Reply #22: Average Germans seem sympathetic in my opinion [View All]

[UncleSepp]

They understand that sometimes the people and the government disagree vehemently, although there's less of that understanding after the beginning of Bush's second term. If you start out with some of the suggestions - like dress up a little, try to speak whatever German you can, and always ask in German before addressing someone in English - you won't come across as offensive to a regular person. There may be some jerks, but those you can't do anything about. People will know you're American, but you won't be "one of THOSE".

You might also consider wearing a political button. Whether it's something as innocent as a peace sign, a donkey, a "No W", whatever you have instead of a Canadian flag. You can still be an American, but you can make it clear where you stand.

Where are you going in Germany? By the way I am horribly jealous of you :-)