Re: American flag

That was an interesting read.

Here is a paraphrase of the U.S. code on flag display here:

http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html

Good rules, but no enforcement other than fellow citizens fussing at one another about disrespecting it.

Re: American flag

Surfermom

I have travelled fairly extensively visiting more countries than most members on here I suspect.

So far the most annoying is the Egyptians.walk down any street in Egypt and you get pestered constantly with street sellers -beggers and pickpocketing is a way of life for them .

Brazil also can be a very dangerous place if travelling alone. Even my Daughter in laws father was held up at gun point while at the traffic lights. Been there several times
.
Then say Tunisia we went when it was just being opened up to the tourist trade, carried on and didn't make any effort to engage with us.

Sicily -Germany- Norway- Latvia- Denmark- Russsia- Lithuania- Sweden -Finland- Japan-South Korea -Greece etc seemed decent enough. Have to mention China -the tour guides really made an effort to see we enjoyed their country. Nothing was too much for them. Also been to several countries in the Caribbean -Barbados- Aruba-Cayman Islands-Tortola- St Lucia-St Maarten for example

No doubt I have missed out some countries in the list we have been to. oh yes did a quick trip into Argentina-stayed in Brittany and also in Spain for a week or so in each, forgot those as some round the Med sea we did twice


next year Already booked

https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk...est/index.html

Re: American flag

Thanks for that Surfermom. Yes I have always found Americans to be very friendly and hospitable. Ive been there a lot and I've only struck a tiny few that were not. You are a proud people and have every right to be proud of your flag. You could easily be dismissive, rude, superior and condescending like some other nationalities have a tendency to be. But you are not. Even New Yorkers! YOu are generous with visitors, eager to please and always inquisitive and interested about where they are from. Anybody who is as simplistically dismissive of a people as to accuse them of "Jingoism"..or rampant nationalism simply because they love their flag is a prisoner to cynicism IMO.

Re: American flag

One thing that is different between us is our sense of humour. It gets lost half way across the Atlantic ocean. My original post proves it

Re: American flag

[QUOTE=realspeed;1746249]One thing that is different between us is our sense of humour. It gets lost half way across the Atlantic ocean.


I've done one powerful whole lot of travelling as well. Many Australians do. I take cultures as I find them. Warts and all. In defence of Americans their sense of humour doesn't get lost in Hawaii on it's way to us. And they seem to just love trying to make sense of ours. And the Pacific Ocean makes the Atlantic look like what you call it. A Pond.

Re: American flag

Haha, no, not at all. I got it right of the mark, hope it didn't get muddled on the way back!

Interacting with people is one of the best parts of travel. Although I have been to most of North and Central America, along with essentially all of the Caribbean, this upcoming trip will be my first one in which I've really been immersed in the culture since I traveled to Russia. I am tickled pink!

I happen to live in a tourist area that sees a massive influx of visitors in the summer and snowbirds in the winter, which has afforded me a good education on the joys and irritations of visitors. From that I hope I have learned the nuances of being a respectful and appreciative traveler. I am every realizing that while I am vacationing, most of the locals I encounter are working and often struggling with all of the stressors involved (like bad tourist drivers) of getting through their days. It's no secret that we are guests in what is essentially a very big house, and all the good things our mothers taught us in someone else's house still apply.

When it comes right down to it, 99% of people are decent, hardworking, and proud to share their country and culture.

Watch out Australia, you are next .

Fantastic itinerary, realspeed!

Re: American flag

Yes there's a few places there I haven't been so I'll take Realspeed's word for it. And yes Surfermum..Can't wait!..We'll get the spare room ready

Re: American flag

There is absolutely no pressure here to change the flag. There was a competition many years ago during the republican push to design a new flag but the results were mediocre and it just died a death because of lack of interest. I think most people are happy with the Australian flag, Union flag and all.

It's the National Anthem that needs changing there is certainly a rising, but not overwhelming, pressure for that (likewise Australia Day) - I suspect both those things will happen before the flag is changed.

Re: American flag

Two years ago a retired naval vet flew the English St George's flag in his garden and was told to take it down as it may upset the non English people living in the area.

Re: American flag

I was most impressed using (or should it be 'useing'? ) the NY underground especially after seeing the American flag emblazoned on every carriage. When in Florida, I kept getting asked if I was Australian and whether I wanted 'Links' for breakfast.