Bear with me here while I jump on my soap box!
I am as proud to be an American as the next person. I love my country. I believe we have the greatest country on the face of the earth. I fly my American flag on every holiday (especially July 4th!), and I own and have watched every single episode of the John Adams series with tears in my eyes and a great sense of regard what our country stands for. Yet, I'm mortified at the behavior of some of my fellow Americans whom I have encountered when traveling in Italy.
Let me give you an example from a recent trip. I was sitting in my hotel's breakfast room sipping a cappuccino and enjoying a typical Italian breakfast (fresh fruit, cold cuts, rolls, cheese, and hard boiled eggs) when I hear a loud thunderous angry voice bellow from a nearby table, "Why the h_ _ _ can we not get some scrambled eggs and bacon around here?!" Thankfully, I think I was too stunned to respond, otherwise, I might have quipped, "Because you're not in Kansas anymore, Toto!"
Really! Isn't the point of traveling to another country to experience how another culture lives? I'm amazed to find American tourists who go to a foreign country and expect the locals to speak perfect English and serve burgers and fries. This is not Italy, USA, and I think it is high time we American tourists learn a few manners:
- Drop the sense of entitlement. Although we may be proud Americans (and we have a lot to be proud of), it does not entitle us to special privileges at airports, hotels, restaurants, or anywhere else on foreign soil.
- Exchange your money to local currency. It is your responsibility to make payment on goods and services using native moneys. Do not expect a merchant to take your American dollars -- they do not have to.
- Learn the language. You are visiting their country, therefore, it is not their responsibility to find a way to communicate with you. It is not difficult to learn a few key words and phrases to communicate effectively with the locals, and when you do, you will be surprised at how forthcoming they are to respond.
- Do as the Romans do. Learn the local culture before you set foot on Italian soil. For example, it is customary for meals to last two or more hours. Italians savor their meals over long, relaxing conversations with friends and family. When they are finished with their meal, they summon their server for the bill. The waitstaff honors that custom when it may appear to you and me they are ignoring us. Embrace it. Relax, and when you need something, simply flag your server and politely make your request.
- Be considerate with your camera. The locals are not characters from Disney World or an exotic animal in the wild. They are real people living real lives, and many do not like to have their picture taken. Be respectful and ask if you may take someone's photo before snapping.
- Turn down the volume. Americans are loud people. We do not care who hears our cell phone conversations or discussions at the dinner table. Nor do we care if our loud voices are a disturbance to anyone nearby. We want to be heard, need to be heard. On the contrary in Italy. It is considered an intrusion on someone else's privacy to be loud and noisy. Loud voices are reserved for sporting events and bars.
- Avoid overt nationalism. While you may be proud of America, others may not share your views. You are in their country, respect their opinions. Besides, shouting "I am American" by waving a flag or wearing national emblems on your clothing only draws attention from thieves and pickpockets.
Tourism is not a cultural exchange program. If you plan to travel to Italy (or any other country for that matter), dial down your American customs and go with the mindset of embracing the customs of that country. In doing so, I promise you will have a more rewarding experience!
