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| *Travel Tips>>>General - Europe (Continental) Travel Tips |
To european backpackers? |
Travel Info I am british and I reguraly backpack across europe. I have made many backpackering friends on my travels, wether they be australian, german, japanese etc. I have never met an american back packer I like. Does anyone else have backpacking problems with americans. They usually are very ignorant and have no understanding or care of other cultures. One time many of us were at the top of the eiffel tower in paris and while we were admiring the view, the americans took delight at spitting off the edge. The next time we meet americans on our backpacking tour they will be ignored. Travel Tips I agree that many Americans are clueless when it comes to intercultural exchanges, but I would also argue that oftentimes European Backpackers do similar stupid things when they come to the North American Continent. When I was younger I worked in the Park Service and saw several Europeans nearly get themselves killed because they wished to pet the wildlife, look down a geyser, or go back country skiing without training. Before I went blind I climbed mountains. I have been on international caving teams throughout Europe. I have met a lot of people and the people who were serious about being in the outdoors, no matter what nationality the where from, got along. Sorry you have had bad experiences, maybe you need to get on a tour with some true American Backpackers, because the people I know would never do the things you described. We have a code of conduct and try our best to respect the land and the people on it. Others Most Americans are ignorant, and dim-witted. They have no clue about reality or concept of what it is to live a life worth living. Americans happen to be some of the most miserable, unhappy people in the world, who wallow in their misery, relish others shortcomings, and measure their success on WHAT THEY OWN, while lacking integrity. I have met so many people from around the world, and the first thing they ever acknowledge is how Americans are miserable, and clueless about life. This notion was reaffirmed when I had the chance to study abroad and see the U.S from the outside looking in. Whats the old saying about giving a person everything he wants and needs in terms of material items, and they will be.....MISERABLE!!! Please don't judge us all based on your experience. Their are some of us that couldn't be any different from the typical American. I will be going to Europe for three weeks after Xmas, and when I am in Paris, I promise, I wont spit over the side on the Eiffel Tower, or move The Leaning Tower of Pisa the way Superman did!!! I am an American, and am very observant of human behavoir. Real American backpackers have a code they live by, so I gather that those you met were jerks. And every society has them, whether they be Americans or Europeans, or whatever country. Real American backpackers follow a "Leave No Trace" policy, whether in our home country, or abroad. We certainly wouldn't dream of acting inappropriately as a guest in another country. We take only pictures, and leave only footprints. I am truely sorry, on behalf of all *real* backpackers in America and other places around the world, that you had such an awful experience with this particular group of people. But please, don't judge us all, based on such an experience. There are plenty of good folks out there, who would gladly give you their last litre of water. We work hard to help maintain our trails, we pick up after others, and we surely wouldn't spit off the Eiffel Tower. That's just plain disgusting. I hope your future experiences are much more positive. An American Backpacker |
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