Travel Myths debunked!

Old Aug 6th, 2007, 11:35 AM
  #81  
 
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I still think it's the "Tourist" vs. "Traveller" thing. Tourists from any country seem to be louder than everyone else in the room. Travellers are careful to keep their voices down.

Trust me - British voices in the Santa Monica pubs and restaurants carry plenty loud. And it has nothing to do with their accents.
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Old Aug 6th, 2007, 11:39 AM
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That is one of the reasons I like the King's Head Inn, it is noisy and fun.

I will have to notice big American teeth now. Oh, what this website has done to me! Now I notice banding, white shoes, pink gym suits, American hair and now big teeth. All the better to bite you with my dears!
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Old Aug 6th, 2007, 12:11 PM
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I just learnt that in Australian slang, speedos are referred to as budgie-smugglers.
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Old Aug 6th, 2007, 01:31 PM
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I am like this huge Atlanta Braves fan. Once while on a Paris subway, I saw these young adults wearing Atlanta Braves ball caps. I walked up to them and said: How bout those Braves. YEEAH. Not a clue. NOT-A-CLUE!!! LOL

I learned from that experience that many European youth wear sports merchandise from the USA.

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Old Aug 6th, 2007, 04:34 PM
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After spending 6 weeks on my own this summer in Europe and Asia on business, staying in an apartment, shopping with locals, then also going to tourist attractions, I also had some observations, emt.

One was the white shoe. This year it was the Japanese tourists who were always in their walking shoes--white or otherwise.

Second were the shorts + other casual wear in the city. It was HOT when I was in Stockholm and other cities. The locals on the streets, in the stores, etc. were in shorts, halter tops and all other kind of clothing that I've often read on the board that city dwellers only wear when exercising or at the beach.

I've been told the teeth thing too.
I've been told the smile thing too.
I've been told just our open demeanor and willingness to chat with strangers marks us as Americans.

Unruly children--I saw and heard children whining, crying, thowing toys, etc. in every language.

Loudness--I do think Americans have a tendancy to get loud, especially in groups. But I heard the same from groups of Germans in the train station, groups of Belgiums on the train while riding along, etc.

One stereotype I don't see mentioned much is which cultures are pushy. When in China, we've had locals insist on obtaining items for us from a desk, saying we would never push our way to the front. I've had a group of British tourists physically push me away from boarding a boat in Italy as they evidently wanted some specific seats onboard, etc. I'm sure we all have various expeiences like that and I wonder how much is behavior people would never exhibit on their own, but somehow take on the crowd mentality.

What do I wear? Business clothing to work; comfortable but conservative casual clothes when sightseeing; outdoors and sportswear when doing any exercise or hiking; dress up for special occasions only. But I must have comfortable shoes and will wear them even if they are not fashionable.
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Old Aug 6th, 2007, 06:44 PM
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I spent a month in a small town in Germany last year. I frequented one Italian ice cream place where the owners/staff were so loud that it was hard to concentrate on reading (while I was eating my ice cream).

They seemed to fulfill the stereotype of excitable Italians--shouting at each other as if they were constantly having a family squabble.
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Old Aug 8th, 2007, 10:59 PM
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Yeah, these conversations have been going on for the 6 years I've been on here...should be so over with.
I could care less what anyone wears when they are traveling...I've never seen anyone *that* bad....what do I care? If people want to think bad of ALL Americans that is their problem and I do think it is a problem...I love my country..warts and all.

emt-I agree with you wholeheartdly!

I think folks just think we can do no right and europeans can do no wrong. If Americans had ugly/not so white teeth THAT would be talked about here on and on and on and on and on.....
the tread would be something like this..."Beautiful white and BIG teeth in Paris"....then it would say, "Americans continue to visit with their ugly small and yellow teeth"...

I just want to travel and see things and not worry about who can pack lighter, who wants to be smart and wear white tennis shoes and be comfortable or who wants to be stupid and look Italian and have blisters...
Geesh
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Old Aug 9th, 2007, 11:05 AM
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"as for americans being easily distinguishable...I'm afraid that it is the whole package that gives you away...confidence that everyone is interested in you."

Well, apparently, they are!
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Old Aug 9th, 2007, 01:34 PM
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What is "American Hair"? I'm American, 22 years old, my dark brown hair is down to the middle of my back with some layers. I don't know, what does that mean? Weird..these are things I never notice.

Anyway, loudest tourists to me: Americans, the Brits and the Italians.
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Old Aug 9th, 2007, 02:47 PM
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These ethnic stereotypes are very offensive. There are poorly behaved people in all ethic and national groups, but I have found that most people are generally nice and well behaved if you give them a chance.

Some of you need to focus on the positives about your travel and not go around looking for things to complain about--and groups to debunk--on message boards.
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Old Aug 9th, 2007, 04:12 PM
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>>What is "American Hair"? I'm American, 22 years old, my dark brown hair is down to the middle of my back with some layers. I don't know, what does that mean? Weird..these are things I never notice.<<

According to audere_est_facere, John Kerry has American hair, if that helps.

Lee Ann
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