Rick Steves' Europe Archives: Ugly American Sightings

Archive: Ugly American Sightings

Of course, back door travelers are beautiful Americans overseas. But sooner or later you bump into an American who makes you want to wear a Canadian flag. Tell us your most horrifying Ugly American story.

We made reservations for the train from Florence to Rome, but two other Americans were already in our seats. My husband and another gentleman went to get a conductor to settle the issue.

The conductor arrived just as the train was leaving. We all provided our reservation cards and the conductor informed the other Americans that they should have gotten off at Florence. One of them responded that they had not yet arrived in Florence, but the conductor pointed out that we had indeed just left Florence. The gentleman spluttered, "What do you mean Firenze is Florence?" The conductor pointed to their tickets which showed Firenze as their stop.

The gentlemen then demanded that they stop the train and let them off, but this was a non-stop ES train to Rome. They even argued with the conductor that they should not have to pay a fine as Florence was not clearly stated as the stop. This train was full and they were forced to stand the entire way to Rome, roughly 2 hours.

The former occupants of our seats glared at us throughout the trip and complained loudly, "The younger generation has no respect for their elders" and hinted that we should offer our seats. (We are in our 30's. They were in their 40's.) But both my husband any I were sick with the flu and hoped to sleep on the train, and the Italian couple across from us rolled their eyes and whispered "Stupid Americans. Stay in seats". So we stayed.
Kirsten <email>
SF, CA USA 10/18/00

This should be Ugly travelers sightings, In my 3 weeks 4 countries I saw all nationalities acting bad/rude/crabby whatever word you'd like to use. Pushy people walking around an obvious line of people waiting to go to front to say "Oh I have a question" Hello line of people with questions wait your turn. People being loud complaining why don't they speak our language - Hello again your in their country not vise versa. I don't speak any languages well and managed with a smile and an attempt at the language, and if anyone was rude it was not to my face which is all that really matters (at least to me)! And I'm sorry to say the tour groups that I encountered were large and loud. When the sign in the Church says "Silence please" that's what it means. I won't let people like this keep me from traveling but I will walk the other direction a little faster to get away when I see them coming.
Hasschen
USA 10/10/00

Just got back from Italy. UP's are everywhere (Ugly People). At Vivoli's in Florence at a particularly crowded moment, a group of about 6 or 7 elderly Italian women (locals ?) came in shoving and elbowing their way everywhere - to the counter to pay, and then to the gelato bar to get their selections. After my shock at their rudeness wore off, I asked myself if this was a learned behavior resulting from the many tourists who probably frequent this place (many of course are the Rick Steve faithful...), or just some rude old women. Maybe a little bit of both... On another day, in true UA fashion, I listened as an older American guy kept asking the waiter why he couldn't get any "american" coffee. After a while of this guys' rantings, the waiter grabbed the coffee off of the table and left this guy sitting there dumbfounded. :~)
Joe
Denver, CO USA 10/05/00

Bless you M.D.! A long overdue sentiment. My husband and I spend a lot of time in the Rochester/ Buffalo area on weekends shopping, and often visit our son at school in San Francisco, and I find--like you said--that all types inhabit all countries. The vast majority of Americans are charming, however.
Madie
Toronto, Canada 10/04/00

As a Canadian, I am so sick of our holier-than-thou attitude towards Americans. I find that this attitude is usually displayed by those Canadians who have rarely if ever been to the US. I have spent a lot of time in the States, and firmly believe that there are all types in every country. As for the 'Ugly American' stereotype in Europe, for every UA, there's usually an Ugly Canadian not far behind. Let's try to accept the differences and recognize the similarities more often...
M.D.
Vancouver, BC CAN 10/03/00

Shonah - Regarding Mr. Ugly American in Florence. I sat next to this guy in the south of France last year. You know what the problem is? Rick Steves and ETBD. Hear me out. I read Rick's books and watch his show. So do you and millions of others. Most like his philosophy on travel and share his idea that good travel is not about how much you spend, but about how you enjoy your visit. The problem is there is a small portion of his readers who have heard that Rick's books will save you some money and put you right where the perfect sights are in Europe. We have all seen them. The person reading 'Mona Winks' line for line walking through the museums ignoring the art, the couple with Rick's book under their arm bellowing about "how hard it is to get an ice cold Coke in France" and the guy waving a Rick book under a desk clerk's nose demanding his 10% off as "promised" by Rick. Good ideas and great finds like Ricks' are not secret for long nor are Rick's books allowd only for those with the decency and respect for other people, cultures and languages. That character we have dealt with most likely has a copy of Rick's book in his daybag or in his hotel room. Unfortunately, that is the price of success.
John
USA 10/01/00

To the jerk at ZaZa's in Florence on Sept.9th , who claimed I "ruined his vacation" by pointing out his loud rudeness:
1) You were repeatedly banging your fist on the table, chanting"no" in a loud voice;
2) You were belching loud enough to turn heads;
3) I had to listen to your entire conversation (including that charming aside about how your Granddad "couldn't pee after his operation"); 4) When I couldn't take it anymore, I turned to you and & said so.You informed me (loudly) that I had "no idea who I was talking to" and "how DARE" I "ruin your entire vacation" by being "the rudest person you'd ever met."
5) You then proceeded to glare at my husband.
6)But you're right, too--I was rude. Compared to everyone else in the restaurant who obviously wished you'd go away but politely endured you, I was probably quite abrasive.

Thanks, Rick--I needed that...that, and about twenty other things I wouldn't have learned or otherwise had if not for your books and website.....keep on doin' what you do, man; all the best to you and your family!!
Shonah Smith <email>
Saint John , New Brunswick, Canada 09/29/00

This was a travel feature (group tour, University of AR - Tuscany) in the Fall 2000 "Arkansas" magazine. I'm not an Arkansas native although I live here, and I could just IMAGINE this... From the article "A Tuscan Adventure:" "The Alumni College in Tuscany was shared with alumni from Louisiana State U. After completing a particulularly boisterous excursion, one of their number shouted, 'All you Arkansas hooligans to the back of the bus: you're having entirely too much fun.' There was nothing left to do buy 'Call Those Hogs!' ["Calling the hogs" is a particularly loud, obnoxious Razorbacks football fan's cheer ... Soooo-eeee Pigs!] Call the Hogs we did -- at every opportunity. [Name] enjoyed being the head cheerleader. By the time we departed, the hotel staff, our College hosts, and even the bus driver were indoctrinated."
No Arkie
Hope, AR USA 09/29/00

My main objection to American tourists' anti-smoking mindset is that it often generates the same loud and obnoxious "Ugly American" complaint mechanisms. Last year in Europe when I encountered loud Americans complaining about smoke, I found it about as annoying as loud Americans complaining about no ice in their drinks.
Paul
USA 09/26/00

In Musee D'orsay, with signs all over with circles and lines through Flash Cameras, a woman was taking pictures with a flash. I shot her an ugly look and her response, with an American twang, was, "It doesn't turn off" - I shot back with "guess postcards will have to do."

USA 09/20/00

I spent a summer in Strasbourg, France, with four other Americans. We all attended a language school during the day to build our business language skills. Students at the school came from all over the world: Italy, Germany, Japan, Croatia, Spain, etc. Two of American girls in our group were incredibly diet-conscious, Type A personalities. They would forgo hanging out with all of the other students in their never-ending quest to find "healthy" food in France. They would complain incessently about their lodging situations, prices, and the lack of a decent gym in town. One of the two of them wouldn't even try to speak French outside of the classroom. As a result, most of the other students classified them as UA's. Pretty pathetic.
J. H.
Santa Monica, CA USA 09/12/00

I am an Englishman who travels a great deal. The 'Ugly American' scenario is horribly unfair but there are two areas that can improve one's image:

1. Don't assume that you will be able to use dollars everywhere in Europe. An irritating, frequent situation occurs when you are in a queue to pay for goods at an airport shop and the guy in front hands a $100 bill to the assistant, who accepts it and gives change in local currency. So far so good, but what really anoys is when the American insists that they receive change in USA currency. Hey, come on, guys, if you haven't got local money, use plastic--Mastercard and Visa are universally accepted in airports.

2. If you rent a car in Britain, Ireland or Malta, where they drive on the lefthand side and use stick shifts, get one of the staff to give you a quick guide to the layout of the controls. It saves a lot of potentially dangerous situations.

Having said all of that, the real problem you guys face is that you are coming from the MOST developed nation on earth, thus when you travel abroad you will inevitably have to face a reduction in facilities (plumbing, transport, commerce and education to name but a few). You will also be noted by your accents and will be targeted as easy marks for a ripoff - hardly an 'Ugly American' scenario, more an 'Ugly European' one (e.g., British taxis, British pubs, Greek hotels).

One final thing: it is natural (and utterly correct) for Americans to expect equal rights for all, irrespective of gender. However, in Portugal and Turkey and many other countries in Europe you can kiss that concept goodbye as soon as you land--it's wrong, but please be aware that in some countries women are seen as inferiour to men.

Happy travelling!
Alan Bishop <email>
Nottingham, England 09/06/00

Brava, Nina! I, too, have been bugged by the "Ugly American" label, since ugliness spans the globe. It's all about politeness, respect, and self-awareness. It shouldn't be about hiding the fact that you're American. If you're not self-absorbed and have a modicum of couth, travel can be a joy.
Jeremy
Rochester, NY USA 09/05/00

Before I started to travel, I bought into the "ugly American" thing. I read how not to look or act like an American, in the hopes that I could assimilate into whatever country I was in.

Now that I have traveled extensively, I have seen numerous "uglies"--French, German, Japanese, American, etc. I am no longer ashamed that I look like an American, but yes, I am still embarrased by loud speaking and acting Americans. Yes, I look the other way and make a point of speaking softly. BUT I am what I am...I have been lucky enough to make many foreign aquaintances on my trips. People gravitate towards me because of the fact that I am an American and because I am polite. They are anxious to ask questions about our life here and to relate stories of their travels here, or perhaps to thank us for helping their families during WWII.

I am very vocal towards what I perceive as governmental injustices here, but when I travel, I am not embarrassed to be seen as an American, albeit a polite, well-mannered one.
Nina <email>
San Francisco, CA USA 09/03/00

"First time in Europe" has an excellent analysis of the ugly tourist situation.
aunt grapes
USA 08/26/00

I'm just back from 2 months in Europe and I didn't notice Americans being particularly awful. Traveling is stressful and I saw people reacting badly under stress, and people with amazing class who were able to bear the stress gracefully. The main friction between Americans and Europeans seems to be the inevitable conflict of mixing a monolingual culture with a multilingual culture. For a European it would indeed be arrogant to assume your language was the dominant one. For most Americans a foreign language is a novelty and it is easy to lapse into English when you are tired or pressured. Several times I talked to Europeans who were irritated by an American's cultural clumsiness and they were all reacting as if the American was a European from a different country--they assumed arrogance was the problem. It was difficult to explain how you could grow up in the U.S. without ever speaking to anyone in another language. They found it hard to believe.
First-time Europe
USA 08/26/00

I'm afraid I was guilty of being an Ugly American at least once while living in Europe. Several people from our base had gone on an incredible "Rhine Aflame" cruise on the 4th of July. There were the most beautiful fireworks shooting from every castle. What a wonderful experience! Anyway, after ? number of Weizen Beers, I am afraid I stood up (with coaching from my friends) and belted out the National Anthem in honor of our Independance Day. Luckily, our newfound German friends all applauded and laughed. It was fun at the time, but I have to grimace when I recall it now.
Julie
USA 08/19/00

When we were at Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guards, there were some college kids talking loudly of drinking beer day and night, and how they couldn't stand the heat, and on and on about wishing they were somewhere else. I'm around the same age they were and it was very disturbing to learn firsthand why people think of Americans overseas the way they do.

I also saw an American family in a small shop in Venice ask the elderly shopkeeper how much everything was "in American" and do they take credit cards because that was the only thing they had--not attempting to speak Italian at all. I'd read in Rrick Steves it is rude for Americans to use the word "ciao" because it is used between close and personal friends, but the American woman was even saying to her baby, "Come on, say 'ciao,' say 'ciao,'" and she and her husband kept saying it, I guess being the only word they knew in italian.
Hilllary <email>
nashville, tn USA 08/18/00

I live in central London and we have many tourists, especially in the summer. I can honestly say that I have found Americans to be uniformly polite and pleasant people while visiting. They are very welcome!
S.J. Lean <email>
London, Mdx UK 08/17/00

Because we've been devotees of Rick's philosophy of wrapping yourselves in the local ambience and of being polite, appreciative guests, all of our "Euroventures" have been happy, rewarding experiences. Yes...even in Paris. We took the time to learn basic, polite French and to research things a bit. This rewarded us greatly and helped a tiny bit to show that all Americans don't have to be "ugly."

So, in London, what a shock it was when a group of Americans in front of us in a queue were trying to pay for their lunch and kidding (loudly) about the British coins, pounds and pence and so on, and yelling that they "still don't understand all their complicated money" but added that "inventing dollars and cents" was the best thing "we" ever did for "them." It'd be different if it was funny, but everyone around just looked disgusted.
John L. Smith
Valrico, FL USA 08/07/00

Does anyone have any ideas on how to tactfully tell the wannabe art critics of the world to stop? It doesn't matter what country or what museum you're in. There are people who stand completely in front of the art and refuse to move, so you can't possibly get a good view. Then there are the people who LOUDLY criticize the artist or tell the rest of the museum what the artist was trying to portray--often incorrectly. I know I could ignore them, but...
Down in front!
USA 08/07/00

My wife and I visited London and stayed in very small B & B on Hugh St. near Victoria Station. We often went down to the corner pub to relax and get some great pub grub. One night three couples came in and sat at the table near us. We were sharing with each other about the sights that we have seen and giving each other bits of advice. This was all fine until they found out that we were from Nebraska. Well, I'm a Nebraska football fan as much as the next guy. But at least I don't go around singing the Nebraska fight song in a pub in a foreign country. But that's what happened when I went to the bar to get my wife and myself another drink. While at the bar they started singing and the pub patrons all stared. Needless to say when I got back with our drinks, my wife was ready to leave.

My wife and I try not to be obvious that we are tourists. It is more fun just to sit back and watch and enjoy a different culture.
Terry Steinkamp <email>
Weeping Water, NE USA 08/06/00

On a train ride from Austria to Munich, two 19-year-old Californians were engaging a German woman and her teenage daughter in a conversation about American pop culture. The boys were very proud of the fact that they think American Pie and such movies were great. They were also equally proud of how they had been on the train from Barcelona to Munich for the last 20-odd hours, with practically no money for food, but they always had money for beer. We were sitting across from a German physicist who obviously understood every word, and was trying to work on the train, and we were so embarrassed by their behaviour that we tried not look the physicist in the eyes every time he was interrupted by the noise.

I am Canadian, and before our trip, we sewed Canadian flags onto our bags, but we took them off after the first week in Paris, because the way some Canadians behave in public was also quite embarrassing. So ugliness is by no means just an American phenomenon. In fact, we have met many just as ugly Germans, Italians, etc. It's only because whenever one hears a loud English speaker, one automatically assumes it's an American.

Toronto, ON Canada 07/26/00

The ugliest Americans I ever saw: On the train from Genoa to Nice, a guy in FIRST class cut his fingernails. Then cut his toenails. His girlfriend/wife sat and said nothing. Please, how utterly disgusting. I pretended to be Italian.

USA 07/24/00

I'd like to nominate America's Dulles International Airport as one giant "Ugly American." I've used this airport for a half a dozen international flights and I am always offended that there are NO signs in other languages to steer foreign tourists to the proper places - not even "WELCOME." In the smallest Italian town, train station, etc., I found multiple languages on phones, signs, shops, restaurants, government and private enterprise alike, AND Italians willing to commuicate for the small price of courtesy. If our government and the major ports of entry into the USA are unconcerned about the communications needs of visitors, how can we expect our citizens to also be better ambassadors?
Kate <email>
Silver Spring, MD USA 07/21/00

We had the same experience at the Sistine Chapel that Julia did (below), with people talking, taking pictures, etc. I won't pretend that it wasn't irritating, but, at the same time, I didn't allow it to ruin my time there. At some point you just have to block out the distractions as best you can and focus on what you came so far to see.
MJM
CA USA 07/21/00

In Rome, of course one of our first stops was the Vatican Museum to see the Sistine Chapel and DaVinci's restored frescoes. Well, I would like to have said they were beautiful, but I hardly noticed because I was so mad. There were many, many signs, in many, many languages saying SILENCE, and NO PHOTOS. But people were talking, very loudly. Finally, an employee came on over a microphone and said "SSHH, Silenzio." That worked for about 30 seconds. Eventually, people just ignored the pleas for respectful silence, and jabbered away. I went around and shushed people, and even put my face right up to theirs and put my finger to my lips, but after awhile I had to leave; I was just SO ANGRY. I don't understand people who are so disrespectful! It made me want to cry after a while...
Julia
Oakland, CA USA 07/13/00

I almost pulled a UA myself a few years ago, but I caught myself in the process.

My parents and I were in Paris (I being the only one who spoke French), stuck in a midnight rainstorm looking for a metro station. I spotted a man taking shelter from the rain and was sent over to get directions. "Excuse me, do you know where the metro is?" No response. "Is there a metro near here?" The man just shrugged his shoulders. "Ou est le metro?" At that the man responded, "Oh, it's over that way two blocks."

A bit bemused, we found our way to the metro station with no problem after that.
Jim
Seattle, WA USA 07/12/00

Ugliness is not limited to Americans, I'm afraid. While I was doing some spring hiking above Zermatt, I met an interesting Swiss woman. We had a good conversation while we hiked back down and decided to have lunch at a Zermatt restaurant. While the waiter was obviously not a native speaker, he spoke good German by my admittedly foreign ears. I was mortified when my companion became quite irritated and started speaking English to the waiter very loudly. After this surprising display, I noticed on several occasions other Swiss being quite rude to non-Swiss wait staff, much as Parisian waiters were reputed to treat non-French tourists years ago. I admonish people of all nationalities to be more tolerant of foriegners, be they immigrants or tourists.
Mark Adair
Belmont, MA USA 07/09/00

I agree with earlier postings about the horrid American college kids in Cinque Terre. We visited in the last week of June, and my husband and I were appalled at the loutish behavior of most of the college-age kids visiting this region. In general, most of them seemed to think that they were vacationing in Fort Lauderdale or Ocean City, MD. They made absolutely no effort to speak Italian (one woman walked into a restaurant and when her waiter greeted her, her only reply to him was a loud, "Do you speak English?"), and they drank far too much. The residents told us on several occasions that they are sick of Americans, and I don't blame them one bit after observing these backpackers.
Amy <email>
San Francisco, USA 07/07/00

Ugly Americans? I went to the Disneylandish World Expo in Hannover and found the young teenagers were more aggressive than those in the US. On our two shuttle buses, they pushed three old couples out of the way on the shuttle bus, even knocking an elderly lady over. I was able to grab the doors on the third bus and hold off the crowd enough to allow the three couples to enter and be seated.

I got on the bus which was then swarmed by kids. They almost crushed each other. I was quiet but got a nice German thank-you from one of the ladies (as well as someone to visit in Augsburg). Then it happened: THE TEENS WERE AMERICANS and talking in English about how rude I was. I asked them where they were from when we left the bus. It turned out they were from Salem, Oregon. They were over on a cultural exchange tour. I'd thought they were German and they thought me to be German as well.

It made a lasting impression on me. I was already developing a first impression and prejudice about German teens...How wrong we can be. I learned the importance of being polite, courteous and NOT introducing yourself as an American.

It has been a long time since I have been so humbled.

P.S. If you love cars, go to Volkswagen's Autostadt in Wolfsburg, Germany (www.autostadt.de)--the best I have seen in the world. Don't miss the museum. A wonderful car lover's paradise. Takes a full day.
Randy <email>
Bend, OR USA 07/06/00

I love these postings! I know that Ugly Travelers aren't always Americans, but when they are it's so disheartening.

My husband and I just got back from six weeks in Spain, where we cycled the Camino de Santiago. My worst memory has to do with a group of American college students. One day as we were riding along, we came across a small purse and inside was an American passport belonging to a 20-year-old girl from Connecticut. At the first pilgrim's refuge we came to, we left it with the fellow in charge because we know what a trauma it can be to lose your passport.

A couple of days later, in a town called Sahagun, we were in the pilgrim's refuge when I saw the girl who had lost her passport. I greeted her and asked if she received her passport, as we were the ones who had found it. She just looked at me and grunted, "Yeah," and walked away.

A few hours later, my husband and I stopped in at a restaurant with some other pilgrims and there were only two tables set up: one for four and another for about 15 or 16. The small table was empty, but the long table had five or six people at it--the American college kids. Our group of five took the smaller table and since we were short a chair I asked the kids if we could borrow one of their chairs until all of their group arrived. They refused, saying that everyone was going to show up any minute. Okay. Fine. I can accept that. So I sat on my husband's knee for 40 minutes. In all that time, the American kids still had two chairs empty and did not offer to lend a chair even for three seconds.

It was really sad to see, especially from fellow pilgrims. With their arrogant sense of entitlement and insular ways it's no wonder the stereotype of ugly traveler abounds.
Tanya
Toronto, Canada 07/06/00

This past May, two friends and I were having dinner at a fine restaurant in Monterosso, Italy. Behind us was a table of Americans, led by a loud, demanding older woman (who also happened to be staying at the same hotel as we were). She is from San Francisco and boasted of running a cooking school there. These other people with her were students on a cooking adventure.

Shortly after we were seated, we overheard her call the waiter over. She said, "When I make this sauce, these are my ingredients..." and told him how his cook should have made the sauce. The audacity! She even demanded to see the cook in the kitchen! When the waiter wouldn't comply, she accused him of having a New York attitude (having overheard him tell us that his good English was from having lived in New York for a couple of years), and demanded to see the owner. He did a swirl and a low bow and when he stood up, he announced that he was, indeed, the owner!

That almost tongue-tied this woman, but not quite. She continued complaining about the food and the service and soon had her companions complaining as well. By the way, our food was wonderful! But then, we were open to experiencing the regional cuisine, not imposing our methods on them.

At last, I could stand no more, and told this woman that she had given me the best laugh of the day with her ridiculous behavior, adding that I thought she should be ashamed to call herself an American, and I hoped that the rest of us would not be judged by her crowd's obnoxious behavior. Well, after I said that, a couple sitting a few seats away from us began to applaud; they were from New York and were offended by the rude American's comment on the "New York attitude!"

The owner was so grateful for our support that he brought out the lemoncella liqueur and passed it around our side of the veranda, free of charge.

And guess what? This "cooking school teacher" was carrying a Rick Steves guidebook to Italy. Evidently she didn't read the part about respecting the country you're visiting. She deserved the Ugly American award for the entire month of May!
Karen <email>
Elgin, IL USA 07/05/00

Just returned from three weeks in Europe. In Bath, England at Sally Lunn's (a tea house), a lady near us complained to the manager that her chicken salad was "not what she expected." She complained until she didn't have to pay. I was so embarassed! Of course it was not what she expected--I travel to enjoy the differences and diversities!

Then in Florence, Italy off the Ponte Vecchio behind the Uffizi Gallery I saw two scooters crash amidst many pedestrians. We rushed up to help - then were mortified to hear them speaking English! It was a man and woman (a couple) who had crashed into each other--and they did not know how to drive scooters! They were learning in Italy of all places! These inconsiderate individuals could have really hurt someone. They were in crowds of people! They were not hurt, but the scooters were damaged. Don't be stupid by renting scooters in Europe, especially in Italy. The traffic is much different.

USA 06/30/00

We also began gawking at the atrociousness of the way some Americans acted (we began passing ourselves off as Canadians if anyone asked). But we were especially appalled at what we saw in Riomaggiore, in the Cinque Terre: upon arriving at our beautiful apartment overlooking the main street, Ugly Americans -- mostly late 20-ish football-player looking guys who would hang out all day at the local Bar Centrale -- would command the attention of everyone passing by as they hooted at the local women, smashed beer glasses on the road, broke flower pots outside of private homes and harangued the locals. As 21-year old Northern Californian travellers ourselves, we felt embarrassed and tried to distance ourselves from the Ugly American tourists as much as possible. In Italian, we would try to apologize to the shopkeepers, the post-office clerks and anyone else who were recently harrassed by the "Frat Boys" as we called them. As Riomaggiore is one of the most magical and intimate towns in Italy, it was very saddening to witness a visual and aural stampede of people who did not respect the idea of a quiet fishing village nor the locals who open their doors and their culture to others. It was a lesson in how entitled us Americans believe we are when it comes to other customs and cultures; instead of embracing the differences, some of us crap all over them.
Nora BF <email>
Berkeley, CA USA 06/27/00

This isn't ugly but kind of cute and out of place. On a streetin Madrid last March so a sixty or so couple looking a little lost and amazed by their surroundings wearing a matching pair of the whitest boat shoes that I had every seen. If this was every a beaon for every pickpocket in the area, this was it.
Frank <email>
Denver, CO USA 06/27/00

In terms of ugly American sightings, there are many to be found in the Old town of Salzburg, as well as in the fortress above the town. One woman in the fortress was complaining about the staircases, and yelling very loudly that there should be some elevators. A fifteen year old girl walked up to a clerk, handed her audio tour receiver to the clerk, and said it was the most boring thing she had ever heard. There was a man who climbed the columns in the concert room to pose for a picture. I loved the place, but it was one of those moments I wished I was alone there to enjoy the castle.
Joshua Lumsden <email>
Ellensburg, WA USA 06/26/00

I saw a young, pierced American couple doing essentially the same thing--mugging for photos in an empty confessional, and then taking a photograph of a penirent confessing his sins. One of the young men who volunteers in the Archbasilica saw this, and called the gendarme on duty over. They escorted the young couple out (despite their protests that they were American, and that "you can't kick someone out of a Church") and cautioned them that if they returned again, they would be arrested.

Another time I saw a different American couple go up to the Swiss Guard on duty near the Gate of the Bells (to the left of the Archbasilica). He crossed the barrier, and despite the Guard yelling "Alto! Stop! Halten-sie!" marched up to the guard and tried to pose with him for a picture! The guard (wisely) seized the 'gentleman' by the arm and hustled him through the archway, out of sight. He then assumed a new stance outside the guard hut and in the archway, kind of a new defensive posture. Soon, two more swiss guards in navy fatigues joined him. After about half-an-hour, during which the man's wife (or whatever) sobbed, wailed, and threatened to go to the US embassy, he finally emerged, escorted by four or five of the Vatican gendarmes (police). They were taken to the Italian border near the via del Consolazione. I followed, and heard them give him a lecture about respecting barriers. The Swiss Guards aren't total hardheads, I have seen them comfort and direct to the proper authorities lost children, help a fallen elderly woman, and come back after they were"off duty" to take a picture with a particularly polite and patient group of tourists.
Lars Biese
St. Louis, MO USA 06/20/00

One way of avoiding being ugly- ask the natives in their language whether they speak English before launching into a request. Imagine how you would feel if you were frequently approached in your hometown by foreigners who expect you to speak their language.
John Malkin <email>
Menlo Park, CA USA 06/16/00

In Italy, I got to witness an "Ugly American" first hand. I was making my way around St. Peter's Basilica and saw a middle aged woman posing in one of the confessionals on her knees with a big cheesy smile and asking her compainion if the "got" the "perfect shot" with their camera. I was totally apalled at their lack of due respect while in a church as was a group of european tourists nearby.
Matt Midcap <email>
Columbia, SC USA 06/14/00

I remember reading that prior to the U.S. recession in the early 1990's, you could practically count on dismissive and snobbish attitudes from the French. After the recession they realized just how much of their livelihoods were tied to American tourism dollars, and the attitudes took a 180 degree turn.
Gwen
Salt Lake City, USA 06/13/00

I agree with many that the French get a bum rap. Before I went to France, I learned as much French as my southern drawl could handle-really basic stuff. I know I mangled the language. But everywhere the French were charming. I remember my first day, stopping at a local cafe in Rethel. I had mastered how to order but forgotten the money part. No problem. The owner and locals were wonderful, there, and everywhere I went in France. The people in Normandy love Americans, just give them a chance. Just learning some basic phrases and courtesy gets one a long way. The only uglies I saw were the British in Brugge, Belguim who refused to use even the basic phrases although it was obvious they traveled to the area often. I was embarrassed standing in the same line with them.
Ellen <email>
Springfield, Mo USA 06/13/00

As a native Spanish speaking Mexican-American I can vouch that although Spanish and Italian are two completely different languages they are similar enough to convey simple communication often times words are only a little different. I once roomed with 3 Italian speakers and when they conversed among themselves I could listen to their conversations and keep up with what they were saying. I couldn't jump in and gab along, but I knew what was roughly going on. I have had similar experiences with a couple other latin-based languages as well.

CA USA 06/05/00

In Great Britain, the two fingers up, palm facing the gesturer is the equivalent of the third-finger salute in the US, if memory serves--in other words, it's quite rude!

USA 06/04/00

You gotta cringe when you hear Americans (or anyone) using Spanish in Italy because it's "close enough." I still laugh about this frustrated young woman trying to buy a train ticket.
Voglio ain't yo quiero
USA 06/03/00

On our last night in Holland we were having dinner in Haarlem at Rick's recommended Nanking Restaurant. My husband and I were sitting at a window table, and soon, I notice a group of locals in the doorway of the bar across the street. They were laughing and looking right at us. My first thought is that it's just a coincidence as we're not lugging around cameras, wearing distinctive clothing, etc. One guy walks across the street into the restaurant apparently just to come up to us and say "rijsttavel, eh?" (rice table or the Rick recommended dishes we were eating) before busting up laughing and joining his friends back on the street for more laughing and staring. Next thing, he and even more of his friends come into the restaurant for dinner. They say something to the owner about Americans, and she rolls her eyes. Finally, the laughing stops. Otherwise, all the natives we encountered on our trip were wonderful and very helpful!
Dutch Treat...ment
USA 06/01/00

The most flagrant example of "UA" took place in the "Sophisticated Traveller" insert of the April 2000 New York Times. On the last page, there was a photo spread of various foreign currencies, with the caption "Funny Money." The gist of the spread was, with the introduction of the Euro, there would be fewer examples of different currencies around the world. The Times wanted to show examples of existant foreign currencies, and chose examples from mostly developing countries. I understand the rationale behind the Times pictoral sprea. However, the choice of the expression "Funny Money" was terribly insensitive. As a resident of Canada, I have experienced Americans refer to our currency as funny money, monopoly money, coupons, not real money, etc. I have also heard this in Europe. Frequently, the American will ask, "How much is this in American money?" To the non-American ear, this is all quite demeaning. That the New York Times would use such an expression is to say the least, unfortunate.
Carl Raskin <email>
Nepean, ON Canada 05/31/00

I think that the ugly title can be attached to anyone any where. If you are rude at home then you will be rude over seas. On my last trip to Europe I ran into ugly Japanese that pust their way in front of the crowd, ugly Canadians who wear patches so no one will think they are Americans. But the rudest encounter we had on our travels came from a taxi driver in Florence. It was pouring rain and we were trying to catch a train to Venice. Now being young and backpackers we knew we didn't look like much, but why would that stop a taxi from picking us up, after all a fare is a fare. I would soon find out this is not true. We hailed the taxi and he began to stop for us but when he got close enough to see we were only wet students he shook his head and sped away splashing us with puddle water from the road. We would have been very greatful to be picked up out of the rain. I guess what I am trying to say is that all people can be rude so just be mindful of others and use the good manners your mother taught you and you will be fine.
Hayden Kerr <email>
seattle, wa USA 05/30/00

I think it's OK to ask "Do you speak English" as long as you ask it in the language of the country that you're in (e.g. in Portugal, ask in Portugese). They don't necessarily expect you to be able to converse fluently in their language, just be courteous and learn some key phrases and courtesy words. Although the Americans I ran into were indeed loud, it was a select few fellow Canadians that embarrassed me. In one instance, at dinner in western Algarve, the Canadian man declared loudly "Don't go to the forts, they SUCK!" He repeated that they SUCKED a few more times, in case the entire restaurant hadn't heard the first time. The other time, a couple that I met just kept saying how everyhing in Porugal was not that great, different from Canada (duh!), etc. They were nice people but, why are they in another country if they don't like 'different'?
bettyboop
Canada 05/28/00

"Don't touch the fruit." That's what the sign read in 3 different languages outside a fruit stand in Venice. But the Ugly American Tour Group wearing matching bright yellow hats insisted on molesting all the fruit they could get their hands on. When the store keeper started screaming some choice Italian curses at them they were offended. I'm sure they went home and spread rumors about how nasty the Italians are.
Colleen Leslie <email>
Oakhurst, NJ USA 05/26/00

I've been lucky enough to visit Europe several times, but my visits have been limited to English and French-speaking countries. I'm very comfortable with both languages and try to be as open as possible to the culture and customs of wherever I'm traveling. On my next trip, however, I plan to visit Italy, Spain and Germany. I always cringe when I see Americans in Paris saying, "Do you speak English?!" to retailers and servers, etc.
Kate Judson <email>
Madison, WI USA 05/24/00

A word to all, please read all of Rick's books regarding customs, dress and mannerisms of the country you are visiting before leaving. My stories:

1 - In Arles, the woman who talked with the megaphone voice in the Hotel Calendal. Among her choice lines, screaming "Oh Mad-mo-zelle!" to the servers in the dining room and proclaiming to everyone that her family's bill was over 50'000 FF. "Bernie go to an ATM, I only have 21,000 FF!" (After she left, the staff laughed but shook their heads at this party who had "more money than sense". They were clearly insulted and offended).
2 - The man on Rue Cler who thanked the French merchant by pronouncing m'erci as "mercy". It only takes five minutes to learn to say a few key words correctly and only one instance to butcher them without trying.
Johnny <email>
Fort Worth , TX USA 05/19/00

While I enjoyed, in a perverse way, the discussion of an American couple regarding the non-existence of bagels in Paris (this after his comment about that "long skinny bread" being "like the national bread or something"), they did get points for being polite & trying, even if they did mispronounce all things French.
Cathy
San Jose, CA USA 05/11/00

I witnessed an American family at a car rental agency in Hamburg. There was an awesome selection of BMW's, Opels and Volkswagens to pick from but the family insisted on an SUV. When the agent explained they do not rent trucks in Germany, the American family was baffled and said they'd try another agency. The clerks behind the counter and I had a good laugh after I explained that some Americans must think their big gas-guzzling trucks are better than a BMW for taking on the Autobahn. I hope they stayed out of the fast lane.
Brian <email>
Toronto, Canada 04/25/00

Last summer my family and I went on a cruise. When we were having dinner our server asked if anyone would like something from the bar. My brother ordered a drink, but his wife yelled at him and they started fighting about it. The whole time the poor lady just stood there smiling politely. Also on our first night on the ship they got into a horrible fight. Our room was right next door so we could hear the whole thing. My mother had to finally go to their room and tell them to stop before we got thrown off the ship. It's bad enough to see UAs, but worse still when they're related to you!
Jennifer <email>
Lynchburg, VA USA 04/21/00

I had a UA sighting in London just a couple weeks ago at the Victoria & Albert Museum. I wouldn't describe it as "horrifying," but it made me uncomfortable. In the jewelry exhibit, an American woman insisted on commenting on every display at the top of her lungs: "Now look at that necklace. Looks like they didn't know what color to use so they used them all. Looks like Mardi Gras," and, "Look at that coral. Whaddaya mean you don't like orange? You MUST love orange. I just don't understand you," etc. etc. But what really made me cringe was her parting comment: "I just don't see anything inspiring here. I thought I was going to get some ideas for my bead projects at home, but it's just not gonna happen at this place!" I guess it takes more than one of the finest collections of jewelry in the world to inspire "bead projects." She made my stomach hurt.
Carrie
Chicago, USA 04/18/00

Actually, my experience is with the beautiful French (BF, I guess). I was in a patisserie in Lyon, trying to order some pain au chocolat in my broken french. When I used the informal "tu" form instead of the more appropriate "vous," I caught myself and apologized. The clerk countered by saying with a warm smile, "ce n'est pas grave," more or less "it's not important." She immediately put me at ease and made me more comfortable about using my pathetic French. A few days later in Paris, I was enjoying a meal with my wife when the mussels were brought out. Faced with a wide array of utensils, I was confused about which to use. The waiter must have sensed this and very discreetly came up behind me and pointed out the appropriate fork to use. Those French get a bum rap, and helped me avoid becoming a UA!
Shonn <email>
Havre de Grace, MD USA 04/12/00

When I was in the Cinque Terre I ran into a number of young Americans who decided to wear a Canadian flag on their packs, "just in case." Just in case of what? They were still loud and set themselves off as Americans; they talked with everyone about why they were wearing the Maple Leaf instead of the USA flag. They didn't fool anyone, and made a mockery of themselves. I asked one of them if he ran into serious trouble, which government he was going to call upon for assistance. He said, very loudly, "USA, man!" I smirked at him, and he later took off the maple leaf. He probably put it back on when he got on the train the next day. You know, "just in case."
Chris Carmichael <email>
Portland, OR USA 04/06/00

For Jim who thought the American military were a UA problem I must say he is way off base (pardon the pun). The US military presence overseas which includes their families totals in excess of 300,000 people or a city the size of Raleigh NC/Tacoma WA. Proportionally the number and type of these crimes is far less in military communities than for a similar sized population of civilians (and the family members are civilians). As for the horrible incident with the US teenagers in Darmstadt, how often do we Americans tolerate this type of foolishness here in the States? Throwing rocks off bridges (and other senseless acts of violence) occur with great frequency causing numerous injuries and deaths. In our violence-numbed society it is not even bad enough to make the evening news until it occurs at a military base overseas. Our military people overseas are a reflection of the society they come from. So long as our society tolerates gun violence, gangs, harmful pranks, and general lawlessness, we will continue to witness these tragedies whether they are here at home or at an overseas military base
CJ Courtney <email>
Flagstaff, AZ USA 03/16/00

My own husband did an "ugly American" thing once. He speaks fluent French but as he rarely uses it, is uncomfortable pronouncing it as he is a total perfectionist and fears he may have a bad accent.

We were in a food bar in Strasbourg and he spoke to the clerk only in English. Later while we were waiting, some French customer happened to speak to my husband and he replied in French and they spoke a bit. Well, the clerk overheard this and she looked livid! When she called our order she very sharply said, "You speak French well..why did you make me speak English?" and he said, "Well, it's easier for me." He has never gotten it when I have told him I was on her side and thought he was rude. After all, he was in France and speaks French well...why force clerks to stumble with rough English?
Nancy <email>
USA 03/14/00

After 9 visits to Europe, taking over 800 American tourists, I can honestly say that France seems to be the friendliest, with Belgium a close second. This is a general opinion but I feel that it is needed because France seems to take an unfair beating by far too many Americans. France has been our friend and ally since the American Revolution. Learn some basic French before you go and you will see how much you enjoy France (and always greet in French, THEN ask if English is spoken).

All of us Americans need to stop talking so LOUDLY in Europe and Canada. Let's start demonstrating that quiet class they do. It seems that there are more and more big-mouth Americans in Europe, and the quiet, classy Americans are often mistaken for Europeans.
Ren <email>
Green Bay, Wi USA 03/09/00

The ultimate Ugly American stories are the reports of crimes committed by US military, or their kids, overseas. Do they seem to be increasing, or are they now reported more often rather than being covered up? 2 military kids arrested in Germany after tossing boulders on to the Autobahn, killing at least 2 people; a US serviceman arrested in Kosovo for raping and killing a teenage girl; 3 servicemen convicted on Okinawa for raping a 12 year-old girl; bad behavior in general by US military and their children in the areas surrounding US bases. Our military seem to be better trained than ever when it comes to using high-tech weapons; are they getting cultural training to match? I'm aware that the majority of our military overseas don't do these things, but (just as with tourists) a few incidents do a lot of damage. (Of course, the real debate is whether we should even be there--but this isn't the Foreign Policy discussion board!)
Jim
CO USA 03/08/00

I am an American who likes to travel inconspicuously, and show respect for other cultures. I learn as much of a language as possible when I visit a country, so I can speak to people on their terms, not mine. Usually, this works well. However, when I was in Italy, it kind of backfired.

I went into a small alimentari, stepped up to the counter, and since I wanted two bananas, I said "due banane, per favore." The shopkeeper had no idea what I was talking about. "Due...due banane? Ba...na...ne???" I said, trying various pronunciations of the words. "Due banane?" The shopkeeper still looked puzzled and obviously had no idea what I was talking about. Finally, I gave up, pointed at the bananas, and held up my thumb and index finger to indicate two.

"Ah! Due banane!" he said, pronouncing it exactly like I had.

To this day I still have not figured out whether he was funning me or whether there was some ultrasubtle difference in pronunciation.
Morton T. Heidbecker
MO USA 03/07/00

We were having coffee and a snack in a small out-of-the-way cafe. I am fluent in Italian, and was trying to teach Brian some conversational phrases. Not too many people were in the cafe at the time and the owner (I presume) came over to us, obviously amused by his horrible pronunciation. He and I were talking when an Amercan couple came in and asked the owner for directions (in English). The owner, who barely had knowledge of English, shrugged his shoulders and shook his head and looked towards me. I was about to say somethng to the couple when the American man said in frustration (I guess he didn't have luck finding directions earlier), "What the F--k! Don't any of these f--king idiots speak a word of f--cking English? Jesus Christ! What is the matter with these people?!" Shocked at the horrible display of cultural ignorance and rudeness, I looked at the man and said, "Guardare che cosa voi dicono, non conoscete mai chi può capirlo!" The man looked at me with a questioning look. I looked him straight in eye and translated, "Watch what you say, you never know who can understand you." He then looked at me and then his wife, grabbed her hand and stormed out. The owner smiled at me, kissed me on the cheek and later refused our money when we went to pay.
Isabella <email>
NYC, NY USA 02/24/00

After living in Europe since 1993 I have encountered a few UA's. I have also seen UB's and UG's. I think the funniest were the two flashy wealthy couples who entered a small Italian deli in a residential area in Pisa. We were passing through, driving from Nice to Venice, taking our time, etc. These four entered the small shop and begin to demand "real coffee," not that "eexspresso stuff." The shopkeeper, who had been helping us buy some really nice wines (cheap too) was struggling as his entire vocabulary of English phrases was "please" and "thank you." These were phrases that neither of the two couples seemed to know in any language. The shopkeeper showed them a 250-gram "brick" of regular ground filter coffee. Our UA's sneered at the shopkeeper, let out one more "no eexpresso" bellow and turned on their heels. We waited until they left and then faced the somewhat perplexed shopkeeper. He had shown them the filter coffee, but they were too stupid to look. We shrugged and my wife said to the shopkeeper in Italian, that not all Americans are deaf, blind and stupid. We bought a really great bottle of Montepulciano that the shopkeeper recommended and departed with a smile, wave and "arrivederce", (no "ciao," since he wasn't friend or family). All of us should eat the food, drink the drink, keep our eyes and ears open and our mouths shut.
Scott <email>
Puerto de Santa Maria, CA Spain 02/22/00

In Rome last October, I stopped at a pizzeria neighboring the Pantheon. While I was in line, a loud American woman came in and ordered a Coke..."and make sure it's cold!" The signorina behind the counter handed her a large Coke. The woman looked in the cup and exclaimed "There's no ice!" The signorina explained, "We do not have ice, madam." "How much is this?" demanded the woman. The signorina gave her the price in lire. The woman replied, "How much is that in AMERICAN money?" The signorina (of course) said she didn't know. I jumped in and said about two dollars. The American woman shrieked, "TWO DOLLARS and there's NO ICE?" She slammed the Coke on the counter and said, "I'm not taking that. Take it back. You'd better learn how to treat your visitors. This is outrageous." Then she stormed out. I said to the clerk in my elementary Italian, "Tutti gli americani non sono come la donna" (Not all Americans are like that woman). The signorina smiled and asked me if I was American. I said I was. She smiled again...and handed me the Coke, refusing to take my money for it. The Ugly American missed out on a darn cold Coke.
Sheramy <email>
Atlanta, GA USA 02/19/00

My husband and I traveled to Paris a few years ago and we just came into the city on their Labor Day. We had all our luggage and wanted to see if we could store it in a locker at the airport until we found a hotel room in the city. We asked the American woman working at the American Airlines info desk where we might find a locker. She snapped at us, saying that the Paris airport didn't have lockers for security reasons. So my husband asked if she knew of anywhere we might be able to get a room. Again in a harsh tone, "This is Labor Day and all the hotels are probably booked for the holiday. You'll be lucky to find a place." Well, my husband and I had used the Thomas Cook agency before to make reservations in England so he thought if we could find a Thomas Cook office maybe they could help us find a room. Anything would've been more helpful than this woman. So he asked if she knew where a Thomas Cook office was and she replied, "This isn't the States, you know!" We told her we had never seen a Thomas Cook in the States, that we actually had used one in London and thanks for nothing!

Anyway, we did finally find a room thanks to a very kind Parisian skycap and we were able to drop off our luggage and see the city baggage-free. And do you know when we got to the Eiffel Tower, directly underneath it was a Thomas Cook Agency! We thought it funny that all our lives we have heard that the French were rude but the only rude person we met in France was an American! Viva La France!
shelley Harris <email>
trophy club,, tx USA 02/19/00

Last semester I was studying abroad in Barcelona at UPF. One weekend I decided to visit my friend who was also studying abroad in Strasbourg. At the train station I come across an American couple asking a passerby, "Where is the ticket office?" The passerby shrugs his shoulders. So the man asks him again, only slower and louder, "WHERE IS THE TICKET OFFICE?"
Raf C <email>
Boston, MA USA 02/14/00

I hate to say it but the number of UA sightings in Europe is on the rise. With the booming US economy and great exchange rates, a larger portion of the population is getting across the pond. Today's UAs seem more self-absorbed and unwilling to care about how the locals see them. That same person who blasts his car stereo, cuts you off in traffic, parks across two parking spaces, cuts in line at the store and then leaves the grocery cart in the middle of the lot is on a plane bound for London as we speak. Often they just don't know what they are doing and listen if you gently tell them what the local norms really are.

Having lived for almost 3 years near the Grand Canyon and 5 years in Europe I can tell you Americans aren't the only ones with bad manners. I think it all stems from ignorance and not from any form of malice. When you get a chance to kindly explain to an ugly tourist the effect of their actions, they more often than not are open-minded and may even modify their behavior. As long as it is not presented in a scolding or self-righteous manner, it can be an effective tool to help reduce rudeness worldwide.
Chris Courtney <email>
Flagstaff, AZ USA 02/06/00

Last summer while in Monterosso, Italy, I wandered into a small bar that was just opening. Using the Rick Steves phrase book, I ordered an espresso. The clerk told me she spoke English and asked if I'd help her with the pronunciation of some words. I did and she helped me with my bumbling Italian. As I sat down to enjoy my espresso, two American students came in and asked, "Got any herbal tea?" The clerk acted like she didn't understand and they finally just pointed to what they wanted and were served. Had they made any attempt at all to speak the language, their experiemce would have been totally different. Just learn "please" and "thank you" in the local language and doors will open for you.
KMB
Lafayette, CO USA 02/04/00

I was living with my family in Rome for three years (working for the UN.) We are on one of our many motor trips, this time to Cararra, of marble fame. We stopped at one of the ubiquitious touristy roadside stores. In the shop was another family with two kids, the wife busily pecking away on a handheld calculator. Soon, in a raspy voice that carried the entire shop we heard, "Is that forty-five dollars in 'Merican money?" We looked at each other and slinked out of the shop.
Bob Burns <email>
Vancouver, WA USA 01/31/00

I have traveled to Europe twice, spending a total of six months in sixteen countries. I have certainly encountered a number of rude or ignorant Americans. But perhaps the most offensive ones are not the oafs who bumble their way through the Continent without any knowledge of history or culture--usually, these people don't mean any harm--but those who would viciously repudiate everything that is American simply because it is American.

And, not surprisingly, some Europeans and other foreign travelers are also "ugly" and far from perfect. Just a few examples: I have encountered German-speaking travelers who angrily demanded that Hungarians and Czechs speak fluent German; merchants who seem to have made the overcharging or shortchanging foreigners into official policy; Australians who simply can't function without their Vegamite for breakfast; bus tours of Italians and Frenchmen loudly rampaging through the streets of London or Paris as if they were visiting Disneyland...need I go on? Likewise, the recent Austrian and Swiss elections demonstrate how xenophobia and bigotry are far from dead on the European continent.

As American tourists, it can become all too easy to assume that Europeans are one big cute happy family, forgetting that cultural differences within Europe are frequently the subject of mockery and derision by Europeans themselves. Yet I'm glad that there is no "Ugly European," "Ugly Australian," or "Ugly Canadian" topic here. After all, what exactly would be the point of that?

I would prefer that we spent our time educating our fellow travelers rather than castigating them for their lack of grace. I have met many terrific people in my travels, Americans, Europeans and otherwise, and I've found that even many of the "ugly" ones are appreciative if you help show them the ropes. I would hope that we would travel to become a little more enlightened, not a lot more pompous. Thanks.
A
Los Angeles, CA USA 01/31/00

Re: reclining seats on planes...I agree with the person below who said that it is rude to complain about people putting their seat back (except during meal time when trays are down). Yes, we're all cramped in like sardines, yes, it may be 2 in the afternoon but remember, you don't get the same bang for your buck anymore. If you want something better you'll have to pay for 1st class. Also, why start your trip off by getting your blood pressure up over a seat or ending your vacation on a sour note because you don't have enough room? I always remember what a friend used to tell me before going on holiday: Hang loose!
Kristen <kclarkin@hotmail.com>
London, UK 01/25/00

Re: Frequent Flyer's comment about reclining seats... I forgot to mention that the Dallas to London flight was at night. It's true that flights are over-crowded, but I would never dream of being rude to someone in front of me for reclining regardless of time of day or length of flight.
USA 01/24/00

While sightseeing in the Old Town of Tallin, Estonia last summer (a beautiful place being massively refurbished and fixed up after years of neglect and decay), I found the Old Town deluged by 800 Holland America cruise passengers. Overheard while gazing at a neighborhood in the early stages of gentrification: "Why this looks like Bosnia, that I saw on the TV." I don't think present-day Tallin compares to a war-ravaged country!
Christine
Boston, MA USA 01/24/00

Regarding the last comment: to me, unless it is night, the rudest thing a person can do is to recline their seat. With the airplanes so crowded and the seats so close, it is miserable to sit with a seat back at your chin.
Frequent flyer
hartford, ct USA 01/24/00

Enroute from Dallas to London, a retired couple seated behind us were angry because we reclined our seats. In retaliation, the woman would rattle her newspaper in my friend's ear & the man would pull a strand of my hair. We didn't say anything because the flight was full & nowhere to escape.

USA 01/22/00

In England, the walk/don't walk signs emit sounds, alerting people when it is and is not safe to walk. During a Guide Friday bus tour in Bath, an American woman asked the guide about the sounds. He replied that it was for the safety of the blind. Her reply: "My God, y'all let the blind drive over here!"
Jim Restle <jimrestle@usa.net>
Sylvania, OH USA 01/14/00

I have to point out that we can all be ugly Americans even when our intentions are the best. I am specifically referring to those who feel it is their personal duty to impose the queue or line system on those who haven't been enlightened.

Personally, I love the neat organization of getting in line, I think it is wonderful that there are traffic rules on London escalators, and I wish Americans would learn them! However, just because I think this is the most efficient way to move people doesn't mean I have the right to go to a another country and decide that this is the only polite behavior.

So when you see someone from another country being "rude" (especially in terms of lines) you may want to think about whether they are simply behaving in a culturally acceptable way for them. To me, the essence of UA is deciding that we know the "better" way of doing things. We all need to educate ourselves on what is socially acceptable, even if it means bunching up at a ticket booth and fighting for your turn, instead of lining up single file. And I certainly don't suggest going to France and teaching the French school children the right way to line up (see earlier post)!

kim <horlander@aol.com>
Orlando, USA 01/12/00

In October we shared a very pampered week-long barge cruise with 10 other passengers. The cruise included delicious meals, interesting sightseeing excursions, Chablis vineyard visits, and a balloon flight. One evening of the cruise we were treated to a wonderful dinner at a 5-star restaurant. The service there was also impeccable. The restaurant staff met our every need. Unfortunately, one of the wait staff had a slight case of body odor. It was noticeable, but certainly did not deter from the dining experience. At least, we didn't think it did. At the end of our cruise, we were asked by the captain of the barge what memories of the trip we would take home with us. As we went around the table discussing our adventures, the lovely scenery, the food, walks through small villages, the fall leaves, the friends we'd made while on board, one of our fellow passengers ruined it all. He became the UA in what was a very special moment. According to him, his only memory would be "the waiter with body odor!" What an impression he must have made on them. We can only hope that our gracious hosts realize that we are not all small-minded UAs.
Sandi & Gary <Garox@uswest.net>
Littleton, CO USA 01/06/00

this is really more stupid than "ugly:" while visiting stonehenge with my folks, I overheard an american couple talking (loudly) about how they believed that stonehenge was brought down and placed there by a glacier.
o
silloth, cu uk 01/05/00

During the time I lived in Italy, my favorite UA sighting was at the Forum in Rome. My friends and I overheard a female (presumably American) tourist proclaim in a loud Southern accent: "I don't understand what all this fuss is about, it's just a bunch of RAWCKS!"
Shannon <swarznak@andrew.cmu.edu>
Pittsburgh, PA USA 01/04/00

I've made 4 trips to Europe and for the most part have been treated quite well. One thing that might trigger a UA episode, however, is the fact that many European shopkeepers do not like to make change. On each trip (to 8 countries total), I've had my money returned and been asked for a smaller bill. As you travelers know, sometimes it's all you can do to figure out the exchange, let alone make smaller change! Also, if you've just left the ATM or the exchange office/bank, you probably don't have smaller bills. Sorry, but this frustrates those of us from the States. We just need to recall that everyone doesn't put a premium on what we consider "service" - this is not a slam, it's a statement of fact. So, if you change money at the bank, ask for smaller bills. Or use larger bills to pay your hotel bill. If you are using ATM's, of course, you are at their mercy. I think that this might be part of why we have that "rich American" misperception...hope this helps!
J Diedrich
Columbus, OH USA 01/04/00

I was going to share the story of the Houston guy demanding a Bud Lite, but I see that Kelley (11/18) beat me to it! Instead, I'll share these gems:

Overheard while viewing the the Crown Jewels display, Tower of London:
Young American female: So, like, what's about them that, like, makes them so special?

Overheard by an acquaintance while he was at the Roman Baths in Bath, England:
Middle-aged American female: Oh mah god, can you buh-leeeve they swam in that unfiltered water?

Jen
Chicago, USA 12/27/99

The thing I can't stand is when Americans travel to Europe, or anywhere else for that matter, and expect everyone there to speak English to accom,odate THEM! Many UA's get angry when a European native can't speak English. I've seen it a million times in restaurants, pubs, museums and other attractions. We need to remember that they are our hosts, not our servants, and shouldn't be treated as inferior or thought of as rude for not speaking English!

USA 12/22/99

I heartily agree with the posting below that claiming to be a Canadian or some other nationality does no good whatsoever. Yes, there are UA's (and U-fill-in-the-nationality-here's) galore. In fact, on our last trip, my own mother was our resident UA. All it did was encourage my wife, kids and me to be even better goodwill ambassadors for our countryfolk: accepting (no, EMBRACING) cultural differences, seeing the country through open eyes, finding the local rhythms, learning at least some of the local language, and using all 5 senses without prejudice. It's up to Americans who do appreciate Europe for what it is (and not as a road-show EPCOT) to be an example. The trip with my mother was an ordeal, but we went to great pains to neutralize my mother's ignorance and attitude (and correct when feasible). As an unfortunate result, we will never travel with her again. However, I hope we left lasting reminders in several minds that there are Americans who appreciate the experiences--both exotic and mundane--that make up Europe.
T.J. Murphy <tjm_y2kedition@hotmail.com>
Petaluma, CA USA 12/20/99

Last spring my daughter and I went to Portugal and tried to tour a Palace in Sintra. There was a group of older Americans in front of us who were (to put it mildly) loud, talking about business, sports and how backwards Portugal was. They also were rude at the admission and gift shop desk about the money. Then last summer we toured Europe using the trains. We really didn't have that much to do with Americans but the few times, a lot of them were unpleasant. Like the two Michigan college students who helped themselves to my daughter's and my reserved seats, made snide remarks about her reading material, and just ignored our fellow passengers, a Mexican woman and her son, and complained endlessly about the conditions on the train (which we knew were typical). There are wonderful young people who travel, but there is also growing opinion that Europe is becoming the Ft. Lauderdale of the future.
Pat Barnes <whitefell@webtv.net>
Shakopee, MN USA 12/15/99

I live in London and work across the street from Harrods (God help me) so I deal with tourists on a daily basis. I can't believe how selfish tourists from the continent can be! School groups think nothing of taking up the entire sidewalk while their teachers decide where to go next and seem to think they're the only ones around. My last class trip was almost five years ago and we were told to act like adults because we were representing our school. Times have changed, I guess. Many people rush for seats on the Tube, leaving elderly and pregnant travellers standing in the aisles, and I actually had to tell an Italian woman sitting down to give the 80-y.o. lady standing her seat! The nerve.

Of course, as always, there are nice people of every nationality, we just never notice them because they're standing on the train, being polite to shop assistants, and quietly making their way through museums. Ah, if only we could all remember those manners our parents once taught us!

Kristen <kclarkin@hotmail.com>
London, UK 12/13/99

Say what you want about Americans behaving badly while traveling in Europe (which I have seen many times), but after living in Germany for 2-1/2 years, I have my own war chest of stories of ugly Europeans. In my opinion, the Germans are the worst, traveling in large groups, demanding menus in the German language, and not understanding that their beloved black bread is not served for breakfast all over Europe. Not to mention the fact that they are not (as a whole) respectful of elderly people for seats on public transportation, which you would never see in Southern Europe. Residents of other European countries loathe to see them coming en mass during vacation time.

I find the Dutch and Belgians the most friendly. But as you travel and are embarrased about the behavior of other Americans, just remember that some of the Europeans might be just as "ugly," if not worse. You just miss the opportunity to know because of the language differences. I am not, however, advocating being a total jerk when you travel here, of course. It does make me cringe, though, when I hear Americans talk about the "American Dollar!"

Cheryl King <chking@ibm.net>
Cuxhaven, Germany 12/11/99

The most common error to my mind is American people who speak too gosh darn loud. There is no need to shout. Whether talking with your English-speaking companion(s) or to waiters or shopkeeps, please, keep your voice down.
seattle
wa USA 12/02/99

Since I am multilingual (French, Russian, German and English [mother tongue]), I just pretend that I do not understand English if I should mave the misfortune of meeting UAs making fools of themselves. Trust me, it can be real enlightening hearing these rubes talk when you tell them that 'Mnye ne poniametb amerikamskii anglieski.'
mnrtytrvlr
USA 11/21/99

I just got back from 2 weeks in Europe on business. Two constant themes in hotels were Americans asking whether they could pay their bills in US dollars, or "How much is this in American dollars?" At all times, the hotel clerk was courteous, but I heard one clerk in Amsterdam complain, when the Americans left, that "when I'm in America, I don't ask how much the hotel costs in Guilders." Another all-too-common example of the UA is the American referring to the local currency as "funny money." This I have often heard in restaurants, and unfortunately well within earshot of the hosts.
Carl Raskin <craskin@storm.ca>
Ottawa, ON Canada 11/20/99

I saw several similar incidents in Ireland. Visiting American rugby players were in rather upscale bars, and kept demanding obscure American "shots" like the purple hooter, as well as liquors like tequila and Jagermeister, which aren't commonly found in such places in Ireland. The bartender kept saying, "How about a whiskey?" "Maybe you'd like a Guiness?" and generally acting very courteous. They kept complaining how no decent college bar [oxymoron] in the States would be without their novelty liquors. Finally the bartender--who had many other polite patrons to whom to attend--said, "Then perhaps I can offer you the door?", and in one swift motion came out from behind the bar, took the most obstreporous of the bunch by the collar, and unceremoniously dumped him out. When he returned, lightly wiping his hands with his Harp bartowel, he asked the lad's friends, "And what can I get you gentlemen?" "Guinness, please" was the almost universal reply of the former rowdies.
Chris <noble@hotmail.com>
St. Louis, MO USA 11/18/99

All through college I wanted to study abroad, but was never able to financially. At 25, I decided to take a 2-month leave of absence from my job and drop a hard-earned $6000 on a couple graduate courses in an American university program at Oxford. While there were many students my age and much older, there were also many 18- and 19-year-olds who were clearly there because Mom and Dad were popping the bill and it seemed like a nice way to pass the summer (and drink legally). I am certainly not bitter that these "kids" could afford what I couldn't, and I certainly support such a culturally enriching experience for those who would truly approach it that way, but I found that on the whole, cultural enrichment was not a high priority, and instead these two months created example after example of UAs.

My favorite occured at a pub in Oxford where an 18-year-old guy from Houston was mad as all get-out that he couldn't get a BUD LIGHT like AT HOME. So he "settled" for a Guinness (which is a luxury in the States). It was obvious after a bit of harrassment that the bartender (an Oxford student) had had enough. Finally this UA asked how late the pub was open. He couldn't believe it was only open until 11 when "all the bars in Texas stay open until at least 2." The bartender was fed up. He put down the glass he was filling, leaned over the bar, and yelled to the UA, "Well, you're not in Texas, are you? You're in England! So shut the f*** up and drink your beer!" It was so classic--I laughed all the way home! Kudos to that bartender at the Kings Arms!

Kelley
Chicago, IL USA 11/18/99

Two of my favorite UA stories occured in Berlin, Germany, where I had been living for about 4 months. While at Zoo Station one morning, I saw two lost, confused, obviously American women about 21 years old. I asked if they needed help finding anything, and they responded, "No way. We are getting the hell OUT of this country. It sucks. No one speaks English!" They turned and left for the platform. As far as I was concerned, Germans didn't need their types in the country!

But I also ran across my fair share of beautiful Americans. We are not all Ugly or ignorant, and please do not assume we all are! Please do be patient with those of us trying to figure out how much something is in US dollars (or whatever currency we work in). When you are on a tight budget, you need to keep track of how much you are spending. If I had just asked for the exchange rate between dollars and pounds sterling, I would not have paid $60 for a train ticket when the bus would have been MUCH cheaper, or $10 for a pack of cigarettes, when I could simply live without. Budgeting is difficult, and when you are moving from country to country, I tend to get confused.

Meryl
Chicago, IL USA 11/08/99

We were staying at a hotel in Paris' Marais district, run by a bunch of younger, vaguely condescending French guys--you know, your typical Parisian experience. We loved it! Anyway, one morning while having breakfast, we overhead a conversation between a UA guest and the guy running the hotel. Apparently she was looking for a particular brand of shoe, and the guy was kind enough to go through the phone book and find the names of a couple of stores that carried them. The following is a verbatim quote: "NO, NO, this won't work. I was looking for the OUTLET STORE. You don't know what an outlet store is? IN AMERICA, they have these stores where you can get the same things for less money. You don't have any outlet stores here?" (Helpful hint: Beginning any sentence with the phrase "In America..." will make friends and influence people the world around.) I sincerely hope this lady spends her next vacation in Reading, Pa.

I could also share the story about the bus full of Mary Kay prizewinners who managed to offend about half of St. Peter's in Rome, or the guy who nearly got us shot during a visa check at the Hungarian border. But I'll save those for the novel.

Earl Hoffert <coalcracker98@hotmail.com>
Craigsville, VA USA 11/08/99

I didn't even get back to Europe before encountering UAs. After an exhausting short trip from the UK to the US, I was surrounded by noisy families on the flight from Dallas back to Manchester last Friday night. The father across the aisle from me insisted on tickling his 10-year-old son--who guffawed loudly--all through the flight. Mom and Sis were one row in front of them, so of course conversations had to be shouted back and forth between the two rows. There seem to be a lot more kids on the Friday night flights. My two sons (7 and 13, by now seasoned travelers), just sat quietly--again GameBoy to the rescue--or slept. If you are flying over the ocean, please remember that even if you don't want to sleep, there are probably people very near you who do.
Bob L.
Derby, UK 11/06/99

See the note from "Carol, Malibu, CA" under Minority Travel Forum on the Graffiti Wall.
Carol
Malibu, CA USA 11/04/99

Learn the local currency. It really is easy if you do some simple research. At Neuschwanstein we were boarding a bus. Keep in mind that the operator is a guy who converted a 4x4 into a bus and makes his living hauling fat butts like mine to the top of the hill. Along came two American couples desiring to ride the same bus. Not only were they obnoxious and loud, they also decided to pay their fare with US currency. The poor guy did his best and, with a bit of assistance, came to an agreement that I am happy to say was in his favor. The two couples boarded the bus and grumbled all the way up. One particularly loud "lady" mentioned something about how the Italians had no problem accepting or converting US currency. I just grinned and thought to myself, "I'll bet they didn't." Please make the effort to learn, it's simply another way to be a gracious visitor.
Jim Degnan <jfdegnans@telebyte.net>
Poulsbo, WA USA 11/02/99

Huge Ugly American sighting in Rome: I was in a ceramics shop and a group of "southern belles" harassed the shopkeeper 'til I thought he would have apoplexy. They didn't understand the currency exchange and accused the poor man of cheating them. One woman actually snatched her credit card out of the man's hand because his phone line was tied up and he couldn't put her transaction through at that very second. I felt compelled to apologize to him for my compatriots' behavior.
Vicki <violaplar@yahoo.com>
St. Louis, MO USA 10/29/99

I hate it when Americans in Europe want to talk to every other American they came across about idiotic things "back in the States." I didn't go to Europe to listen to someone gab on and on about the Pittsburgh Steelers or the problem Buffy is having with her cheerleading chores in Iowa. Anytime I am speaking English in public with my wife and an American marches up and says, "How nice it is to hear English again..where are you from? I'm from Ohio..." I want to run, screaming.
Quentin
USA 10/25/99

Late at night on the train, I suddenly hear, "We're from Mitchell, South Dakota, home of the world's only corn palace..." Unfortunately that was only the beginning. We, along with he rest of the car, got to hear all about the Anderons, their cats, Ethel's sore knee, how these kilometers just don't make sense, etc. etc. etc....
Matt <mrantala@werewolf.net>
Eau Claire, WI USA 10/22/99

I always take photos of the Canadian War Memorial in Green Park, near Buckingham Palace, this time of year when the leaves are changing as my grandfather back in Canada loves to see them. Well, I wasn't there two seconds before a father started to climb up the memorial (it's a slanted fountain with maple leaves etched in the stone) to show that he could walk over the water. Soon the kids were up taking photos of him and everyone was laughing. I stifled my nasty comments as I didn't want to cause a scene.

I only heard one parent in 20 minutes tell her kids not to climb on the memorial and she actually explained what it was for. I thanked her and her elderly mother who had the perfect explanation for the behaviour of the others...lack of respect. It's very true. A lot of parents aren't taking the time to teach their children manners and proper behaviour in public places like churches & memorials. So, I've decided not to get angry with these idiots anymore, but explain the importance of the memorial and why they shouldn't be climbing on it. It's a shame that signs on the sides of the fountain explaining this don't do the trick.

Kristen
London, UK 10/20/99

One of the worst experiences I had in a two-month tour of Europe this summer involved an elderly American couple on a tour of Neuchwanstein, the enormous "fairy-tale" castle near Munich. As our tour group entered one of the smaller rooms in the castle, I (a black American) and a very nice Chinese guy from Singapore that I had met on the train there passed by two older white Americans. The woman turned to stare as we walked in, and loudly declared to her husband (and the entire tour group) that we "couldn't possibly be on the English tour." And this was from a resident of the most ethnically diverse English-speaking nation in the world!
S. D.
Cambridge, MA USA 10/20/99

During my semester in Rome I was eating lunch in a restaurant near the Vatican Museum, which was always overflowing w/ tourists, when an American couple walked in and sat at the other end of the restaurant. This was not far enough away; from the moment she received the menu, the wife kept saying to the waiter in louder and louder tones, "What's this, what's this?" All this when the menu was written in four languages; Italian, French, German and ENGLISH!
Brian Fey <bjfey@hlmdesign.com>
Philadelphia, PA USA 09/28/99

I agree with the person a few entries back who said it might be nice to have a "Helpful Strangers" section. Several years ago when I was 20, my friend and I were on a street corner in Rome, where she was on a pay phone with her mother back in the States. An older Italian man walked up and made gestures that he wanted to use the phone. I said in my most polite, limited Italian that we would only be a few more minutes. However, he got more and more belligerent, yelling and screaming. He grabbed the receiver right out of my friend's hand, bonked her on the head with it, and hung up.

Meanwhile, her mother's listening to this at home, hears the line go dead, and gets frantic. The man proceeded to make his own call. We were so shaken up by this that we both began crying and started back to our hotel. Two boys, who couldn't have been more than 12 years old, stopped us. We don't know if they saw what happened, and they spoke no English, but they pulled out hankerchiefs to dry our tears, tried to give us money to take a cab home, and ended up walking us back to our hotel and giving us hugs. Now when my friend and I talk about this incident, we laugh and feel great that those two young men were so sensitive and considerate. For every Ugly American or other traveller, there have to be two people, travelers or natives, who go out of their way to make someone's day a little better. That is what I think traveling is all about.
Cynthia <travelrs@earthlink.net>
Minneapolis, MMMMn USA 09/20/99

Hey, here's a great idea: this summer let's pack up the kids and take them to a fun-filled day at Auschwitz-Birkenau! Yes, unfortunately, it happened. While staying in Krakow I took a day-trip to the Nazis' largest and most infamous death camp. It was an overwhelmingly somber, sobering, and thought-provoking experience. However, an American couple ignored the signs outside suggesting that the material may be too intense for children under 12 and brought their four-year-old daughter and their eight-year-old son along on the English language tour. At first I was a bit irritated by the kids--fidgeting, talking, and not paying attention to the guide--but then I realized that my real frustration was with the parents who didn't have enough sense to realize that their kids weren't old enough to appreciate the importance and the tragedy of the place and the respect it deserved.

As the tour went on, it became clear that the real problem was that the parents didn't "get it" either--explaining brutal executions to their kids in sing-song voices as though they were exhibits at Disney World, loudly discussing their travel plans and accomodations while we were in the most powerful parts of the camp, and most unbelievably, having one of the kids pose for a picture with a sculpture of an emaciated woman commemorationg the starvation of the victims. Everyone on the tour breathed a sigh of relief when they decided to leave the tour early. Of all of the incidents of Ugly Americans (and other nationalities) on my trip, this was certainly the most flagrant offense, and it took place in the most inappropriate setting that I can imagine.
Cameron Hewitt
Delaware, OH USA 09/20/99

I work part-time in one of the many internet cafes in Florence, and it's given me the patience of a saint (or so some of the customers have told me). Almost no one tries to speak Italian or even ask if I speak English. Furthermore, many Americans complain about the prices - it costs about $5.50 for one hour of internet. They often ask if that is my best price. Also many come in and ask a barrage of questions that have nothing to do with the service the store provides; I often give out advice, however this is why many shopkeepers may seem rude--you cannot imagine what it is like to have dozens of people ask you questions that you cannot possibly answer and then get mad at you because you cannot answer them to their satisfaction.
Off-line in Florence
Italy 09/20/99

I was living in Madrid and had run out of money completely. My father in the USA wired me some to a bank I had used before in Madrid. My Spanish was not the greatest but I could get by alone with it. Somehow the wire did not get through and the teller told me I couldn't get the money. I was a 17-year-old girl alone and hearing this, I started to cry. Immediately the American woman standing behind me in line started *screaming* at me in English about how awful I was acting and telling me I should leave. Luckily a Spanish student I knew loaned me money until another wire got through but I will *never* forget this Ugly American. Ever since, whenever I have encountered a confused or needy young traveler I have always helped them.
Cindy <ivenx@yahoo.com>
USA 08/29/99

Boy, we have a lot of Ugly American sightings in Rome. I have one too: I was absolutely mortified when a woman (from my hometown in Chicago, actually) was yelling at a waiter in a restaurant in Rome. The waiter spoke a scant amount of English; she spoke no Italian. She was, literally, yelling at him, "Can't you put some cheese on this pizza?!" And then with her pasta order, "Don't you have alfredo sauce, AL-FRAY-DOH sauce, you know, like in the United States?!" The waiter just kept saying, "Ah, no comprende." That just made her louder. We wanted to absolutely lay down and die, we were so embarassed.
Sabrina
Miami, USA 08/22/99

It's so interesting to read your comments! I always thought that my German fellows are the most awkward tourists all over the world! Their behavior (especially in groups) is often very embarrassing for me. Therefore I try to hide the fact that I'm also a German tourist. During my trips across the U.S. I found the Americans very friendly and most helpful. The only "ugly" American I ever saw was in a **** hotel in Hong Kong. He came to lunch in the hotel restaurant, wearing only a too-short undershirt and shorts. (Sorry for my "survival" English.)
Thomas Partzsch <Thomas.Partzsch@t-online.de>
Berlin, Germany 08/17/99

The most anticipated part of my trip to Germany was a visit to Dachau. I wanted to try to get some grasp of the hell my grandmother went through during the years she was imprisoned in a concentration camp. I wandered through the museum quietly, trying to put myself in the place of those people in the grainy black-and-white photos, struggling to read the documentation in its coarse original German, trying to comprehend the magnitude of what I was seeing. Then I joined the line for the English-language tour, and found myself behind an American who was complaining constantly about the fact that her sandaled feet were getting dirty, and that she was so thirsty because she didn't like the German mineral water. I remarked loudly to my fellow Canadians that the concentration camp prisoners were only allowed the equivalent of one glass of water per day, and we wandered off to join the German-language tour.
KVO
Canada 08/13/99

Instead of having an "Ugly American" page, how about just an "Ugly Traveler" page? Because I sure met a lot of people on my trip who were inconsiderate and disrespectful and they weren't all American. In the Czech Republic, I saw quite a few obnoxious and arrogant Germans and Italians prancing around like they owned the place. Then again, some Czech merchants tried to cheat me. So the point of all this is, there are ugly people everywhere in the world. Let's stop bashing only Americans. Also, how about a page to praise all the good people we meet on our trips? Lots of strangers helped me out, and their kindness touched me deeply, and I'll always be grateful to them! Thanks to all the nameless faces who made my trip so memorable!
MKT <mkt0001@jove.acs.unt.edu>
Irving, Tx USA 08/12/99

I'm sure that all of us reading this board have been a UA at one time or another. Perhaps you may have perpetrated a subtle UA-ism that actually made you learn something.

My wife and I were dining at a small restaurant in Melk, Austria last fall and I confess, I may have been a UA, but am now smarter as a result of it. We shared a table with some local Austrians and a German couple on holiday, and had a terrific time, sampling each other's entrees and wine. As I finished my first beer, one of the Austrians decided to pass around a special dish he ordered, which despite the reputation of many German and Austrian dishes, turned out to be quite spicy and salty. After one bite, I desperately needed a serious guzzle from my now-empty beer glass. I politely asked our server for another beer and waited patiently for what I thought would be only a few moments. After about five minutes, I began to sweat profusely as the spiciness of the dish was starting to go to work on me. When our server came back, I asked her (politely, again) if my beer was on its way, and she retorted in German, "any beer worth drinking takes seven minutes to pour from a tap." Feeling humbled (yet still very thirsty), I laughed it off with my wife and tablemates, but felt a tinge of UA-ism in what I perceived to be my "demand" for quicker service. The beer arrived and I lived. Then, I enjoyed the rest of the evening with our dinner friends, who seemed to feel that what I did was not really a big deal, and that they'd have done the same (or at least asked for a glass of water while the beer was pouring).

That experience enabled me to learn something about preparing good beer, and how one shouldn't be so overly conscious about being a UA. I agree with the photographer from San Diego and feel that most of the people that read these boards get so hung up with the UA issue, that they forget to enjoy themselves. Focus on it too much, and you come across as a smug, arrogant, elitist traveler who is just as bad as a UA. Use common sense and good taste, and order that beer early on!

Lastly, to those Americans who so desperately try to distance themselves from the UA by wearing Maple Leafs on their backpacks while traveling in Europe, which country's symbol or flag do you wear when you visit Canada? Perhaps we should create a new category of traveler: the Ugly Canadian, Really American Poseur, or UCRAP, for short? (No offense to Canadians and Canada, here.)

Craig <Craigfd@hotmail.com>
Chicago, il USA 08/10/99

My wife and I were at Versailles and the woman in front of us seemed genuinely surprised that she was not able to write a check for her tickets. Though she didn't really make a fuss about it, we were quite surprised that she would even think to bring her checkbook to France in the first place.
Jonathan Daniel <tully17@flash.net>
Clearwater, FL USA 08/09/99

I am so sick of the "Ugly American" issue! I travel extensively in Europe as a photographer and I can guarantee you that if one hears "excuse me," "sorry," or "please" ANYWHERE it is from an American. NO one is more pushy, rude, and crass as tourists than the Japanese and Germans as a whole. It's not out of any personal prejudice that I write this, it's from experience and polling locals (especially in the service/tourist industry) about whom they would rather have in their country. I am proud to be an American traveling and have been welcomed as such everywhere I've traveled. Even when Americans do make mistakes, they are the ones most apt to make up for it and learn from them. I've been told Americans are the friendliest, smile, tip and treat people better and are most willing to "get into" the culture of places and talk to the people more than any other nationality. So there! Be proud of being an American.
Susan Schumacher <Susan>
San Diego, Ca USA 08/02/99

In response to Emily's comment, what makes an ugly American is someone who is close-minded and generalizes. In assuming that all college students traveling in Europe lack "proper breeding," you are displaying the exact qualities that make an ugly American. Do not base your judgments of an entire group on the actions of a few.
jamie
VT USA 07/29/99

We recently stayed in a hotel that Rick recommended in his Paris guide. On our third night there, we were treated to a sudden barrage of screaming and obscenities from the open window above us. It was obvious the screamer was both American and drunk. Since our room (and hers) faced the street, we were able to see a crowd gather, and many heads turn at the cafe down the block. Needless to say, we were mortified by this behavior of a fellow American--so much so that we found ourselves apologizing for her behavior to the desk clerk the next morning. All of the French citizens we had contact with were very courteous. It's a pity that a fellow citizen (and a few others we encountered) were not. If you can't travel without behaving properly, then do us all a favor and stay home!
Walter Ford <wafdc@webtv.net>
Washington, DC USA 07/29/99

I have watched every episode of "Travels in Europe" and am a devoted Rick Steves fan. While waiting for a train in Firenze recently, who did I see b