Greece, Rome, Paris - Budget question
Feb 15th, 2015, 01:08 AM
#21
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Excellent tips from mariha2912 in the Lonely Planet thread! I got a laugh from the OP's response <i>"...especially the warning about the crafty tricks played by the restaurants."</i> Those aren't crafty tricks, mariha was just explaining the way things are done in Greece.
I do really love the custom of sharing starters! Not only does it save money, but as mariha wrote, it's a way of savouring several different dishes. Can't make up your mind between two different starters? Try them both and share! Better yet, try three.
Another small tip about Greek salads: usually a whole portion is so huge I don't have much room in my tummy for anything else. If I am dining alone and want a main course as well, I save money by ordering a half-portion of Greek salad. A tomato & cucumber salad is a cheaper version of Greek salad — it doesn't have feta cheese on top, but usually contains all the other ingredients, i.e. olives (they won't be pitted), onion, capers, etc.
I'm a big fan of buying sandwiches in bakeries for lunch. The pies are good, and fresh out of the oven, but sandwiches are also made from bread baked fresh that morning. Many people who make breakfast in their rooms trek to the bakery each morning for fresh rolls and pastries.
Last tip: I love a cappuccino for breakfast, but if you blanch at the price of espresso-type coffee, order a "Nes". It's instant coffee, but very good. If you are adventurous, try at least once a Greek coffee — let the grounds settle after stirring in the sugar, and <i>never</i> drink it to the bottom of the cup! ;-)
I do really love the custom of sharing starters! Not only does it save money, but as mariha wrote, it's a way of savouring several different dishes. Can't make up your mind between two different starters? Try them both and share! Better yet, try three.
Another small tip about Greek salads: usually a whole portion is so huge I don't have much room in my tummy for anything else. If I am dining alone and want a main course as well, I save money by ordering a half-portion of Greek salad. A tomato & cucumber salad is a cheaper version of Greek salad — it doesn't have feta cheese on top, but usually contains all the other ingredients, i.e. olives (they won't be pitted), onion, capers, etc.
I'm a big fan of buying sandwiches in bakeries for lunch. The pies are good, and fresh out of the oven, but sandwiches are also made from bread baked fresh that morning. Many people who make breakfast in their rooms trek to the bakery each morning for fresh rolls and pastries.
Last tip: I love a cappuccino for breakfast, but if you blanch at the price of espresso-type coffee, order a "Nes". It's instant coffee, but very good. If you are adventurous, try at least once a Greek coffee — let the grounds settle after stirring in the sugar, and <i>never</i> drink it to the bottom of the cup! ;-)
Feb 15th, 2015, 08:50 PM
#22
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Thank you everybody for all the tips. As a first time traveller to Europe this information is very helpful. Take care and I am sure I will be back with other questions as my trip nears.
