Let's not generalize. It was a sad and rude experience, but let's not forget about the rest of the trip - it was lovely. Also, let's not forget about my first time in Boston back in March, when I had a blast. Remember that kind firefighter who gave me his precious time answering my questions? His Boston accent was difficult to comprehend, but his kindness made a lasting impression on me 😊
I remember your conversation with the firefighter. As a student of the city's history, though, I'm able to pick up on residents who repeat myths that are untethered from the actual history. There's much touring of Boston's "revolutionary" history and the "heroes" of the "revolution"; but much of it is cleaned-up falsehood because "the victors write -- and embellish -- the history".
I work around the corner from the places where you had those rude experiences. I'm sorry that happened but it does, even to locals. I'm glad everything else was good. Come to Salem the next time you're in Boston. I think you would like it.
I’m from Boston, and I think you visited the restaurants along Union street. This can be a spotty area for service for some reason. I hope the rest of your experience here was filled with good personal encounters. We don’t need to be rude to such a sweet French girl !
No one ignored her on purpose they were just busy. I went to a place in Rome once and they ignored us because they were busy… I don’t make a RUclips video.
Funny (/sadly) enough, that horrid neighborhood is 100% touristy crap including a fake "Cheers" bar. Leave the tourist areas and go to the other 95% of the greater Boston area, and every neighborhood has a dozen places where regulars and staff are all friends, service is fantastic, and the real Boston attitudes come out. Sadly, the touristy areas are just complete and utter crap.
After 40 years working in restaurants, the only thing I found surprising was the 3 in a row. Some people open restaurants because they have the money, but no knowledge. 60% of new restaurants fail in the first year they are open, 20% more in the first 5 years. I'd say that poor service like you experienced is the main cause.
Lifelong Greater Bostonian here, and this is not surprising at all. 😔 So very sorry you experienced this. Glad to see you spent some time down in the Seaport area…a newer and bustling spot.
I've lived in Boston for over 30 years. The most rude and racists city in the US. People don't even hide it. And no matter what, everyone thinks they are right.
@@NoToBigBro Some parts of the city are more racist than others. Or are racist in different ways against other neighborhoods of the city. Mostly those are people who have never been outside their own neighborhood, let alone outside the city. I was shocked one day by a lifelong South End resident's outburst against people she presumed lived on Newbury Street. But is Boston the most racist city? -- I don't think that's possible to measure from only living there. The reality is that there are "provincials" -- often also racists -- everywhere. And France requires one speak French, with a thin tolerance for tourists who "pollute" the environment by speaking (as example) English.
@@jnagarya519 Yes, I referred to rude, angry and entitled Bostonians as 495ers. They never traveled outside of route 495. Having traveled to just about every major cities in the US... MAJOR CITIES, for my job, I can confidently say Boston is one of the most if not the most racist city in the USA.
Don't take it personally and it's not just a Boston thing. This has happened to me a few times in the western USA too and also at a tour company in Mexico and a bunch of places in Taiwan. Ours was even worse, because we got ignored but then they helped people who came in AFTER us! And in Mexico and Taiwan it was definitely racial! And I experienced this at a beach bar in Barbados. I stood at the bar for 5 minutes and the girl didn't acknowledge me. There was even that one time in the French Pyranees, this lady didn't care that a line was forming outside her pizza stand, but at least she had the decency to acknowledge us. Another one of my favorite was the Mexican guy at this museum, who was on his phone while I was standing there for two minutes, and after he lifted his head and saw me, he went right back to his phone. Even at my job there were people who would use any excuse to not help a customer. Customer service isn't for everyone. But again what upsets ME, is when they ignore ME but help OTHERS.
Living in Boston, but not being a Boston native, I can definitely picture these scenarios. There is a certain terrible attitude here in some people who feel that being rude and mean is ok. It makes no sense and I'm sorry you had to experience it! . You're absolutely right Marie to be upset and confounded about what happened. Sounds like at least one of those places needed a hostess or host to seat people as they come in. I am now curious what those 3 places were so I can make sure not to go! Glad place #4 was so much better. And I didn't know about that little Ben and Jerry's shop - I want to go there! I know Revere Beach. The best beaches are about an hour north of Boston but that takes planning and time. Thanks for this vlog!
In Boston it is a shock to discover that it actually can come down to neighborhoods that have negative attitudes toward each other. And any such neighborhood can be as small as a few blocks.
I know the street you went to. Those places are not great. They are bars that cater to college kids on weekend nights. As a native Bostonian I'm sorry you experienced the rudeness. I assure you we aren't all like that despite our reputation. I hope it doesn't dissuade you from coming back again. Love the channel!
Man, we straight up are 🤣 I defend Boston just as much as the next Bostonian but even I know were all assholes lmfao. But its ok were raised like that. And if ya want proof look at our road rage, classic Boston!
This is my thought too. If you go to college bars for food, and look like college kids, odds are they think you're not going to tip appropriately, if at all, and with the cost of living here that's not ok.
My one piece of advice would be never leave without, in a nice way, presenting your concerns to whomever seems to be in charge (usually the guy/lady who seems to be doing nothing.) If he is an astute businessman he will greatly appreciate your calm directness. Such places usually thrive on word-of-mouth, but they can only react to poor service if you make them aware of it.
@@Nancy-n4o8k Some don't, but you have little complaint if you don't try to make them care. And, some people are still kind. Be one of them. If nothing else, you will feel better.
Agreed. I went on a trip to both NYC and Philly in the same trip and was treated badly in both places. In Philly I befriended a couple of guys at a local bar. One of them suggested I go with him to this "really cool place". He took me to some dance club in a dangerous part of town and left me there. BTW I had a roommate at one time who went to college in Philly and he told me it was a rough part of town, although I did notice some weird things in the club. Anyway, I thankfully remembered my hotel name and just got a cab, but yeah, got left somewhere in the city alone.
@@ericsierra-franco7802 I wholeheartedly agree. I used to like to live dangerously and I had somewhat of an invincibility complex back then. Thankfully, I'm well-passed those days.
As a 35-year Massachusetts resident, I would describe many massholes like baguettes: tough and crusty on the outside, but pretty soft and maybe warm on the inside -- if you ever get beyond the superficials. But that's not an excuse for bad service.
@@SeanGelarden Maine has quite an unfriendly reputation too. The northeast is a frosty unfriendly place in general (I know, I've lived here for 58 years). I have been to other parts of the country and have found people to be much more friendly for the most part. Family is the only thing keeping me here at atm... I hope to gtfo before I die.
A good friend of mine lives in Boston and every time she visits me in Houston, she can't stop commenting on how nice and helpful all the service industry people are here (as well as the people on the street). She's always mentioning how unfriendly people in Boston are. She also was a waitress at one time and consequently gives out huge tips, hugs and thanks to all these people. 😀 Sorry you had a bad experience.
This is not the first time I have heard this about Boston. I have heard good and bad. It still is a great place to visit if you like history, I have heard.
Paris is horrible but it's not isolated to be treated like this in Boston. I have lived in MA my whole life, born in Chelsea. I keep moving further west because I can't deal with the horrible angry attitude. 9 more years and I won't be a Massachusetts resident anymore
I’m an American and I’ve been all over the US for work. I’m not saying everyone in Boston is a miserable jerk, but I’ve never been treated anywhere the way I’ve been treated in Boston. Cursed at for no reason. Had stuff thrown at my car. Had a guy at a restaurant say he wanted to fight me for reasons I still can’t figure out. There’s a lot of great history in Boston. And it’s a beautiful city. So it makes me sad to say I avoid it like the plague.
I live in Boston (although not originally from here). I find Boston's bad reputation entirely undeserved. I have lived in various other cities both in and outside the U.S. and I've traveled around quite a bit and the fact is there are nice people everywhere and there are jerks everywhere.
I am from the Midwest and I have been there and New England several times and I would agree that it is not hospitable like it is in the South. However, the golden rule generally works. I have a good friend and high school classmate from Ireland who lives in Boston. It has been a long time since I have been there but recently my brother went there and asked that friend of ours for some tips. He said that while Bostonians have a rough exterior that if you handle them right then you can get what you want or need. When my brother went to park on the street outside a hotel there, he had a security guard yell at him for trying to park where he was parking outside the hotel. So he then asked the guy where he could park and the fellow went and moved some construction cones to let him into a different area to park and he was fine. My brother could have just moved on and come to the conclusion that the man was a jerk but instead he played dumb and got what he wanted. That is just how they have to be handled. Where I am from, that fellow would be a jerk but we have to recognize that there is such a thing as a different culture and deal with it how it is. I could never live in the Northeast urban areas but that is why I don’t live there. I much prefer the South or the Midwest and that is where I live.
Just saying (no hate intended) that my mom was born in Paris, me in New York, and when I went to France, the moment me and my wife spoke english in stores or anywhere else, we too were totally ignored. Once, in Dartee (appliance store in the metro) we asked an employee something, and he and his co-workers slowly moved away from us altogether ... So that is something that happens throughout the world ...
Sorry to hear it. I'm a 67 year old American and have to admit that once I retired and didn't have to be in large cities I simply avoided them. Much happier now that I've moved to a small town where everyone has learned to live together without constant conflict. Truly if I go somewhere that is in business to provide a service and I'm ignored, I'M GONE. It's called voting with your feet.
I live in MA, and I've worked in the restaurant business here in the past. There's a lot of "that's not my job" that goes on in restaurants here, and I can't really blame the staff for that attitude, given how poorly they are paid and how poorly they are treated by the restaurant managers and owners in general - not every restaurant, but a lot of them, maybe a majority. Usually, seating guests is the responsibility for whoever is working the front desk, and if you were there before the lunch rush started, there's a good chance that that person was the manager, and the manager was busy somewhere else. Of course, that doesn't excuse being made to feel invisible.
I have been ignored at restaurants. I just leave and never go back. There are many other choices. What happens is they close. Three times in one day is bizarre.
I'm so very sorry about your unpleasant experience. I'm so happy that you still kept such a positive attitude about it. I wish you only joyful, happy adventures. Remember to be safe and, most of all, have fun. 🤠
I lived/worked about 15 miles outside Philadelphia, The locals hated the city and avoided going there. Similar to Boston in being super historical, but unfriendly places.
Nonsense take. Lived in Philly for decades and it’s unheard of that a restaurant or bar or service industry folk would do this…. The brotherly love is actually a streak that shines through…. The persona of some there is toughness and not arrogance… big diff, one of the two is detestable and the other a valid identity based on the blue collar identity
I admire you for explaining the situation you encountered that morning. It shows me you have a lot of guts. Because, this situation can really open up a can of worms. Especially in light of the fact that there are a lot of rivalries between various groups at play. But I'm kind of glad you did. It shows that there can be imperfections, especially imperfect people, in a place that one would think should not happen. It happened in a very posh, and high-end area. In a high-priced business that depends on high quality service so people won't mind spending all of their hard-earned money at their establishment. The treatment that you and your traveling friend was absolutely unacceptable. The fact that you experience this horrible treatment three times in a row, all before noon, is astonishing. It is a crazy streak of bad luck. I'm so glad your bad luck streak went the other way and you got good luck at your fourth place. It is good that you had somebody else with you, and another couple of customers who went through this experience with you. Because, it's softens the blow. If you were alone it would have probably felt much worse. But, the staff at the 4th establishment saved the day, and your emotions. Being treated that badly by rude and ignorant people for no reason at all, does play with one's emotions. It actually hurt my feelings hearing about all this. You and your friend handled correctly by just walking out of there. There is no point in getting in an argument with these people. There were other more deserving people of your patronage. I think it was a very relatable experience for all of us. No matter who we are, where we are from, nor where are we happen to be; we all have experienced this sort of situation from time to time. Not only from bad restaurant staff, book from miserable people in other walks of life. Like the Canadian border guard. I am happy that you didn't allow these experiences to Jade you, I'm glad the rest of your day was wonderful. Your trip to Boston ended on a high note. Well done Marie. 😊❤ Also, it allowed many of your followers to express their, otherwise unexplored, emotions in the comment section. I found many of the comments interesting intriguing and sometimes a little funny with some of the back and forth banter relating to their regional rivalries. 😂 I can't wait to see your , up-and-coming, Kansas City video. Though the temperature may not be so refreshing during that time of year in Missouri, the southern hospitality certainly should be refreshing.❤
Marie please don’t judge every American or places in America on one bad experience. So sorry and embarrassed that you had to deal with that but we want you to return and enjoy all that we have to offer. I know that every place in every country can be bad depending but I hope your remaining time here went well.
I am so sorry you had this experience. I will be visiting Boston next month and I certainly will NOT visit restaurants in this area. As an American this is so embarrassing.
Oh my goodness Marie. That's definitely not the way to a restaurant. And more than one wow. Come back to Tennessee and you will experience that southern hospitality. 😊
I live here and it's like every part of America. We have rich stuffy period who are rude aholes and we have salt of the earth genuinely kind people. I live here and I've met both. That's life. Good and bad. There are more good people than bad though
@@mione134there’s a certain pretentiousness that you Bostonians have, I’m from Philly, been to New York and have family there, been to Boston multiple times. Yes we are all similar but the Bostonians are us but much more pretentious.
I'm so sorry you experienced that. It upsets me as an American that you, who works so hard showing the wonders and beauty of the country, has been treated so rudely. Fortunately, it's the exception, not the rule.
I don't comment very often but been a subscriber for years as I really enjoy following you around on your journeys! I have been to alot of cities here in the US and Boston was by FAR the rudest place I have been and on a much larger scale as a whole. I also met some really great people there and had some wonderful times as well but yes experienced alot of rudeness and just meanness there too. Hope the rest of your trip got better!
Sorry for your bad experience. However, I haven't been in Boston, but when I visited LA and San Francisco, I had positive experiences and I still remember as a good memory.
The good news about Marie is she will not base her bad experience as the typical experience for America. She has travelled a lot in the USA now so she has had a variety of experiences both regionally and individually. We should be so considerate as travellers as she has become if and when we visit countries outside our shores.
I live in Maryland and one time when my cousin came to visit my sister and I took her to this restaurant, were seated and then promptly ignored. My sister finally went to who she believed was the manager and complained (nothing extreme just to let him know) and he waited on our table himself and gave us a discount on our meals. I know, one time doesn't seem like much, but my sister and I went to that same restaurant (chain restaurant) in Virginia to visit another cousin and got the same exact treatment. I've never gone back to either place. As my other sister says, this is a democracy and I vote with my dollar.
You experienced Minnesota Nice and Southern Charm before going to boston. Having lived in all three places, it's not too surprising. When you live in a city that's overrun with students from all over the world, the locals can tend to be protective of themselves and isolating of strangers.
Genuine question: then what about cities like Madrid, Rome or Paris? When it comes to strangers... we talk tens of millions every year there. How do you explain your statement? Are the people afraid? Are a bunch of students enough to make nice people into prickly snobs?
@@nox8730 some Americans are truly strange. I'm American, but I've traveled enough in Europe enough to know I probably belong there instead of the U.S., but I'm not going through all the trouble of moving so I'll just stay in my rude country. I will say though it's not every person or every place.
@@TylerD288 Thank you very much for answering. Yeah, it is very much obvious that it isn't every person everywhere. Generalisations are only tendencies. So, even when you all call them "Massholes", even though it is a generalisation that feels so damn rude, i understand that it means "some of them are Massholes". But yes, your answer is what i expected: "those who behave like that behave like that because they have masshole tendencies from the start". Which makes sense. I am a very different french from the girl in this video, myself. I speak my mind, ask the questions as they come, and it seems i offended one of your fellow american in my own comment. Well... i can't help it. I am not good at dealing with censorship. Regards. Have the nicest day of all.
Rudeness happens everywhere unfortunately. Drew Binksy is a popular travel blogger and he recently did a video about the 20 biggest cultural differences Americans experience in Europe. The first example shows him and his wife trying to get a waiters attention while in Salzburg Austria. Sounds similar to what you experienced. Also, Paris is top of the charts when it comes to rudeness. At least the handful of times I’ve been there. Totally different from the rest of France, which is pretty friendly!
@@matthewnoto9380 Boston and Cambridge have quite a bit of university student "culture" ! Every year, some [moving?] truck(s) got their top shaved off or got stuck under an overpass above Storrow Drive. 😮
Oh girl, I’m so sorry you experienced that. If that ever happens to you in the South… someone is getting fired… it does happen but RARELY. That’s terrible!
Bostonian here. I'm sorry you went through this. But this isnt surprising. Various restaurants in the city are pretty different from each other especially Hennessey's. It's a type of dive bar for sports fans so their service isnt going to be top notch but they do have affordable prices. I have traveled everywhere in the world myself and the most I can say about Boston is that people are for sure pretty blunt and especially for Hennessey's, they expect customers to walk in and ask a waitress themselves, "do we sit ourselves or do we wait for a hostess?". I can see how you find it rude but it's not intentional even though they clearly know you're there. It's a type of situation like, "if she doesnt ask, I wont answer." type of deal too. It's a different type of culture that im aware you're not used to so you have every right to feel what you expressed. Not defending them at all but in the end of the day, it's not personal.
Hi. Life long South Boston resident. Like the other commenters mentioned the area where you were is very touristy and unfortunately the management and staff were not grateful that you walked into their establishment. They have the volume and loose sight of the guests. I’m glad you posted the pictures of our country’s flag a few times. There are not enough flying now.
I'll preface this by saying that I'm 66, live in the pacific northwest, and have never been to Boston. That being said, I've heard many times throughout my years that many Bostonians can be quite rude. I've also experienced problems dealing with a few who have moved here. I'm sure there are plenty of nice people in Boston, but I've always seemed to hear about the rude ones. 😁
I've only been to Boston once but when I was there I was shocked at how rude our waitress was. You are not the only one who has had a rough experience in Boston.
See the film "1776" for Boston _vis-a-vis_ the other colonies at the beginning of the so-called "revolution". Boston, and Massachusetts, lead the independence movement, while many of the other colonies, including the slave-holding south, sided with the King of England. John Adams (see the HBO mini-series "John Adams") wrote the Massachusetts constitution, establishing separation of powers, and which was the model for the U.S. Constitution. Rudeness? States like Texas attempting to tell Boston that it knows better than Boston what the Constitution is about.
You need to visit the Southern United States. Charleston, Nashville, Savannah, Pensacola, Oxford, Little Rock.. ALL are fine and friendly places. Most of the Northeast United States is like Boston.
Bad customer service can happen anywhere, so I'm happy to see it doesn't affect you, either. I love your videos and your charming French accent. I love the intro animation, too...
Marie, it sucks that you had that negative experience, but to be honest, when being a tourist, it's bound to happen if you're a tourist long enough. Luckily, you've gone quite a long time and only had a few bad experiences. I hope that continues to be the trend. I hope you got a chance to get out of the city into the smaller towns. It's also funny to see how quickly your brain switches from one language to another. Not too long ago you were in the States having difficulty with French and now you're back home and having difficulty with English. 😃 Oh, the joys of being an adventurer! Anyway, thanks for bringing us along. Take care and keep smiling!
I'm long time Boston Guy (65') now living in NH the last 30 yrs, couldn't stand the Taxes and Politics of Mass !! Because I'm from Boston I know there will be "Ahole" moments in the city of any big city in the USA etc. All I can say is don't let it bother you next time just let them know and walk out, it's what all locals do and more !! Lol 😆 You must "Thick'n your skin" in America !! 👍 Semper Fi
I've never visited Boston, but I've been to New York, which is not to far away. There is a joke about the strangers you might meet on a sidewalk in New York. It goes something like this: Visitor: "Pardon me, sir, but could you tell me the present time? NYC Denizen: "Do I look like a clock?" So, the big cities on the East Coast may very well have fewer nice people than Minnesota.
that's just a stereotype. I have family in NYC, been to the city many times. Never experienced anything like that. They aren't shy and are more forward. It's just a personality difference.
been to NY and Boston just once each... Everyone was awesome in NY and super kind. Boston; I felt like people were A holes. As if they wore it as a sense of pride.
Sorry about your experience. Unfortunately I'm not surprised. I moved to Boston from NYC 30 years ago and still haven't gotten used to the rudeness you can face from businesses that are supposed to provide service and in the general communities. Yes I stayed here for reasons of my own and not *everyone * is rude. But as American cities are concerned this is one of the most unfriendly
I had one experience where I went to a restaurant I had frequented before, this time with a female friend. It is a small place and there were a handful of employees sitting at a table, possibly having a staff meeting. That is all fine; companies need to have meetings. But they could have said, "we're having a meeting, would you mind coming back a little later?" or something to that effect. But they didn't say anything to us, just ignoring us, similar to what you described. We waited for a while and nobody said a word to us, so we left. I haven't been back there since.
Per Boston regulations, employers are required to pay tipped employees, including waiters, at least the full minimum wage ($15.00 per hour as of 2022) for all hours worked. So, waitstaff doesn't live off tips in Boston.
That is not correct. There is ballot question on this topic in November but as of today tipped waitstaff in Boston do not make minimum wage guaranteed.
@@whathe2100 You are wrong but let me rephrase this. The total hourly rate for a tipped employee, INCLUDING tips, must equal at least the Massachusetts minimum wage of $15.00 per hour. If the total hourly rate does not meet this threshold, the employer must make up the difference. (M.G.L. ch. 151 §7). If an employee makes $0 in tips the employer must pay them the full $15. The ballot measure is to make the employer give then the full $15 AND the employee gets to keep all tips by 2029. My point is valid, they don't require tips to make $15 an hour.
@david-1775 so you just posted this to prove he was correct? The tipped wage system is still essentially the same. The only change was that the the total the employer has to pay out in the event of no tips is higher. Still the customers tips are paying the wages. It's not the win for tipped workers you think it is. Yes tipped workers live off tips.
@@princesspaihana No, the federal minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour. That means, if wait staff want money, they rely on tips. Do you get that? Can you understand that? In MA they get $15 per hour whether they provide good service or not. IT IS NOT THE SAME !!!
It might have been a restaurant where a reservation was required, especially if it was a snooty place around Beacon Hill. If it was a $$$ restaurant, it’s the money thing, not a Boston thing. You’ll see that in any city where there are uber rich people who want to reserve some fine dining to themselves and not let anyone else come in.
When I first started going to Boston on business, I kept hearing on "news from the hub." It meant hub of the universe, the inherent "better than thou" of Eastern Massachusetts. I went into a store with a great customer service reputation in Seattle, but the Boston store ignored me too. Note that Jan and I spent 10 days in Paris with a swing out to Caen (101st Airborne father-in-law) and toured some of the D-Day sites. We were given great customer service in Paris and had wonderful interactions with people on the train to and from Caen. Love your videos, especially the Normandy ones.
Hello! Sorry this happened in my home state of Massachusetts. You are super nice, so I expect that it will be rare that people are rude to you. Your channel is awesome!
Bon Jour, thank you for your heart felt videos. Your gratefulness in the video you posted when you visited the war memorial sites at Normandy was very touching. I'm sorry you were treated unprofessionally in Boston. You're not alone. It has become pervasive all over. It's a sign of people's upbringing and lack of conscience. Karma comes around always and there's always a price to pay. Don't let that experience deter your visit. Keep on going, you are a good person. Thank you for your videos.
I believe the area you were was Beacon Hill or the Faneuil Hall area with all the cobblestone streets. Sorry about the experience, it is a very touristy area and service is hit or miss. I experience this from time to time and it is usually the fault of the management not training the waitstaff properly to be hospitable. Please enjoy the rest of your time here.
I think you will find that entire Northeast region from Boston to Philadelphia to be generally more rude than the rest of the country. It is not that everyone there is rude, but you are just more likely to encounter rude people there, and the locals have become accustomed to it.
You have to get at least 50 miles away from Boston to get away from the real jerks. The drivers can be dangerous to be around, especially on the rotaries (roundabouts).
I moved from various states in the Midwest to Boston over a decade ago. I agree that there's a culture shock. My midwestern friendliness was mistaken for "I'm easy and interested" by a LOT of pervy guys, and as "I'm foolish, naive, and just plain stupid" by pretty much all native Bostonians. The only people who were decently nice to me were other out of towners. I had to learn pretty quick to put my guard up and be a little "gruff" around everybody just to avoid being targeted. With that said, once you get used to it, I actually prefer Boston to anywhere in the Midwest. I pretty much just keep to myself now and have minimal interaction with people unless absolutely necessary -- an introvert's dream! This isn't possible in the Midwest were everybody wants to get into your personal business and gossip behind your back bc they have nothing better to do. Bostonians are so preoccupied trying to keep up with their own lives that they don't care what you're up to 😂 Also I am not white, and that plays into it a lot. There's a lot of diversity in Boston, so nobody blinks an eye as I go about my business, but in the Midwest not only am I the only non white for miles, but white people who do live there are insanely racist. They pretend to be friendly and strike up a conversation, and as soon as you try to be friendly back, they hit you with every nasty racist spiel they have and then smile really big like they delight in it. Of course not everybody, but maybe 50% are actively racist, 45% are complicitly silent /approving of that behavior, and a mere 5% MIGHT speak up or show disapproval.
Sorry you had such a bad experience. I've been to Boston a few times and can't say I've really experienced that, myself. And yes the same bars and restaurants as 1:36. Some of the oldest continuously running places in the US.
Bad customer service will exist everywhere you go. There is just no pleasing everyone unfortunately. You can't let it get to you though; you just gotta nod, smile and move on. See you in Kansas City! 🍻🌞✈️🌎🇺🇸
Im so sorry you experience that multiple times in my hometown state. Yea you was in the downtown area and sometimes people that work in the bars etc they can be tough but im glad you made the best of it on your 2nd time here in my city. Boston welcomes you back anytime you wanna come. =)
I live in Wilmington De and customer service is horrible here. I’ve lived in 10 states, due to husband being in military, and this is the most unfriendly place I have ever lived. I miss the South every day.
Oh Marie .... I'm so sorry that happened to you. That is really disappointing to hear. It is absolutely wrong for an employee to behave that way. I was up in Boston for an extended time this year in the south end. I was amazed at how polite and helpful the locals were. Maybe its different in Beacon Hill where it looks like you were, but the wait staff should have simply told you that the restaurant was full.
Sorry that happened, I have not had that happen in Boston but have had it happen before in other places. If you want to get a true Ben and Jerry’s experience you need to go and have a tour of the Ben and Jerry’s in Waterbury VT and check out all the shops on that street. Stowe VT is beautiful as well.
Boston is way worse than NYC as far as rudeness goes. We honeymooned in Boston, Martha’s Vineyard and Providence RI back in ‘98…and I still remember how rude some people were in Boston. MV was amazing…granted it was off-season (early Nov), so not near as busy as the summer.
My guess is one of the places was “The White Bull Tavern”. Your experience is identical to mine. I have been working in that area for quite a long time. We decided to go there for lunch and the place was practically empty. After 15 minutes of waiting, we got up and walked out. We have never gone back. I did leave a bad and earned review on Yelp where I found many more horrible reviews!!!
Over the past 50 years I can think of only a few times when I was ignored in a restaurant. For the most part I have gotten terrific service. My biggest gripe with restaurants is expecting a very good meal and receiving a very poor meal. So disappointing.
She showed pics of both Beacon Hill and Faneuil Hall area. The restaurant she ate at was in the Faneuil area, so imagine the others were as well. Super touristy. No excuse for getting ignored either way.
Being from the Boston area I experienced this at a large furniture store recently. I walked out. The girl that cut my hair said sincerity is the greatest form of flattery, too fake it is to make it. She would talk about everyone when they left.
It's funny though because when people from out of the area visit my area in central massachusetts I've gotten multiple comments at the gas station I work at about how nice and helpful people in our area can be
Étant donné que la quasi-totalité de tes interactions aux États-Unis ont été excellentes, tu étais statistiquement destiné à rencontrer quelques emmerdeurs à un moment ou à un autre ! 🤷♂️🙈😎😉🤣🥰
Well that’s strange. If it had just happened in one place I would say that I’m surprised that you spent so much time in the US before it happened. But 3 in a row sounds like something was going on. Maybe they are all just short of help on Saturday. Anyway, I was relieved because the way you talked about it last week, I thought maybe something really terrible had happened.
I was a call center employee for years and experienced the cultural differences between the East Coast and the rest of the country daily. I learned not to take the East Coast big city attitude personally. They live on top of each other and value efficient interactions and seem impatient with everything but it’s generally not aimed at you despite how rude it feels.
I had clam chowder in Boston in a restaurant by the water where I could see the old ship USS Constitution out the window. For some other reasons, that day is one of my favorite go to memories.
I live two towns west of Boston and have experienced the same server ignorance in Boston. I think they are so overwhelmed with people that they take them for granted… and Management is obviously piss poor and removed in such places. Better for us to enjoy the suburban restaurants, than fight for attention in a hectic environment.
Yeah that area is actually terrible. It’s the manager who is nuts because it’s whoever that is fault. I did the restaurant grind myself for a while too. I got four tables and that was the limit. Most wait staff get no more than that. I don’t get why they are so rude.
Being ignored in a restaurant is something I experienced this summer. We were in a Brewpub in Northern Vermont, which just by looking, you could tell was understaffed. We were shown to our table and then we were ignored and nobody came to ask us if we wanted water or take our order. We waited 20-30 min before we wondered what was happening. We had to go up to the bar to get their attention that our table needed service, and we explained that we had other things we wanted to do as well. The guy behind the bar was nice about it and took care of our table from then on.
I'm an American and I've lived in 14 states (and four foreign countries) and have visited all but five states. I've not yet had a pleasant experience in Boston. My wife and I are planning a road trip through New England starting in Boston and then through all of New England as this is where the five states I've not visited are (Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont) . This will the last chance as far as I'm concerned for Boston as there are far too many wonderful friendly places to waste time in places that don't welcome people. My wife and I spent our 33rd wedding anniversary in Paris, and we had a much better time in Paris than we've had in Boston. I'm sorry, and embarrassed Ms. FrenchTastic Explorations had an unpleasant experience in the United States, Americans are so much better than that.
Eastern Mass has just too many darn people. You should give central and Western Mass a chance though. Went to school in the Berkshires and it’s just as beautiful out there as Vermont or NH. People are less stressed-out over that way than the Boston area as well.
Hi! I live in Boston. I am not originally from Boston but I’ve lived here now 25 years. I’ve lived in NY, Philly and Washington, DC and I’ve visited many other large cities in the US and abroad. I am always perplexed that people say Bostonians are rude because I have never experienced that as a rule. Of course there are rude people everywhere but I always felt that people here are generally friendly in a comforting casual way. But I never found the French rude either (I’ve only spent time in Paris and Nice but going back again to practice my French and explore in February). I am so sorry about your experience. It confuses me too! I hope if you come back, your impressions of this wonderful city and just beautiful part of the world will be better and more like what I think it’s really like here.
I started watching your videos when you visited Minnesota. Our son and his family live in a Boston Suburb. We really enjoy visiting them and seeing all the history in the area. I've never seen the rudeness that Boston is noted for, but then perhaps we have been protected by family. Keep up the fine work.
Let's not generalize. It was a sad and rude experience, but let's not forget about the rest of the trip - it was lovely. Also, let's not forget about my first time in Boston back in March, when I had a blast. Remember that kind firefighter who gave me his precious time answering my questions? His Boston accent was difficult to comprehend, but his kindness made a lasting impression on me 😊
I remember your conversation with the firefighter. As a student of the city's history, though, I'm able to pick up on residents who repeat myths that are untethered from the actual history. There's much touring of Boston's "revolutionary" history and the "heroes" of the "revolution"; but much of it is cleaned-up falsehood because "the victors write -- and embellish -- the history".
I work around the corner from the places where you had those rude experiences. I'm sorry that happened but it does, even to locals. I'm glad everything else was good. Come to Salem the next time you're in Boston. I think you would like it.
So sorry that happened to you anywhere in America. Inexcusable! ❤️
I’m from Boston, and I think you visited the restaurants along Union street. This can be a spotty area for service for some reason. I hope the rest of your experience here was filled with good personal encounters. We don’t need to be rude to such a sweet French girl !
No one ignored her on purpose they were just busy. I went to a place in Rome once and they ignored us because they were busy… I don’t make a RUclips video.
It was probably Green Dragon, Union Oyster, and Bell in Hand. Busy! You just need to get used to being assertive.
I walk out of restaurants when I'm treated that way.
Leave em a review.
It was nothing like Cheers, where everyone knows your name and they're always glad you came.
Not to mention you can meet local versions of Norm and Cliff!😂
Everyone knows your name if you are a regular!
@@Carlee08 It was at CHRERS, the Bar that everyone knew everyone's name.....not the city itself! 🙄
Funny (/sadly) enough, that horrid neighborhood is 100% touristy crap including a fake "Cheers" bar.
Leave the tourist areas and go to the other 95% of the greater Boston area, and every neighborhood has a dozen places where regulars and staff are all friends, service is fantastic, and the real Boston attitudes come out.
Sadly, the touristy areas are just complete and utter crap.
After 40 years working in restaurants, the only thing I found surprising was the 3 in a row. Some people open restaurants because they have the money, but no knowledge. 60% of new restaurants fail in the first year they are open, 20% more in the first 5 years. I'd say that poor service like you experienced is the main cause.
You should put a review of your experience on their website. That will probably get their attention.
Not in Boston. There you'll just get a "Hey, f*** you" and that's about it.
Appropriate to critique them!
Won't make a difference to them. They probably have all their regular customers, and that's all they need.
100% this. People pay attention because bad reviews can ruin their businesses here.
Well, to be fair, I am completely surprised every time that I am NOT ignored in a Paris restaurant.
100% this. The irony of a French person complaining about rude people in restaurants.
@@Slw1111really, I'm a Californian who doesn't speak any French, I've always been well treated in Paris. Rude Paris is not true, it's a myth.
I only had one bad experience in Paris, the rude Parisian is not common.
@@jimsanderson4180 Well, I spent 36 years laying over there 2 or 3 times a month. That’s a lot of dinners.
Exactly, and yet we're supposedto have sympathy from her when Americans are probably treated way worse abroad, give me a break 😅
Lifelong Greater Bostonian here, and this is not surprising at all. 😔 So very sorry you experienced this. Glad to see you spent some time down in the Seaport area…a newer and bustling spot.
And beyond the economics of most Bostonians.
Very true…
I've lived in Boston for over 30 years. The most rude and racists city in the US. People don't even hide it. And no matter what, everyone thinks they are right.
@@NoToBigBro Some parts of the city are more racist than others. Or are racist in different ways against other neighborhoods of the city. Mostly those are people who have never been outside their own neighborhood, let alone outside the city. I was shocked one day by a lifelong South End resident's outburst against people she presumed lived on Newbury Street.
But is Boston the most racist city? -- I don't think that's possible to measure from only living there. The reality is that there are "provincials" -- often also racists -- everywhere. And France requires one speak French, with a thin tolerance for tourists who "pollute" the environment by speaking (as example) English.
@@jnagarya519 Yes, I referred to rude, angry and entitled Bostonians as 495ers. They never traveled outside of route 495. Having traveled to just about every major cities in the US... MAJOR CITIES, for my job, I can confidently say Boston is one of the most if not the most racist city in the USA.
Don't take it personally and it's not just a Boston thing. This has happened to me a few times in the western USA too and also at a tour company in Mexico and a bunch of places in Taiwan. Ours was even worse, because we got ignored but then they helped people who came in AFTER us! And in Mexico and Taiwan it was definitely racial!
And I experienced this at a beach bar in Barbados. I stood at the bar for 5 minutes and the girl didn't acknowledge me.
There was even that one time in the French Pyranees, this lady didn't care that a line was forming outside her pizza stand, but at least she had the decency to acknowledge us.
Another one of my favorite was the Mexican guy at this museum, who was on his phone while I was standing there for two minutes, and after he lifted his head and saw me, he went right back to his phone. Even at my job there were people who would use any excuse to not help a customer. Customer service isn't for everyone. But again what upsets ME, is when they ignore ME but help OTHERS.
Humans, in general, still have a lot of growing up to do.
Living in Boston, but not being a Boston native, I can definitely picture these scenarios. There is a certain terrible attitude here in some people who feel that being rude and mean is ok. It makes no sense and I'm sorry you had to experience it! . You're absolutely right Marie to be upset and confounded about what happened. Sounds like at least one of those places needed a hostess or host to seat people as they come in. I am now curious what those 3 places were so I can make sure not to go! Glad place #4 was so much better. And I didn't know about that little Ben and Jerry's shop - I want to go there! I know Revere Beach. The best beaches are about an hour north of Boston but that takes planning and time. Thanks for this vlog!
In Boston it is a shock to discover that it actually can come down to neighborhoods that have negative attitudes toward each other. And any such neighborhood can be as small as a few blocks.
I know the street you went to. Those places are not great. They are bars that cater to college kids on weekend nights. As a native Bostonian I'm sorry you experienced the rudeness. I assure you we aren't all like that despite our reputation. I hope it doesn't dissuade you from coming back again. Love the channel!
Yup, you got to know your way around like any Big City !!
Man, we straight up are 🤣 I defend Boston just as much as the next Bostonian but even I know were all assholes lmfao. But its ok were raised like that. And if ya want proof look at our road rage, classic Boston!
This is my thought too. If you go to college bars for food, and look like college kids, odds are they think you're not going to tip appropriately, if at all, and with the cost of living here that's not ok.
My one piece of advice would be never leave without, in a nice way, presenting your concerns to whomever seems to be in charge (usually the guy/lady who seems to be doing nothing.) If he is an astute businessman he will greatly appreciate your calm directness. Such places usually thrive on word-of-mouth, but they can only react to poor service if you make them aware of it.
LOL they don't care, it was a busy restaurant. You're thinking when people used to be kind, that is no longer the US.
@@Nancy-n4o8k Some don't, but you have little complaint if you don't try to make them care. And, some people are still kind. Be one of them. If nothing else, you will feel better.
I'm not surprised at all. People in Philadelphia can be really rude, too.
agreed. Philly and NYC are perhaps the worst in the USA
Agreed. I went on a trip to both NYC and Philly in the same trip and was treated badly in both places. In Philly I befriended a couple of guys at a local bar. One of them suggested I go with him to this "really cool place". He took me to some dance club in a dangerous part of town and left me there. BTW I had a roommate at one time who went to college in Philly and he told me it was a rough part of town, although I did notice some weird things in the club. Anyway, I thankfully remembered my hotel name and just got a cab, but yeah, got left somewhere in the city alone.
City of Brotherly Love..Philadelphia
@@TylerD288Don't just go places with strangers in any city.
@@ericsierra-franco7802 I wholeheartedly agree. I used to like to live dangerously and I had somewhat of an invincibility complex back then. Thankfully, I'm well-passed those days.
The term "Massholes" exists for a reason... 😉
Hey buddy, It's a term of Endearment !! 😆🤣 Semper Fi
As a Mainiac I can attest to that
As a 35-year Massachusetts resident, I would describe many massholes like baguettes: tough and crusty on the outside, but pretty soft and maybe warm on the inside -- if you ever get beyond the superficials. But that's not an excuse for bad service.
I'm from Mass and I approve this message.
@@SeanGelarden Maine has quite an unfriendly reputation too. The northeast is a frosty unfriendly place in general (I know, I've lived here for 58 years). I have been to other parts of the country and have found people to be much more friendly for the most part. Family is the only thing keeping me here at atm... I hope to gtfo before I die.
A good friend of mine lives in Boston and every time she visits me in Houston, she can't stop commenting on how nice and helpful all the service industry people are here (as well as the people on the street). She's always mentioning how unfriendly people in Boston are. She also was a waitress at one time and consequently gives out huge tips, hugs and thanks to all these people. 😀 Sorry you had a bad experience.
This is not the first time I have heard this about Boston. I have heard good and bad. It still is a great place to visit if you like history, I have heard.
LOL!!!!!!! The French complaining about rude people! This is an isolated experience, but in France it is to be expected.
Try not to mix the people of Paris with the rest of France. Even the French think Parisians are rude.
Paris is horrible but it's not isolated to be treated like this in Boston. I have lived in MA my whole life, born in Chelsea. I keep moving further west because I can't deal with the horrible angry attitude. 9 more years and I won't be a Massachusetts resident anymore
I’m an American and I’ve been all over the US for work. I’m not saying everyone in Boston is a miserable jerk, but I’ve never been treated anywhere the way I’ve been treated in Boston. Cursed at for no reason. Had stuff thrown at my car. Had a guy at a restaurant say he wanted to fight me for reasons I still can’t figure out. There’s a lot of great history in Boston. And it’s a beautiful city. So it makes me sad to say I avoid it like the plague.
I live in Boston (although not originally from here). I find Boston's bad reputation entirely undeserved. I have lived in various other cities both in and outside the U.S. and I've traveled around quite a bit and the fact is there are nice people everywhere and there are jerks everywhere.
I guess that's why they called it Boss-town, yuk yuk.
I've been in Boston for years and NEVER been cursed at for no reason and never had things thrown at my car nor do i know anyone whose had that happen.
I am from the Midwest and I have been there and New England several times and I would agree that it is not hospitable like it is in the South. However, the golden rule generally works. I have a good friend and high school classmate from Ireland who lives in Boston. It has been a long time since I have been there but recently my brother went there and asked that friend of ours for some tips. He said that while Bostonians have a rough exterior that if you handle them right then you can get what you want or need. When my brother went to park on the street outside a hotel there, he had a security guard yell at him for trying to park where he was parking outside the hotel. So he then asked the guy where he could park and the fellow went and moved some construction cones to let him into a different area to park and he was fine. My brother could have just moved on and come to the conclusion that the man was a jerk but instead he played dumb and got what he wanted. That is just how they have to be handled. Where I am from, that fellow would be a jerk but we have to recognize that there is such a thing as a different culture and deal with it how it is. I could never live in the Northeast urban areas but that is why I don’t live there. I much prefer the South or the Midwest and that is where I live.
Just saying (no hate intended) that my mom was born in Paris, me in New York, and when I went to France, the moment me and my wife spoke english in stores or anywhere else, we too were totally ignored. Once, in Dartee (appliance store in the metro) we asked an employee something, and he and his co-workers slowly moved away from us altogether ...
So that is something that happens throughout the world ...
Classy and sophisticated NYC and Paris!
C'mon...France gave us Lady Liberty, French Fries and French Toast!😋... For that alone ..France deserves a Pardonne...😁
Sorry to hear it. I'm a 67 year old American and have to admit that once I retired and didn't have to be in large cities I simply avoided them. Much happier now that I've moved to a small town where everyone has learned to live together without constant conflict. Truly if I go somewhere that is in business to provide a service and I'm ignored, I'M GONE. It's called voting with your feet.
Honestly not shocked it was Boston…. that’s probably not a more rude city in this country.
there is not 'constant conflict' in cities... there's barely occasional conflict.
Going from Minnesota Nice to Massholes gotta be a culture shock
We call them Massholes for a reason.
No lie. You could hardly have a bigger difference than going from the midwest to the urban northeast.
Oh ya..... she loved Minnesota and was treated very good.
It's just Boston guys, all of Massachusetts is not like that.
@@surf6009 It’s “ja” not “ya.” :-D
You have to be assertive in Boston. And people are not friendly right away
thank you for sharing the good AND THE BAD with us! 👍☺
I live in MA, and I've worked in the restaurant business here in the past. There's a lot of "that's not my job" that goes on in restaurants here, and I can't really blame the staff for that attitude, given how poorly they are paid and how poorly they are treated by the restaurant managers and owners in general - not every restaurant, but a lot of them, maybe a majority. Usually, seating guests is the responsibility for whoever is working the front desk, and if you were there before the lunch rush started, there's a good chance that that person was the manager, and the manager was busy somewhere else. Of course, that doesn't excuse being made to feel invisible.
I have been ignored at restaurants. I just leave and never go back. There are many other choices. What happens is they close. Three times in one day is bizarre.
I'm so very sorry about your unpleasant experience. I'm so happy that you still kept such a positive attitude about it. I wish you only joyful, happy adventures. Remember to be safe and, most of all, have fun. 🤠
If you go to Philadelphia, be warned, it's worse than Boston. Pittsburgh is friendly.
Yeah I don't think Philly ever got over losing their bid to be America's capital, lol.
It was probably your Steelers jersey.
I lived/worked about 15 miles outside Philadelphia, The locals hated the city and avoided going there. Similar to Boston in being super historical, but unfriendly places.
Nonsense take. Lived in Philly for decades and it’s unheard of that a restaurant or bar or service industry folk would do this…. The brotherly love is actually a streak that shines through…. The persona of some there is toughness and not arrogance… big diff, one of the two is detestable and the other a valid identity based on the blue collar identity
@@loboheeler I'm 15 miles outside Philly and love the city. Don't let reactionary suburbanites poison your mind,
I admire you for explaining the situation you encountered that morning. It shows me you have a lot of guts. Because, this situation can really open up a can of worms. Especially in light of the fact that there are a lot of rivalries between various groups at play. But I'm kind of glad you did. It shows that there can be imperfections, especially imperfect people, in a place that one would think should not happen. It happened in a very posh, and high-end area. In a high-priced business that depends on high quality service so people won't mind spending all of their hard-earned money at their establishment. The treatment that you and your traveling friend was absolutely unacceptable. The fact that you experience this horrible treatment three times in a row, all before noon, is astonishing. It is a crazy streak of bad luck. I'm so glad your bad luck streak went the other way and you got good luck at your fourth place. It is good that you had somebody else with you, and another couple of customers who went through this experience with you. Because, it's softens the blow. If you were alone it would have probably felt much worse. But, the staff at the 4th establishment saved the day, and your emotions. Being treated that badly by rude and ignorant people for no reason at all, does play with one's emotions. It actually hurt my feelings hearing about all this. You and your friend handled correctly by just walking out of there. There is no point in getting in an argument with these people. There were other more deserving people of your patronage. I think it was a very relatable experience for all of us. No matter who we are, where we are from, nor where are we happen to be; we all have experienced this sort of situation from time to time. Not only from bad restaurant staff, book from miserable people in other walks of life. Like the Canadian border guard. I am happy that you didn't allow these experiences to Jade you, I'm glad the rest of your day was wonderful. Your trip to Boston ended on a high note. Well done Marie. 😊❤
Also, it allowed many of your followers to express their, otherwise unexplored, emotions in the comment section. I found many of the comments interesting intriguing and sometimes a little funny with some of the back and forth banter relating to their regional rivalries. 😂
I can't wait to see your , up-and-coming, Kansas City video. Though the temperature may not be so refreshing during that time of year in Missouri, the southern hospitality certainly should be refreshing.❤
Marie please don’t judge every American or places in America on one bad experience. So sorry and embarrassed that you had to deal with that but we want you to return and enjoy all that we have to offer. I know that every place in every country can be bad depending but I hope your remaining time here went well.
I’m not choosing a side here, but it’s ironic hearing a French person complaining about Bostonian rudeness.
I am so sorry you had this experience. I will be visiting Boston next month and I certainly will NOT visit restaurants in this area. As an American this is so embarrassing.
Note from the menu shown at 8:36 that Marie ended up at a restaurant called The Point. Go to that one.
Oh my goodness Marie. That's definitely not the way to a restaurant. And more than one wow. Come back to Tennessee and you will experience that southern hospitality. 😊
Southern hospitality sure, but don’t tell her about the backwards Southern politics.
Boston isn't known for its "friendliness".
I live here and it's like every part of America. We have rich stuffy period who are rude aholes and we have salt of the earth genuinely kind people. I live here and I've met both. That's life. Good and bad. There are more good people than bad though
@@mione134 True...its just that some areas have a higher percentage of the bad than others
@@mione134there’s a certain pretentiousness that you Bostonians have, I’m from Philly, been to New York and have family there, been to Boston multiple times. Yes we are all similar but the Bostonians are us but much more pretentious.
I'm from Boston and I've been to Philadelphia. People from Philly tend to be a little nicer @@kevcolli6678
I'm so sorry you experienced that. It upsets me as an American that you, who works so hard showing the wonders and beauty of the country, has been treated so rudely. Fortunately, it's the exception, not the rule.
I don't comment very often but been a subscriber for years as I really enjoy following you around on your journeys! I have been to alot of cities here in the US and Boston was by FAR the rudest place I have been and on a much larger scale as a whole. I also met some really great people there and had some wonderful times as well but yes experienced alot of rudeness and just meanness there too. Hope the rest of your trip got better!
Sorry for your bad experience. However, I haven't been in Boston, but when I visited LA and San Francisco, I had positive experiences and I still remember as a good memory.
The good news about Marie is she will not base her bad experience as the typical experience for America. She has travelled a lot in the USA now so she has had a variety of experiences both regionally and individually. We should be so considerate as travellers as she has become if and when we visit countries outside our shores.
That part of the city looks beautiful, it's too bad you were treated so rudely. Thanks for sharing more of your travel adventures Marie!
I live in Maryland and one time when my cousin came to visit my sister and I took her to this restaurant, were seated and then promptly ignored. My sister finally went to who she believed was the manager and complained (nothing extreme just to let him know) and he waited on our table himself and gave us a discount on our meals. I know, one time doesn't seem like much, but my sister and I went to that same restaurant (chain restaurant) in Virginia to visit another cousin and got the same exact treatment. I've never gone back to either place. As my other sister says, this is a democracy and I vote with my dollar.
Buffalo Wild Wings?
You experienced Minnesota Nice and Southern Charm before going to boston. Having lived in all three places, it's not too surprising. When you live in a city that's overrun with students from all over the world, the locals can tend to be protective of themselves and isolating of strangers.
Genuine question: then what about cities like Madrid, Rome or Paris? When it comes to strangers... we talk tens of millions every year there. How do you explain your statement? Are the people afraid? Are a bunch of students enough to make nice people into prickly snobs?
@@nox8730 some Americans are truly strange. I'm American, but I've traveled enough in Europe enough to know I probably belong there instead of the U.S., but I'm not going through all the trouble of moving so I'll just stay in my rude country. I will say though it's not every person or every place.
@@TylerD288 Thank you very much for answering.
Yeah, it is very much obvious that it isn't every person everywhere. Generalisations are only tendencies. So, even when you all call them "Massholes", even though it is a generalisation that feels so damn rude, i understand that it means "some of them are Massholes".
But yes, your answer is what i expected: "those who behave like that behave like that because they have masshole tendencies from the start". Which makes sense.
I am a very different french from the girl in this video, myself. I speak my mind, ask the questions as they come, and it seems i offended one of your fellow american in my own comment. Well... i can't help it. I am not good at dealing with censorship.
Regards. Have the nicest day of all.
@@nox8730 no worries. Gotta speak your mind! Have a good one!
@@nox8730 Rome and Paris aren’t nice cities either 😂
Rudeness happens everywhere unfortunately. Drew Binksy is a popular travel blogger and he recently did a video about the 20 biggest cultural differences Americans experience in Europe. The first example shows him and his wife trying to get a waiters attention while in Salzburg Austria. Sounds similar to what you experienced. Also, Paris is top of the charts when it comes to rudeness. At least the handful of times I’ve been there. Totally different from the rest of France, which is pretty friendly!
45 min North of Boston here... this is the SAME experience I had in Paris.😂
No one goes to Boston (or Paris) for the people.😂
Yeah, especially since Boston has no culture worth the term. Still a provincial backwater, after all these years.
@@matthewnoto9380 Boston has no culture? Lmao thats the lamest thing anyone has ever said.
@@paulsmith8510no worries, he probably learned about the “War of Northern Aggression” as a child. Or learned nothing at all.
@@matthewnoto9380
Boston and Cambridge have quite a bit of university student "culture" ! Every year, some [moving?] truck(s) got their top shaved off or got stuck under an overpass above Storrow Drive. 😮
@@matthewnoto9380
I think that many people worldwide move to and from Boston for college and university education.
the same thing happened to me in paris 45 years ago. so i went straight to the train station and left not just paris but france itself.
Oh girl, I’m so sorry you experienced that. If that ever happens to you in the South… someone is getting fired… it does happen but RARELY. That’s terrible!
Bostonian here. I'm sorry you went through this. But this isnt surprising. Various restaurants in the city are pretty different from each other especially Hennessey's. It's a type of dive bar for sports fans so their service isnt going to be top notch but they do have affordable prices. I have traveled everywhere in the world myself and the most I can say about Boston is that people are for sure pretty blunt and especially for Hennessey's, they expect customers to walk in and ask a waitress themselves, "do we sit ourselves or do we wait for a hostess?". I can see how you find it rude but it's not intentional even though they clearly know you're there. It's a type of situation like, "if she doesnt ask, I wont answer." type of deal too. It's a different type of culture that im aware you're not used to so you have every right to feel what you expressed. Not defending them at all but in the end of the day, it's not personal.
I enjoy hearing the drama! I've definitely heard of Boston being known for rudeness, but I'm glad you found a welcoming place for lunch.
I'm from Boston and I ain't surprised. That's a big reason why I stayed in LA 26 years.
Come on down to Charleston South Carolina.
You never meet a more kind genteel polite and friendly group of people as you will encounter here.
Hi. Life long South Boston resident. Like the other commenters mentioned the area where you were is very touristy and unfortunately the management and staff were not grateful that you walked into their establishment. They have the volume and loose sight of the guests. I’m glad you posted the pictures of our country’s flag a few times. There are not enough flying now.
I'll preface this by saying that I'm 66, live in the pacific northwest, and have never been to Boston.
That being said, I've heard many times throughout my years that many Bostonians can be quite rude. I've also experienced problems dealing with a few who have moved here.
I'm sure there are plenty of nice people in Boston, but I've always seemed to hear about the rude ones. 😁
Because we usually are very matter of fact people. And people who aren't from here usually can't handle that
I've only been to Boston once but when I was there I was shocked at how rude our waitress was. You are not the only one who has had a rough experience in Boston.
Ah, Boston. It's part of the US, but it's not representative of the whole US. Sorry that you encountered a few Massholes.
No, it does represent the rest of the country. She met a$$holes. No one I know would treat anyone like that.
Yes, every country has a few and every state. Sorry Marie even native people get it occasionally.😉
@@brealistic3542 👍
See the film "1776" for Boston _vis-a-vis_ the other colonies at the beginning of the so-called "revolution". Boston, and Massachusetts, lead the independence movement, while many of the other colonies, including the slave-holding south, sided with the King of England.
John Adams (see the HBO mini-series "John Adams") wrote the Massachusetts constitution, establishing separation of powers, and which was the model for the U.S. Constitution.
Rudeness? States like Texas attempting to tell Boston that it knows better than Boston what the Constitution is about.
@@jnagarya519 JFC. What a masshole.
You need to visit the Southern United States. Charleston, Nashville, Savannah, Pensacola, Oxford, Little Rock.. ALL are fine and friendly places. Most of the Northeast United States is like Boston.
You should try going to France as an American if you don't sleek perfect French.
Bad customer service can happen anywhere, so I'm happy to see it doesn't affect you, either. I love your videos and your charming French accent. I love the intro animation, too...
Marie, it sucks that you had that negative experience, but to be honest, when being a tourist, it's bound to happen if you're a tourist long enough. Luckily, you've gone quite a long time and only had a few bad experiences. I hope that continues to be the trend. I hope you got a chance to get out of the city into the smaller towns. It's also funny to see how quickly your brain switches from one language to another. Not too long ago you were in the States having difficulty with French and now you're back home and having difficulty with English. 😃 Oh, the joys of being an adventurer! Anyway, thanks for bringing us along. Take care and keep smiling!
I'm long time Boston Guy (65') now living in NH the last 30 yrs, couldn't stand the Taxes and Politics of Mass !! Because I'm from Boston I know there will be "Ahole" moments in the city of any big city in the USA etc. All I can say is don't let it bother you next time just let them know and walk out, it's what all locals do and more !! Lol 😆 You must "Thick'n your skin" in America !! 👍 Semper Fi
I've never visited Boston, but I've been to New York, which is not to far away. There is a joke about the strangers you might meet on a sidewalk in New York. It goes something like this: Visitor: "Pardon me, sir, but could you tell me the present time?
NYC Denizen: "Do I look like a clock?"
So, the big cities on the East Coast may very well have fewer nice people than Minnesota.
To the clock response I would say yes, minus the L.
not in the south
Completely the opposite in places like Wilmington, Charleston or Savannah.
Nicest people you will meet in the USA.
that's just a stereotype. I have family in NYC, been to the city many times. Never experienced anything like that. They aren't shy and are more forward. It's just a personality difference.
I have been to NYC multiple times and have never had this problem. People mistake their abruptness for rudeness.
been to NY and Boston just once each... Everyone was awesome in NY and super kind. Boston; I felt like people were A holes. As if they wore it as a sense of pride.
Sorry about your experience. Unfortunately I'm not surprised. I moved to Boston from NYC 30 years ago and still haven't gotten used to the rudeness you can face from businesses that are supposed to provide service and in the general communities. Yes I stayed here for reasons of my own and not *everyone * is rude. But as American cities are concerned this is one of the most unfriendly
Not everybody is as nice as we are in Wisconsin. I'm sorry you had to experience that Marie.
We love having you here in the States.
It's all the dairy. 🤣
I had one experience where I went to a restaurant I had frequented before, this time with a female friend. It is a small place and there were a handful of employees sitting at a table, possibly having a staff meeting. That is all fine; companies need to have meetings. But they could have said, "we're having a meeting, would you mind coming back a little later?" or something to that effect. But they didn't say anything to us, just ignoring us, similar to what you described. We waited for a while and nobody said a word to us, so we left. I haven't been back there since.
Service in restaurants has suffered since COVID 19. It’s a shame.
Per Boston regulations, employers are required to pay tipped employees, including waiters, at least the full minimum wage ($15.00 per hour as of 2022) for all hours worked. So, waitstaff doesn't live off tips in Boston.
That is not correct. There is ballot question on this topic in November but as of today tipped waitstaff in Boston do not make minimum wage guaranteed.
@@whathe2100 You are wrong but let me rephrase this. The total hourly rate for a tipped employee, INCLUDING tips, must equal at least the Massachusetts minimum wage of $15.00 per hour. If the total hourly rate does not meet this threshold, the employer must make up the difference. (M.G.L. ch. 151 §7). If an employee makes $0 in tips the employer must pay them the full $15. The ballot measure is to make the employer give then the full $15 AND the employee gets to keep all tips by 2029. My point is valid, they don't require tips to make $15 an hour.
@david-1775 so you just posted this to prove he was correct? The tipped wage system is still essentially the same. The only change was that the the total the employer has to pay out in the event of no tips is higher. Still the customers tips are paying the wages. It's not the win for tipped workers you think it is. Yes tipped workers live off tips.
@@princesspaihana No, the federal minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour. That means, if wait staff want money, they rely on tips. Do you get that? Can you understand that? In MA they get $15 per hour whether they provide good service or not. IT IS NOT THE SAME !!!
It might have been a restaurant where a reservation was required, especially if it was a snooty place around Beacon Hill. If it was a $$$ restaurant, it’s the money thing, not a Boston thing. You’ll see that in any city where there are uber rich people who want to reserve some fine dining to themselves and not let anyone else come in.
When I first started going to Boston on business, I kept hearing on "news from the hub." It meant hub of the universe, the inherent "better than thou" of Eastern Massachusetts. I went into a store with a great customer service reputation in Seattle, but the Boston store ignored me too.
Note that Jan and I spent 10 days in Paris with a swing out to Caen (101st Airborne father-in-law) and toured some of the D-Day sites. We were given great customer service in Paris and had wonderful interactions with people on the train to and from Caen.
Love your videos, especially the Normandy ones.
Hello! Sorry this happened in my home state of Massachusetts. You are super nice, so I expect that it will be rare that people are rude to you.
Your channel is awesome!
Bon Jour, thank you for your heart felt videos. Your gratefulness in the video you posted when you visited the war memorial sites at Normandy was very touching. I'm sorry you were treated unprofessionally in Boston. You're not alone. It has become pervasive all over. It's a sign of people's upbringing and lack of conscience. Karma comes around always and there's always a price to pay. Don't let that experience deter your visit. Keep on going, you are a good person. Thank you for your videos.
Being treated badly in Boston...That totally tracks
I believe the area you were was Beacon Hill or the Faneuil Hall area with all the cobblestone streets. Sorry about the experience, it is a very touristy area and service is hit or miss. I experience this from time to time and it is usually the fault of the management not training the waitstaff properly to be hospitable. Please enjoy the rest of your time here.
I think you will find that entire Northeast region from Boston to Philadelphia to be generally more rude than the rest of the country. It is not that everyone there is rude, but you are just more likely to encounter rude people there, and the locals have become accustomed to it.
You have to get at least 50 miles away from Boston to get away from the real jerks. The drivers can be dangerous to be around, especially on the rotaries (roundabouts).
I moved from various states in the Midwest to Boston over a decade ago. I agree that there's a culture shock. My midwestern friendliness was mistaken for "I'm easy and interested" by a LOT of pervy guys, and as "I'm foolish, naive, and just plain stupid" by pretty much all native Bostonians. The only people who were decently nice to me were other out of towners. I had to learn pretty quick to put my guard up and be a little "gruff" around everybody just to avoid being targeted. With that said, once you get used to it, I actually prefer Boston to anywhere in the Midwest. I pretty much just keep to myself now and have minimal interaction with people unless absolutely necessary -- an introvert's dream! This isn't possible in the Midwest were everybody wants to get into your personal business and gossip behind your back bc they have nothing better to do. Bostonians are so preoccupied trying to keep up with their own lives that they don't care what you're up to 😂 Also I am not white, and that plays into it a lot. There's a lot of diversity in Boston, so nobody blinks an eye as I go about my business, but in the Midwest not only am I the only non white for miles, but white people who do live there are insanely racist. They pretend to be friendly and strike up a conversation, and as soon as you try to be friendly back, they hit you with every nasty racist spiel they have and then smile really big like they delight in it. Of course not everybody, but maybe 50% are actively racist, 45% are complicitly silent /approving of that behavior, and a mere 5% MIGHT speak up or show disapproval.
Sorry you had such a bad experience. I've been to Boston a few times and can't say I've really experienced that, myself. And yes the same bars and restaurants as 1:36. Some of the oldest continuously running places in the US.
Bad customer service will exist everywhere you go. There is just no pleasing everyone unfortunately. You can't let it get to you though; you just gotta nod, smile and move on. See you in Kansas City! 🍻🌞✈️🌎🇺🇸
Im so sorry you experience that multiple times in my hometown state. Yea you was in the downtown area and sometimes people that work in the bars etc they can be tough but im glad you made the best of it on your 2nd time here in my city. Boston welcomes you back anytime you wanna come. =)
I had the same thing happen at a Red Lobster in Wilmington, DE and I'm American.
I live in Wilmington De and customer service is horrible here. I’ve lived in 10 states, due to husband being in military, and this is the most unfriendly place I have ever lived. I miss the South every day.
Oh Marie .... I'm so sorry that happened to you. That is really disappointing to hear. It is absolutely wrong for an employee to behave that way. I was up in Boston for an extended time this year in the south end. I was amazed at how polite and helpful the locals were. Maybe its different in Beacon Hill where it looks like you were, but the wait staff should have simply told you that the restaurant was full.
Midwest, and Southern US is far different from Northeast and Northwest part of US
Sorry that happened, I have not had that happen in Boston but have had it happen before in other places. If you want to get a true Ben and Jerry’s experience you need to go and have a tour of the Ben and Jerry’s in Waterbury VT and check out all the shops on that street. Stowe VT is beautiful as well.
Boston is way worse than NYC as far as rudeness goes. We honeymooned in Boston, Martha’s Vineyard and Providence RI back in ‘98…and I still remember how rude some people were in Boston. MV was amazing…granted it was off-season (early Nov), so not near as busy as the summer.
My guess is one of the places was “The White Bull Tavern”. Your experience is identical to mine. I have been working in that area for quite a long time. We decided to go there for lunch and the place was practically empty. After 15 minutes of waiting, we got up and walked out. We have never gone back. I did leave a bad and earned review on Yelp where I found many more horrible reviews!!!
I’m so sorry you had such a bad experience. There’s no excuse for that kind of behavior towards anyone. What arse~holes!
Over the past 50 years I can think of only a few times when I was ignored in a restaurant. For the most part I have gotten terrific service. My biggest gripe with restaurants is expecting a very good meal and receiving a very poor meal. So disappointing.
Yeah. No one told you. That part of town is called "Beacon Hill". That's where all the snobby people live. They hate tourists.
She showed pics of both Beacon Hill and Faneuil Hall area. The restaurant she ate at was in the Faneuil area, so imagine the others were as well. Super touristy. No excuse for getting ignored either way.
Being from the Boston area I experienced this at a large furniture store recently. I walked out. The girl that cut my hair said sincerity is the greatest form of flattery, too fake it is to make it. She would talk about everyone when they left.
There are more than 330 million people in the US, and some of them are rude. You should meet the cashiers at my local Stop & Shop.
It's funny though because when people from out of the area visit my area in central massachusetts I've gotten multiple comments at the gas station I work at about how nice and helpful people in our area can be
Étant donné que la quasi-totalité de tes interactions aux États-Unis ont été excellentes, tu étais statistiquement destiné à rencontrer quelques emmerdeurs à un moment ou à un autre ! 🤷♂️🙈😎😉🤣🥰
Well that’s strange. If it had just happened in one place I would say that I’m surprised that you spent so much time in the US before it happened. But 3 in a row sounds like something was going on. Maybe they are all just short of help on Saturday.
Anyway, I was relieved because the way you talked about it last week, I thought maybe something really terrible had happened.
I was a call center employee for years and experienced the cultural differences between the East Coast and the rest of the country daily. I learned not to take the East Coast big city attitude personally. They live on top of each other and value efficient interactions and seem impatient with everything but it’s generally not aimed at you despite how rude it feels.
I had clam chowder in Boston in a restaurant by the water where I could see the old ship USS Constitution out the window. For some other reasons, that day is one of my favorite go to memories.
I have friends in Boston...they're A$$holes...and frankly quite proud of it 😅😅😅
I live two towns west of Boston and have experienced the same server ignorance in Boston. I think they are so overwhelmed with people that they take them for granted… and Management is obviously piss poor and removed in such places. Better for us to enjoy the suburban restaurants, than fight for attention in a hectic environment.
Yeah that area is actually terrible. It’s the manager who is nuts because it’s whoever that is fault. I did the restaurant grind myself for a while too. I got four tables and that was the limit. Most wait staff get no more than that. I don’t get why they are so rude.
Being ignored in a restaurant is something I experienced this summer. We were in a Brewpub in Northern Vermont, which just by looking, you could tell was understaffed. We were shown to our table and then we were ignored and nobody came to ask us if we wanted water or take our order. We waited 20-30 min before we wondered what was happening. We had to go up to the bar to get their attention that our table needed service, and we explained that we had other things we wanted to do as well. The guy behind the bar was nice about it and took care of our table from then on.
Lived in KC for 10 years. I’ll be curious to see if you visit any familiar sites. Hope you get to experience good KC BBQ.
I think she did go to Kansas City. But not totally sure. Two months ago or so?
I'm an American and I've lived in 14 states (and four foreign countries) and have visited all but five states. I've not yet had a pleasant experience in Boston. My wife and I are planning a road trip through New England starting in Boston and then through all of New England as this is where the five states I've not visited are (Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont) . This will the last chance as far as I'm concerned for Boston as there are far too many wonderful friendly places to waste time in places that don't welcome people. My wife and I spent our 33rd wedding anniversary in Paris, and we had a much better time in Paris than we've had in Boston. I'm sorry, and embarrassed Ms. FrenchTastic Explorations had an unpleasant experience in the United States, Americans are so much better than that.
Make sure you have some pizza in Connecticut!
Eastern Mass has just too many darn people. You should give central and Western Mass a chance though. Went to school in the Berkshires and it’s just as beautiful out there as Vermont or NH. People are less stressed-out over that way than the Boston area as well.
Should of stayed in Minnesota young lady. lol
Ahh, a fellow Minnesotan who came here to say the exact same thing that I was going to say.
I agree. Her Minnesota videos were fabulous.
@@melissaolson6108 I loved them! It was amazing seeing someone who isn’t from here, enjoy the places that I’ve loved since I was a little kid.
I concur. She should visit Minnesota again.
Her next trip to Minnesota needs to explore the NW side, where there's steam threshing conventions, the best living exhibits in the entire USA.
Hi! I live in Boston. I am not originally from Boston but I’ve lived here now 25 years. I’ve lived in NY, Philly and Washington, DC and I’ve visited many other large cities in the US and abroad. I am always perplexed that people say Bostonians are rude because I have never experienced that as a rule. Of course there are rude people everywhere but I always felt that people here are generally friendly in a comforting casual way. But I never found the French rude either (I’ve only spent time in Paris and Nice but going back again to practice my French and explore in February). I am so sorry about your experience. It confuses me too! I hope if you come back, your impressions of this wonderful city and just beautiful part of the world will be better and more like what I think it’s really like here.
A French person complaining about rudeness?
I started watching your videos when you visited Minnesota. Our son and his family live in a Boston Suburb. We really enjoy visiting them and seeing all the history in the area. I've never seen the rudeness that Boston is noted for, but then perhaps we have been protected by family.
Keep up the fine work.