I have compiled a list of a mistakes American's make when they are here visiting
1. Fanny Packs/ Bum Bags whatever you want to call them. They really are not kewl... these babies stopped being sold here in the early 90's and anyone wearing them is shot on sight
2. Being Loud, if you look around especially when you're on the tube and no one's talking... or people are talking quietly... then follow suit!
3. Clothing. As a yank i suppose it depends on where you are from... but wearing a t-shirt with USA plastered all over it, or coat that looks like something you'd use on an expedition to the k2 summit, just singles you out completely. Also wearing proper trainers that you could actually use for sport, is hardly done here to walk around in... it's mostly stylish comfortable light trainers... have a look at www.puma.com and www.merrell.com for ideas.
4. Croakies on your wrap around sunglasses... just wrong
5. Making a big scene in a shop or a restaurant over a small thing. If the person serving you gets something wrong. Don't make a huge scene instead just quietly have a word with them say politely that the food is cold or that they haven't given you the right change... mistakes do happen
6. Don't act like you own the place... as much as Americans like to believe that the whole world loves them, the reality is, we don't.
7. Under No Circumstances mention the war. Yes the British soldiers are over there fighting, but almost anyone you ask about the war will tell you that we shouldn't be over there. Not many people believe in the war here so it's a subject best steered clear of.
8. If you really want to get along with the English you have to be able to joke about your own country and your own president... we do it to ourselves so why not join in
9. my last point here... if you go to a comedy club such as www.comedystore.co.uk do not... if the comedian asks if there are any americans in the audience... start screaming and shouting... you will end up being every comedian's joke for the rest of the night
Leave a Comment