I'm not getting at Americans in general, but...

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Jun 17th, 2002, 04:45 AM
simonm

I'm not getting at Americans in general, but...

I was in the pub Saturday night having a rather nice meal and there was this American familly on the table behind us and after their food was brought out, the father started complaining about the size of the portions and made a big fuss.

He handed back his dinner (trio of fish) and said that he refused to eat and pay for it. He said it was the sort of size he would expect for a starter. The Land lady was not pleased and stated that it cost as much as it did (£12) because of the price of fish in this country and that they couldn't do it any cheaper.

I must say that my girlfriend had the same dish and, whilst it wasn't a huge portion, she was very satisfied with the results and was suitably filled up afterwards.

I know that meals out in America are cheaper than this country and that you would probably get a dinner twice the size but I think he was just plain rude! :mad:
Jun 17th, 2002, 04:49 AM
mendhak

So that one d00d represents Americans?
Jun 17th, 2002, 04:51 AM
simonm

mendhak

Quote:

So that one d00d represents Americans?

Can I refer you to the thread title?
Jun 17th, 2002, 04:51 AM
plenderj

Quote:

Originally posted by mendhak
So that one d00d represents Americans?

Saw that sorta thing yesterday in a very upmarket chinese restaurant.
American guy sent his meal back.
My mother and I couldn't finish our own meals, but he sent his back.

Christ sake like ...
Jun 17th, 2002, 04:53 AM
mendhak

Quote:

Originally posted by simonm
mendhak

Can I refer you to the thread title?

hmm... sure.
Jun 17th, 2002, 04:57 AM
steve65

Yes please don't lump us all in to one group. I am now over here on business and I hope I don't cause any disrespect like that family did.

That is the reason I think I lot of Americans have a bad reputation is because they expect eveything to be just like home. I get so aggravated when they do that even when they travel from state to state. They need to learn to adjust to other peoples ways of life not other people adjusting to theirs.

Maybe I will be able to meet up with some of you folks while I am here although I am so far north it may be tough.

Steve
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:04 AM
Gaffer

Quote:

Originally posted by steve65
Yes please don't lump us all in to one group. I am now over here on business and I hope I don't cause any disrespect like that family did.

That is the reason I think I lot of Americans have a bad reputation is because they expect eveything to be just like home. I get so aggravated when they do that even when they travel from state to state. They need to learn to adjust to other peoples ways of life not other people adjusting to theirs.

Maybe I will be able to meet up with some of you folks while I am here although I am so far north it may be tough.

Steve

Enjoy it :) If I was to give one piece of advice that all my US colleagues avoid when they get over here is this: Ask the locals about where to eat. We are not culinary experts when it comes to day-to-day food such as sandwiches etc, but it's hard to beat the variety offered in some cities :)
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:05 AM
simonm

TO ALL AMERICANS READING THIS THREAD

I thought I made it clear in the thread title but obviously not so I shall say it again.

I am not making generalisations about all Americans, just complaining about one particular individual, who happened to be American, who I thought was out of order.

Why did I even mention his nationality, you ask? Because, whilst I realise that he was not representitive of all Americans, I cannot imagine any other nationality doing that. To me, it smacked of a particular arrogance and rudeness that reflected a bad element and I only hope that it is not typical American behaviour.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:08 AM
Gaffer

Simon, I think you are a victim of lazy typing from Mendhak to be honest....
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:09 AM
simonm

Gaffer

Quote:

If I was to give one piece of advice that all my US colleagues avoid when they get over here is this: Ask the locals about where to eat.

The thing that gets me is that this was the sort of place that I would recommend to people to go. It was a very nice free house set out in a tiny village in the middle of Devon and does very good real ale and food. Slightly on the pricey side for a pub and the portions aren't overlly big but you can't fault them on quality.

Some people will never be happy...
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:11 AM
Nightwalker83

Quote:

Originally posted by Gaffer
Simon, I think you are a victim of lazy typing from Mendhak to be honest....

Frog is just a little tired:p
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:11 AM
beachbum

So Simon, u are trying to say that all Americans are fat ugly hawaiian shirt wearing trogladites? .. or did i read that wrong :D
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:11 AM
Gaffer

Then they should have been diced up and thrown to the pigs :D
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:13 AM
simonm

BeachBum

Quote:

So Simon, u are trying to say that all Americans are fat ugly hawaiian shirt wearing trogladites? .. or did i read that wrong

Finally, someone understands what I'm trying to say...:rolleyes:
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:14 AM
Wally Pipp

You always get this kind of people Simon at one time or another. Don't let them spoil your dinner. It may sound harsh but the more you get into this, the more they will complain.

Many people (if not most) are friendly, some are born an oaf. There's little you can do about it.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:15 AM
mendhak

Quote:

Originally posted by simonm
BeachBum

Finally, someone understands what I'm trying to say...:rolleyes:

How dare you! Your statement is a loose interpretation of dubious facts and personally, I find it to be idle speculation rooted in irrational sentiment.

Hrmph.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:16 AM
steve65

I understand what you are trying to say Simon. It's tough when you mention American, Irish, Black, Indian, White, Etc right away you stereo typed something and it is tough to get out of it. What could have been said was this dumb father was traveling with his family and was so rude about our customs and food. Then we of the same group as that father would know it was not that group trying to be singled out but the Father.

Just my two cents...

Not that I am perfect I have formed my opinions about poeple and I have a lot of baggage that I need to unload to be fair to others.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:17 AM
simonm

Quote:

You always get this kind of people Simon at one time or another. Don't let them spoil your dinner.

Yep, I was so upset that I had to hand my dinner back without paying for it aswell...;)
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:17 AM
Gaffer

Quote:

Originally posted by beachbum
So Simon, u are trying to say that all Americans are fat ugly hawaiian shirt wearing trogladites? .. or did i read that wrong :D

LOL :D
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:18 AM
cafeenman

simonm, I understand that you are referring to one circumstance and not all Americans, but it is akin to saying "I'm not saying all blacks are like this, but this one black guy did...."

I was in Germany for over 3 years during my last military tour. Americans ran the full gamut of being totally arrogant *****s to being extremely courteous. Unfortunately, the bad ones stand out.

For example, this is a story I related here before, but it's the exact same topic so I'll tell it again.

I was in a Pizza Hut in Germany and an American started giving the waitress a hard time because her English was almost non-existent. He went so far to say something along the lines that Pizza Hut is an American restaurant and therefore, the employees should all speak English.

I was not with him, nor did I know him, but I was really embarrassed by his behavior and knew that every German in the restaurant now had that much more ammo against "rude Americans."

The manager came out and told the American that it was, in fact, a German restaurant and if he didn't like the service he could leave, but if he gave the waitress any more grief dining there would no longer be an option for him.

On top of that, the waitress wasn't that difficult to understand and all the menu items were in German and English. He could have simply pointed, so I don't know what his problem was. The waitress also spoke English well enough that I could understand her, although it took some effort. In any case, we're in their country and it's not their responsibility to learn English to appease us.

On the flip side, nothing like this ever happened with me or people I was with. I may have done some bonehead things by not understanding certain ways things are done, but I never had the attitude that Germans should bend over backwards to understand me.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:18 AM
steve65

Quote:

Originally posted by beachbum
So Simon, u are trying to say that all Americans are fat ugly hawaiian shirt wearing trogladites? .. or did i read that wrong :D

I forgot to bring my shirt :D
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:19 AM
cafeenman

Quote:

Originally posted by beachbum
So Simon, u are trying to say that all Americans are fat ugly hawaiian shirt wearing trogladites? .. or did i read that wrong :D

I don't have a Hawaiian shirt. The closest thing I've got is polka-dot underwear. The ladies dig 'em. :)
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:20 AM
Wally Pipp

Quote:

Originally posted by beachbum
So Simon, u are trying to say that all Americans are fat ugly hawaiian shirt wearing trogladites? .. or did i read that wrong :D

You mean some of them aren't ?
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:22 AM
simonm

steve65

I mentioned this guy's nationality because he conformed to a particular bad American stereotype.

I realise that most Americans aren't actually like that, indeed, there was another American familly in the pub that night (I think we're being taken over) and they seemed to be enjoying their meal with no complaint.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:23 AM
cafeenman

Quote:

Originally posted by simonm
there was another American familly in the pub that night (I think we're being taken over) and they seemed to be enjoying their meal with no complaint.

They were probably embarrassed by that guy too.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:27 AM
cafeenman

Re: Well ...

Quote:

Originally posted by honeybee

On the same note, Cafeenman, what if the waitress had bent over backwards .....

She probably would have been really uncomfortable and eventually fallen down.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:28 AM
Gaffer

Quote:

Originally posted by simonm
steve65

I mentioned this guy's nationality because he conformed to a particular bad American stereotype.

I realise that most Americans aren't actually like that, indeed, there was another American familly in the pub that night (I think we're being taken over) and they seemed to be enjoying their meal with no complaint.

Oh I don't know, quite a lot are (present companyt exepted) - fraid tht's the way it is. Just like the Brits on holiday on the Costa Del Sol.... you and I and most of VBF aren't like that, but our countrymen certainly are.

reality check:
the Yanks on holiday in the UK are on the whole a right pain in the arse : loud and brash.
Brits abroad - same, but drunk as well.
Aussies in London - moaning pack of bastards.
Kiwis in London - every sentence has "New Zealand" in it.

Many many people like that. Many not though :)
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:28 AM
steve65

Quote:

Originally posted by simonm
steve65

I mentioned this guy's nationality because he conformed to a particular bad American stereotype.

I realise that most Americans aren't actually like that, indeed, there was another American familly in the pub that night (I think we're being taken over) and they seemed to be enjoying their meal with no complaint.

I understand completely. I am actually looking forward to visiting a few spots like that while I am here. There are a lot of them around where I am staying but I was just too tired last night to get out and have a look around.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:29 AM
Gaffer

Quote:

Originally posted by steve65

I understand completely. I am actually looking forward to visiting a few spots like that while I am here. There are a lot of them around where I am staying but I was just too tired last night to get out and have a look around.

Where exactly are you?
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:30 AM
Nightwalker83

Quote:

Kiwis in London - every sentence has "New Zealand" in it.

Now you see our problem:p
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:33 AM
Gaffer

Sorry, addendum:

Aussies in London - moaning pack of bastards and start each sentecne with "In Stralia" :p:D
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:35 AM
steve65

Quote:

Originally posted by Gaffer

Oh I don't know, quite a lot are (present companyt exepted) - fraid tht's the way it is. Just like the Brits on holiday on the Costa Del Sol.... you and I and most of VBF aren't like that, but our countrymen certainly are.

reality check:
the Yanks on holiday in the UK are on the whole a right pain in the arse : loud and brash.
Brits abroad - same, but drunk as well.
Aussies in London - moaning pack of bastards.
Kiwis in London - every sentence has "New Zealand" in it.

Many many people like that. Many not though :)

I have done a lot have traveling all over the world and you really ruin it for yourself acting like this family did. First you don't make and friends and you are not going to learn anything new. I can't wait to go some place new I have a great time just talking to the local folks. If I am rude they are not going to want to talk to me.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:36 AM
Wally Pipp

Dutch : loud and obnoxious
French : Arrogant and obnoxious outside France
Germans in Ibiza : Drunken louts who'll pick a fight with anyone who happens to pass by

...

could go on and on :D

Funnily, no-one has problems with Belgians :p
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:36 AM
steve65

Quote:

Originally posted by Gaffer

Where exactly are you?

In Tees Sides
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:37 AM
simonm

Steve

Where exactly are you staying in the UK when you come over?
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:38 AM
steve65

Quote:

Originally posted by simonm
Steve

Where exactly are you staying in the UK when you come over?

I'm here now.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:38 AM
simonm

Oops...:o

I guess that question's already been answered...
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:39 AM
Gaffer

Belgians - horrendous hygeine problems. Propensity to steal cars. Can't say "splurge" properly. :p

Steve - Teeside? ****, get ready for deep fried mars bars....
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:40 AM
steve65

I am trying to figure out a way to get my butt into London before I leave.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:42 AM
beachbum

Quote:

Originally posted by Wally Pipp
Funnily, no-one has problems with Belgians :p

Who?
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:43 AM
GlenW

steve65
You anywhere near North Ormsby?
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:44 AM
Gaffer

Quote:

Originally posted by steve65
I am trying to figure out a way to get a butt in London before I leave.

Erm, try Old Compton Street, Soho.... (that's what Wally tells me anyway..) ;)
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:46 AM
steve65

Thanks, we will see what happens, I will know latter in the week if I will be going or not. If I go I need to stop at the HardRock.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:46 AM
Wally Pipp

So you've been there gaffs. I told you it was a no-go but I see you still decided to go then.

Oh well, you cannot argue with one's preferences :p
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:48 AM
steve65

Quote:

Originally posted by GlenW
steve65
You anywhere near North Ormsby?

To be honest I I don't know. I am near Middlesbrough is all I can tell you
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:49 AM
Gaffer

Quote:

Originally posted by steve65
Thanks, we will see what happens, I will know latter in the week if I will be going or not. If I go I need to stop at the HardRock.

/thinks Steve didn't read my quote properly ;)
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:51 AM
GlenW

Quote:

Originally posted by steve65
To be honest I I don't know. I am near Middlesbrough is all I can tell you

Well I'm at North Ormsby Social Club tonight if you can get there.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:51 AM
steve65

Quote:

Originally posted by Gaffer

/thinks Steve didn't read my quote properly ;)

/thinks I read it just fine now and glad you are a honest chap.
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:56 AM
Gaffer

Quote:

Originally posted by steve65

/thinks I read it just fine now and glad you are a honest chap.

/steals steve's wallet

If you get down here, I got some great eatin' places... :)
Jun 17th, 2002, 05:58 AM
Wally Pipp

Mind your back steve. Especially around the Canary Wharf
Jun 17th, 2002, 07:05 AM
JPicasso

Looks like I'm a bit late in this thread to talk about my
hawaiian shirt wardrobe or somthing funny about a waitress
"bent over to serve me.." but have any of you heard that the US
beat Mexico? :D
Jun 17th, 2002, 07:07 AM
cafeenman

Quote:

Originally posted by JPicasso
Looks like I'm a bit late in this thread to talk about my
hawaiian shirt wardrobe or somthing funny about a waitress
"bent over to serve me.." but have any of you heard that the US
beat Mexico? :D

Mexico is one of the southern states, right? Does this have something to do with the civil war?
Jun 17th, 2002, 08:18 AM
GlenW

Quote:

Originally posted by cafeenman

Mexico is one of the southern states, right? Does this have something to do with the civil war?

You mean you lot had a civil war as well.
Did the worst dressed side win yours as well?
Jun 17th, 2002, 02:24 PM
barrk

Quote:

Originally posted by GlenW

You mean you lot had a civil war as well.
Did the worst dressed side win yours as well?

This from the country who held the War of the Roses! :rolleyes: