tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post6393291532526487948..comments2024-03-13T03:59:42.108-05:00Comments on Daily Blog: The American Tourist in EuropeWendi Kitsteinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05515018912328000746noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-255187139017328872018-05-05T20:56:57.244-05:002018-05-05T20:56:57.244-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Treks Himalaya trekkinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01508843704879449248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-48208462249299439372012-11-13T20:18:19.832-06:002012-11-13T20:18:19.832-06:00I think a lot of what you said is very true, but d...I think a lot of what you said is very true, but definitely varies country to country. Backpacks are used widely in Prague, CZ but you wouldn't find sweats being worn. Where in Spain, I did find nice workout attire was acceptable among moms, but you didn't see backpacks. <br />I do often find I will walk away from a big group of loud American tourists, although I've seen my fair share of loud Europeans touristing a neighboring country!<br />Great and very accurate post!!Tina @ Girl Meets Globehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08587907664334608623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-32679300002305420912012-11-13T07:21:20.738-06:002012-11-13T07:21:20.738-06:00OK-we looked like tourists and couldn't exactl...OK-we looked like tourists and couldn't exactly hide it:)Though we did make an effort to watch the local behavior and act accordingly-as in the Bed and Breakfast in the mornings, where everyone either whispered or was totally silent!<br /><br />But it really is true that smiling is universal and just attempting to say please, thank you,and pardon me-in the native language, resulted in kind responses.<br />And the obvious "I have no idea what to do here" look seemed to always bring some "closet American" out of cover to the rescue-or at least a "local" who had some understanding of English who felt pity on us!<br />I think one of the most memorable moments in watching communication between strangers was when we were at the train station in Germany and some people were admiring Abigail's gorgeous eyes-speaking in another language that didn't sound like German- and you (Wendi)who looked most obviously "German" to bystanders, turned around and started speaking to them in Turkish! Cracked me up watching their faces!! As well as the German people around us who thought you were "local".<br />It's amusing watching everyone and their body language-eye expressions say so much!<br />Glad the people in the Azores are so friendly and aren't as concerned about appearances-don't think I'll ever get Dad away from his white sneakers:)He always charms people and makes friends no matter what shoes he's wearing!<br />See you soon-back home where you can wear flip flops all you like:)<br />mom k <br /><br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-35741955548244822262012-11-13T03:30:11.546-06:002012-11-13T03:30:11.546-06:00With you ALL the way!
Even though I grew up in an ...With you ALL the way!<br />Even though I grew up in an American Territory, our heritage is for the most part, European. In Puerto Rico, you will always be able to tell the 'American Tourist' from the Local or European Tourist, and the DEAD GIVEAWAY is...(wait for it:) FLIP-FLOPS AND WHITE TENNIS SHOES!!! HA!<br />Yes, we also make fun of the 'gringos', even though we are pretty much 'gringos' ourselves...<br />I lived in Barcelona for a couple of months, and I've traveled to other parts of Europe and America (the Continent...;) And I've realized that knowing what the locals wear, will also give me a sense of what is 'weather comfortable' in that country. For example: during a summer in Barcelona you will find lots of strappy, flat, sandals and skinny jeans with sleeveless tops and pashminas. (No one EVER wears a jacket or cardigan at night!)<br />During fall in Rome, you'll find lots of leggins, short dresses/long shirts, and ballerina flats)<br />And Winters in Germany are cold, so you'll find all kinds of jeans and boots in every color (including white).<br />But if there is one rule you need to follow, is the white tennis shoes and 'flip-flops' one. Back home, unless you're going to the actual beach, don't wear them...just because it's an Island, it does not mean there's sand everywhere. (And no flowery Hawaiian shirts either!!! lol!) <br />Patty PBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09040693429763767143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-43549540876374101982012-11-13T03:23:57.740-06:002012-11-13T03:23:57.740-06:00I'm with Jenny! Germany is pretty blue jean f...I'm with Jenny! Germany is pretty blue jean friendly, but everything else is spot on. I definitely tend to avoid tennis shoes at all costs, along with casual tops/jackets, and stick with boots or slip ons and a nice peacoat instead :) They even mistake ME for German sometimes!!!English Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09310504863761844480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-78440890776566932992012-11-13T02:53:37.863-06:002012-11-13T02:53:37.863-06:00Tara,
I'm with you on the shoes. I fought the...Tara,<br /><br />I'm with you on the shoes. I fought the white shoes for awhile but have just recently come to realize that they are TOO American. Comfy shoes though, I feel, are fine, if they are dark.Wendi Kitsteinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515018912328000746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-17078890132322371912012-11-12T19:25:05.317-06:002012-11-12T19:25:05.317-06:00Yep, this is pretty much spot on! After four year...Yep, this is pretty much spot on! After four years in Europe we learned how to blend. I would disagree that I saw a lot of jeans, at least in Germany. The Germans wear them all the time, even to work. White socks are definitely a "no no!" Germans wear dark socks with everything, including (much as it pains me) sandals! As far as dinning with children, it really depends on the city. Germany was not very kid-friendly, and we tried to go out early (6:00), before the normal dinner crowd (7 or 8). Outdoor restaurants like biergartens were much more accommodating of children.Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15166158083252116534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-241753700791151542012-11-12T18:15:26.921-06:002012-11-12T18:15:26.921-06:00I LOVE this. So, so true. While I agree with every...I LOVE this. So, so true. While I agree with everything, my dilemma is the shoe one. When we were in Italy, I felt so grungy for not wearing cute, heeled boots. I found some nice flat, comfortable, REI walking shoes, though. Gotta let the tennies go. I'm lucky to have an Asian husband and not be lily white myself so perhaps are less "mistaken" as an American.TAVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06191378887884875196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-26735842817116579132012-11-12T17:54:00.494-06:002012-11-12T17:54:00.494-06:00Hi Wendi! I have done a bit of traveling in Europe...Hi Wendi! I have done a bit of traveling in Europe, and agree wholeheartedly with this post! Taking the time to learn about the culture of where you are going helps tremendously... I had to shop and buy nicer clothes, shoes, etc before a trip to Paris in 2009... And even though it was hard to buy clothes before taking an already expensive trip, it was well worth it... At one point, my husband and I were mistaken for Canadians, and felt somewhat complimented, in a weird way... Don't get me wrong, I love America and all, but, well, let's just say that everything you said in your post is true. :-)Susienoreply@blogger.com