Or just America?
It seems we've gone completely off the rails recently, with spying and wars, and maybe everybody has had enough of our shit. I ask, because I was planning a euro trip this Christmas and want to make sure I don't catch too much flack. I didn't last time, but it seems with all of the spying revelations, we are in a world of shit.
We certainly dislike what your, and keeping it real: also our own, politicians do. So if you leave politics at home you'll be fine.
Free tip: Don't treat people like slaves.
I've seen some, but certainly not all, americans treat restaurant staff like shit. That won't fly in Europe. Wait staff get a living wage here (or close to it), so they don't need to put up with unrealistic loudmouth bullshit. Just treat waiters like they are people, not slaves, and you'll be fine. You get more done with a kind word than a threat to call the manager. Conversely, because of what has been inculcated into you americans, when you do tip it is usually seen as disproportionally large here, which is of course much appreciated by the staff. Hell, I remember us tipping a girl at Pizza Hut in Ghent over 100 euros for a group of 8. Made her day.
