I don't drink!
 

I will be taking my tour May/June of 2001 to England,Scotland,Wales & Ireland and also to Paris. I just can't stand the taste of beer, whiskey, and I don't like wine either. My tour looks like alot of pub & brewery trips along the way. Being 56, and from Florida since 1075,(a displaced New Yorker) I have developed a taste for Pina Coldas and more mellow drinks. Will I enjoy my outings without the usual drinks in the area? <BR>

I meant 1975, not 1075. I'm old, but not DEAD! Just a major typo on my part. <BR>Sorry.

Alma, It may just be too much pressure <BR>for you---why not stay home and hit the <BR>Wed. nite bingo with the girls.

Geez, "whocares", try decaff for a while, would ya?

Dear Alma Perhaps you should choose a different tour if it includes a lot of what you don't enjoy. However I have never drank and have gone to many wine tasting, stops at brewrys, etc as included in the tour and still had fun with those who did imbib. It is usually such a small part of the trip. And ;for ;the included cocktail hours, they generally will be considerate and dig out a coke or so as there certainly might be some recovering alcoholics on the trip also. Just go with an open mind and have fun (it's all a state of mind). Sincerely, Mary Jayne

I sure hope I never get stuck on a tour with whocares. People like that haven't anything better to do than make nasty remarks. Didn't your Mother ever tell you "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything?" I guess your one of those people who look smarter than they are! <BR> <BR>Thanks to the others who had helpful info. Too bad about whocares, but WHOCARES!

Alma <BR> <BR>pub trips will not be a problem. You cn get a pina colada in most pubs in Britain. As for distilleries, you can probably find "nice" liqueurs like Drambuie and Heather Dew and stuff that may be more to your taste. (Not mine, but each to her own, eh?) <BR> <BR>Since I can't tell what you'll be doing when not lurching from drinking hole to drinkinghole, I don't know if you'll like it or not, but I suspect you'll like the pubs themselves.

The last time we were in the UK we ate most of our meals in Pubs. So it could be that a lot of your stops are for lunch or dinner. You can order anything you want in a Pub from coke to ale. So just go and enjoy life in a real English Pub.

Hello to Alma and thanks for asking the question. <BR> <BR>Some of us don't drink -- at all, pina coladas or anything else -- for reasons of preference; some don't drink because they have had to swear off; and some, like me, don't drink because they lack the proper enzyme to process the alcohol. For whatever reason, it's amazing the trouble people give us -- as if WE somehow had a deviant dependency. <BR>Soft drinks are sometimes the solution, but a warm Coke isn't all that wonderful, and trying to find something that isn't carbonated or something that doesn't have caffeine is often such a Big Problem for the restaurant that we're stuck with water and sour looks -- as if we were trying to get out of buying something. <BR> <BR>Alma, you're in much better shape than some people if you are willing to order "mellow" drinks. But do consider something like Drambuie/rocks -- a local liqueur but very sweet 'n' mellow. <BR>

I don't know about Drambuie being 'Mellow', I think it'll blow your socks off ( I like it ! ). Don't expect the average 'barperson' in the UK to know how to mix 'exotic' drinks such as <BR>Pina Coladas, Margaritas etc. They may do in expensive London bars but not in my neck of the woods. I once asked for a Bloody Mary & was asked 'What's that ?'.....

Hi Alma: <BR>Enjoy your trip! I like to drink local sparkling waters with lemon. In all the places you are going you will be able to get them (In France you will be asked is that water with gas? I thought that was funny!) You don't have to be an imbiber to have fun!

Alma, <BR>The other thing you will find, is that the Brits prefer most of their beverages on the room temp side, so finding an icy cold pina colada is not too likely. As someone else said, in a big expensive bar in London, maybe. I like the suggestion of bottled water. At least you are buying something so you won't feel like a tightwad and if you don't like to do something, don't be pressured into it. What if you went to Turkey and everyone was smoking hashish? Or Amsterdam and everyone was stopping at marijuana bars? I'm sure you will have a great time just being who you are comfortable being. Have fun. <BR>luigi

After a detailed, scholarly study of British Pub Culture (carried out primarily by watching "Eastenders" on my local PBS station), I can state unequivocably that you should always order an orange juice if you want a non-alcoholic beverage in a pub. <BR> <BR>Seriously, though, I don't drink either and no one has ever belittled me for ordering cola or juice in a pub. I don't eat in fancy restauraunts, so can't comment on snubbing the wine list. <BR> <BR>Dave

Hi. I don't understand where everyone gets this idea that all our drinks are served at room temperature! I live in London and in the pubs and bars they nearly always serve soft drinks or spirit mixers with ice, unless you say otherwise. I don't like beer myself but can't remember ever buying someone a pint which isn't cold. You must be drinking in pubs catering for British stereotypes... hehe :-) <BR>Karen

Sorry, in an answer to the original question, my non-alcohol drinking friends usually order coke, lemonade, sparking bottled water, orange or grapefruit juice. When my boyfriend is driving he orders a pint of Britvic (bottled organge juice) topped up with lemonade. Its very refreshing. Some pubs will give you a funny look if they havent come across that request before, but quite a few seem to be familiar with it. <BR>You can find Pina Coldas (my personal favourite) in bars and wine bars rather than pubs. Very few pubs serve cocktails. You can always ask for rum and coke, barcardi and coke, malibu and coke, vodka and lemonade etc etc if you like spirits. These are perfectly normal in any pub, its the sort of thing I usually drink. <BR>Karen

I don't understand the whole thing about Brits and Irish liking their drinks room temperature. I lived in Ireland for 6 years, and my beer was always nice and cold. Granted, I had to ask if I wanted more than 1 ice cube with my water, but drinks are typically served cold.

Alma, <BR>I am a regular visitor to Fodor's and have therefore noticed that you have posted a number of questions. I've noticed that you seem to have more worries and concerns than excitement about your trip. You have mentioned that you are worried about dining alone, about not drinking, about having to get up early, about leaving your husband at home, about bringing your souvenirs home, about visiting pubs... <BR>I noticed you mentioned in another post that your kids are paying for this trip...if yo're 56, your kids can't possibly be THAT old to have become really established or wealthy (my mom's 57 and I'm in my early 20's)...are you sure you want them spending their savings to send you on a trip you don't even seem to be looking forward to. <BR>I don't want to seem negative, but I am 23 and have been visiting this forum and saving my money for years trying to just get my 1st trip to Europe to happen. I can only imagine how nice it would be to have my parents just *give* me this trip I have been waiting for and I can tell you one thing: I would not be so uncertain and scared and concerned. If I found myself feeling that way, I would tell me parents to put their hard-earned money to better use...like to splurge on something *they* would truly enjoy. Wouldn't you rather your kids send *themselves* to Europe, since they would probably really enjoy it and not worry and complain and stress, etc. But maybe that's just me.

I don't agree with the previous post, Alma. Older folks are more likely to have worries than younger folks, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Indeed, many questions on Fodors are about worries because much comfort can be found in the experiences of others. <BR> <BR>In fact, my parents helped pay to send me away to college. I was terrified. Does that mean I should have declined their help and stayed home? <BR> <BR>As for whether Alma's kids can afford the trip, I'll let them be the judge of that. I think Alma must have done a great job raising her kids if they are willing to sacrifice to reward her for the many years of her life she devoted to their well-being and happiness. I recently paid to send my parents to Europe, and believe me, I could have used the money for many, many things. But I felt it was the least I could do to help them travel while they are still young enough to enjoy it.

I have to agree with 'curious'. I know there are people who are quite adverse to change, and they get quite anxious about it. <BR> <BR>But you really do have to go with the flow, and if a trip causes this many questions than you have to wonder whether the traveller has the mindset for a long trip away from the daily familiarities.

Message: Curious <BR> My son went to college 5yrs ago in Exeter and at that time, I got a passport also. Well, he is now a established Atty. in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. and has been to Europe quite a few times. He is almost 30 and has put $$$$ away JUST for my trip. I was going to take it in four years from now (when I'm 60) but he wants me to go now. He knows how excited I am! If I ask lots of questions, that's because I will be going away alone, for 22 days and I have never gone to Europe before. I know that at 24, I was alot less thoughtful, more daring, and in those days could sleep standing up on subways in NY.(safety was not an issue.) To go to Europe, blindly, may be good for some on your age, but I want to be prepared and know what to expect, good or bad, if possible. <BR> <BR>As far as excited, I've been planning (in my head) this trip for 5 years! I have every tour companies books since 1998! Everyone I know is bored silly listening to my plans. Well, today I went to a travel agent and booked the trip. June 2, 2001 to June 24, 2001. I am already packing(in my head),learning French,(for my 9 days in Paris)started <BR>Reading Cheap Eats in Paris, searching the books stores for Plan de Paris par Arrondissement.(the 1998 copy is out of print,I've been told). Excited, You bet your sweet ...I am!

Alma: <BR>Good for you! Have a great trip!!! Enjoy Paris. I love that lovely city.

To Curious: you don't have to be wealthy to send your parents on a trip. It's not your business how her kids pay for the trip and it's not for you to judge how the money would be best spent. This forum is intended to be used by people with questions. There's no limit on questions and Alma's are certainly acceptable.

I hope all of you meanies--and you know who you are--have enough shame to be humiliated after Alma's response. <BR> <BR>Alma, never you mind; some people are too jealous, insecure or personality challenged to let anyone else have fun, much less live their own lives. Have a wonderful, never-to-be forgotten time.

I am not ashamed at all. I know that this is a forum, but it is a *travel* forum, not a psychological support hotline. If Alma wants to know where to eat or where to stay or how to get from a to b, then she should ask as many questions as she wants. BUT if she needs someone to hold her hand while she sweats about eating alone and being by herself and drinking pina coladas...these are not travel questions at all. Come on Alma, use your head: do you really need a travel forum to tell you if you can eat by yourself. Have you never been to a restaurant before? Why don't YOU tell US: are you comfortable in your own company? Have you ever been to a restaurant alone in the US? Do you think they will refuse to serve you if you're alone? What advice can you possibly expect to get here? Are we gooin gto tell you that there is a special club for people who dine alone in Paris and that's it's a great thing you asked so you can send away for your membership. <BR> <BR>And your arguments don't all make a whole lot of sense Alma. You say you're justified in wasting your son's money just because you've had your passport for 5 years. Who cares how long you've had your passport? Have you saved any money of your own? Overcome your fears enough to not drive your son crazy with them. <BR> <BR>And one last point: you have gone on and on about how established and successful and well-travelled and wealthy your son is...but you have said repeatedly that your 'kids' are sending you. What about your other kids? Are they equally wealthy and established? Or are you using your one son's success as an excuse to take advantage of all your kids? <BR> <BR>And by the way. If your son is such a wealthy, established, generous attorney in his late 20's living in ft lauderdale I know a few girls who would love to meet him. Why don't you make yourself useful and post up HIS e-mail.

Curious, Sounds like you are jealous that your kids aren't sending YOU on a trip. Go back under your rock and leave Alma alone. <BR> <BR>Alma, Go to Europe and have fun. I have put my 2 daughters through college and I would be thrilled if they sent me to Europe on a trip. You will make alot of friends and have fun. <BR> <BR>This is suppose to be a forum for asking questions and receiving answers... no matter how silly some people perceive those questions to be!!! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Message: Curious, <BR>What i"m curious about is, why would you read any of my questions that I posted? Have you nothing better to do than read & even answer questions you think are silly? I think, and I know I'm not alone in this, that some people may feel uncomfortable eating alone, especially woman, in a resturant. If you read some of the posts, it is not uncommon for single diners to be put near the back of the resturant or kitchen. <BR>I think some people have the same concerns as I do, but I just asked the questions first.Most of the post from others are helpful, yours are because you are jealous! My children are not rich but very generous and loving. <BR> <BR>If my questions hurt your poor sensibilities,then don't read them, mind your own business and GROW UP!

Dear Curious: <BR> <BR>What on earth makes you think an educated person such as Alma's son would EVER go for the likes of you or your girlfriends??? In your dreams, babe!

Good heavens! Look what happened while I didn't keep up on this thread....all hell broke loose! Good grief. <BR>Alma, I think it's great you are going to Europe. Ask all the questions you want. We will answer and (some of us at least) will hold your emotional hand, too! Whatever....

Hi Alma: <BR>Forget these jealous posters.....Have fun and don't sweat the small stuff...you will be fine...I have sent me Mom to Europe four times. I am not rich, just a loving daughter who feels her Mom deserves it. My other family members chip in for spending money, etc. Some time I hope to go with her...I just know that she is not going to be with me forever and I want her to enjoy herself now....(see made myself teary-eyed). Have a safe time and I hope you have many more trips. Maybe I should send Mom to Paris around the same time you are there. You could have a good time sitting in a cafe together talking about your great kids!!! Anyway have a blast!!

"Curious -- not negative -- just concerned"? Are you kidding? I think your attempt to beat up on Alma for asking the same kinds of questions that other people ask is really outrageous, and you owe her an apology. <BR> <BR>Alma, please don't feel the need to respond to people like Curious or defend your self. I would be honored to take up for you. You have a great time!

Alma: <BR> <BR>You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alma - <BR> <BR>Question - Am I correct in assuming that you will be on a guided "tour" with other people? If this is correct, most likely you will find a few people who have similar tastes. <BR> <BR>Suggestion #1 - Bring along the recipe for a few drinks that you like. I like a "side car", and have often pulled out the recipe when the bartender asks for it. Most love making something unsual, find it a challenge, and ask how it was. You can get recipes from a book or on the net. <BR> <BR>Suggestion #2 - If you are indeed concerned about taking a trip, it might be helpful to try a "practice" trip for a few days in the US, either going by yourself or with a group.

Dear CURIOUS: You are certainly one BITTER, JEALOUS, RESENTFUL, SPITEFUL, ENVIOUS, PETTY and IMMATURE person, just to name a FEW of the descriptive words that come to mind!!!

Alma, I just returned from a trip that I took my sister on for all the carring that she did for our mother. I live on the other end of the country from her and was not able to get there very often. She was very nervous and was even ready to give up after our first day when we got lost in Paris. By the end of the trip she was very excited of having seen all of the things and places that we went. So I have a feeling from your posts that by the time you return you'll be a seasoned traveller and waiting with baited breath for you next adventure. HAVE A GREAT TIME and Good Traveling. <BR>Art <BR>

I forgot to mention that my sister had never been out of the country and barely out of New England. <BR>