Dare to Ask: Are American tourists really ignorant?

Question

I’d like opinions on American tourists’ ignorance, plus any stories people might have of this phenomenon. — Allan, 22, Canada

Replies

A close friend worked for Canadian customs in British Columbia, and they kept a notebook of funny American tourist stories. One was that a guy asked where he could get a good deal on “totem pole seeds.” He was serious. — Henri, 20, male, Atlanta

In Egypt, Americans are disappointed to find we take the subway to work rather than ride camels. — Karim, 21, Cairo, Egypt

In London, opposite St. Marylebone Parish Church, an American tourist asked, “Say buddy, is that St. Paul’s Cathedral?” Yep, in our weather the dome just shrank in the rain. — Dominic, 26, London

That’s not stupid. I live in D.C. and can’t count the times tourists ask if the Lincoln Memorial is the Capitol. — Britt, female, Washington, D.C.

Give Americans a break. If it weren’t for them, tourism wouldn’t be as easy and affordable to the average person around the world. — Marcel, 30, Toronto

In London, my traveling companion wanted to see the Egyptian and Greek artifacts, but couldn’t remember where they were (The British Museum). We stopped at the Victoria and Albert Museum and he asked: “Excuse me, is this the museum with the treasures you stole from the Greeks and Egyptians?” — Jeff, 34, San Francisco

It works both ways. I told a colleague about a trip to Montana, and he said, “Oh, yeah, that’s where the [U.S. military detainee] prison is. You know … Montana Bay.”  — Carol, 24, United Kingdom

A high school friend was in an exchange program. One of the first things she got asked in the U.S. was if we had electricity in Bulgaria. When told yes, they said: “For how many hours a day?” — Diana, 20, Sofia, Bulgaria

Here’s a funny story for you. I worked in a London hotel for several years and found almost all U.S. tourists charming and clever. I can’t think of any hilarious anecdote showing poor taste or ignorance. The funny thing is, I sense this is not what you expected. — Matthew, 30, London

I am from Puerto Rico and have been asked, “How long does it take to drive there from Florida?” — Roxy, 29, Atlanta

I think these tales are just ways of making ourselves feel superior to Americans. Just because people don’t know everything about the places they visit doesn’t make them stupid. That’s why you travel, to learn about places you’ve never been. — A., 21, male, Toronto

Expert says

Expert? Who needs an expert to verify the “totem pole seeds” story? They probably wouldn’t speak English to us, anyway — or give good directions to a place that sells them.

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