My wife and I are going to Spain in July. Has anyone been there recently? What is the current social climate?

Frankly, there have been NUMEROUS threads on this subject and a simple search would have revealed the continual feedback answer: there is not any sort of "backlash" or anti-American feeling in Europe related to the current US political administration's policy.

This is VERY good news for you and you should probably be grateful that the Europeans didn't embark on the same jingoistic activity seen here such as "re-naming" French fries.

Enjoy your trip and tell them "thank you" for their continued forebearance.

This has been done to death look it up on previous posts. You will be treated no differently than any Spanish tourist would be in America. There are better things to worry about like what to see, do, eat and have fun.

There is very little hostility towards Americans in Europe. There is a great deal of hostility towards the gentleman who occupies the White House at this point in time; he is looked on by most as an over matched special ed graduate who doesn't have a clue as to what it means to be part of the civilized world (their opinions) but they realize that at worst, this dark cloud will pass in at most 4.5 more years if not sooner.

So enjoy your trip and don't worry about it.

No backlash or anti-american sentiment exists, but there is no need to feel grateful. They know the score even if they hate to admit it. They also need and want your money. Enjoy your trip and tell them "thank you" for knowing in thier hearts who always takes good care of them in times of great need.

>Europeans didn't embark on the same jingoistic activity seen here such as "re-naming" French fries.<

What are they going to do, rename American cheese?

I've just returned from Spain - it was such a time to be there, what with the latest terrorism events in Madrid. I'm happy I could be spending my Euros there on vacation . . .

Even with my tortured Mexifornian Spanish, once people knew I was 'norteamericana,' everyone was interested in chatting about news/politics/tourism.

BTW it's bakingly hot there in July - be prepared for hot dry weather! I would bet you find a more friendly response than if you were British. Read up on your current affairs though & prepare for some interesting discussions , )
HTH, have a great trip!

ira,
What are they going to do, rename American cheese?
My jaw hurts...

1. I think wispering instead of shouting will confuse them
2. Also not flashing your American Passport may be helpfull
3. Not wearing pro-Bush clothes would help a lot
4. Trying to remember ...no names... of American tourists were hurt in Spain for being American may save your trip
Have fun

We were in Madrid and London last week. It was clear we were American as soon as we opened our mouths. We were completely comfortable. Everyone there was pleasant as can be. We loved SPain and look forward to returning and spending more time there. No problems in London as well.

I don't think the French have much of a leg to stand on when it comes to us renaming anything! It's amazing that Americans continue to spend millions in Paris every year in spite of the unfriendly reception we receive. Wait till the next time they need us to bail them out...they'll be on their knees thanking God for the good old USA! Save your money and go to Ireland where they welcome Americans with open arms, a smile, and a pint.

oh, and by the way...thank them for their forebearance? How shall we thank them? With euros? Give me a break!!!

Hey Mom; do you think it could be you?

"the unfriendly reception we get in France"????when was that??

Sometimes only your "friends" will actually tell you when you're about to step in it. Well, they tried and we didn't, as usual, listen.

A tourist is a tourist, people aren't going to be committing any crimes of hate against you because you are an American.

Spain supports America, or did up until the recent elections, but even if they didn't, you are an ordinary citizen - you don't make policy decisions. People are tolerant and to be honest couldn't really care less - they have their lives to get on with, not worry about tourists who are just innocent tourists.

Don't be paranoid about anything, take your holiday and enjoy it, I'm sure you will.

I am also in Spain this July, despite being a UK citizen - which has similar US links, I haven't even given it a second thought.

What unfriendly reception in France? Just spent a week in Paris and was treated with kindness and humor.

>>>I don't think the French have much of a leg to stand on when it comes to us renaming anything!<<<

Really? What have the French renamed? Oh wait, did foie gras used to be called fatty vascular glandular organ?

>>It's amazing that Americans continue to spend millions in Paris every year in spite of the unfriendly reception we receive.<<<

Nothing amazing about it at all, because many of us have never had an unfriendly reception. Of course, Paris is often a mirror. . .

>>>Wait till the next time they need us to bail them out...they'll be on their knees thanking God for the good old USA!<<<

Um, seems to me the U.S. is the country looking for the bailout now.

>>>Save your money and go to Ireland where they welcome Americans with open arms, a smile, and a pint.<<<

I'd love to, but there are so many Irish expats in Paris that I'm worried there's no one left in Ireland .

Sigh. France-bashing is so 2003.

Let's not forget this one:

"Going to war without the French is like going to war without your violin."

Elleince when did the liver become a "fatty vascular glandular organ"?

Someone's bailing us out? Not likely!

And US-bashing is so 2004, it would seem, particulary by Americans! It makes me sick to my stomach.

perhaps momof2 has to "vent" her fois gras...

I will return to Europe as soon as I can! LOL.. if I win the lottery, then I also buy a home there so I can visit>

As long as you dont have the pathetic stereotype attitude displayed by momof2 on this thread, then you will be have nothing to worry about at all.

I was gagged and beaten as soon as I got off the plane. It was dreadful!