Felissa

Hello, I will be traveling through Europe at the end of this month and in May and was wondering how Americans are being recieved there? If you have been recently please share your thoughts and where you were. Thank you, Felissa

FlyFish

Just returned from the French & Italian Alps - Lyon, Savoie, Valle d'Aosta, Turin, etc. No problems whatsoever in either country. Everyone we met was friendly and welcoming. We made no attempt to either advertise or hide the fact that we were Americans.

ladyfirefly

Just as long as you don't need this dermatogolist in Germany:

A sign on the door to 61-year-old Eberhard Hoffmann’s dermatology practice warns anyone from countries belonging to the U.S.-led alliance against seeking treatment from him.
“I forbid Americans and Britons, as well as anyone else who supports the war to enter my practice,” he said.

bookchick

Felissa, I'm in Rome right now, and the Italians have been only kind, generous and friendly. I've encountered not a bit of unkindness or incivility, or hostility. I hope you go on your planned vacation & have a lovely time.

BC

Keith

I returned from France yesterday. Had no negative responses at all.

The closest thing, was when I was explaining that some of the French brandy was not availalbe in the US and the person I was talking to thought it was because we were boycotting them.

Keith

Felissa

Thank you all so much, I am kinda blue right now and can't wait to go on this trip. Felissa

capo

"U.S. travelers weigh decision to visit Europe during war", by Carol Pucci, Seattle Times travel writer.

http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?
slug=europe30&date=20030330&query=PUCCI

Pucci writes: "In e-mail interviews with The Seattle Times last week, several Americans living in Paris said the reports of anti-Americanism are exaggerated."

uncle_sam

Well thank God, its not like the good Dr Eberhard is cardiologist.... I mean when was the last time you saw a dermatologist for an emergency!

He can KMA and take a long walk on a short pier...who needs the old Nazi any way!

US

Deloris

Old habits die hard...or not at all!

Clifton

Indeed. Who needs the old ones when there are so many new ones so much closer.

smueller

Sam,

Don't you watch Seinfeld?

capo

Another related article:

"Tourists Think Twice About Travel to Europe During War" April 2, 2003

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/02/business/worldbusiness/02TOUR.html

"...recent weeks have resounded with a cry of pain from the industry. In Germany, the hotel federation announced that the industry might have to cut as many as 10,000 jobs. In Rome, Florence and Venice, ordinarily throbbing in springtime with art lovers and business travelers, hotel bookings are down by half so far this year compared with last year, according to Federalberghi, the largest Italian hotel federation."

rmh

Just returned from a week in Paris. It was my first visit and everyone I encountered was friendly and helpful.

kayd

Just back from two weeks in Rome and southern Italy, where we saw "PACE" (peace) banners hanging from balconies everywhere. When we discussed world affairs with Italians, all were opposed to Bush administration policies, but were unfailingly gracious and generous toward us.

hdw

I have to agree with Kayd. 90% of the italians are against war and many do not hold favorable opinions on Bush. However, the majority of Italians are not going to be nasty to Americans.

I would definitely avoid any anti-war protests. There are anti-war protests in Italy this weekend and one near me is supposed to be peaceful and the other is supposed to be not peaceful. The good thing about protests in italy is that they are scheduled, approved, and the local police know the route the protesters are going to take etc...

It is my opinion that the Italians who know Americans (and like them) have not changed their feelings because of the war. One italian lady I know told me that she is not happy about the war but she hasn't bought a "pace" flag or protested because neither Bush nor Saddam are going to listen to her.

Hope this helps
Denise

Snoopy

I just returned from Denmark and I travel there quite frequently. There was no difference in the way I was treated on this trip from any trip in the past. Of course, Denmark supports our efforts.

itswoody

Was in Italy late last month and encountered no ill will from anyone.

LaurenSKahn

Unless you are going to go around broadcasting your political views loudly, I doubt you will have any problem traveling in Europe.

And, if someone tries to get you into a political discussion, you do not have to take the bait. Simply, for example, say, "I am on vacation to get away from all of that, thank you." That should end it. It is similar with ignoring flames on message boards; again, you do not have to take the bait.

My problem with European travel right now--and the reason, I think, fewer people travel (on both sides of the Atlantic) when the political situation is uncertain--is that people tend to "nest" and stay closer to home when the world situation is uncertain.

For the first time since 1990, I do not have a summer home exchange. I had a terrible time getting one last year, but ended up having a blast in Sedona, AZ (even spending a day on a wild raft ride in the Grand Canyon).

This year, I have an exchange in CA for Easter but no deal at all for summer. So, I am staying in the US and trying two Elderhostels. One involves rafting and hiking in NC. The other takes place on Isle Royale National Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (staying in the Lodge; NOT camping).

I am perfectly content with my vacation plans not including Europe this year.

I have no doubt that I will return sometime--just not this year.

Whether to stay or go--and where you travel--is a personal decision, but, for me, I cannot blithely go off on long distance travel in the same fashion as I did before September 11, 2001. Perhaps some of you can, but I can't. It is hard to have the same level of enjoyment--and relaxation--when you are worried about the world situation. So, for me, the right decision is to wait for a more propitious time.

You might not agree with me, but that's fine. Each one of us has to do what is best for himself--and no one should be criticized for his decision.

Felissa

Thank you all for your positive thoughts. I am still planning on going, I can't wait. Felissa

scottyaz

We just returned from Italy....we were there the day war broke out and even joined a peace march in Florence. We made no attempts to "blend in" and the Italians we met were warm and friendly. And extremely helpful, especially if you tried to speak even some bacis Italian. We attempted to speak Italian as much as possible, but we found many Italians wanted to practice their English! Sadly, we encountered many Americans who did not even attempt to say Buon Giorno, or Grazie. Even those individuals were treated with the utmost respect however. The only city where we encountered rudeness was Milan. In fact, outright hostile rudeness. Not sure if it was directed at us because we are AMerican, or what, but thankfully, we were there for just one day.