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| *Travel Tips>>>General - Europe (Continental) Travel Tips |
Is it OK to put a Canadian flag on my backpack? |
Travel Info I'm a US citizen who will be backpacking Europe this summer. I'm disgusted by the actions of my government and do not want people to associate me with its autrocious policies. Would it be better to sew a Maple Leaf on my pack, or get a buch of peacenik T-shirts to wear? What is the best way to try to a repair a small part of the damage done? Travel Tips The best way that you can help the international view of the US is to be open to other peoples' ways of doing things, as well as courteous and polite about the differences you'll experience. I was always told that travel is supposed to be mind-broadening. For me, accepting the differences and learning from them has been my favourite part of travelling. That said, remember your mother's rules for behaviour. They may seem antiquated, but better to err on the side of good manners than be castigated as a 'dam yankee' or, almost as bad, be chastised by the owner of a B&B for putting your feet on the coffee table! (Really happened -- I saw it.) As to a maple leaf, I don't think you'll need it. The very fact that you are asking this means that you are all too aware of the havoc being wreaked by US administration on the international scene. This, from a foreigner's perspective, seems to make you unusual. In fact, don't wear shirts with anything written on them. This pretty much identifies you as American. But remember, many people in Europe love to talk politics. It isn't considered an unacceptable topic. It's not meant as a personal affront and you can just roll your eyes and say "Who can understand politicians?" and change the topic politely. In Europe, it's far more insulting to ask a person what they do for a living, because it's so closely tied to how much money they make -- and a cultural no-no. It's far more important to find out what a person thinks than how many Euros they have. Others your behavior abroad! Hi there As a Canadian, living in the U.S., I won't comment on the political side of your message however, I will tell you that when my American husband & I go on vacation, he Always tells people he's Canadian. sure. Nobody hates Canadians. Hey, if it's treason you're looking for, just sew a Muslim crescent on your backpack. Then you will qualify for a free plane ride to Cuba. You should fit in nicely in Guantanamo. No American that's worth being called an American would deny his country. If you do go to Europe, please don't come back. We really don't want people like you over here. BTW, in your eyes, how does pretending to be a Canadian repair the image of America? Am I missing something here? I'm a naturalized American citizen living in Europe. I've been here for four out of the past six years living in two different countries and having visited over ten others as well. I don't agree with the policies of this administration either, nor the war. However, I have never wanted to tell anyone I WASN'T from these United States. I can't relate to you how ashamed I am of the way things are going right now in my country, but I've always told people where I'm from. It isn't the fact that you're from the US that matters, but rather how YOU behave that really matters. I don't want to sound preachy--although I know I am being--but the world is all about individuals and how we treat each other. You'll be treated based on how you act not based on where the accident of you birth makes you from. As long as you're not GWB himself you should be fine here. Sure u can put another flag's country or say ur from nother country LoL.Just mind ur behaviour when ure here in europe and respect others. Have good trip & have fun while ure here. :) Cheers. |
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