Most Embarrassing Travel Moments: 2011
Part of the fun of travel is the ridiculous spots we find ourselves in due to a language barrier, cultural misunderstanding, or just bad luck. Do you dare to share your most embarrassing European travel moment?
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What not to do as a tourist
Last June, we were in Vienna. I did a U-turn with my family in the car, and some lunatic decided that I had slowed him down. He passed me 10 minutes later after riding my bumper. As he was turning left while I was going straight, I passed him and decided to make the international "kiss my butt" movement with my lips. This turned out to be a large error. He pulled out of the left turn, and became more aggressive. He actually jumped out of his car at a light, and pulled my door open. He tailed me staying 2 cm from my bumper until I found a cop. After a little dialog in which I traded "he damaged my door" for his "he is a jerk who did a U turn", we parted as "friends". However, I did not park on the street that night. My wife remains slightly annoyed ... at me.
Paul
West of the Mississippi, XX USA Mon 07/25/2011
Paris Airport Security
I checked through Security at DeGaulle Airport in Paris waiting for my flight to leave--when nature called. The guard said the only restroom with through the glass door he was standing beside. I went out the door, did my business and came back through the door. Ten minutes later, Security emptied two planes with 350 passengers each, all their luggage, and the whole airport terminal including all security guards and airport workers. Everyone was sent outside for an hour. Standing in line, I asked the problem, and they said "Somebody breached security"--ME! Fortunately we made a connecting flight in Detroit. Hundreds of people missed their connecting flights and had to stay in hotels at their expense.
Kitty
Florence, AL USA Sat 07/09/2011