Just back from 12 days in Holland - a limited experience granted, but here are a few of my lessons learned: <BR>Don't ever be in a hurry in a restraunt. A meal out (even coffee for that matter) is supposed to be a leisurely event. The service may be slow. It may take ten minutes even to get a menu - they are not on your table like here. <BR>Don't ever expect to be away from cigarette smoke. They smoke anywhere and everywhere. <BR> <BR>Don't be surprised if bathrooms are sort of open to view from passers by (at least the sink part, not the toilets). <BR> <BR>At a big art museum - go ahead and spring for the CD player audio-tour which explains the paintings/art. <BR> <BR>If you're going to be in one country and want to know more about the customs/people/practices, etc. check out the business section of the bookstore for a "How to do Business in ..." book. I found this out after my trip, it explained many things about habits, politics, politness, humor, etc. Better than a "travel guide" for learning about the people. <BR> <BR>One thing I wish I had packed: my keychain size Swiss Army knife with a pair of scissors on it. <BR> <BR>Clothing item I never wore outside: shorts <BR> <BR>The advice on this list about dark clothing (probably no blue jeans, but that depends) I wore black jeans a lot. <BR> <BR>Best advice: sit down quietly at a well situated cafe, relax, settle in, have a Bier or koffie, observe, appreciate and enjoy the parade of people!

Barbara: We're leaving in a few days for our first time in Amsterdam. Thank you for the fabulous advice. I'm wondering though, why you never wore shorts? Was the weather too cool, or some other reason? Also, did you attempt to visit The Ann Frank House, someone told be it was closed this summer for repairs, do you know? <BR>Thanks, <BR>Julie

I've not long returned from Amsterdam and can advise that Anne Frank's house was open and VERY busy too. The trustees have purchased the building next door to her house and it is there that the building work is being undertaken. To visit her hosue is a very special experience. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!

Reply to Julie re jeans: I say it depends on age and size but pants in general are not as prevalent as in USA. I'm early 60's and wear tailored pants in Europe but not the t-shirts and jeans I do at home. Countries vary...Austria was definitely more dress than pants country from my observation but take and wear what you have...don't buy a new wardrobe...see message about packing. Have a good time. I was surprised how easy it was to get around. So many people speak English and when they didn't, well, that's when my little Berlitz phonetic language book was handy.

To Barbara and Others: Yes, we think we've seen every way to flush a toilet there is! Also, re visibility into bathrooms...one that took the cake in my mind was viewed from train in Belgium. The entry door was glass. It looked right onto the urinals. There was a splash guard that hid the business but you could see the men and very clearly what was going on. And the toilet paper!! I believe it was in the Amsterdam rail station that I was very bad but not like Charmin anywhere. My husband gasped when the woman attendant marched into the Brussels men's room without announcement to add towels. We live by the motto: If you want it like home, stay at home.

To the question about why not wearing shorts - I guess its cause I never almost never saw a European in shorts. If there was someone in a T-shirt and shorts I knew it was an American tourist. Not that we have to look like them, because we're not them, we're us. But its a matter of personal comfort. I didn't want to stand out.