How Can I Not be the "Ugly American" Tourist in Poland?

what's this "Ugly American" business? Are Americans considered ugly in Poland?

I guesss you dont know your 1950s CIA inspired literature then masks...

Cargo shorts. Maybe you can get some sunglass clipons too ;)

No, I don't expect you to lug around a murse. You'll find sth.

man's handbag
murse=male purse
As worn by metrosexuals everywhere, not always enough room in your pockets

is that a new term for shirt lifter?

No, it's somebody who gets off on the free newspapers that you get on the tube :D

yes, that's right someone like David Beckham! Nothing wrong with manbags...

Rofl :)


like I said,helium heels ....:)

From what I've seen, Polish men don't match the colors on their clothing in the same way that American men do. I figure it's the style. I've seen Polish men wear orange pants and a green shirt, or a red shirt and a green jacket and brown shoes. Also, the style of their shoes is different. Maybe it would help to go shopping over there for some shoes and clothes or just don't look so perfectly matched in your wardrobe.

lmao,from the nation that gave us,head to toe, fishing hat,hawian shirt,kahki shorts,black socs and brown sandels :):)
Safest way for men of a certain age to blend in? Grow a big droopy Wyat Earp 'tasch :)

Now THERE'S an idea! And I have one of those stores nearby, too. Sweet. Thanks!

Not just Poland. Pretty much everywhere.

I think the image of Americans as very loud though is a bit harsh as only about 5-10% are like this. The other 90% tend to be quite quiet and huddle together in little groups when in bars and look a bit shifty. This group tend to be hyper sensitive about their nationality and are on the defensive for any criticism of 'The Freest country in the World' (tm).

Americans that travel abroad have to be given some credit though as they are in a tiny minority and should be commended for making the effort.

everywhere? what about angelina jolie, hally berry, jenniffer connelly, Brad Pitt? ,Matt Damon Leonardo DiCaprio? all those teenage hearthrobs that had chicks swooning the world over in their heyday?? Surely you mean average american tourists..

I believe they mean exactly that.....not that Americans are "ugly" in the physical sense.

Hmm. My only experience with a famous American thespian in Poland was with Steven Seagal who was filiming The Foreigner in Warsaw. He and his entourage, many of whom were pretty drop dead gorgeous, turned up at my, then, favourite restaurant the Fret@Porter. I and my friends were despatched down the far end of the place whilst the Seagal party got the best seats. Funnily enough Mr Seagal was very quiet and reserved which was more than could be said for most of his party.

Well, if I didn't already believe that my father was descended from Lemkos, there's proof right there. He'll fit right it.


Why, thank you, sir.


Got 'em! Thanks for the idea, though.

There is one country with such opinion :) it isn't USA.

Americans don't travel to Poland to row.

Have a nice trip.

Still much better than British...

Oi Mr PF president. This is not inclusive to your British subjects on here. We look to you for calmness and benign leadership.

OK... Sorry...

Thank you. Mind you I know the sort of Brits you're referring to and I can't defend them at all....shoot the b*****ds

The business actually comes from a book called "The Ugly American," a novel based on history of America's failures to win the hearts and minds of people in SE Asia during the Vietnam War years. It has become the idiomatic way of pejoratively referring to Americans abroad, because the stereotype is that they are fat, loud, and rude - in a word, ugly. No, not everyone in America is ugly, but not everyone looks like they do in hollywood movies either (slim, tan, muscular, fit, sexy, clear skin, etc).

To the OP, wear your fanny bag if you must, after all we can't teach an old dog new tricks. Just be aware that they are popular targets for pickpockets because they scream "clueless tourist" to the local thieves and suggests that there are passports and moneys inside...

Your women seem to prefer us. That aint saying much though.

lol...

haha. Mind you I think one of them would prefer Martians to a particular Brit today.
I'm in the dog house - again.

Care to tell us what you've done this time?

Actually, it seems you can! I'm definitely learning. The fanny pack stays home!


Exactly what I'm hoping to avoid. I'm grateful to all of you for the input you've provided. I'll put it to good use. Landing in Krakow in one week! Can't wait!

Dont talk loud, like most Americans.

I'd say many, but probably not most. Most lack the lung capacity to do so - they're so out of shape it's ridiculous.

Do we tend to speak faster as well? I guess that would depend on where in the US the person comes from - southerners would speak much more slowly than those of us from the northeast.

Yes, ive noticed a problem with US films of late im finding it harder and harder to understand whats being said. Yanks tend to muffle their words well certain accents anyway.