What has surprised you when you've met people from other countries?

Well, that I could understand what they were saying. So many people do not understand what people are saying even when they are speaking clearly. They do not take the time to think about what they are saying. My husband is Dutch and speaks with an accent. We have been together for nearly 9 years now. People will still look to me for translation after he speaks. Sometimes he doesn't get the words completely correct, but he speaks just fine.

I was surprised how few blonde people I saw when I went to Sweden. Most of the group I was with were more brunette although I did meet one who was the stereotypical Swedish guy. Tall, blonde, ice blue eyes and a super fit body (he was a marine). I was also pleasantly surprised at how many people spoke perfect English

When i started here! I was amazed about the beauty of Indian women! Shocked me a little some old fashion ideas from young guys from Arab countries! And i saw so many people attached to religion like i never though i'd see!

I really didn't have an preconceived notions before meeting anyone from another country. My Dad was pretty great about not seeing any differences when I was growing up. But the few people I did meet, did not leave good impressions. I met a bunch of British people...and all the men I met were into partying all the time. Those men just didn't stop. They would hop from place to place and got very loud. I can only say this because I was born and raised in Florida. And I had my jobs at tourist areas. I remember this one British guy walked up to the booth and he looked as red as a lobster! You could smell the sun taning oil on him as if he had been at the beach all day long! Wow! I have only borned slightly before and I knew THAT had to hurt! So he asked me while buying his tickets, "If you were me, what would you do after this?" My response, "Honestly?" British guy, "Yes! I want to know what a local would do if you were me!" Me..."OK, I would go to the store, pick up some aloe, and go back to my hotel room and bathe in it! Because you are going to be feeling that tomorrow!!!" Well, he didn't like my comment. ha ha Instead, him and his friends hung out at the tourist spot all night long! I know he was hurting the next day! Other than that, I have met many people from different countries when I was in the military. They all seemed pretty nice. The French men were always trying for a date with me. But they were nice. But...I must say that I have also met other British men many years after that. And they too were very nice! But as my dad would say, there are many different types of people out there all over the place. It is just a big pot luck. LOL

When i first went to china..i surprised to see how they were able to eat everything right from rice to cashewnuts to even the smallest of stuff just with chopsticks..once i learned i loved it to..

I know that there are very few people who actually live up to the excpectations of behavior when it comes to our preconcieved notions. Therefore I don't expect anybody to be anything like people say. I rather judge people on my own.

They get my sense of humour more than Americans do,lol.

What susprises me is the way they do things differently. When I went to Thailand, I tried my best to be very friendly and have many friends as possible so I always extend my hands for a hand shake. Most women, especially upcountry, will just smile. I soon realized that women don't shake hands with men like the way we do. They just bow down as a sign of respect.

i'm surprised at how mannerly people from other countries are. The Arabs wont sit in a position where their feet is pointing at you... its a form of disrespect. Things like that. I love it.

I work with people from all over the world. I find that we are all basically the same. Some are kind and caring, others selfish and rude. I dont think it matters where you are from. It doesnt take long for the ones who come from other countries to start behaving like the rest of us here.