Eight Ways to Say “I’m American” While Traveling without Saying “I’m American!”

At the top of Table Mountain in 2010. I’m certain we had these flags because the World Cup was happening in Cape Town. Either way, this old picture makes me cringe a bit today.

Preface: Early on during my first solo trip, I was reminded by a nice guy from Colombia that his country — Colombia — is a part of “The Americas.” So are a lot of other countries. His point was that travelers and most folks from the United States identify themselves as “American,” which is just strange and feels pompous or myopic. Since then, I’ve always said: “The States…. Wisconsin… Milwaukee…,” in that exact order, whenever I’m asked where I’m from. I think it’s bizarre that we’ve claimed “American” as a single country out of 35 countries that make up The Americas. I will say “American” here when referring to individuals from the U.S.A. because it’s the most widely understood and used term — but in my heart, I’m still with the friendly Colombian. It’s strange, inaccurate, and egoistic (how very American).

Let’s begin — — —

I’m not sure who I was with. I’m not even sure where I was. This travel memory is one of those where all the edges are blurred, the vignette’s hazy border dialed up to 100, and I just remember this single question asked of me by a new travel mate over fried plantains and black beans. He might have been Belgian or Argentinian. I don’t recall. What I do remember is his asking me, “So, what part of the States are you from?”