Silly question for globetrotting San Franciscans, and a poll (San Francisco: live, friendly)

[pch1013]

I'm about to take my first international trip -- to New Zealand -- since I moved to the Bay Area 8 years ago. For the past 5 years I've lived in SF.

It occurred to me that since I'll be pegged as a foreigner the minute I open my mouth, I will certainly be asked where I'm from. So, I'm just curious: when you're abroad, do you first say you're from the U.S., California, San Francisco, or what?

I've heard various reports about how prevalent anti-Americanism is in NZ (and elsewhere), and I'm not especially worried about it, but I wonder whether being more specific would mitigate any possible negative reaction.

There's also the possibility that saying I'm from SF will lead people to assume I'm gay, but I actually am gay, so that's not a problem either.

[clongirl]

I've lived and traveled abroad (even during the GW Bush era!) and I've never had any problems whatsoever with saying I'm from San Francisco. Most everyone I've ever met knows where it is. Only one person commented that "it's anything goes in that City!" (he had taken his mom on holiday and I guess they saw something typically weird or unusual here.). He said it in a good way, though.

As an American, I've never had a single problem nor has anyone ever passed any judgement on me being one. You won't have any problems at all...I assure you! You'll have a fantastic time there---I've heard it's absolutely stunning and beautiful. I'll add that gay marriage is alive and well in New Zealand. Your sexual preference won't phase most people there.

[pch1013]

Originally Posted by clongirl

As an American, I've never had a single problem nor has anyone ever passed any judgement on me being one.

Same here - and I lived in Europe for 4 years during the GW Bush era.

[ohhwanderlust]

Well I was conceived in Hungary, so I tell them I'm a Hungarian in SF.

Yeah, I say San Francisco. The SF stereotype is almost the opposite of the 'typical Amurrican' stereotype, which is probably why even when people have issues with US Americans, they seem to see me as an exception.

Even people in the US assume I'm a foreigner from somewhere though, and I tend to be mistaken as a local in most places I've been, so perhaps it's more my appearance than my city.

[pch1013]

Originally Posted by ohhwanderlust

Even people in the US assume I'm a foreigner from somewhere though, and I tend to be mistaken as a local in most places I've been, so perhaps it's more my appearance than my city.

Yes, I've had people tell me -- even here -- that I "look European," whatever that means.

[NewbiePoster]

Originally Posted by clongirl

I've lived and traveled abroad (even during the GW Bush era!) and I've never had any problems whatsoever with saying I'm from San Francisco. Most everyone I've ever met knows where it is. Only one person commented that "it's anything goes in that City!" (he had taken his mom on holiday and I guess they saw something typically weird or unusual here.). He said it in a good way, though.

As an American, I've never had a single problem nor has anyone ever passed any judgement on me being one. You won't have any problems at all...I assure you! You'll have a fantastic time there---I've heard it's absolutely stunning and beautiful. I'll add that gay marriage is alive and well in New Zealand. Your sexual preference won't phase most people there.

This. I've never run into anti-Americanism anywhere, except at an international conference once, that was about radical politics. The German participants didn't like Americans. But it was the context. Those weren't average Germans. In most parts of the world, people are curious about Americans. Even if their country has strained relations with the US, the people generally will be open and curious. Even Serbs after the war in Kosovo were friendly and curious about Americans.

[Oakformonday]

I don't mean to be rude, but why are you asking this questions? What did you say when you were in Europe? Anyway, good luck in New Zealand!

[pch1013]

Originally Posted by Oakformonday

I don't mean to be rude, but why are you asking this questions? What did you say when you were in Europe?

Because I'm curious.

When I lived there, I had been in Seattle previously, so I'd say "the US" and then "Seattle" when pressed for further details. To which almost everyone immediately said, "Nirvana!". And this was several after years after Kurt died - go figure!

[Oakformonday]

Originally Posted by pch1013

Because I'm curious.

When I lived there, I had been in Seattle previously, so I'd say "the US" and then "Seattle" when pressed for further details. To which almost everyone immediately said, "Nirvana!". And this was several after years after Kurt died - go figure!

Got it. I'd just say San Francisco. If they don't know it then CA and then the west coast of the US/ Have fun.

[HockeyMac18]

I say "just south of San Francisco"...and I've never encountered anyone who has not heard of SF, so I wouldn't have to clarify much. But if I would have to clarify, I would say California (everyone has heard of CA, right?)....and then probably just the U.S. if someone was completely ignorant of these.