Shorts report: yes they do wear shorts in Europe. Most people we saw were wearing shorts, except in subways (probably on their way to work). Of the shorts wearers, hardly any were speaking English. The shorts do tend to be longer than we wear here, though. And you don't see white socks. Fewer people in France were wearing shorts.
The locals: we saw some ugly ones. Seems like racism isn't quite dead in Munich (a couple of young guys told us they like the US because we have the KKK because they hate...use your imagination). One old lady was nasty on the bus to Dachau. And a whole train load of drunk, smoking jerks intimidated a few of us into the section between cars on our train from Worms to Frankfurt at 7am on a Sunday morning. Didn't observe any ugly American behavior except maybe the wearing of some white socks. Didn't see too many Americans at all. We met a lot of nice people. Most like to talk if you make the effort, and even with the language barrier, you can get help if you need it. A few German words, some gestures, a visual aid or two, and we got enough coins gathered up to buy a train ticket from the machine (for some reason it wasn't accepting paper bills).
Lessons learned: I will get a digital camera before I go again. I love my 35mm SLR, but it was too bulky and heavy, and I carried around all that film as well. I used nearly everything else that I brought. I wouldn't do anything different next time except spend more time and learn more German. But you do with what you have. Hope that all of you get to go to Europe soon.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I took the SLR with lenses, filters, tripod and bag on a trip around Asia. My friend brought a pocket size all-in-one cannon. My pictures were great but not enough better than his to justify lugging around the extra weight. Since then I bring the smallest, good quality, all-in-one camera I can find. I change the wrist strap for a thin neck strap and keep it tucked inside my shirt or jacket unless I'm taking a picture.