[redwitch]

I've gotta admit that San Franciscans aren't all that kind to tourists, but we do have our reasons (aka excuses) -- many don't speak English, so it's useless to try to help them unless you're fluent in about 20 languages; standing on a corner in the business district with a map out during lunch hour is not going to get you brownie points; taking the BART train or the trolleys or any form of public transportation with your shopping bags during commute times is inconsiderate (either leave earlier or hang around a bit and go later, but not between 7:00-9:00 am or 4:30-5:30 pm. So, it probably should be high the list (surprised it didn't rank higher than it did).

Totally agree that L.A. is a very rude town. Drivers are nuts; walking is done for exercise only; and I dare you to ask for directions -- you'll get something incomprehensible, a shrug of the shoulders or total ignorance. I've found NYers to be much friendlier and willing to help a tourist than either LA or SF. Since I'd probably be shot, I'll keep my mouth shut about Bostonians and their attitudes when in their city or, worse, when they are visiting another city such as SF (hint: don't compare your town to every other town -- each town has its own charms and beauty).