Travel Stories, Culture Shock, etc

[sberkan]

I have never had any experiences with rude Parisians, either We did have an experience with a rude American in Paris, though. It was actually kind of funny. We went on a bus tour to Versailles (there was a strike and the metro was down so we had no other way to go - I'm not one for bus tours). But, it was just 6 or 8 of us and a driver. One of the other couples was from New York (they were NOT the rude ones - they were actually very nice). However, while walking down the hall of mirrors there was an American who just got rude to our guide. He wanted a photo and she was in his way. So, she moved, then she was in his way again. Well, the couple from NY took it personally and just lit into the guy. I swear they would have gone to blows . They were quite upset at him since he's the kind of tourist that gives all Americans a bad name. It was amusing.

 

[CookingMyLife]

I'll have to come back and read the stories carefully. I have enough of my own for a book!

However, on my current stay in Italy, I felt like I was back in my groove. My dh is always far ahead of me walking as his long legs go a lot faster than mine. I take my time and wander a bit more. The other day in Domodosola, a teenage girl came up to me asking me if I knew where a certain cafe was. I didn't know but grasped enough of her Italian to know what she wanted. I can be most anywhere and people ask me for directions, including Thailand. While I spoke Thai, I sure don't look Thai!

 

[clarabear]

I'm not sure exactly what gives us away but I think it is a few things. I know near a military base, haircuts are a big giveaway. I also think Americans have a look of arrogance mixed with confusion as they walk around. On top of that we are a bit heavier and wear our clothes a little looser. Many of us wear jeans and a t-shirt while in Italy most of them would not be caught dead in the clothes some Americans wear. I think as whole Europeans have a sleeker look to them. I know in Italy they usually buy higher quality products that last and have a more timeless look to them. In the winter Italians wear black. Black pants and coats. You go to the mall and you can find the Americans in their puffy colorful jackets. Anyway, that's what I noticed. Oh and ponytails...very few Italian women would wear their hair in a ponytail unless it was a nice sleek ponytail. Never just thrown into a ponytail. Oh, and scarves...in the winter the Italians all wore scarves. and they wear them under their coats so you just see the top and it is a fashion accent. Just little stuff like that. I was always spotable. There was never a question I was American ever. I tried hard to get along and do things Italian but I never tried to appear Italian.

 

[dwsewbiz]

Ah yes the bum bags...ha ha!!

Oh and shorts, right? No matter how hot it is in Italy, Italian men do not wear shorts...they will have a nice pair of linen slacks on...I know what you mean, Clara

I know these things and we mostly do manage to blend in (although hubby cannot tolerate pants in the heat of italian summer).

One time in France, I think we were in Provence, we were in a shoe store and a woman came up to my daughter and starting asking her to go get her size, thinking she was la vendeuse...we all had quite a laugh about it.

 

[tanteva]

Don't forget volume ... Americans are LOUD

 

[VickiStegall]

Maureen it's because you look so open and friendly and intelligent!