us with "Chatanooga Choo Choo" which for some reason they all knew...and with one of our group playing the harmonica very well, we sang a variety of pop songs to them...in fact I sang one favorite the way the Japanese sang it when I was stationed there, and drew huge roars of laughter...(" I rubba you, for sentimentar reasons, I hope-a you do belieber me, I gibba you my heart...etc)"
Truly a highly emotional night to remember...When their bus left after breakfast the next morning, our entire group embraced each of them as they boarded and waved goodbye. Cameras were snapping at a furious pace on both sides...I cherish those photos to this day.
Stu T.
you warmed me.
Feb 27th, 2006, 10:03 PM
#109
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Carpe diem! A local custom, like charging $500 a night for a closet sized room!
When in Rome, carpe the diem!!!
Mange bene! Most hotels and restaurants will accommodate "take aways" if you ask tastefully for a package.
(But try to be discreet, not stuff snacks down your pants!)
When in Rome, carpe the diem!!!
Mange bene! Most hotels and restaurants will accommodate "take aways" if you ask tastefully for a package.
(But try to be discreet, not stuff snacks down your pants!)
Feb 28th, 2006, 12:25 AM
#110
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<<I do hope that we are NOT going to start bashing Aruba because a young girl did as young people so often do, made a bad decision.>>
Well, as my Mom and Dad told me several million times, when you're where you're not supposed to be doing what you're not supposed to be doing...
Well, as my Mom and Dad told me several million times, when you're where you're not supposed to be doing what you're not supposed to be doing...
Feb 28th, 2006, 02:45 AM
#111
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I remember 2 years back while in Tuscany being surprised at how obnoxious this Canadian girl was. we went to a winery I think called Castellina di meletto and they were not doing public tours as they were only for pre-booked bus tours that day. We were told to wait anyway by this lovely german girl who was organising everything and speaking about 3 languages to various people around her. We sat down and this other couple came in like us and sat at another table. we were offered a glass of wine and some cheese and told if we could understand French an Italian gentleman who works there would be happy to give us a little tour for the four of us. I thought i could handle the translation and the other girl piped up she knew French. She also started the Oh My Gawd how many lanuages do you speak to the German girl who was up to her eyes at that point. She said five and the Canadian girl did not believe her and was going on about how that is so difficult etc. I assume everyone knows better French than me so I let the Canadian Girl lead the translating (She insisted and I had no choice) and the lovely older Italian man spoke so clearly and simply for us. She kept interrupting him and translating everything different that i started to just tell my partner my version and ask the guide some basic questions as it was an interesting old house we were touring owned by the winery family for generations. Once the tour was over and she finally shut up (non stop talk about nothing!) We walked the garden in the back and saw the pool and hotel area attached to the winery. It was a hot day and a very beautiful and fit lady was sunbathing topless and this girl and husband had a good gawp. The girl just blurted out doesn't anyone wear clothing here in Italy at the beach or pool its ridicilous.
She was a very big gal and I won't repeat my other halfs comment to me but I just said to her europeans are not uptight about their bodies or Nudity it's natural everyplace is like this in Europe (OK I know its not but she annoyed me and i wanted to freak her out a bit). It really ruined the whole trip and I was so surprised they just stood there staring at someone trying to relax and sunbathe.
Its the overall rudeness of anyone I cannot handle
She was a very big gal and I won't repeat my other halfs comment to me but I just said to her europeans are not uptight about their bodies or Nudity it's natural everyplace is like this in Europe (OK I know its not but she annoyed me and i wanted to freak her out a bit). It really ruined the whole trip and I was so surprised they just stood there staring at someone trying to relax and sunbathe.
Its the overall rudeness of anyone I cannot handle
Feb 28th, 2006, 03:10 AM
#112
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One afternoon, I was with my friends, sitting on an upscale terrace at the Old Port in Barcelona. A bit further was a whole group of mostly 30-something-men having a good time. Most of them were in suits, and there was some big fair going on in the Expo, so I think they must have been colleagues. At a certain moment, one of these guys drops his pants, showing his 'crown jewels' to everybody around, and then pushing it all between his legs, so that even the people who were facing his back (like us) could see everything we didn't want to see. I was completely shocked, and we tried to guess which nationality they were.
A bit later we passed their table, and it turned out they were fellow Belgians, though they were from Antwerp, which might explain just a little ;-)
A bit later we passed their table, and it turned out they were fellow Belgians, though they were from Antwerp, which might explain just a little ;-)
Apr 18th, 2006, 08:45 AM
#115
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There was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal last week (in the travel section) entitled "Teaching Americans How to Behave Abroad". Some of the advice included:
* Talk small: (talking about wealth and status can create resentment.
* Slow down: relates to talking, eating, and living fast.
* Listen as much as you talk.
* Political and Religious constraint.
* Familiarize yourself with the local language and geography.
**Warning: here is an editorial comment:
Corporations that do business internationally have a responsibility to see that their agents know how to act in other countries. Perhaps we (US citizens) would be seen as less "Ugly" by others.
* Talk small: (talking about wealth and status can create resentment.
* Slow down: relates to talking, eating, and living fast.
* Listen as much as you talk.
* Political and Religious constraint.
* Familiarize yourself with the local language and geography.
**Warning: here is an editorial comment:
Corporations that do business internationally have a responsibility to see that their agents know how to act in other countries. Perhaps we (US citizens) would be seen as less "Ugly" by others.
Jul 28th, 2006, 01:33 PM
#117
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I know a couple here in the good old USA that brag that they never have to buy breakfasts for the family when they vacation. They just drive to the nearest hotel (they especially like Holiday Inns) and go into the free breakfast room and freeload.
Jul 28th, 2006, 01:50 PM
#118
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We were on a tour in Norway where a bus took us way up a mountain (can't remember the place and too lazy to look it up). It was 32F in the summer!! No bathrooms!! A woman told everyone to get off the bus, so she could urinate into a plastic bag!! Then, she got off the bus, and just threw the bag, amidst sparse vegetation, rocks etc. I will never get over that sight!! What an idiot!!
