Could it be the logo on the coffee cup and the egg mcmuffin McSmile as they come out of McDonalds for breakfast?
I personally think the Germans have replaced us as the oddest tourists. This is just a peeve, but the ones who can only travel on planned packages trips, with multiple, overstuffed giant suitcases. Anyone else notice how much German food is on Northern Italian restaurant menus? It’s not the natives who need the wurst. When I bought the tickets to Turkey, the travel agent thought we were nuts not to pre-book hotels, tours, and transpo. She balked at booking just the plane. C’mon. Part of the adventure for us is winging it.
It’s not just athletic shoes- it’s the rubbery lace-ups.
Yes, we dress for NYC, too.
At least they serve beer at the French McDo’s
^ iirc, isnt there a part of northern Italy which was once a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and where majority first language is German?
It’s often said that German tourists behave very un-German like when they are on holiday outside their borders, especially those on package bus tours.
You’re right. It’s much more likely that’s the reason for the smile. But, do you have to wait until 10:00 am to get it?
Re #181 #183
Yes, Alto Adige or Sud Tyrol is the region of northern Italy that was once part of Austria.
When I was recently in Europe, I didn’t feel the need to hide where I was from because it would be obvious the moment I opened my mouth. My Italian and Spanish are likely very obviously accented, so what’s the point of hiding. In my limited observations, I noticed most Americans attempting Italian, whereas the Brits not so much.
As far as dress, the locals were easy to spot because Italians dress sharp. The tourists all looked the same, dressed for comfort.
Funnily enough, I did get asked for directions on occasion, but I get that everywhere I go. I figure, I must just look like I know where I’m going.
But I’ve seen the German foods further south than Sudtirol.
Trying the language out is more than hiding where you’re really from. I just find it respectful. Funny, but on our last trip to Paris, they seemed relieved I knew enough rusty French. Not just in a street market, but also in, eg, the Louvre. And I was surprised they didn’t then cut in with their English. I love “fitting in,” you can’t convince me otherwise. 
Btw, about white socks. You missed the German women of any age who wear them with heeled, strappy sandals?
lookingforward, it isn’t only in Northern Italy; I was rather surprised when I was in Rome to see so many restaurants with German/Austrian food on the menus.
^^Just like in the early 1940s!
I’ve stayed at resorts in the Dominican Republic with a large German clientele, I noticed they seemed pushier than other guests. I still laugh thinking of the older topless lady returning my son’s runaway raft to him. He was 12 and didn’t know what to do with himself. But I’m sure he was wishing it was the teenage daughter instead.
Interesting anecdotes.
When we were in Berlin over Christmas, most of the fine restaurants which were recommended to us were Italian or “Mediterranean.” We enjoyed them very much, but we did have to press to get our concierge to recommend a restaurant known for traditional German food.
The best Italian food I’ve ever had was in Berlin.
@NoVADad99, I have to confess that when we discussed our favorite meals in Berlin, we all agreed on the Italian fare we had.
Tourist groups from any nationality can be a challenge as they interact mainly with each other and try to stay together. When I travel around, though, the groups to avoid are not the Americans or Germans - it’s the Japanese. They won’t part or yield for anything. They insist on staying together so rigidly that woe to anyone who happens to be in their way.
" It’s often said that German tourists behave very un-German like when they are on holiday outside their borders, especially those on package bus tours."
– Just like American college kids on package tours during spring break in Mexico!
You can always spot the Germans by the socks w sandals, no matter what time of year.
GMTplus7, I first noticed the German tourists in socks and sandals more than 30 years ago in the Caribbean. There were droves of them everywhere. Including on the beach!
“You can always spot the Germans by the socks w sandals, no matter what time of year.”
But if they happen to speak English, they could be American tourists from Seattle.
http://www.werealotlikeyou.com/mobile/default.aspx?id=104
