Kingship came back a few times in France after the revolution and also there was that little thing of the emperorship |
+1 costa rica is a total ‘catfish’ country and all of the above is true. Add to the list the awful roads and the fact it takes forever to get from point a to point b due to terrible infrastructure. |
PP meant Florida. ![]() |
I was there for a few days 20 years ago so maybe it was different but I remember driving around the island and seeing amazing views of rice fields and Hindu symbols at houses. And temples. Seems gorgeous and culturally interesting to me. |
And it’s 26 minutes from Rome. |
This is really the best explanation. Countries want/need American tourism dollars? But then it doesn't really feel like it when one gets to a place without minimal comfort for $$$$. And I grew up with no AC, lived in France and was wary of buskers and pickpockets. I stayed in England with a frigid outer wall bathroom in a medieval university building with separate hot and cold taps! I can do native with the best of them. But now when I go to these places and spend $$$$ with my family, I want to be treated just minimally decently, without trash and being harassed. It's just not worth it in many places, unfortunately. |
The Louvre is so gigantic that there are rooms full of fantastic things that are rarely visited by tourists. Sorry you missed seeing them. |
Just because something is not well-known doesn't mean it isn't amazing and worth looking at. Be adventurous and find your own joy looking at the works no one else is. I'm sorry you think that most of their paintings are largely forgettable, but that says more about your tastes. Besides, the Louvre has many more sculptures, drawings, decorative arts, antiquities, pieces of furniture. All sorts of amazing things. Paintings are just a small part of its collection. Plus the building itself is a former palace. Look up at the gold encrusted ceilings and all the details. Did you know they have the code of Hammurabi? Did you miss all the astonishing Egyptian works? The works from the Palace of Sargon? The Nike of Samothrace? How about the French crown jewels? Ooh la la! https://www.louvre.fr/en/explore/the-palace/sun-gold-and-diamonds |
Please don’t generalize about a country with millions of people. I am American and do not travel to get the Disney (or a chain hotel) experience. |
I suggest you visit some of the smaller towns, and bike on the dikes. |
Have not been but there is lots to see in and around St Petersburg (though I would not go now). |
What you are labeling American is not particularly American: wanting a clean bathroom? Good service? Air conditioning when it is hot outside? Most humans would like those things. The Americans who can afford to vacation in Europe tend to be advantaged, so they are used to such creature comforts (and hence more likely to miss them). I think wealthy people of any nationality share those traits . And people from all walks of life would appreciate the same things, if they were options. |
Venice
Iceland the Algarve Phuket Halong Bay so many other places to go |
There are sooooo many sofisticamated travelers here on this here thread |
like Turkey with teens lady? |