European tourist industry woos Americans and their weak dollar International Herald Tribune Take a look at an interesting article we found.
The weak dollar and the weary American tourist MSNBC Take a look at an interesting article we found.
Overseas, ugly American needs a manners makeover St. Petersburg Times Take a look at an interesting article we found.
Embrace the American, leave the ugly at home MSNBC Take a look at an interesting article we found.
Remember all the stories about art works and other historic treasures being looted in Iraq, all thanks to the ineptitude of the U.S. invasion? Turns out it was all a hoax.
 by OncDoc |
|
 by Capt Neptune |
|
 by nachista |
|
August 11, 2008
The Ugly American turns 50 this year, born in 1958 via the novel of that name, which makes this a fine time to examine this unfortunate species of the modern world.
The book (and accompanying film) describe Americans both bumbling and doing noble work in Southeast Asia on the eve of the great combat. Yanks are depicted as dangerously or comically uninformed about the cultures they insert themselves into overseas.
A Burmese journalist in the book sums it up and provides the basic definition for what would become the common depiction of the Ugly American in scores of articles, essays, films and more over the ensuing decades:
For some reason, the people I meet in my country are not the same as the ones I knew in the United States. A mysterious change seems to come over Americans when they go to a foreign land. They isolate themselves socially. They live pretentiously. They're loud and ostentatious. Perhaps they're frightened and defensive, or maybe they're not properly trained and make mistakes out of ignorance.
And how are we doing 50 years later? Perhaps there's been a slight uptick in foreign language skills, but there's still nothing to brag about in that area.
Manners? Cell phones, MTV and other modern distractions may have made us worse.
Isolation? It's likely the average American is more comfortable with ethnic food now that every American town of a certain size seems to have a Chinese and an Indian restaurant, but globalization of American culture keeps making it easier to stick within a comfort zone.
But better to hear from an outside judge, such as the 4,000 international hoteliers recently surveyed by Expedia about who are the world's best travelers. The U.S. came in 14th, with a score of 42 points out of 100, earning high marks for generosity and low ones for attire, complaining and politeness. Good news is that the French and Russians were behind us.
Who were 1 and 2? The Japanese and Germans. If that doesn't gibe with your travel experiences, you may decide that your standards are different from those of hoteliers and disregard the whole thing.
Here's a few things to remember so we can move up in the standings next year:
Brush up on the country you're visiting: In Germany, for example, dinner is leisurely and can take up to three hours. So don't frantically signal the waiter if your sauerbraten isn't there.
Make a good first impression. Don't arrive in Beijing wearing black respiratory masks. It's not nice.
Speak a bit of the language. Although the French are a fine one to talk, it offends them if you don't begin a conversation with "Bonjour."
Don't overtip: And very nice to know, indeed. A taxi driver might, you see, interpret your excessive tip as flaunting your wealth.
So...what's your experience as Americans abroad? Has backpacker culture rendered the "Ugly American" stereotype obsolete? Had any particularly good or bad experiences overseas lately? Do tell. We're all ears.
Share the Eye:
The American Tourist Kel Muna's Blog Take a look at an interesting article we found.
Top 5 Ways to Spot An American Tourist Sara and Dee Dee’s European Adventure Take a look at an interesting article we found.
Americans Still Ugly? Travel with a Vengeance! Divine Caroline Take a look at an interesting article we found.
the ugly american Law Student Abroad Take a look at an interesting article we found.
At this point, it's easier to speak from my experience as a ex-pat than a tourist... I've been in...
Aug. 11, 2008 5:19 AM
What's the biggest mistake Americans make abroad?
17% 55% 7% 21% by Jonathan Isles |
|
 by Jonathan Isles |
|
 by Stoney |
|
A few years ago, I travelled overseas for the first time. I admit, it was a group tour, but I was able to visit Ireland, Scotland, and England so I'm not complaining.
However, some of the people in my group didn't seem to understand how to travel. There was a young lady in our group, probably 19 or so, who was taking the tour with her parents. From day one, she complained about everything: the food was different, the people talked funny, everything was so old! She kept trying to get the bus driver to find a McDonalds (not of the Scottish variety).
I, on the other hand, had a wonderful time. The food was new to me, the people were friendly, and I found out what Guinness is really supposed to taste like. I even managed to surprise an older German tourist couple by speaking to them in their language for a few moments.
Anyone who wants to go abroad in order to have the same experiances they can have in their local mall should just stay home.
belleball said...
I quite agree with Coyotemike - if the sense of adventure, respectful curiousity and appreciative observation isn't within you, please just stay home so that those of us who wish to experience another country aren't burdened by our hosts' impression of some rude American tourists. I was quite comfortable in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic although I was certainly aware that there were some locals who didn't welcome my presence - language aside, there is a universal understanding of middle finger exercises. I'm not certain that I have always welcomed international visitors to the US of A either - however I most certainly know that would be in the realm of sins of omission rather than commission.
A dear friend has gone around the world twice with her backpack and although she has had her computer and her billfold stolen, she is quite self-sufficient - besides, I am here at home to help replace any needed credit cards, etc. She shares her experiences on her blog and so I can vicariously enjoy her experiences as well.
I am feeling the need to live lightly these days lest there be nothing left for my progeny to visit around the globe, but probably I'll just be like Miss Scarlett and worry about that tomorrow...
At this point, it's easier to speak from my experience as a ex-pat than a tourist... I've been in France for over a dozen years. Oddly enough, I get mistaken for everything BUT American... British, Indian, Spanish, Italian, Middle-Eastern, etc. My accent is there, but not distinctive enough, apparently. I have even been mistaken for French in US airports! It must be my shoes. I don't wear sports shoes, except for sports.
That said, I can't recall any problems I've encountered here, as an American. The whole city (I'm in a southern University town) taught me to speak French - each day I'd learn a few words, and just go for it. People were very kind and patient in speaking French to me, and correcting my errors.
On the other hand, when my French husband and I perused a map in English together in Paris, we attracted several people kindly offering help in English.
Europeans have their prejudices, like anyone else. French people like to look at each other. If you take care of yourself, dress well, and comport yourself in a semi-dignified manner, you'll likely garner respectful treatment.
more on the honor rollA P.S. to the last post... I've observed that Ugly American-ness starts early in the trip: on the plane itself!
Although I am sure this question will not apply to any of you, I always wonder... why do Americans think they have to wear their pyjamas on cross-Atlantic flights? You know, oversized T-shirts, sloppy shorts, sweatclothes, sweatsocks, sneakers, etc.
Do we all agree that style and comfort can go hand-in-hand? How do you folks dress on overseas flights?
Heiress and belle, I am with you both. The pajama thing goes on here at home too, and I'm so sad to hear that travelers are exporting that extreme of casualness. People here wear actual pajamas and fuzzy slippers out shopping! It crosses a line of propriety in my opinion... the Ugly American is, unfortunately still alive and well, although thriving might be an overstatement (I hope).
I have relatives in Ireland and France, and have spent many happy days living both places. I hold EU citizenship (via Ireland), so I'm a bit in-betweenish. I have viewed the behavior of Americans abroad with consternation on many occasions. When I go abroad, I try to do a bit of research and blend in, more as a 'traveler' than a 'tourist'. I am especially disturbed by our depiction here in the USA of France as a place of dirty wimps, when nothing could be further from the truth. I have always found them to be friendly, welcoming, and to generally like Americans, while they, like us, may not care for our government. I can get by in French, and they are most helpful to anyone trying to learn their language, of which they are justifiably proud. A favorite recreation of French families I've stayed with is correcting one another's usage and pronunciation in good-natured fashion, as Heiress has noted. The French love life, are sensualists, and have an effortless sense of style I have tried to emulate.
I agree too that all people have their quirks and prejudices. I had a few bumps with excessively rude locals in Gemany, Austria, and Scotland (and this may happen anywhere), but overall my time abroad has been marked by great enjoyment and many new friends. Care will prevent most travel mishaps. Just always be aware of your surroundings, make copies of important documents, and above all PACK LIGHT. You can be comfortable and still look good with a small wardrobe of classic items that all go with each other, in packable knits that resist wrinkles. Chico's and Travelsmith and Citiknits make great travel clothing that also washes easily (Are you listening, Mr. Peterman? How about a classically-inspired travel line?). You will never be more miserable than in managing the logistics of too much luggage.
On another note, I'm essentially at home in Ireland. I know that country now as well as my hometown here. I have invited foreign friends to the USA, and they have come, from Ireland, France, and Japan. I have stayed with them in their homes, and they in mine, and this is such a rewarding way to travel. I'll never forget the frisson I experienced apartment-sitting in Paris, when I was washing dishes, idly looking out the window, and I realized that tall thing in the middle distance was LA TOUR EIFFEL. To employ a cliche-priceless.
Also, don't be afraid of bed and breakfasts in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, pensions in France, zimmers in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. You meet the loveliest people rather than being insulated from daily life, as hotels and tour buses tend to do. Mix with the locals, try the language (and the food in little cafes!), and WALK. Europe, really most of the world outside of the US, is set up for pedestrians and public transportation, and getting about is a large part of the fun.
As Robert Louis Stevenson said (I'm a great quote lover): For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to MOVE.
He was just right, too, although I sometimes do have a destination in mind *laughing*
Hi Olivia,
You're right, B&B's are great fun - and funny little individually-owned hotels. Some of them serve a great dinner too.
One time we even stayed in a dorm room, up on the hill in Prague, with a lot of Czech college students who'd come up to the capital for the summer holiday. We had fun hanging out on the grass, drinking beer and listening to the guitar players.
And one more thing, fellow Americans - take the train, if you haven't already. Such a civilized, relaxing way to travel.
I have heard of dozens of supposed reasons not to overtip and they all sound like excuses to me. If you are a reasonable and considerate customer, most service people will forgive your for being too generous, whether you are at home or abroad.
Here's a quick poll: How many readers have worked for tips and have been offended by overtipping?
I think the big divide is not between 'Americans' and 'non-Americans' but between the curious and the unconcerned. Those who are asked or told to live overseas often experience separation anxiety (regardless of nationality) and live in isolated clumps, trying desperately to recreate their old home and avoiding the destruction of their enclave by mixing with the locals. (Incidentally, think of refugee expats in any nation and how obsessively to maintain 'old country' norms and cultural ties, e.g. Cubans in South Florida or Russians in Brighton Beach). Many, but certainly not all, of the 'explorers' are students, simply becauses they have not established ties. Add in cheap transportation and housing and the world becomes a bigger stage in which folks wander around learning and experiencing novelty. The biggest barrier to 'mixing in' as folks explore their environments is (as always) language -- the main human method of establishing ties with other human beings. We all experience some level of distress when we can't talk to others or be understood by them. This makes one old joke a very sad one.... (What do you call someone who speaks three languages? Trilingual. What do you call someone who speaks two languages? Bilingual. What do you call someone who speaks one language? An American.) Both because Americans have convinced themselves that 'they can't' and because Americans don't need to, they simply do not learn other languages. It's sort of pathetic when one hears a monolingual (English-speaking) American complain about Miami residents not speaking English. It doesn't seem to occur to them that they simply need to change (i.e. learn) something new, and adapt to a changing world. And the resistance to learning is another topic for another day.......
As someone who makes his living interacting with tourists nearly every day, I have seen this Ugly Tourist syndrome manifested a million ways a million times over. But one of the most patently absurd popular assumptions is that it only applies to Americans. The "comfort zone" of which Mr. Peterman speaks is sought everywhere by everyone and, when addressing it, a tremendous hypocrisy is unleashed when discussing the identity of the tourist.
For years, when riding my tour bus through Times Square, I would hear a passenger say, "Look! Red Lobster! We should eat there tonight!" I would reply (with very little sense of diplomacy) "Don't you dare! Why did you come halfway around the country to New York City just to eat the exact same thing you could have eaten at home?" Sometimes, I got through to them. Sometimes, I didn't. But then, one day, a family from the Ukraine got on my bus and their first question to me was "Where's Veselka?" Now, Veselka is a wonderful Ukrainian cafe in the East Village and serves the best Pierogis I've ever tasted. But if you're from the Ukraine, why would you travel halfway around the world to eat at Veselka??? As good as it is, it can't be as good as what they get at home!
Sometimes, while chatting with passengers, I tell this story. Always and invariably, the ones who share my sense of despair are Americans. Americans like myself, Olivia, Heiress, etc. who appreciate that travel is an adventure, not a repetition of home life.
But here's the problem: Sometimes, I hear people defend the Ukrainians as just wanting a taste of home. If an American behaves this way, he's being an "Ugly American". If a European (or Asian, etc.) does the EXACT SAME THING, he is merely observing time honored custom and preserving his precious cultural traditions. If an American wears the clothes to which he has become accustomed on an overseas flight, he's being an "Ugly American". If an African or Asian wears traditional garb to which he has become accustomed on the same flight, he is simply observing his cultural heritage.
The hypocrisy of the double-standard is as thick as it is blatant. Some of you may remember, a few months back, I told the story of my boss who didn't know the story of "Ferdinand the Bull". She reminded me that she was Irish and didn't know American stories. When I told her the story actually originated in Spain, she snorted "Well then I definitely wouldn't know it!" as if it were patently absurd for me to expect her to. Yet, constantly, Americans are criticized for imagining that nothing worth knowing happens outside our own country. True enough but we are not remotely the only ones.
Even here, today, passing mentions have been made of how "everyone has their quirks and prejudices". The use of the word "quirks" makes these prejudices sound like charming cultural traits. But when the exact same behavior as those "quirks and prejudices" is exhibited by an American, the word "bigotry" rears its ugly head. The behavior is the same, but only Americans are called onto the carpet for it.
When those foolish travellers in Miami object to how little English is spoken, themselves having failed to learn the needed skills for their travels, we wonder "What makes you so special?" But, when it comes to the disparity in blame for worldwide "Ugly Tourism", I am tempted to ask the same question.
The Ugly American and The Quiet American were books I read before going to Vietnam for a two year tour of duty with the Marines during the Vietnam War. The books were close to reality. Too bad no one in the government or military read them before we sent the troops.
I'm a dual national - U.S and British Citizenship. My parents and grandparents were English and Irish. I probably think of myself these days as a Citizen of the World and a Ctizen of California. But I am a loyal and patriotic American who served this country while still a British citizen (or "subject" as they used to say). My family is spread among England, Wales Ireland, the U.S. (California and Nevada) and Australia.
I've long believed when you are in another country you are an ambassador. You must respect the other culture, be a diplomat and leave a good impression. To do any less is wrong!
First I'd like to say WELCOME DOC, my very good friend, to this wonderful forum. As Dr. Johnson would say "Sir, we are a nest of singing birds!"
Heiress, you are SO right about the little hotels, and ESPECIALLY the trains! I parked my Deux Chevaux (my darling French blue Fifi, best car I ever owned) at a hotel in Schaffhausen for a week for a Swissrail pass that beat any Disney ride hands down. There is no more civilized way to travel, to my mind. In a way, rising gas prices, I believe, are a blessing for us, as we must finally begin to think about conservation, tiny cars with great character such as are found in other lands, and TRAINS. Amtrak is going famously now, and getting funding! Can you imagine? We are extending light rail in my town, and planning for more goes on apace all over the nation. It's an exciting time to be an American, whence we reinvent the wheel to turn our living spaces into more civilized human-centered habitations.
AND, the posts on this topic are wonderful, I so enjoy reading you ALL.
To: Doc Nolan,
Welcome to our group....keep reading and posting. We look forward to your participation.
DPR ~ Makes an interesting point about staying in your own comfort zone while away form home. But as a person who LOVES homemade Pierogis no matter where I am from if someone told me not to leave there are without trying them you can BET I'll be there to compare. although I do agree with the Red Lobster statements.
I have inlaws who really are Ugly American inside America. Scared to be out of the hometown & when they are would rather eat at the Red Lobster than try somewhere local. Went to Shreveport LA for a family wedding. It was AWFUL ~ Had to eat with a bunch of the inlaws we went to Gators a place KNOWN for their Cajun & seafood. We had 10 people at our table 9 of them ordered the Hamburger. I had the Cajun special for that evening. The people sitting at the other tables were laughing at our table for ordering so many burgers. It really was Horrifying. My Mother In Law was upset that we didn't go to a Red Lobster type place I still wish we would have.
MIL freaked out when DH & I went to Russia swore we would get sick with some virus if we ate at the local places. We were fine the Borscht was Great in Moscow & the Caviar in St. Peterburg was WONDERFUL..... Although I treid not be to ab ugly American I did have a mini break down at the Mc D's when we told you had to pay for Ketchup But only to my DH not to the cashier. (Yes we stopped at on on route to a church) & I had another Mini breakdown on the bus after we had visited the Peter & Paul Fortress & they had blocked off the room & stone to the Last Romanov's Tomb. (I wanted to place Flowers there) but only melted down to my DH while either on the tour bus & in the hotel rooms. I was very disapointed in the fact 1 thing I really wanted to do couldn't be done.
While in Russia my DH wore cargo shorts & polo shirts as I wore skirts or dresses & had my shoulders covered while touring churches & other "sacred" places. We tried not to be ugly Americans & I think we did represent ourselves pretty well while there on the tour. Although I did happen to break into the Russian Church Service in Helsinski through a back servants door. (I swear I didn't know a service was happening I just wanted to see inside.) So that Really made me kind of an Ugly American in the first hour of our trip.
As ofr the PJ's on an airplane I personally can't stand to be confined to sit for hours straight in jeans or sleep in them. That's kind of why on flights I wear more causal & comfy clothing that I can move around in.
I will say I flew to Ausitn once & wore overalls ~ I would suggest not wearing then when flying the buckles & buttons set off the security bells & then you have to go through the whole Airport Secutiy check.
Hey DPR & rings,
Clothing is all good - in context... I won't wear jeans on planes either. How about a nice, long graceful dress - perhaps a J Pete caftan? That's as good as a nightgown. You'll see African men in such garb as well (wink to DPR)... I'd sure rather see that some man's hairy ol' legs in ugly stretch shorts next to me!
As for "comfy" men's attire... what's wrong with, say, a cotton polo shirt and some slack khakis? As American as apple pie, and every bit as neat. Our friend Mr. Peterman has plenty of such... wouldn't a Thomas Jefferson or Otavalo mtn shirt do the trick? Or some nice moleskin pants for winter, and a cozy sweater?
rings90,
Thank you so much for illustrating my earlier point. If a European tourist opened a side door at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and accidentally interrupted a service, it would simply be an innocent case of accidental door opening. But, when you did it in Russia, "it made me kind of an Ugly American in the first hour of the trip." Why, for Heaven's sake? Just becuase you are American?
I certainly sympathize with your frustration over your inlaws. My inlaws (or "outlaws" as I refer to them behind their backs) are exactly the same way. We took them to Strada 57, a very elegant place that is alledged to have inspired Billy Joel's "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant". My MIL ignored the menu and asked (in her thick Texan accent) "Do you have spaghetti and meatballs?" They didn't but brought the closest thing they had. It was a delicate and wonderful riff on the classic dish and OF COURSE she didn't like it and didn't finish it. My wife and I swore never to take her there again.
Recently, my outlaws went on a two-week cruise to Europe, mainly for the purpose of studying genealogy (don't get me started on the inherent contradictions!). My MIL insisted that if she had stayed in Ireland any longer, she would be as thin as a rail because she dared not eat any of the food. Heiress, Olivia, and I share a fondness for those little hotels (in NYC, we call them "boutique hotels") so it is most offensive that, while in Ireland, my outlaws stayed at... wait for it... a Best Western!
MaryOfDoom said...
My father travels internationally rather often, and his advice is "Don't wear T-shirts with words or logos on them." It's served me well on trips to Spain, Germany, Sweden, and Portugal.
To: DreadPirateRoberts,
The best place I ever stayed in was a hotel in Bangkok.....no European or American tourists ever stayed there. I was treated as a guest of honor, had a chauffered car at my disposal, free foood in my suite, and other ammenities we could discuss when the ladies are not listening.
There were a couple of Japanese businessmen also there.....they were polite to me and surprised (as I was told later) that an American was staying at the hotel.
I ate only Thai food at roadside stands and Thai restaurants. I did not go anywhere the tourists went. I had the best time of my life, made a couple of life-long friends, and was not an "Ugly" or a "Quiet" American.
Worse than the Americans were a group of drunken Aussies at a local club in Bangkok. They were not welcome even on the notorious Patpong Road I or II. And that takes some doing.......
Heiress and I would travel well together-I like long floaty knit dresses on airplanes (hadn't thought of a caftan-thanks!), with flat slides and minimal jewelry. I put my purse in my carryon with a day's change of clothing (my unmentionables as well, and the female mystery items lol) and objects small and vital, such as my toothbrush and hairbrush, powder and lipstick, and I'm ready for anything!
ExPat, I always look for the places the locals recommend to stay, rather than the tourists. I've had some fabulous stops in little outoftheway hotels sur le rive gauche and near Amsterdam, etc. I'm resisting a tsk tsk at your entendres (oops, it got out!). You should know, the ladies have sharp ears at all times...
"Thank you so much for illustrating my earlier point. If a European tourist opened a side door at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and accidentally interrupted a service, it would simply be an innocent case of accidental door opening. But, when you did it in Russia, "it made me kind of an Ugly American in the first hour of the trip." Why, for Heaven's sake? Just becuase you are American?"
Well it mostly likely is because I tried every door until I found the backend service one that was open to get into The Uspenski Catherdral http://cache.eb.com/eb/image?id=84803&rendTypeId=4
I mean the outside of it alone is just Begging You to climb the bluff of a staircase up to it & see the inside of it http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Uspenski_Cathedral_iconostasis.jpg
I will admit I had been dreaming of my trip to Russia since I was 11. So I really couldn't help myself in trying to get inside of that Orthodox Russian Catherdral. In reality it most certainly didn't endear the worshippers to tourists & to some that did make us the epitomy of "The Ugly American" in that instance.
Alas though Everyone has their moments while traveling whether its in the homeland or not. Part of it is stress along with good old fashioned Human Nature & things happen. No one can be gracious all of the time in every circumstance & when one is pulled out of their comfort zone, sometimes "ugly" things happen.
I feel a song coming on! It's Noel Coward:
Why do the wrong people travel, when the right people stay back home?
What compulsion compels them znd who the hell tells them
To drag their cans to Zanzibar instead of staying quietly in Omaha?
(skip ahead, later in the song)
There isn't a rock between Bangkok and the beaches of Hispaniola,
That does not recoil from suntan oil and the gurgle of Coca-Cola.
Why do the wrong people travel when the right people stay back home?
What explains this mass mania to leave Pennsylvania
And clack around like flocks of Geese, demanding dry martinis on the Isles of Greece?
In the smallest street where the gourmets meet they invariably fetch up
And it's hard to make them accept a steak that isn't served rare and smeared with ketchup.
Millions of tourists are churning up the gravel while they gaze at St. Peter's dome,
But why oh why do the wrong people travel when the right people stay back home?
Two points:
1) the familiar M. Python skit revolving around Campbell's Tomato Soup and Watney's Red Barrel Ale, and
2) I am still wondering who of our number has worked for tips
To: Olivia,
Sharp ears and the occassional sharp tongue.......but when in Rome you must do as the Romans do.....to do otherwise would have caused a loss of face. Sacrifices are sometimes the diplomatic thing to do (and I was younger and single..... ;) LOL
ExPat, I was in no way condemning! I'm sure you did the right thing, and gained great face for a farang.
Surely you don't mean me with the sharp tongue? I'm the soul of tolerance AND discretion... *giggles*
Willie Trask, I worked as a bartender and waitress long ago in Memphis, and I was only perturbed by a big tip once. A regular of mine, retired AF, was having a bit too many, and I cut him off. He actually thanked me, and insisted on giving me a $100 bill for a tip. I was young and poor, working my way through college, but after thinking about it for a moment, I gave it back. It just didn't seem right. That gig was a real education for a student of human nature, and no mistake.
I'll never forget the night this Frenchman walked in, with a parrot on his shoulder. The parrot was wearing little sunglasses! I said "Cool! Where'd you get him?"
The parrot replied "I got him in France-they got millions of em there!"
Sorry, couldn't resist...
To: Olivia,
...now I can't tell you about Patpong Road and Lucy's Tiger Den.....instead I'll tell you about Jim Thompson's house (he was the famous Thai silk merchant) and the elephants (very intelligent creatures!), and the food, yes, the food.....simply excellent.
There were no tigers at Lucy's....but I think you already knew that.....
To: Olivia
Thank you! I always do my best for the country...We all have to be patriots in our own way.
As my Irish granny would say "Oh, I believe you! Thousands wouldn't, but I do..." LOL
And why can't you tell me about those things? Take my wee hand and tell me tales of the mysterious Orient, I'll listen in wide-eyed wonder...
I'm giggling a little, I have to say, at the thought of ANY one on this site, all standing on Peterman ground, responding to the Ugly American concept with anything but abject horror. After all, it's not exactly a fast-food forum, right? A love of adventure and a keen appreciation for the 'out of the way' are pretty safe assumptions amongst us all, I'm sure. Still working on the group trip, by the way. DPR, get crackin'.
I'm thinking of my first trip to Scotland. I was 19 and had wanted to see it for at least two thirds of those years. I didn't want any noise. So I didn't bring anyone. And I didn't bring any maps. And that's still how I travel.
When I finally found a hostel and climbed the stone steps, just a block from John Knox's house on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, I received a less than hospitable welcome from the five boys, some Scottish, some Australian, sitting near the fireplace in the front room. And, just saying, 19-year-old girls are not generally accustomed to that sort of greeting from young men. But they knew I was American and that was that. Girl or not. Turns out it was the flip-flops, and the straight teeth that gave me away. Dead give aways, apparently. So I went straight down the steps and brought back a six pack and passed it out. Turns out that's a universal ice breaker, anywhere. And we chatted. And they told me horrible things about American tourists. And I said, No, that can't be true. And the next three Americans who walked through the door all did at least one of these horrible things. And I felt ashamed. You know what we do? We don't ask questions. We tell them what we have that they don't. And truly, in any relationship, that makes all the difference.
One more funny story from that trip that is just too good to leave out.
I'm walking home from a pub crawl (not the organized type with beaded necklaces and sponsors—the kind where one American girl literally crawls from one pint to the next, buying rounds for everyone who says something in Gaelic for her). I can hear those silly black flip-flops on the very old stone bridge I'm crossing. And between the flipping and flopping, there's some hicupping, and some giggling—out loud.
And then I hear Billy Joel coming from a partially lit doorway. And it's a bar with a neon Bud Light sign above the door. It's an 'American' bar. So I can't resist adding to its American-ness and I slip inside. There are two men on stools at the bar and one man standing behind it. I slide onto a stool and order a Bud Light. 'When in Rome,' right? The older man sitting next to me says, You're an American. I beam. I feel novel. I nod.
And I ask him questions because I have decided that I am going to right all the wrongs that other Americans have done in this town. I ask him lots of questions. Just silly things. Then, after this litany, I ask him why Scottish women don't talk very much. And he looks me in the eye and, without batting an eyelash, he says, Because they know better.
And I giggle. And I slide off the stool and leave with my beer, still giggling, and hiccupping.
Ahhh. . .
I need another trip.
Olivia,
I love your granny's quote. It reminds me of the late great Ian Richardson's performance as Francis Urquehart: "You may think that. I could not possibly comment!"
Willie,
I'm sorry; I didn't mean to snub your question. Tips are a crucial part of a tour guide's income. There are exceptions everywhere but, by and large, Americans, Brits, and Dutch tend to be the best tippers. Indians and Italians seem to think Tipping is a city in China. There is nothing in the world as divine as a generous tipper. No tour guide has ever been anything less than enamoured of a client who dropped a C-note in the tip box. It happens rarely but it does happen.
I want to stress, once again, there are definite exceptions to the demographics mentioned above. One dreary winter day, I had a nearly empty bus and two men from India were my only passengers. They laughed at my worst jokes and asked intelligent questions. At the end, one of the men produced a $20 bill and asked for change. Neither the driver nor I had any change. He went ahead and dropped the bill in the tip box. I thought, "Now that is a true gentleman. Better to overtip than to not tip." And so it goes. I'm sure Olivia will bear me out that it's the same behind the bar. Tipping is the most inexact science in the world. You truly never know.
At the risk of having you all decide this Irish lassie talks too much, if you've not already, I must say, Missy, that was a grand speak!
To Willie Trask,
Oh my God, have I worked for tips. College, anyone?
And, let's just say, when females are accepting tips from drunk men, no matter the service provided, there are plenty of occasions for offense when the money is 'overly' generous. It still spends the same, though. Smile.
Olivia,
Speak more. Love it.
Olivia,
You have no need to worry about "talking too much". This is my 272nd comment. Spinner has commented 178 times, PeterLake has commented 330 times, and ExPat has commented 378 times. You have lots of catching up to do and, so far, you are doing admirably.
Missive,
Love the new picture!
DPR,
As always, much flattered.
Love yours, too.
I've shared Heiress's quandary. If one (being an American) makes a decent stab at learning the local patois, then it's for sure that the natives will never mistake you for an American. I usually get mistaken for a Russian.
But given that this thread is, at its core, about multinationalism, I went to our dear host's retail portal and ordered m'self a French Farmer's Shirt. I intend to wear it most days with my kilt. Yes, my skirt! They ought to go together well. Well done, Mr. Peterman. I am hopeful that the XXL has the necessary room for my forearms. I know, it's an odd dimension to single out, but many of the shirts of the line actually have wimpy - dare I say "Continental" - forearm dimensions and I can't roll the sleeves up my Popeye ham-sized limbs. Dammital.
I bet the "French Farmer's Shirt", even for its nominal Frenchness, will have the dimensions more appropriate for a Depardieux-shaped Gaul than the typical Parisien waifling. Review to follow.
Most importantly, I think the French Farmer's Shirt will go smashingly well with my "swordsman's belt", for that trip to Central Park...
Heiress,
I'm so sorry I missed your earlier post about in-flight attire. You must have posted it while I was typing the horror story about my outlaws.
You are right, of course, that traditional African garb is temendously comfortable, like a caftan or an Ottavolo Mountain Shirt. I have one of those and love it! I tend to be pretty comfortable no matter what I wear and I often wear a jacket and tie on airplanes mainly so that I don't have to pack them.
I have no particular objection to other men wearing stretch shorts though, I admit, I might feel differently if I were female. All I'm saying (and I fear I may be saying it badly) is that, if we are to criticize casually dressed travellers, let us criticize all of them or none of them.
Missive,
Thank you. Glad you like the picture. It features the number one lady in my life who will turn four a week from tomorrow.
Olivia - let's start a caftan revolution! Or even better, let's start a bigger one and wear COLORS in CDG airport! ;) And DPR, I wouldgladly sit next to you on any plane (your daughter too; she could play with mine).
Jonathan Eells, I have been taken exactly one time for an American of Hispanic origin (one of my 8 or 9 origins, thus accurate), by a rather bright professor of civilization who had spent some time in the States. I'm not ashamed in the least of being American, so it's quite funny when people tell me that I'm not "typical." I tell them yes, an American can be anything...
missive,
I don't know about reactions of horror, but there may be some lips pursed in genteel disapproval...
;)
Jeff Bristol said...
A little late again, but I thought I would chime in supporting DPR. On top of what he said, we are all suceptible at times to being the bad tourist ourselves. For me, I speak five languages and can tell you to what Islamic sect a person belongs by looking at him pray, but in the course of this very three month long research trip through Africa I am ending now, after a long day of travelling and two weeks of dealing with a horrible guide, I told a person at a hotel I didn't want to stay there because there was another hotel that was only a little more expensive and much nicer.
As soon as I said it I realized I had put my foot in my mouth. What was even worse, a little later my guide mentioned it to me in his usual patronizing voice, and was lucky I didn't throw him off the fourth-storey balcony we were on, but that is another story.
Either way, even the most knowledgable, respectful traveller can sometimes be an obnoxious one, and that goes for an American, a Japanese, a German, anyone. Rudeness knows no country, and obnoxiousness no boundaries.
In fact, in travelling it is a pet peeve of mine whenever I hear someone say "Not all Americans are like that," as if we need to excuse ourselves for our association with our slower, less open-minded countrymen. They're idiots, don't apologize for them, and if people think you are an idiot for coming from the same place, well then they're bigger fools themselves and there's no point talking to them in the first place because the truth is, if they didn't look down on you for being an American, they'd find something else. Americans are no better or no worse than any other tourists. I have met people who didn't like American tourists, and I have met people who have said we were the best, it all depends. Just like with everything and everyone else, it just all depends.
Jeff
Regarding DPR and his manly stretchy shorts... there was a sign at the top of a lift in Vail once, and it read "Lycra Never Lies". We can therefore assume that an individual in lycra clothing intends to hide nothing, and should be trusted unto death, be they Jew or Gentile (which should be obvious to the observer). For Heathens, like myself, you're on your own. We don't wear lycra.
JE that was priceless! Tell me again what it is the Scots wear under their kilts, laddie? I confess to being an occasional lycra-blend-wearing pagan, for sure I've nothin to hide so I don't. Wait, I don't think that came out just right...
Heiress I have the Garam Masala caftan, I LIVE in it when it's cooler! I'm WITH you dear! I remember being in Orly with a crowd of Africans in all manner of colourful costumes, it was quite exhilarating. Arafat's motorcade stopped our shuttle coming in, I was commenting on how chic the French motorcycle cops were, when someone (French) told me YSL designed their uniforms, Gucci did their boots. Who knew? Whether it's true or not, it was a great story...
Jeff, you are so right too-I've seen tourists misbehave when I was traveling, and not near all of them were Americans. I remember this evil old Brit coming back on the ferry from Calais, we were sitting in a lounge on a crowded ferry, NO SMOKING signs all about, who cursed and lit up anyway. When I pointed out politely that it was Defense de Fumar, and there were children all about who couldn't get away from the fumes, he spat and then blew smoke in my baby's face. I would have cheerfully smacked his wicked gob had I not been nursing at the time.
In Ireland, my accent is so diluted from visiting relatives all over, when I'm in the North they think I'm from the South or I'm Canadian, and when I'm in the South they haven't a clue. In France, when I speak French they just KNOW I'm Canadian (seems to be a catchall when locals aren't sure), but they usually react quite positively to "Je suis Irlandais, s'il vous plait!" They ALL love it when I relax into my Southern belle, y'all...
Thank you, Jeff. Amazing how well you can make that point when you're not being filled with my habitual righteous indignation. And I'm so sorry you had such a bad guide. If you're ever in New York, look me up; I'm an excellent guide if I do say so myself.
Jonathan,
You seem to have gotten your wires crossed while trying to figure out how to sheathe that metal club you call a sword: "Regarding DPR and his manly stretchy shorts". I do not wear stretchy shorts of any gender. All I said was that I don't object to people who do. I don't wear lycra. I'm 5'10" and I weigh 260 lbs. The last thing I would ever do is wear lycra! The only reason I can wear the Peterman Vallaurius shirt in my current picture is because it's an XXL.
Heiress had pointed out that she prefers the colorful caftanesque suit that a man from Africa might wear on the plane (while our daughters are playing together in the next row) better than the lycra being worn by our neighbor from Carl Junction. And, frankly, I agree with her 100%. But that's an entirely different issue! That's simply a matter of taste in cultural attire! I am far more likely to wear the African stuff! (Okay, DPR, stop with all the exclamation points). The fact that I prefer the African garb does not make Dwayne from Carl Junction any more obnoxious for wearing his customary cultural attire than Abdul from Ghana is for wearing his.
P.S. --
Olivia, I love the image of you desperately wanting to smack the smoking Brit but unable to because your hands are full with baby latched onto a food source. That's one very cinematic image!