Would it be possible to hire a Molvanian driver so we don't have to take the trains and public transport? What kind of cars do they use?

How is room service in Molvania?

Got any good recommendations for souvenirs to bring home?

In the WSJ, I see the ayo is listed at 11.5655 to the dollar, but on my favorite foreign exchange website (no names please), its only 10.4378.
Those rats. Excuse me, moles...with bad teeth.

Does anyone know of a study program for the Molvanian language? I am having difficulty mastering the triple negatives & the gender relating collectively to cheeses. Does Pimsleur have a CD course I could buy before my trip?

Brobra & Krokystrokiskiaskya,
Trish

Zikavszka Platzman

What is all this business about the Ayo? Last time I checked, the official Molvanîan currency was still the Strubl. As best as I can tell, the Ayo is now only in a conceptual stage as a transnational currency for those EU members who can't qualify for the Euro. As Molvanîa still is not even a member of the EU due to its refusal to admit biological weapons inpectors despite its healthy IMF rating, it will be some time before it can even consider using the Ayo. Ira is right--US one dollar bills work like magic in Molvanîa.


Trish: You are very courageous in trying to learn Molvanîan, which is undoubtedly one of the world's most difficult languages with not only the triple negatives you have mentioned, but also the four genders, to say nothing of the danger of damaging one's larynx in trying to reproduce the many guttural sounds. Forget Pimsleur and just learn a few useful phrases. Otherwise, just shout very loudly in English and gesticulate wildly. Most Molvanîans will understand even though they pretend not to speak a word of English.

Krokystrokiskiaskya

Zlkavszka laverendrye!

I'm glad to know I can use loud English & gestures as a back up plan in trying to communicate with the Molvanians. I am still especially concerned about being able to make the sounds of their language, being that I have a full & complete set of teeth. I'm going to check into the options at the Linguistikprivatakademikalutnblaag as well.

What are some basic words & phrases that will help me get around while there?

How do I pronounce brobra? Is it Bro-brah or Beh-roo-beh-rah? Trish

Regarding an earlier thread inquiring about ESL...would the Linguistikprivatakademikalutnblaag
be a good place to start if one wanted to teach English in Molvania?

Don't forget to yell and jump up and down when the Movanians pretend they cannot understand English. It will help them understand you.

But, the big question is: Are white sneakers acceptable for walking around Lutenblog.

For the definitive opinion on Capris, I suggest you address your question to DJKBooks and M_kingdom.

In wearing capris, I should add that I shave my legs daily unless I'm jetlagged and my kankles aren't soo soo fat that they hang over my socks. (kankles: Fr., noun; ankles that are the width of the knee) Do you think I'll stick out from the locals? I plan to buy a pair of boots like the Molvanians wear...

Oh, one more thing. I'm 4 mo. pregnant. Are there any restrictions or worries being around the moles? Do they carry bubonic (sp?) plague? How does the Molvanian water taste compared to other European countries? Must I buy bottled water? If that's the case, do they have supermarkets there?

I know I asked a lot of questions but fodors is a great place to get everything answered!

Brobra & Krokystrokiskiaskya,
Debbie

Zlkavszka Trish!

There are a number of Molvanîan phrase books in print, but as they have been compiled by Molvanîan speakers with a limited knowledge of English, they can be misleading to the unwary, often dangerously so. You can find some in the classic Jetlag guide, but an even better list is in the recently published "Molvanîa Through the Back Door" by Rick Steeves.

If you do decide upon the Linguistikprivatakademikalutnblaag for study, an essential phrase to know is "Zrty kaszhinka dumbro, Hzocbeter hrti!!" (Keep your hands off me, Mr. Hzocbeter!)

If you pronounce Brobra as Bro-brah, you will be generally understood. You can either pronounce it with a rolled or a uvular "R", although the latter is only used by the educated classes (those who can read and write). The Beh-roo-beh-rah pronunciation is confined to the rural areas of the Western Plateau, and you will come across as a yokel if you use it in the sophisticated salons of Lutenblag.

Debbie: Molvanîa's drinking water is known throughout Europe for its taste and rich amber color. I wouldn't waste my money on bottled water, as it all comes from the tap anyway. However, if you are the tiniest bit concerned about bacterial and trace metal contamination, you might be best advised to stick to zeerstum or zvadovar.

Krokystrokiskiaskya

Sorry about the mixup on the currency. I wouldn't want to jeopardize an emerging economy with false information.
As to the language, according to "Molvania Through the Back Door", it states (p.53) that the name Molvania is actually a Latin derivative from the old Roman occupation days.
To translate loosely, it means "conceited moles".
Degas, you must have the same guidebook that I have.

And out of respect for their culture, I must conclude by saying,

Wakuz Dro Brugka Spazibo

But how, please, does one get from Molvania to San Serriffe? Could MKingdom2, perchance, advise on local shopping opportunities?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0...308487,00.html

Hi Patrick,

Sans Serif is a type font.

Furthermore, an article written by "Berlin Sans" has to be a joke. :)

Oh ira, you nearly won the goody bag - but you didn't check the date...

Very good, Patrick.

I just looked at the header:

"When the world first heard of San Serriffe in April 1977, the tiny state was a sleepy island paradise under the authoritarian leadership of an unpopular general. Visiting the archipelago 22 years on, Berlin Sans discovers a vibrant nation transformed by a visionary leader"

I'm sorry, it was perhaps an unfair tease, blame it on a late evening. The original concept was a huge success in 1977 and for a couple of years afterwards - a complete advertising supplement on the wonders of San Seriffe, with all the advertisers entering into the spirit of it.
http://www.fact-index.com/s/sa/san_serriffe.html

Well, it is good to know that people had a sense of humor way back then.

How easy is it to move to Molvania and start a toxic waste cleanup company, perhaps close to a small villa in the
ravaged countryside?

Are union rules as bad as in France? I'd want my workers to work more than 20 hours per week, have less than 50 paid holidays a year, and take no more than 12 weeks paid vacation.

>How easy is it to move to Molvania and start a toxic waste cleanup company,..<

In Molvania they do not clean up toxic waste, they import it.

Zlkavszka laverendrye!

We want to import two breeding pairs of Molvanîan Warthounds so we can start the process of getting the breed registered with the AKC. We know they will need to be quarantined for the usual 18 months (unless they're Service Warthounds, but I understand the Molvanîan government keeps a tight grip on them for duty as tasters in the foreign ministry cafeteria.) But do you know of any reputable suppliers of "grey market" Warthounds in Lutenblag? Or do we need to "take off our sandals" as a Molvanîan acquaintance says?

Wakuz Dro Brugka Spazibo!

Pardon my ignorance, but where exactly is Molvania? Is it in Europe? This intrigues me because I thought I knew all the countries in Europe, but I have honestly never heard of this one. I tried searching "Molvania" on Yahoo but didn't any helpful information.

Thanks!
Tracy