silly Americans
Replies
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I'm currently living in Rome.. Americans are everywhere.
It's not going to matter what you wear because you are going to be automatically understood as a tourist anyway.
Just dress as you normally would, feel comfortable, and enjoy it because it's beautiful.
Also, it's starting to get REALLY hot here, so bring airy clothes that won't stifle you as you'r walking millions of miles a day.
The only tip I would give you is to not be too revealing, because Italian men are NOT shy about their love for foreign girls showing skin
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There's a couple of reasons why I haven't traveled out of the US. 1) I can't afford it.
2) I'm too scared of anti-american people kidnapping, mugging or murdering me for being American. Based on what I see on the news on online, most of the world seems to hate Americans and I don't blame them, we are quite obnoxious. Do try to have fun though. My bf wants to go to Italy for our honeymoon if we get married and I'm too scared that I won't make it out alive. 
are you SERIOUS? I was more scared of going to America than going to Egypt. You guys have loads of guns and shoot each other all the time....
Italy is fabulous, fabulous.
I don't own a gun. They scare me too. I don't even venture into the cities after dark in my own state because of all the thugs with guns. Every time I turn on the news it seems that an American is getting murdered in a foreign country because they don't like us. I've also never been on an airplane, which also scares me. Knowing my luck, I'd be on the plane that gets blown up by a terrorist. Maybe I can ask my bf if we can go to Hawaii instead? I'd feel much safer. >.<
Just make sure you're not sensitive to the sun in Hawaii. I got the worse burnt ever there even with sunblock.
I get burned bad enough in New Jersey and Delaware, even with sunblock. Guess I'll never go to the beach again without a giant hat and umbrella. I hate being so pale. >.<...I seriously hope this chick is joking, and isn't this afraid of her shadow.
Is it hard to believe that people live in fear in this scary world? My shadow is just fine, thank you very much. I reinforce every lock in my house before going to bed, otherwise I can't sleep. I took self defense classes in college and carried pepper spray everywhere. >.<
The best thing you could probably do for yourself and anxiety is push yourself out of your comfort zone to get your mind de-sensitise . Next time you are scared to do something, do your best to tell yourself you are going to do it despite the fear and then do it. You'll feel loads better afterwards and overtime the anxiety and fear will start to take a back seat. I suffer from anxiety myself and panic attacks, had a bit the type you did where certain things I just couldn't get myself to do it, especially if it involved going somewhere crowded. I have a hard time with medications so really had to push myself to go out there and get through the areas that would trigger all of that.
Its also good because you may never know when there could be an emergency and you have to go somewhere you might be scared of. Like say your boyfriend got stranded or something and needed to you to drive to him, there might be a time when someone won't be able to bail you out or you might be able to rely on someone to help you or someone might rely on you. I had to travel a bit from my area I'm in and go thorough some major cities that I wasn't to familiar with, it was pretty scarey and I had to do my first trip alone with taking a subway, many buses etc.
Trust me it was hard but I made sure to research ahead of time so I had an understand of my route, have a phone on me for if I did run into any trouble. During the trip I did get mix up and almost missed my bus but I spoke with one of the other bus drivers and he showed me where to go so don't be scared to speak up to get help if you do get lost. Now this area that I was scared of I can go through with no problems and I'm very happy since now if anything happened over in that direction I can get there with no problems and can now head that way for other things as well, my anxiety had lighten up greatly as well. Don't give in to your anxiety.0 -
meaning don't wear thing revealing, Italy women don't wear low cut shirts and usualy wear a cover-up over their bathing suits. No mini skirts etc0
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The best thing you could probably do for yourself and anxiety is push yourself out of your comfort zone to get your mind de-sensitise . Next time you are scared to do something, do your best to tell yourself you are going to do it despite the fear and then do it. You'll feel loads better afterwards and overtime the anxiety and fear will start to take a back seat. I suffer from anxiety myself and panic attacks, had a bit the type you did where certain things I just couldn't get myself to do it, especially if it involved going somewhere crowded. I have a hard time with medications so really had to push myself to go out there and get through the areas that would trigger all of that.
Its also good because you may never know when there could be an emergency and you have to go somewhere you might be scared of. Like say your boyfriend got stranded or something and needed to you to drive to him, there might be a time when someone won't be able to bail you out or you might be able to rely on someone to help you or someone might rely on you. I had to travel a bit from my area I'm in and go thorough some major cities that I wasn't to familiar with, it was pretty scarey and I had to do my first trip alone with taking a subway, many buses etc.
Trust me it was hard but I made sure to research ahead of time so I had an understand of my route, have a phone on me for if I did run into any trouble. During the trip I did get mix up and almost missed my bus but I spoke with one of the other bus drivers and he showed me where to go so don't be scared to speak up to get help if you do get lost. Now this area that I was scared of I can go through with no problems and I'm very happy since now if anything happened over in that direction I can get there with no problems and can now head that way for other things as well, my anxiety had lighten up greatly as well. Don't give in to your anxiety.
Well, I won't be leaving the country any time soon as I can't afford it. I'll be putting all my effort into saving money to get a car so I can learn to drive, sooo I'll be needing all the support I can get then. Luckily my job is less than 2 miles from home so I wouldn't have to drive far.
I traveled on a train by myself and that turned out okay, despite the anxiety I was feeling beforehand. So yeah, I'm getting what you're saying. I've just never really done a lot of things by myself because of my anxiety. I'll get there...hopefully without medication because I don't wanna go down that route again. Thanks for the help.0 -
There's a couple of reasons why I haven't traveled out of the US. 1) I can't afford it. 2) I'm too scared of anti-american people kidnapping, mugging or murdering me for being American. Based on what I see on the news on online, most of the world seems to hate Americans and I don't blame them, we are quite obnoxious. Do try to have fun though. My bf wants to go to Italy for our honeymoon if we get married and I'm too scared that I won't make it out alive.
Oh for goodness sakes, this is getting ridiculous. I'm American, although I've lived in Europe for almost half my life. I've traveled everywhere and I've never had any issues. I was even in Iraq about six months ago, and I survived. And Iraqis have millions of reasons to hate Americans....
You don't need to put a Canadian flag on your backpack. Just be polite. Don't be obnoxious. Don't expect everyone to speak English. Dress nicely, it's a form of respect. And lay off the "America is God's gift to the world" crap and you'll be fine, just fine.
The only thing you need to worry about in Italy is getting ripped off by the taxi drivers from the airport to your hotel. Other than that, go and have a great time. It's a beautiful country.
--Prahasaurus0 -
There's a couple of reasons why I haven't traveled out of the US. 1) I can't afford it. 2) I'm too scared of anti-american people kidnapping, mugging or murdering me for being American. Based on what I see on the news on online, most of the world seems to hate Americans and I don't blame them, we are quite obnoxious. Do try to have fun though. My bf wants to go to Italy for our honeymoon if we get married and I'm too scared that I won't make it out alive.
are you SERIOUS? I was more scared of going to America than going to Egypt. You guys have loads of guns and shoot each other all the time....
Italy is fabulous, fabulous.
Are you really more scared to go to America than Egypt?0 -
I can't believe I am saying this, but SPNLuver83 is right. Be American and proud! Have you ever met someone who wasn't proud of their heritage? The USA has protected THE WORLD from several regimes intent on global domination or genocide of entire races.
A regime intent on global domination? Who would that be.... Think, think, think..... Oh the irony!You know, we have people from all over the world here in the USA and we don't look down on them based on where they are from. (Well, maybe Canada, lol) If someone over there has a problem with me being an American... F 'EM! They are probably wearing Nike's, Wrangler Jeans, and an Abercrombie shirt which will make it very ironic.
Because everything they are wearing was made in China?
--Prahasaurus0 -
I can't believe I am saying this, but SPNLuver83 is right. Be American and proud! Have you ever met someone who wasn't proud of their heritage? The USA has protected THE WORLD from several regimes intent on global domination or genocide of entire races.
A regime intent on global domination? Who would that be.... Think, think, think..... Oh the irony!You know, we have people from all over the world here in the USA and we don't look down on them based on where they are from. (Well, maybe Canada, lol) If someone over there has a problem with me being an American... F 'EM! They are probably wearing Nike's, Wrangler Jeans, and an Abercrombie shirt which will make it very ironic.
Because everything they are wearing was made in China?
--Prahasaurus
Ooo be careful - I got told off on the previous page for being an ignorant foreigner when I made (joking!) comments like this earlier
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Are you really more scared to go to America than Egypt?
Depends. Egypt has gotten a bit unstable of late, although its former stability was an illusion: a US backed tyrant using US weapons to subjugate his people. So again, Egyptians have legitimate reasons to be quite upset at Americans, at least the American government... This wasn't discussed much in the US. Mubarak went from being a partner in peace to a dictator overnight, and the past was quickly white washed. But I digress.....
I travel all over the Middle East, and I've always felt safe. Violence is incredibly rare there. Only in Iraq was I extremely careful.
The US can be a very dangerous place, too, although the violence is typically confined to specific areas that can be easily avoided.
I would rather walk the streets of Alexandria at night than Detroit. But on the other hand, Egypt is a country in transition, and probably not safe now for most American tourists. Especially those that do not often travel, especially to that region of the world.0 -
I travelled to Italy as well. In 1977. Had a blast and would love to go again, but.....if they are going to treat me badly, because of their perception of Americans, I will spend my vacation elsewhere.Avoid Italy. There are plenty of countries that would love to have American Tourist dollars. If Italy doesn't want American tourists (dollars), screw 'em.
Italy is one of the best countries I have ever visited, why would you say that? Italy needs tourists, nobody other than the OP's family think that there is a problem with Italy.
Travel broadens the mind, travel abroad as much as you possibly can, other countries are fabulous, interesting, full of amazing things, people and food.
I'm personally tired of being judged based on my country of origin. If someone doesn't like me because of the person I am, that's fine. If someone judges me based on where I was born, why would I want to hang out there?
It's a big world. Lot's of places to visit.0 -
Are you really more scared to go to America than Egypt?
I never gave going to Egypt a second thought, we had a fabulous wonderful time. I did however worry about going to America, all you hear is that people get murdered, shot, robbed, kidnapped etc, I was taking my three children and I was concerned about it, this of course was unfounded fear, but It was the one place I worried most about my childrens safety, and I would not have walked the streets in the town we stayed in at night like i did in Venice, Paris and Luxor, the only draw back in Luxor was the people trying to get you to buy stuff from them, but if you did not engage them in conversation, they left you alone.0 -
Yeah. This.I think that is kinda lame... You should be proud of where you are from, and not try to disguise it. Maybe if you own it and just act like a normal person you will change some minds about Americans. I think that would be the better end result.0 -
There's a couple of reasons why I haven't traveled out of the US. 1) I can't afford it. 2) I'm too scared of anti-american people kidnapping, mugging or murdering me for being American. Based on what I see on the news on online, most of the world seems to hate Americans and I don't blame them, we are quite obnoxious. Do try to have fun though. My bf wants to go to Italy for our honeymoon if we get married and I'm too scared that I won't make it out alive.
Oh for goodness sakes, this is getting ridiculous. I'm American, although I've lived in Europe for almost half my life. I've traveled everywhere and I've never had any issues. I was even in Iraq about six months ago, and I survived. And Iraqis have millions of reasons to hate Americans....
You don't need to put a Canadian flag on your backpack. Just be polite. Don't be obnoxious. Don't expect everyone to speak English. Dress nicely, it's a form of respect. And lay off the "America is God's gift to the world" crap and you'll be fine, just fine.
The only thing you need to worry about in Italy is getting ripped off by the taxi drivers from the airport to your hotel. Other than that, go and have a great time. It's a beautiful country.
--Prahasaurus
Well some of us don't have years of experience traveling. The furthest I've been from PA is a bus trip down to Florida for a Disney trip with the marching band to perform there and the Citrus Bowl Parade.I don't have any idea what the world is like aside from what I've seen on TV and what people have told me, so you can see why I would be scared. TV makes everywhere seem scary. Even my bf says I'm ridiculous with my fears but he's traveled more than I have so he has experiences to rely on where I don't. It does make a difference. I'm sure I'd have fun if I went but until then, I'll be cautious. >.<0 -
I heard people tell americans to wear Canadian things..Flags and such... Im canadian and have heard alot of people tell that to Americans. You could try it? lol
Please don't try it. When you speak they will know you are not Canadian and wonder why you are lying to them.0 -
I googled "American Tourist" and this came up:
Avoid looking like this.
For the rest of your life.
LOL!0 -
Well, if you're that ashamed of it:
1) Renounce citizenship.
2) Move to Mexico
3) Wear sombrero to Italy
4) Enjoy new life in beautiful Ciudad Juárez.
Oh please jingo much?!!
To the OP just be respectful of other people and their cultural conventions. Since you are asking it sounds like you'll be fine. I wish the same could be said for the people saying things like "what why be ashamed?" That's not what this is about. There is nothing wrong with being respectful of others it doesn't mean you are ashamed of being a US citizen.
And you my friend (above) are exactly why the rest of us (US citizens) have to tread a little lighter around the world. We live on a big planet not just in one country.0 -
I'm half-Canadian/half-Yankee and white sneakers are a dead give-away.0
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There's a couple of reasons why I haven't traveled out of the US. 1) I can't afford it. 2) I'm too scared of anti-american people kidnapping, mugging or murdering me for being American. Based on what I see on the news on online, most of the world seems to hate Americans and I don't blame them, we are quite obnoxious. Do try to have fun though. My bf wants to go to Italy for our honeymoon if we get married and I'm too scared that I won't make it out alive.
are you SERIOUS? I was more scared of going to America than going to Egypt. You guys have loads of guns and shoot each other all the time....
Italy is fabulous, fabulous.
I don't own a gun. They scare me too. I don't even venture into the cities after dark in my own state because of all the thugs with guns. Every time I turn on the news it seems that an American is getting murdered in a foreign country because they don't like us. I've also never been on an airplane, which also scares me. Knowing my luck, I'd be on the plane that gets blown up by a terrorist. Maybe I can ask my bf if we can go to Hawaii instead? I'd feel much safer. >.<
I think you are more likely to meet a violent end in America or Hawaii than Italy 0 -
There's a couple of reasons why I haven't traveled out of the US. 1) I can't afford it. 2) I'm too scared of anti-american people kidnapping, mugging or murdering me for being American. Based on what I see on the news on online, most of the world seems to hate Americans and I don't blame them, we are quite obnoxious. Do try to have fun though. My bf wants to go to Italy for our honeymoon if we get married and I'm too scared that I won't make it out alive.
are you SERIOUS? I was more scared of going to America than going to Egypt. You guys have loads of guns and shoot each other all the time....
Italy is fabulous, fabulous.
I don't own a gun. They scare me too. I don't even venture into the cities after dark in my own state because of all the thugs with guns. Every time I turn on the news it seems that an American is getting murdered in a foreign country because they don't like us. I've also never been on an airplane, which also scares me. Knowing my luck, I'd be on the plane that gets blown up by a terrorist. Maybe I can ask my bf if we can go to Hawaii instead? I'd feel much safer. >.<
I think you are more likely to meet a violent end in America or Hawaii than Italy
It's easier to avoid in the states because I know what the bad areas look like. Just stay away from the cities at nighttime and you should be okay. I have no idea how to spot those areas in a foreign country. Maybe they look the same? I don't know. >.>0 -
They're not going to attack you. Europe, unbelievably, is as civilised as the states. Italians are passionate people and some of the men you may encounter may be loud and flamboyant, but they're not going to hurt you. I caught it before the edit btw.It's easier to avoid in the states because I know what the bad areas look like. Just stay away from the cities at nighttime and you should be okay. I have no idea how to spot those areas in a foreign country. Maybe they look the same? I don't know. >.>
Stay out of back streets, stay in well lit areas. Same advice as anywhere really.0 -
They're not going to attack you. Europe, unbelievably, is as civilised as the states. Italians are passionate people and some of the men you may encounter may be loud and flamboyant, but they're not going to hurt you. I caught it before the edit btw.It's easier to avoid in the states because I know what the bad areas look like. Just stay away from the cities at nighttime and you should be okay. I have no idea how to spot those areas in a foreign country. Maybe they look the same? I don't know. >.>
Stay out of back streets, stay in well lit areas. Same advice as anywhere really.
Which parts of the states? That could be a good thing or a bad thing. Like the Jersey Shore people aren't civilized at all where most of us are okay at it. XD I was just concerned that I wouldn't be safe. I edited it out because I thought it might have been rude. >.<0 -
What are 'tartan trousers' ?
plaid pants?0 -
I googled "American Tourist" and this came up:
Avoid looking like this.
For the rest of your life.
LOL!
Oh no. I have that shirt in my dresser.0 -
Young Italian woman dress in tiny tiny clothes. Been there, I looked like a prude there. BWHHAHhahah0
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you could dress just how they dress in italy and i'll be honest, they can still pick you out.
I went to Italy to visit family and i didn't care if people thought i was from America. my family wears some of the same things we have here in America...
wear what you want to wear and enjoy the vacation.
To be fair, I can usually pick out tourists in America, too, and usually I can tell when they are foreign (I lived in Niagara Falls, New York). In the Falls, there were stereotypes for Canadian tourists that match a lot of American-abroad stereotypes; such as being rude and demanding. There were tourists that earned that reputation, and ones that were completely polite and didn't stick out at all. Just like there are Americans (some who are clearly present in these boards) who earn the negative reputations for the rest of us.
yes, agreed, i'm just telling the OP to dress how she wants since she will be spotted as a tourist, which is not a big deal at all. like many have said too, just be polite, courteous and respectful, have fun and enjoy your trip 0 -
Well, if you're that ashamed of it:
1) Renounce citizenship.
2) Move to Mexico
3) Wear sombrero to Italy
4) Enjoy new life in beautiful Ciudad Juárez.
You are my favorite person on this thread :happy:0 -
The stereotype of the American tourist is generally golf clothes. Khaki shorts, polo shirts and a baseball cap. People are going to know you're a tourist no matter what, so wear what is comfortable. I had no problems in Italy. In fact, most of the other people I met there were from other European countries.
That being said, I often wear skirts or comfortable dresses while being a tourist. That's more because I generally want to just wander and not really do "touristy" things. In Italy I did touristy things. Remember to bring something conservative and with sleeves if you are going to the Vatican. Or at least bring a scarf you can put over your shoulders. And no shorts in the Vatican.
Have fun! Traveling in Europe is pretty safe. Then again, I'm currently living in Pakistan, so I may not be the best judge.
B.0 -
I heard people tell americans to wear Canadian things..Flags and such... Im canadian and have heard alot of people tell that to Americans. You could try it? lol
Please don't try it. When you speak they will know you are not Canadian and wonder why you are lying to them.
The stereotype of Canadian tourists is that they wear a Canadian flag on everything so people don't think they are Americans.0 -
There's a couple of reasons why I haven't traveled out of the US. 1) I can't afford it. 2) I'm too scared of anti-american people kidnapping, mugging or murdering me for being American. Based on what I see on the news on online, most of the world seems to hate Americans and I don't blame them, we are quite obnoxious. Do try to have fun though. My bf wants to go to Italy for our honeymoon if we get married and I'm too scared that I won't make it out alive.
are you SERIOUS? I was more scared of going to America than going to Egypt. You guys have loads of guns and shoot each other all the time....
Italy is fabulous, fabulous.
I don't own a gun. They scare me too. I don't even venture into the cities after dark in my own state because of all the thugs with guns. Every time I turn on the news it seems that an American is getting murdered in a foreign country because they don't like us. I've also never been on an airplane, which also scares me. Knowing my luck, I'd be on the plane that gets blown up by a terrorist. Maybe I can ask my bf if we can go to Hawaii instead? I'd feel much safer. >.<
I think you are more likely to meet a violent end in America or Hawaii than Italy
Most people I've met outside of the U.S. like Americans very much. They don't like U.S. policy, but they like Americans. I have always had good experiences abroad. I find most people wish Americans saw more of the world. Maybe we'd understand it better.0 -
You could replace the "American Look" with any other region/nationality. Fashion is soooo regional and you can't go out and buy a whole new wardrobe wherever you go. Just don't wear a giant American flag, and try not to be too loud when you're in public (not a value judgement- Americans are just used to speaking in a louder volume)
Enjoy your trip!0
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