So, Where have you been on vacation?

[Fbody3400]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

That's not true. In general they appreciate all we've done for them, and our culture. They don't care much for our present government, tho.

They are somewhat introverted, which can be mistaken for aloof. They don't smile unless they have a good reason, and they're not going to slap you on the back. But the ones we approached for one reason or another were quite helpful. It no doubt helped that we greeted them in their language and made some attempt to speak it. Mostly they switched to English.

The best car part of that trip to France and Italy was the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The race was a Schumacher yawner, but the whole thing was a festival. After the race I joined the Italian fans in rushing down to the track. After the podium ceremony I walked halfway around, including going under the old banking. Places I'd dreamed about all my life.

Chile was neat, too. Drivers were fast but courteous. The left lane was used for passing only, and if you were passing on a two lane road the guys coming toward you slowed down to help you out.

I strongly recommend everyone try a visit to a foreign country some time. Don't stay at a chain hotel, and try to speak at least a little of the language.

Sweet :tup: Thanks man, that cleared up that question

[Mighty Thor]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

That's not true. In general they appreciate all we've done for them, and our culture. They don't care much for our present government, tho.

They are somewhat introverted, which can be mistaken for aloof. They don't smile unless they have a good reason, and they're not going to slap you on the back. But the ones we approached for one reason or another were quite helpful. It no doubt helped that we greeted them in their language and made some attempt to speak it. Mostly they switched to English.

That's because the French bank got caught in the Oil for Food scandal.

But yeah, the French are not that bad, but then again I don't look American. I look more like a gypsy to them. The men are more introverted but the women are not. Language and Food is their most favored art form.

[Fireball27]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

France - family lives there

Ahahahhaha, i'm sorry man... ... you have my condolences...

I've been on a bunch of vacations.. but my favorite was when i went to Germany. Both times! A great country, so much history, scenery, beer, and don't forget the best sausages in the world (and no your stupid "franks" can't hold a smoldering match to them)!. Not to mention the Nurburgring as well. Unfortunately i was too young to drive myself at the time... and there was 6 of us (2 cousins), but it was cool cuz we were in one of these:

There was a line of cars the length of the berlin wall behind us... but oh well it was a kick.

[Fireball27]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

That's because the French bank got caught in the Oil for Food scandal.

But yeah, the French are not that bad, but then again I don't look American. I look more like a gypsy to them. The men are more introverted but the women are not. Language and Food is their most favored art form.

Oh so in that case they probably held you in a cross between contempt, and fear (fear that you would rob them of their precious berets and french bread no doubt). Personally, if i were to set foot in france.. it'd be a billion years too soon.

[DAS BOOT]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

ugh all you people enjoy florida? maybe its because I live here, it sucks...


I really enjoyed St. louis, and it was cheap as hell, half the **** you do their is free. I also liked Chicago, me and the girl really want to rent a cabin in NC, there are like 5 star cabins in the mountains for like $60 a night, jacuzzi on the porch and all that cool stuff.


I also wouldn't mind checking out DC now that I am older(saw it when I was like in 3rd grade)

[sac2165]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

Route 66

St. Louis -> Santa Monica

Best trip ever, get a book & see the sites before they fade into history-

[Fbody3400]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

Route 66

St. Louis -> Santa Monica

Best trip ever, get a book & see the sites before they fade into history-

Lucky you weren't in St. Louis the past year! Its so dangerous.

[stevethepirate]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

ok, i know that this thread is pretty much dead, but im posting in it anyways.

in regards to the question about the french... no, they dont like us. no, they dont "appreciate" what we've done for them. even in italy, i got SO much sh!t for being an american. i have had to pretend that i'm italian too many times to count. italians are simply bitter at americans. berlusconi made some bad decisions, and joined the war. in the history of italy, leaders have always gotten themselves into issues that they have nothing to do with, just trying to gain power. the italian people are bitter at americans for the fact that we started this war, and that their own leader pulled them into it.

as far as the french, i like to compare them to the british. i feel like both groups of people have an extreme superiority complex. if you go to france and you dont speak the language, they will treat you like youre the most stupid person theyve ever met. if you go to a country like spain, southern italy, and lots of others, even if you dont speak the language, they are flattered that you are interested in their culture. its really a matter of being respectful. as long as you are, you will have a great time.
in egypt, they rely so heavily on tourism that they have to treat you well. that is how most of these countries are.

basically, french are conceited. sorry if this offends anyone, but its true. feel free to debate it with me...

[V6Bob]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

ok, i know that this thread is pretty much dead, but im posting in it anyways.

in regards to the question about the french... no, they dont like us. no, they dont "appreciate" what we've done for them. even in italy, i got SO much sh!t for being an american. i have had to pretend that i'm italian too many times to count. italians are simply bitter at americans. berlusconi made some bad decisions, and joined the war. in the history of italy, leaders have always gotten themselves into issues that they have nothing to do with, just trying to gain power. the italian people are bitter at americans for the fact that we started this war, and that their own leader pulled them into it.

as far as the french, i like to compare them to the british. i feel like both groups of people have an extreme superiority complex. if you go to france and you dont speak the language, they will treat you like youre the most stupid person theyve ever met. if you go to a country like spain, southern italy, and lots of others, even if you dont speak the language, they are flattered that you are interested in their culture. its really a matter of being respectful. as long as you are, you will have a great time.
in egypt, they rely so heavily on tourism that they have to treat you well. that is how most of these countries are.

basically, french are conceited. sorry if this offends anyone, but its true. feel free to debate it with me...

No way a debate makes sense, just two different experiences, no absolute "truth" here. We were there for 10 days (Paris, Avignon, Nice, Chamonix) stayed in French hotels and ate in French restaurants (outside signs that said "English spoken here" were a no-go). Mostly rode buses and trains (only had a car for two days local trips in Provence), spoke to people on them, and were treated well by every French person we met. It was _very_ obvious we were Americans, and it often came up in conversation.

I guess your experience was different. But, as I said, they're reserved, not bubbling with enthusiasm like Americans. It's easy to mistake that for something else, especially if you don't go out of your way to talk to people. We did, and had a great time. Just different experiences.

[stevethepirate]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

well... im just basing this off of 13 years over there...

[vanbibber]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

Pwnd /\

[BLLDOGG]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

i have never been there but from peoples stories and my old French teachers experiences, if you stray from the tourist stuff of France, they are just a bunch of uptight b1tches who frankly do not like us.


But the language thing, its the same here with Spanish. people get really annoyed when they can't speak English and we give them free medical care :mad:

[V6Bob]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

OK, I'm pwnd, fair and square.

But I still gotta ask.

You spent 13 years there and didn't learn the language?

[stevethepirate]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

i actually never lived in france.
i was in england and italy. but i speak italian, spanish and english fluently. i picked up a lot of french just from learning the others...

the language thing is different though. its one thing if youre living in a country... then you have to learn the language. if youre just visiting, people should be understanding. no, they shouldnt be expected to learn english just for american tourists, but they shouldnt look down on people for not speaking it fluently.

i was snowboarding in france one summer with a few of my friends. some little french kid cut us in the lift line. one of my friends looked at him, and in english said something asking the kid why he thought he could cut in front of us. the kid looked at us, and laughingly said "i dont speak english!" so my friend looked at the kid, said (in french) "LEARN IT!" and then knocked the kid out (of line).

[Cyborg]

Re: So, Where have you been on vacation?

The Netherlands (Dutch)/Amsterdam/Red Light District/ hehehehe .... I was only 12 when I was there, so not to much fun :P

Switzerland/Basil and Interlocken , France/Paris, Through Belgium, Through Germany

The rumor does hold partially true, Most Europeans dislike Americans, and like Canadians :banana: :tup: