I'm not sure if the old Canadian flag trick works anymore

[qwertyMike]

Like it did in the '70's.

Try not to be the "Ugly American"

Don't say things like "How much is that in real money?"

You know the drill.

If you have an ancestor from a particular country, bring that up.

PS: Irish Flag works now.

Mike

[Art_from_Ark]

1. If someone's going to try the Canadian flag trick

they should at least brush up on the area in Canada where they're "from".
And end their sentences with "eh" instead of "huh".

[Donnachaidh]

2. try as you might, *y'all* does NOT go with "eh"

Trying to act "Canadian" is just going to make whoever is trying to *pass* look stupid. How's about some good old fashioned "manners"? Not being loud or obnoxious, or expecting the entire world to kiss one's ass because you come from the US?

Study Canadians, and apply their manners to your own personality. Surprise a European - be a quiet American!

[Art_from_Ark]

3. I was speaking mostly tongue-in-cheek

However, you'd be surprised at the number of accents you can hear in Ontario, at least-- even US Southern accents, punctuated with "eh".

[hyphenate]

4. Toronto is a world class city

and its citizens are far, far more tolerant than many Americans. It will always be like that as long as there are bigots and the religious right dwelling in the USA.

[Donnachaidh]

15. that may well be in Ontario

Canadians *don't* use drawls. TRANSPLANTS do. And if you are trying to *pass* as a "Canadian" and you can't get rid of the drawl - you DO look (and sound) like a moron. :shrug:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. I think just being polite

and quiet is a good idea. Also it would be wise to show you have a bit of knowledge of the world would be helpful as well.

[provis99]

6. no kidding; they're starting to hate Canadians in Europe now

because too many "ugly Americans" have Canadian flags slapped on their backpacks.

[INDIA]

7. The British are the new "Ugly Americans" in Europe.

Because of the strong pound, the British "underclass" (as the Brits call it) are holidaying/causing havoc all over Europe. I got to see it first hand this summer. Where I was in Spain, they were actually relieved to have a couple Americans around, since we knew a little spanish and weren't blind drunk all the time. It was also disconcerting to see "English Breakfasts" and "English Pubs" being advertised in the touristy areas. Say what you want about American tourists, at least we want to assimilate into the culture a little bit, at least in my experience...

Imagine our least attractive and most ignorant rednecks, but with worse tattoos and paler complexions, being able to afford European vacations. That's what it's like in a lot of Europena tourist destinations now.

[rockymountaindem]

8. I ran into those types in Prague

They were mostly soccer fans who couldn't get all the way to Germany for the World Cup, I suppose. Man, were they drunk!

[INDIA]

10. they LOVE to fight too...

I was never nervous anywhere in Europe until I found myself walking toward a large group of piss drunk, heavily tattooed Brits chanting some sort of football supporter song. I crossed the street.

Nothing to lose. They're always ready to "have a go" with somebody. It's tougher to sue in England and nobody has guns. Pretty safe to pick a fight.

[rockymountaindem]

12. One guy at a restaurant I was eating in yelled "England Sucks" at them

Pretty sure said man was an American. The Brits gave him some looks but nothing ensued.

[qwertyMike]

9. Strong British Pound

My sister, who lives in England, regularly flies on Junkets to the USA to shop!

Forget the 'official' rate of exchange.
To her, things are half price in New York.


The times they are a' changing.
Mike

[INDIA]

13. We've become Mexico to Europe. Come here for cheap shit...sad. n/t

[petronius]

11. I don't think it matters anymore

There are so many 'Ugly (insert any country here),' and fewer Americans travelling in proportion, that we're just lost in the shuffle...

[INDIA]

14. you're right...

Americans have actually become the preferred tourists among Caribbean resort workers. Canadians and Americans get high marks for their laid back attitude and propensity to tip.

The French and British on the other hand never tip (as is customary in Europe) and are very picky/apt to complain. I read a great book about Caribbean resort workers and the attitude was pretty much across the board.

[qwertyMike]

16. Tipping

I was visiting my sister in England a few years ago (I live in Canada) and bought a few of their great newspapers one afternoon and went into a pub to read them. I bought a pint of (piss) beer and left the change at the bar.

Few minutes later the 'barmaid' came over and gave me the tip back.

"You forgot this sir"

I was blown away.
If you don't tip the waiters here in Canada they go blind to you.

Mike