Heya Hang, consider mason ruffie-ed, but what you do with him after that I don't ever want to hear about.
But persuant to your continued broad-brush painting of other cultures' peoples, please note that the French attitute towards Americans probably stems from a bunch of WW2 vets, (retired, fat and black-sock draped sandals), started vacationing over there and gloating on their historic victory at the expense of the locals. (
"We saved ur bellybutton in dubya-dubya two, Pierre. Now, get me some o that there cheese I keep hearin' about." )
I hear from travellers (I haven't been but hope to go sometime) that the provinces, away from the mainstream tourist hangouts like Paris, are much more hospitable and friendly. Imagine someone judging southern hospitality based on visit to New York City.
As for walking across the street in Mexico, well, I wouldn't be so inconsiderate as to insult my hosts by wearing a US soccer jersey. Judging a people negatively by how they respond to insults only shows you they are human enough to take offense.
I find that the best time to be had in another country is to be friendly and let the host culture show you the benefits and uniqueness of their way of life and not be a crusader for mine.
I know it's easier to think in terms of broad generalities. Keep in mind, however, that laziness in thought doesn't always translate to what's true.
-Sudz
PS
All of the above was was intended to be conveyed in a reasonable tone and shouldn't be taken as harshly as its face reading might imply. Newsgroups and messageboards aren't really known for their ability to pass on inflections.
