Although my credibility is none too high with the celebrated Mr. Hughes, I have never seen the term involving croissant that he refers to. And I am reasonably well travelled over the US of A and a good deal of Western Europe, including that big island off the coast of The Netherlands, the northern part of which seems to house relatively hostile indviduals of various descent. I never had any trouble pronouncing the word either; perhaps it is because my father could do a fair job with French. <BR>(He even spoke a little Scottish.) Also, we have reasonable versions of the rolls here in Athens where I live. <BR>A local bakery makes a very good selection of Parisian style bread, including the little crescents. <BR>Better than hagis in a tube acquired at the local tube station, to paraphrase from the currently popular thread on getting out of prison.

I believe the Croissan'wich is a delight particular to Burger King; Mr. Hughes's awareness of it suggests how well he has embraced American culture, if you want to call it that. (Not meant as self-loathing/America-bashing, but wistfulness for the days when diners roamed the earth.) <BR>I don't eat at Burger King but have seen the ads while watching The Simpsons. (Real American culture.)

Welcome back, Tony. <BR> <BR>We were told by some English friends that we should pronouce Endinburgh as "Edinboro". Maybe they were trying to mislead us. Anyway, we LOVED Scotland, the people and the City of Eninburgh. <BR> <BR>

Tony, the "Athens" to which the erstwhile Mr. Brown refers is not the Athens most people have in mind, nor even the "Athens of America" which is usually considered to be Boston. Rather, he resides in the Athens of Georgia (or, more properly, the "other" Athens in the "other" Georgia). And, when people think of Athens, Georgia, they can think of one of two things: the University of Georgia, or the lone outpost of that fine Atlanta culinary tradition, the Inn and Out. <BR> <BR>I prefer to think of Athens in its latter role, as the former only brings to mind humiliating losses to the University of Florida. <BR> <BR>I think this knowledge is important to anyone who has correctly grasped the concept of the "Croissanwich."

How does one, with a straight face, announce one's departure, then one's return, in such dramatic terms?

One has a sense of humor and an appreciation of satire.

JoAnne--see the last line of Al's last limmerick.

This has to be the biggest comeback since Elvis played Hawaii. And it is getting almost as entertaining as the "drunk mother" thread. I have eaten the famous Croissandwich, many years ago when I was in college. It was ok, but I don't think any self-respecting French person would take a bite. Can't compare to hagis in a tube, since I have not dined on that delicacy yet. Give me a real croissant (with the right nasally kwa-san pronuniation) and a waterpistol full of cheap French wine anyday.

dan, the Fodorite food police have ruled croissants with wine are taboo <BR>

hey, folks, don't forget to add the (TM) when you refer to Haggis in a Tube--Hellie and I are sharing the royalties... <BR>

When leaving a Scottish bierstube <BR>I fondled a lassie's left boob, <BR>Said she with a grin <BR>As I wiped off by fat chin, <BR>"Tis better than haggis in tube!" <BR> <BR>She puzzled me with that good news, <BR>I thought how I could be excused, <BR>She said "Do no worry, <BR>Don't be in a hurry... <BR>The other one's for Tony Hughes!" <BR>

Glad your back. As I said in the email I enjoy your straight forward, fair dinkum approach. <BR>

To our good friend Al, from Sedona: <BR>You're too much!!!!.... Paul J <BR>

Edinburgh is known as the Athens of the North (although never heard of Athens as the Edinburgh of the South). <BR> <BR>I suppose I am being ignorant but the only thing I know about Athens, GA is that REM are from there? Is that right? <BR> <BR>Sheila, my trip was interesting. I was baking in the heat until I travelled to St Moritz, Switzerland, where I was throwing snowballs up the top of the hill. (If anyone reading this was that nice American woman standing slightly to the left of my sister then I am very, very sorry). <BR> <BR>Bellagio is beautiful - and quiet - rare these days. I would like to see the hotel in Vegas with an ersatz 'Bellagio' constructed out front. Anyone live near there??? <BR> <BR>Milan was chaotic as ever including airport (Malpensa this time). <BR> <BR>AJ - I Suppose I am a bit of a drama queen...I like grand exits and entrances (particularly remember the exit I made from [ex]girlfriend and family after argument - stormed off until realised she had all cash/keys etc ..which meant humiliating re-entrance with Stellarossa's tail firmly between his legs). <BR> <BR>Cheryl - for that retort to AJ - I love you, thanks !! <BR> <BR>Ems - will mail ya later, bud <BR> <BR>regards

Good to see your return, Tony.

Tony <BR> <BR>Your mail is bouncing back. Can you e-mail me at work for a quick response <BR> <BR>[email protected]

Actually that should be sheila@grantsmithlaw. co.uk. Woops! <BR>

Sheila <BR> <BR>I'm afraid it's a problem with my server at work. My system administrator keeps bouncing mail back with a fatal error message. <BR> <BR>My email was just concerning Moray-shire and my impending interview there.

Tony, I didn't know you were away, but I'm glad you're back! I just returned from Edinburgh. Thank you for your help! One of my highlights was going to Ensign Ewart's on Castlehill. Also I went to a great restaurant that I think must be fairly new. The name of it was The Marque. Great food!!! I love your fair city!!!

<BR>Tony <BR> <BR>I asked if you knew who was interviewing or if there was anything I could do to help.