I’m in Slovenia filming. Tina Hiti, a Slovenian guide who leads our tours in this part of Europe, joined us to help out. Having lunch in the Julian Alps with Tina and my film crew, we all just cut off chunks of our dishes and shared the local specialties.
Normally laid-back Tina got visibly anxious. She said that the most stressful thing in her first year leading our tours was being surrounded by Americans who shared their dishes in restaurants. The plates would arrive and immediately…it’s a tasting festival. She wanted to build a shield around her plate with a sign saying, “Keep away. I ordered this dish and it’s not to share. That’s how we Slovenians eat.” Just for fun, once with her own Slovene friends, she tried the American-style sampling…and her friends became similarly uptight about their food.
Tina and Saso have a second child on the way. They live in what was the attic of her childhood home. Filming their place, I told her that in the US there was a stigma about 30-somethings living with their parents — especially if raising their own family. She said this arrangement is common, and considered good for everyone in places like Slovenia…it’s wonderfully economic, encourages great family values, and it’s equipped with built-in babysitters. But, there’s one unwritten rule: separate entrances. An old Slovenian saying teaches that in-laws may be welcome to drop in…but wearing shoes, not slippers.
We sat down to dinner with her parents. Tina’s dad, Gorazd, is famous throughout Slovenia as a three-time Olympic hockey star. It’s handy for Tina because whenever she gets pulled over by the police, she says her last name and ends up talking hockey with the cops.
I was getting Gorazd’s take on Tito and Yugoslavia. I asked if there was a nostalgia for the old days in Slovenia. He said that, for him, the problem with Yugoslavia was that socialism is good for bad workers and bad for good workers. And, he said, capitalism is good for good workers and bad for bad workers. As Slovenia had the best workers, Tito’s socialism favored other Yugoslavian republics — like Serbia. Slovenes are happy with their independence, and life here seems very good.
My Travel as a Political Actbook just hit the bookstores in the last week or so. While working in Europe, I have a strict ethic of not allowing fun marketing opportunities and work requests from my home office to interrupt me. My stride, focus, and rhythm here are a joy, and important to maintain.
But I’m so excited about this political book that I have made time for several newspaper and magazine interviews. (I even had a photographer from Timemagazine tracking me for a day in Florence. Stay tuned.)
With any interview, I try to come up with vivid anecdotes to make points. For each of these political book interviews, I find that whatever I’m currently experiencing, even in the last hour (like Gorazd’s memories of the frustrations of being a hard worker in Yugoslavia), provides a vivid example to illustrate the book’s message: that travel as a political act really makes your travels more fun and meaningful. (Sure, you can get the book in bookstores — or at a special price right here on our website.)
Last week, while traveling from Italy to Slovenia, I shared a train ride with a man from about the proudest corner of the USA. I was trying to work on my laptop, and he was talking — as many Americans are inclined to do — so loudly that everyone on the train had no choice but to hear his conversation.
He rattled on for the entire ride in a way that made it clear he had learned nothing, challenged none of his ethnocentric truths, and made no friends in his travels. His trip started with a sour note on the plane ride, where “the only difference between first class and economy was the curtain.” He didn’t bother with the Uffizi in Florence because “why wait in that long line.” He explained to all on board that the Middle East is a mess because “we should have never let Khomeini return to Iran.”
He treated his wife like he treated cultures he didn’t understand, saying, “She has to put up with me because all the available good-looking men were gay.”
He told me he was being met at the Venice train station by a water taxi, and someone would be on the track with his name on a signboard. I told him I write guidebooks, and with a guidebook he could get to his San Marco hotel on a public boat just about as fast, for $10 rather than $150.
That comment didn’t go over very well. (He used air quotes when referring to my “work.”) And, rather than get in a discussion about my other book (Travel as a Political Act), I went to another car so I could get me and my keyboard some peace and quiet.
Some people (not just Americans either) should be given a cultural sensitivity test before being issued with a passport. I’ll never forget the American lady complaining – loudly and ad nauseam – in an English pub that “they slather mayonnaise on everything over here”! I don’t suppose it occurred to her to simply ask them politely to hold the mayo.
LOL!!!! I think the guy Rick described was on all of my trips to Europe–sometimes, he was a SHE! The best part of traveling, to me, is meeting people from all over the world–not just the country that I am visiting. I am still astonished by the number of people who have visited Florence and never saw David or simply rode in a taxi by the Forum in Rome and saw only a bunch of falling down buildings! Rick, thanks for the work that you do and the bores that you tolerate to bring outstanding information to the traveling public. Have fun!
Rick…. your train story reminds me of the time my wife and I were in the Uffizi a couple of years ago, enjoying a ‘post tour’ coffee per your recommendation, when we heard this American guy screaming at the cashier… “What do you mean you don’t take American money!” It was probably the most disgusting display of the ‘ugly’ American I have ever seen until just last year in the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, when we were joined by a couple of young American guys; one of which proceeded to get them BOTH thrown out when he started screaming at some Korean businessmen to ‘DRINK you B’strds!. While we certainly love our country, it’s always been our tendency to ‘go the other way’ whenever we encounter Americans in Europe. Our joy comes from being someplace totally different, and experiencing the richness those differences have to offer. I get enough bad experiences just traveling week to week in our own country! Happy Travels!
I can remember in the Berlin Wall Museum an American couple shouting to each other across the gift shop, and at the clerk, for such a long time that I was looking around to see if I was on Candid Camera, it was so over-the-top. But also I’ll never forget a small group of Japanese in St. Peter’s being asked repeatedly by security to quiet down as they moved around the nave shouting to one another. I’m sure all nations provide an equal percentage of rude travelers — it just depends how much they travel and where one encounters them.
People like that should stick to cruising. You don’t have to think about a thing except when the buffet opens. The chocolate fountain opens @ 11pm. Kill me.
Reminds me of the time my son and I were in a pub in Bath. An obviously American lady came in and in a loud, pearcing voice declared, “I didn’t know this was a honky-tonk!” The elderly gentleman we had been chatting with leaned over and whispered, “What is a “honky-tonk”? I honestly don’t remember what I said, I was so flummoxed by her bad manners!!
Let me guess where he was from. It begins with a “T” and ends with an “exas”. But I agree with him on one point. Iran would have been better without Khomeini (remember, he returned after the shah had already been overthrown). Here’s some quotes from the man himself that tells you more about him than anything else. Before he returned: “It is the Iranian people who have to select their own capable and trustworthy individuals and give them the responsibilities. However, personally, I can’t accept any special role or responsibility.” — Interview with Le Journal newspaper, Paris, November 28, 1978″ And afterwards: “Those who are trying to bring corruption and destruction to our country in the name of democracy will be oppressed. They are worse than Bani-Ghorizeh Jews, and they must be hanged. We will oppress them by God’s order and God’s call to prayer.” In a talk at the Fayzieah School, Qom, August 30, 1979 And: “”The intellectuals, the writers, those who have information and thoughts, you see some of them take their pens and in the name of democracy they write whatever they want and they cause disagreements. This group of so-called intellectuals has to correct themselves. Whatever we are suffering is from this group of intellectuals and judges. What we are suffering is because of them. — In a talk in Qom, July 23, 1979” I could fill pages with similar quotes.
Good luck with the new book, Rick.
Recently, while at lunch, a colleague entered the breakroom and asked about my next trip. After a bit, we started talking about her experience in Italy; she never wants to return. According to her, “they’re all a bunch of crooks, everyone in my group got ripped off one way or the other. And Rome was the worst, and they’re all so rude, especially to Black folks…” Blah, blah blah…I reminded her that my Italian journey was wonderful, never felt conscious of being Black, and then I asked her specifically about the guidie I recommended she get (RS’ Italy). “Well why would I need a guidebook for? We had a map, we knew where to find everything! That’s just a waste of money in my opinion…” Uh, not when it could have told you what to look out for (i.e. unscrupulous scammers that smell green tourists a mile away). Heh, talk about leading a horse to water…
Rick, I share your distate of arrogant travelers who think that the U.S. has all the answers to others problems. I try to leave my politics for domestic consumption. Every now and then I run into some idiot wearing an Obama T-shirt that advertises their booishness.
Rude tourists come from all countries, and can be seen everywhere. On our first trip to Europe, we saw an American man freak out at a German restaurant because it was closing too early to suit his needs. We also saw a Japanese man ignore posted and spoken warnings at the Jungfraujoch and move into a dangerous area to get his picture taken closer to the edge of the icy cliff. On our last trip to Disney World, we saw numerous Europeans and South Americans being loud, obnoxious, butting in line….in other words, acting like many American tourists in Europe. And don’t get me started on the grossly overweight Europeans at the Disney water parks (male and female) wearing very skimpy bathing attire. And these are the people who laugh at Americans for wearing white sneakers and baseball caps. Guess what. Foreigners usually look and act like foreigners. Its ok.
Rick, I have your new Political Act book already. Now if I can just find the time to read it! I also have your Postcards book and Europe 101. Keep up the good work. Jim
People will be who they are regardless of venue. I have found Japanese the most self focused and oblivious to others as any group I have encountered while touring. I have noticed this especially on the Jungfraujoch and any major museum. The taxi driver said in 2007 on the way to the airport, ” We Greeks don’t like Americans, we LOVE Americans !!”
An anecdote from my brother-in-law while he was stationed in Italy and had gotten a solid education in Italian prior to going. He and his wife were walking the back streets of Venice when 2 ladies tentatively began to ask him a question in Italian. When he spoke in English, one lady yelled to the other, “They speak English!”. The other lady then turned up her hearing aids saying, “Thank God, I’m tired of hearing people speak Italian!”. What a shock her whole trip must have been to her!
Fred in Atlanta: Your comment made me laugh out loud! Well, there are plenty of perfectly mannered tourists from all countries. But it is the obnoxious ones who steal the limelight. Regarding loud Americans: it is indeed a cliche’ and a cliche’ with some truth. We had friends visiting us from the States (very nice people) but I was shocked at how loud they were on the tram and in the restaurant. I had never noticed their loudness back in the States. I’m assuming their loudness hadn’t changed, but my sensitivity to it had. (No, B&E, if you are reading this, it wasn’t you!) Also, I’ve noticed that few things (except maybe politics) make people more indignant than hearing about the stereotypes that others hold of them. I think I’m on the verge of never discussing stereotypes with visitors again! About the Yugoslavian workers: Reminds me of something a Russian once told me: “Under Capitalism, man exploits his fellow man. Under communism it is just the other way around!” Thanks for the blog entry, Rick.
Rick, if it makes you feel any better, for every Ugly American that makes his or her presence loudly known, there are probably a dozen or more people quietly planning their next adventures using your guidebooks! You don’t need me to tell you how ubiquitous the “blue cover” is in Europe. I agree with the sentiment that there are “uglies” of every nationality. I lived in Japan a few years, and while the Japanese are normally wonderful people, it seems like many throw the rules out the window when they go oversees. A number of times, I’ve heard the French complaining loudly to each other (in English) about the US, in the US. So Americans aren’t the only perpetrators. People react differently when they’re out of their comfort zone. Sometimes travel ugliness is just due to ignorance, but a lot of times I think it’s stress and frustration talking. A different language, a different culture, different food, etc. … this overwhelms a lot of people and brings out the worst in them. I wonder what cures a case of the travel uglies?
Thanks for the insights as always. I hate to hear we Americans have a such a bad rap as tourists…one would assume that those who do travel are more cultured and take more care to “fit in” and be culturally sensitive. It would be nice to know the numbers of people that travel (i.e., are there just more American tourists and therefore it would stand to reason that we would have a higher incidence of being noticed?). Or is it that we have an overly-friendly atttitude which comes off as aggressively presumptious. Or do people just not like Americans generally. Or have we become conditioned to “stand out” and be “bold” because that is what is works here in America (squeaky wheel getting the grease…)as opposed to the quiet conformist?
are there just more American tourists? Probably not. An oft-quoted statistic is that only 20-25% of Americans have passports, and a lot of those that do just go to Canada and the Caribbean. Away from the major tourist sights in Europe I’ve seen very few Americans. And Europeans travel in droves. It’s true that Europeans can be noisy too (just hit a pub during a soccer match), but Americans do tend to be loud in the wrong places (e.g. quiet restaurants). The first time I encountered this (I was still living in the UK) was on an otherwise quiet plane, where the conversation of two American men could be heard many rows away. And I wrote this after visiting Hallstatt: “eating an undistinguished lunch at a cafe on the square, I found myself an unwilling eavesdropper on the overloud Americans seated behind me. When they were replaced by a large group of French tourists, conversing quietly, the contrast was marked.” But “[a]ll generalizations are dangerous, even this one.” (Dumas)
Rick, Somehow I KNEW this latest post from you would bring a comment from Tom about my home state. His prejudice is popping out once again. I have to wonder if he has ever spent any real time here. I at least lived in the DC area for 6 months (and spent a LOT of time in rush hour on the beltway and can laugh at my fellow Texans who complain about taking 20 minutes to get from one end of Austin to the other during rush hour). I’ve also lived in California, Arizona and Colorado. Each place I have lived has its own unique ambience. Texas and California, being so large, vary widely depending on where you are. Dallas and Houston are about as alike as Paris and Munich. I grew up in Dallas, graduated from Texas A&M and currently live in a small town that used to be the center of cotton country, but will soon be a bedroom community for Austin. It is diverse and welcoming and not as most folks assume small town Texas to be. Lesbians can even walk through the local Wal-Mart holding hands without being molested. Yes, there are bigots and jerks in Texas and unfortunately they sometimes go out into the wider world. But painting us all with the same brush is like me saying that everyone in DC is a political hack. I happen to have been reared in a family that takes pride in learning to pronounce foreign words correctly and whose various members have traveled around the globe with sensitivity and an eagerness to learn about new places. My second language is German, my sister’s is French, my father’s is Spanish and my brother, who has taught in Mexico, India, France and Colombia, speaks a little of many different languages.
Americans can be loud, but ugly tourists come from everywhere. However, I hate to conflict with some of our group, but Texans do have a well-earned stereotype of taking overbearing, obnoxious behavior to new heights. We had a home in Deer Valley for many years. When dining out you could often see entire restaurants vacate quickly once a few Texans entered. Gaudy jewelry, over-bleached hair, and without any ability to realize that there are other people in the room. Travel provides all of us the opportunity to be ambassadors for our respective countries; when we see those who are failing badly, smile at them and move on; realize that we all have our bad days. Just don’t snicker loudly as you pass, because I will know and then will follow you the rest of your trip.:) Cheers
I have traveled extensively in Europe for over 40 years and only once did I come across loud and obnoxious Americans and they were teachers from the American school in Heidelberg, making crude remarks about Germany and the Germans. Since I had been speaking German with my friends at a table nearby, they were quite surprised when I reminded them, in English, that many people in Germany understood English and were aware of what they were saying. But, on the other hand, I had to remind a German tourist with whom I was traveling here in the States, that many people here understand German and he should keep his crude comments about America and the Americans to himself. If the shoe fits–
Although I am still young (24) and have much to experience, I have found my way to Europe on several occasions. In all of my travels, I am still amazed by the wonderful generosity demonstrated by the local residents, despite the fact that so many foreigners do not treat them very kindly. In fact, one of the best examples of such helpfulness and generosity came from Slovenia, where you are currently filming, Rick. About a year ago, I traveled for a few weeks with my best friend from college and visited Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. After arriving via train to the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana(and at about 1 AM!), my friend and I wandered outside of the train station to search for our hostel. It was raining and we only had the address and a travel book in hand to help us. There wasn’t anyone around to ask directions so we began to walk down one of the main roads to see if we could find the street where we needed to be. All of a sudden while waiting for the “walk†sign to come up at a stoplight, a man in his car who had been waiting at the stoplight rolled down his window and asked us if we needed help. He proceeded to give us directions to our hostel and we arrived safely and quickly due to his help. Whenever I recount this story, I am always reminded that while many tourists in Europe can be rude, there are still many people that are willing to help you out if you get lost. My hope for the rude travelers on the train is that they will meet someone just like I did who can offer them a hand when they are in need and that hopefully this experience will change their views on traveling. I honestly believe that generosity can sometimes help people get through difficult experiences (and we all know that traveling abroad isn’t always easy!).
I think europeans are more polite travellers because they are exposed to so many cultures growing up. Being polite and respectful just seems to go hand in hand with visiting anothers home country. We don’t get as much practice at it in the USA…plus our culture places such an emphasis on being “number 1” all the time. That is obnoxious to everyone. Texans? I love ’em.Some of the kindest, most gracious people I have ever met…but like everywhere, there are some pretty obnoxious ones too. Seems to depend a lot on the subject that comes up.
A family member of mine is a U.S. Park Ranger at the Statue of Liberty — a very high profile and popular venue of visitors to the NYC area. He has relayed countless stories to me about rude foreigners (as well as Americans) who ignore directions from the Rangers and are completely uncooperative — and sometimes combative (physically) — when requested to obey posted rules or follow certain directions. Of course, some foreign visitors ignore such requests because they probably don’t speak English but, in many cases, those who display anger do so upon learning (understanding) that the Crown has been closed to the public since 2001. Although the Crown is slated to re-open on July 4th, access will be greatly limited and I imagine that the bad behavior by a portion of the visitors will continue. The bottom line is that the U.S. does not have a monopoly on ‘ugly travelers’.
When I was a teen and visiting Colorado to ski, they hated us Texans because we came up there and clogged up their ski slopes with incompetent skiers. When I moved there in the early 90’s, they were harkening back to the good ole days when we came, spent our money and left and they loved us Texans then. It was the Californians they hated for moving in and driving up property values (and thus taxes). So remember, the folks who come to visit, spend their money and leave are the good guys. It’s the ones who come to stay you need to watch out for.
And let’s not forget that sometimes we just lose our cool when frustrated and traveling. I remember one time I was in a store in Germany and after looking all around the shop, I said, in a too-loud voice, “All I want is a bottle of brandy. Is that so hard?” I was chagrined when the shop assistant quietly tapped me on the arm and handed me a bottle of brandy. My apologies were abject.
I have seen these people in my travels and have tried to avoid them as much as possible. Several times on long train rides I have encountered some really annoying american college kids (mind you I was 22 at the time, fresh out of college) and I pretended not to speak English just to avoid them from blabbering to me.
I loved reading everyone’s stories and had to add two of my own. I traveled to Vietnam four years ago with a photography group, and I’ll admit that we were definitely the loud group entering restaurants, but we had one lady in our group who just didn’t understand the idea of another culture doing this differently. She couldn’t grasp that they didn’t celebrate birthdays the same way the West does, and everything grandly culminated in her becoming upset at the language barrier and loudly declaring that “if they would just slow down and focus, they would understand what I’m asking.” It was the classic idea of “i’ll speak slowly and they’ll get it, and it was really embarrassing. Two summers ago I was visiting a temple in Japan when a traditional wedding procession began making its way through the grounds. Most of the tourists backed away and we formed this invisible line like 20ft away, watching the bridal group in traditional kimono’s and make-up walk by. But these tourists from Spain actually ran up, stopped in front of the procession and posed for photo’s!! The official wedding photographer actually shoved them out of the way so they wouldn’t hold up the group! Several of us were so appalled, it was just so rude. But I every country has their few, eh?
Darn you spelling mistakes! I GUESS every country has their few.
A few years ago, we were in a small town in France. We were enjoying our picnic across the square from a church when a vehicle drove up and began unloading a casket. A couple of people with cameras started taking pictures (of a casket??) right up close. We weren’t close enough to tell what nationality they were, but that was pretty crass. Regarding ugly American sightings–the ugly ones are the obvious ones–loud voice with strong accent, wearing white shoes and probably shorts!!! ;) The non-ugly ones we never hear about since they are unobtrusive.
I downloaded “TAAPA” to my iPhone Kindle as I was traveling through Croatia last month. To be in Dubrovnik reading about Rick’s experiences in the same place was a wonderful addition to my travels through the former war torn region. Walking the streets of Mostar then reading Rick’s experience in the same spot, wow! I bought a copy for my niece who just returned from a Catholic travel/study trip to El Salvador. I’m sure this experience will be the same for her as well.
Just to point out that your obnoxious fellow traveler is probably also obnoxious at home! I traveled in Scotland back in 1995 with a group organized by a friend. One couple were remarkably ill-behaved, complaining about everything, rude to our driver and guide, short with the innkeepers. I found out that several people on the tour had almost skipped the trip when they heard this pair was coming along! I’ve since met them at other functions… and they are just as bad. With some people, it’s not about being a boorish traveler — it’s about being a boorish human.
Thanks for all the travel memories. It’s amazing what a wonderful time you can have abroad when you’re open to new experiences. In 1990 I was traveling alone by train from Zagreb to Split, Croatia (pre-Balkan War), and didn’t realize I wouldn’t be able to buy lunch on the train. My Croatian seatmate, who also spoke some French and German, dashed off the train at one quick stop and insisted on buying me lunch. My other seatmates were from various European countries, but between my French and some Russian, and the others’ Croatian, German, French, and some English, we had a lively and enjoyable trip. When we finally arrived in Split, my Croatian seatmate insisted on helping me with my luggage and getting to my hotel.
The “Rude American” moniker is a little tiresome. The reason Americans stand out during our travels is because we can understand them. If you’re in Rome and notice a Japanese tourist making comments and you do not speak Japanese how do you know they are not being rude. As far as being loud and obnoxious, yes that is our society and the best that we can do is hope that we raised our children properly and in the future we will have raised better travelers. I was born and raised in California and now live in South Carolina. Down here I am referred to as a “transplant.” I did not choose which state I was born in, just happened. I moved to South Carolina to provide a better life for my family. But having to be referred to in these Terms Texans, Californians, Transplant with a derogatory tone is no different then racism. A person is a Texan because they live in Texas not because the are loud, big and obnoxious and not every Texan is loud big and obnoxious. Not everyone that moved to Colorado was Californian so thus it was not Californians that drove up the housing prices and taxes. Just something to think about.
Tony–that is an excellent comment. As I said in my earlier post, it was only because I speak and understand English that I realized the American teachers in Germany were being rude. In another post above, Frances admits that she was unwittingly rude because she was annoyed. Sometimes a deep breath and a step back clears the air for everyone.
Sometimes I wonder if we should at least attempt to comment directly to the offender what is wrong. Though a delicate conversation, sometimes it is just giving them a heads-up that there is another way is enough. I remember a conversation with an American woman, a stranger to me, in Toulouse about the French. The French do it differently not because they are wrong, but because it works for them; it is their culture; and it is their language and custom. She seemed to not have grasped the fact that it is okay to do things differently and that different is not the same as wrong. It was a novel concept to her and she seemed to enjoy her time more afterward. Few people seek to be loud and obnoxious, it is just that they focus too much on themselves and do not step outside themselves and realize how they look to others. Carefully, with diplomacy, it is okay to help a fellow ugly American out at times. If it doesn’t help, pin an English flag to their back and smile at those funny Brits and their eccentric ways. Cheers.
Wow! I’m surprised that so many of you have met my brother. He is a large, patriotic, boisterous, know it all. He has several times complained about the people (most germans) that he has met that are just as I have described him. Several times now, I have calmed him down, but saying: “brother”, they sound just like you…I’m surprised you didn’t get along”. I may have gotten through to him. He has been doing Tibetan treks and such for a couple years and helping some come to the USA.
Can’t wait to get the new book. Just returned from Costa Rica and need to sit down and order it. I think some of these cranky people teach you a great lesson on really enjoying yourself when you travel. I was really amazed at what kind wonderful people the Costa Ricans were. They were even nice to each other, not just the tourists!
I haven’t yet heard about the loud and ugly Canadian tourist, but there’s maybe still hope. Alright, I kid.
Rick, I’ll be in Victoria, B.C visiting family this week, listening closely for loud, ugly, boistrous canadians. Even my own family won’t be exempt, yet after 60 or so years talking and listening to canadians, no one has met the qualifications. Larry from Springfield.
By the by, Jim…”Obama” isn’t a four letter word.
As a Canadian traveling in Europe, I’m often put off by the smugness of fellow Canadian travellers.
Has anyone else noticed the arrogance and acidity of the comments posted are starting to rival the actions of the tourists Rick was referencing?
Not quite 4 but close
Though I agree that Rick’s “friend” was an idiot for dismissing the Uffizi (I have rarely had so many WOW moments in one place as at the Uffizi), I have to admit that I am no fan of lines and if it weren’t for Rick’s advice about making reservations, I probably would have missed out myself. When I travel, I prefer to absorb the feel of a city, to explore, get lost and meet non tourist- industry locals rather than follow an itinerary. So please don’t think too unkindly of me or lump me in with the uglies because I skipped the line at the Vatican. I regret not seeing the Sistine Chapel, but I don’t regret stumbling across the little out-of-the-way squares and neighborhoods I saw during the time I would have spent in line:-)
Is punk 4 letters?
Good point, Penny. Part of good travel is figuring out your own likes and dislikes. While I wouldn’t skip the Uffizi if I were in town, in four great trips to Italy I’ve yet to actually visit Florence. After spending time in several of Europe’s most famous art museums, and even attending the art history lectures that used to be required for docents-in-training at the NC Art Museum (in a failed attempt to develop an appreciation of “modern” art), I’ve realized I’m more of an arts and crafts person than a fine arts person, and now I read guidebooks accordingly. In London, my rainy-day retreat is the V&A, not the National Gallery. Tell me I should visit a town for its baroque churches and great collection of Rubens and Tintoretto, and I know to pass (although I’ll detour for Rembrandt and Goya). But when I read that Nancy was the home of French Art Nouveau, I made sure to include it on my last trip (and discovered an absolutely stunning 18th century square!) Same thing with music – I’m virtually tone deaf, so I went to the Vienna Opera House for ballet, not opera. And I love lakes and mountains and waterfalls, which some guidebooks tend to leave out altogether. Does a preference for the Musee des Arts Decoratifs over revisiting the Denon wing at the Louvre make me a philistine? I hope not, but since figuring it out has made for better experiences, I don’t really care.
It’s called a Gondola. Americans in white sneakers and shorts, that is… After our wedding Austria, my wife and I have been married 18 years. Our honeymoon was a month in Europe with your book’s outlook and approach to our travels the only guide we used. It remains our travel mantra. THE STORY: While walking in Venice we noticed how only certain people where approached about Gondola rides crossing one of the many bridges. Curious about that we sat at a small cafe and watched. Needless to say, in short order, we could guess if someone coming over the bridge looked and/or acted like a target! Ever since your description of the train traveler would be by definition: Gondola! Ciao Joe
Great post, Kathy C. I’ve noticed that when I have lived in cities, I have sought out rural settings on my trips to Europe and vice versa. Above all, travel should be fulfilling for the individual and sometimes we find an unexpected surprise. I’ve always been surprised that Rick’s guide book to Germany omits the whole region of southern Bavaria with its beautiful lakes and views of the Alps. This is a fine tourist destination and perhaps it’s just as well that it’s not well-known–less crowded.
Okay boys, am I going to have to stop the car?
OK, I’ll admit that I am getting old, so I must ask, what does the last post from Leone mean? I understand about stopping the car, but who has been naughty or rowdy? Excuse my puzzlement.
Rick, the other night in San Gimignano I witnessed a couple of Americans come into a fine Trattoria wearing shorts and t-shirts. I was so appalled that I nearly had to nail myself to my chair to keep from going over to them to request that they please, please leave the fine restaurant immediately and go find a snack stand where their attire would not be so rudely evident. Thank you Rick for mentioning more than once that when eating out in Italy, or in most countries, evening wear is not what you would wear to clean out the garage back home. Americans, please. Dress just a little better, please?
There seems to be an overdose of superficiality and elitism in many comments on fellow travelers. Following Rick’s sage advice on packing light, not everyone is able to dress in sartorial splendor at every meal while living out of one carry-on case. The need for saving luggage space may require that some leave the Bruno Maglis in the closet back home while taking only the Nike’s on their feet to leave room for Rick’s guides. I concur with the Ugly Human descriptions such as loud, obnoxious, arrogant etc. etc., but I do not believe that Americans hold sole title to this by far! Why would you be so very appalled at another well behaved restaurant patrons’ apparel that you would consider asking them to leave the premises? I think that would be the choice of the maitre d’. No problem with a house dress code, if the house requests coat and tie then by all means wear a coat and tie. Unless someone has filthy, smelly clothing or inappropriate body parts dangling out and if the restaurant does not find them objectionable then I can tolerate eating in the same building with them, even if their T-shirt is covered with B.O. We travelers place a high priority on our travel. Some of us must place other things lower on our list so we can afford travel. To read so much criticism of how others travel seems at odds with what the goals of travel can be. Goals such as tolerance, knowledge and sharing cultures. I have read ridicule and scorn for folks who do not travel widely, and then just as much ridicule and scorn for others who do travel but differently. We who are able to travel are indeed fortunate even though we do generally create our own fortune. Those who do not travel, whether by choice or circumstance, are no less than we who do. Please remember on this Memorial Day that we travel as easily and freely as we do not because of travel writers or politicians but because of the sacrifices of our soldiers, many of whom never returned from their first trip abroad!
Amen, Ken. Who cares what they’re wearing as long as they BEHAVE in an appropriate fashion. Stop with the elitism regarding shorts, white sneakers, baseball caps, etc. Just behave, and I don’t think the Euros really mind. I’ll never forget being in Rome the summer of 2003, in the record heat, watching the locals in their long black slacks sipping espresso in the 100 degree weather. Shorts, ice, and baseball caps seemed like the reasonable way to go. Lighten up on the appearance, and stay with it on the behavior. One is important, the other is not.
Rick, I share your aversion to people who come to a new country and culture and only see the bad — and refuse to even ‘try’ a different way. But, I also think that Europeans are not quite the accepting citizens of the world you make them out to be. I am a waiter and work mostly on tips. With the strong euro of the past several years, it is not uncommon for Irish, French or German accents to appear. And, a large percentage of these tourists in America, routinely leave no, or very little tip. This has become so common, that if someone leaves without leaving any tip, I, or someone at the restaurant, will chase after the customer and let him/her know that such behavior is uncommon and not the polite way to act. Typically, about half of the people feign ignorance; the other half mutter something about ‘not being their way’ and just leave. Being rude, inconsiderate, and ethnocentric, are unfortunate traits of humans in general.
Having experienced this type of behavior on several visits to Europe, I have to say I just don’t get it. Many people save and scrape for years to take their “trip of a liftime” to Europe, but can’t even learn a few phrases of the local language to even order an ice cream cone! Then, they complain (loudly)that they had a lousy time. These, of course, are the same people who, when approached for directions by a visitor to our country, would think “Why can’t they learn to speak English, they’re in America now!”. I’ve visited Europe a dozen times in the last decade and, through planning and reading Rick’s books to get a “lay of the land”, have never had a bad trip, have never been treated rudely or have had a bad experience abroad. Like anything else in life, you get out of it what you put into it.
People dream of travel. A good thing! It helps to read books and watch DVD’s on destinations to learn a bit of the country. It helps keep adventures to other cultures more easy going. :)
It’s pretty academic, and Ed B. and Jean B. have it right: Do your research!!! Besides, planning for the trip is almost half the adventure…..
Cheers Cathy C. And I agree with those who say that attitude is more important than attire. I learned that on my first trip to England.I was on the Gatwick Express with someone from my part of the U.S.who was wearing flashy cowboy boots, a Stetson and serving platter belt buckle. He seemed to be laying it on thick with the “awe shucks, I’m just a li’l ol’ country boy, little lady” shtick. I was mortified. But guess what? The English ladies sitting next to him where genuinely charmed by him. And in fact, when I got past the clothes and accent, I realized that he was doing what many of us travel to do – meet the locals. He was getting advice on what to do and see from a local’s perspective. What a concept;-)Be open and respectful, but be yourself. And remember, what seems unsophisticated to one is exotic to another.
Louisa, Leone is referring to the chatter about President Obama, T-shirts and 4 letter words, and I suppose B.O.
Thanks Bob, Yes, that is what I was poking fun at. I sometimes have a hard time applying a saying Rick used to use all the time, to the childish squabbling. “Celebrate the Differences”. I guess he kind of borrowed it from the French. “Vive la Difference”.
It’s Americans like that guy that give the rest of us Americans a bad name. Why the heck did he even bother going over there? Also, loved Gorazd’s take on capitalism vs socialism. That’s an interesting perspective for someone who has lived through both. I wll have to come back later and rest the rest of the comments on here but a good post Rick.
Thanks Bob and Leone. Not having children living at home leaves me behind on some of the current trends. I have to agree with those who say we are being a bit too hard on our fellow Americans. I have had to suggest, once in awhile, that our German or Russian guests use a little restraint in their clothing–skimpy halter tops on very generously endowed ladies. Folks from northern Europe seem to think that anything goes in the pursuit of the sun.
I must add that in my original blog, I typed the word “sun” as “sin.” A Freudian slip?
During our travels, as soon as we hear loud Americans, it seems our family of four walks quickly in the opposite direction. I kid you not.
I had just arrived at Charles De Gaulle airport on my first trip to Paris and we were on the runway waiting for the bus to take us to the gate. Well there was a holdup and older man wearing a baseball cap and a jacket with the stars and stripes on it (The whole jacket was the US flag ) started yelling “come on already let’s go!) his wife elbowed him and his response was “what? They are French they don’t like us anyway!!!” I couldn’t believe my ears!!! I’m sure that he gave all Americans a bad image no matter where he went. Actually, I would have loved to have followed him around Europe, I’m sure that he made a total ass out of himself.
In reading the comments above, I have to agree with many. When I see ugly Americans, I hang my head in shame and go the other way. I actually do my best to not look like an American. It gives me a chance to fit in and observe local life a little more closely if I am not recognized as a tourist. While in France, I was mistaken for a local once and it was kinda cool. I have to say that while generally nice people, the Japanese are some of of the worst tourists. They rush through everything, are completely self absorbed, and will run you over to get the picture they want. So it’s not just Americans who can be ugly.
To ANdy, wow that guy that you mentioned might as well have been wearing a Bush and Cheney jacket. No wonder europe looks at us with distrust.
Alfran, you don’t have to use 4 letter words to be boorish. In addition to the Obama T-shirts I find boorish I have the same opinion about “Che” T-shirts the ignorant, I hope, love to wear and that is only a three letter word.
I knew some jackass would turn this into an anti-Bush/Cheney thing. Get a life, loser.
Are we falling into the delusion that all things European are grand and all things American are not? How about the graceless Mr. Sarkosy of France who “neglected” to invite Queen Elizabeth II to the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. She is the only current head of state (Great Britain and Canada) who actually served in WWII (as did her husband). British and Canadian forces fought along with the Americans, but their head of state will be absent because Mr. Sarkosy wants to have himself alone in the spotlight with Mr. Obama.
Patty, I would not suggest that Alfran has turned “boorish” into an anti Bush/Cheney thing. While I did lose faith in Bush, at the end, I never did lose faith in Vice President Cheney. I assume Alfran has a life already and is probably a winner. I am more of an optimist than you are.
Jim, you would assume most correct. Although, I believe the object of Patty’s juvenile vitriol was Joe…whomever it was intended for, the lyric from His Royal Badness comes to mind, “act your age, mama, not your shoe size..”
My “juvenile vitriol” was indeed directed at Joe. Perhaps I was a little harsh, but I am sick to death of these cheap shots at Bush and Cheney. And yes, anyone who feels the need to connect a loudmouth tourist in garish clothes with our past president and vice president is a jackass. Or did Joe see Bush and Cheney wearing stars and stripes jackets?
Patty, I was wrong, you are right, sorry. Alfran correctly made me the fool.
Hey Jim, man, there are no fools here. We are all just passionate about our opinions and want the best for ourselves, our family and society. I think what Mr. Steves does that’s so perfectly subversive is using the travel landscape as a backdrop in displaying differences in culture, as well as varying degrees of human perspective. (the bullfighting, foie gras arguments come to mind, just on the surface. Of course there’s even deeper subjects…) This way, if we are attentive, we really have an opportunity to take a better look at ourselves. I look forward to purchasing the new book. (On a side note: this single man’s anti-spam word is–housewives? What’s that about?;)
Rick is the premier travel writer. I have used his books for at least 12 years to greatly improve my travel expeeriences. His recent political assertions, I believe, have tainted his success. This is not unusual in people with huge egos. Some may remember a successful investment adviser named Granville who flamed out when he decided he could predict earthquakes. I urge more to read Rick’s most recent blog “travel as a political act”. Hmmm, “showoff” is my input word.
Penny: I’m glad I’m not the only one who skipped the Vatican museum! I realized I could wait in line for an hour, or I could go get a delicious pizza and some wine, and I chose the latter. Always wondered if I missed out, so it makes me feel better to know someone else did the same thing. All: I agree that some American travelers are definitely obnoxious; I’ve seen a few of them myself. Of course, there’s also been some obnoxious Europeans. My favorite: three drunk Russian guys on the Tube in London when I was there with my family. Two of them clearly just wanted to pass out, but the third was mocking my haircut–I had a mohawk at the time–and my brother’s piercings, assuming that since he was speaking in Russian it’d be ok. What he didn’t know is that my dad was a Russian interpreter in the Air Force during the 70’s. My dad turned to me and began teaching me basic Russian phrases. The obnoxious guy didn’t understand what was going on, but his friends did–they suddenly looked very worried and told their buddy to shut it. Anyway, annoying Americans is something that we have to deal with, but I think the best way to handle it is just to provide a contrast. It’s not difficult to be friendly, polite, and open-minded, and doing so will change people’s perceptions of all Americans. My friend and I were on a train from Paris to Berlin and shared a sleeper car with two older French ladies; they went to bed early, so we left the room and found an empty compartment to chat and eat in for a couple hours, and quietly came back in when we wanted to sleep. In the morning, one of the women thanked us for not being loud, then asked where we were from and seemed quite surprised at the answer. Hopefully, next time she sees an “ugly American,” instead of generalizing them as representative of all Americans she’ll remember that some Americans are friendly and courteous, and that this one is just an obnoxious individual. That’s really all we can do.
My exposure to an Ugly American was in the revolving restaurant atop the Schilthorn in Switzerland. I was walking through the circular room when a guy half rose from his chair and, in a loud voice directed to the wait station, mouthed the words “Could we have some ketchup here!” About all you can do is cringe and move on. In the political area, I had more than German say to me (in 2003) “We like Americans, it’s Bush we don’t like.”