Costa Ricans (Ticos) - The Men - seem to be nice enough...business savvy, generally happy, and hardworking. However, here in the beach-towns the guys are honestly full of themselves, fairly aggressive, and out to snag tourist women and take advantage of anyone by selling or stealing whatever they can find. The Women – Costa Rican women are shy and they giggle at you… those are pretty much my thoughts.
Germans - The Men - I heard Germans had a dry sense of humor, which is true. Fortunately for me, I do also and I find them very funny. The Women - Sometimes cold and 'awkward' for lack of a better word. German women really make me laugh, they love to be the center of attention and do it in their own way. Also, I've yet to meet a German woman traveling who was out of shape.
Slovakians - I work for one, with one, am friends with another. Slovakians come in all shapes and sizes in terms of personality.
Belgians - Full of personality.. maybe the most fun people to hang out with.
Canadians - Ryan told me once "All Canadians are dumb" and I agreed with him. I'm sure there are some dumb Canadians, but let’s be honest neither of us actually agree with that. Our neighbors from the north are a good time and my favorite people to talk to because they have a culture so similar to the U.S. with such subtle differences that just fascinate me. For example, did you know in Canadian football there are only 3 downs? That blew my mind.
Australians – I’ve never met an Australian I didn't like.
British - I've been to England once before and my observation then was "they are all very proper, intelligent, and focused people" ... umm yeah, I still think the same thing.
Israelis - Beautiful people, fun, sometimes weird, but fun.
Norwegians, Danish, Swedish, Finish (People from Finland??) - All of these people are tall and most look about 5 years younger than they actually are. Easily the kindest group of people I've met… I apologize for grouping you all together but I have to conserve space somehow.
Austrians (or Armenians as Ryan would say) - Two thumbs up!
Asians - I feel bad for grouping them like this but I really haven't met a lot down here. Asians are the same as they are in the U.S. I guess…think stereotypical Japanese family with their cameras only grungier.
Africans - awesome... but they don't travel in Central America.
French - I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised by the French. As Americans, I think we naturally stereotype and subconsciously hate the French (due to what we see on TV and how most are treated when actually going to France) but they really fun people and nearly all French backpackers speak English pretty well. So, do like I did and chunk those old Freedom Fries you were saving in the freezer ‘just in case’ and learn to love em'.
and finally… Americans - While I may not all be overweight, prideful, and ignorant like most backpackers initially expect to see, I'd say for the most part we are the loudest group of travelers I've experienced. Americans are some of the least traveled people on earth (of those who can afford it). I think the ones who do backpack around gain a lot of respect from Europeans and others just for stepping outside of the bubble.
I thought I'd include some of my favorite pictures (both of my own and from my friends) of a few of the 7 billion people I've seen throughout my life:
http://7billionactions.org/data - If you haven’t taken a look at this website I highly recommend it, gives some interesting statistics on our world today.
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