I'm leaving the country.

Got yourself a Canadian flag patch? [grin]

When people say that everybody in Europe speaks English, don't believe them. A phrase book might help in that regard. Don't expect pizza in Italy to be like pizza here in the States. They don't use nearly as much cheese on them as we do - and it's usually only one kind of topping - sausage or mushrooms or olives - but not all three together.

Watch out for groups of street kids. They might swarm you and pick your pockets.

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Original post by LessBread Got yourself a Canadian flag patch? [grin]

I've heard that before, is that something I should really consider?

Thanks

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Original post by Rixter Quote: Original post by LessBread Got yourself a Canadian flag patch? [grin] I've heard that before, is that something I should really consider?

Definitely. You should also practice saying "aboot", "eh?", and other similar things which all Canadians definitely do so that no one will think you're American.

lol

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Original post by Rixter Quote: Original post by LessBread Got yourself a Canadian flag patch? [grin] I've heard that before, is that something I should really consider? Thanks

Nah, I've never done it and never would. It seems rather silly.

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Original post by Promit Quote: Original post by Rixter Quote: Original post by LessBread Got yourself a Canadian flag patch? [grin] I've heard that before, is that something I should really consider? Definitely. You should also practice saying "aboot", "eh?", and other similar things which all Canadians definitely do so that no one will think you're American.

hahaha. oh wait, sarcasm tag.

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Original post by Promit Quote: Original post by Rixter Quote: Original post by LessBread Got yourself a Canadian flag patch? [grin] I've heard that before, is that something I should really consider? Definitely. You should also practice saying "aboot", "eh?", and other similar things which all Canadians definitely do so that no one will think you're American.

While having a Canadian flag might be pushing it, avoiding mentionning that you are american would definitely be wise. I've witnessed, a few... incidents last time I travelled near americans.

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Original post by jfclavette Quote: Original post by Promit Quote: Original post by Rixter Quote: Original post by LessBread Got yourself a Canadian flag patch? [grin] I've heard that before, is that something I should really consider? Definitely. You should also practice saying "aboot", "eh?", and other similar things which all Canadians definitely do so that no one will think you're American. While having a Canadian flag might be pushing it, avoiding mentionning that you are american would definitely be wise. I've witnessed, a few... incidents last time I travelled near americans.

I always say that I am from a conquered Hawaiian kingdom.

Avoid invitations to sex parties in Eastern European Hostels... [grin]

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Original post by Rixter Yep, for the first time in my life I'm going to another country :).

Cool :D

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Any advice for any of these countries? Anything to look out for or stay away from, just general 'street smarts' I guess. Or is that a stupid question.

Yeah, don't rely on people understanding english. (well, except for in England, obviously). Plenty of people do speak english (Everyone in Northern Europe, maybe half in Southern), but some tend to find it a bit arrogant or rude if you don't even make the effort to talk to them in their own language. Even if you can't say more than 3 words, it's often a good idea to try to stutter your way through a sentence or two before asking people if they can switch to english afterwards. [wink]
(I've even met people who pretended they didn't understand english *until* you'd tried to stagger your way through a sentence in French. Then they were suddenly very friendly and "Oh, you can talk english to me if that's easier"... [lol]

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While having a Canadian flag might be pushing it, avoiding mentionning that you are american would definitely be wise. I've witnessed, a few... incidents last time I travelled near americans.

Hmm, dunno if it's that bad. But don't get too patriotic. My experience (although that's mostly in Northern Europe) is that no one minds Americans, but holier-than-thou, arrogant or nationalist/patriotic Americans are a target for arguments and criticism. You end up having to defend everything the US has done in the last 80 years every time you try to talk to people... [lol]

Oh yeah, and enjoy the trip. I might be biased since I live here, and haven't travelled much outside Europe, but I find it to be an amazing place in general. So many different countries with so many different cultures and different scenery and so much variety from place to place.

Btw, not sure if the route is final, but you might consider dropping by some of the northern countries as well. Germany, Finland, Netherlands, some bit of Scandinavia or whatever...

Oh hostels are OK. They're usually very clean if a bit rustic. I don't know about 'hostel-life' since I went there late at night to sleep and left early in the morning to do stuff. Bring a padlock.

While in the big cities, wear your backpack in front of you, and keep your camera in their bag, crossed over, not just over your arm. Don't trust anyone that knows to much english and smiles a lot. If your in a café or bar, stay inside, the tables outside are a prime target for thiefs (mainly groups of children or women with small children.

Also, water. Some people can't take water from different countries. I've been over half the planet and never had any problems, but some people get sick just by going to a neighboring country for a week, and then again when they get back.

In Greece, toilet paper goes into the trash can, not into the toilet. They normally have lots of signs about this, so when you see one, you'll be prepared for it.

Have fun!

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Original post by Rilcon While in the big cities, wear your backpack in front of you, and keep your camera in their bag, crossed over, not just over your arm. Don't trust anyone that knows to much english and smiles a lot. If your in a café or bar, stay inside, the tables outside are a prime target for thiefs (mainly groups of children or women with small children. Also, water. Some people can't take water from different countries. I've been over half the planet and never had any problems, but some people get sick just by going to a neighboring country for a week, and then again when they get back. In Greece, toilet paper goes into the trash can, not into the toilet. They normally have lots of signs about this, so when you see one, you'll be prepared for it. Have fun!

Isn't that a bit much, the whole carrying the backpack in front of your thing. He is going to Europe... not the middle of Central Asia. Yeah you will encounter thieves but it isn't that bad.

If anyone asks say you are from Ottawa and your favorite sport is Hockey of course. Might not hurt to brush up on the Canadian Anthum. "Oh Canada, our home and native land..."

theTroll

No, it's not really much. Big cities attract tourists, and tourists attract thieves. The thief to tourist ratio is pretty nasty in some parts. And I'd actually feel safer from thieves in an average middle eastern country than in some european cities.

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Original post by Rilcon No, it's not really much. Big cities attract tourists, and tourists attract thieves. The thief to tourist ratio is pretty nasty in some parts. And I'd actually feel safer from thieves in an average middle eastern country than in some european cities.

Heh. Had to tackle down a ~9 years old while in Rome. Got my camera back and let the kid go. Couldn't really get myself to turn him in. Some local shouted a few warning about a mother and a toddler at us too.

The touristy spots are nasty. Pay special attention while you're bored in queue.

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Original post by Promit Quote: Original post by Rixter Quote: Original post by LessBread Got yourself a Canadian flag patch? [grin] I've heard that before, is that something I should really consider? Definitely. You should also practice saying "aboot", "eh?", and other similar things which all Canadians definitely do so that no one will think you're American.

I know you're being sarcastic but its a true occurrence. A lot of American tourists overseas completely dissociate from America...I can't help but feel a bit ashamed that one would have to lie about their nationality in order to preserve a sense of self respect while travelling in another country, especially when it seems the opposite is actually true. Why demean ourselves and the intent of America by stating that we aren't from there? Whatever happens, the world needs to know that America isn't full of fuckwads. The only way that is going to happen is if we prove that we will not cower in the corner. We need to prove that we aren't all narrow minded good ol' Texas boys and the only way through that is by being truthful.

/rant.

Barnacles is a good hostel. Not sure if that was Ireland only though.

As for the Canadian flag patch, perhaps...

Some guy said to me 'You Americans pronounce things so funny.', to which I responded 'You have a funny accent too, are you from London?'. Not the best thing to say to a person of the Republic of Ireland, but it got the point across. Maybe a flag could have saved him the breath.

This happened various times in various ways, every time diffused by our proclamation of Canadian citizenship. It actually pissed me off, and I'm pretty easy going 99.9% of the time.

I recommend independent hostels over those part of "Hostel International" or whatever it's called.

Just don't be stupid and you'll be fine. You're not going to the third-world. Make sure somebody has a credit card in case of emergencies. If you're worried about theft, just wear a money belt and stick your money,passport, and other important stuff in there.

I find that if I attempt to speak in their language, I don't have to ask to speak in English, they stop me from butchering their language and speak in English [smile].

My advice is don't do what too many tourists do (especially college-aged wannabe intellectuals) and spend all-day, every day in museums. See the big stuff but spend some time outdoors seeing the city, meeting people, etc. When I was over there it was sad the people I met in hostels that wasted all their travel days in museum after museum.

Have fun!