THAT HUGS POST ISN'T MINE DARLING.... Please check who you are quoting. I am not exactly a huggy, kissy person- even with close friends or family.... I don't even like to touch strangers- no handshake, nothing (the RN in me thinking germs as well as too intimate!)!!
I am from New England... New Hampshire to be exact- whose residents are not exactly known for being warm and fuzzy.... and are generally speaking known to be very standoffish to people we don't know and not very trusting until we do get to know someone. Getting to know someone can take many years by New England standards, lol!!
I am not using Europe as a vague reference at all. It clearly defines a diverse continent with many different areas (some safe, others not so safe), ALL very different from the US in so many varied ways... Of which I intend to visit as many as possible in a 5 month period next year.....
As far as the Praga/Istanbul I can't check the information at the moment, very well may have misquoted or mis typed and haven't had a chance to research anything in that part of Europe, trip is a ways away still. I only took note of what was said for future reference.
Sooo... asking where people have felt unsafe on a continent implies I am scared or ignorant? Is that what you are saying?
My use of Europe to ask a question is much less general than your complete generalization of all Americans being huggy and kissy and ignorant of local European customs or boundaries.
Anyone who knows anything about nursing would know that my experience in a jail and psych hospital that I have referenced above would give me a very good understanding of personal boundaries.....
I get how diverse Europe is and honestly don't see it as that large of an area really, MUCH smaler than N America and the second smallest continent if I remember my geography right... Many countries are much smaller than many of our states.....
Exactly how should I have fashioned the question?
Originally Posted by
exbayern
What is the Praga area in Istanbul? 'Praga' to me is the city in Czech, or a neighbourhood in Warsaw. I've been to Turkey, so would appreciate clarification. What would you be doing in Praga?
Thanks.
To me the thread title and the continued reference to 'Europe' as one vague entity reflects something different than if the question had been asked in a different fashion.
In many cultures, touching a stranger in such an intimate fashion simply isn't done. That may have been a clue for you that a stranger offering up hugs wasn't quite right. Certainly that would have been the case in Germany, and in many countries the more intimate farewell may have included a double air kiss (or even a triple), not a hug. If someone I didn't know offered me a hug in many countries, I would be suspicious.
I said upthread that Americans are known for being very friendly, and unfortunately there are people who prey on that friendliness. Knowing the cultural norms of the places one is visiting is helpful as it can help one to become suspicious of behaviour that isn't quite right.