Answers
May 30th, 2005 | 11:30 AM
#41
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,793
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Some of my answers:
1. It was an ancient Phoenician colony and trading center.
2. Well, you could wash your socks in it, but that's not what it's meant for.
3. That beverage you drank is made from tiny white snails that are common in Provence, crushed with water and sugar. It's supposed to be a "health drink"--lots of calcium from the shells.
3. Pigs' intestines. Did you like them?
4. Oh, that's a chocolate pudding that has pig's blood as one of its key ingredients.
4. Founded by the Greeks, then occupied by the Arabs, then became a Norman town. Can you tell from the architecture?
5. No, you may not flush any paper down the toilet because anywhere in that area because the pipes are too small!
6. About $45 (U.S.) one way.
7. They're wearing black because they're always in mourning for someone in their extended family, not because they're making a fashion statement.
8. No one will care what color flip flops you wear to hike the Samaria Gorge, but it would really be better to wear hiking boots, or at least sneakers.
9. Yes, he really did sleep there. And he slept in that other building that's now a museum. He slept in lots of places. Why do you think so many people look just like that portrait of him that you saw in the museum?
10. You're welcome. I'm glad it was helpful.
1. It was an ancient Phoenician colony and trading center.
2. Well, you could wash your socks in it, but that's not what it's meant for.
3. That beverage you drank is made from tiny white snails that are common in Provence, crushed with water and sugar. It's supposed to be a "health drink"--lots of calcium from the shells.
3. Pigs' intestines. Did you like them?
4. Oh, that's a chocolate pudding that has pig's blood as one of its key ingredients.
4. Founded by the Greeks, then occupied by the Arabs, then became a Norman town. Can you tell from the architecture?
5. No, you may not flush any paper down the toilet because anywhere in that area because the pipes are too small!
6. About $45 (U.S.) one way.
7. They're wearing black because they're always in mourning for someone in their extended family, not because they're making a fashion statement.
8. No one will care what color flip flops you wear to hike the Samaria Gorge, but it would really be better to wear hiking boots, or at least sneakers.
9. Yes, he really did sleep there. And he slept in that other building that's now a museum. He slept in lots of places. Why do you think so many people look just like that portrait of him that you saw in the museum?
10. You're welcome. I'm glad it was helpful.
May 30th, 2005 | 12:05 PM
#42
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
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Reporting this Answer from my daughter who is visiting Brussels this week:
Yes, they all wear black at night.
Yes, they are wearing jeans.
The most comfortable shoes you own will still give you blisters so bring plenty of moleskin.
Yes, they all wear black at night.
Yes, they are wearing jeans.
The most comfortable shoes you own will still give you blisters so bring plenty of moleskin.
May 30th, 2005 | 12:28 PM
#43
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 0
When I was there in March of 1976 it was 78 F and sunny the whole time, so you don't need any heavy clothes. Take shorts and sandals and drink plenty of water.
When I was there in March of 1977 it was 38 F and we had bouts of sleet and snow, so you must have sweaters, winter coats, and earmuffs and drink plenty of hot beverages.
When I was there in March of 1977 it was 38 F and we had bouts of sleet and snow, so you must have sweaters, winter coats, and earmuffs and drink plenty of hot beverages.
May 30th, 2005 | 01:11 PM
#45
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,948
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Manual and Diesel are the better choices when renting a car. Diesel or gas is less expensive when purchased at an "Intermarche" type store ...think Super-Walmart. Autoeurope is highly recommmended not only for their great service, but because they will also match competitive prices.
May 30th, 2005 | 01:17 PM
#46
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 0
Some people think a canal view is worth it, some don't.
Some people think a view of the Eiffel Tower is worth it, some don't.
Some people think having air conditioning is worth it, some don't.
Some people think that meal will be worth the price, some don't.
Some people think that transit pass is worth it, some don't.
Some people think having only one day there is worth it, some don't.
Nobody thinks ordering the Paris museum pass on line is worth it.
Some people think a view of the Eiffel Tower is worth it, some don't.
Some people think having air conditioning is worth it, some don't.
Some people think that meal will be worth the price, some don't.
Some people think that transit pass is worth it, some don't.
Some people think having only one day there is worth it, some don't.
Nobody thinks ordering the Paris museum pass on line is worth it.
May 30th, 2005 | 01:32 PM
#47
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,523
Likes: 0
The waiter is not ignoring you...you have the table for the night and he will give you the bill when you ask for it...
People eat later, adjust to local customs...
If you see it and really like it..buy it.
Maybe he is not being rude, maybe you are not 'behaving' as all of the locals raised in that culture behave...
Speaking louder doesn't work
No, they don't take 'real dollars' in the store...does your store back home take 'real euros'?
Life is way too short to follow a list..when you look back at your holiday, do you remember that day that you saw all 4 museums (all too briefly) or the night time you wandered along the river, or had that special meal overlooking (insert scenic spot name here)
People eat later, adjust to local customs...
If you see it and really like it..buy it.
Maybe he is not being rude, maybe you are not 'behaving' as all of the locals raised in that culture behave...
Speaking louder doesn't work
No, they don't take 'real dollars' in the store...does your store back home take 'real euros'?
Life is way too short to follow a list..when you look back at your holiday, do you remember that day that you saw all 4 museums (all too briefly) or the night time you wandered along the river, or had that special meal overlooking (insert scenic spot name here)
May 30th, 2005 | 02:14 PM
#52
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 0
Yes, and they have it in the diet version as Coke Light, but both will be pretty expensive. And neither goes with fine food, so IF you'd like to show that you value the chef's efforts, order wine and/or bottled water.
Yes, most places these days offer decaf coffee, but bear in mind that coffee will be served after dessert, not with dessert. And milky versions of coffee (such as cappuccino) are considered breakfast drinks, though some restaurants will offer "American coffee" with milk at dinner time.
Yes, most places these days offer decaf coffee, but bear in mind that coffee will be served after dessert, not with dessert. And milky versions of coffee (such as cappuccino) are considered breakfast drinks, though some restaurants will offer "American coffee" with milk at dinner time.
May 30th, 2005 | 04:02 PM
#53
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,510
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1. Because their local government has not yet forbidden smoking. Life is cheap in that country and they are all courting disaster.
2. No form of concealment can save you. Plan to carry a strong-box and guard it with your life -- especially on their notorious subway system.
3. Yes, they have heavy steel barriers at all city gates and newly arrived tourists are required to stop and prove they have adequate black apparel for the entire stay specified on their visa -- and no sneakers or fanny packs. That country has a fashion "reverse-onus" system -- guilty unless proven innocent. Prepare to prove your compliance with local fashion norms.
2. No form of concealment can save you. Plan to carry a strong-box and guard it with your life -- especially on their notorious subway system.
3. Yes, they have heavy steel barriers at all city gates and newly arrived tourists are required to stop and prove they have adequate black apparel for the entire stay specified on their visa -- and no sneakers or fanny packs. That country has a fashion "reverse-onus" system -- guilty unless proven innocent. Prepare to prove your compliance with local fashion norms.
May 31st, 2005 | 08:09 AM
#55
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
May 31st, 2005 | 09:44 AM
#57
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 12,076
Likes: 0
If you're going to ask a question in a languange that you don't understand at all, that question had better be the local version of "do you speak English?"
And if you lose your passport and have looked everywhere for it, go back to the first place you looked.
Unless you're a serious wine enthusiast, the local house <i>vino</i> will be just fine about 90% of the time.
There are lots of things you can forget to pack. Anti-perspirant should not be one of them.
And if you lose your passport and have looked everywhere for it, go back to the first place you looked.
Unless you're a serious wine enthusiast, the local house <i>vino</i> will be just fine about 90% of the time.
There are lots of things you can forget to pack. Anti-perspirant should not be one of them.
May 31st, 2005 | 10:02 AM
#58
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 0
Water your plants.
Stop the newspaper and have your mail held at the post office.
Leave your complete itinerary with one or two reliable people at home.
Make sure passport is good for at least 6 more months from the start of your trip.
Email yourself an itinerary and information on your credit card and bank account numbers. If you can't access your home email from abroad, set up a free yahoo account.
Notify your credit/debit card companies that you will be traveling so that they don't freeze your account for unusual activity.
Make a photocopy of the picture and identifying pages of your passport.
Bring the photocopy with you.
For help on packing light, see
www.onebag.com
for a universal packing list (you can tailor it to your trip)
see http://upl.codeq.info/index.jsp
The bag should be large enough to contain what you need and small enough to handle. Try lifting it over your head (for train luggage racks) or wheeling it a few blocks when it is full. If it is too difficult, take some things out. If it is too wide (more than 24" or so) it will be hard to maneuver on trains.
Some people don't bother locking it because it may be opened anyway, other people recommend plastic luggage ties (sold for this purpose) than can be snipped off by officials, but that are discouraging to thieves. Pack a small pair of scissors for yourself in an outside pocket of the suitcase.
Wear one pair of comfortable shoes, pack another if you have them. Bring one dressier pair for evening if you like (or buy them on the trip
). Wear new shoes for several days before your trip, even if they are sneakers. Bring more socks then you think you need.
Stop the newspaper and have your mail held at the post office.
Leave your complete itinerary with one or two reliable people at home.
Make sure passport is good for at least 6 more months from the start of your trip.
Email yourself an itinerary and information on your credit card and bank account numbers. If you can't access your home email from abroad, set up a free yahoo account.
Notify your credit/debit card companies that you will be traveling so that they don't freeze your account for unusual activity.
Make a photocopy of the picture and identifying pages of your passport.
Bring the photocopy with you.
For help on packing light, see
www.onebag.com
for a universal packing list (you can tailor it to your trip)
see http://upl.codeq.info/index.jsp
The bag should be large enough to contain what you need and small enough to handle. Try lifting it over your head (for train luggage racks) or wheeling it a few blocks when it is full. If it is too difficult, take some things out. If it is too wide (more than 24" or so) it will be hard to maneuver on trains.
Some people don't bother locking it because it may be opened anyway, other people recommend plastic luggage ties (sold for this purpose) than can be snipped off by officials, but that are discouraging to thieves. Pack a small pair of scissors for yourself in an outside pocket of the suitcase.
Wear one pair of comfortable shoes, pack another if you have them. Bring one dressier pair for evening if you like (or buy them on the trip
). Wear new shoes for several days before your trip, even if they are sneakers. Bring more socks then you think you need.
