Cynthia

I will be visiting Greece, Switzerland and France during June, July. What American items my I give as gifts to my hostesses?

s.fowler

The suggestion I've often seen made on this forum is to bring something small, but unique from your area. ["small" leaves out the cheesehead hats] <BR>When I've been travelling in the late autumn I often take calenders for the next year of regional sites. Perhaps refrigerator magnets? Tea towels? from the tourist areas?

Maira

If you do a text search by 'gifts' you'll find tons of ideas that previous posters have gotten (this is a fairly common question). In the event the search engine is mis-behaving (also common), the following is a copy of some ideas I posted a while ago: <BR> <BR>"-I think a basket with American brand products could be quite an ice-breaker. Starbucks coffee, nachos, salsa, Cape Cod toffee (sp?), Orville R. popcorn, maple syrup from Vermont, a jar of cranberry preserves from Massachussetts, homemade applesauce from NY apples, a calendar with pictures of your town, a framed small picture of your family in your house, a little toy for their pet (if they have one), Finger Lakes wine bottle?-" <BR> <BR>Cynthia, the previous poster had a Western NY connection, and so the strong northeastern US flare. Customize accordingly; I am sure you got the idea.

Debbie

Cynthia-living only 17 miles from the Wisconsin border(and a Wisconsin university graduate)I would recommend the following: smoked sausage from Usingers/processed cheese spread,dried cranberries or dried cherries from the Door County or Eagel River area,rice(dark and long grained) from the northern area or how about cheese soup mixes?Its too bad that you can't take along one of those WONDERFUL Wisconsin State Fair cream puffs.........Debbie

Sophia

Hi, Cynthia-- <BR> <BR>The suggestions that others have given you are great! A couple of caveats, though (I am a Greek-American who has lived in Athens for long stretches)... <BR> <BR>-Starbucks (or any other brand of American-style coffee) might not work--the vast majority of Greeks don't drink American-style coffee, and your hosts probably won't have a drip coffee maker. (Occasionally, you can find French-pressed coffee or espresso in homes and restaurants.) <BR> <BR>Most Greeks drink very strong, thick, Middle Eastern-style coffee (often called "Turkish" coffee in the U.S.--but be very careful to call it "Greek" coffee while in Greece!) American-style coffee is generally limited to instant Nescafe--which is used to make a totally addictive, Frappucino-style beverage called "frappe" (pronounced frah-PAY). <BR> <BR>Cheese from Wisconsin would be a great gift. In return, be sure to try some excellent Greek cheeses--there's a great variety besides feta! (Try some kasseri or myzithra, for starters.) <BR> <BR>Have a great time--and after visiting the Acropolis, Plaka, etc., try to be sure to visit the less touristy neighborhoods where Greeks live and work, like Kolonaki. You'll get a much better picture of modern Greek life.

CM

Before you take fresh food, i.e. cheese, be sure to check that you're allowed to bring it into the country.