I like the response about weight restrictions. That's a good one and believable. And No you are not a mule. I'm careful who I tell that I'm going to Europe.

I noticed on a friend's F/B page last week that she mentioned that she was in Paris. There were several requests afterward for perfume samples--not even bottles, chocolates from some specific place, a Hermes scarf--with the comment:"I'll reimburse you". I couldn't believe the chutzpah of these people; I felt indignant for her. I thought she handled it well. At first she responded that she was on it and then a couple of days later she said: "No one understands my high school French if I can't point to it they don't have a clue what I am saying". I know her well and her French is just fine.

I used to bring back all sorts of gifts for people--- no more.

Back in the day when my parents went to Europe, late 50's early 60's there were many things you couldn't find in the U.S. and the prices were very low. But even then I can remember my Mother muttering with complaint about her sister once again asking for perfume.

In the reverse direction, I have had American expats ask me to bring back things like "the largest bottle of lens cleaner than you can find" or "sunflower seeds."