BACK FROM VACATION

[7thson]

Just returned from an eighteen day vacation in Europe. The wife and I went to Germany in a little town near the Swiss and Austrias border, went to Switzerland and Austira, than on to Rome, Florence, and Venice.

We had an enjoyable time but it is great to be back in the United States. We took a beating with the dollar-Euro exchange rate but that's life.

While there, I noticed one thing about European television. Here, we seem to have an abundance of home shopping channels. There, nearly everything is soccer. We also had the misfortune of getting our news from CNN International - the only English speaking channel wherever we went. You talk about a station that is totally unAmerican yet sympathetic to the Middle East, it is that station. During last week, while the stock market took a beating, everytime they reported on it, they were absolutely gleeful. And each weekend, they would run a story on some poor pathetic p***k in Iraq who complained about how bad it is there now and never putting in context that without the Americans being there, no one would ever hear his complaints. When reporting on the Iraq soccer teams success, there was no reporting that without Americans getting rid of Saddam and his regime, that would had never occurred.

The other thing I noticed was story after story - from the bridge collapse to floods in England to monsoons in India - were daily examples of how government fails the citizens. Yet, no one seems to get that connection.

[mtbopfuyn]

That’ll teach you not go spend your US dollars abroad. Vacation at home next time.

[230FMJ]

I wouldn’t take my loved ones with me into enemy territory. If you need to go there for business or intelligence gathering, fine, but keep your family safe.

[fatnotlazy]

“We also had the misfortune of getting our news from CNN International - the only English speaking channel wherever we went. “

***

I haven’t been to Europe in almost 10 years. CNN was about the only English speaking channel we could get then. Guess things haven’t changed.

What was really funny to me was a station in Italy that was showing Bonanza dubbed in Italian. Kinda funny hearing Ben, Little Joe, Hoss and Adam talking in Italian. But I was told that, at least at that time, American westerns were very popular in Italy.

[caver]

“While there, I noticed one thing about European television. Here, we seem to have an abundance of home shopping channels. There, nearly everything is soccer.”

I don’t know which is worse, home shopping channels or soccer!

[fatnotlazy]

I don’t know which is worse, home shopping channels or soccer!

***

Neither. I think constant poker/blackjack is even worse. Nothing against either game, but watching them is like watching paint dry.

[7thson]

Get a grip, friend. I’ve been to Europe many times via the Navy. This trip was more for my wife - who has never been to Europe - than for myself. And to remind you of a conservative principle - it’s my money and I’ll decide to spend it where and when I want.

[Thrownatbirth]

In the pre-CNN days, I was treated like a prince in those countries.

Both in uniform, and out. :-)

[7thson]

If forced into an either/or choice, I would take home shopping channels. I think, eventually, they might show something that would interest me. 8-)

[alwaysconservative]

I was surprised at how bad British TV was at the hotels. I know that they have some great shows (”The Office”, and some of the older comedies come to mind), but it was all stocks, soccer (or cricket, which is worse on TV), or foreign language channels. There was one police drama that was a knock-off of our cop shows, and my hubby said even the sumptuous Anna Friel could not save it.

We really didn’t get to watch much TV because we were so busy, but generally, the news throughout Europe is like our antique media: we’ll tell you our version of the facts, and you’d better not try to think for yourself. It’s very hectoring, and the tone is very condescending. I came home VERY grateful for FOXNews, the internet, and for our TV options.

[7thson]

I think the next time - and if - we go overseas, I will risk taking a laptop with me so I can access FR at night and see what is happening in the world.

[NCC-1701]

Wlecome back. Now get back to work. ;-)

[fatnotlazy]

Don’t let people get on your case for going to Europe. For all the anti-Americanism, and I’m talking even 10 or so years ago long before the war and whatnot, the people in most parts of Europe were very friendly. Yeah, you get a few surly people, but I can find surly people right here in Pittsburgh. And even if the people over there don’t like Americans, they do want our tourism dollars, so most of them are not going to deliberately alienate you...or they can be out of a job.

I guess part of the reason why I haven’t been back is that when I was traveling there extensively, that was at a time when the dollar was strong and there were some years when it was actually cheaper to travel to European destinations than anywhere in the U.S. I once took a TWA package throughout Italy — dirt cheap as I remember...and we weren’t exactly staying in hostels or fleabag hotels — these were ordinarily very expensive hotels offering huge discounts for American travelers. But I guess I won’t find the same kind of discount packages as I did back then. If I do go again though, I think it will be with a cruise. I love to cruise — costs a fortune, but it’s worth it.

[alwaysconservative]

I was very glad to visit Europe, at least while there still IS a Europe. There is an enormous clash of cultures coming in Europe, and we, as Americans, need to take note of how that clash is handled, for the sake of our own future. Amsterdam in particular felt like a powderkeg, with the growing Muslim culture coming in very strong conflict with the laid-back “pot, porn, and prostitution” culture of the Netherlands.

Also, we were pleasantly surprised that the people in various countries, especially Briton and France, were much friendlier to American citizens than we had been led to believe they would be. (I get the impression that German tourists are more disliked than Americans, but I could be wrong.) And apparently the mainstream media is more “left wing” than the populace even there. But based on the people we met and spoke with, I wasn’t as surprised as some that more conservative people are being elected in Europe, largely on economic and anti-immigration platforms, as some were.

It was a great experience to travel to Europe, and a very illuminating one. I’m glad you and your wife got the opportunity as well.

[7thson]

There were some interesting things we saw in Italy. We observed what we believed to be Muslims because the women were wearing the traditional head scarfs or burkas, doing some interesting things. Many of those we presumed Muslim toured the Christian churches in our tour groups. Seeing this, I wondered if I am allowed to tour their mosques? We observed another Muslim woman begging for money in front of a Christian church - this in Venice. Also in Venice, we observed a Muslim woman walking down one of the many alleyways holding hands with her male companion. I was led to believe that outward signs of affection were forbidden by the Koran and those enforcing the Koran. In Venice, we told the desk clerk what is happening in some airports regarding an area of worship, footbaths in colleges, praying in some public schools, taxi drivers refusing passengers with wine or dogs. His eyes widened and I don't think he quite believed us.

Observing how some of these Muslims behave in Europe and what they are demanding here in the states, my impression that we are being played for fools was reenforced.

I did not have any problems with the locals. Everyone was polite and helped out the ignorant Americans who could not speak their language as best they could. While the Germans and Italians were both friendly to us, I tend to like the Italians more, mainly they are more "real." I did have problems with an American family on the plane back home. It was a great trip and I am glad my wife got to see a little bit of Europe and become a "world traveller."

[scan59]

(I get the impression that German tourists are more disliked than Americans, but I could be wrong.)

You're not wrong. People over there have long memories.

[lowbridge]

[eleni121]

I know what you mean about CNN abroad —communist news nats. Disgustingly biased and vengeful against the US to say the least

We’re leaving for Europe in a few days...can’t wait to set them straight.

My husband and I are fully capable of doing that.

[7thson]

The ordinary people there are cool and friendly towards Americans. And they love it when you tell them they have a beautiful country. I cannot speak German or Italian but if you can speak the language of the country you are in, they like that too. Have a great trip but just realize that you’re going to get screwed dollar to Euro wise. Also, if you go to Italy, beware of the COMPERTO on your restaurant bill. It’s an automatic tip they put in for placing the napkins, bread, etc., on your table. If you see COMPERTO and/or a service charge on your bill, do not leave a tip because it is included.

[eleni121]

Thanks for the advice! The Euro is strong but manageable.

We are going to Greece this time and since I speak the language I anticipate no problems...except maybe putting on a few pounds.