I forget if it was due to a novel or a Chinese mini-series that took place (partially) in Alsace, but apparently some sort of item of popular culture gave the Chinese a passion for seeing Alsace.

In terms of the countries the Chinese want to see in Europe, the list is: 1. France 2. Switzerland 3. Greece 4. Italy

I remember when visiting New Brunswick, Canada one summer there were seemingly thousands of Japanese tourists. It seemed so strange. It ended up that there is a huge stage show about Anne of Green Gables, which just happened to be the most popular book among young Japanese girls.

It's interesting what makes people want to visit a certain place.

I'm comfortable in a sports coat just about anywhere. If nothing else it is a place to park my wallet and a mini camera. I think that if you wore a tux to a top restaurant in Paris you would be mistaken for a waiter.

NeoPatrick, I am for hire, but I take offense with your stereotyped question about balloon-animal-making on behalf of all clown shoe, big bow tie, white pancake wearing people throughout the globe.

Gee. I'm sorry you're offended, but let's get to the point. You are for hire? But if you aren't good at balloon animals, I'm just going to have to look elsewhere!!

Sorry, I don't have the dexterity.

I'm for hire as a travel/fashion consultant. I'm waiting to hear back on my proposal to the travel channel: Extreme Makeover: Traveler Edition.

I'm thinking of starting with Jerry Stiller.

The Anne of Green Gables play took place in Prince Edward Island, in Charlottetown, and the novel by LM Montgomery was set in Cavendish, not in New Brunswick. The earlier comment is like saying that many of Stephen King's novels are set in New Hampshire instead of Maine.

That said, it was very popular with the Japanese, who have read the book, and I even observed a wedding party at the National Park site of "Green Gables" when we visited the Island a few summers ago.

Back on topic, my husband did not wear a dinner jacket in March, but he did wear his leather bomber-style jacket. No comment was made, other than when we went to visit the Altitude restaurant at the Tour Eiffel on St. Patrick's Day - he was wearing his green T-shirt and the maitre d' consented to him leaving on the leather jacket instead of removing it as a "coat".

A jacket is not "necessary" but if he (and you) feel more comfortable with him wearing it and you will be going to restaurants rather than bistros and brasseries, by all means, go for it :)

Zooey, you wear a nice sportscoat with your bowtie, right? Please post a link to your pic.

No, but maybe that's why they sat me at such a bad table!

No pictures. I have more than a passing resemblance to a public figure of dubious stature, and don't want to be mistaken for him.

Duh. Guess I flunked Canadian Geography. Yes, of course it was Prince Edward Island where we visited the Green Gables and saw the musical as well, sharing the audience with a couple hundred Japanese girls and young women.

If the Japanese are going to PEI for Anne of Green Gables, maybe the Chinese are going to Switzerland for Heidi.