Europe this week- Basic Advice!
Mar 7th, 2011, 05:49 PM
#22
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OK I looked up moleskin & the the main way to get it is online & even with the expedited shipping, it wont be here on time- I called around & the only store that has it is Walgreens & it got one great review & one bad one...
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/wal...984750-product
Should I get this?
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/wal...984750-product
Should I get this?
Mar 7th, 2011, 11:45 PM
#25
If you are used to using a wash cloth when you shower, bring one with you, as they are not supplied in many European hotels.
In shops when you greet people in France, say bonjour Monsieur or bonjour Madame. It feels awkward at first, like saying hello Sir, but it is natural for the French and is the polite manner of greeting. Leaving the shop I find a little more challenging, as everything I say is answered by a corresponding polite phrase so that it feels like you can never leave. "Merci Madame, au revoir" ought to cover it though.
In shops when you greet people in France, say bonjour Monsieur or bonjour Madame. It feels awkward at first, like saying hello Sir, but it is natural for the French and is the polite manner of greeting. Leaving the shop I find a little more challenging, as everything I say is answered by a corresponding polite phrase so that it feels like you can never leave. "Merci Madame, au revoir" ought to cover it though.
Mar 8th, 2011, 12:59 AM
#26
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I don't think you need to prepare for Munich.
No one here expects a tourist to learn German. Unless you wish to memorize a few phrases.
Bavaria has a long tradition of tourists from English-speaking countries and from the decades when the US Armed Forces had been stationed here.
English is also the preferred lingua franca when locals have to converse with tourists from other parts of the world.
So you don't have to feel awkward to use your mother tongue. If you wish to know if your counterpart speaks English, ask him or her, in English.
Bavarians are not known to be very soft-spoken, so you don't have to whisper (unless you visit a place of worship). Some local folks may appear a bit grumpy, but that's only on the outside. You have to try really hard to misbehave.
====
Just one advice: While most people in the service or tourism industry do speak SOME English, not many are fluent.
It helps when you keep your English simple.
Short clear sentences, without much polite ado. It may sound a bit rude to you when you are used to a more ornamental use of language.
But it is in fact more polite when your German-speaking counterpart can understand your questions or wishes without wading through "It would be great if you had the chance to let me experience some of your indigenous culinary suprises" only to discover that you are hungry.
Make it short and simple "Weiss beer and Weisswurst, please."
====
It's only common to greet shop owners in smaller stores, or in situations where you deal directly with a salesperson from the first moment on, e.g. when you are shopping on a market.
You don't have to greet salespeople in department stores, and it is considered more polite that THEY greet you FIRST. After all, you are the customer and you bring them the euros to stay in business.
A simple "hello" (or the German equivalent "Hallo", pronounce "hullo") will do in almost any case. The younger the people you deal with are, the more common becomes it to simply say "Hi" as a greeting. And yes, you pronounce it as in English.
There are a couple of ways to say good-bye. Quite common is "ciao" (the Italian "bye").
Makes life simple as you don't have to memorize different "good-bye"s for Munich and Rome. ;-)
No one here expects a tourist to learn German. Unless you wish to memorize a few phrases.
Bavaria has a long tradition of tourists from English-speaking countries and from the decades when the US Armed Forces had been stationed here.
English is also the preferred lingua franca when locals have to converse with tourists from other parts of the world.
So you don't have to feel awkward to use your mother tongue. If you wish to know if your counterpart speaks English, ask him or her, in English.
Bavarians are not known to be very soft-spoken, so you don't have to whisper (unless you visit a place of worship). Some local folks may appear a bit grumpy, but that's only on the outside. You have to try really hard to misbehave.
====
Just one advice: While most people in the service or tourism industry do speak SOME English, not many are fluent.
It helps when you keep your English simple.
Short clear sentences, without much polite ado. It may sound a bit rude to you when you are used to a more ornamental use of language.
But it is in fact more polite when your German-speaking counterpart can understand your questions or wishes without wading through "It would be great if you had the chance to let me experience some of your indigenous culinary suprises" only to discover that you are hungry.
Make it short and simple "Weiss beer and Weisswurst, please."
====
It's only common to greet shop owners in smaller stores, or in situations where you deal directly with a salesperson from the first moment on, e.g. when you are shopping on a market.
You don't have to greet salespeople in department stores, and it is considered more polite that THEY greet you FIRST. After all, you are the customer and you bring them the euros to stay in business.
A simple "hello" (or the German equivalent "Hallo", pronounce "hullo") will do in almost any case. The younger the people you deal with are, the more common becomes it to simply say "Hi" as a greeting. And yes, you pronounce it as in English.
There are a couple of ways to say good-bye. Quite common is "ciao" (the Italian "bye").
Makes life simple as you don't have to memorize different "good-bye"s for Munich and Rome. ;-)
Mar 8th, 2011, 05:13 AM
#29
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I started to repeat what everyone else said, but rather than beating a bunch of dead horses, I'll just beat one:
The most important thing IMO is comfy, broken-in shoes! If you can't walk comfortably, your trip will be miserable. Or you'll spend all your time trying to find the best way from Point A to B on public transportation and miss everything in between you would have seen walking. This doesn't mean your bright white New Balance sneakers, just a flat shoe you can walk miles in with good socks. If you're all in your early 20's, you probably don't have foot issues but blisters can always get you. ;-) And take supplies (moleskin, whatever), with you. Much more convenient than having to find similar once you're there.
The most important thing IMO is comfy, broken-in shoes! If you can't walk comfortably, your trip will be miserable. Or you'll spend all your time trying to find the best way from Point A to B on public transportation and miss everything in between you would have seen walking. This doesn't mean your bright white New Balance sneakers, just a flat shoe you can walk miles in with good socks. If you're all in your early 20's, you probably don't have foot issues but blisters can always get you. ;-) And take supplies (moleskin, whatever), with you. Much more convenient than having to find similar once you're there.
Mar 8th, 2011, 05:35 AM
#30
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What about jetlag? It can really affect your trip and how you enjoy it.
Go to bed tonite 1 hr earlier, get up 1 hr earlier, and expose yourself to lots of light.
Tomorrow night, 2hrs..etc.
On the plane, no alcohol, no coffee. Sleep, or at least attempt to. It is exciting time...you want the meal, the movies, talk about your trip...but I'd plan to optimize your enjoyment..which jetlag does not help.
On landing, check-in...but no afternoon nap. Avoid bus tours,etc first day. Lots of walking outside. Go to bed at normal 'local' time.
Go to bed tonite 1 hr earlier, get up 1 hr earlier, and expose yourself to lots of light.
Tomorrow night, 2hrs..etc.
On the plane, no alcohol, no coffee. Sleep, or at least attempt to. It is exciting time...you want the meal, the movies, talk about your trip...but I'd plan to optimize your enjoyment..which jetlag does not help.
On landing, check-in...but no afternoon nap. Avoid bus tours,etc first day. Lots of walking outside. Go to bed at normal 'local' time.
Mar 8th, 2011, 09:40 AM
#31
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Jetlag-schmetlag. You are young. It shouldn't affect you as much as it will as you get older.
There are lots of ways to try to combat jetlag - my method is to try to sleep on the plane if I will be arriving in Europe in the middle of the day. Then when I arrive, freshen up and go out - sightseeing that doesn't take a lot of brain power is usually best for me. I make sure I get in a good walk, some good food and drink, and then go to bed at a decent time. Next day, I am fine.
You'll find what works for you.
There are lots of ways to try to combat jetlag - my method is to try to sleep on the plane if I will be arriving in Europe in the middle of the day. Then when I arrive, freshen up and go out - sightseeing that doesn't take a lot of brain power is usually best for me. I make sure I get in a good walk, some good food and drink, and then go to bed at a decent time. Next day, I am fine.
You'll find what works for you.
Mar 8th, 2011, 10:39 AM
#32
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<I make sure I get in a good walk, some good food and drink, and then go to bed at a decent time. Next day, I am fine. >
I do the same but like to take a one hour nap and a hot shower and then head out for a long walk and dinner. When I was young, I did not need the nap but now it helps.
I do the same but like to take a one hour nap and a hot shower and then head out for a long walk and dinner. When I was young, I did not need the nap but now it helps.
Mar 8th, 2011, 06:37 PM
#34
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Woohoo I cant wait! Thank you all Got my moleskin, comfy shoes, plans to sleep as much as possible with the help of my good friend Dramamine on the 8 hour flight to Europe, and do plan on eating plenty of crepes & other yummy things!
Got my moleskin, comfy shoes, plans to sleep as much as possible with the help of my good friend Dramamine on the 8 hour flight to Europe, and do plan on eating plenty of crepes & other yummy things!
Mar 9th, 2011, 05:08 PM
#35
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You're sisters, watch out for each other....purses, camera's, everything.
Make copies of your passports and put them in different bags.
If you have any credit cards, make a copy of them and write down the phone # from the back of the card. Very helpful after the car was broken into in Ireland.
I have 3 daughters. Have a rule that no temper tantrum can last more than 30 minutes, or until the next ice cream break.
Take lots of ice cream or gelato breaks.
Smile, you'll have a blast, and memories forever.
Make copies of your passports and put them in different bags.
If you have any credit cards, make a copy of them and write down the phone # from the back of the card. Very helpful after the car was broken into in Ireland.
I have 3 daughters. Have a rule that no temper tantrum can last more than 30 minutes, or until the next ice cream break.
Take lots of ice cream or gelato breaks.
Smile, you'll have a blast, and memories forever.
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