Europe: Western Cafés, castles, architecture, art, wine, the Euro, gastronomy, let´s meet up, and pub crawls.! Oh oui, backpackers paradise... |
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07-11-2006, 02:28 PM
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#1
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Alright, so my parents are trying to talk me out of going on my trip to Europe (two months long). They are saying that they think it will be unsafe because I’m traveling alone and I’m American. Do you think this is a rational worry? Has anybody had a problem because they are American? I think I should have no problem meeting people in hostels to travel with. What’s your thoughts?
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07-11-2006, 02:50 PM
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#2
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dude I don't have the anglo look at all other for my wierd tiny blonde facial hair. getting to the point, it depends on the persons luck, just like if you were black, some love us and some hate us. On basics it's up to you, don't be rude and stay out of trouble.
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Live off your parents, until you can live off your kids.
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07-11-2006, 04:29 PM
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#3
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TPunk Moderator
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your parents' opinions have probably been colored by fox news or some other fear mongering cable news channel
just don't go around yelling "America is teh r0xx0rz! U Frenchies suck! We will le bomb your asses!" and avoid the ignorant american stereotype and I think its ok
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07-11-2006, 04:34 PM
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#4
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Minister of Offense
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As an American who tries to travel alone as much as possible (I simply prefer it) I say you'll have no problems at all.
First off, the world isn't the American-hating sea of bitterness that the news makes it out to be. People tend to hate our government, not us. If anything, it's our own people trying to make it harder to travel and be abroad. Other countries welcome us (and our dollars) quite readily.
Second, the American travelers that do get mocked and talked down to are the typical tourists/package vacationers/loudmouths, not backpackers who are perceived to be relatively conscious and easy to get along with.
Third, most foreign folks are cogniscant enough to know that the Americans they do meet abroad are part of the shockingly low 18% who actually DO travel overseas and aren't the gun-wielding psychos they see on TV.
Sure, you might be judged right away when you tell people you're an American. I have, and it hasn't bothered me. Within 10 minutes or 2 beers (whichever comes first), everyone I have met with pre-conceived notions about Americans has either erased those notions or claimed me as an exception.
In fact, you will see some "Ugly Americans" here and there (especially in Amsterdam, these kids act like they've never seen weed or half-naked girls before) and you may well get a ribbing here and there, but just take it as it comes and be yourself so you're judged on who you are, not where your passport says you're from.
Of course, I say this ideally and all, when in fact, I try to avoid fellow Yanks while I'm abroad
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07-11-2006, 07:16 PM
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#5
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Amen! Dude, Omi you forgot about a cafe It's not just about the booze.
Note: I was actually gonna use the word "hallelueah" but as I think you can notice I have no clue how you spell that word. :greenguy:
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Life comes and goes, stay in motion & it will never pass you by.
Live off your parents, until you can live off your kids.
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07-12-2006, 04:00 AM
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#6
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Quote:
Originally posted by lizz@Jul 11 2006, 03:29 PM
your parents' opinions have probably been colored by fox news or some other fear mongering cable news channel
just don't go around yelling "America is teh r0xx0rz! U Frenchies suck! We will le bomb your asses!" and avoid the ignorant american stereotype and I think its ok
[snapback]130553[/snapback]
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I'm not planning on yelling any of that. And I'm far from the American stereotype.
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