Young Americans in Australia are pretty entitled. One time, I told this young bloke on a bike at the Shine of Remembrance in Melbourne to get off and have some respect. After I walked off, he yelled out I'm American. To which I replied, "I forgive you." The look on his face was that of bewilderment.
@borisbash Given how much Australians disrespect their own backyard with copious littering, it doesn't really breed an environment of respect; if a foreigner visits Australia and everywhere they go is trashed, I wouldn't be surprised if they also have low respect for those places. I've introduced many foreigners to Australia and taught them how to integrate (footpath: walk on the left; escalator: stand on the left/overtake on the right; general: don't litter, wait until you find a bin; national park: make sure all of your rubbish leaves with you; bus/train/elevator: wait for people to get out before you get in; etc.), but it's difficult to ingrain when it's so easy to point out so many Australians not respecting others or their surroundings. I believe if Australian society had more basic respect for itself, foreigners would be more likely to show that same level of respect by default.
Lmao. Almost spit my drink when you said, 'Being Australian is the real-life version of what Americans think the rest of the world thinks of us'. Bloody hell that was good. Starting to take the piss of your own people. We might need to make you an honorary member of Australia :D
Had a similar experience back in the 80s. Was visiting France with my then husband who was working there on contract for a few months. I was so bored during the day I took a bus to the ww1 cemeteries and spent some time looking for the graves of my grandfather's brothers and grandmother's brothers. Found a few of them (10 in total - 6 from one and 4 from the other family - my grandfather was the only one in his family of 7 boys to survive the trenches and come home). After my second trip to the cemetery the bus driver asked me why. I explained in my dreadful french that I had found only a few of my relatives there and was still looking for the last ones. His face was a study in horror when he realised. And he insisted that I come home with him and have a meal with his family. The next day he escorted me to the local record keeping office and helped me find the locations of the remaining family members. His wife made sure I had nice fresh flowers to put on the graves, and insisted that we all have a group photograph taken by one of the graves of my kin. Kinder souls never lived.
That would be Villers-Bretonneux way up north near the border with Belgium. There are signs on schools saying "do not forget Australia". The town flies Australian flags and the place goes into overdrive on Anzac Day as the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux took place on 24th-25th April 1918. It was on the 25th of April that the town was recaptured.
@@kim_o_the_concrete_jungle Mine made it home but got gassed four times, and instead of returning to the family farm he became an accountant, his lungs werent fit for hard work.
We were taken to France by a bus load of British friends for a celebration with the people of their sister town. Once they heard our accents, they treated us very differently to our British friends. They announced to the whole town that the two of us were Australian and then we were separated from our friends and given the best wines and a totally different 'amazing' luncheon. My partner was taken for a walk to the town cemetery where he was shown the well kept graves of Australian soldiers from WWII - they even had fresh flowers placed on the graves. The people that took him there thanked him for what our people had done for their village and the women showered me with gifts and flowers to take home. They were absolutely wonderful to us but our British friends were all very jealous and seemed to be merely tolerated by the generous folk that made us feel so welcomed and humble. It was a day I will remember forever!
First time I had been to Paris, my mum had to be rushed to the hospital and because they thought we were British, they treated us all horribly. It took us wearing our Australia Day gear for them to get the point we were ACTUALLY Australian and the treatment of us (and my mum) got a bit bitter. We sounded slightly more English than other Aussies, but my dad greeted everyone with "G'day" unironically but that wasn't enough. My mum suffered more than us though
My friend is married to an Australian born Japanese. They went to Europe for a holiday and in Belgium, someone tried to speak Chinese to the husband. He responded in his Aussie accent, “Sorry, I’m Australian, not Chinese.” Much laughter followed!
Aussie here. Back in 1998, one week after France won the world cup, I was in Germany on business. One of my colleagues suggested we drive to Paris for the weekend. Saturday evening in Paris, sitting in a small restaurant/cafe' just off the Champs-Élysées, partying still going on celebrating the French world cup victory all around us. The food was great, no it was superb, but the wait staff were living up to the reputation of bad tempered and snooty. Then just as we had finished the main course and were discussing what desserts we all would indulge in, one of the younger waiters came over to our table (we were seated at a table out on the curb so we could watch the celebrations go on) and asked if we were Americans. We said no we are Aussies, from Australia. The waiter then quickly (without taking our dessert order) skuttled back inside the Cafe'. We could see him and other wait staff gesticulating with each other. Then an older gentleman (maybe the head of the wait staff) walked slowly to where our table was located and just started apologizing for the bad service his staff had given us. He said "We thought you were Americans". He then said to us to choose any desserts as they will be "on the house" in recompense for the bad service. (Weird thing is the service they initially gave was not that different to many of the restaurants we had gone to in Wiesbaden/Russelsheim.) I selected as my dessert "Soft Nougat with bitter Raspberry sauce." Probably the best dessert I have ever had the fortune to experience.
Sounds like a killer dessert. My favorite ever was a blueberry mousse pie with cream I had in Sofia, in Bulgaria. I also liked the date pie served with cream in Weiss Top of the Range restaurant in Toowoomba, Australia. Actually, that is my favorite, nothing can beat it. Weiss restaurant is now closed.
I'm from Melbourne, Australia and went to England years ago and went to Bath. I went for a walk one morning and stopped at a bakery. I said Hi, how are you? to the lady . She was shocked and said.no English person would ask how she was, I told her I was Australian. We're just really friendly and easygoing people I think.
I was driving in a cab to a specialist doctor in Athens. I can't speak Greek so I handed him the doctor's card so he discovered his wife and I had the same doctor. He called his wife, she asked me over for lunch: she is from Melbourne. It was lovely. And Melbourne is Greece's second largest city.
@goatfiddler8384 the "2nd largest city" comment is 2nd compared to Greece. I'm sure there must be other bigger cities in greece than the melbourne population.
@@skilletpan5674 Your comment makes no sense. The original saying was that there were so many Greeks in Melbourne due to post WW2 emigration that it could be regarded as "the second biggest city in Greece". My comment was that due to a bit of population growth in Greece[1], and "intermarrying" in Australia, that Melbourne had dropped down the rankings ie is now third. The ENTIRE Greece population is 10.4M, Athens 643K, whereas the population of Greater Melbourne, Werribee -> Pakenham, Epping -> Frankston, is 5.2M so no there isn't any city in Greece that has a bigger population than Melbourne. Basically I think you don't understand the context of the original and my follow up comment on "Greek cities" [1] Looks like I'm wrong on the population growth in Greece. Like a lot of the Western World, it looks to have plateaued and has slightly declined - maybe they have emigrated and joined their cousins in Melbourne....
@@goatfiddler8384 The correct way to say this is "Melbourne is the world's second largest Greek city". Not Greece's second largest. Not sure if the numbers still add up, but the Greek population in Melbourne is massive.
Maybe the huge percentage of Aussies who volunteered and died at the start of each World War while the US sat on the sideline selling arms to the highest bidder for years had something to do with it? You know how many Aussies died at Fromelles? In one night? Over 2000 dead, 5500 casualties. From a nation with the fraction of the population of the US, that's similar deaths and casualties as the US took in the Normandy landings.. Yet we get bombarded with movies about American Heroism at Normandy, when most of their deaths at Normandy were due to utter incompetence. The Canadians achieved far more because they were competent and took instruction. Why did the Canadians achieve far more at Juno with far less losses? It wasn't just the Geneva "suggestions".
The Americans only risked their own. Being late to the war means they were green, that's not nothing and is comparable to what happened to us and comparing them to the Canadians success isn't fair in my opinion. American failures was that of the command not the troops. Anyway who cares about Hollywood when saving private Ryan is the only thing they created that comes close to our war movies. If you haven't seen at least beneath hill 60 you need to
I was on a tour in the US with an assorted group of Europeans. There was one Spanish guy I talked to. He told me that Australians were regarded as good tourists in Spain. I asked him why? He said, the reputation was, if there's a problem Australians will try to find a solution. In the context we were speaking, he was clearly indicating thhat some other nationalities had a reputation for being more interested in complaining than getting the problem fixed.
@@zybch I don't know but when I was in Spain I saw a Dutch guy at the reception desk, in an hotel. He felt that he had been overlooked and was complaining long and loud in Spanish. I thought he was just showing how self important he felt. Anyway, that's my only experience of ugly tourists in Spain. Noting that I did not visit the Costa Brava region.
I was in a rough pub in Ireland once and accidentally spilled my pint on a local as I walked through the crowd. The guy stood up, understandably upset, so I began apologising. He heard my accent and said: "Oh, you're an Aussie! That's okay. No harm done." Turns out he had a favourite Aunt living in Perth and always had a blast on his visits here. Thank you citizens of Perth for your hospitality. You saved me a kicking!
As a Kiwi I've always been treated really well in Europe. Germany, France, Spain, Poland, Italy. In Germany everyone wanted to practice their English, so my efforts at German quickly went downhill.
I was in France a few years ago and spoke in French as much as I could using what I learnt at school and could manage. I was talking to a French woman at a restaurant. At first she thought I was American an she said she assumed I was American as I was not speaking with a British accent. She said they are more familiar with the US and British and had not heard an Australian accent. I said, Nope I am Australian. I asked why they do not like Americans and she said it was because Americans call them cowards. The stereotype of the french surrendering and being rescued. She said during the war they were given the ultimatum of surrendering Paris to the NAZIs or having it flattened and the city looted. The Eifel Tower being demolished for scrap metal, The exhibits in the Louvre being taken to BerlinThey chose to surrender in order to protect Paris. I realised this was a very brave decision to protect the city. The woman said 'We may have surrendered and were polite during teh day but we killed the b*astards during the night and said there were many in the underground and resistence who killed German soldiers. They faced torture and death defending the city from within. Men, women, teenagers worked in the Resistence and were killed. No, they were not cowards, The woman explaining it this way gave me a whole new understanding of it. No one can deny the role of the Allies in liberating France but the role of the resistence tends to be forgotten.
There's lots of reasons why Australians get less hate overseas. One thing I noticed was everywhere the British and American tourists went they expected everyone to speak English which annoyed the locals. I don't know if it's because we are so far from everywhere else, or because we have such a multicultural population but it seems that Aussies, although overjoyed if someone speaks English, we don't expect it.
It's a question of empire - USians and UKians have, within their culture, a perception that of *course* they are the most important nation in the world, because at different points in history, they *were* (or *are*) - their nations were/are the centres of world-spanning empires. That sense of self-importance doesn't really go away, and leads to resentment with other nations, because no one likes someone who thinks less of you. Australians have never been the masters of their own empire in that way, so we’re much more likely to treat those around us as equals, so it shouldn't be surprising that we generally don't get as much hate from other nations!
I've lived in Australia since I was 1 year old. Born in Sweden, my fathers side is Finish. On my first solo trip to Scandinavia aged 19, my uncle took me on one of his business trips around Finland. One stop was fairly far north, was considered a military town as there was an army base close by. In the evening we were at a club/restaurant . The place was full of army wives.At first most thought I was English or maybe American and were keeping thier distance. Once my uncle said to a couple of ladies I was from Australia I was surrounded by lovely ladies all night. My uncle told me the Aussie accent was more powerfull than a Platinum card. Whenever I am in Europe I always try to mention i'm from Australia. It makes a huge differance to how people treat you. This effect is also notable in Asia.
I think being an American in Asia has more of an effect than Australian. The only places I could think of that not being true is Vietnam (for obvious reasons), Philippines (again for obvious reasons) and maybe China. The Japanese definitely have more of a thing for Americans.
@@zybch Yes it can be. For example most of our sentences ending with a high pitch like it’s a question, although we are by no means the only culture that does this it’s still odd and can be very annoying in already higher pitched voices lol.
First World War: Villers-Bretonneux N'oublions jamais l'Australie ["Let us never forget Australia "] - these words appear in the classrooms of the school in Villers-Bretonneux, in northern France. After the war, the school was rebuilt with money raised by donations from Victoria, Australia. The school plaque carries the following words: This school building is the gift of the schoolchildren of Victoria, Australia, to the children Villers-Bretonneux as a proof of their love and good-will towards France. Twelve hundred Australian soldiers, the fathers and brothers of these children, gave their lives in the heroic recapture of this town from the invader on 24th April 1918 and are buried near this spot. May the memory of great sacrifices in a common cause keep France and Australia together forever in bonds of friendship and mutual esteem. Peace out.
Thank you for that comment. I am aware of this but was far too hazy in the detail to add that story in this comments section as you so eloquently just did.
My great grandfather helped open the school at Villers-Bretonneux. Not only did Australians befriend the people they liberated but they helped to rebuild afterwards. Less than 10% of the troops on this front were Australian but they took back more than a third of the forts and towns. When the US finally joined the war, their troops were largely trained by Australians. The French remember the Australians as liberators who were friendly and supportive.
I have had this experience in the Netherlands, France, Greece and Japan. I once hitched a ride on a tourist bus from Amsterdam to Paris. There were only a couple of people on the bus who were not American. When we stopped at roadhouses for food, I found the manners of some of the passengers appalling. On one occasion I was behind a couple from NY. Their behaviour was so bad that when it was my turn to get served I apologised to the woman behind the counter. The interaction with the American couple ended when this lady indicated she did not speak any English. The more they yelled the less she knew. When I apologised she looked me in the eye and said 'You are Australian.' She then took my order with a smile and very good English.
@@ComaDave My best friend is Belgian, his first advice as he was told, learn to say in French. I am sorry I do not speak your language I am >insert your country< and because you attempted their language, a good starting point
@@davidareeves Yes, I had that exact experience. My French is conversational at best (my Marseilles-born Great Great Grandfather would be having a fit) and they do appreciate the effort.
If you try to speak French, and have some class/humility, you get good service in France. I actually had a Parisian pharmacist say I had good French! (I don't).
I being a Kiwi in Europe back in the late 80's went to a country bar for a well earned glass of beer. The moment the barman discovered that I was a Kiwi he poured the beer down the drain and pulled out a glass jug and filled it. Didn't charge me any extra even though it held 8 glasses of beer! This assumption that all Kiwis drink beer by the jugfull is misconstrued. I struggled to get through the jug. New Zealanders are treated the same way as Aussies by Europeans, the French in particular. It is not just an Aussie thing.
As an Aussie I worked in France and French people particularly in the area around Dunkirk were pretty cool towards us close to the point of being rude. Once I told them we were Australian and not British they completely changed the way that they interacted with us and actually became quite friendly. Apparently in towns like Dunkirk and Calais they get annoyed with all the British people who cross the channel just to buy duty free goods like alcohol. Whenever we were travelling in France and Europe we made sure that the Qantas kangaroo tags on our bags were visible so hopefully we werent mistaken for British or American tourists I think it worked most of the time. People in villages like Villers Bretoneux near Amiens where the Australians fought in WW1 were extremely friendly towards us and we visited the Victoria School museum on the 2nd floor of the little public school. At the school there is an internal play ground area with DO NOT FORGET AUSTRALIA in large letters displayed on the wall. The museum is dedicated to the Australians who fought there and is actually linked to the Ai=ustralian War Memorial in Canberra. After WW1 had ended the kids in Victoria Australia gave donations to rebuild the school that had been destroyed in the war. We visited the museum during a school day when the caretaker found out that we were Australian he took us downstairs to a class room where small children were all sitting on the the floor and the lady teacher was reading them a story. He introduced us to them as coming from Australia and they all started to applaud we were absolutely stunned and humbled its something that we will never forget. in Villiers Bretoneux they obviously havent forgotten the Aussies who sacrificed so much for them 100 years ago or those kids who helped rebuild their school..
I also visited that school, really amazing place. I went with my dad who served in the Aussie army and he normally tries not to tell people that, but when they found out he served and that we were from Australia they treated us like we were royals.
@@The-True-Duck-King about 10kms from Villiers Bretenoux down little country roads there is a reserve gifted by the French govt. to Australia. It sits on a hill overlooking the little village Of Hamel the site of Gen Monashes famous victory in 1918 it has a memorial right in the middle with the names of every Australain unit that fought there. Around it is a path and on that path there are still the remains of Australian trenches as well as sign boards explaining different points of interest. A few kms away is the Australian War Memorial where the dawn service is shown live on Aussie TV the service has always been well attended by the people of Villiers Bretenoux.
When I was in Greece, I tried to speak Greek and they answered in German.Apparently I look German. Then I gave up and said I was Australian. Their faces changed. Australian! They usually have family there, they know Australians. Then I said Melbourne, yes, a big Greek city. By then, they were throwing food at me and insisting that I take a chair, assuming I was family. I noticed some similarities there too, they like living outside, they are laid back, I felt at home in Greece
I think the German part might have been because Greece is a popular (party and get drunk) vacation place for Germans to go to. So they were probably happy to find out you weren't one of those 😄
I'm an Aussie and we spend a couple of months every year travelling around Europe. I have always felt welcomed but i do know that Americans are treated a bit differently because they don't want to embrace different cultures and they are very loud. They come across as ignorant to others. I learn about what county i am going to before hand and try new things like their national food etc...I do my best not to offend anyone. We have always been treated well by Europeans, they love to stop and chat.
Australian soldiers liberated Villers-Bretonneux from Germans' occupation during ww1. And also fought in ww2 in France. It was a very big deal. Commemorations are held every ANZAC Day at Villers-Bretonneux. This is where all the Australian war hero's are buried.
Not all Australias war heros are buried at Villiers Bretonneux only those who fell there. There is a small beautifuly maintained Australian War cemetery in the village itself but the main Australian Memorial and cemetary is in the countryside between Villers- Bretonneux and the small village of Hamel thats where the ANZAC dawn services are held every year. I wasnt aware Australians fought in France in WW2 other than maybe RAAF crews. From my experience during discussions with the French people I met while I was working there most of them are not even aware of what the Australians did in WW1 their efforts are mainly remembered in the areas where they fought both in Belgium and in France.
I was in awe when I found out that France would commemorate ANZAC day alongside us, our schools system failed me in teaching me about our ANZAC's so there's still plenty for me to learn even 25 years into my life.
A lot of people in Europe consider Americans and Brits to be far more arrogant than Aussies, we Aussies are considered laidback and easy going, we are happy to be friends with everyone, even snakes and spiders.
In Paris a coffee stall owner had a good ear, he could pick our Australian accents (or was it just not-American accents?) and joked 'do we want our coffee strong, or American?'
I suspect something was lost in translation and the stall owner just wanted to know if you wanted an Americano and wan't implying American coffee is weak.
Europeans often think that if you speak English that you are from England, they don't often distinguish the accent. I served on exchange from the Australian Army with the British Army for a short period. While on some limited leave in Europe I was often treated with disdain by the locals who would be polite but no more thinking I was British. If and when they discovered I wasn't British but Australian, free drinks and extra food with great service became quite common.
As an Aussie that has spent about 4 yrs living and travelling overseas, (Nearly 40 countries and no-one could pick my accent.....but once I told them), I was loved in every country!!
Yes, for 6 months, I experienced coldness and non-friendliness in a small town in Belgium. Reason: They thought I was from England. They're not too fond of the English. That goes back a long way. When the locals near where I lived discovered I was Australian, their reaction was like the difference between night and day. All smiles and glad to have an Australian there! I wish I had told them when I first moved there, it would not have been such an isolating experience, but I had no idea about the anti-English sentiment! It was foreign to me.
I was in Paris in the 90’s so before google translate. With very limited school French I struggled but successfully requested train tickets. In the back ground of the ticket office, there was a guy just giggling. When I was handed my paper tickets (it was the 90’s), I said Merci Beaucoup and the French guy said in a perfect Aussie accent “No Worries Mate”. Obviously my accent was so bad he knew I was from Australia. But yes they were super friendly which was not what I had anticipated at all.
My first time in France I quickly learned that trying to converse in French (yes, bad schoolboy level) almost invariably had someone speaking excellent English.offer to help. The friendliness when they then found out we are Australian, not American was icing on the cake. The French are not rude and arrogant but they do not tolerate disrespect to their language and culture.
I was chilling at a cafe in Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris one year on a 6 hour stopover to central Africa when a couple of middle-aged Aussie sheila's on their dream European holiday approached me and proceeded to ask if I was Australian as they giggled to themselves. I'm guessing my attire gave me away because I was wearing double pluggers, a check shirt, a shearers singlet on underneath and a pair of stubbie shorts and sporting a mullet, smack bang in the middle of a European winter haha
Ryan, our BIGGEST culture is drinking! I am so surprised you don't know this! There's a pub on nearly every corner hahaha. Aussies ARE the Irish, Scottish and English descendants!!! We are just like the Irish in our drinking & beer culture!
I’m surprised this is the first comment about this, especially considering one of our former prime ministers held a Guinness world record for sculling a yard glass in 11 seconds!
The first time I travelled to Scotland way back in 1986, I got a lot of confused side-eye from Scottish people trying to figure out my accent. They weren't as familiar with Aussies as they are now, and many suspected I had a weird English accent. It was always funny to see the penny drop and they became instantly more welcoming.
As a non-drinking introvert Aussie, the idea that everyone overseas already loves me and wants to get drunk with me is enough to stop me from ever leaving my room again.
As a fellow non-drinking introvert (but Norwegian), I say visit the Nordic countries if you want to travel as an introvert. Here, most people will leave you alone, if only out of respect. Nordic people DO drink and become way more talkative when we do, but you don't have to engage in that. For the most part, people will respect your privacy and personal space and will be polite at best.
A huge number of Maltese people came over to Australia after WW2. I know so many people who have Maltese heritage and are proud of that, and equally proud of being an Aussie. ❤
Not everyone doesn't like Americans. I'm an indigenous Australian and love watching you. Got ya good and bad and the ugly in different parts of the world ay.
Same. I don't like the overall America and how they are but I personally have a special kinship with them because I'm so familiar - I have so many American friends 😊
Hi Ryan I'm from Australia. I live in the state of New South Wales, in the regional town of Parkes. At the moment the annual Elvis Festival is happening, it's great fun. You will find videos on youtube of previous festivals, I thought you could do a video reacting to The Parkes Elvis Festival.
french love australians because we stopped the advance of the germans in ww1. look up villers brettoneux they still fly the australian flag have australian street names and an australian themed school.
Ryan, in my humble experience you are an atypical citizen of the US. After some 5 decades of travel, I have encountered way too many of your compatriots who "know" rather than "enquire". It's a over-the-top self confidence that while can be good, it does need to be reigned in at times.
The moment that you believe that you’re the greatest, you’re not. That’s how civilisations fall, pride and arrogance. America have this nonsense drummed into their heads from the cradle. To be the best takes work, takes critical self-analysis, takes pushing your boundaries and actually achieving something of value, and always striving to be better.
The reason there's so many Aussies over there is because Aussies actually travel, unlike Americans. We like to broaden our Horizons and educate ourselves on the rest of the world. Also very probably due to the fact that we get a decent amount of holidays each year, which we actually take & then travel. We start travelling young...I was 18 & by 25 was living in other counties for numerous years. Yanks tend to travel outside of their borders once they are old and retired.
Fellow Aussie here, I don't think I could ever bring myself to travel overseas much less an hours drive from home. I've travelled to different countries as a child/ teenager on family vacations. Travelling doesn't do anything for me. I don't get much time off of work, travelling/ accommodation is too expensive anyway. I don't see any benefits from travelling at all, those experiences don't mean much to me. I've been on a few cruises in my adult life, but spend 90% of the time throwing my guts up trapped in the cabin. Mind you, there's definitely places I'd like to visit but when it comes down to travel, traffic and tourists I'd prefer to steer clear.
@@j_edwards6075 I love experiencing different cultures and I didn’t need five star when I travelled. I’ve always spent at least three months in places like the Middle East and Thailand plus a couple of years in London where Europe was just a stones throw. These days I just do Bali, it’s a beautiful place with beautiful locals plus from Perth it’s so cheap
I've travelled quite a bit in Asia, Europe and North America, mostly alone. I was always keen to point out I was Australian. People seemed to relax and treat me better once they realised I wasn't American. I got lost in Harlem one night (in car with white American boyfriend). He would not stop for directions - this was pre Google maps! My boyfriend was fucking terrified, no streetlights, all shops with bars on windows. When we stopped for traffic lights or stop sign, I rolled down the windows and called out to some guys hanging on the side of the street. A couple of guys ambled over and seemed a bit puzzled at this chick hanging out the window of the car. By this point, my boyfriend was shitting his pants. When the guys realised I was NOT American, they were friendly and pointed us in the right direction to the bridge we needed to get over to Staten Island.
I’ve been in that exact same situation. I was an exchange student in Texas and one night I’d gone with my host sister to look at a puppy that was for sale and she got lost on the way home and we were somewhere in the middle of the Black Community and her reaction was the same, pure terror… and I simply could not understand why on earth she was reacting that way. I’d never encountered such fear and terror in my life, and I was like “they’re people, I don’t get it, what’s wrong with you?”. Like you, I’d have just put my head out the window, said g’day and had a chat and asked for directions if anybody had stopped us. Going to the USA alone, so young, 17, really killed my desire to ever travel outside of Australia ever again. I cried tears of sheer relief the minute the red tiled roofs of Sydney came into view, and vowed to never leave the safety of Australia ever again. It’s the constant fear, all around you, all the time… can’t walk to school, can’t take little sis to the park across the road, can’t go to the supermarket without knowing that everyone is carrying a gun… that’s not freedom, that’s torture.
@virginiaviola5097 I was naieve enough to think that I was invincible, and I was - for that night anyway. Later that year, I went to a small town in Arkansas (deep south) with the same boyfriend. He was a computer troubleshooter, so he got sent all over the world (hence how I met him in Perth!). He was given a car to use while in town, working on the systems at some huge industrial plant. Since he was going to be at the plant all day, I suggested dropping him off so I could use the car to look around the town. His response was priceless. "You can't go out on your own in this town!" Why not?" I asked...he leaned in and said, "They're all black." So he took the car, and as soon as he had gone, I called a taxi so I could do some shopping and sightseeing . The taxi driver was black, of course, and it amused me that I would have been in less "danger" if he'd let me keep the car! But anyway, the taxi driver reminded me of my grandad, and was very kind and reassuring, and actually invited me to his house for lunch with his wife and grandchildren!
I went to NY alone in 2015 and when I took a 911 memorial tour the tour guide was asking where everyone was from and she was not surprised I was an Aussie travelling alone. She commented that aussies were ‘fearless’ and even just assumed I’d be taking the subway back to my hotel at the end of the tour rather than a taxi or some other car service. She was correct thought lol.
This is a generalisation acquired from a number of trips in various parts of the world. Americans and Brits seem to want people to do things the American or English way where Australians (and Kiwis) try hard to fit in with the local practices.
And so modest! 😂 Actually I think that it’s the total lack of humility exhibited by so many Americans when in foreign countries that causes both themselves and their compatriots so many of the problems they experience in those countries.
I only ever say "g,day" when I'm travelling outside of Australia for this reason, I also lean into my accent a little harder and wear a cap with the Australian flag on it cos yes, British and Americans can be ill perceived it seems at least in the European countries I've been to. The change in demeanour toward me through body language alone is instantaneous once they realise I'm Australian, but it probably helps that I grew up in a small country town and learned to smile, wave and say hello to everyone as I pass by, which has gotten me some odd expressions in itself at times.
Aussies are extremely aware of the rest of the world, because we live so far away from it. Natural curiosity, decent education, we’ve all mostly descended from people who got here on boats, and it is still a bloody long trip to get to Europe, so Aussies tend to know where they are going and why they are visiting. Plus..manners? We know that the world isn’t a theme park put together for Americans’ enjoyment.
If you’re going to spend a few hundred just on the flight to get there, you can take the time to put together a bit of an idea where you’re going, what to say and how to act so you don’t Fe Fi Faux Pas all over the people living there.
@@rustkarl well, it’s true that most of us arrived here by boat, or our ancestors did. But boats take even longer than planes, they are much more expensive, and trying to get to Europe from Australia by boat is a g*d damn odyssey. I have nothing but respect for my ancestors who got here in match boxes, that took 6 to 8 months, who sailed through horrific storms, gave birth, spent half the time with water up to their necks bailing out the ship.. and arrived alive. Those were my German ancestors who arrived in the early 1800’s. The rest arrived in 1788-1790’s ( only one convict). While I am conflicted about King George giving land that wasn’t his to give, I still have to admire the sheer grit, will and fortunate of those earliest arrivals from the Northern Hemisphere.
@@rustkarl SEA is affordable in terms of distance, popular with Aussies..but not a place I want to go, because I’m no fan of the Aussies who do. Call me a snob.
As an Aussie, when I travelled around France, the locals at first thought I was English and tended to give me the snub, but when I said I was an Aussie, it was, "OOOH, you should come eat with us"
That was hiliarious watching you take the hits Ryano, your going to have to suck it up mate, remember when the british sent us to Australia .. they sent the best....
Seriously. My x4 Great Grandfather actually fought in the War of Independence against the Americans, then calmly sailed into Botany Bay some 12 years later as Captain of a ship. So, ultimately, we were the winners after all.
I was once at Lafayette in Paris. A lovely young sales assistant wouldn't bother helping me tell the difference between 2 products I was interested in until I casually mentioned I was Aussie before she was keen to help. I had a crack!
Australians travel quite a lot internationally, we also stay away for longer periods as we are very far away and it's expensive to fly often. Back in my travelling days I met lots of Canadians who all had flags plastered all over their clothes, when I asked why, they all said we don't want to be mistaken for Americans, I even met an American who had Canadian flags on his clothes for the same reason.
We found this during our trip to Europe in march last year. We would go to restaurants in Paris and make sure we dropped this fact and never scammed, asked for crazy tips and were helped with menus and such amazing service.
I hope you don't feel too bad Ryan. I'm Australian and have friends in Orlando, and they're great! It just depends on the person. I take people as they come.
In a Paris hotel, was told they like Aussies as we are more "laid back" and that we understand that they are "staff" & doing their jobs with the best tools they had! In UK was told, Aussies are the ones who have a small breakfast instead of a fry-up, & cereal, & toast etc. Yeah toast & cereal is good to go so less work! I think it is that we don't assume they all speak English & try to say thanks etc in their language and look them in the face to ensure they know we really thanking them! Also we love to chat!
Just shooting the breeze. With random strangers. Who are all just like you. Happy to sit down with you for a while and just shoot the breeze. I’m absolutely certain what makes Australians unique is the nature of the Indigenous Australians and the impact they had on the formation of this strange new southern land for northerners, home for 60,000 years for them. It would not have been possible for the people on those 11 ships to have survived for 2 years on unknown territory in the middle of an Australian summer without their help. Natural comedians, don’t suffer fools, absolutely could not have created ‘Australia’ without their help.
Villers-Bretonneux was defended by Aussie troops, the school there is called Melbourne. There is also a really large Australian War Grave Cemetery there. They love Aussie is the North of France.
@@OutAndAboutwithDi That`s okay. I`ve been to The north, ---VillersB many times as my grandfather was killed their and his small cenetery isn`t too far away.
@@carolwhite8036 it is a dream of mine to go there someday, I had people who served over there too. I also had a Lighthorse men in my family and have a great vlog about them on my channel.
On the drinking point. I was recently in England and went to a pub in Oxford that has been there since the 13th century. So I go inside and order a Guinness, pretty standard. But the bartender notices my accent and immediately asks if I wanted a yard glass. I was like no way I was just coming here for a casual drink before bed after I had been driving for some time. Anyways, the story goes our former prime minister, Bob Hawke, was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University and while studying there he set a world record for sculling a yard of ale in 11 seconds. Even our PM was a heavy drinker (best in the world). So yes the drinking culture is very heavy here and Europe recognises it. Unfortunately it did not end up being a casual glass but about 6 with some of the college boys there. It was the only way to get out of doing the yard glass 😂
A mate of mine bought a T-shirt for his around the world trip which had some Arabic looking words on it and underneath the English translation “I am not an American”
There were earlier migrations from Malta too around the turn of the 20th century. They were in demand as agricultural workers who could tolerate the heat in summer, especially in QLD.
I have only travelled in Asia but definitely treated differently as an Australian. In Borneo, the Aussies are still revered for their brave defence efforts against the Japanese in World War II and their toughness in terrible conditions. They have memorials on Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, and even acknowledge Anzac Day. In Bali, they have a different price (better) for Aussies than other tourists - though I was mistaken for European sometimes...I was told because I don't have a strong accent, I am very fair skinned, and mostly because I wear sandals not thongs! My sisters have been to France and were also treated well as Australians. Good manners, a bit of humility and high school French helped also and anyone can acquire these traits if they try. 😊
I was in Glasgow Scotland, was talking to a local, who was standoff-ish, once he realised I was Australian, he was my best pal, he explained initially he thought I was English.
"Happy arvo" Ryan. If you ever came to Australia, you'd be 'pub and grub' hopped like a kangaroo. You're one of our favourite Americans. Cheers from Sydney, AU.
With regard to post WW1 (1919) thousands of Austrailan men went to France, Belgium & Germany and spent years rebuiding the sewers, fresh water plumbing, schools & hospitals. They provided their labour for free, so if Australians travel to country towns where WW1 was fought and say: "Je suis Australien", which means "I am Australian" in French, the local people will treat you like family. Even very young children are still taught in school, what we did to help rebuild their countries after the war. 😊regards Aussie Digger
My cousin and his wife travelled around France, (and a tip for my fellow Aussies) he wore a cap with “Australia” printed on it. They met so many locals who were so friendly and hospitable when knowing that they weren’t Rosbifs or Septiques.
Most Aussie men will have a beer with mates. Many young Aussie males will binge drink beer every weekend. The rest of us enjoy a glass of wine with dinner because we know our wines and like to taste wines from other regions. “Australia is famous for its big bold Shirazes or Cabernet Sauvignons from such famed regions as the Barossa and Hunter Valleys, and today's Australia is a hotbed of exciting styles ranging from exotic Chenin Blanc and Rousanne to steely Riesling and Semillon and fruity Pinot Noir and Sangiovese.” “Bright, bold and full of personality, Shiraz is Australia's most popular variety. It grows in almost every wine region of Australia, accounts for one-quarter of total wine production and is our most exported wine.”
@ Actually, McLarenVale is my favourite wine region! But those were quotes so I didn’t alter them. Is the restaurant still at McLarenVale winery? I absolutely loved the food in that place! Fresh produce lovingly prepared and in abundance! Edit: I just checked, there are lots of restaurants but none of them is the place I went to, it was back in the late 80s, so I guess it’s changed hands. I was with a friend and we ordered veal with mushrooms and a platter of steamed vegies. The veal was really delicious! And when the platter was brought to the table, it was the most colourful assortment of vegetables you could possibly imagine! The restaurant was literally attached to the wine tasting building, which is where we went first, then chose a bottle to have with our lunch. Unforgettable food at an amazing price! 😋😋😋🍷
I was in Paris for a few days and found this as the case. A few years prior, the Australian Navy had rescued a French sailor fron the Southern Ocean, between Australia and Antarctica.
It’s been happening for DECADES! My only trip to Europe was in 1976 & Aussies were far more popular than yanks then, too. We made the effort to ask for our ham sandwiches in French & it went over very well. (Sounds like jumbo) I got flowers for my Mum’s birthday in Nice, using my schoolgirl French, & they couldn’t do enough for me. EVERYONE appreciates it when they can tell you like & respect them. If I get to go again, I’m getting 3 “Australia rocks” T-shirts first, though.
I'm from Sydney, Australia. To illuminate this topic I'll share an experience I had at our local supermarket. A young lady was serving an American at the deli' department. He said, "can you give me a pound of ham". She said, "I'm sorry, I don't know what a pound is and the scales only measure in grams and kilograms". He replied, "I don't care how you measure it, I just want a pound of ham". I interrupted and said to the young lady, "give him 454 grams". The American said, "how come you know that and she doesn't" - implying that the employee is a bit stupid. I replied, "During my school years we used imperial measurement but shortlly after we changed to metric completely, so I can convert them instantly in my head, but this person was raised on metric alone". The American said, "thanks very much". He continued, "I don't get the speed signs here, what's 100kph"? I said, "that's easy, divide by ten and multiply by six". He said, "ahhh, 60mph".
In Sweden they asked me why Australians and Americans are so different and what can you say, we are different countries. The reasons I could think of were, we were settled in different centuries in different circumstances, so our founding influences are very different - America in the 17thC century by puritans and other religious dissidents, Australia in the 19thC by convicts and political exiles like the Chartists. The other was maybe that Australia is a harsh country and people need government more. The values that Australia and America share are Anglophone liberalism and individualism, to various degrees.
Er....."puritans and other religious dissidents..." might have been how it started, but one of the reasons England sent convicts to Australia was that after 1776, England had to find a new dumping ground for their "more colourful and creative" citizens.
Your "religious dissidents" was to the rest of the world "religious zealots". Just look around in America. Look at who you vote for. You call that normal? Guns, guns and extra guns on the side!
Interestingly, I was on a tour of Britain in 1976 with half a dozen yanks, a few Aussies & some others. The least popular couple on the tour, & the most demanding, were middle-aged Canadians. I was shocked.
walked into a small hotel in Nice with 3 friends way back in 1983 looking for a couple of rooms. Woman at front desk just shrugged at anything we asked until young guy with her asked Aussies? Once we confirmed that, totally different attitude and we were able to get rooms
The French are very appreciative of the support they got from brave Australians during the wars. The Americans, however, turned up years late (to both world wars), and to this day they regularly boast that they won the war single-handed., and delight in telling us that we'd all be speaking German if it wasn't for them. Rational people recognise that it required the joint efforts of all the allies - from tiny New Zealand up to the mighty USA - to win.
Read the story of Nancy Wake and you will get some idea why the French have a soft spot for Australians. When I was in Paris people did all they could to be accommodating when I said G'day their heads would turn and look to see if I needed any help. I was there when Australia won the right to the Olympic games you would have thought that France had won they were so excited.
Many years ago, I was in a beer hall in Munich, drinking a litre of beer while reading Time magazine, the only English language magazine I saw in a newsagent. A group of Germans sat opposite me and started making disparaging comments about Americans coming over and cluttering up their beer halls. I let them rant for a few minutes then said "I'm not American, I'm Australian". "I'm very sorry" said one of them, "I have a brother who lives in Melbourne, perhaps you know him?" I didn't, but that didn't matter. It was more beer all round, then more beer and food, and songs, and more beer, til we all staggered out much later, the best of friends and swearing undying love - as you do. A great night but I understand why so many Americans have Canadian flags on their backpacks.
My brother followed a pretty English tourist home from Australia in the 90s. Whenever he walks into a pub and someone recognises his Aussie accent, everyone wants to buy him a beer. They tend to assume that we're all heavy drinkers. But one is enough for him. Two of my sisters went over to the UK for his wedding and visited a few different European countries while they were in that part of the world. The French assumed that they were Brits and weren't so nice to them. But upon discovering that they were Aussies, that changed. The French and Brits have a long history of warfare between them. There's been a lot of hatred in both countries for centuries. Unfortunately, I couldn't join my sisters for our brother's wedding. I was in my senior year of high school. They came back just in time for my graduation. I had to stay at home in Australia and be jealous.
I travelled France, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Austria in 1984 with my then new bride. We were very much welcomed everywhere that we went. The one exception being when we returned on the ferry to the UK to be greeted by a "charming" English customs official who scowled "Another bloody Australian" as he scanned my passport. It is true that in France, if you make an effort with rudimentary French, they will respect and treat you so much nicer. Especially so when they learn that you are Australian.
Loved that comment, Ryan. "Being Australian is like the real live version of what Americans think the rest of the world thinks about us." So sad. Love your efforts getting to know us. I hope you get down here some time if you haven't already.
I think the main reason why is because Australians are more culturally similar to the British and Irish than to North Americans, and the Brits and Irish themselves are generally very culturally close to other Europeans. Also, Australia was colonized big time by the British and other Europeans in more recent times, so that might explain why Europe feels closer and relates better to Australia than to North America. I've heard many people complain about Chinese tourists the most though as being the most rude and obnoxious, I personally haven't experienced any negative interaction from either Chinese or American tourists here in Australia.
Yes lots of Aussies in the UK & Europe, we love to travel. Not like Americans who never go overseas. I have travelled overseas, 49 different countries s far, usually go OS every 2 years.
I’m an Aussie and the one price of advice I could give America so people start to think differently about you is to stop saying that your the greatest country in the world your just not and it comes across as very arrogant every country has its Pro’s and Con’s no country is the best in the world I have American mates and I tell them when they say it I don’t remember ever being invited to vote on that😂😂😂
Oh, so true! I was told by an American that "It is a well-known fact" that "America" is the best country on earth. I ceased contact with him after that. The arrogance was just dripping off him.
I think its fine for people to have opinion their country is best for them, but saying its like its obviously objectively best in the world is a bit arrogant tho.
I've travelled Europe and everywhere i went, as soon as they learned I was Aussie everyone was much more friendly. also, yes. every hostel in every country in Europe, there was at least one Aussie. we love to travel.
The issues between French and US Americans are among other things rooted in WWII. There's been quite a few instances of US soldiers doing to the women of the places they freed what invading armies usually did to civilians. You remember the cliché of French women being easy? In all those American war movies where those stereotypes were used with a wink up until rather recently? For lots of French women it wasn't much of a joke in reality. Since the US helped to free them from Germany a lot of them never said anything loud, you know to not ruin the overall mood, but in the last years a lot has come to light where survivors of the time or their children/grandchildren did speak up in the end, published diaries etc. The US never ends up just being the good guy when they have military interventions. It's always both good and bad guy. Within the US, the story is always about the good guy US. Everywhere else, both sides are seen, hence there's sometimes also some reservation, which naturally clashes a bit with the intrinsic assumption of being always the good guy.
Also happened in Germany too. The civilians at the end of the war were not responsible for everything the Nazis did , suffered under it also. Many German women and girls have kept silent about it all these years. It still isn't really talked about much in Germany.
It still was in the 90s, all my niece's have travelled to Europe, worked in the UK - two have dual Dutch passports! Now it's more likely for Brits to come down here on working holidays!
I went to the US. Not my choice. Exchange Student, was where I was sent. My daughter went to Europe with a mate in 2012. It still is a right of passage for young Aussies to save up during and after they finish school to go to Europe.
I travelled with people from many nations back in the 70's. Many of these people were American, but had small Canadian flags stitched onto their backpacks. When I asked why, the standard answer was "because we don't want to be known as American and its much easier this way". That kind of says it all doesn't it?!
I have no idea why the Europeans like us Aussies, but I can confirm. When I went to England, Poland and Germany. The second they realised/ found out I was Australian they kinda treated me like a cute puppy (to be fair I was 17 at the time so that specific response wasn’t helped by that) hell I got a free umbrella from a bus tour driver. Still have that umbrella. Oh and I can’t confirm this, but I think the reason why a lot of Europeans hate Americans is 1. Stereotypes of all Americans 2. Even when I was overseas with the couple of Americans I did see were being loud, a bit disruptive in certain areas and once I did see an American (I have to guess she was from California from the accent) half yelling ‘DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?’. I think it’s that specifically they get mad at. Oh and they don’t like the English because who does /hj
I was in a pub in Scotland ordering a drink. The bartender stared at me a bit and flatly went "so, you're a Yank, are you?" When I told him that I was Australian, his tone and posture immediately brightened and he became a lot more friendly.
I had the same happen to me. Visiting Paris we were booking into our hotel, and once they realised we were Australian and not American or British we were given an upgrade to a room with a view. We experienced the same in many parts of France. Don't underestimate the fact that many Australians love to travel to Europe and are willing to travel long distances to experience different cultures because we are a very multicultural country. Americans always seem to complain about how far away other countries are and are not prepared to travel long distances or inconvenience themselves. Admitedly we do have more annual leave than you in the US and better pay conditions which give us a better work/life balance.
Back in the Eighties I was backpacking in Europe and trying to find some accommodation in Florence late at night. I banged on the door of this pensione that was closed and the owner popped her head out from an upper floor and yelled out out at me that they were full and to go away. When she asked where I was from and I told her Australia, she changed her mind smiled and came down and let me in. I don't if it was because she thought I was English or American at first , but that's exactly how it happened. Back then a lot of Aussie backpackers including me , used to embroider a Skippy on the back of our backpacks. That was mainly to meet up with other Aussies but maybe it also helped with some of the locals.
When we were in the US, a lot of the people there wanted us to sound like Paul Hogan. We didn’t sound Aussie enough. In Europe they were much friendlier when they discovered we were Australian and not British
Certain parts of London sound very Australian (or should that be the other way around?) to the rest of England, probably due to the number of Londoners who were deported to Australia. The Aussie accent largely evolved from a London one. so it's no surprise if there's any confusion.
From an Aussie living in Europe for 10 years?..Oh God yes they treat us differently! Europe just LOVES Aussies as do all countries!😉 (I have never been mistaken for an American in 100's & 100's of travels in many countries! (But often mistaken as English)😂... When typically asked "Are you American?" my American friends now (*70% moreso since Nov 2024!!🙄🤬) are resorting to pronouncing "out" > "oat" & "house"> "hoase" & saying they are Canadian!😉🤭👍
Damn.. that’s the only way I can tell an American from a Canadian fam… the Canadians are going to have to come up with some secret Commonwealth code word, because they don’t play cricket.
Try to learn how to count to about 5 in the local language, learn please and thankyou, have a go and they often switch in to English for u. Most Europeans can speak English.
@ it’s about like Canadians being considered overly polite. They aren’t. They just aren’t poorly mannered like the US! The tag probably won’t work to notify you. TH-cam is deleting my @ tags
I once knew a group of oil rig workers who worked West Irania Jaya oil rigs for Royal Dutch Shell. When they went to R&R in Singapore and got into trouble at a bar, they would not admit to being from NZ but instead insisted that they were Australian, and the Indonesians could not distinguish between Aussie and NZ accents. Once they said they were Ozzies, it somehow seemed to be OK to be a little more raucous, and their troubles would go away.
Aussies get a warm reception pretty much everywhere in part due to our role in WW2. Whilst some countries forget, the ones that remember are incredibly grateful (Greece is a good example). As some had said, a reason as to why Americans are not all well liked could be due to the "American Tourist" attitude. It can bluntly be summed up in Entitlement. I even have a story! Whilst travelling in England for a University exchange, my English friend and I were eating lunch at a cafe in London, We had heard an American complain about not getting extra toast. How do I know they were American? They straight up said (after complaining for what felt like forever): "I am an **American Citizen**, so I should get more toast" and then proceeded to be Brazenly rude to the Wait Staff who were just doing their job and giving them the food they ordered and paid for. The sad reality is, the American tourist should not represent the American public, but they do. As they are the only ones able to afford a holiday abroad while the most friendly and genuine Americans are home trying to make ends meet in a predatory system.
hi Ryan, I think the reason why us Aussies are liked in Europe (and especially in France) is because the Australian soldiers who fought there were loved by the towns folk. they defended them with valour and I am so proud of the young men who fought for the freedom of all concerned. I can't remember the name of the French town at the moment but every year when we celebrate ANZAC day this town goes all out with celebrations for "the aussie digger" who bravely gave their "all" in their defense I think the town might be called (Villiers) oh just in case, ANZAC stands for Australian, New Zealand Army Corps (the Germans called our boys in Egypt area "i think" the rats of Tobruk they ALWAYS gave their all. and never gave up
![THIS WEEK IN AUSTRALIA [105]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/sWdCv0WN-p8/mqdefault.jpg)
Young Americans in Australia are pretty entitled. One time, I told this young bloke on a bike at the Shine of Remembrance in Melbourne to get off and have some respect. After I walked off, he yelled out I'm American. To which I replied, "I forgive you." The look on his face was that of bewilderment.
@borisbash Given how much Australians disrespect their own backyard with copious littering, it doesn't really breed an environment of respect; if a foreigner visits Australia and everywhere they go is trashed, I wouldn't be surprised if they also have low respect for those places.
I've introduced many foreigners to Australia and taught them how to integrate (footpath: walk on the left; escalator: stand on the left/overtake on the right; general: don't litter, wait until you find a bin; national park: make sure all of your rubbish leaves with you; bus/train/elevator: wait for people to get out before you get in; etc.), but it's difficult to ingrain when it's so easy to point out so many Australians not respecting others or their surroundings.
I believe if Australian society had more basic respect for itself, foreigners would be more likely to show that same level of respect by default.
Epic
@@borisbash well done.
"i forgive you" is wild...🤣🤣🤣
i work with back packers we dont get many americans(they dont travel much ) but the ones we do work with are very rude
Lmao. Almost spit my drink when you said, 'Being Australian is the real-life version of what Americans think the rest of the world thinks of us'. Bloody hell that was good. Starting to take the piss of your own people. We might need to make you an honorary member of Australia :D
Yep me too 😂
Had a similar experience back in the 80s. Was visiting France with my then husband who was working there on contract for a few months. I was so bored during the day I took a bus to the ww1 cemeteries and spent some time looking for the graves of my grandfather's brothers and grandmother's brothers. Found a few of them (10 in total - 6 from one and 4 from the other family - my grandfather was the only one in his family of 7 boys to survive the trenches and come home). After my second trip to the cemetery the bus driver asked me why. I explained in my dreadful french that I had found only a few of my relatives there and was still looking for the last ones. His face was a study in horror when he realised. And he insisted that I come home with him and have a meal with his family. The next day he escorted me to the local record keeping office and helped me find the locations of the remaining family members. His wife made sure I had nice fresh flowers to put on the graves, and insisted that we all have a group photograph taken by one of the graves of my kin. Kinder souls never lived.
that is an amazing story.❤
Made me tear up
Hehe thanks for that story and I am ever so sad for your great grand parents :(
Also, once you tell them you're not British or American, just Australian, they do warm to you a bit
Now that’s showing real French gratitude. Thank you French cousins. Aussies love you as well.
There are a couple of towns in France that Aussie soldiers defended in the war and they have always been very thankful ever since.
And the same area got completely rebuilt with relief funds from Australia. The Australian built schools are still operating in France.
That would be Villers-Bretonneux way up north near the border with Belgium. There are signs on schools saying "do not forget Australia". The town flies Australian flags and the place goes into overdrive on Anzac Day as the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux took place on 24th-25th April 1918. It was on the 25th of April that the town was recaptured.
My great-grandfather is buried there, somewhere near Ypres.
Another place i have found this respect was when I travelled through Turkey. They love aussies
@@kim_o_the_concrete_jungle Mine made it home but got gassed four times, and instead of returning to the family farm he became an accountant, his lungs werent fit for hard work.
We were taken to France by a bus load of British friends for a celebration with the people of their sister town. Once they heard our accents, they treated us very differently to our British friends. They announced to the whole town that the two of us were Australian and then we were separated from our friends and given the best wines and a totally different 'amazing' luncheon. My partner was taken for a walk to the town cemetery where he was shown the well kept graves of Australian soldiers from WWII - they even had fresh flowers placed on the graves. The people that took him there thanked him for what our people had done for their village and the women showered me with gifts and flowers to take home. They were absolutely wonderful to us but our British friends were all very jealous and seemed to be merely tolerated by the generous folk that made us feel so welcomed and humble. It was a day I will remember forever!
French and British people loathe each-other, they have so much history… Don’t ever mention Cheddar when you are in France.
First time I had been to Paris, my mum had to be rushed to the hospital and because they thought we were British, they treated us all horribly. It took us wearing our Australia Day gear for them to get the point we were ACTUALLY Australian and the treatment of us (and my mum) got a bit bitter.
We sounded slightly more English than other Aussies, but my dad greeted everyone with "G'day" unironically but that wasn't enough.
My mum suffered more than us though
Lots of bad blood between them.
My friend is married to an Australian born Japanese. They went to Europe for a holiday and in Belgium, someone tried to speak Chinese to the husband. He responded in his Aussie accent, “Sorry, I’m Australian, not Chinese.” Much laughter followed!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
What a wild assumption??? Does that happen often?
@ I don’t know, it was twenty years ago.
Aussie here.
Back in 1998, one week after France won the world cup, I was in Germany on business. One of my colleagues suggested we drive to Paris for the weekend. Saturday evening in Paris, sitting in a small restaurant/cafe' just off the Champs-Élysées, partying still going on celebrating the French world cup victory all around us.
The food was great, no it was superb, but the wait staff were living up to the reputation of bad tempered and snooty.
Then just as we had finished the main course and were discussing what desserts we all would indulge in, one of the younger waiters came over to our table (we were seated at a table out on the curb so we could watch the celebrations go on) and asked if we were Americans. We said no we are Aussies, from Australia.
The waiter then quickly (without taking our dessert order) skuttled back inside the Cafe'. We could see him and other wait staff gesticulating with each other. Then an older gentleman (maybe the head of the wait staff) walked slowly to where our table was located and just started apologizing for the bad service his staff had given us. He said "We thought you were Americans".
He then said to us to choose any desserts as they will be "on the house" in recompense for the bad service.
(Weird thing is the service they initially gave was not that different to many of the restaurants we had gone to in Wiesbaden/Russelsheim.)
I selected as my dessert "Soft Nougat with bitter Raspberry sauce." Probably the best dessert I have ever had the fortune to experience.
Sounds like a killer dessert. My favorite ever was a blueberry mousse pie with cream I had in Sofia, in Bulgaria. I also liked the date pie served with cream in Weiss Top of the Range restaurant in Toowoomba, Australia. Actually, that is my favorite, nothing can beat it. Weiss restaurant is now closed.
This just illustrates how obviously bad the service in germany is.
@@skilletpan5674Germany? His story happened in France.
@@arnitaxavier9446 he means the worst service in france is better than the best service in germany
@@alexbowden1440 Is that all germany or just Hessen?
I'm just proud of you flawlessly reading WA as Western Australia without a hiccup!
I'm from Melbourne, Australia and went to England years ago and went to Bath. I went for a walk one morning and stopped at a bakery. I said Hi, how are you? to the lady . She was shocked and said.no English person would ask how she was, I told her I was Australian. We're just really friendly and easygoing people I think.
Should’ve have gone up north - people love to chat there - southerners stick to themselves.
I was driving in a cab to a specialist doctor in Athens. I can't speak Greek so I handed him the doctor's card so he discovered his wife and I had the same doctor. He called his wife, she asked me over for lunch: she is from Melbourne. It was lovely.
And Melbourne is Greece's second largest city.
Population growth in Greece -> I think Melbourne is now 3rd...
@@goatfiddler8384it is.
@goatfiddler8384 the "2nd largest city" comment is 2nd compared to Greece. I'm sure there must be other bigger cities in greece than the melbourne population.
@@skilletpan5674 Your comment makes no sense. The original saying was that there were so many Greeks in Melbourne due to post WW2 emigration that it could be regarded as "the second biggest city in Greece". My comment was that due to a bit of population growth in Greece[1], and "intermarrying" in Australia, that Melbourne had dropped down the rankings ie is now third.
The ENTIRE Greece population is 10.4M, Athens 643K, whereas the population of Greater Melbourne, Werribee -> Pakenham, Epping -> Frankston, is 5.2M so no there isn't any city in Greece that has a bigger population than Melbourne. Basically I think you don't understand the context of the original and my follow up comment on "Greek cities"
[1] Looks like I'm wrong on the population growth in Greece. Like a lot of the Western World, it looks to have plateaued and has slightly declined - maybe they have emigrated and joined their cousins in Melbourne....
@@goatfiddler8384 The correct way to say this is "Melbourne is the world's second largest Greek city". Not Greece's second largest.
Not sure if the numbers still add up, but the Greek population in Melbourne is massive.
Maybe the huge percentage of Aussies who volunteered and died at the start of each World War while the US sat on the sideline selling arms to the highest bidder for years had something to do with it?
You know how many Aussies died at Fromelles? In one night? Over 2000 dead, 5500 casualties. From a nation with the fraction of the population of the US, that's similar deaths and casualties as the US took in the Normandy landings..
Yet we get bombarded with movies about American Heroism at Normandy, when most of their deaths at Normandy were due to utter incompetence. The Canadians achieved far more because they were competent and took instruction. Why did the Canadians achieve far more at Juno with far less losses? It wasn't just the Geneva "suggestions".
Man, you have a big hammer. You hit that nail right on the head and flattened it.
The deaths at Gallipoli were also due to incompetence tho.
@@GrethCunningtonyep English command was exponentially more incompetent, then American command.
The Americans only risked their own. Being late to the war means they were green, that's not nothing and is comparable to what happened to us and comparing them to the Canadians success isn't fair in my opinion. American failures was that of the command not the troops. Anyway who cares about Hollywood when saving private Ryan is the only thing they created that comes close to our war movies. If you haven't seen at least beneath hill 60 you need to
@@GrethCunnington, Pommie generals etc, that time
I was on a tour in the US with an assorted group of Europeans. There was one Spanish guy I talked to. He told me that Australians were regarded as good tourists in Spain. I asked him why? He said, the reputation was, if there's a problem Australians will try to find a solution. In the context we were speaking, he was clearly indicating thhat some other nationalities had a reputation for being more interested in complaining than getting the problem fixed.
Wonder which country the other ones came from...
@@zybch I don't know but when I was in Spain I saw a Dutch guy at the reception desk, in an hotel. He felt that he had been overlooked and was complaining long and loud in Spanish. I thought he was just showing how self important he felt. Anyway, that's my only experience of ugly tourists in Spain. Noting that I did not visit the Costa Brava region.
I was in a rough pub in Ireland once and accidentally spilled my pint on a local as I walked through the crowd. The guy stood up, understandably upset, so I began apologising. He heard my accent and said: "Oh, you're an Aussie! That's okay. No harm done." Turns out he had a favourite Aunt living in Perth and always had a blast on his visits here. Thank you citizens of Perth for your hospitality. You saved me a kicking!
As a Kiwi I've always been treated really well in Europe. Germany, France, Spain, Poland, Italy. In Germany everyone wanted to practice their English, so my efforts at German quickly went downhill.
@timrussell9869 Tell the Germans your visa restricts you to only 2 hours of tutoring per day. They understand rules really well. 👍🇦🇺 😊
@@greghenderson6782 If they keep buying the beer and bratwurst, I'll keep tutoring!!!
@@timrussell9869 LoL. The sausage is good. Good on ya EN ZED
I was in France a few years ago and spoke in French as much as I could using what I learnt at school and could manage. I was talking to a French woman at a restaurant. At first she thought I was American an she said she assumed I was American as I was not speaking with a British accent. She said they are more familiar with the US and British and had not heard an Australian accent. I said, Nope I am Australian. I asked why they do not like Americans and she said it was because Americans call them cowards. The stereotype of the french surrendering and being rescued. She said during the war they were given the ultimatum of surrendering Paris to the NAZIs or having it flattened and the city looted. The Eifel Tower being demolished for scrap metal, The exhibits in the Louvre being taken to BerlinThey chose to surrender in order to protect Paris. I realised this was a very brave decision to protect the city. The woman said 'We may have surrendered and were polite during teh day but we killed the b*astards during the night and said there were many in the underground and resistence who killed German soldiers. They faced torture and death defending the city from within. Men, women, teenagers worked in the Resistence and were killed. No, they were not cowards, The woman explaining it this way gave me a whole new understanding of it. No one can deny the
role of the Allies in liberating France but the role of the
resistence tends to be forgotten.
There's lots of reasons why Australians get less hate overseas. One thing I noticed was everywhere the British and American tourists went they expected everyone to speak English which annoyed the locals. I don't know if it's because we are so far from everywhere else, or because we have such a multicultural population but it seems that Aussies, although overjoyed if someone speaks English, we don't expect it.
It's a question of empire - USians and UKians have, within their culture, a perception that of *course* they are the most important nation in the world, because at different points in history, they *were* (or *are*) - their nations were/are the centres of world-spanning empires. That sense of self-importance doesn't really go away, and leads to resentment with other nations, because no one likes someone who thinks less of you.
Australians have never been the masters of their own empire in that way, so we’re much more likely to treat those around us as equals, so it shouldn't be surprising that we generally don't get as much hate from other nations!
I've lived in Australia since I was 1 year old. Born in Sweden, my fathers side is Finish. On my first solo trip to Scandinavia aged 19, my uncle took me on one of his business trips around Finland. One stop was fairly far north, was considered a military town as there was an army base close by. In the evening we were at a club/restaurant . The place was full of army wives.At first most thought I was English or maybe American and were keeping thier distance. Once my uncle said to a couple of ladies I was from Australia I was surrounded by lovely ladies all night. My uncle told me the Aussie accent was more powerfull than a Platinum card.
Whenever I am in Europe I always try to mention i'm from Australia. It makes a huge differance to how people treat you.
This effect is also notable in Asia.
I think being an American in Asia has more of an effect than Australian. The only places I could think of that not being true is Vietnam (for obvious reasons), Philippines (again for obvious reasons) and maybe China. The Japanese definitely have more of a thing for Americans.
As an Aussie I find our accent terrible lol. Each to their own.
@@zybch Yes it can be. For example most of our sentences ending with a high pitch like it’s a question, although we are by no means the only culture that does this it’s still odd and can be very annoying in already higher pitched voices lol.
First World War: Villers-Bretonneux
N'oublions jamais l'Australie ["Let us never forget Australia "] - these words appear in the classrooms of the school in Villers-Bretonneux, in northern France.
After the war, the school was rebuilt with money raised by donations from Victoria, Australia. The school plaque carries the following words:
This school building is the gift of the schoolchildren of Victoria, Australia, to the children Villers-Bretonneux as a proof of their love and good-will towards France. Twelve hundred Australian soldiers, the fathers and brothers of these children, gave their lives in the heroic recapture of this town from the invader on 24th April 1918 and are buried near this spot. May the memory of great sacrifices in a common cause keep France and Australia together forever in bonds of friendship and mutual esteem. Peace out.
wow thank you for that wow
Thank you for that comment. I am aware of this but was far too hazy in the detail to add that story in this comments section as you so eloquently just did.
Robinvale in north west victoria is their sister city.
My great grandfather helped open the school at Villers-Bretonneux. Not only did Australians befriend the people they liberated but they helped to rebuild afterwards. Less than 10% of the troops on this front were Australian but they took back more than a third of the forts and towns. When the US finally joined the war, their troops were largely trained by Australians. The French remember the Australians as liberators who were friendly and supportive.
Victorians never change, do they.
I have had this experience in the Netherlands, France, Greece and Japan. I once hitched a ride on a tourist bus from Amsterdam to Paris. There were only a couple of people on the bus who were not American. When we stopped at roadhouses for food, I found the manners of some of the passengers appalling. On one occasion I was behind a couple from NY. Their behaviour was so bad that when it was my turn to get served I apologised to the woman behind the counter. The interaction with the American couple ended when this lady indicated she did not speak any English. The more they yelled the less she knew. When I apologised she looked me in the eye and said 'You are Australian.' She then took my order with a smile and very good English.
The French absolutely adore Australia and Australians. And no, they are not rude to everybody else, just to rude people.
You can test this with Frenchies. "Make me a breadstick" or so my French friends tell me :P
Was in Normandy in 2012 and, yeah...if you make an attempt to at least speak rudimentary French and not be a dick, they are exceedingly nice.
@@ComaDave My best friend is Belgian, his first advice as he was told, learn to say in French. I am sorry I do not speak your language I am >insert your country< and because you attempted their language, a good starting point
@@davidareeves Yes, I had that exact experience. My French is conversational at best (my Marseilles-born Great Great Grandfather would be having a fit) and they do appreciate the effort.
If you try to speak French, and have some class/humility, you get good service in France. I actually had a Parisian pharmacist say I had good French! (I don't).
I am always treated well as an Aussie overseas.
I being a Kiwi in Europe back in the late 80's went to a country bar for a well earned glass of beer. The moment the barman discovered that I was a Kiwi he poured the beer down the drain and pulled out a glass jug and filled it. Didn't charge me any extra even though it held 8 glasses of beer! This assumption that all Kiwis drink beer by the jugfull is misconstrued. I struggled to get through the jug.
New Zealanders are treated the same way as Aussies by Europeans, the French in particular. It is not just an Aussie thing.
As an Aussie I worked in France and French people particularly in the area around Dunkirk were pretty cool towards us close to the point of being rude. Once I told them we were Australian and not British they completely changed the way that they interacted with us and actually became quite friendly. Apparently in towns like Dunkirk and Calais they get annoyed with all the British people who cross the channel just to buy duty free goods like alcohol. Whenever we were travelling in France and Europe we made sure that the Qantas kangaroo tags on our bags were visible so hopefully we werent mistaken for British or American tourists I think it worked most of the time. People in villages like Villers Bretoneux near Amiens where the Australians fought in WW1 were extremely friendly towards us and we visited the Victoria School museum on the 2nd floor of the little public school. At the school there is an internal play ground area with DO NOT FORGET AUSTRALIA in large letters displayed on the wall. The museum is dedicated to the Australians who fought there and is actually linked to the Ai=ustralian War Memorial in Canberra. After WW1 had ended the kids in Victoria Australia gave donations to rebuild the school that had been destroyed in the war. We visited the museum during a school day when the caretaker found out that we were Australian he took us downstairs to a class room where small children were all sitting on the the floor and the lady teacher was reading them a story. He introduced us to them as coming from Australia and they all started to applaud we were absolutely stunned and humbled its something that we will never forget. in Villiers Bretoneux they obviously havent forgotten the Aussies who sacrificed so much for them 100 years ago or those kids who helped rebuild their school..
Thats amazing. Thank you for sharing.
❤
That's awesome I didn't know we were respected in that way
I also visited that school, really amazing place. I went with my dad who served in the Aussie army and he normally tries not to tell people that, but when they found out he served and that we were from Australia they treated us like we were royals.
@@The-True-Duck-King about 10kms from Villiers Bretenoux down little country roads there is a reserve gifted by the French govt. to Australia. It sits on a hill overlooking the little village Of Hamel the site of Gen Monashes famous victory in 1918 it has a memorial right in the middle with the names of every Australain unit that fought there. Around it is a path and on that path there are still the remains of Australian trenches as well as sign boards explaining different points of interest. A few kms away is the Australian War Memorial where the dawn service is shown live on Aussie TV the service has always been well attended by the people of Villiers Bretenoux.
When I was in Greece, I tried to speak Greek and they answered in German.Apparently I look German. Then I gave up and said I was Australian. Their faces changed. Australian! They usually have family there, they know Australians. Then I said Melbourne, yes, a big Greek city. By then, they were throwing food at me and insisting that I take a chair, assuming I was family. I noticed some similarities there too, they like living outside, they are laid back, I felt at home in Greece
I think the German part might have been because Greece is a popular (party and get drunk) vacation place for Germans to go to. So they were probably happy to find out you weren't one of those 😄
I'm an Aussie and we spend a couple of months every year travelling around Europe. I have always felt welcomed but i do know that Americans are treated a bit differently because they don't want to embrace different cultures and they are very loud. They come across as ignorant to others. I learn about what county i am going to before hand and try new things like their national food etc...I do my best not to offend anyone. We have always been treated well by Europeans, they love to stop and chat.
Australian soldiers liberated Villers-Bretonneux from Germans' occupation during ww1. And also fought in ww2 in France.
It was a very big deal. Commemorations are held every ANZAC Day at Villers-Bretonneux.
This is where all the Australian war hero's are buried.
Not all Australias war heros are buried at Villiers Bretonneux only those who fell there. There is a small beautifuly maintained Australian War cemetery in the village itself but the main Australian Memorial and cemetary is in the countryside between Villers- Bretonneux and the small village of Hamel thats where the ANZAC dawn services are held every year. I wasnt aware Australians fought in France in WW2 other than maybe RAAF crews. From my experience during discussions with the French people I met while I was working there most of them are not even aware of what the Australians did in WW1 their efforts are mainly remembered in the areas where they fought both in Belgium and in France.
I was in awe when I found out that France would commemorate ANZAC day alongside us, our schools system failed me in teaching me about our ANZAC's so there's still plenty for me to learn even 25 years into my life.
A lot of people in Europe consider Americans and Brits to be far more arrogant than Aussies, we Aussies are considered laidback and easy going, we are happy to be friends with everyone, even snakes and spiders.
The Mad Max and Crocodile Dundee movies helped plus ACDC who are bloody huge in Europe.
And we don’t take ourselves seriously!
Nah fuck the spiders. After living waaay out in the sticks (dig a hole to shit kind of out in the sticks) for two years, I'm so bloody over them.
@@Alex.The.Lionnnnnbetter than flies, thats how I deal
"....even snakes and spiders."
Some of my best friends are snakes and spiders!
In Paris a coffee stall owner had a good ear, he could pick our Australian accents (or was it just not-American accents?) and joked 'do we want our coffee strong, or American?'
I suspect something was lost in translation and the stall owner just wanted to know if you wanted an Americano and wan't implying American coffee is weak.
@Bakers_Doesntno american coffee is watery shit ..
@Bakers_Doesnt you suspect nothing, relax you don't need to add your 2 cense into everything champ.
@Bakers_Doesnt - nah, wrong. i was there, you weren't
Europeans often think that if you speak English that you are from England, they don't often distinguish the accent.
I served on exchange from the Australian Army with the British Army for a short period. While on some limited leave in Europe I was often treated with disdain by the locals who would be polite but no more thinking I was British.
If and when they discovered I wasn't British but Australian, free drinks and extra food with great service became quite common.
As an Aussie that has spent about 4 yrs living and travelling overseas, (Nearly 40 countries and no-one could pick my accent.....but once I told them), I was loved in every country!!
Yes, for 6 months, I experienced coldness and non-friendliness in a small town in Belgium. Reason: They thought I was from England. They're not too fond of the English. That goes back a long way.
When the locals near where I lived discovered I was Australian, their reaction was like the difference between night and day. All smiles and glad to have an Australian there! I wish I had told them when I first moved there, it would not have been such an isolating experience, but I had no idea about the anti-English sentiment! It was foreign to me.
Let’s just say there’s a lot of bad blood across the Channel.
I was in Paris in the 90’s so before google translate. With very limited school French I struggled but successfully requested train tickets. In the back ground of the ticket office, there was a guy just giggling. When I was handed my paper tickets (it was the 90’s), I said Merci Beaucoup and the French guy said in a perfect Aussie accent “No Worries Mate”. Obviously my accent was so bad he knew I was from Australia. But yes they were super friendly which was not what I had anticipated at all.
My first time in France I quickly learned that trying to converse in French (yes, bad schoolboy level) almost invariably had someone speaking excellent English.offer to help. The friendliness when they then found out we are Australian, not American was icing on the cake.
The French are not rude and arrogant but they do not tolerate disrespect to their language and culture.
I’m sorry but that’s funny.
If that happened to me I’d be mortified and then laughing.
I was chilling at a cafe in Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris one year on a 6 hour stopover to central Africa when a couple of middle-aged Aussie sheila's on their dream European holiday approached me and proceeded to ask if I was Australian as they giggled to themselves. I'm guessing my attire gave me away because I was wearing double pluggers, a check shirt, a shearers singlet on underneath and a pair of stubbie shorts and sporting a mullet, smack bang in the middle of a European winter haha
Ryan, our BIGGEST culture is drinking! I am so surprised you don't know this! There's a pub on nearly every corner hahaha. Aussies ARE the Irish, Scottish and English descendants!!! We are just like the Irish in our drinking & beer culture!
I’m surprised this is the first comment about this, especially considering one of our former prime ministers held a Guinness world record for sculling a yard glass in 11 seconds!
The first time I travelled to Scotland way back in 1986, I got a lot of confused side-eye from Scottish people trying to figure out my accent. They weren't as familiar with Aussies as they are now, and many suspected I had a weird English accent. It was always funny to see the penny drop and they became instantly more welcoming.
As a non-drinking introvert Aussie, the idea that everyone overseas already loves me and wants to get drunk with me is enough to stop me from ever leaving my room again.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great comment! 😆
As a fellow non-drinking introvert (but Norwegian), I say visit the Nordic countries if you want to travel as an introvert. Here, most people will leave you alone, if only out of respect. Nordic people DO drink and become way more talkative when we do, but you don't have to engage in that. For the most part, people will respect your privacy and personal space and will be polite at best.
@@Onnarashi The Nordic countries sound amazing - not least for being introvert havens!
@@Erizedd It's a bit of an exaggeration...but not much 😅
A huge number of Maltese people came over to Australia after WW2. I know so many people who have Maltese heritage and are proud of that, and equally proud of being an Aussie. ❤
Not everyone doesn't like Americans. I'm an indigenous Australian and love watching you. Got ya good and bad and the ugly in different parts of the world ay.
I love Americans as well man.
Same. I don't like the overall America and how they are but I personally have a special kinship with them because I'm so familiar - I have so many American friends 😊
You mean that we don’t dislike all Americans, just most of them?
Hi Ryan
I'm from Australia. I live in the state of New South Wales, in the regional town of Parkes. At the moment the annual Elvis Festival is happening, it's great fun. You will find videos on youtube of previous festivals, I thought you could do a video reacting to The Parkes Elvis Festival.
We aussies travel a lot, have been doing so since the 1960's
french love australians because we stopped the advance of the germans in ww1.
look up villers brettoneux they still fly the australian flag have australian street names and an australian themed school.
Saw Australian street names just down from the Eiffel Tower when we were there .
Ryan, in my humble experience you are an atypical citizen of the US. After some 5 decades of travel, I have encountered way too many of your compatriots who "know" rather than "enquire". It's a over-the-top self confidence that while can be good, it does need to be reigned in at times.
The biggest problem is they think they know everything and then loudly show their ignorance with confidence! If questioned they become abusive!
The moment that you believe that you’re the greatest, you’re not. That’s how civilisations fall, pride and arrogance. America have this nonsense drummed into their heads from the cradle. To be the best takes work, takes critical self-analysis, takes pushing your boundaries and actually achieving something of value, and always striving to be better.
The reason there's so many Aussies over there is because Aussies actually travel, unlike Americans. We like to broaden our Horizons and educate ourselves on the rest of the world.
Also very probably due to the fact that we get a decent amount of holidays each year, which we actually take & then travel.
We start travelling young...I was 18 & by 25 was living in other counties for numerous years.
Yanks tend to travel outside of their borders once they are old and retired.
And set in their ways, may be less flexible & accepting.
We can work in the UK until the age of 24 so heaps of Aussies travel or work in Europe for at least a year, like a gap year
Fellow Aussie here, I don't think I could ever bring myself to travel overseas much less an hours drive from home. I've travelled to different countries as a child/ teenager on family vacations. Travelling doesn't do anything for me. I don't get much time off of work, travelling/ accommodation is too expensive anyway. I don't see any benefits from travelling at all, those experiences don't mean much to me. I've been on a few cruises in my adult life, but spend 90% of the time throwing my guts up trapped in the cabin. Mind you, there's definitely places I'd like to visit but when it comes down to travel, traffic and tourists I'd prefer to steer clear.
We are also entitled to more annual/paid leave than Americans so that makes it easier to travel
@@j_edwards6075 I love experiencing different cultures and I didn’t need five star when I travelled. I’ve always spent at least three months in places like the Middle East and Thailand plus a couple of years in London where Europe was just a stones throw. These days I just do Bali, it’s a beautiful place with beautiful locals plus from Perth it’s so cheap
I've travelled quite a bit in Asia, Europe and North America, mostly alone. I was always keen to point out I was Australian. People seemed to relax and treat me better once they realised I wasn't American. I got lost in Harlem one night (in car with white American boyfriend). He would not stop for directions - this was pre Google maps! My boyfriend was fucking terrified, no streetlights, all shops with bars on windows. When we stopped for traffic lights or stop sign, I rolled down the windows and called out to some guys hanging on the side of the street. A couple of guys ambled over and seemed a bit puzzled at this chick hanging out the window of the car. By this point, my boyfriend was shitting his pants. When the guys realised I was NOT American, they were friendly and pointed us in the right direction to the bridge we needed to get over to Staten Island.
I’ve been in that exact same situation. I was an exchange student in Texas and one night I’d gone with my host sister to look at a puppy that was for sale and she got lost on the way home and we were somewhere in the middle of the Black Community and her reaction was the same, pure terror… and I simply could not understand why on earth she was reacting that way. I’d never encountered such fear and terror in my life, and I was like “they’re people, I don’t get it, what’s wrong with you?”. Like you, I’d have just put my head out the window, said g’day and had a chat and asked for directions if anybody had stopped us. Going to the USA alone, so young, 17, really killed my desire to ever travel outside of Australia ever again. I cried tears of sheer relief the minute the red tiled roofs of Sydney came into view, and vowed to never leave the safety of Australia ever again. It’s the constant fear, all around you, all the time… can’t walk to school, can’t take little sis to the park across the road, can’t go to the supermarket without knowing that everyone is carrying a gun… that’s not freedom, that’s torture.
@virginiaviola5097 I was naieve enough to think that I was invincible, and I was - for that night anyway. Later that year, I went to a small town in Arkansas (deep south) with the same boyfriend. He was a computer troubleshooter, so he got sent all over the world (hence how I met him in Perth!). He was given a car to use while in town, working on the systems at some huge industrial plant. Since he was going to be at the plant all day, I suggested dropping him off so I could use the car to look around the town. His response was priceless. "You can't go out on your own in this town!" Why not?" I asked...he leaned in and said, "They're all black." So he took the car, and as soon as he had gone, I called a taxi so I could do some shopping and sightseeing . The taxi driver was black, of course, and it amused me that I would have been in less "danger" if he'd let me keep the car! But anyway, the taxi driver reminded me of my grandad, and was very kind and reassuring, and actually invited me to his house for lunch with his wife and grandchildren!
I went to NY alone in 2015 and when I took a 911 memorial tour the tour guide was asking where everyone was from and she was not surprised I was an Aussie travelling alone. She commented that aussies were ‘fearless’ and even just assumed I’d be taking the subway back to my hotel at the end of the tour rather than a taxi or some other car service. She was correct thought lol.
You are too funny Ryan 😂 we love you!
This is a generalisation acquired from a number of trips in various parts of the world. Americans and Brits seem to want people to do things the American or English way where Australians (and Kiwis) try hard to fit in with the local practices.
Everyone loves us because we are just so awesome.
@@rubinbingham9547 Bloody oath we are ❣️
And so modest! 😂 Actually I think that it’s the total lack of humility exhibited by so many Americans when in foreign countries that causes both themselves and their compatriots so many of the problems they experience in those countries.
LOL you've got tickets on yourself!🤣
@@Lifeoutback220 yeah/nah we are 😁
And we are incredibly humble as well. XD
I only ever say "g,day" when I'm travelling outside of Australia for this reason, I also lean into my accent a little harder and wear a cap with the Australian flag on it cos yes, British and Americans can be ill perceived it seems at least in the European countries I've been to.
The change in demeanour toward me through body language alone is instantaneous once they realise I'm Australian, but it probably helps that I grew up in a small country town and learned to smile, wave and say hello to everyone as I pass by, which has gotten me some odd expressions in itself at times.
Aussies are extremely aware of the rest of the world, because we live so far away from it. Natural curiosity, decent education, we’ve all mostly descended from people who got here on boats, and it is still a bloody long trip to get to Europe, so Aussies tend to know where they are going and why they are visiting. Plus..manners? We know that the world isn’t a theme park put together for Americans’ enjoyment.
If you’re going to spend a few hundred just on the flight to get there, you can take the time to put together a bit of an idea where you’re going, what to say and how to act so you don’t Fe Fi Faux Pas all over the people living there.
@ a few hundred? Try a few thousand. Travelling 12,000 miles to see the rest of the world ain’t cheap.
@@virginiaviola5097
I was being economical. Thinking more SEA for more affordable distances.
@@rustkarl well, it’s true that most of us arrived here by boat, or our ancestors did. But boats take even longer than planes, they are much more expensive, and trying to get to Europe from Australia by boat is a g*d damn odyssey. I have nothing but respect for my ancestors who got here in match boxes, that took 6 to 8 months, who sailed through horrific storms, gave birth, spent half the time with water up to their necks bailing out the ship.. and arrived alive. Those were my German ancestors who arrived in the early 1800’s. The rest arrived in 1788-1790’s ( only one convict). While I am conflicted about King George giving land that wasn’t his to give, I still have to admire the sheer grit, will and fortunate of those earliest arrivals from the Northern Hemisphere.
@@rustkarl SEA is affordable in terms of distance, popular with Aussies..but not a place I want to go, because I’m no fan of the Aussies who do. Call me a snob.
I'm South Australian, born and bred. I met a guy from Kent in England who thought I came from just down the road from where he was born
As an Aussie, when I travelled around France, the locals at first thought I was English and tended to give me the snub, but when I said I was an Aussie, it was, "OOOH, you should come eat with us"
That was hiliarious watching you take the hits Ryano, your going to have to suck it up mate, remember when the british sent us to Australia .. they sent the best....
Awesome comeback
Seriously. My x4 Great Grandfather actually fought in the War of Independence against the Americans, then calmly sailed into Botany Bay some 12 years later as Captain of a ship. So, ultimately, we were the winners after all.
I was once at Lafayette in Paris. A lovely young sales assistant wouldn't bother helping me tell the difference between 2 products I was interested in until I casually mentioned I was Aussie before she was keen to help. I had a crack!
Australians travel quite a lot internationally, we also stay away for longer periods as we are very far away and it's expensive to fly often. Back in my travelling days I met lots of Canadians who all had flags plastered all over their clothes, when I asked why, they all said we don't want to be mistaken for Americans, I even met an American who had Canadian flags on his clothes for the same reason.
We found this during our trip to Europe in march last year. We would go to restaurants in Paris and make sure we dropped this fact and never scammed, asked for crazy tips and were helped with menus and such amazing service.
I hope you don't feel too bad Ryan. I'm Australian and have friends in Orlando, and they're great! It just depends on the person. I take people as they come.
In a Paris hotel, was told they like Aussies as we are more "laid back" and that we understand that they are "staff" & doing their jobs with the best tools they had! In UK was told, Aussies are the ones who have a small breakfast instead of a fry-up, & cereal, & toast etc. Yeah toast & cereal is good to go so less work! I think it is that we don't assume they all speak English & try to say thanks etc in their language and look them in the face to ensure they know we really thanking them! Also we love to chat!
BTW the French & English have fought many wars trying to say each was the rightful monarch of both countries! Also Napoleon!!!!!!!!
Also they treat the Aussies like the Irish, both love a chat!!!
Just shooting the breeze. With random strangers. Who are all just like you. Happy to sit down with you for a while and just shoot the breeze. I’m absolutely certain what makes Australians unique is the nature of the Indigenous Australians and the impact they had on the formation of this strange new southern land for northerners, home for 60,000 years for them. It would not have been possible for the people on those 11 ships to have survived for 2 years on unknown territory in the middle of an Australian summer without their help. Natural comedians, don’t suffer fools, absolutely could not have created ‘Australia’ without their help.
Villers-Bretonneux was defended by Aussie troops, the school there is called Melbourne. There is also a really large Australian War Grave Cemetery there. They love Aussie is the North of France.
North of France.
@@carolwhite8036 SORRY, I meant to type that LOL I have corrected it now. thanks xoxox
@@OutAndAboutwithDi That`s okay. I`ve been to The north, ---VillersB many times as my grandfather was killed their and his small cenetery isn`t too far away.
@@carolwhite8036 it is a dream of mine to go there someday, I had people who served over there too. I also had a Lighthorse men in my family and have a great vlog about them on my channel.
On the drinking point. I was recently in England and went to a pub in Oxford that has been there since the 13th century. So I go inside and order a Guinness, pretty standard. But the bartender notices my accent and immediately asks if I wanted a yard glass. I was like no way I was just coming here for a casual drink before bed after I had been driving for some time. Anyways, the story goes our former prime minister, Bob Hawke, was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University and while studying there he set a world record for sculling a yard of ale in 11 seconds. Even our PM was a heavy drinker (best in the world). So yes the drinking culture is very heavy here and Europe recognises it. Unfortunately it did not end up being a casual glass but about 6 with some of the college boys there. It was the only way to get out of doing the yard glass 😂
A mate of mine bought a T-shirt for his around the world trip which had some Arabic looking words on it and underneath the English translation “I am not an American”
There are a LOT of Maltese living in Australia!
Came after WW2.
Ps. Malta was demolished.
There were earlier migrations from Malta too around the turn of the 20th century. They were in demand as agricultural workers who could tolerate the heat in summer, especially in QLD.
I have some Maltese friends (born in Malta but grew up here in Australia). They are awesome people. I love them.
I have only travelled in Asia but definitely treated differently as an Australian. In Borneo, the Aussies are still revered for their brave defence efforts against the Japanese in World War II and their toughness in terrible conditions. They have memorials on Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, and even acknowledge Anzac Day. In Bali, they have a different price (better) for Aussies than other tourists - though I was mistaken for European sometimes...I was told because I don't have a strong accent, I am very fair skinned, and mostly because I wear sandals not thongs! My sisters have been to France and were also treated well as Australians. Good manners, a bit of humility and high school French helped also and anyone can acquire these traits if they try. 😊
I was in Glasgow Scotland, was talking to a local, who was standoff-ish, once he realised I was Australian, he was my best pal, he explained initially he thought I was English.
"Happy arvo" Ryan. If you ever came to Australia, you'd be 'pub and grub' hopped like a kangaroo. You're one of our favourite Americans. Cheers from Sydney, AU.
Kiwis aren't the biggest fans of aussies but it's more of a sibling type relationship. It's a love hate relationship.
❤️ from NZ
I luv you guys. I've been to NZ twice, think your great.
Anyone turns on either of us though.. it's look out time!
We love our Kiwi cousins but will never tell them that.
Aussie and Kiwis are brothers in arms
How are Gandalf and the Hobbits doing? :)
The french response to Australian has a lot to do with aust army involvement in WW1.
With regard to post WW1 (1919) thousands of Austrailan men went to France, Belgium & Germany and spent years rebuiding the sewers, fresh water plumbing, schools & hospitals. They provided their labour for free, so if Australians travel to country towns where WW1 was fought and say: "Je suis Australien", which means "I am Australian" in French, the local people will treat you like family. Even very young children are still taught in school, what we did to help rebuild their countries after the war. 😊regards Aussie Digger
My cousin and his wife travelled around France, (and a tip for my fellow Aussies) he wore a cap with “Australia” printed on it. They met so many locals who were so friendly and hospitable when knowing that they weren’t Rosbifs or Septiques.
Most Aussie men will have a beer with mates. Many young Aussie males will binge drink beer every weekend. The rest of us enjoy a glass of wine with dinner because we know our wines and like to taste wines from other regions. “Australia is famous for its big bold Shirazes or Cabernet Sauvignons from such famed regions as the Barossa and Hunter Valleys, and today's Australia is a hotbed of exciting styles ranging from exotic Chenin Blanc and Rousanne to steely Riesling and Semillon and fruity Pinot Noir and Sangiovese.”
“Bright, bold and full of personality, Shiraz is Australia's most popular variety. It grows in almost every wine region of Australia, accounts for one-quarter of total wine production and is our most exported wine.”
@@Jeni10 And McLaren Vale Jen!!
@ Actually, McLarenVale is my favourite wine region! But those were quotes so I didn’t alter them. Is the restaurant still at McLarenVale winery? I absolutely loved the food in that place! Fresh produce lovingly prepared and in abundance! Edit: I just checked, there are lots of restaurants but none of them is the place I went to, it was back in the late 80s, so I guess it’s changed hands. I was with a friend and we ordered veal with mushrooms and a platter of steamed vegies. The veal was really delicious! And when the platter was brought to the table, it was the most colourful assortment of vegetables you could possibly imagine! The restaurant was literally attached to the wine tasting building, which is where we went first, then chose a bottle to have with our lunch. Unforgettable food at an amazing price! 😋😋😋🍷
I was in Paris for a few days and found this as the case. A few years prior, the Australian Navy had rescued a French sailor fron the Southern Ocean, between Australia and Antarctica.
It’s been happening for DECADES!
My only trip to Europe was in 1976 & Aussies were far more popular than yanks then, too.
We made the effort to ask for our ham sandwiches in French & it went over very well. (Sounds like jumbo)
I got flowers for my Mum’s birthday in Nice, using my schoolgirl French, & they couldn’t do enough for me.
EVERYONE appreciates it when they can tell you like & respect them.
If I get to go again, I’m getting 3 “Australia rocks” T-shirts first, though.
I'm from Sydney, Australia. To illuminate this topic I'll share an experience I had at our local supermarket. A young lady was serving an American at the deli' department. He said, "can you give me a pound of ham". She said, "I'm sorry, I don't know what a pound is and the scales only measure in grams and kilograms". He replied, "I don't care how you measure it, I just want a pound of ham". I interrupted and said to the young lady, "give him 454 grams". The American said, "how come you know that and she doesn't" - implying that the employee is a bit stupid. I replied, "During my school years we used imperial measurement but shortlly after we changed to metric completely, so I can convert them instantly in my head, but this person was raised on metric alone". The American said, "thanks very much". He continued, "I don't get the speed signs here, what's 100kph"? I said, "that's easy, divide by ten and multiply by six". He said, "ahhh, 60mph".
In Sweden they asked me why Australians and Americans are so different and what can you say, we are different countries. The reasons I could think of were, we were settled in different centuries in different circumstances, so our founding influences are very different - America in the 17thC century by puritans and other religious dissidents, Australia in the 19thC by convicts and political exiles like the Chartists.
The other was maybe that Australia is a harsh country and people need government more.
The values that Australia and America share are Anglophone liberalism and individualism, to various degrees.
Er....."puritans and other religious dissidents..." might have been how it started, but one of the reasons England sent convicts to Australia was that after 1776, England had to find a new dumping ground for their "more colourful and creative" citizens.
🤣
@@awoodward37 - but they weren't a founding influence for America.
Just as many British convicts were sent to the US, but they don't like to talk about that.
Your "religious dissidents" was to the rest of the world "religious zealots". Just look around in America. Look at who you vote for. You call that normal? Guns, guns and extra guns on the side!
I once knew an American out here bartending and she told people she was Canadian
I've heard about more than one who use this tactics...
So smart Canadians would be just as beloved as Australians!
Interestingly, I was on a tour of Britain in 1976 with half a dozen yanks, a few Aussies & some others. The least popular couple on the tour, & the most demanding, were middle-aged Canadians. I was shocked.
Same, worked with a few who tried to fool everyone into thinking they were Canadians. They always liked to keep that on the downlow.
Yeah heard many American say they are Canadian when traveling
walked into a small hotel in Nice with 3 friends way back in 1983 looking for a couple of rooms. Woman at front desk just shrugged at anything we asked until young guy with her asked Aussies? Once we confirmed that, totally different attitude and we were able to get rooms
No. They think you are English, especially the French. When we were in France, we wore an Australian flag badge.🇦🇺🇦🇺
Good idea.
A big one!
Or one of Ry’s “Australia rocks” T-shirts?
The French are very appreciative of the support they got from brave Australians during the wars.
The Americans, however, turned up years late (to both world wars), and to this day they regularly boast that they won the war single-handed., and delight in telling us that we'd all be speaking German if it wasn't for them.
Rational people recognise that it required the joint efforts of all the allies - from tiny New Zealand up to the mighty USA - to win.
th-cam.com/video/s57RjAY59uU/w-d-xo.html
Read the story of Nancy Wake and you will get some idea why the French have a soft spot for Australians. When I was in Paris people did all they could to be accommodating when I said G'day their heads would turn and look to see if I needed any help. I was there when Australia won the right to the Olympic games you would have thought that France had won they were so excited.
Many years ago, I was in a beer hall in Munich, drinking a litre of beer while reading Time magazine, the only English language magazine I saw in a newsagent. A group of Germans sat opposite me and started making disparaging comments about Americans coming over and cluttering up their beer halls. I let them rant for a few minutes then said "I'm not American, I'm Australian". "I'm very sorry" said one of them, "I have a brother who lives in Melbourne, perhaps you know him?" I didn't, but that didn't matter. It was more beer all round, then more beer and food, and songs, and more beer, til we all staggered out much later, the best of friends and swearing undying love - as you do. A great night but I understand why so many Americans have Canadian flags on their backpacks.
My brother followed a pretty English tourist home from Australia in the 90s. Whenever he walks into a pub and someone recognises his Aussie accent, everyone wants to buy him a beer. They tend to assume that we're all heavy drinkers. But one is enough for him.
Two of my sisters went over to the UK for his wedding and visited a few different European countries while they were in that part of the world. The French assumed that they were Brits and weren't so nice to them. But upon discovering that they were Aussies, that changed. The French and Brits have a long history of warfare between them. There's been a lot of hatred in both countries for centuries. Unfortunately, I couldn't join my sisters for our brother's wedding. I was in my senior year of high school. They came back just in time for my graduation. I had to stay at home in Australia and be jealous.
I travelled France, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Austria in 1984 with my then new bride. We were very much welcomed everywhere that we went. The one exception being when we returned on the ferry to the UK to be greeted by a "charming" English customs official who scowled "Another bloody Australian" as he scanned my passport. It is true that in France, if you make an effort with rudimentary French, they will respect and treat you so much nicer. Especially so when they learn that you are Australian.
Loved that comment, Ryan. "Being Australian is like the real live version of what Americans think the rest of the world thinks about us." So sad. Love your efforts getting to know us. I hope you get down here some time if you haven't already.
I think the main reason why is because Australians are more culturally similar to the British and Irish than to North Americans, and the Brits and Irish themselves are generally very culturally close to other Europeans. Also, Australia was colonized big time by the British and other Europeans in more recent times, so that might explain why Europe feels closer and relates better to Australia than to North America. I've heard many people complain about Chinese tourists the most though as being the most rude and obnoxious, I personally haven't experienced any negative interaction from either Chinese or American tourists here in Australia.
Yes lots of Aussies in the UK & Europe, we love to travel. Not like Americans who never go overseas. I have travelled overseas, 49 different countries s far, usually go OS every 2 years.
I’m an Aussie and the one price of advice I could give America so people start to think differently about you is to stop saying that your the greatest country in the world your just not and it comes across as very arrogant every country has its Pro’s and Con’s no country is the best in the world I have American mates and I tell them when they say it I don’t remember ever being invited to vote on that😂😂😂
Oh, so true! I was told by an American that "It is a well-known fact" that "America" is the best country on earth. I ceased contact with him after that. The arrogance was just dripping off him.
@@xymonau2468 Well the richest and the most influential country on the planet is the USA. Period. It's a fact.
Arrogance? ignorance more likely @@xymonau2468
I think its fine for people to have opinion their country is best for them, but saying its like its obviously objectively best in the world is a bit arrogant tho.
Because "Down under" is such a banger hit! 😎
I've travelled Europe and everywhere i went, as soon as they learned I was Aussie everyone was much more friendly. also, yes. every hostel in every country in Europe, there was at least one Aussie. we love to travel.
The issues between French and US Americans are among other things rooted in WWII.
There's been quite a few instances of US soldiers doing to the women of the places they freed what invading armies usually did to civilians.
You remember the cliché of French women being easy? In all those American war movies where those stereotypes were used with a wink up until rather recently? For lots of French women it wasn't much of a joke in reality. Since the US helped to free them from Germany a lot of them never said anything loud, you know to not ruin the overall mood, but in the last years a lot has come to light where survivors of the time or their children/grandchildren did speak up in the end, published diaries etc.
The US never ends up just being the good guy when they have military interventions. It's always both good and bad guy. Within the US, the story is always about the good guy US. Everywhere else, both sides are seen, hence there's sometimes also some reservation, which naturally clashes a bit with the intrinsic assumption of being always the good guy.
Also happened in Germany too. The civilians at the end of the war were not responsible for everything the Nazis did , suffered under it also. Many German women and girls have kept silent about it all these years. It still isn't really talked about much in Germany.
Aussies have always travelled - in the 60's and 70's it was a right of passage to go to Europe.
It still was in the 90s, all my niece's have travelled to Europe, worked in the UK - two have dual Dutch passports! Now it's more likely for Brits to come down here on working holidays!
I went to the US. Not my choice. Exchange Student, was where I was sent. My daughter went to Europe with a mate in 2012. It still is a right of passage for young Aussies to save up during and after they finish school to go to Europe.
I travelled with people from many nations back in the 70's. Many of these people were American, but had small Canadian flags stitched onto their backpacks. When I asked why, the standard answer was "because we don't want to be known as American and its much easier this way". That kind of says it all doesn't it?!
Gotta remember this if I go to Europe ever, I'll let them know that I'm Aussie
I have no idea why the Europeans like us Aussies, but I can confirm. When I went to England, Poland and Germany. The second they realised/ found out I was Australian they kinda treated me like a cute puppy (to be fair I was 17 at the time so that specific response wasn’t helped by that) hell I got a free umbrella from a bus tour driver. Still have that umbrella.
Oh and I can’t confirm this, but I think the reason why a lot of Europeans hate Americans is
1. Stereotypes of all Americans
2. Even when I was overseas with the couple of Americans I did see were being loud, a bit disruptive in certain areas and once I did see an American (I have to guess she was from California from the accent) half yelling ‘DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?’. I think it’s that specifically they get mad at.
Oh and they don’t like the English because who does /hj
I was in a pub in Scotland ordering a drink. The bartender stared at me a bit and flatly went "so, you're a Yank, are you?" When I told him that I was Australian, his tone and posture immediately brightened and he became a lot more friendly.
I had the same happen to me. Visiting Paris we were booking into our hotel, and once they realised we were Australian and not American or British we were given an upgrade to a room with a view. We experienced the same in many parts of France. Don't underestimate the fact that many Australians love to travel to Europe and are willing to travel long distances to experience different cultures because we are a very multicultural country. Americans always seem to complain about how far away other countries are and are not prepared to travel long distances or inconvenience themselves. Admitedly we do have more annual leave than you in the US and better pay conditions which give us a better work/life balance.
Back in the Eighties I was backpacking in Europe and trying to find some accommodation in Florence late at night. I banged on the door of this pensione that was closed and the owner popped her head out from an upper floor and yelled out out at me that they were full and to go away. When she asked where I was from and I told her Australia, she changed her mind smiled and came down and let me in. I don't if it was because she thought I was English or American at first , but that's exactly how it happened. Back then a lot of Aussie backpackers including me , used to embroider a Skippy on the back of our backpacks. That was mainly to meet up with other Aussies but maybe it also helped with some of the locals.
I was always mistaken for British. I think they expect us all to have Aussie twang.
When we were in the US, a lot of the people there wanted us to sound like Paul Hogan. We didn’t sound Aussie enough. In Europe they were much friendlier when they discovered we were Australian and not British
Certain parts of London sound very Australian (or should that be the other way around?) to the rest of England, probably due to the number of Londoners who were deported to Australia. The Aussie accent largely evolved from a London one. so it's no surprise if there's any confusion.
Australia has kept many British words that Americans have dropped the word mate for example maybe that's part of the reason.
From an Aussie living in Europe for 10 years?..Oh God yes they treat us differently! Europe just LOVES Aussies as do all countries!😉 (I have never been mistaken for an American in 100's & 100's of travels in many countries! (But often mistaken as English)😂... When typically asked "Are you American?" my American friends now (*70% moreso since Nov 2024!!🙄🤬) are resorting to pronouncing "out" > "oat" & "house"> "hoase" & saying they are Canadian!😉🤭👍
Damn.. that’s the only way I can tell an American from a Canadian fam… the Canadians are going to have to come up with some secret Commonwealth code word, because they don’t play cricket.
Basic manners is your answer. Table etiquette, correct use of cutlery.
Try to learn how to count to about 5 in the local language, learn please and thankyou, have a go and they often switch in to English for u. Most Europeans can speak English.
@ correct
@ sorry, I’m not sure why TH-cam won’t tag people correctly. Rather annoying.
HAHAHAHAHA wow this is too accurate!
@ it’s about like Canadians being considered overly polite. They aren’t. They just aren’t poorly mannered like the US! The tag probably won’t work to notify you. TH-cam is deleting my @ tags
I once knew a group of oil rig workers who worked West Irania Jaya oil rigs for Royal Dutch Shell. When they went to R&R in Singapore and got into trouble at a bar, they would not admit to being from NZ but instead insisted that they were Australian, and the Indonesians could not distinguish between Aussie and NZ accents.
Once they said they were Ozzies, it somehow seemed to be OK to be a little more raucous, and their troubles would go away.
Aussies get a warm reception pretty much everywhere in part due to our role in WW2. Whilst some countries forget, the ones that remember are incredibly grateful (Greece is a good example).
As some had said, a reason as to why Americans are not all well liked could be due to the "American Tourist" attitude. It can bluntly be summed up in Entitlement. I even have a story!
Whilst travelling in England for a University exchange, my English friend and I were eating lunch at a cafe in London, We had heard an American complain about not getting extra toast. How do I know they were American? They straight up said (after complaining for what felt like forever): "I am an **American Citizen**, so I should get more toast" and then proceeded to be Brazenly rude to the Wait Staff who were just doing their job and giving them the food they ordered and paid for.
The sad reality is, the American tourist should not represent the American public, but they do. As they are the only ones able to afford a holiday abroad while the most friendly and genuine Americans are home trying to make ends meet in a predatory system.
hi Ryan, I think the reason why us Aussies are liked in Europe (and especially in France) is because the Australian soldiers who fought there were loved by the towns folk. they defended them with valour and I am so proud of the young men who fought for the freedom of all concerned. I can't remember the name of the French town at the moment but every year when we celebrate ANZAC day this town goes all out with celebrations for "the aussie digger" who bravely gave their "all" in their defense I think the town might be called (Villiers) oh just in case, ANZAC stands for Australian, New Zealand Army Corps (the Germans called our boys in Egypt area "i think" the rats of Tobruk they ALWAYS gave their all. and never gave up