Quote Originally Posted by Bluescelt View Post
I think in the States there are two types of emmigrint families. Ones that are keen to maintain old world traditions and hand them down and ones (like mine) who embraced their new country and traditions quickly. My grandfather was first generation born to Scottish parents and might have maintained a few Scottish traditons but Dad new nothing of them and frankly couldn't care less. So why did I as a young child feel a connection to my Scottish and Irish and English heritage? I don't really know, I just did.
I never want to be the "ugly American" when traveling abroad and I've never had bad experience. I think being respectful of the host country's culture goes a long way with the locals. It works both ways too. Years ago I was in Tombstone Arizona on vacation and saw information signs written in German. I asked why and was told Germans love the wild west and must come in large numbers and probably do wild west fests in Germany. Who knows?! Are they posers. Who cares? It is amusing like it's probably amusing for the Scots when we show up kilted. It's all about respect though. If you act in respectful manner chances are you'll gain the respect of people meet.
It's interesting you bring up the German tourists in Tombstone, as it was my experience as a ranger at the Civil War Battlefield that the Brits and Canadians were always more well-versed in American history, especially Civil War history, then most Americans who visited the site.

Regards,

Todd