Trying to wow my wife
Apr 11th, 2007, 06:45 AM
#21
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DO NOT worry about the language barrier. Yes, in Spain they do speak very little English. But I had very limited Spanish class a long time ago and we made it around just fine. Everyone was very helpful. So if she is fluent, I think she will have a very good time.
And just tell her that yes, the first day or two is very culture shocking, but after that we blended right into the lifestyle.
And don't overplan. I've been the Europe planner on my 4 trips now, and I'm definitely getting more laid back as I go on. Don't try to see everything and don't worry if you don't see everything. Keep the attitude that whatever you have missed will be there for you next time.
Try to live like a local. The European attitude is to slow down, don't work so hard, eat well, enjoy life. If you are rushing everyone through a museam because you have 5 more to see that day, everyone will be stressed. Keep your timetable moveable. I didn't even know what time it was the majority of our last trip.
I think an undervalued aspect of European travel is reconnecting with your loved ones. I really felt like I fell in love with my husband all over again on our Spain trip. And you can't do that if you are arguing about the map, and timetables, and all sorts of other things.
And don't let them pack too much!!! This was a hard lesson for me to learn, but especially if you are moving around a lot, wear the same clothes over again and don't get bogged down in things. Simplify.
And just tell her that yes, the first day or two is very culture shocking, but after that we blended right into the lifestyle.
And don't overplan. I've been the Europe planner on my 4 trips now, and I'm definitely getting more laid back as I go on. Don't try to see everything and don't worry if you don't see everything. Keep the attitude that whatever you have missed will be there for you next time.
Try to live like a local. The European attitude is to slow down, don't work so hard, eat well, enjoy life. If you are rushing everyone through a museam because you have 5 more to see that day, everyone will be stressed. Keep your timetable moveable. I didn't even know what time it was the majority of our last trip.
I think an undervalued aspect of European travel is reconnecting with your loved ones. I really felt like I fell in love with my husband all over again on our Spain trip. And you can't do that if you are arguing about the map, and timetables, and all sorts of other things.
And don't let them pack too much!!! This was a hard lesson for me to learn, but especially if you are moving around a lot, wear the same clothes over again and don't get bogged down in things. Simplify.
Apr 11th, 2007, 07:07 AM
#22
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Lovely advice Ira and Kelliebellie, I am not even going to try and see it all! In fact I just want to whet the appitite. My problem is basically what to pick from that will increase the odds of accomplishing that. So much to pick from!! Ira, your guide to planning is spectacular, thanks. thereyet
ps won't make that mistake again (NBA tickets) and will likely never quite live it down, its been 15 years. Kinda like the time I bought her a lamp for christmas shortly after we were married!
ps won't make that mistake again (NBA tickets) and will likely never quite live it down, its been 15 years. Kinda like the time I bought her a lamp for christmas shortly after we were married!
Apr 11th, 2007, 07:24 AM
#23
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Yes I agree w/ everyone.
After reading Kellie's & Ira's trip reports I am sure that part of their success was their open & flexible attitude and appreciation for the local way of doing things. By the way Kellie you guys sound like you had a blast!
I myself am fluent in Spanish, but it still takes a while to get in the groove. My family's rather formal Spanish reflects none of the current idiomatic expressions (another generation & that goes for English too! )Another initial surprise came not as much from the from the language rather from the more crisp & matter of fact service in general, which I frankly now prefer.
In any case I hope it begins a brand new chapter for you both!
After reading Kellie's & Ira's trip reports I am sure that part of their success was their open & flexible attitude and appreciation for the local way of doing things. By the way Kellie you guys sound like you had a blast!
I myself am fluent in Spanish, but it still takes a while to get in the groove. My family's rather formal Spanish reflects none of the current idiomatic expressions (another generation & that goes for English too! )Another initial surprise came not as much from the from the language rather from the more crisp & matter of fact service in general, which I frankly now prefer.
In any case I hope it begins a brand new chapter for you both!
Apr 11th, 2007, 08:48 AM
#24
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6 nights in London should be more than enough time to enjoy the city. When you tire of town take your pick of great day trips. I recommend Windsor Castle or Hampton Court. With a car you could see Oxford, Stonehenge, and Salisbury Cathedral all in the same day.
Just relax and go with the flow. Be prepared to change your schedule a bit in Spain - they generally eat lunch around 2pm and dinner at 10pm. It leaves you time to retreat back to the hotel for a quick snooze to avoid the afternoon heat.
My final piece of advice: memorize the phrase "jamón ibérico de bellota". If it were me I'd enjoy a plate of this every single day of the vacation.
Just relax and go with the flow. Be prepared to change your schedule a bit in Spain - they generally eat lunch around 2pm and dinner at 10pm. It leaves you time to retreat back to the hotel for a quick snooze to avoid the afternoon heat.
My final piece of advice: memorize the phrase "jamón ibérico de bellota". If it were me I'd enjoy a plate of this every single day of the vacation.
Apr 11th, 2007, 08:57 AM
#25
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Hi, others here would know more about transportation to the Cotswalds. We always had a car but we always stayed longer too.
I hope this works out for you and that you are not held responsible for anything that may go wrong. You are tying your best to accommodate her it seems.
Show her this thread and she will appreciate how hard you are trying to make them happy. Good luck, thereyet!!
I hope this works out for you and that you are not held responsible for anything that may go wrong. You are tying your best to accommodate her it seems.
Show her this thread and she will appreciate how hard you are trying to make them happy. Good luck, thereyet!!
Apr 11th, 2007, 10:56 PM
#28
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In my OP I mistated the situation that my wife didn't want anything to do with "it". I should have stated she didn't want to be involved in the planning. She definitly wants to go to Europe as she asked me this time as opposed to caving to my request. thereyet
