Paris, France - The Most Beautiful City Ever! Bonjour!

Paris is still the most stunningly beautiful City! A Fall 2025 update, just returned from 6 days there, and found the Parisians are more accommodating than when i visited in the 1980's, and their English speaking is more widespread. However, to be polite and as a greeting when entering a Hotel Lobby, restaurant or shop, please say a happy "Bonjour" with a smile, and you will be given excellent service even if your French is not excellent! The French will, of course, immediately assess you are not French and will speak to you in English, so don't worry!   

Back in 1981, my college  friends and I spent 5 days in Paris and Tra La La, were we busy! There is so much to do and see! The many museums, bridges, the Eiffel Tower, Churches, gardens, Versailles, the famous Notre Dame, Sacre-Coeur, the Palais Royale, the Left Bank and street cart crepes with warm strawberry jam, cafes, and the Haute Couture street fashion! Bring good walking shoes as you will need them! 

We stayed on the artistic Left Bank in an inexpensive B&B which had circular stairs. The light went on as we went up the stairs then off after we had passed the sensors. Electricity is expensive. We paid 5 Francs ($1.25 back in 1981) for a "3 minute hot shower." Well, it was lukewarm and 3 minutes is NOT a long time if you haven't showered for 3 days and are a girl washing your hair! So, just be aware. Our room had 10' ceilings, handmade quilts on the twin beds, a sink (bathroom down at the end of the hall), an iron & ironing board, and 3 floor to ceiling French windows which opened out onto French Balconies. Everyone in Paris drinks their morning coffee standing by their French balconies! Great "people watching!" 

Be aware, the French are VERY particular about their French accent being spoken perfectly, so unless you grew up there and can quickly small talk in a Parisian colloquial accent, a simple "Bonjour" will do. Also, taxi's are very expensive and arrive 10 minutes early, then charge you for the 10 minutes, so beware. The Metro is very clean and manageable, but WATCH OUT for the gypsy children who are taught to pick pocket. They place a folded sweater to sell on your lap, then while distracting you, take your rings, bracelet & watch off.  If you can afford to hire a driver for the day to drive you to many sites, do it! Worth the expense, as the traffic is now extremely congested. The key to Paris is blending in as much as you can with your city chic wardrobe, perfect French accent and French attitude of belonging! 

Here are a few French tips:  

• Use your best "Old European Manners" (See August 12, 2020 post). 
• France is a Republic of 65 million people. It is about 2 times the size of Colorado.
• The French GDP per capita is $41,400 USD. 
• Currency is now the Euro. 
• The French are famous for their fabulous cuisine & wine and culture, culture, culture. Also known for their Haute Couture fashion, champagne, Limoges region fine china and the Moulin Rouge, Paris is the heart of romance! 
• Temperatures are 32 degrees - 75 degrees F., so layer! Bring a light travel rain coat & foldable umbrella too as you may need them! 
• Dress code in France is "City Chic." Black, black and black goes with everything. 
• Dress up a bit in Paris as you may end up in a fancy location! Also, you will be able to walk into any fancy hotel or venue and use their downstairs public restroom, or "Les Toilettes" and carry some change or small Euro bills for the restroom machine or attendant (whatever is posted). 
• In France "froide" means 'cold' and "chaude" is "hot." The washroom faucets are reversed and are marked "C" and "F", so be careful! "C" means hot water!
• Do NOT wear white tennis shoes. No "fanny packs." (travel websites have clothing with hidden inner pockets with zippers). No dirty or sloppy jeans. No bra straps showing or tube tops. No shorts at night. Layer. 
• DO NOT put salt & pepper on your food before your first bite. The French take great pride in their famous cuisine and in their efforts to prepare food perfectly for you and they think their food should not need any salt, pepper or any other spice added. This action will insult the chef and the waiters will scoff at what they consider to be your bad manners. 
• Always eat in the Continental Style, and clean your plate!
• An empty wine glass means you want a refill.
• Dining is always Continental style always. Eat everything (except bread) with your knife and fork. If there is no bread/butter plate, place your bread next to your fork on the table. 
• Cut your fruit. Cut your cheese at an angle (superstition). 
• As per the Christian tradition, break your bread with your hands before buttering or eating.
• De l'eau gazeuse is sparkling water. 
• Know your dessert spoon and fork.
• Cross your knife and fork, and it means you want another helping. 
• Placing your knife and fork in the 10:4 position means you are finished.
• Gentlemen, leave your jacket on!
• If you are invited to dinner, you must bring a hostess gift. Wrap your gift very nicely with high quality wrapping. Include a hand written personal note inside your gift. Appropriate gifts include nice wine, fine chocolates, coffee table books, or flowers. No red flowers (love only) or white flowers (funeral). 
• Do NOT give Logo gifts. 
• Do NOT chew gum in public or eat food or drink while walking down a public street. Considered rude. 
• Vegetable market vendors serve you. DO NOT touch the vegetables. 
• Greet clerks when entering or exiting their shop. "Bonjour, ca va?" means: Hello, how are you? "Merci, bounjourne" upon leaving means "Thank you, have a good day." 
• Speak softly in public and do not argue. Don't joke. DO NOT be the loud, ugly American. 
• Close the door and turn off the light when exiting any room. Electricity in France is very expensive.
• DO NOT discuss money, politics or mention salary when chatting with the French. Rude.
• If attending a special occasion party, arrive 15 minutes "socially late." 
• If attending a dinner party in a French home, be on time. Bring a hostess gift and small gifts for th children (hard candies or small trinkets). DO NOT ask for a "house tour."
• Give business/personal calling cards to everyone. Status symbol!
• Bastille Day is July 14th. Huge National holiday. Stores/Restaurants may be closed. 
• In France, you must ask for your check or the waiters trust you simply want to hang out. "L'addition s'il vous plait" with a hand motion of a signing your palm means you want your check. "Service Compris" (usually 15-18%) is included on the bill and should be listed at the bottom of the check. If the service is extra good, leave a bit of cash on the table. 
• Family and close friends "air kiss" both cheeks. NO hand kissing. 
• Titles are important. Use Titles and last names until invited to use a first name.
• Shake hands with everyone. Ladies extend their hands first. NO kissing of hands.  
• Champagne is sometimes served before the meal.
• Whisky, rum and sometimes a martini is served after the meal.
• Always try the local delicacies such as quiche, crepes, frog legs and escargot. 
• Families are small but family life is important.
• Ladies, sit with your knees together or ankles crossed. DO NOT cross your legs at the knees.
• Gentleman, keep your hands OUT of your pockets. 
• Stay away from all hand gestures. Especially the "thumbs up" gesture. Most are considered to be obscene.
• Toasts: "A votre santé!" 
• Do not cut your salad. Fold your salad. Cutting (thus bruising) your lettuce will insult the chef.
• If unsure, use "Madam" for both single and married grown adult women.
• Bring small change and bills for the restroom or "W.C." charge and tip the attendant 1-2 Euros.
• Tip an Usher/Bellboy 2-3 Euros per bag.
• Tip the Maid 5 Euros per day. Leave daily as you may not have the same maid service daily.
• "Service Compris" (15-18%) is always listed on the bottom of the check and leave a little bit extra cash on the table (or hand directly to the server) for great service (5-10 Euros, depending on the amount of the bill).        

Vivre la France! 

 

   

   

Proper Dining Manners for England, & Jolly Travel Stories & Tips!

Perhaps it's the romance of Royalty and their accent, or the elegance of Afternoon Tea, or the Elevenses tradition, or that our family is Mayflower from the Huntingdonshire District (now Cambridgeshire), but England was always fascinating to me. The White Cliffs of Dover, the horse-drawn carriages, the Universities and literature, the Centuries old customs, the roses and the Royals! The land where muffins and biscuits and biscuits are cookies! I studied long hours and saved up babysitting and waitressing money all throughout High School so that I could attend a semester abroad in college.

Luckily, I attended my 1981 Summer semester abroad at St. Anne's College, Oxford, during Princess Diana's wedding celebrations. The London crowds were enormous, and enormously polite. I pardoned my way through the massive audience attending the fireworks the night before the wedding, made my way up to the front row where there was a fence, snapped a few photos, turned around and was claustrophobic for the first time in my life as the crowd was huge. People were so nice to allow me up front. The British are extremely kind and lovely souls. 

School was the most fabulous learning experience, however, the British educational system teaches subjects differently. Learning is not taught in the "parrot" style system like in the US. Four small paperback books a week we read in my British Literature class. Then, we listened to a lecture each day in class by the author, and one was expected to form one's own opinion about the subject at hand, but you MUST back up your opinion. As well, the professor calls on each student in turn to participate in discussions during the twice week afternoon "Tutorials", which are comprised of basically sitting on the floor in the small office of the professor, so you better have studied up. You may also be served tea, so be prepared to exhibit your best tea manners. Breakfast at school was different but good! Simple bran cereal and room temperature milk in pitchers. Dry toast in toast racks and soft butter. Scrambled eggs and sausages. Then there are the pitchers of warm custard at breakfast, lunch and dinner. YUM!    

The first thing to know about England is the British are very proper, polite and mannerly. Use your best  "Old European Manners" (see the post on August 12, 2020). Be exceptionally polite and use your softest voice and all your 'magic words' all the time. The Brits love their afternoon Tea and Sherry, their flower gardens, and punting. The famous "pick up put down tea" was introduced in chic Belgravia at the beginning of the Napoleonic Wars. Talk about the weather and  rather than politics or "American Independence Day", (July 4th). Don't say the word "charming." They've heard it a million times. Say the word "lovely" (closer meaning to the word 'wonderful') instead. You will be thanked! Also, a pair of good walking shoes (NOT white sneakers) are a must!

Here are a few jolly travel tips:

• England has a population of 56 million (UK = 68 Million) and the island itself is about the size of the State of New York. The Capital is London, with a population of 9 million and which is 5 x the size of New York City. 
• GDP of the UK per capita is $42,500 USD. 5th richest country in the world, but do NOT expect your accommodations to be spacious and luxurious like America. Many families, as well, live in multi-generational homes.
• England is an island, so it is windy and does rain. Temperatures are wet and cool at 40 - 70 degrees F. Bring a travel raincoat, umbrella, and rain shoes.
• England is known for Wedgwood Jasperware China, Staffordshire quadruple plate silver hollowware, their wit & puns, Edwardian and Empire movies, and hedges. Take your walking shoes (NOT white tennis shoes) and enjoy the outdoors!
• Culturally, England is the land of Gainsborough, Constable, J.M.W. Turner, Alfred Munnings, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Keats, Yeates, Shelley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Duran Duran, and The Clash. Google up the museums, sites and tours and go! 
• The British also know the history of and honor their war monuments. These structures are everywhere. Read the engravings/plaques, learn & enjoy. 
• Plays in London, the land of Shakespeare, are everywhere and students get discounts. GO!
• "Elevenses" is tea at 11:00 am. A nice morning break!
• "High Tea" is NOT more formal than "Afternoon Tea." "High Tea" traditionally is held at 5:00pm  because the miners and laborers had not eaten much all day and it includes meats, cold cuts and cheeses, fish and eggs. Think of High Tea as a light supper.
• "Afternoon Tea" is the more formal tea! It is held around 3:00pm - 4:00pm and includes many teas, and the famous scones with clotted cream and jam. Afternoon tea also includes cucumber and egg salad sandwiches (crust off, of course), chocolates, sweet pastries, fruit tarts, meringues, hot chocolate, and champagne! Remember to first break a bite sized piece off of the scone, then spread the clotted cream onto your piece of scone, THEN the jam, otherwise you will have a mess! True old fashioned British do not take milk with their tea, but if you do take milk, put it in after the tea is poured. The person chosen to pour the tea is referred to as "Mother." Never use half & half in your tea as it disguises the flavour. Afternoon Teas are popular and a huge treat, so be sure to make reservations, dress up, and tip well. You will be full and happy! 
• Dress code in the UK is "City Chic." Black, black and black. Goes with everything and is east to pack. Bring a lightweight travel raincoat and foldable umbrella and skimmer rain shoes too. You will be glad you did. NO white tennis shoes. NO fanny packs (they scream 'tourist'). Travel web sites have travel clothing with hidden internal zippers. Put a few pounds in your shoes too. 
• When out in public, mind the gaps on tube and train platforms, speak quietly, look RIGHT when crossing any street, and DO NOT eat, drink or chew gum while walking down the street or while on public transportation. Rude!
• Catch phrases are: "Well done", "Brilliant", "Cheers", "Lovely", "Right", "DoneThen", "Fancy a Cuppa?" 
• The Restroom is the "Toilet", "W.C." or "Loo." The elevator is the "Lift." DO NOT say "ride" when referring to an elevator or taxi. "Ride" has a completely different obscene meaning. French fries are "chips." Cookies are "biscuits." Waiting in line is a "queue." "Pants" are underwear. The pharmacy is called the "Chemist." 
• Hand shaking is a firm 2 shakes, then down. Eye contact is square in the eyes, and smile.
• Introductions are "Old World" formal. Use proper titles and say: "How do you do." Women extend their hand first. 
• The British are friendly and very helpful, but reserved and cool.
• At the Pub: Men order a 'Pint", women order a "Half pint." Use your beer brand/logo coaster, and sometimes you can even keep it! 
• The Brits love talking about how they've seen "The Queen", Queen Elizabeth II, & other Royalty, as the Windsor's are always out and about with their charity and Church works. Listen to their stories. Everyone has one! 
• Traditional British Cuisine is Lamb, "Fish & Chips" (Fried fish and french fries), "Bangers & Mash" (sausages and mashed potatoes), great curried anything, tomatoes with every meal, teas, scones and double creams & jams. 
• Table tipping is 10-12%. Hand the tip to the server. Give an extra 5% if the service is excellent. 
• Eat Continental style only. The waiter transfers food from a serving platter to the guest's plate always from the left. The guest of honour is served first. Women are served before men, older before younger. If at home, Mother is served first! Do not place your hands in your lap. Keep your wrists above the table and your elbows OFF the table. DO NOT place your cell phone on the table. Sit up straight. Keep your voice down. Spoon your soup away from you. 
• The famous "Black Taxi" service in England is highly regulated. Drivers must take tests to navigate London, 5 x the size of NYC, by the shortest and quickest route, so do NOT tell them where to go. Tip 15%. Always reliable and a treat to take a Black Cab. 
• Currency in England is the Great British Pound. NO Euro. Tip the porter 2 GBP per bag. Tip the maid 4-5 GBP per day. Tip room service 15%. 
• Time is 24 Hour. Practice subtracting 12.       

Remember: As head of her family and Country, Windsor tradition demanded that Queen Victoria pause and stand in the entrance to receive important visitors. As a result, where is the power in every room? The doorway. 

Germany is the Land of Sauerkraut and Shrapnel

 My Father helped liberate Dachau. He was stationed in Europe, London for 6 months, then finally Munich for 6 months. So, as a student abroad in 1981, my friends & I made it a point to visit Munich and Dachau. In Munich, the streets, sidewalks and street lamps were new. The old buildings which survived still had shrapnel holes in the sides. The reserved citizens would quietly gather in the old town square to watch the huge and intricate Cuckoo clock strike Noon. It was quite the treat, but back then, Munich was grey. The citizens walked quickly and efficiently about, but with their heads slightly down. We were the giggly American college students running around in shorts!  

Dachau was a 20 minute bus trip from Munich. Although gloomy, I encourage everyone visiting Munich to visit Dachau. Back in 1981, it was almost untouched. There was no fancy visitors Center. No tour guide. No memorial wall site or flowers. Only a guest book to sign at the end. We simply stepped off of the old, non-air-conditioned school bus and walked in through the old gates. There was one lady at a visitors desk to sell us a ticket, but no one else. We walked right into the old crematory. The old dormitories. The many wooden triple bunk beds still had scratchings of every name and every initial of each human soul imprisoned there. That's when it hit me, along with my Dad's words: "No one knew. No one knew what was really going on. They knew it was desperate, but no one could have imagined. Myself and my Air Force buddies came back from our initial visit all sick to our stomachs." My friends and I didn't speak for hours afterwards. A sad but life changing visit worth your time. 

Also, while driving on the Autobahn, our bus driver pointed out what the locals call: "Hitler's Widow's Peake" Photo below!    

On a happier note, below are a few travel tips for Germany:

• Do use your old European manners (see the post "Old European Manners" August 12, 2020)
• Germans value hard work, frugality, thriftiness, punctuality, order, rules, respect, perfection, achievement, belongingness, and are proud.
• Germany is a country of 83 million. Berlin is the capital. The GDP per capita is $$46,500 USD
• Germany is a bit bigger than New Mexico. It is a Federal Republic. 
• Germany is known for their "perfectionism"
• Layer, as the temperatures are 25 - 60 Degrees F. and it's a rainy climate.
• The German currency is the Euro. You will need cash for some purchases. Always carry a bit of cash as well for tipping. Exchange your currency at your bank before you leave for your trip. If you run out of Euro cash, DO NOT exchange monies on the street. Go to a bank. 
• DO NOT eat or drink while walking down the street. Rude. DO NOT chew gum in public.
• Dress code is European city chic. Plain black, navy and beige are best. DO NOT wear white tennis shoes or a fanny pack. Travel websites have clothing with inside hidden zippers. My Mother taught me to keep some cash inside my shoe. Covered shoes are best. 
• DO NOT wear shorts unless you are exercising or hiking. 
• We also drove by Hitler's "Eagle's Nest" mountain as pictured. 
• DO NOT be the loud, boisterous "Ugly American." Speak quietly and be reserved.
• If you must wear jeans, black jeans are best and should be clean and pressed.
• Gentleman: please keep your hands out of your pockets. Pockets are for change only. 
• Speak a few 'magic words' in German and you will be appreciated. "Ein beer bitte" means "one beer, please!" "Bitte" = Please and "You're welcome.". 'Danke' = Thank you. "Hallo" = Hello. "Guten Morgen" = Good Morning. "Grub Good" = "Good Day." "Guten Abend" = "Good Evening." "Ja" = "yes." "Nein" = "No."
• Germans have coffee and cake at 4:00pm. "Kaffe und Kuchen." All kinds of different cakes & strudels.
• Toasting: "Zum Wohl" = "To your health." Or "Prost" is traditional too. Use these toasts at Octoberfest or when simply going to a beer house and having a beer with friends. The waitresses here are fabulously talented (they gracefully carry 6-8 beer mugs all at once) and nice, and the sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) & meats are fresh & good!
• "Wie Gehts" = "How are you" and begins a discussion. 
• Breakfast = boiled eggs, rolls and marmalade, cheeses, coffee & hot teas & hot chocolate! 
• Lunch = meats, potatoes, sausages, vegetables, salad and soup.
• Dinner = "Sauerbraten" is pot roast and is the German National dish. "Kartoffelpuffer " = potato pancakes (my Dad used to make these for breakfast from leftover mashed potatoes the night before). "Spatzle" = egg noodles. "Zungerl" = pig's tongue. "Wursts" = sausages. "Bratwurst" = grilled sausage. "Leberwurst" = liverwurst. "Winerschnitzel" = breaded fried veal. "Knodel" = dumplings. "Torten" = decorated cakes. "Schwern" = pork. "Lamm" = lamb. "Hahnchen" = chicken. "Fisch" = fish. "Ei" = egg. "Gemuse" = vegetable. "Fleisch" = meat.
• Appetizer = "Vorspeise." Main Course/Entree = "Hauptspeise." Dessert = "Nachtisch." 
•  Eat every meal Continental style only. Otherwise, Germans think you are hiding something, that you are not trustworthy. DO NOT place your hands in your lap. Keep your wrists always above the table. 
• The toilette is "Toiletten" or "WC." Women = "Frauen" and Men = "Herren."
• Hot water = "Warm." Cold water = "Kalt."
• Handshakes are firm and eye contact is direct. Smile warmly. Shake hands with everyone present. Women do extend their hands first. Men should stand when a woman enters the room. 
• Use last names and formal titles only until you are invited to use a first name. 
• German's answer the phone with their last names.
• Try not to ask for ice. The weather is cool and wet anyway, so you probably don't need it!
• Use your knife and fork Continental style to eat your sandwiches and fruit.
• DO NOT use the "Ok" hand gesture. Obscene!
• DO use the "thumbs up" to order more beers or as a sign of appreciation!
• DO NOT point. This is a signal for "stupid" or "crazy."
• Dinner seating is formal. Continental style only. Brandy is often served after dinner.
• To beckon a waiter, raise your hand and say: "Herr Ober." 
• DO NOT cut your dumpling or potato with your knife because this suggests to the chef they are not tender or properly cooked.
• Clean your plate!
• Butcher shops are common as the famous meats and sausages are fresh and delicious! Don't be scared of the mammals and fowl hanging in the windows!
• NO dirty jeans. Some establishments may not accept jeans at all. Check before going to dinner.
• Tip 10% for a large meal or dinner. Leave a bit of cash on the table if the service is exceptional.
• Tip 5% for a beer or small item.
• Tip the Taxi driver 2 Euros per trip.
• Tip the Maid 4-5 Euros per day.
• Tip the Porter 2 Euros per bag. 

Guten Appetit!

Switzerland is a Perfect Picture Postcard

Switzerland has little chalets & cute farm sheds everywhere. Green fields and snow. The Matterhorn. Quilts on your bed. Alphorns. Fondue and cuckoo clocks. Brown Swiss cows with cowbells. Always a festival with traditional Swiss horses in pretty horse harnesses and red & white Swiss plumes. Hiking. Fabulous fresh chocolate. Dom Perignon. Better yet, the sun sets in the Summertime at 10:30pm (22:30) and the moon is huge at an altitude of 15,000 feet!

As a student abroad in 1981, my friends & I took a one hour charming little cogwheel railway up the mountain from the District of Visp to Zermatt and opened the windows. It was like living in a postcard. We were approached at the train station in Zermatt by a nice lady offering her lovely B&B Chalet complete with flower boxes on the balconies and down comforters on the twin beds. Nice! Continental breakfast was good too. The next day we went exploring and shopping. I had my first super sugary Swiss marzipan and delectable Swiss chocolate. YUM! 

The next day my friends went hiking in shorts and shirt sleeves, and I went skiing on the Matterhorn. 5 cable cars up. Swishing down the Matterhorn, I must have taken a wrong turn, and ended up at the Italian border speaking broken French to a German who also spoke French  (way better then I) trying to figure out how to get back up the mountain! Tired, I took off my skis, bought the biggest chocolate bar I have ever seen, and sat in the sun on a lawn chair soaking up the mid-day sun. Everyone was in ski boots and bathing suits! Bring sunscreen, because even in the snow of August, that sun is hot at 15,000 feet and you'll get a sunburn!

Here are some Swiss travel tips: 

• Do use your European manners (see the post "Old European Manners" on August 12, 2020).
• With the altitude, drink lots of water and with the sun & snow, layer.
• Switzerland is a Federal Republic, has a population of 8.6 million, and a GDP per Capita of $83,700(USD), the second highest in the world. 
• Bern is the Capital and has a population of 1 million. Zermatt's population is only 5,800! 
• Anyone remember "The Swiss Family Robinson?" (I might be showing my age!) 
• Switzerland's beautiful environment houses much timber, salt, dairy and hydropower.  
• Families are small (maybe only one child) but family life is #1 most important, and the elderly are well respected. 
• Languages spoken are many! German, French, Italian, English and Romansh. Most people in Switzerland speak 3-4 languages. Multi-cultural and multi languages! 
• The Swiss are known for their fierce independence, fine watches, cleanliness, punctuality, tolerance, proud heritage, hard work and thriftiness! It is said: "Unity - yes! Uniformity - no."
• Manners are formal and very old world (see the post "Old European Manners" August 12, 2020).
• No shorts in the evenings. Clothing is conservative and 'casual chic' in the evenings. Please cover your shoulders and knees if you visit or attend a Church. 
• Do not stretch or slouch in public. 
• Stay away from all hand gestures (for example, the "OK" hand gesture is obscene). Do not talk with your hands. Keep your hands at your sides and do not touch your face or head when in public or when talking to others. Considered rude. 
• Handshakes are firm with direct eye contact. 
• Gentlemen, please keep your hands out of your pockets. They are for giving or receiving change only. Do not walk, stand or take photographs with your hands in your pockets. Most Europeans wonder what your hands are up to in there! 
• Eat Continental style only. Goes back to Kings and their enemies hiding knives up their sleeves at the table. Culturally, it's still a trust issue. 
• Keep your wrists on the table at all times and do not put your hands in your lap. 
• Do not leave food on your plate, and when you are finished, place your fork and knife in the 10:20 position. 
• Do not salt and pepper your food before you taste it. This act would insult the chef. 
• Take a small second helping if at a dinner party. 
• If there are no bread knives, break your bread before buttering or eating your bread. If there is no bread plate, place your bread on your dinner plate or the table.
• Handshakes are firm. Shake hands with everyone present in greeting and departing. 
• Academic titles are very important. 
• Surprisingly, expect some pushing in lines, for example, at the bakery or ski slope. 
• When shopping, always greet the sales clerk by saying hello: "Hoy." Or, you can always say the chic Italian "Ciao" for hello and goodbye! Easy to remember. 
• Beware of pickpocketing, free stuff scams, fake donations and fake police.
• Breakfast is traditionally Continental style. Muesli, fresh fruit, especially apples. Coconut flakes & chocolate. Yum! 
• Lunch could be a complete meal, sandwich, or bircher muesli (Swiss oatmeal made with cream). 
• Foods are French and German! Soup & salad, meats and sauerkraut, potatoes, sausages, bread & cheese, cheese fondue, and those famous Swiss chocolates! 
• Dinner is light. Bread & cheese, cold cuts, and jams or honey. 
• Currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Prices may be indicated in Euros so visitors may compare prices.
• When dining out, as in many big cities, strangers may sit at your table in a pub or inexpensive restaurant. You are not expected to chat with them. 
• When dining out, a 15% tip is automatically added to your bill.  Leave 5-10% cash (rounding up is simple) on the table when leaving if your service is good.
• When taking a taxi, a 15% tip is included for your ride.
• Tip the maid 1-2 CHF a day
• Tip the bellman 1-2 CHF per bag
• Restroom attendant 1-2 CHF
• Toast: "Prost", "Salute", "A Votre Sante" means 'To your health.' 
• Guests: Lastly, propose a toast to your host/hostess, and to the chef!
• Hard liquor is served after the meal: Grappa, Campari, Cassis, Sweet Vermouth, Sherry, Champagne, Kirsch, Pear Brandy and Schumli Pflumli is an apres-ski drink, which is plum Schnaps/brandy and coffee with whipped cream! The Swiss version of Irish Coffee. 
• The Host proposes the first toast - always.
• Gently clink glasses when invited to do so.
• DO send flowers to the hostess the day of an event, and remember to write a "Thank You" note within 24 hours.
• Give: good quality chocolates or marzipan, pastries, pralines, fine Whisky, wine or Cognac, or a nice coffee table book.
• DO NOT give "Logo" gifts, or extravagant gifts (thought to be tacky), red roses or red carnations  (love only) or white chrysanthemums or white calillies (funeral color and flowers)
• DO NOT give knives, scissors or sharp objects (bad luck).   

 During your time in bucolic Switzerland, enjoy every moment, day or night, outside!

Scotland, St. Andrews, Arthur's Seat and A Few Wee Travel Tips

 The first tip I must share about Scotland is: mind the sidewalk at the Edinburgh train station! As a student in 1981, I stepped off the overnight train from London, tripped over a raised sidewalk edge, and fell flat on my face, bending the frame of my beloved used Pentex K-1000 camera. Next thing I knew, 2 Scottish grannies were peeling me up off of the sidewalk. Immediately afterwards, I found myself sitting in a chair at the "Chemist's" (Pharmacy), with a bowl of hydrogen peroxide in my lap. Scraped both knees and palms of both hands, complete with gravel. The Pharmacist was SO nice.  Everyone in Scotland is SO nice!

College friends and I stayed at a post card perfect Bed & Breakfast, right across from Arthur's Seat, a great tour and walk, so be sure to bring good walking shoes to beautiful, green Scotland. Our twin beds/cots were on the third floor. A young couple had just bought the brownstone. The wife offered to help me clean and dress my wounds daily. She said it would be good practice for her 2 young children! She was SO nice and I was much appreciative of her wound care! 

We visited Arthur's seat, famous St. Andrews golf course, the 1st golf course in the world, shopped for our family tartans, bought Aran oatmeal wool "jumpers" (sweaters), and of course, visited the local pubs and had Afternoon Tea at a nice local tea house.

Edinburgh hosts many outdoor Highland Games. The hammer throw, stone-put, weight-throw, caber toss (log), tug-a-war, just to name a few! All the men are in their family kilts, too. As well, they have female Highland dancers, and of course a Scottish pipe & drum band. It's fun to watch. Google one up and go!

Visiting the Edinburgh Castle was a treat! I still remember the model of the Castle's long History inside and the hundreds of toy soldiers inside the models! Major General Alastair Bruce is now the Governor of Edinburgh Castle. He's also the manners man from Downton Abbey! He's SO polite as well, of course! Look up the tour and go! Wonderful views of the city from the top of the castle too.

Here are a few Scottish tips: 

• In Scotland, Old European Manners apply. (See the "Old European Manners" post dated August 12, 2020)  
• Scotland, a Parliamentary Monarchy, about the size of South Carolina, has a population of 5.5 million and a GDP per capita of $38,500 USD. The 14th highest in the world, or so argue those rallying for her independence from the UK. Edinburgh is the Capital of Scotland with a population of about 500,000. Glasgow, a large city, is 600,000. 
•  Scotland is known for their rich tradition of family tartan kilts, Aran wool sweaters, golf courses, scotch whisky, thistle, Highland games, Balmoral Castle, Gleneagles Resort, the horned Highland cow, St. Andrew's University, Ryder Cup, Edinburgh Castle, and being frugal. Or as my Mother used to say: "The Scotch in me."
• Scotland's weather is a nice wet cold if you are dressed appropriately. Temperatures are anywhere from 35-65 degrees. Save your coins up for a year to buy a traditional Aran cable Scottish sweater! You will have it for years and will wear it everywhere!  
• Being that I grew up in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where many Scots settled in the 'new world', Scottish accents sound very similar to old Virginia accents: "Around & about the house" (hard accent on the "ou"). Hard to understand Scots if you're not familiar with the accent.
• Famous Artists are: Alexander Calder, James Guthrie, John Steele, Joseph Boehm (sculpture), Henry Raeburn
• Famous Arthurs & Poets: Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Alison Cockburn, Adam Smith, John Knox
• Music: Celtic music, Gerry Rafferty, Rod Stewart, Bay City Rollers, Sheena Easton
• Movies: 007 Series with Sean Connery, Braveheart, Man of Honor, Brigadoon
• The dress code is conservative casual chic. Layer. Black, navy or beige always work. NO white tennis shoes. NO fanny packs. NO shorts. NO bra straps showing or tube tops (you'll freeze to death anyway!)
• Half the fun of traveling is you never know where you are going to end up. So, dress up a bit and you can go anywhere and treat yourself to a nice lunch or Afternoon Tea. You can also walk into any fancy hotel as though you belong and use their very lovely and clean restrooms. Always carry small bills for the restroom.
• DO NOT wear tartan in Scotland unless it is YOUR family tartan. 
• Please be quiet. Speak quietly. Reserved. Be very polite. Courteous. The Scottish are very private. Blend in. Europe is NOT your yelling college campus. 
• DO without ice. The weather is cool anyway, so you don't need ice. 
• Catch phrases: "Auld Lang Syne" which means 'Old Long Since', or Ago. 
• Magic words: Please use your magic words everywhere. Please, May I, Thank You, You're Welcome. 
• DO NOT eat while walking down the street, or while on public transportation. It is considered to be rude. Do not yell or raise your voice while on the street. Be quiet. Take your time. Enjoy. 
• "Pants" are underpants. Say "trousers" or "slacks."
• Hand Shaking should be 2 firm shakes then down. 
• Eye contact is important. Also smile. DO NOT stare.
• Introductions are more formal than in the USA. "How do you do?" is proper. Women extend their hand first.
• Alcohol is Scotch, Whiskey, and beer. Men order a pint. Ladies order 1/2 pint.
• Cuisine is: Haggis (It's better than Spam), Scotch eggs (delicious), Kippers (Herring fish - similar to anchovies and your partner must have them too as you both will be tasting them all day), Salmon, Crawachan (oatmeal with a dash of whisky, cream and sugar), YUM!
• Tipping: Tip 10-12% as waiters are paid a nice wage. Give an extra 5-10% if the service is excellent. Hand the tip directly to the server. In our new complicated world, some tips disappear off of the table. 
• Dining is Continental style only! Goes back to Kings, trust issues and knaves with daggers up their sleeves. DO NOT put your hands in your lap. Scots will think you are hiding something or are untrustworthy. Wrists above the table always.
• Take registered Taxi's only. 
• Tip the Porter 2 GBP per Bag. Tip the Maid 4 GBP per day. Tip Room service 15%
• Currency is the Great British Pound (GBP)
• Time is on 24 hours. Practice subtracting 12.   

 Remember: NEVER ask a Scotsman what he wears under his Kilt.

  

Austria & Leisl's Famous Sound of Music Glass Gazebo

 As a student abroad in 1981, getting off the train in Salzburg, Austria, college girl friends and I were approached by a nice lady offering her Bed & Breakfast to us as a lovely place to stay. Was it ever! Glad we were clean, groomed and dressed more like Liesl than like we were cleaning out our garage, so we felt like proper travelers, not like the stereotypical "Ugly American" traveler. 

We were also handed information by a gentleman from the "Austrian resistance." Remember, this was before the Berlin Wall fell. We could spend 1/2 hour in a family's apartment learning to speak Austro-Bavarian, the unofficial language of Austria. Afterwards, we would be treated to the movie: The Sound of Music, for $5 cash each. The family would stay in their modest kitchen for the entire 4 hours as not to disturb us. All this for $15 towards "the cause." August was also "Mozart Festival week, so we attended a concert at the beautiful Salzburg Opera House. Quite the experience!

At the B & B, our quilted trundle type twin beds were in an apartment loft above the barn, with red & white checkered curtains on the windows all around. We awoke to a breakfast of eggs, sweet tasting bread, butter & jam, ham & cheese and fresh cow's milk, listening to chickens in the barnyard clucking about.

We also visited the Sound of Music Trellis, the Pegasus Fountain, the Mirabell Palace Gardens, and the Glass Gazebo, which had unfortunately been moved across the road from the Loepoldskron Palace. The then owners were tired of tourists trespassing on their property, and as a result, Liesl's glass Gazebo had been neglected, was broken and in disrepair. Our hearts sank as we stepped over broken benches and glass! Since then, money has been raised and the beloved gazebo has been reconstructed and relocated in the Schloss Hellbrunn gardens in Southern Salzburg. 

Here are a few stats & travel tips for Austria:

• There are numerous Sound of Music tours & they look like fun! In Salzburg, it's easy to get around. Pick one that suits your energy, time & enjoy! Mozart concerts are numerous as well!
• Austria also has a "Cow Festival" every Summer, but don't kiss the cows or get too close!
• "Old European Manners" apply in Austria although they are a modern and liberal country (see my August 12, 2020 post)! Use these manners always. 
• Austria is a bit smaller than the State of Maine. Easy to get around on the trains and busses.
• Vienna is the Capitol and their population is about 1.9 Million. Salzburg is about 155,000.
•  Austria is a Federal Republic with a population of 9 Million. GDP is $53,558 USD.
• The weather is cool at 30 Degrees F in Winter to 68 degrees F in Summer. Be sure to layer! 
• The official language is German. English & other "Germanic" languages such as French & Italian are spoken. Don't be surprised if most Austrians speak 3-4 languages!
• Currency is the Euro. As well, best to travel with a debit/credit card with NO foreign usage fees.
• Dress is "Casual Chic." Conservative. I know it can be boring, but black or navy clothing can be dressed up or down, goes anywhere, and makes you look thinner! Blouses/shirts can be jewel toned for women and beige/grey/sage for men. Best to blend in when abroad! NO SHORTS in the evenings. Gentlemen must wear slacks. Women can wear dark, clean dress jeans, but some hotels or venues may not accept jeans of any type. The 'little black dress' for women works anywhere! Some venues may require a Jacket and/or tie, so check before you go out.
• Travel quietly. DO NOT yell. DO NOT be loud or boisterous. Europe is not your college campus.
• DO NOT walk around, stand, or take photographs with your hands in your pockets. Pants pockets are for giving or receiving change only.
• DO NOT eat walking down the Street or chew gum in public. Considered rude!
• Continental dining must be observed in Europe. Otherwise, according to legend, you may be thought of as hiding something, untrustworthy, dishonest. Keeping your wrists above the table dates back to King Louis XIV (seen Game of Thrones?), when he commanded all men at the table to show they had no daggers up their sleeves. DO clean your plate.
• DO NOT put your hands in your lap. Wrists gently above the table please!  
• Break your rolls up and eat them in small pieces. An old Christian tradition. If you do not have a Butter Plate, place your roll on your plate or table.  
• Viennese men may kiss the hand of a lady "of a certain age."
• Eye contact is important, and a firm hand shake.
• Ask to use the "W.C." The 'water closet' is the restroom!
• At any company or family gathering, stand when a woman enters the room.
• Titles are important. Use titles and last names first until specifically invited to use first names. 
• Shake hands with everyone upon greeting and departing. A lady extends her hand first.  
• "Herr" = Mr., "Fran" = Mrs., "Fraulein" = Miss., + title + last name.
• Use your 'Magic Words:" "Bitte" = please. "Bitteschon" = you're welcome. "Danka" = thank you. "Guten Morgen" = good morning. "Guten Tag" = good day. "Auf Wiedersehen" = goodbye. 
• Appetizer = "Vorspeise." Main Course = "Hauptspeise." Dessert = "Nachspeise" (pudding).
• Vegetables = "Gemuse." Meat = "Fleisch." Bread = "Brot", and Soup = 'Suppe." 
• Greet everyone, even in public. "Hallo" = hello. No PDA!
• Gift Giving to a host/hostess: DO give odd numbers of flowers, as even numbers are bad luck. Give: chocolates, nice wine, good brandy or whisky. If you give a leather wallet, put a penny in it. This will guarantee the recipient will never be poor.  
• To a host/hostess: DO NOT give Red carnations (true love), perfume, or extravagant gifts, knives (bad luck) or Logo gifts. 
• To summon a waiter: raise your hand with index finger extended.
• VAT tax "service inklusive" of 10% - 15% is added to and listed on your restaurant bill. It is traditional to add 5-10% more in cash on the table, ending with a full Euro amount (round up). NEVER leave change or a penny on the table. It is considered an insult. 
• When greeting your drinking buddies at the Pub, knock on the Oak table. This means the Devil cannot touch you because Oak is considered a holy tree.
• Thespians don't say "break a leg", instead they spit on each others' left shoulders! 
• Tip the Taxi driver 10%. Tip the Porter 2 Euros per bag. Tip the Maid 4 Euros per day. Save your cash in a jar all year long for tipping. You will receive much better service and your small generosity will be appreciated and remembered. 
•  "Gulasch" = paprika beef with noodles. "Weinerschnitzel" = breaded, fried veal cutlet. "Fladle", or "Frittensuppe", is beef broth pancake soup. "Tafelspitz" = Boiled beef. "Melange" = coffee with hot milk. "Apfelstrudel" = apple strudel."Schlage" = whipped cream. "Milchrahmstrudel" = cream cheese strudel. 
• TOAST: "Prost" Cheers! NEVER toast with water. It means you are "wishing death" on those you toast. Wine is served with most meals.     

Repeat after me: "Ein Bier Bitte" (One beer, please)

and remember to try the Sachertorte. It is delicious!

   

Asian Dining Tips with Chopsticks and Popcorn!

 A lovely UVA college senior, May Holstad, interviewed me for a business etiquette article (Welcome Inc. 2002-2003 Issue, www.richmag.com, "Missed Manners"). She was from China. She shared a cute, local Chinese superstition during our interview:

If a girl holds her chopsticks close to the base, she will marry someone near to where she lives. If she holds her chopsticks close to the top, she will marry someone far away.   

Eating in the Asian style is not hard or impossible. It's actually fun, if you practice, and it's fun to practice in just 3 easy steps Hold the first chopstick in the hollow of your thumb and rest it on your middle finger. Hold the second chopstick like a pencil. Hold the 1st steady in position, and move the 2nd back & forth. Practice with popcorn! First one piece, then 2, and so on. 

Interestingly enough, many Asian etiquette & manners and social traditions were adopted by the Europeans, as were many Fine china designs with the Tea trade in the 15th Century. So, many of the Asian etiquette & manners are the same as many of the Old European etiquette & manners. 

First and paramount in all Asian cultures is "saving face." Asians do not like "losing face." Honor, etiquette and manners are very important. 

Asian Dining Tips:

• Never stand your chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice! Rude!
• DO NOT ever point your chopsticks at another person. Very rude.
• Always use the large ends of your chopsticks to serve yourself from the platter.
• Dining is often "family style." Dishes are all placed on the table "Buffet Style", so help yourself.
• Always sample every dish. You may find a new favorite food!
• The soul is thought to reside in one's head. DO NOT touch your head or face while eating. Interestingly enough, in this new age of COVID19, this Asian and old European manner is back in Vogue!
• DO NOT set your chopsticks or knife (if you are given Western utensils) on the table. This act is considered bad luck. Set them on the chopstick or knife rest or on your plate.
• Belch, slurp and clang! It is considered a compliment to the chef.
• Don't take the last helping of anything. Superstition says this is bad luck.
•  DO NOT eat food directly from the platter. It is not your personal plate!
• A meal may be up to 12 courses, and may last up to 2-3 hours. Take small portions, take your time, taste everything, and enjoy!
• Shark Fin soup is a delicacy. Try it!
• You may be given a hot finger towel at the end of the meal rather than a napkin.
• Oranges or fruits may be served last, signifying the end of the meal.
• The "Guest of Honor" sits facing the door.
• To beckon the waiter, extend your arm & hand out, palm down and make scratching motions with your fingers. Pointing your index finger is considered rude. 
• Asians are close talkers, but no PDA. 
• Handshaking is soft. Keep your space. Do not stand too close. NO hugging. NO "air kissing." A slight bow from the waist is appreciated.
• In bowing, keep your arms at your sides. Back straight. Eyes down. SLIGHTLY bow at the waist. The inferior person bows longer and lower.
• One may nod to give a verbal salutation. 
• Western style handshakes are becoming more popular. 
• Sit with both feet on the floor. Showing the soles of your shoes is an insult.
• DO NOT cross or swing your legs at the table. Women only may cross their ankles at the table. 
• Toast: "Yum-Boui" = Cheers! "Gan bei" = Bottoms up!
• Formal "Family"names are used until invited to use first "given" names. 
• Service charge may be included and should be listed on your check. 
• Dress is conservative, clean and modest. No bare arms for women. No tube tops or bra straps showing for women. Modest skirts or slacks for women. Jacket & tie may be required in some European hotels. NO SHORTS in the evening. Long pants for men. 
• Shake hands with everyone upon meeting and leaving. 
• Smiling can be interpreted as confusion or humiliation. Asian girls are taught not to smile.
• Eye contact should be quick. DO NOT stare. Asian Mothers use staring as punishment for bad children.  
• Higher ranking adults are introduced first, and women before men.
• Never point with your finger. Rude!
• Never wink.
• Speak quietly. Don't fidget.
• Cover your mouth if you yawn.
• DO NOT blow your nose or wipe your nose at the table. Excuse yourself to the restroom.
• If you choose to use Western silverware, eat in the "Continental Style." 
• Pass and gesture with your right hand only. The left hand is used for toileting and is considered "dirty."
• The "OK" hand gesture means "money." Stay away from hand gestures.
• Clerks may place your change on the counter. Don't be insulted. NO touching.

Remember these superstitions: 

When eating a whole fish, the head of the fish should face the guest of honor. 

*****

DO NOT turn your fish over when eating. This gesture is considered bad luck. 

It means your boat will capsize!