Travellers We've All Met, Part II
The Aussie
Without fail, this traveller has been or is on the way to spending two years in the UK. Walking down the street in the Earl's Court or Shephard's Bush areas of London, you'll rarely hear an English accent. Aussies live in two-bedroom flats with 15 other Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans, and if you go to a pub in London, chances are extremely high that you will be served by someone from the Land Down Under.
Having said this, however, you will meet an Aussie almost anywhere in the world; whether it be on a beach in Thailand or piled into a combi in Eastern Europe. Aussies are very proud of their nation's sporting prowess, notably in games introduced by the English (rugby, cricket).
If you wish to antagonise an Aussie, mention two words...Yahoo Serious.
The Japanese
Tending to hang around in groups, Japanese travellers follow each other around like sheep. They will usually have some piece of hi-tech gadgetry on them. Although fairly quiet and very polite, they are known for being messy cooks and not cleaning up after themselves in communal hostel kitchens. The female Japanese traveller is characterised by her Spice Girl shoes, brand-name clothes and a fair amount of make-up. Their faces are lost in the guide book, and they giggle a lot.
The Israeli
Straight out of military service, the Israeli traveller is trim and taut with a short back and sides. They tend to hang out in groups speaking Hebrew and yet are very sensitive to being from Israel. They are hyperactive travellers, preferring vodka to beer and get most of their travel wardrobe from their army days. They will spend a long time away from their homeland and are experienced and crafty hagglers.
Kiwis and Canadians
These travellers get lumped together simply because they will usually have a flag sewn onto their packs so they will not be confused with the stereotypes generated by their neighbours, the Aussie and the Yank. Canadians also differentiate themselves by saying "please" and "thank you," and by getting very annoyed when asked what part of the States they are from. Canadians can usually be counted on to hold their booze and are always willing to try the local brew.
On consuming a large amount of beer or other alcoholic beverage, the male Kiwi suddenly thinks that everyone around him suddenly want to see an example of his country's famous war dance, the Haka, normally in as embarrassing a situation as possible. They in fact don't, and all he succeeds in doing is clearing the room/beach/lodging house and, in one instance I witnessed, nearly getting arrested by the Russian police at 2 a.m. on an overnight train from St. Petersburg to Moscow. (Suggested by Ian)
The Irish
The Irish traveller arrives in town and quickly finds an Irish pub. After complaining how the Guinness just isn't as good as in Ireland, they then proceed tossing Irish rebel songs and attempt a bad version of river dance, after which they uniformly agree how awful Michael Flatley is. The Irish traveller wanders from country to country, their continuing mission to seek out new Irish pubs and new Irish people while pouring scorn on the locals. They return home having made great friends from all over Ireland, and let the answering machine catch any calls from people who suggest meeting up for a drink back home. (Suggested by Kathryn)
The French
Polite and courteous when travelling individually, but if in groups of three or more, prone to temper tantrums and inane shouting at the slightest thing. Seem to get lost in a haze wherever they are, as they are incurable chain smokers. (Suggested by Ian)
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* Disclaimer: We at BootsnAll understand that stereotypes are oversimplified opinions of patterns within a particular group, lacking any individuality. We are not promoting these views or feel that each pattern is always true. In fact, most of the travellers we have met do not fall into any of these categories, but dabble in all or some of them at one time or another. Just some unscientific observations from a group of travellers; please do not take it personally, and have a laugh instead.
