My dear, it's Vienna in the heart of Westernised Europe, surely even John realised that. It's not Iraq dear.

John isn't only going to Paris and Vienna. He's also going to Prague and Budapest. While the Czech Republic and Hungary have recently joined the EU and are fairly mainstream countries in most respects, they still are a tiny bit rough around the edges, well in my opinion at least.

When my Hungarian cousin and I were walking along the Danube promenade, we passed a man with a patch over one eye and two human skulls at his feet. He asked us, in Hungarian which I didn't understand, if we were interested in the skulls. My cousin asked him how much they cost. He said US$2,000. (I can't remember now if they were US$2,000 each or US$2,000 for the pair.) My cousin said, "Wow, isn't that a bit steep?" He stuck his chest out and said, "But they aren't just any skulls. They're First World War skulls." Well, compared with my rather sanitized, usually fairly predictable surroundings here in Calgary, that did strike me as being a bit idiosyncratic.

Of course the skulls have nothing to do with dress, but they do demonstrate that things still are operating on a slightly different plane in Hungary.

But then I would never have found out about the supposed significance of the purported WW I skulls if it hadn't been for my cousin's translation.

And MK2, Trieste is in Europe. So why 2 threads asking where to stay, what to do etc. etc.

Your boorish rudeness to posters is probably why some people with questions never post again on Fodors.

Didn't your parents teach you any manners at all?

You blather on about outfits, fashion etc. etc.

The most important thing a person can wear is a smile. And the most important thing a person can show is good and decent manners.

So much more important than whether one wears a black top with jeans.

At times you do give some a chuckle. But often you come across as though you truly have a huge problem fitting in with society.

May I suggest you go buy a good etiquette book?

"The most important thing a person can wear is a smile. And the most important thing a person can show is good and decent manners."

The latter statement is correct, however, insincere smiles are the worst thing possible, they deceive and are dishonest.

"The most important thing a person can wear is a smile"..hhhmmmmmm...I guess I can travel light from now on but also I'll be the only one smiling!!! LOL

crefloors, I did not say the ONLY thing to wear is a smile. I said it is the MOST important thing. And having read a lot of your post I would imagine people see you with a pleasant expression most of the time. And you certainly always have come across as well mannered. I have never read a post of yours that was rude. By the way, guess tomorrow will be BRRRR cold, front coming in from Alaska. Sacto Valley sure turned from a "Florida type day" yesterday to overcast and chilly today. Take care.

And MK2, insincere smile, of course not!
Am glad that we agree on good manners.
Will you try, please? When you are humorous we all enjoy your post. Just reread what you write before posting. Thanks.

that's what I said...the most important thing a person can wear is a because I was just being silly...as far as C3PO goes...oops, I mean AK47..oops I mean mk2 he/she never bothers me but I have yet to be on the receiving end of one of his/her posts...but I'm sure my day will come...we've had snow on the ground all week here....had a blizzard last Saturday and ended up with about 8" of snow that wouldn't melt because is never got above freezing...we usually don't get snow that sticks here in the valley. More snow tomorrw but warmer temps so will probably turn to rain and melt everything..I like having the snow on the ground during the holidays...maybe will get some more before Christmas that will sick around again.

huh? the most important thing a person can wear is a "what"? I'm so easily distracted that I can't even finish a thought..scary isn't it?

LOL Creflors :-p, you sound like me!

Do have a good Sunday! And stay warm.

"Some countries have dress codes"?????? They DO? Which ones are they (other than the usual restrictions in house of worship) so I can be certain to avoid those countries. Get real!

>>>>>>"Some countries have dress codes"?????? They DO? Which ones are they (other than the usual restrictions in house of worship) so I can be certain to avoid those countries. Get real!<<<<<<

Yes, some countries have dress codes. Iran, for example, has a dress code. It is not just a dress code for entering a house of worship. It's a dress code for walking in the street, and is legally enforced.

Saudi Arabia has a dress code. In fact, it was not that long ago that girls at a school in Saudi Arabia were allowed to die in a fire because they weren't sufficiently covered for the male fire fighters to rescue them. As I recall, the incident happened in the last couple of years.

Okay, neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia is in Europe. I'm aware this forum is about Europe.

However, I think it's entirely possible that a person could have heard vague rumours about norms relating to dress in foreign countries. Not being sure of the details, the person might want to check, as a precautionary measure, if there is something he/she should avoid in the specific countries he/she is planning to visit.

JohnHarden, if you are still following this thread, I hope my earlier comments didn't put you off Budapest. You won't meet Vlad the Impaler or anything like that. I have found all four cities that you will be visiting to be delightful.

I would venture a guess that you already have survived the most difficult part of your trip.

Judy, for sure if JohnHarden can survive this thread he will do find in his travels. Take good care.