No. We're by Lake Como now. Was mentioned on our first stop in France on the Friday morning by the chap on Reception as we checked out - with an air of puzzlement - then in Italy by the lad on a supermarket checkout, who's observation was "big problem".
Whether he meant for us, them, or all member states, I wasn't sure
But no comments otherwise, and no problems, just the usual friendly approach. But best we can, we always try and start off in the local language, even if we can't finish. Showing willing always goes a long way we find. In 25 years of driving to Europe we've never had any problems.
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
The Irish are very worried. My wife is very worried and I expect a lot of questions when I visit Lithuania next month.
I've never encountered any hostility living and travelling across Europe. I speak fluent Lithuanian and can get by in French but I always point out I am Scottish. For many this is a curiosity.
The only hassle I've ever had was in London and my mother is from Middlesex. Other parts of England and Wales have been great.
Respect the place and you get respected.
Quote: Originally posted by Campernic on 28/6/2016
To be honest I don't ever think the French were that crazy about the English anyway.
It was in 2004 I visited and witnessed differences in the way I was treated, as a Northern Irish person, to the way my English camping neighbours were.
They always seemed to be served last, kept hanging about longest etc etc and at one point I suggested they take off the UK sticker from their car. They seemed to lump me in with the 'Irish', not understanding I suppose the complexities of Northern Irelands relationship with the UK etc.
Then I moved to a 'bells and whistles' campsite with pool and witnessed first hand that 'English' behaviour that puts the French off people in the UK, and then I saw their point lol.
My sister and her family witnessed exactly the same phenomenon on a separate occasion, and one of the things my Brother in law observed that in a queue, the UK people weren't willing to engage with the French language at all, coming across as if that was beneath them. He, on the other hand, gave it a go and the efforts were appreciated even if they weren't that successful, and as a result got ushered in to one attraction completely free of charge.
This is a very big, and not very complimentary generalisation, about people from 'the UK'and one that we have never experienced in France inall our thirty-odd years of holidaying there. We've always been treated in a friendly manner and never felt marginalised because we were English. We now have a holiday home in southern France, and our French neigbours have made us very welcome indeed.
Personally, I would doubt that French people have any idea about whereabouts in Britain you come from - generally they have difficulty in determining one accent from another and in most situations they wouldn't know whereabouts you actually come from unless you tell them.
I am aware about the sweeping generalisations, this is based on my experience and my sisters experience. I'm allowed my opinion surely (and I was there).
And yes of course I told them where I was from. I'm very proud to be from Irlande du Nord. No point getting lumped in with the lager louts in those big bells and whistles campsites!
I have never found the French anything other than polite, helpful, generous and welcoming! I really do not know where the idea of the French being rude has come from. Although many years ago we were visiting the Corniche Basque, Hendaye - we got talking to a restaurant owner who said he found the Parisiennes to be a little on the rude side, but again, I beg to differ, as we know Parisiennes and they are lovely. I think we are all different and you get good and bad wherever you go!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Anti UK feelings..... (
Topic Closed)
