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How do I avoid looking and acting American while traveling in Europe?
Unfortunately, I drew the short straw and will be heading to Europe on
a business trip this summer. Now my primary concern is just making sure I get through this trip and back to the US safely in one piece. I figure this will be a challenging task with all the reports of anti-American protests and assaults on American tourists. That said I'm trying to compile a list of tactics that will prevent me from being a target: 1. Never dress casual - I figure most Americans can be spotted a mile away by something "wrong" with their wardrobe. Tailored English suit should help keep me out of trouble. 2. No shouting or raised voices - Always speak at a level tone 3. Show no emotion – No laughing, no smiling, no signs of frustration or desperation. 4. Do not leave the hotel except for business – When the business meetings are over, head straight back to the hotel and stay there. 5. No American greetings – "Hey", "Hi", "Howdy" and "Yo" are banned. 6. No hand gestures when talking – especially no pointing 7. Walk upright; do not flail arms too wildly when walking. 8. "Bob's Your Uncle" – Rumor has it that this phrase will stop an on coming mob of hooligans in their tracks but I haven't confirmed this? 9. Correct words - "petrol" instead of "gas" or "fag" instead of "cigarrette" 10. Little Canadian flag lapel pin - Last resort, but I think the Europeans would just assume I'm an American trying to fool them with a little Canadian flag pin. Any other suggestions? |
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