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Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread Tripped on an escalator in England. Got stitches. Was laughed at when I offered to pay the bill. "What bill? This is the civilized world."

godzillabobber , presidenciamx Report

Final score:

442points

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In Toulouse, France, I went to a nice restaurant and ordered dinner. When it arrived, I was like, 'Where's the rest of it?' The waitress laughed, as she grew up there and in Canada. (I'm from Brooklyn, New York, where portions are huge.) She calmly told me to eat it and if I was still hungry to order another one. By the last bite, I was stuffed. That was my WTF moment: when I realized how rich and high quality the food was over there.

Doc580 , beccafawley Report

Final score:

379points

POST

ronluvstwizzlers , Gonçalo Trincão Cunha Report

It boggled my mind how old everything was and how it was still integrated into everyday life. Like in the UK, drinking in a pub that had been in the same spot since the 11th century or eating dinner at restaurant in an 18th-century cathedral. Or in Prague, staying in a hotel that had been operating since the 15th century

Final score:

336points

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My biggest WTF was coming back to the States. Seemed like such a downgrade.

raditz495 , Aero Icarus Report

Final score:

336points

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Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread Not American, but Canadian.

First time I went to Ireland, I go through customs and the agent says to me...

"business or personal"

"personal"

"oh yeah, what's up?"

"Visiting the Inlaws."

"first time in Ireland?"

"Yes sir"

"feck*ng eh... Well, why ya standin around. go get pissed.

golbezza , Willis Lam Report

Final score:

327points

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Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread We were driving through Spain, and to the side of one of the roads, we noticed these MASSIVE bird nests in the high power electrical towers. They were at least twice the size of eagles nests that I had seen. And there were so many of them!

Then we saw these giant birds in them! We stopped by the side of the road and tried to take some pictures (didn’t have a great zoom lens, sadly). But no one else was stopping. It was so odd. We are accustomed to at least a few people stopping to watch the osprey, eagles, or other birds where I’m from.

So a few days later, we are chatting with a German tourist, and we bring up the birds...

I think she thought we were joking until we pulled out the pictures. Then she started laughing.

Storks. Those are storks. Of course, don’t you know that? They are everywhere and such a nuisance. Don’t you have storks in America?

Well...no?

Then she looked confused. Well, if you don’t have storks, who brings the babies in kids stories?

Storks.

Um...how does that work?

And that was when we realized that the story of the storks makes a whole lot more sense when storks are nesting on every chimney, tree, or tall place...

notwearingwords , Bernt Rostad Report

Final score:

305points

POST

French butter made me stop and reflect on the beauty of being alive. I didn't think butter could be improved upon, but holy sh*t. So creamy."

jjbutts , Justin Henry Report

Final score:

284points

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If something costs five euros, it's exactly that. Tax is included.

Aaron1570 , Jeremy Noble Report

Final score:

284points

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#10

In Europe, wait staff are paid a living wage so they do not need tips. The eating experience is much more laid-back and slower in Europe, relative to America. It also seems like [European] wait staff is never trying to force you out of the restaurant once you are done eating.

canesfan8193 , Shutterbug75 Report

Final score:

283points

POST

nobodytrickedme , Wikimedia Commons Report

#11

Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread Went to Dover England and saw a mother f*cking castle. The newest section was built like 300-400 years before my country was founded. Turned a corner and the next part was 200 years older than that. Ten minutes later walk up to a Roman light house built 2000 years ago. Daaaammmnnn

Edit: The best part was we arrived the night before we went to the castle. I didnt see it on the ride to the hotel. (We get inside and our room is the largest room we had seen at any of our hotels apparently the hotel was built by an American company so the rooms were built like they would be In the US.) I open the curtains to see what is out my window, usually a parking lot, another random building or something boring. Not today Yank, not today. CASTLE.

Final score:

276points

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#12

Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread I lived in Spain for 9 months at one point and was trying to get to the supermarket in the middle of a weekday and the entire city center was blocked off. I had to park and walk a ways and discovered that they were having a giant block party. Kegs and all. Around noon. Celebrating the towns new garbage trucks.

I love Spain.

Inspectorcatget , Salim Virji Report

Final score:

274points

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#13

Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread Funny enough, my biggest WTF moment came from an American. We were at a restaurant in Cinque Terre, Italy called Trattoria Dal Billy. About halfway through our meal, I overheard a guy with a Tennessee/Arkansas accent say, verbatim, in a frustrated tone "you need to speak more American!" to his waiter. This isn't Rome. This isn't Venice. It's a small town called Manarola. The odds of finding someone fluent in your language are drastically lowered; however, this guy was pompous enough to not only continue to berate his waiter, but then tell the manager who came around that he needs to hire someone who can speak American...in a foreign country...of which he obviously speaks ZERO of their language. Seriously, WTF!

westicular , ongchinonn Report

Final score:

270points

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#14

Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread I was doing a study abroad program in the UK but also had to take monthly blood tests for a medication I had been put on before I flew over. I was fully prepared for a laundry list of paperwork and fees to deal with the tests as well as getting these results to my doctor back in the states.

After the first blood test I went up to the receptionist and asked what I owed. She looked at me with a bit of confusion and said, "Oh, no, you're fine you can just go." My doctor doctor also got my blood results in less time than they did when I got them in the states. Screw our broken healthcare system.

Glass_Jaw , valelopardo Report

Final score:

263points

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#15

Went to Denmark on a whim with some friends. The biggest surprise was when I realized that I had met a ton of strangers over the course of a week and I had no idea what they did for a living. Never once did we talk about work or school.

Ninjasensay , Free-Photos Report

Final score:

254points

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#16

Every night in Spain, around 3 a.m. this MASSIVE fleet of street scrubbers, vacuum-mobiles, and water hoses appeared and cleaned the entire city for about an hour. It was like ~100 people every night just cleaning the city. The following morning, all of Salamanca was spotless. That sh*t was magical.

reddit , Garry Knight Report

Final score:

252points

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respulero 3 years ago

Better they do it. Salamanca is full of students partying all nites

18points

Ozacoter 3 years ago

In Valencia at least they only do this in the fancy and touristical areas. My parents district hasn’t been cleaned probably since they built it.

7points

Ian Koch 3 years ago

still though. a F L E E T.

3points

Radek Suski 3 years ago

They're cleaning beaches the same way. At least in Alicante

5points

pebs 3 years ago

Not only in Spain, actually... That's quite normal.

3points

Leo Domitrix 3 years ago

When I was wee, we lived where we had street cleaning, and it was lovely. Then we moved to the farm, and I realized how filthy cities were!

3points

Sheanna Caban 3 years ago

Loved Salamanca! My husband and his family lived there for a year when he was 9. We went to visit a few years ago. It was fabulous.

2points

Sasy 3 years ago (edited)

We do this in Australia also in the busier areas, hand sweeping is done in smaller spaces etc.

2points

Iva Sativa 3 years ago

Yeah,they do that in the center of Amsterdam as well.this is normal for european cities that are crowded or have a lot of flow in the day

1point

Jazzy Mc. Jaz 3 years ago

whoa!!

1point

Katie 3 years ago

Same In france

1point

Marta Fleter 3 years ago

That's not common in America? What?

0points

Disderi Gómez 3 years ago

that is not Spain...

0points

Sherri Brewer 3 years ago

They do this in Paris France also

0points

All's Gravy 3 years ago

That's socialised taxes

0points

Ms LaDonna 3 years ago

I saw the same thing in Paris! SO Clean! three guys walking down the street with a push cart rubbish bin cleaning up!

0points

Glynna Bowood 3 years ago

They need this all over Naples!

0points

dev mehta 3 years ago

This kind of cleaning crew is needed for Chicago, Detroit, Kansas City, Philadelphia...

0points

Don't Look 3 years ago

Okay, cool so they do that in Spain too. I noticed that in Amsterdam. The roads and sidewalks were disgusting as hell one night and the next morning, spotless.

0points

Mz Phit 3 years ago

And I'd bet that the street cleaners were paid a living wage too...

0points

Chris Meyers 3 years ago

New Orleans does the same - well Bourbon Street did.

0points

Katinka Min 3 years ago

Man, I wish we had that in my city...

0points

Les Brown 3 years ago

Why has the cleaning vehicle got an English number plate if this is supposed to be Spain?

0points

Leo Domitrix 3 years ago

A lot of European plates look alike to outsiders. My fam will still ask me why all American plates are so different ---- by state, which is normal to *us*, but weird to them.

0points

Siah avis 3 years ago

To the dude who commented that it is because they're pissing in the streets. You think that doesn't happen in America??

0points

dev mehta 3 years ago

It doesn't

-3points

Sandra Porras 3 years ago

LOVE THIS, AMERICA IS DIRTIER THAN SHOULD BE. ALOT OF IGNORANT PEOPLE LIVE HERE, NASTY, IMMATURE, NONCARING, AND IT WILL BE GETTING WORSE, WITH THE IMMIGRANTS ALLOWED OVER HERE.

-1point

Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 3 years ago

Wow. Just wow. Such an uneducated, ignorant statement. People like you are what gives America it's bad name. Let me guess, your pickup truck is muddy, and you have a MAGA tattoo across your forehead. I'm ready to leave the US because of sad, sad, people like yourself.

2points

Joe Alcocer 3 years ago

sounds noisy

-1point

T Simmons 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Mr. Derpy Dino 3 years ago

wtf...

0points

#17

Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread My biggest WTF moment was when I visited England and people respected me a lot more when I told them I was canadian and not american (I'm actually canadian)

General-Snorlax , waferboard Report

Final score:

230points

POST

literocola431 , AlarconAudiovisual Report

#18

When I️ visited the hospital and had X-rays done, spoke with two doctors, and was triaged by a nurse, all with no health insurance, and my total bill was 24 euros. Then I️ had to pay 10 additional euros for some painkillers, again with no insurance or anything.

Final score:

228points

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#19

Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread In my early twenties, on my first trip to Europe, I took an Italian ocean liner, New York to Genoa. My WTF moment was going out on the deck on morning six for the foggy passage through the Straits of Gibraltar. Europe emerging through the mist on my left and North Africa on my right, coupled with the awareness of how many voyagers throughout history had sailed through that passage (including my Italian grandparents traveling in the other direction), gave me chills.

Roundaboutsix , timeyres Report

Final score:

224points

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#20

Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread Not paying for a gynecological exam. I developed an ovarian cyst while in England that was causing some pain. I made an appointment at a health clinic and was examined. Afterwards, I expected to pay because A) that's always the first thing that happens in US healthcare and B) I was a foreigner who had never paid into the UK National Health Service. They just laughed and said, "We don't take money for services and we'd have no idea what to charge you".

Mind blown. God save the NHS.

SnapesGrayUnderpants , orzalaga Report

Final score:

204points

POST

#21

In Amsterdam, the number of bicycles outside the central station. How the F do people find their bikes once they park them?! Also, the Dutch are easily the most graceful cyclists. The way you guys can weave through dumb folks standing in the bike paths is outstanding.

gezelligs , frank saptel Report

Final score:

191points

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#22

In Spain, the siesta is real. I just thought that it was an archaic thing that some people did. Nope. Everything shuts down for an hour or two. Even in super-touristy places, 99% of shops and businesses shut down.

the_planes_walker , Scottb211 Report

Final score:

181points

POST

#23

Blatant nudity everywhere. Porn mags just sitting at the front of newsstands in the middle of the city. A giant graffiti penis and nobody cared. Made me realize how prudish we are in the US

reddit , Stan Wiechers Report

Final score:

174points

POST

#24

This was a few years ago before "chip" credit/bank cards were like "a thing" in the States. But when I stopped in Amsterdam, and hoped over to Latvia, I discovered that in both countries, my DEBIT card that needed to be swiped to buy anything, was like a weird old relic. Every cashier everywhere gave me a confused look when I handed them my card and they saw it didn't have a chip. They would, after I politely mentioned it had to be swiped, question whether or not that was even possible with their register. They always looked shocked to discover that the little slat along the side of their credit card thing was to be used to slide a card through. And when it actually worked, they always looked even MORE shocked. That's the first time I learned "Oh damn. Maybe America is behind in a lot of ways." Because everyone looked at my card as if it were carved out of stone and would pay them in some Flinstones-style currency that they were convinced they couldn't actually accept. By Day 2 of the trip, even I was like... "You f*cking American assh*le with your ancient technology."

ameadows252 Report

Final score:

170points

POST

#25

How easy and unencumbered by useless bullsh*t most things are.

Getting on a 5:30 train from Burssels to Berlin? Show up at 5:20. And get laughed at by the Germans who will finish their beer at exactly 5:28 because they know the walk from the bar to the platform is 1 minute and 57 seconds.

In the states that would require showing up at 3:15 because of at least 4 security checkpoints and 8 lines of people who can't figure out how an escalator works.

FruitbatNT Report

Final score:

166points

POST

#26

How to party like a German: pre-party on Friday at 11 p.m., get into club at 2 a.m., leave club on Sunday at 6 a.m. Germans are nuts, in a good way.

Ooooweeee , Matthias Ripp Report

Final score:

152points

POST

#27

The quality of the fast food surprised me. Everything from the street vendors to chains like McDonald's was better quality then anything I'd gotten at home.

Creepas5 , Mike Mozart Report

Final score:

146points

POST

davidjoshualightman Report

#28

Late to the thread but here goes... Went to Sweden on a vacation package. Stayed at a wonderful historic hotel for part of the trip that had a restaurant inside of it. Part of our package called for a free dinner at the hotel and we had asked that it be the night we arrived.

We arrived and got settled in our room and then went to check out the restaurant. As soon as we walked in, there was no one there, only a hostess. She immediately said they were expecting us and we could sit anywhere. There was no one else in this gorgeous, ornate restaurant. A waiter came out and said they had prepared a special meal for us. We asked why it was so empty and he said the restaurant was closed one day a week and today was that day.

We were shocked, we apologized profusely and told them that we had booked through another company and would have just scheduled it for another day. He said it was no problem and we had some free extras such as wine and dessert. The main course ended up being a huge piece of meat, which we jokingly said must have been because we were big fat Americans. No one rushed us, we had a great time, and after we left they closed the restaurant for the night.

It was a total WTF moment because if you booked something like this in America, they'd either force you to reschedule or just have the restaurant closed with no explanation.

Final score:

143points

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#29

In Spain, everyone appears to be very thin yet I swear eats a loaf of bread a day.

WilominoFilobuster , Nikchick Report

Final score:

142points

POST

#30

That their standard of living was just as high as ours, but everything was smaller. Smaller apartments, smaller cars, smaller grocery stores, and fewer jars of peanut butter in the smaller grocery stores.

LadyCeer , Kenneth Lu Report

Final score:

141points

POST

#31

Orange Fanta ACTUALLY tasted like oranges.

_Dodge , Fredrik Rubensson Report

Final score:

141points

POST

#32

In Lisbon, feeling proud of myself for eating late like a local at 9 p.m....only to walk into an empty restaurant. By the time I’d finished eating at 10 p.m., the place was full.

western_style_hj , Free-Photos Report

Final score:

139points

POST

#33

In Italy, when buying a soccer ticket, they needed to know which team I was rooting for to determine where I could sit. Then, during the game, people were setting things on fire.

groovychick , Maggio7 Report

Final score:

139points

POST

#34

Had a positive what the f*ck moment in Greece in the eastern Peloponnese where I saw a guy walk down to the end of a pier and throw an actual f*cking trident into the Aegean and pull out a wriggling octopus. Dude walked up the beach and handed it over the deck railing to a chef.

Final score:

139points

POST

#35

I lived in Germany for 8 years from 1992-2000 (Ages 4-12). I didn't realize it until I moved back to the states but there were recycling bins on EVERY street corner. It wasn't just a green bin then a trash can, it was a giant blue bin. One section for green glass, one for brown glass, one for clear glass, one for plastic, and one for paper.

Oh and going to a German school, students took public transit. There wasn't such a thing as a school bus.

bick803 Report

Final score:

130points

POST

copper_tulip , Kristina D.C. Hoeppner Report

#36

Most stores are not open on Sundays. Not even grocery stores.

Final score:

119points

POST

#37

In Germany, they had the cleanest, safest, and best-tasting tap water, but nobody drank it and they called it toilet water.

efshoemaker , Paulo O Report

Final score:

111points

POST

#38

When I visited Prague, water cost two crowns and beer cost one.

AmA_Mr_BS , Petr Dadák Report

Final score:

106points

POST

#39

British food. I went there expecting chip shops and roast dinner, but instead was amazed by every variety of tikka sauce that could possibly exist.

Tess_ORourke , visualpun.ch Report

Final score:

100points

POST

#40

I was 16 years old, ordering a beer at McDonald's.

NeetStreet_2 , Mike Mozart Report

Final score:

96points

POST

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#41

Basically how I drank everyday over there while studying abroad and actually lost weight between the walking everywhere and eating somewhat healthy food besides the processed stuff we have here.

MrHimp1990 Report

Final score:

58points

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#42

Traveling to London - genuinely struck by how hard it is to understand people speaking English.

It's not really the accents, but rather the phrases used to describe something that differ from how we hear it at home. For instance - I bought a croissant at a Costa near the train station and the cashier asked me "Take Away?". I had to ask him to repeat it 2 or 3 times before my friends clarified "he's asking if you want to take it out". Situations like this make you feel like a moron.

4lton Report

Final score:

58points

POST

#43

I am from the NY/NJ area, and have seen first hand how out of control sporting events can get. Guys, mostly, getting drunk, vandalizing property, throwing cans and bottles, fighting, etc.

So when a group of friends went to Germany for Oktoberfest some years ago, we also wanted to see a football (soccer) game. So we got tickets to see Bayern Munich vs. some other German team in what, I think, was a meaningful game (we went more for the experience vs. being huge fans).

Game is great. I think the score was 5-1, so lots of action. The energy in the stadium was undeniable. Fans singing, jumping around, yelling for the entire game. Game ends. Munich wins. Begin the march to the subway station.

Virtually an entire stadium, it seemed, exited to go to this one nearest subway stop. There are 4, maybe 5 cops standing at the entrance steps. Uh oh. This is going to be a huge problem. THOUSANDS of people, lots of them intoxicated, heading toward these 5 cops at this one exit. It's going to be a disaster. Some guys start pissing on a fence within their view. WHAT ARE THEY DOING?! And then, as we watched nervously, the crowd reached the cops and .... just ... stopped.

Everyone stopped. No one fought. The guys pissing finished up their business, zipped up and joined the queue. Cops let enough people by to fill the first train, then the rest stopped, and so on and so forth until our group went.

It was incredible. That scene couldn't happen in America. Maybe this was an anomaly. But picturing an event at MSG, there's an army of State troopers to keep order, in addition to local cops, undercover cops, event security, etc. and brawls and things still erupt with regularity. This was amazing to us. We still talk about it years later..

DoctorMyEyes_ Report

Final score:

57points

POST

#44

In Italy, there is virtually no threshold for how much distance should be left between a speeding car and any obstacles (including pedestrians) it is zooming past. A bus driver will rush down a narrow cobblestone street with about a centimeter to spare between the sides of the bus and any parked cars, walls, ancient monuments, or playing children.

PullTheOtherOne , Oleg Brovko Report

Final score:

56points

POST

#45

Americans Reveal Their 40 Most WTF Moments While Visiting Europe In This Viral Thread "This is the best bratwurst I've ever had.

And this is an airport!"

reddit , rob_rob2001 Report

Final score:

56points

POST

#46

Not really a WTF moment but seeing women in Rome navigating ancient stone roads and walkways wearing stiletto heels with no broken ankles impressed me quite a bit.

CaptainLawyerDude Report

Final score:

55points

POST

#47

Went to France, spoke French, people were super nice to me.

Mom went to France, didn't speak French, not so much.

sociopathic_zebra Report

Final score:

55points

POST

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

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Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#48

In Germany they have to give something like 60 days notice if they are planning to fire/planning to quite a job. For some reason that seemed so crazy but I realized being fired with no notice whatever is pretty f*cked and we should have a similar system honestly:/ and how great their recycling system was. And also I didn't realize the water closet was the bathroom until after my trip. I felt stupid, really stupid.

mtcorey Report

Final score:

51points

POST

#49

I went to Italy and France about 10 years ago. One thing that really stood out was I never saw ANY obese people. Quite a stark contrast from America.

Jaguar-J Report

Final score:

45points

POST

#50

My American friends who visited The Netherlands: Completely surprised by our bicycle 'things':

a) so many bicycles -everywhere-

b) everybody riding without a helmet

c) so many different bicycles

votedh Report

Final score:

43points

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Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

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“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#51

One time in Rome, it started pouring. As I sought shelter, I saw an older man selling one single umbrella. Strange as it was, I needed that umbrella, so I haggled with him and settled on 3 Euro (he had the upper hand in that transaction).

I wander over to a coffee shop to dry out for a little bit. When I go to leave, the umbrella is no longer in the bucket by the door. Upset at myself for being so trusting, I head into the rain again. Guess who I see? The same old man selling the same umbrella. I try to confront him about stealing back my umbrella, but he claims not to remember our interaction at all. It's pouring and I have a number of miles to walk, so I go through the same charade with him again to re-procure the umbrella.

At least this time he took 2 Euro...

ThaRippla Report

Final score:

42points

POST

#52

I was in Spain as an exchange student, I had bronchitis after the flight, my host family took me to the ER which gave me a pill that eliminated the illness entirely under 2 days. I slept, woke up 100% better. It was banned in the USA, I wish I could recall its name.

Tyrienne Report

Final score:

39points

POST

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

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French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#53

We went to Rome, Florence, and Paris after my first year in college as a French major. I think I was just amazed the whole time like, “wow, this building is hundreds of years older than the country I live in.” The architecture of everything was stunning. My favorites were the duomo in Florence and Notre Dame de Paris.

lurklark Report

Final score:

38points

POST

#54

2000 year old Roman columns sitting half sunken in a dudes yard, and he was just mowing around it like it was an old stump.

NoahsArcade84 Report

Final score:

37points

POST

#55

Years ago my wife and I were in Amsterdam. We were strolling around the opera house at night and unexpectedly came across an outdoor art exhibit. It was photographs by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The pictures were absolutely amazing and we spent what felt like hours looking at them. Suddenly out of nowhere a group of scantily dressed men on roller blades, decorated with lights and blaring disco music, came roller-blading by in a train and sped off into the night. It was mind blowing at the time. Definitely WTF, but in a good way.

SANguy Report

Final score:

37points

POST

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

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Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#56

I was in Spain and I saw a group of American tourists wearing sombreros.

Mr-Personality Report

Final score:

36points

POST

#57

I've lived in Asia for 10 years, so my opinion on things is a little different than your average 'murican, but I am an American who visited the EU a few years ago. I live in Japan actually and the biggest thing I noticed, in Italy is, DAMN, people here actually use their bumpers for bumping. Cars are ALL dinged and dented up. Compared to Japan and the US, it's crazy.

ryuujinusa Report

Final score:

36points

POST

#58

Paying to use a public restroom. I get why, though. But it's just a horrible feeling if you really had to go and you don't have any change.

drakeprimeone , Paul Sableman Report

Final score:

35points

POST

#59

In Germany, nudity on broadcast TV was very surprising. It wasn't even a 'necessary for the story' situation, just a margarine commercial with a naked woman swimming in a lake and stepping out of the water to eat some bread. During prime time. I know American TV is kind of prudish that way, but it was pretty shocking.

Tafkah , Preston Smalley Report

Final score:

35points

POST

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

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“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#60

I didn’t know Parisians were actually going to be rude.

Final score:

34points

POST

Drink_My_Hot_Koolaid Report

#61

How nice everyone in France was to me, was told by everybody to expect the worst. Ended up meeting the nicest of people and honestly have only nice things to say about the people in Avignon, Tours, and Paris. Best was Tours by far. Ran into some snowboarders and bonded over that for a bit, bought rounds for each other, talked about Chicago (apparently one of the few cities they happen to have visited and I live in) given free drinks at a bar for drinking giardiniera laced rum (spiciest shot ever!) that they kept on a little pedestal. Hell, even the police and I had a great chat about MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu randomly on a local bus. Nothing but praise for the French, honestly that is my dream to go back one day. Sorry if that's not a typically WTF moment but I kept thinking every day "this is it, i'm going to run into the jerks today. Never happened though.

Final score:

33points

POST

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

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Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#62

Rented a car and drove around Ireland for a week. One late evening another driver started flashing his lights at me and waving. I realized I had my brights on for awhile while I was behind him and was expecting to get b*tched out for it. I stopped to apologize but instead of getting b*tched out for it the other driver was incredibly polite, and just wanted to make sure I knew to turn them off.

In the states you expect road rage for any minor infraction.

Bear_Stonewall Report

Final score:

33points

POST

#63

In Paris, every meal takes three hours. I loved the culture and I'm all about eating a relaxing meal; but sometimes it was just like "WTF??" when we were on a schedule and had to meet up with a tour group or had reservations for something.

Hrekires , Free-Photos Report

Final score:

32points

POST

#64

I was a military brat living in Belgium when I saw a commercial on AFN (Armed Forces Network) that gave new arrivals to Europe a quick run-down of things. The one thing I learned and that has stuck with me is

NO RIGHT TURN ON RED

TheOneElectronic Report

Final score:

31points

POST

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

See Also on Bored Panda

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#65

Gypsy children on the train in Rome. They tried to forcibly take my pizza out of my hands. When I refused I was called a stupid American. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

RAGEKAGEDMD Report

Final score:

31points

POST

#66

For me it was a lack of insects in England. Not that they don't exist but I'm from Michigan with lots of swampy land around me. When I showed up at my dorm and saw there was no screen on my window I was just thinking about all of the bugs that are gonna get in my room. I got one fly the entire month stay there.

Dmillz34 Report

Final score:

30points

POST

#67

Went to Spain, they weren’t speaking Spanish. I learned that Catalan existed (this was years ago).

Hansoap Report

Final score:

30points

POST

#68

I’ve never gotten stranger looks than when I would ask for a drink with some ice. One person had to confirm she understood my request.

Blackhouse05 , Marco Verch Report

Final score:

29points

POST

#69

At a lake retreat in Germany, kids playing in/around the lake naked.

Final score:

29points

POST

#70

The Vatican: You can't wear shorts. Luckily there are street vendors that'll sell you a pair of paper pants that cost about the same as a brand new pair of real pants.

Final score:

29points

POST

#71

I was in Greece and I didn't realize there were still places in the most developed parts of the world where you place your used toilet paper in the trash bin and not flush down the toilet.

TonyBooya , Carlos ZGZ Report

Final score:

28points

POST

#72

The sheer amount of alcohol that some people drink. Went out with some women in Portsmouth, England and each ordered a couple bottles of wine to themselves. At first I was impressed, but then they got pretty sloppy as the night goes on.

roberttk01 Report

Final score:

27points

POST

#73

I was in Scotland this summer and in Edinburgh I asked someone for directions, they told me "Just go past the tron" in a very thick accent. I though she was saying "train" except while walking to the train I saw earlier I noticed a bar called The Tron.

Final score:

27points

POST

#74

The urinal type things in Amsterdam were interesting.

Also the way English people say urinal.

Fryes Report

Final score:

24points

POST

#75

The country of Hungary. I became fascinated with their history because they seemed so unlike any other European country. While the country is pretty modern and Budapest is very modern, they seem......ancient. It's hard to explain. The language seems ancient as well....You know how when you go to a new country, and there are basically the same 10 faces repeated over and over? I've never seen the standard Hungarian look before. That was the one place I'd say the people looked "exotic." More so than people from places further east.

Final score:

24points

POST

#76

I was in italy and wanted to grab a bite and a beer for some lunch. I left the flat and I was flabbergasted to find the entire town was empty. Everything was closed, not even the neighborhood dogs were around!

dihedral3 Report

Final score:

23points

POST

#77

In Venice wanting a coffee. The local café had a menu by the entrance with two prices for take out and seat in. Seat in is more expensive as you pay for the service charges. We were in the mood to continue with roaming around with a coffee, so asked for a coffee to go.

The owner said,

"If you aren't going to drink the coffee in my café, no coffee for you. Ciao."

KORE4N Report

Final score:

22points

POST

#78

In Venice I saw someone's dog poop in front of two 900 year old churches and then they didn't even bother to pick it up.

all4hurricanes Report

Final score:

17points

POST

#79

In the UK, light switches are often outside the entrance to the bathroom. So you are constantly walking in and then walking back out once you remember that the switch isn’t actually inside the room.

It also makes it easy for people to turn the light off on you. This seems like a nightmare for anyone with children.

crazybioguy Report

Final score:

17points

POST

#80

Germany: Went on a road trip to Hamburg with my friend and her parents in their tiny little car. Dad drove us to the Red Light district and insisted that we go check it out. Left his wife and 25 y/o daughter in the backseat to ogle hookers through the glass.

WTF, Hans?

meatballbottom Report

Final score:

14points

POST

#81

The 14 year old Itialian boys trying to get with the 24 year old chicks I was with was pretty funny.

Also, the fact that they don't chill shots of Jaeger was fairly unsettling.

Assclown4 Report

Final score:

12points

POST

#82

Public Urination is not uncommon

False_Vanguard Report

Final score:

11points

POST

#83

I was in Norway in early October. I got off a flight and was chatting up a local when they asked "Do you know about Las Vegas"

me: "Yes, of course, I suspect everyone from America does"

them: "It's terrible"

me: "yeah, but there is very American about the excess and indigence. Want to ruin your life? Come to Las Vegas!"

them: "oh ... have you heard about Las Vegas today?"

me"... wait, what happened in Las Vegas?"

NotHosaniMubarak Report

Final score:

11points

POST

#84

Beer tap in the uni cafeteria.

nealius Report

Final score:

10points

POST

#85

People walking around drunk and nobody doing anything. Like we're just going to leave this person black out drunk on the side of the walkway?

seanmashitoshi Report

Final score:

10points

POST

#86

All the Stop signs say "STOP"

bigbassdaddy Report

Final score:

10points

POST

#87

At pubs in England, younger/youngish guys drinking bottles of Budweiser.

biggcb Report

Final score:

8points

POST

I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.

Read less »

Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

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What do you think ?

POST

ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago

First of all,Europe consists of many countries,it is a continent,don't look on it like a country.The differences between countries are huge.Second,this isn't a "this are my wtf moments from Europe",this is more like a "USA sucks" article.And we see such articles 1-2 time in a week.Yaaawn

33points

Snake of Eden 3 years ago

Yeah. We all know we suck. We get s**t on all the time... We are TRYING (Damn you republican party) to fix it.

27points

turtledove 3 years ago

I mean part of the reasonn i want to move away from the USA is because of how badly everyone else sees us. like, i get it, we suck. but not all of us are idiots!

5points

dhiguthila 3 years ago

well said Ivan...

5points

Vicky Z 3 years ago

I'm not American but i see your point it starts to get offensive! It would be nice to see more variety in cultures both pros and cons!

4points

Hywel Thomas 3 years ago

I loved my trip to America, but in 35 years I've never been back. I guess that says it all.

0points

Brunning6 3 years ago (edited)

I wish this could have been a celebration of European culture instead of another post with an anti-American tone.

26points

Logic and Reason 3 years ago

Could there for just once be a post that involves countries that are not the United States? Every single thread turns into people bashing the US, even if the thread is supposed to be focused on a different country. I’d love to read “Poles go to Korea and here’s what surprised them”, but based off of the 3 posts a week talking about how much the US sucks that seems like a pipe dream.

25points

Sweetie Dahling 3 years ago

I’d love that! I’m not even American but I agree that these articles are getting really repetitive.

6points

ℜ𝔬𝔟𝔢𝔯𝔱 ℭ𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢 3 years ago

https://www.boredpanda.com/interesting-facts-about-japan/

0points

Mimi M 3 years ago

I come to BP to get away from politics and bashing, not to have it shoved in my face, especially when it's so one-sided.

0points

Siah avis 3 years ago

Yeah I agree. I want to see other countries too.

0points

Nevits Yibble 3 years ago

I think it's too frequent to be coincidental. Everyone can see that someone at BP is obviously pushing a personal agenda

-2points

Isa 3 years ago (edited)

I have to say this: I am Portuguese and I had my big shock moment when I have decided to move to The Netherlands(I can imagine coming from a place like USA, with such a different culture and mentality). The most wow was that everybody was taken a bike to work, shop or to school. That things really work over here concerning papers and doens't take ages to have what you ask(even the Dutch complaint about the burocracy, my dear ones you don't know what is burocracy for real lol),How earlier the restaurants are closed(I was used to be able to restaurants open pass midnight and still serving food), how green this country is(sooooooooo in love with the landscape after all this years), that we have 26 working paid days of holliday even if you are unemployed, because the govermment thinks that you need to have to relax and enjoy your life even if you don't have a job...that you are entitled to have subsidies to pay your rent because of your low income...

12points

Woets 3 years ago

You know it is green because of all the rain right? You should see what's west of the small stream (better known as the North Sea): England. Gues what? More rain and also greener. We all flee to Portugal in the summer just to be stared at that we want to have diner at 6pm. At least the chance of rain is less then 5% in Portugal in july instead of 75% so we can leave the anorak at home. Love me some complaining about the weather, good times

1point

W. 5 3 years ago

But hey, I had a wonderful time visiting the USA in 2009❤️ Totally would love to come back one day. Experienced wonderful things and loved the people. Isn't it beautyful how we can cherish the differences in other countries and praise them?

7points

Danieletc 3 years ago

This is still mostly a "Bash 'Murca" article. How original to change the title. Once or twice a week, like a broken record.

7points

Oerff On Tour 3 years ago

For all those people who go and visit another country: prepare yourself and look up their customs before you leave. It prevents a lot of WTF's, and embarrassment. Or even legal problems. Americans are used to leave a tip in a bar or restaurant. In Iceland leaving a tip is considered an insult. In Italy in a bar (were you first pay for your consumption at the cashier) you usually put a small tip on your receipt, like 10 or 20 cents. The bartender will help you right away. That is what TIP stands for: To Insure Promptness. In quite a few countries it is illegal to make pictures of military people and objects. You might end up in jail. Even inadvertently having a military in the picture. In Switzerland you can get a fine (a fixed percentage of your income, or a very high "caution" of SFR1000) for having an app or POI installed on your navigation system that tells you where speeding cameras are

6points

Bindivid Ual 3 years ago

That's not what TIP stands for, otherwise it would be TEP, because it'd be 'ensure', not 'insure'.

0points

KK 3 years ago

Seeing these comments about medicine: If only the United States could learn from countries who actually have a functioning cost-effective/efficient healthcare system, that would be great. But no, instead they choose to make it a complicated maze and have the patients worry about endless payments until death.

6points

Amanda Reicha 3 years ago

Medicare costs more than commercial insurance. I'm on disability and my medications with Medicare were limited, expensive, and I was unable to use discount programs for the medications. Now I'm on my husband's insurance as primary and it boggles me to find a medication that cost $500 for 60 pills a month on Medicare is now $30 for 90 pills and they give me 3 months of pills at a time. Our healthcare is a joke.

3points

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

I think it’s nice that most of the Americans thought of something kind to say about the differences in Europe. When this question is reversed, it seems like most of the comments are very negative about the USA.

4points

Not Proud British 3 years ago

I agree with the comments pointing out that Europe is a continent, so this is like saying 'My WTF moments from Mexico!' Is it really a surprise that so many different COUNTRIES have so many different cultures? The UK is a lot like the US in some ways, we have shops open on a Sunday, we eat out around 7pm, we don't have long lunch breaks... but we have free healthcare. The rest of Europe do not have free healthcare but yeah, it's not as expensive. There are differences, but please don't equate Europe to a single country. It's a tapestry of culture, languages, traditions, history and politics.

4points

Jackson Gohn 3 years ago

Bored Panda really is just a one trick pony. Can anybody tell me a better site or app? Please?! Seriously!

3points

MJ 3 years ago

The USA is different all around . Time for the weekly USA bash . Makes me want to stop coming to bored panda. Tired of it.

3points

Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago

Suuuuuuuper clever. A title that makes (no one) us think this ISN'T actually an "America is stupid" post. Yet... it is!! YAY!!! We hardly EVER get to see THOSE on BP!!! <>

3points

sylvantic 3 years ago

the one thing Europe doesn't have on us is good Mexican food. Nothing beats a San Francisco burrito. And Arizona mexican is just a whole other thing.

2points

Jennifer Herron 3 years ago

You should try a San Diego fish taco!

1point

SirPatTheCat 3 years ago

Please...we're already down....please stop kicking us bp...we know america sucks I'm sorry...

2points

Remi Flynne 3 years ago

All countries have bits that suck and people that suck. I'm in the UK - we have Boris. Most people are perfectly decent human beings. I love reading about cultural differences but wish it wasn't always the same, tired criticisms. Why can't Bored Panda change the focus to what we LOVE about each others differences? Also why not focus on other countries? It always Europe v US. With people getting more bitter each time and making sniping remarks at each other. Great move Bored Panda - why don't you create more division? Oh... you already have! I came to this post because I genuinely thought it wasn't going to be a 'bash the US' weekly special. Sorry US. Love from a sympathetic Brit.

4points

Lorelai Purvis 3 years ago

my family will make food from other countries (we're american) and it's always SO good and absolutely filling. i would love to go to europe if for no other reason than to try food

2points

Daniele Tigli 3 years ago

Don't miss Bologna, Italy :)

1point

Meko 3 years ago

I really want a post about Australia because cmon guys, don't you wanna hear all about that one time at 2 am when I went to get cereal I saw a spider on the fridge and ran away and the next night it was near the device chargers so I had to drop a towel one it to get it to move? or that other time- ill stop now

1point

Legen ( wait for it ) dary 3 years ago

Now I really appreciate that I live here. So much things taken as normal and for so many people it's something special. And now I really want to get to know America. Just not get sick over there.

1point

K.Kobayashi 3 years ago

Last time I was in Europe, my first thought was "Wow, I feel so fat."

1point

L' Enchanted 2 years ago

#38 - thats either 60 years ago or lie. In Prague, at the tourist locations, beer is 100 crowns (about 4 dollars), everywhere else 20-50 (1-2 $), specials can get pricier. Water about 30 crowns. Thats pubs prises.

0points

Alexis Draskinis 3 years ago

My WTF while visiting family in Spain was them wanting to show us an "American" themed restaurant. It was essentially a western movie set. The folks really love the movies that were translated for tv apparently. A lot of the older generation anyway. But that was Spain's version of an "American Restaurant". My aunts & uncles had been to America a few times, so had a few of my cousins so they knew that was nothing like living in CT but they figured we'd think it was hilarious. They were correct!

0points

Rens 3 years ago

I was born and raised in South Africa, but left in 1998. I lived in the Netherlands for 12 years (2000-2012) we had free WiFi everywhere, (even on the beach, and trains), proper banking system, everyone carried ID... Arrived in the UK, it was a culture shock. Still using bank cheques, no-one wants to carry ID, you need references and credit checks... 9 years later we have WiFi on the bus, excellent public transport, I'm very grateful that I live in a country that takes care of me as I am now disabled and chronically ill, not able to work. Especially since Covid, I count my blessings twice.

0points

Siah avis 3 years ago

Sweden is my 6th home and I lived in the states for 10 years. I forgot what it feels like to live in a country where you don't just bump into homeless people daily. The system is so good here that peopel are taken care of! I've seen ONE homeless person here. ONE. I feel so bad for the homeless people or those living in their cars in the USA. What the actual F?? And you know what? People here arent always furious and hateful because there are are ways out of poverty

0points

Yugan Talovich 3 years ago

My nephew is a chef. He took his family and slowly ate their way through France and Italy. His photos were delightful, pure joy.

0points

cassiushumanmother 3 years ago

"slowly ate their way" is the best way to travel. I travel for food too and choose my place to stay based on food. Antics?nope Museums?nope Beaches? nope i just want to taste your food and steal it! I'm joking i do go to museums too but basically i'm just here for the food. And in some countries i drink some clay in the morning so i can eat everything without fearing tourista.

2points

Mimi 3 years ago

I’m an American who visited Paris, and I was definitely shocked by all of the smoking and how good the food was.

0points

Emo Sloth 3 years ago

This entire post is just convincing me to move to Europe.

0points

Oerff On Tour 3 years ago

Now you have to decide what country

1point

Bow, I’m a Slytherin 3 years ago

I feel so bad for anyone that lives outside the UK, you’re missing out on some of the best Scottish food ever invented. Tunnocks Teacakes, Irn-Bru, and the Cadbury here is a whole l better than other countries.

0points

N S 3 years ago

You mean the famous Scottish cuisine, that came up with such delightful dishes such as the inner bits of a sheep stuffed into that sheep's stomach and brewed?

1point

Tony Midyett 3 years ago

Lots of thin-skinned Americans in the comments section. The truth hurts, eh?

-1point

Tami 3 years ago

This hate on America thing is a rerun of the 60s anti-establishment movements. Yawn, ho-hum. Every country has its problems!

-1point

Curtis Robinson 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Ben Smith 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Eslamala 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

angie but who cares 3 years ago

i smell whats that oh yeah..xenophobia

7points

POST

ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago

33points

Snake of Eden 3 years ago

Yeah. We all know we suck. We get s**t on all the time... We are TRYING (Damn you republican party) to fix it.

27points

turtledove 3 years ago

I mean part of the reasonn i want to move away from the USA is because of how badly everyone else sees us. like, i get it, we suck. but not all of us are idiots!

5points

dhiguthila 3 years ago

well said Ivan...

5points

Vicky Z 3 years ago

I'm not American but i see your point it starts to get offensive! It would be nice to see more variety in cultures both pros and cons!

4points

Hywel Thomas 3 years ago

I loved my trip to America, but in 35 years I've never been back. I guess that says it all.

0points

Brunning6 3 years ago (edited)

I wish this could have been a celebration of European culture instead of another post with an anti-American tone.

26points

Logic and Reason 3 years ago

25points

Sweetie Dahling 3 years ago

I’d love that! I’m not even American but I agree that these articles are getting really repetitive.

6points

ℜ𝔬𝔟𝔢𝔯𝔱 ℭ𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢 3 years ago

https://www.boredpanda.com/interesting-facts-about-japan/

0points

Mimi M 3 years ago

I come to BP to get away from politics and bashing, not to have it shoved in my face, especially when it's so one-sided.

0points

Siah avis 3 years ago

Yeah I agree. I want to see other countries too.

0points

Nevits Yibble 3 years ago

I think it's too frequent to be coincidental. Everyone can see that someone at BP is obviously pushing a personal agenda

-2points

Isa 3 years ago (edited)

12points

Woets 3 years ago

1point

W. 5 3 years ago

7points

Danieletc 3 years ago

This is still mostly a "Bash 'Murca" article. How original to change the title. Once or twice a week, like a broken record.

7points

Oerff On Tour 3 years ago

6points

Bindivid Ual 3 years ago

That's not what TIP stands for, otherwise it would be TEP, because it'd be 'ensure', not 'insure'.

0points

KK 3 years ago

6points

Amanda Reicha 3 years ago

3points

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

4points

Not Proud British 3 years ago

4points

Jackson Gohn 3 years ago

Bored Panda really is just a one trick pony. Can anybody tell me a better site or app? Please?! Seriously!

3points

MJ 3 years ago

The USA is different all around . Time for the weekly USA bash . Makes me want to stop coming to bored panda. Tired of it.

3points

Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago

Suuuuuuuper clever. A title that makes (no one) us think this ISN'T actually an "America is stupid" post. Yet... it is!! YAY!!! We hardly EVER get to see THOSE on BP!!! <>

3points

sylvantic 3 years ago

the one thing Europe doesn't have on us is good Mexican food. Nothing beats a San Francisco burrito. And Arizona mexican is just a whole other thing.

2points

Jennifer Herron 3 years ago

You should try a San Diego fish taco!

1point

SirPatTheCat 3 years ago

Please...we're already down....please stop kicking us bp...we know america sucks I'm sorry...

2points

Remi Flynne 3 years ago

4points

Lorelai Purvis 3 years ago

my family will make food from other countries (we're american) and it's always SO good and absolutely filling. i would love to go to europe if for no other reason than to try food

2points

Daniele Tigli 3 years ago

Don't miss Bologna, Italy :)

1point

Meko 3 years ago

1point

Legen ( wait for it ) dary 3 years ago

Now I really appreciate that I live here. So much things taken as normal and for so many people it's something special. And now I really want to get to know America. Just not get sick over there.

1point

K.Kobayashi 3 years ago

Last time I was in Europe, my first thought was "Wow, I feel so fat."

1point

L' Enchanted 2 years ago

0points

Alexis Draskinis 3 years ago

0points

Rens 3 years ago

0points

Siah avis 3 years ago

0points

Yugan Talovich 3 years ago

My nephew is a chef. He took his family and slowly ate their way through France and Italy. His photos were delightful, pure joy.

0points

cassiushumanmother 3 years ago

2points

Mimi 3 years ago

I’m an American who visited Paris, and I was definitely shocked by all of the smoking and how good the food was.

0points

Emo Sloth 3 years ago

This entire post is just convincing me to move to Europe.

0points

Oerff On Tour 3 years ago

Now you have to decide what country

1point

Bow, I’m a Slytherin 3 years ago

0points

N S 3 years ago

You mean the famous Scottish cuisine, that came up with such delightful dishes such as the inner bits of a sheep stuffed into that sheep's stomach and brewed?

1point

Tony Midyett 3 years ago

Lots of thin-skinned Americans in the comments section. The truth hurts, eh?

-1point

Tami 3 years ago

This hate on America thing is a rerun of the 60s anti-establishment movements. Yawn, ho-hum. Every country has its problems!

-1point

Curtis Robinson 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Ben Smith 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Eslamala 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

angie but who cares 3 years ago

i smell whats that oh yeah..xenophobia

7points