European travel - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

SimpleMan0904 · 12-18-2005, 08:30 AM

Yo, as i said in the introductions i am 18 and traveling to europe this summer for the first time for a little over a month. Really excited!

1. Just curious.. Do European people hate us because of George W. Bush. I mean this is really kind of a worry of mine. I don't want to go over there and have my time ruined because our president is a moron.(sorry if anyone likes him) But i plan on traveling to France and i am pretty sure they don't like us. I just want to know if i would have any problems...

2. Eurorail, I was wondering if security is a major issue on the eurorail?

3. Do most hostels have places to store stuff if you don't want to lug your pack around town? or are there other places to store a gear pack so i can go out on the town ect.

Well thats all i can think of right now but i will post later. Thanks alot!!!! Peace and blessings.

**worldwidemike** · 12-18-2005, 08:39 AM

Most folks realize that our leader and their leaders are politicians. We are ordinary people. Just because two politicians can't get along, is no reason we can't share a few drinks and be friends. Don't worry about it.

As for the Eurail and Hostel questions, I'll let others who have gone that route more recently answer your questions. I would keep my main valuables with me, though -- passport, tickets, money -- and do the best you can to secure the rest. I mean who wants to steal your dirty socks? Your ipod or CD collection is another matter, though...

worldwidemike

**florencia9699** · 12-18-2005, 11:50 AM

Well, on your travels (as in everyday life) you'll find people who are amazing and people who are jerks...(don't let yourself get carried away by these...)

One night here in Buenos Aires, we had had a few drinks and I was pretending to be American, this really drunk guy came up to me and was all like "Oh! Bush is great... I love Bush, blah blah blah", so just to get a kick out of it I was all into politics and told him how I didnt agree, that I didnt like the way he was ruling 'our' country" and so on... it was hillarious, the kid dint even know what to do....

I guess what I'm trying to say is that people sometimes (and I reallly dont'n know why) will do a huge effort to be liked by foreigners, or turists in their country. And some people are really super friendly, and will love to tour you around their own city and just show you the cool things going on. These are the people who will make your trip unique and a trip to remember.

And remember: most people dont even like their own rulers/presidentes/government... I know I'd kill someone if they associated me with my president and/or government!

**beergal** · 12-18-2005, 11:53 AM

Being European i personally hate all americans...JOKE!!!! Dont worry about us, sure you may run into some stick from ignorant people but dont let this bother you. Just be sure to remember the british have very sarcastic sense of humours.

As for the hostels most have lockers that you can hire out but you can check this out if you book on travelpunk

**omisan** · 12-18-2005, 12:10 PM

* Everyone else in the world hates Bush, and thereby all Americans. Prepare to be booed, spit upon, and possibly set on fire.

* Security on Eurail trains is good, unless you're American. Americans are segregated on to their own cars, which are most likely to be bombed by Al Qaeda, ETA, IRA, and other malicious bombing types.

* Hostels very often have luggage storage rooms, secured and unsecured. If using one, it's best to sew a Canadian flag patch on to your backpack, that way it won't get torched for being American.

Really, it's just best to listen to the DoJ and stay at home and watch TV. Traveling is for open-minded types who succumb to the ideologies of extremists, and we wouldn't want that happening, now would we?

Naturally, I'm only kidding. Everyone loves us because we've got $$$ to spend.

**bluepea** · 12-18-2005, 12:49 PM

Anyhow, over the last summer, never had any problems being an American. But, there are the stories of those who had (I think it was Berwin who had a fight started with some people in the Netherlands due to this). I figure anyone who hates me just because I'm American is an ignorant bigot that can't differentiate between the people and the politicians of a nation and I probably wouldn't want to hang out with themanyway.

Never had any security issues on the train. Kept our stuff (our main bags; I kept personal/more valuable stuff in daypack with me) in the compartment above me.

Most every hostel has a luggage room or locker storage for your stuff. If they didn't, I took my valuables in my daypack and just left my big pack on/under my bed. Never worried about it. If you're really concerned and they have nothing, ask if they can keep your stuff behind the desk.

carol. · 12-19-2005, 02:00 AM

The only people who will hold your president against you are the people you wouldn't want to get to know... For me, the only thing that really matters is if your up for a laugh and a nice person.... I think its a given that most Americans are always asked about their opinions on Bush but I'd just ignore all that crap, your there for a good time not a political debate!!! Hope you have a great time on your travels

**TheJake** · 12-19-2005, 02:07 AM

Even in south america the president issue came up daily.

When it does just learn how to shrug it off and turn the questions on them. People generally have a lot of pride in their country and will babble on for days about places to see and the things to do!

**Elizabeth** · 12-19-2005, 06:29 AM

Hey SM (whats your real name?). Welcome to TravelPUNK!

Take a look at this site:

Anti-Americanism: Reports from Travlers

This is from RickSteves.com Graffiti Wall. Read through the posts and you'll see that most people had a good experience.

Most people know how to tell the difference between a government and an individual.

You (and me) as Americans, probably do not like Saddam Hussien, but, if you met an Iraqi national on the street, you wouldn't hate him/her, harass him/her, etc would you? Thats how I see it.

nemesis331 · 12-19-2005, 09:08 AM

great analogy liz!