Opinions...

So I went to the Aya Sophia. It started life as a church, and was then converted into a mosque. Now, it's a museum. And museums are full of school groups.

I'm standing there reading my book, describing all of the mosaics. The kids encircle me, encroaching on my private space. So I look up and say, "Hello."

I look around and get no response, and go back to my book.

Then, one boy says, "English?"

I reply, "Yes."

One girl asks me where I'm from, and given the reply, gives me a thumbs up. "America is very good."

I tell them my name, and they have me repeat theirs. They are herded off to the next point of interest...

Contrast this to the opinion of most of the Europeans I meet. They see Americans as loud, insecure, and bad dressers.

I feel maligned.