Really Dumb questions you've been asked about the UK

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Did I not say that British tourists were worse than Americans?

I didn't realize I responding to you specifically?

I know it's all meant to be lighthearted, but these kind of threads always annoy me because after 10 years in the UK, I've heard some pretty ridiculous things said about the US. And the worst tourist behavoir I have seen in all parts of the world was perpetuated by people from other countries (and the worst incidents are almost always in Asia, except those wonderful instances when I have encountered the British stag party in Ryanair destination towns).

Anyways, I remember seeing a survey that interviewed service staff in Europe and they pricked the myth of the "ugly american." It helps to be generous tippers.

[Mags 112]

When I visit my Dad in Malta it is easy to spot the Brits a mile away. Shorts (even in February when the locals are in sweaters and jackets!), rucksacks, sunglasses and flip flops. Oh and the pasty white skin too.....

Americans in London are not highly thought of by the locals either....whether it be misguided or not. I lived there long enough to know that they get tutted at frequently!

Edited March 19, 2007 by mags

[Dr_LHA 3]

Did I not say that British tourists were worse than Americans?

I didn't realize I responding to you specifically?

Well your post followed directly from mine in both order and context, so naturally I assumed.

I know it's all meant to be lighthearted

Yes.

, but these kind of threads always annoy me because after 10 years in the UK, I've heard some pretty ridiculous things said about the US.

Indeed. When back in the UK I often find myself defending Americans to my British based mates.

And the worst tourist behavoir I have seen in all parts of the world was perpetuated by people from other countries (and the worst incidents are almost always in Asia, except those wonderful instances when I have encountered the British stag party in Ryanair destination towns).

British tourists are by far and away the worst offenders IMHO, I hate being anywhere foriegn around British tourists.

Anyways, I remember seeing a survey that interviewed service staff in Europe and they pricked the myth of the "ugly american." It helps to be generous tippers.

Hah! How true, I however have seen the "ugly american" on my extensive travels many times. Stereotypes originate from something you know. Still, my reason for posting was not to offend, but as you say, to be lighthearted.

[flutter95 4]

I defend Americans back home too.

It does seem though that traveling to another country turns you in to a strange monster.

[rebeccajo 14]

No - but then again, the same percentage don't know that West Virginia isn't western Virginia, so at least we're ignorant equally.

OMG - tell me about it! I CANNOT tell you the number of times I've had THIS conversation....

Q - Where are you from?

A - West Virginia.

Q - Oh, where in WV? I've been to Roanoke........

Haha! I didn't even note you were FROM WV when I said that (I lived there ever-so-briefly in 2004). So where in WV do you live? I was in Point Pleasant and Ripley in, uh, west West Virginia

Jeez!

Just up the road....right outside of Parkersburg.....

[rebeccajo 14]

Point Pleasant...isn't that where the Mothman hails from?

Aye, so it is.

Edited March 20, 2007 by rebeccajo

[ninamyers 0]

Probably because most American tourists in the UK don't set foot outside the city.

*cough* thankfully *cough*

Oh good. I knew I was special when my first real UK visit was to Cosham...

Cosham! What a wonderful place to visit. Where I'm from (Southsea) we call Cosham "The North".

Haha Cosham, I lived in Horndean - not far! I remember many friday nights on southsea seafront, or if I really wanted to see a fight, guildhall walk...

[TimsDaisy 0]

Ha! The mothman! I got a photo of him. No really, they have a big statute. It's kinda creepy

Parkersburg, cool I had friends working there.

As for the who's-the-uglier-tourist debate: you'll always think your own countrymen (whether you're American, British, whatever) is the ugliest because you'll be overly-sensitive to being lumped in with someone misbehaving. "No, I'm not like them!" etc, etc. I think morons are the worst, regardless of their origin, and I've met morons of every race, creed, color, origin, etc, in every country I've been to.

[Nicole72082 0]

Oh my yes british tourists are terrible....my mother made me cringe so much:

"...all I want is a proper cup of tea"

"do you have a pen? oh he doesn't understand D-O- Y-O-U- H-A-V-E-A-P-E-N? PEN?!?!" then makes circle shapes in the air

The last time my fiance was over, he wanted a cup of tea and was looking around my cabinets for my kettle. LOL That cracked me up. I boiled him some water, but I have since bought a kettle, because I don't believe he'd be satisfied without it. lol

[ladybird216 2]

When I first met my MIL to be she asked me if we had microwaves 'over there'

I am also often asked if we have the 4th of July there....I always say 'yeah, it's the day after the 3rd of July!'

Once, when I told a cashier I was from England, she said.... 'is that in London?'

But the best one I can remember was a cashier at a car dealership...after telling me that 'she lurved my accent' she told me that I 'spoke English very well' and then added the killer blow...she said 'I bet they make you learn English in school don't they!!!' Hubby and me had to make a quick exit before bursting with laughter.

Jen

[ajames79 0]

in regards to bad tourists...I try really hard not to complain to much because in the end it takes all kinds of people to make the world as diverse as it is.

Also in touristy towns they are what pays a lot of peoples salaries. I am really quite bored of the general labeling of cultures as lazy, fat, rude, stupid, arrogent etc etc etc. But that is just me.

I have been traveling back and forth to England since I was 13. Not to mention various parts of Europe and I've encountered lovely people all over. I also travel a lot in the states and I am always excited to meet tourists from other countries!

Anyway..enough of my rant. I am not stirring the ######. Just giving my view.

Edited March 20, 2007 by ajames79

[no name 1]

Yes, American tourists can be ugly. So can Brits or anyone else for that matter.

I'm sick to death of everyone thinking Yanks are so incredibly horrible people. I'm met some horribly ignorant Brits while living in London too. Especially in regards to American geography so how about cutting the Yanks some slack - at least they ask - Brits just keep their ignorance/opinions quiet.

I agree with Robinklake, these kinds of threads are #######. Every country has ignorant people.

Edited March 20, 2007 by devilette

[Mags 112]

I agree with Robinklake, these kinds of threads are #######. Every country has ignorant people.

Well, how about we get it back on topic then, considering this is upsetting so many people.

[no name 1]

I agree with Robinklake, these kinds of threads are #######. Every country has ignorant people.

Well, how about we get it back on topic then, considering this is upsetting so many people.

I believe the topic is what's upsetting everyone....?

[ajames79 0]

I love everyone!! *butterflies and flower petals*