Worst Tourists

[neo's white rabbit]

Interesting thread.

Bottom line would seem to be rude people are rude people wherever they are, home or away.

We've had some fun with the mis-placement of the English accent too while in the USA - German seems to be popular one

Then we had the timeshare touts who used to patrol some Spanish resorts years ago. Whatever language they approached us in we'd answer in another saying we didn't understand LOL Spiced up the day a little

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

I usually lurk here on the UK board but had to post on this one.

I have to strongly disagree with this poll. I have met many people of many nationalities both in Disney and here at home. I have never found British tourists/vacationers to be anything but polite, friendly and very open to chat.

I have only had 2 or 3 bad expeiences with "foreign vacationers" and I chalk them up to the fact they are jerks. They are probably jerks at home so why would they be different here. If you feel the need to know twice it was a French couple/family and once a large group of Japanese tourists.

Actually the only group of "foriegners" I cringe at seeing is the Brazilian flag people but I think that is universal. And again that is mainly because is almost excluisvely young teenagers who will eventually grow out of the "I derserve to be first" attitude.

Realistically with the climate nowadays here the British, Australians, Spanish and Polish would probably be the most welcome tourists. However I do pity the attitude most French visitors will be getting in the coming months. This is not meant to be an ethnic slur just a realistic view from this side of the world.

 

[SidB]

Reading messages posted here, my experiences in Florida, and those of other friends and family, the opinion of Americans is very high. I've not met anybody who's been to Florida who's said that they're not going back.

The statement about Brazilian kids seems very similar to those I'd make about Brit's visiting the Mediteranian region, except some of them are adults.

I hope the "Iraq issue" doesn't effect relations between any nationalities.

 

[cheryl.UK]

I've only ever been treated with politeness and friendliness when I've visited the US but I did encounter one particularly horrible couple once.

We were at the Kennedy Space centre and we were going down a winding ramp after seeing one of the craft. A large Indian family were taking a picture and we stood back while they did so. An American couple with southern accents came from behind us and deliberately walked in front of them. The guy said loudly, 'what the hell they waiting for, its only a bunch of (followed by one of the worst racist phrases I've ever heard)' The girl laughed and shouted 'you tell em' loud enough for all to hear.

I didn't know what to say. Dumbfounded is not nearly strong enough.

I know you find racists everywhere but I've never heard such blatant remarks anywhere else. It made my stomach turn.

 

[Olaf]

Well Cheryl, I'm afraid you came into contact with what is know as "white trash" or a "redneck". It is tempting to confront that sort of person, but one would be ill advised to consider it. They're know for being into concealed weapons. Although, I must admit to have burst out laughing in their presence, despite my DH's best attempts to shut me up.

 

[Kilted_Yank]

One of the things that my wife and I like best about going to Disney (besides the parks, of course) is the chance that we get to interact with our British cousins.

My wife is a professional historian and did her master's and doctoral work at the University of Essex. After she completed her studies, she taught at the university level at RAF Mildenhall, Bentwaters, and Lakenheath. She even did a brief stint at Greenham Common in the mid and late 80's.

I am an amateur military history geek, with a particular interest in the Napoleonic/Nelsonian period, and the works of Patrick O'Brian. I also have an interest in geneaology, and have been able to track down many of my ancestors to their birthplaces in the British Isles, back to the 17th century. I have also visited the UK on more than one occaision when I was a young, girl-chasing, US Marine.

Because of these interests, we have a particularly soft spot in our hearts for our British friends. We are glad you come to our country, and hope that you will always know that you will always be welcome here.

Cheers,

Bill

 

[WDWfan uk]

We are glad you come to our country, and hope that you will always know that you will always be welcome here.

Bill, thank you for posting this lovely sentiment ....... to use an American phrase............ "right back at ya"!!!! (Did I get it right? )

I'm not that far from the airbases you name - Mildenhall and Lakenheath (don't know Bentwaters), and Janice is much closer to them.

I'd love to meet both of you one day - is there any chance you'll be coming over soon?

 

[Kilted_Yank]

Actually, we plan to get to the UK witihin the next two years, if we can. we'd like to spend some time in London and Colchester, then up to Stirlingshire to see a apl of mine.

 

[Janice]

One of the things that my wife and I like best about going to Disney (besides the parks, of course) is the chance that we get to interact with our British cousins. [/unquote]

Hi Bill - I also wanted to thank you for your lovely comments

As Shirley says I live very near to Mildenhall and Lakenheath - in fact I go to the American Airbase at Lakenheath on a regular basis to meet with some American Ladies and spend a day Scrapbooking in the School on base there I also am very familiar with Colchester, living only 40 minutes from there and if you do get to visit the UK in the near future, well a meet could definetly be on the cards....................

You'll have to keep us posted