How To Not Look Like A Gringo.

[Andrew Troup]

Re-reading my statement above, that
<<The US is not the only "United States" in America: it's not even the only "United States" of North America>>

reminds me of John Lennon's famous tongue-in-cheek reply to the gushing reporter who asked "Is Ringo really the best drummer in the world"

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Andrew Troup

... reminds me of John Lennon's famous tongue-in-cheek reply to the gushing reporter who asked "Is Ringo really the best drummer in the world"

To which , Lennon (is said to have) replied: 'Ringo isn't even the best drummer in The Beatles'

[JPA Cate]

If it matters to you to take dry clothes ashore to change into, there are waterproof PVC bags, whose openings fold 3 or 4 times, then secured with velcro, developed for the river rafting industry, which actually work, will keep your goodies dry. Also your papers, when you go see the Port Captains. Ziplock bags are NOT waterproof, only help with spray. FWIW

[boatman61]

I find it easier to blend in East of Greenwich... and speaking the language helps a helluva lot..

[tamicatana]

Nice pakol. I love mine for cold-weather sailing. Roll that puppy down round your ears. Stays on better and is warmer than the 'watch cap'

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by tamicatana

Nice pakol. I love mine for cold-weather sailing. Roll that puppy down round your ears. Stays on better and is warmer than the 'watch cap'

[transformer]

Originally Posted by boatman61

I find it easier to blend in East of Greenwich... and speaking the language helps a helluva lot..

In that garment you would be at home in West of Greenwich also, probably North and South as well (apart southall, harrow, wembley,, in ealing road HA 0, over there only "holly"cows are missing on the streets )

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by Bash

So should we call the USA "South Canada" or "North Mexico"??

IBC/M could work.
Personally, I prefer to call you friends….
However, sometimes other names will come to mind for Individuals Between Canada/Mexico....

[Capt Phil]

Don't know why (maybe a thread drift!) but what suddenly came to mind was meeting a character in a pub in Alice Springs, Australia who was holding forth in very entertaining manner wearing one of those bush hats with the corks hanging from the brim to evidently discourage flies from flying up his nose. He was 3 sheets to the wind but funny as hell even without the hat... definitely a 'Gringo'! Phil

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Group9

Yeah, seeing how easy I can spot foreigners here, or fellow Americans in other countries, I'm not sure there is an easy way to do that.

I do have a friend who is Cuban, but looks like an Arab. He was the only person at a bank in south Miami one day, and while the young female teller was taking care of his business, she was telling the other young teller, in Spanish, in extreme detail, about her sexual escapades of the night before.

He let her run on, speaking to her in English until she was done, and then in Spanish said to her, "You sound like you would be a fun date. Could I get your number?"

Similar thing happened to my nephew. He was in Ecuador and met a local girl who he later married. Before that of course she took him home to meet her parents but after he had been living there for almost two years.

He first met her brothers who understand English so they spoke in English but the brothers immediately started discussing him between themselves in Spanish in very derogatory terms and what they thought about the nasty gringo's ill intentions towards their sister. He didn't say a word but when mama who did not speak English, came in he greeted her in fluent Spanish. I think they're now good friends.

[tamicatana]

Here's some language tips:

[tamicatana]

Originally Posted by transformer

over there only "holly"cows are missing on the streets )

um,
The garment, and especially the hat, are Muslim; "holly" cows are Hindu. Namaste, baby

[Madcatter]

In my G/F umm wait fiancé's (Asked her the big question this week and she said yes) I will always affectionately be known as the Gringo. I am an American and very proud of it, but when my daughters and I go and visit we respect the local customs and traditions. Being a Gringo does not mean you have to be an Ugly American. Smile a lot, be friendly, help when you can, learn customs and respect traditions, and just relax and be friendly. People know when you are being fake, so just be yourselves, enjoy the experience, and you will find that people will like you for who you are not where you are from. However my soon to be wife does ask one favor, lose the crocs folks, they are as she says the least attractive foot wear ever invented.

[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by Madcatter

However my soon to be wife does ask one favor, lose the crocs folks, they are as she says the least attractive foot wear ever invented.

Wikipedia had a similar anti-Croc note. But consider your presentation with these: American, casual, wealthy yottie. Cool cat. Just $55 USD. We can't hide who we are with the skin and the language. Why try with a 10 gallon sombrero? Be polite and friendly. That's all that's expected or hoped for. I know a guy with this footware. He's proud of them. Recyclable too.

[transformer]

Originally Posted by tamicatana

um,
The garment, and especially the hat, are Muslim; "holly" cows are Hindu. Namaste, baby

Yes, I know that, I used to live in Wembley/Alperton. I even know what different tribes are wearing


.....read post properly


APART, APART

....."apart southall, harrow, wembley,, in ealing road HA 0, over there only "holly"cows are missing on the streets"....