I'll have to admit that I've been "The Ugly American" and worn a Gator t-shirt in Roma.It worked to my advantage in Tuscany. I knew that a bunch of our art students were studying there (UGA summer abroad). As I was walking down the street in Cortona (the hill town made famous by Frances Mayes in "Under The Tuscan Sun") I heard "Dr. R."! It was one of my students! I was so happy to see him. Small world.
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oh heck, we were the tacky american backpackers for months! got some stares by just a few older italian mamas on the train. but, we always used our manners, especially in France, and were treated very well by all. we did observe some rather rude, spoiled americans here and there. quite demanding, and probably having a hard time getting around having to figure stuff out for themselves, eating foreign food and all.... and most probably not even making a basic attempt to speak the language :roll:
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It worked to my advantage in Tuscany. I knew that a bunch of our art students were studying there (UGA summer abroad). As I was walking down the street in Cortona (the hill town made famous by Frances Mayes in "Under The Tuscan Sun") I heard "Dr. R."! It was one of my students! I was so happy to see him. Small world.
you do that enough already! :roll:

It was oh so wonderful and I am not really proud to say I had to pay duty this trip. :shock: I blame it on Mr. K who kept telling me to "buy it".
I don't get my hearing back for a few days after those kinds of flights.