So in my last post I mentioned Americans abroad and their behavior. One that struck me as quite profound, is the 'like' lack of education among the younger generation.
As my husband and I were walking back to the bus station in Portovenere, we past a group of men, one of the men who was speaking was twenty-something man from the northern parts of the U.S. - he had the accent, ya know?
Anyway, he was talking rather loudly (as Americans tend to do), and I swear to you every other second or third word was the word 'like'!
I was suddenly aware of my generations lack of the vernacular when verbally communicating. I know that I have been guilty of that in the past, back when I was in my early twenties. Maybe it's an age thing?!?
I wanted to turn around and tell him "DUDE! Use your words!!" I mean if you are comparing something you could say "The taste was similar to that of a ...." instead of saying " It was like the taste of like a...."
....do you see what I mean. My auditory and mental sense felt like they had just been brutally assaulted! And I felt embarrassed for not just him, but myself and other people my age and especially younger. It's like we all watched "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" or "Valley Girls" and the movie never stopped playing in our subconscious mind.
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11.11.10
9.11.10
Americans Abroad
Yes, I've been living overseas in Europe's old Eastern Bloc for going on 2 years now, however, where I am in this little Romanian city, I don't really happen upon American tourists much, NEVER really. There are a lot of German and occassionaly some Asian toursits here in our quiet little city.
Italy though, is a whole different ballgame. I was there last week visiting my husband. We took a train to Monterossa al Mare - about a 10 min. ride from where he lives and works in La Spezia. There was a LARGE group of American tourists - all around retirement age, while they were nice and respectful in most aspects - they were also rather loud and somewhat obnoxious. I suddenly realized that I don't like Americans!!! While most are kind and well behaved, there are those that spoil it for the rest of us. Those that think that because they ARE Americans, everyone should make way for them. Those are the ones who make my life hell - because then all the locals in these European places, think that all Americans are like that first one they encountered! Grrrrrr......
Life in Europe, especially in Italy definitely moves at a somewhat slower pace. For example - don't even attempt to get any type of shopping done between the hours of 1-3:30 p.m. Everything is closed for lunch! The whole month of August - the country shuts down for vacation! It's insane, cool but insane. I did notice that bars and pubs don't stay open past like 10 p.m. There are a few here and there that do, but for the most part, nope, if you want to party - do it at home! I like that. It's like that here too, at least in Tulcea. Maybe in the bigger cities like Rome, Milan, Bucharest, etc. Maybe there are places that do stay open till the wee hours of the morning, but they are few and far between.
I understand why Europeans generally don't like Americans, and why they overcharge them for items (that is not right in my book), but at the same time, it's more of a jealousy issue. Even as badly as the American immigration & judical system treated my husband, he still LOVES America and everything about it. Sometimes I wish I could be so forgiving.....
....to put it bluntly I'm pissed at my own country. My husband made mistakes, yes, he paid the price for those mistakes, but yet, they still denied him legal entrance into the U.S. Forget the taxes he paid!
Italy though, is a whole different ballgame. I was there last week visiting my husband. We took a train to Monterossa al Mare - about a 10 min. ride from where he lives and works in La Spezia. There was a LARGE group of American tourists - all around retirement age, while they were nice and respectful in most aspects - they were also rather loud and somewhat obnoxious. I suddenly realized that I don't like Americans!!! While most are kind and well behaved, there are those that spoil it for the rest of us. Those that think that because they ARE Americans, everyone should make way for them. Those are the ones who make my life hell - because then all the locals in these European places, think that all Americans are like that first one they encountered! Grrrrrr......
Life in Europe, especially in Italy definitely moves at a somewhat slower pace. For example - don't even attempt to get any type of shopping done between the hours of 1-3:30 p.m. Everything is closed for lunch! The whole month of August - the country shuts down for vacation! It's insane, cool but insane. I did notice that bars and pubs don't stay open past like 10 p.m. There are a few here and there that do, but for the most part, nope, if you want to party - do it at home! I like that. It's like that here too, at least in Tulcea. Maybe in the bigger cities like Rome, Milan, Bucharest, etc. Maybe there are places that do stay open till the wee hours of the morning, but they are few and far between.
I understand why Europeans generally don't like Americans, and why they overcharge them for items (that is not right in my book), but at the same time, it's more of a jealousy issue. Even as badly as the American immigration & judical system treated my husband, he still LOVES America and everything about it. Sometimes I wish I could be so forgiving.....
....to put it bluntly I'm pissed at my own country. My husband made mistakes, yes, he paid the price for those mistakes, but yet, they still denied him legal entrance into the U.S. Forget the taxes he paid!
7.11.10
Latest Trip to Italia
So this is my latest trip to Italy. The kids were out of school for 1 week, so I used that time to go visit hubby again, even though he will be home December 20th for Christmas straight through till just after New Year. Anyway these were taken yesterday (11/6/2010) in Monterossa, Itally. The first (or last - depending on your view) of the Cinque Terre - that means Five Lands - absolutely breath taking. The pictures aren't that fabulous, as I was coming down with what I thought was just a cold, but now appears to be the flu! uggghhh! Anyway hope you enjoy!
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| Monterossa, Italia |
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