AnneM

I have been reading this thread and will say that when I visited Paris, I did embarass my brother - who lives there - by wearing sneaks and shorts, it was July and in the middle of a heat wave... I changed in the evening and wore "nice" clothes to eat out. I didn't notice any rudeness however I dressed. I smiled and tried to speak in French, but with a thick southern accent...oh my! <BR> <BR>During the touristy thing - I noticed all sorts of people wearing clothes like me, and they were not all speaking English. Just do whatever (within reason) is good for you, but be pleasant and kind because we are all ambassadors for our country. <BR> <BR>Anne <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

janine

&gt;&gt;YA know??? Now that I think about it... Albert Einstein DID look kinda scruffy!!! (wonder if he wore sneakers...) &lt;&lt; <BR> <BR>And if you look like a slob (and act accordingly), they'll recognize that you're a genius, not concerned with such superficial matters as appearance or manners. <BR>

topsy

To the top!

SharonM

to the top for karen

Marta

Good for YOU Katie and Ron!!!!! <BR>I think the same way you do... and you <BR>described the American Tourist Wonderfully you deserve the Nobel Prize <BR>for your appreciation and comments, because they are REAL.... like it or not!!!

Jack

Karen, <BR> <BR>Wear the sneakers. My wife wanted to be "fashinable" while we were in Paris. The only thing fashinable about her shoes was the blisters. No matter what or how much you try, you'll stick out as a tourist. Don't care about how you dress. The French don't care. They really don't. Since you'll be walking like crazy (we spent close to 6 hours walking in just the Louve) I'd select comfort over style. That's my advice... but then again, I'm a guy and I wasn't worried about it to being with. <BR> <BR>Jack

Tracy

Coucou tout le monde : <BR> <BR>One word -- Timberlands. (Not the boat shoes, they're too preppy . . . ) Timberland lace-ups are great for hours on your feet, and Europeans are mad for them. <BR> <BR>Tennis shoes are for playing tennis IMHO, and no Euro would dream of wearing shorts & sneakers 'in town.' My pair of Timberland black brogues with big tread have lasted me 2 years, in summer and in snow! <BR> <BR>Have fun -- and may the debate continue <BR>; )

JB

I know this young man who just came back from Paris where he bought a pair of bright orange sneakers. And I mean loud! He says they were all the rave there. Sounds to me, if that's the case, then white would be a nice inconspicuous color. But I do suggest a nice walking shoe instead, Easyspirit, or Rockports are great. I personally love Eccos. They are extremely comfortable and fashionable. They convert easier at night. Ultimately, go with what makes you feel good and if that's a pair of white tennis sneakers . . . so be it. Have a wonderful trip.

tcc

In Karen's original message she asked if it was appropriate to wear sneakers during their "touring days." Never in her message did she say she'd be wearing them to dinner or wearing them with a jogging suit. And then another poster added something about crying kids! Huh? It's like playing the telephone game where by the time the message gets to the end of the line it's totally different than what it started out as. Anyway, when I was in Paris I was also told that Parisians did not wear sneakers or even jeans. Following that advice, I didn't take sneakers. Well, well, what did I see everywhere but Parisians in...you got it...sneakers and jeans. I think the world is different now and whatever is comfortable (within reason) while you're touring is appropriate. I live in New York City, one of the most diverse cities in the world (if you want to see persons of EVERY nationalilty come here!) and I am always surrounded by European, etc. tourists wearing whatever is comfortable to them. I don't act rude to them because they're wearing shorts or wearing jeans. Why is it ok for them to wear what they want and for Americans when they travel to get blisters because we want to pretend that we're not Americans. What's wrong with being an American tourist anyway as long as you learn enough of the language to get around and have manners?! What - Americans aren't allowed to travel!! I say during the day wear what's comfortable to you (but of course don't be sloppy, just as you wouldn't be sloppy if you were say, touring the Metropolitan Museum of Art) and then wear what is appropriate at night. Not a big deal.

Carol

I have a confession to make--I've always been one of the "never wear white sneakers in Paris" crowd until my last trip there a couple of weeks ago. White sneakers are hot hot hot in Paris--at least on the left bank. All the Parisians of all ages and genders are wearing them--white/black/red/blue/brown/gray--you get the picture. I guess now that the French have learned how to manufacture them, they're all the rage.

Rose

Hi everyone, good thread! Believe it or not, I've been mistaken for a local in Italy and Britain. I suppose it was that I wore black and black boots in Italy, thankfully it was cool enough, and wore a pair of black boots in Britain as well. <BR> <BR>I have to agree with Katie's points, don't go out of your way to look like a tourist, and spend some time on your appearance and you'll be treated better. Think of how the europeans feel about having swarms of tourists visiting constantly, it would cause a bit of hidden contempt don't you think? Then this is shown to the unsuspecting tourist when they see the typical 'uniform of the tourist', jogging suit, white runners, etc. <BR> <BR>Whatever you decide, make sure the colour of the shoe blends with your outfit. Black or brown is probably best. Take a nice blazer or tailored coat as well. Add it to jeans/nice belt and a teeshirt and you'll look dressy casual, perfect for fitting in.

Susan

I read this thread with some interest. I now have to throw my two cents in. Rose, what would you have done if the weather hadn't been cool enough to wear boots in Italy? <BR> <BR>I just came back from Greece and Turkey. Most of the tourists were European - British, German, Scandinavian, Belgian, Italian, you name it. We met very few Canadians, a few more Americans (although none in Turkey). Guess what? I couldn't tell where they were from until they opened their mouths and spoke. I do know that the man wearing what appeared to be his pyjamas (shorts with a matching shirt in a teddy bear print) was not North American. So bad taste - and good taste - can be exercised by tourists from all over the world. <BR> <BR>As for Rose's comment re "hidden contempt" that Europeans feel as a result of "having swarms of tourists visiting constantly", I hope I misunderstood you. My experience is that people generally welcome visitors to their town/city/country. I know I do. <BR> <BR>By the way, I don't wear sneakers outside the gym - I don't find them all that comfortable .....