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I am worried about Paris mainly since that is where I want to go to.
You don't need to worry. Everywhere is it's own place. Paris is Paris is Paris. Seeing some Americans there among thousands of other non-French people as well, doesn't make it any less Paris.
I don't know where your hometown is in the U.S., but if there is a college nearby with some Asian students, doesn't automatically make your entire city all 'Asian'. Your city remains what it is, you just happen to have some Asian students there too, etc.
well, in my experience some American tourists make a fool out of themselves and do things like pick fights with people for the heck of it, that gets irritating
well, in my experience some American tourists make a fool out of themselves and do things like pick fights with people for the heck of it, that gets irritating
I've never been an expat in France, but I have been an American expat in many other countries. Usually it's the same scenario.
You'll ALWAYS find Americans (or any other nationality) in any foreign city in the world. It's really your choice if you want to search them out and hangout with them all the time (as some do), or if you want to 'go native' and avoid them altogether.
Generally, I find that 'in theory' everyons initially says they want to 'go native' and avoid all others of their same nationality. Than as time goes on, they decide they'd love to find a good Mexican restaurant (American's #1 cuisine of choice), or find some food or product that they enjoyed eating back in the U.S. (tortillas, sour cream, bbq sauce) or something or another. And suddenly find themselves taking the best of both worlds that they find themselves in.
So true. I lived in Central Europe for a few years in the early 90s, and heard my fellow Americans lament the lack of peanut butter, maple syrup, and, rather inexplicably, sushi mats! Sadly, at the time (pre-Tesco) such things were rarely available, and this sometimes drove people tearfully back into the welcoming arms of the Motherland!
well, in my experience some American tourists make a fool out of themselves and do things like pick fights with people for the heck of it, that gets irritating
one thing I am worried about in that regard
You have nothing to worry about.
Most Americans actually are senstive to the many negative stereotypes/attributes thrown on them. As an American, If I overheard you saying that stuff from a coffee table, a subway train, or anywhere else, I wouldn't be picking a fight with you about it, I'd be giving you a wide berth, and avoid you entirely.
In an odd way, you'd repel most Americans that live abroad.
The only type of American that would pick a fight with you, would be a small-town uneducated provincial one, but there's no way that type is going to have the money or education to be living it up in Paris.
well, in my experience some American tourists make a fool out of themselves and do things like pick fights with people for the heck of it, that gets irritating
one thing I am worried about in that regard
Do you realize how big Paris is? The odds of you running into a large concentration of Americans is slim (unless you're at the Eiffel Tower or something). I was in Paris last summer and don't recall running into Americans. Just go , enjoy the experience, and try not to think about what shenangigans your fellow countrymen may or may not be up to.
Do you realize how big Paris is? The odds of you running into a large concentration of Americans is slim (unless you're at the Eiffel Tower or something). I was in Paris last summer and don't recall running into Americans. Just go , enjoy the experience, and try not to think about what shenangigans your fellow countrymen may or may not be up to.
I am worried about Paris mainly since that is where I want to go to.
Try not to worry too much. Go and enjoy yourself. I think you are going to have to share Paris with all different kinds of nationalities from what I have read. I've been trying to brush up on the country myself. Warning though, I'm american and I will be in Paris either the last week of April or between June 15- 30th! Who knows it may be an american that comes in handy when you at least expect it. I'm currently in Europe right now and I absolutely love it when I run into a fellow american.
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