Arriving by train in Venice on a gorgeous spring day, I quickly became aware of the differences in how people relate in a tourist city versus in Trieste. In Venice, most of the service personnel in the street spoke to us in English. In Trieste, hearing English spoken tends to draw curious stares; in one store, when the proprietress figured out that I don’t speak Italian she actually rolled her eyes. he hee! 
Okay, so here’s my question: Which of the “pack accessories” hanging on my body marks me out as American?
And here’s a bonus picture, a rare view of the back of my hair. 😉
The quick-draw hydration management system
My husband went to St. Petersburg once on business and was shocked to find out that everyone instantly knew he was both American and a tourist, although he was with a primarily Russian-speaking group. Turns out it was a few things: his height (6’4″) and good teeth, and his red gore-tex rain jacket! He felt uncomfortably conspicuous the whole time he was there. If he ever goes back, he says he will take a gray or black wool coat–the place was a sea of dark wool coats. So, local norms can vary hugely . . .
I wonder if the tip-off in your case might be the things strung around your waist. In Europe I’ve noticed that the locals (men and women) tend to carry one tote or bag, rather than lots of separate “hands-free” items. Small daypacks also look kind of American, I think, although there are backpackers from all over carrying large packs.
So glad you both are having a good time!!
Based on what you said about fannypacks, I vote for that, but the water bottle on the front of your waist doesn’t help.
Oh, it looks like you’re having such a good time. I am guessing the water bottle. You look fabulous anyway!
Wow, Italy! Hope you are having an amazing time!
I think all the accessories make you look like a tourist, most of all the wallet thing and fanny pack. The bottle makes you look athletic 🙂
Who cares? You’re in Italy!
All of them. Why would you wear a water bottle around? That is very unfashionable! Your hair looks pretty though.
Yes, the fanny pack business is likely the clue.
(Here in Australia it seems to be my inability to speak the language …)
I got so busy I forgot to come back and answer this question.
Yes, indeed, the “quick-draw hydration system” is the true tip-off. My friend told me that he sees alot of people wearing fanny packs, although I’m sure they are not ugly ones like that. And I didn’t really care, as I was going as both a tourist and a nanny of sorts.
One thing that surprised me is that alot of people in Trieste were wearing stylish leather backpack style purses. I mean, haven’t we been told those were out? But when you walk and ride the bus standing everywhere, they certainly make sense. And the trouble with one bag tends to be the uneven distribution of weight, which is hard on the back (why I elected to carry my stuff on my hip bones).
Another thing that surprised me was not seeing everyone walking around with beverages all the time. We Americans are pretty much babies when it comes to the possibility of getting thirsty (or even being momentarily separated from our coffee beverage).
I also think in Venice they are just used to alot of tourists. In Trieste, I was mostly taken as Italian unless people heard me speaking to my companions. 🙂
Rebecca, thought you might like this. Perhaps the advice is not so new, but it is written by a recent traveler to Venice!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/asktheexperts/1307880/Savvy-traveller-Fit-in-and-youandrsquoll-get-more-out.html
I like that! Especially the advice about buying a bag at a local grocery. That was something that took a little getting used to, the idea that you have to plan ahead and bring bags with you to the grocery store – most of the stores charge for them. They don’t charge very much, but you have to buy them along with your groceries and bag your own, so you need to be able to estimate.
Thanks for the link!
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