An American in Poland

I was in Poland for business this week. There were 4 days of someone else's meetings, then 1 day for my global team to meet. Since I'm a very informal guy I made a point to my team that dress for the day was casual.

Before I leave for a trip to Europe I make a decision. Do I want to try to blend in (pack earth toned clothes) or not (my normal stuff). On this trip - for no real reason - I decided not. So I just packed whatever was on top in my closets.

As I came down for the Friday meeting I had basic clothes on. Nothing special. Well, at least not to me.

I turned the corner and ran into Andy. He's my business partner. He's an Irish who grew up in England. He take a quick look at me, gives me the kind of look that suggests I should maybe check my zipper, then says in his very cool English accent "Denis! Could you *possibly* look any more American?"

I took a moment to look at myself. American flag motif polo short, blue jeans, bright yellow running shoes I won in a race a few years back, and a black Starbury baseball cap. Hmm. He may have a point.

Andy was still incredulous. He went on "Really! I mean it. This is the equivalent of a French guy coming down with a vest covering a blue and white striped shirt wearing a beret!"

That was pretty funny. But it had no effect on me - I headed of to the meeting with me team softly humming the "I'm proud to be an American" song. Now of course I'm not always that proud, but in this situation I really couldn't escape it.

Now I really have to think hard about what I pack next time over...