So we can all agree that when we visit another country, it's kind of an unspoken rule not to stick out like a sore thumb. We don't want people to know how vulnerable we are. We are all about our own personal style and identities, but when we're abroad those little habits or styles we have can totally give us away as Americans. When I was in Europe I often found myself thinking, "Gosh i totally sound like such an American right now." Whether it was the sound of my "Californian" accent (which by the way really surprised me to find out that people really noticed it) or the way that I ordered my food. It's obviously not a bad thing to be proud of your American Identity, but sometimes it can lead you to be taken advantage of, especially if you don't know the language. I never experienced a negative reaction to my American identity, i actually found a lot of people who were quite interested in the way I did things. After all, every culture and identity is different, and it's a great thing to see that accepted. Here's a few ways I've experienced in my travels on how I was identified as an "American."
1.) "totally"
The son in my host family always gave me and my Roomate a hard time about the way we talked. He pointed out we tended to say "totally" or "like" every other sentence. This is something you may or may not have noticed. It tends to be prevalent in those who have grown up in Orange County.
2.) Flip Flops
Sandals are popular in Europe but definitely not flip flops like "rainbows." If you're spotted wearing them, it's a dead giveaway.
3.) Being Loud
I've been told by several people while traveling that Americans are soooo loud. We apparently are very friendly and it can sometimes be viewed as obnoxious. So don't be too upset when the person on the train doesn't want to talk to you on their commute home. :)
4.) Walking around with a map
I was guilty of this trying to figure out the tube system in London and finding offices for my internship. I would suggest going into a coffee shop and asking a local instead of walking around distracted. This leaves you really vulnerable, especially at night. Or even look up directions before you leave your hotel.
5.) Looking the wrong way before crossing the street
A lot of the streets in Europe drive on the opposite side of the road, leaving crosswalks completed backwards. Every American is completely thrown off.
6.) Saying "OMG"
Americans tend to say oh my god about every little thing, especially when in a new beautiful country. We tend to get overwhelmed with everything around us and end up staring in awe. Don't let it stop you though, you stand in front of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy it for as long as you possibly can.
7. Wearing Baseball hats or team gear
People in Europe for the most part dress really nice, they rarely go casual with a baseball hat or a sweatshirt with a team logo. So if you're wearing a Lakers hat or a Dodgers sweatshirt, people will know who you are.
8.) The food and drinks you order
Americans tend to order their typical beers like Budweiser or Heineken when abroad. Don't do that. Try a new beer or a new dish that you've never had before. Otherwise you might as well stay at home.
9.) Tipping in restaurants
Servers and waitresses in Europe made a pretty decent wage without their tips and gratuity is often already included. Even if you absolutely adored your waiter, it's not necessary to tip them.
10.) You're easily confused by the currency
Our money looks soooo different from the currency in Europe. I mean euros and pounds are absolutely beautiful with every bill in a different color. Americans can usually be spotted staring at it trying to figure it out. Just be careful doing that on the street.
I hope this gives you a good idea on how easily we are spotted by others in different countries. You should appreciate the fact that we are all completely different. Hey it could even be a conversation starter in a local pub you visit. You never know who you might meet. Despite the fact of how different we are, people are always excited to meet someone new, there is always something they can learn from you and you from them.
Xoxo,
1.) "totally"
The son in my host family always gave me and my Roomate a hard time about the way we talked. He pointed out we tended to say "totally" or "like" every other sentence. This is something you may or may not have noticed. It tends to be prevalent in those who have grown up in Orange County.
2.) Flip Flops
Sandals are popular in Europe but definitely not flip flops like "rainbows." If you're spotted wearing them, it's a dead giveaway.
3.) Being Loud
I've been told by several people while traveling that Americans are soooo loud. We apparently are very friendly and it can sometimes be viewed as obnoxious. So don't be too upset when the person on the train doesn't want to talk to you on their commute home. :)
4.) Walking around with a map
I was guilty of this trying to figure out the tube system in London and finding offices for my internship. I would suggest going into a coffee shop and asking a local instead of walking around distracted. This leaves you really vulnerable, especially at night. Or even look up directions before you leave your hotel.
5.) Looking the wrong way before crossing the street
A lot of the streets in Europe drive on the opposite side of the road, leaving crosswalks completed backwards. Every American is completely thrown off.
6.) Saying "OMG"
Americans tend to say oh my god about every little thing, especially when in a new beautiful country. We tend to get overwhelmed with everything around us and end up staring in awe. Don't let it stop you though, you stand in front of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy it for as long as you possibly can.
7. Wearing Baseball hats or team gear
People in Europe for the most part dress really nice, they rarely go casual with a baseball hat or a sweatshirt with a team logo. So if you're wearing a Lakers hat or a Dodgers sweatshirt, people will know who you are.
8.) The food and drinks you order
Americans tend to order their typical beers like Budweiser or Heineken when abroad. Don't do that. Try a new beer or a new dish that you've never had before. Otherwise you might as well stay at home.
9.) Tipping in restaurants
Servers and waitresses in Europe made a pretty decent wage without their tips and gratuity is often already included. Even if you absolutely adored your waiter, it's not necessary to tip them.
10.) You're easily confused by the currency
Our money looks soooo different from the currency in Europe. I mean euros and pounds are absolutely beautiful with every bill in a different color. Americans can usually be spotted staring at it trying to figure it out. Just be careful doing that on the street.
I hope this gives you a good idea on how easily we are spotted by others in different countries. You should appreciate the fact that we are all completely different. Hey it could even be a conversation starter in a local pub you visit. You never know who you might meet. Despite the fact of how different we are, people are always excited to meet someone new, there is always something they can learn from you and you from them.
Xoxo,
Miranda
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