1Tess_W
If you could just give out one piece of travel advice, what would that be? Best place ever visited? Would you go back? Why do great or not so great? Most disappointing place--where not to go?
2Crypto-Willobie
Me: Stay at home.
3lilithcat
>1 Tess_W:
If you could just give out one piece of travel advice, what would that be?
Don't be afraid to travel alone.
If you could just give out one piece of travel advice, what would that be?
Don't be afraid to travel alone.
4Taphophile13
>3 lilithcat: Definitely! My best trips were alone.
Advice: travel as much as you can while you're young and make lots of good memories. Old age doesn't creep up on you, it gallops.
Advice: travel as much as you can while you're young and make lots of good memories. Old age doesn't creep up on you, it gallops.
5Tess_W
>4 Taphophile13: So right about old age!
One piece of advice for foreign travel, stay as long as possible. The most expensive thing is the transportation. I found hotels/food/transportation cheaper in Europe and Asia than the US.
Other piece of advice: Not all 3-5 star hotels in Europe and Asia have air conditioning! And in fact, in London, they turned it off from 11pm-7AM!
3rd piece of advice: don't expect a lot of ice or ice cubes, even when you ask for it.
One piece of advice for foreign travel, stay as long as possible. The most expensive thing is the transportation. I found hotels/food/transportation cheaper in Europe and Asia than the US.
Other piece of advice: Not all 3-5 star hotels in Europe and Asia have air conditioning! And in fact, in London, they turned it off from 11pm-7AM!
3rd piece of advice: don't expect a lot of ice or ice cubes, even when you ask for it.
6TempleCat
>4 Taphophile13: Absolutely get your travel in while you’re young and have stamina and physical ability! The infirmities of old age can really limit you. (For me, osteoarthritis and heart problems.)
I also agree that one should stay in one area as long as possible, not so much to limit the expense of transportation, but to get to know better how the people in the area perceive life: eat local (street food is frequently *really* good!) and stay local (eschew international chain hotels - you’re traveling to experience something other than what you can get 50 kilometers from home.)
Chat with local people about something other than directions (though directions can be interesting, too. Once I was lost in Tripoli, Libya, and stopped for directions. It turned out to be a military establishment, manned by Russians. He didn’t speak English or German or Greek (my main languages) and I didn’t speak Russian. We got along in Arabic, which neither of us were fluent in, but it was a pleasant and amusing encounter and following his directions, I found my way out of the city.)
>5 Tess_W: Speaking of ice cubes, another piece of advice: be hyper-aware of the sanitation standards of the country you’re traveling through. A single ice cube can cause a ruined vacation, maybe even a hospital visit, in some countries. In such places, even when in the best 5-star establishments, only eat fruits that you can peel, no leafy greens, and only foods that have been cooked. Drink bottled beverages, preferably straight from the bottle. Brush your teeth using bottled water, not tap water. (Coke works too! ;-)
Be a traveler, not a tourist.
I also agree that one should stay in one area as long as possible, not so much to limit the expense of transportation, but to get to know better how the people in the area perceive life: eat local (street food is frequently *really* good!) and stay local (eschew international chain hotels - you’re traveling to experience something other than what you can get 50 kilometers from home.)
Chat with local people about something other than directions (though directions can be interesting, too. Once I was lost in Tripoli, Libya, and stopped for directions. It turned out to be a military establishment, manned by Russians. He didn’t speak English or German or Greek (my main languages) and I didn’t speak Russian. We got along in Arabic, which neither of us were fluent in, but it was a pleasant and amusing encounter and following his directions, I found my way out of the city.)
>5 Tess_W: Speaking of ice cubes, another piece of advice: be hyper-aware of the sanitation standards of the country you’re traveling through. A single ice cube can cause a ruined vacation, maybe even a hospital visit, in some countries. In such places, even when in the best 5-star establishments, only eat fruits that you can peel, no leafy greens, and only foods that have been cooked. Drink bottled beverages, preferably straight from the bottle. Brush your teeth using bottled water, not tap water. (Coke works too! ;-)
Be a traveler, not a tourist.
7WholeHouseLibrary
If you go there, wear a jacket. -- Billy Crystal
If you're driving, stop every two hours or so, and stretch your legs. -- me
I guess it depends on where and how you're traveling.
I live just north of Austin, Tx., and just did a 500-mile, round trip drive in two days, alone. It's making me completely rethink the trip I've got semi-planned in September, also alone. For me, the problem is my right leg gets crampy when I sit for too long -- nerve damage from a motorcycle/car accident back in 1973 -- so I do this thing called Geocaching. It's hard to do if you don't plan where you intend to stop ahead of time. Also, most of my route had no cell phone reception.
That September trip will be more than ten times a long. Leaving right after Labor Day, and have to be in northern New Jersey on the first weekend of October; but I am going to stop in western South Dakota, Minnesota, Kentucky, Long Island, Cape Cod, central Maine, and about four other places before I get to that year-delayed 50th class reunion in NJ. There will be a slightly less convoluted itinerary for the southerly trip back, but as it is, it's well over 5,000 miles before I'll get home again. Currently collecting quarters for the laundromats. I imagine I'll be logging a few hundred geocaches along the way, and hope to avenge my DNF in Kentucky from four years ago.
If you're driving, stop every two hours or so, and stretch your legs. -- me
I guess it depends on where and how you're traveling.
I live just north of Austin, Tx., and just did a 500-mile, round trip drive in two days, alone. It's making me completely rethink the trip I've got semi-planned in September, also alone. For me, the problem is my right leg gets crampy when I sit for too long -- nerve damage from a motorcycle/car accident back in 1973 -- so I do this thing called Geocaching. It's hard to do if you don't plan where you intend to stop ahead of time. Also, most of my route had no cell phone reception.
That September trip will be more than ten times a long. Leaving right after Labor Day, and have to be in northern New Jersey on the first weekend of October; but I am going to stop in western South Dakota, Minnesota, Kentucky, Long Island, Cape Cod, central Maine, and about four other places before I get to that year-delayed 50th class reunion in NJ. There will be a slightly less convoluted itinerary for the southerly trip back, but as it is, it's well over 5,000 miles before I'll get home again. Currently collecting quarters for the laundromats. I imagine I'll be logging a few hundred geocaches along the way, and hope to avenge my DNF in Kentucky from four years ago.
8booksaplenty1949
Three meals a day in a restaurant can be a challenge day after day. In Europe, recommend having main meal at noon. Opening hours of stores, museums etc often reflect that this is local practice. If you have a kitchen(ette) where you are staying you can cook a simple evening meal, or if not, at least set out a little cold buffet and a bottle of wine to enjoy with France 24 news or equivalent.
Have stayed at lots of European campsites. Tents no longer appeal, but little cabins are often available. Up the hill in Fiesole, overlooking twinkly lights of Florence, poolside bar, cool breezes. Who needs A/C?
Have stayed at lots of European campsites. Tents no longer appeal, but little cabins are often available. Up the hill in Fiesole, overlooking twinkly lights of Florence, poolside bar, cool breezes. Who needs A/C?
9krazy4katz
Switzerland: trains take you everywhere. Even the Alps. People can take trams to the top, but the old people still walk a lot of the time. Lakes half way up. You can buy food at the store to cook on the grills at the lakes. Food stores at the train stops so you don't have to drive to go shopping.
10marell
Be willing to be flexible when an original plan doesn’t work out.
My daughter-in-law and I traveled to England a couple of years ago. We took the train from London to Eastbourne planning to get a bus from Eastbourne to the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Arriving in Eastbourne, we discovered no buses were running anywhere as it was a bank holiday weekend. So instead, we stayed in town and watched a fun parade, bought sandwiches, crisps, etc. and enjoyed a picnic on the pebbly shore of the English Channel, then walked around town eating ice cream cones we bought at a little shack on the beach.
We never did get to see the chalk cliffs that trip, but we did have a wonderfully memorable day.
My daughter-in-law and I traveled to England a couple of years ago. We took the train from London to Eastbourne planning to get a bus from Eastbourne to the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Arriving in Eastbourne, we discovered no buses were running anywhere as it was a bank holiday weekend. So instead, we stayed in town and watched a fun parade, bought sandwiches, crisps, etc. and enjoyed a picnic on the pebbly shore of the English Channel, then walked around town eating ice cream cones we bought at a little shack on the beach.
We never did get to see the chalk cliffs that trip, but we did have a wonderfully memorable day.
11AlexanderPatico
>4 Taphophile13: But...do revisit the best places. I have found that when I go back (at a more mature age) I get SO much more out of the experience than I did when I was seventeen or whatever.
12Supprimé
Travel days are pretty much over for me due to ailments and finances, so I am glad I did as much as I could when I was younger. Best advice when going anywhere:
1. Take half the clothes think you need unless someone else is schlepping your bags: Skirt, pants, jacket (a shirt that can double as a jacket is even better). Couple of dressier-type t-shirts and underwear. Accessories can dress you up or down and take less room to pack than more clothes.
2. Adjust above to local dress requirements, climate, and activities planned.
3. Do not buy new shoes for a trip. Take shoes that are newer and have a proven track record of comfort for a variety of activities. (Long sadder-but-wiser story there ...)
4. Consider renting a bike when you get there. I rented a bike for two weeks in Cambridgeshire, and it was lovely! Covered more ground than walking, but allowed me to stop and chat with people along the road. I learned all about dairy farming in the fens from an elderly gentleman and the most charming dog I ever met.
1. Take half the clothes think you need unless someone else is schlepping your bags: Skirt, pants, jacket (a shirt that can double as a jacket is even better). Couple of dressier-type t-shirts and underwear. Accessories can dress you up or down and take less room to pack than more clothes.
2. Adjust above to local dress requirements, climate, and activities planned.
3. Do not buy new shoes for a trip. Take shoes that are newer and have a proven track record of comfort for a variety of activities. (Long sadder-but-wiser story there ...)
4. Consider renting a bike when you get there. I rented a bike for two weeks in Cambridgeshire, and it was lovely! Covered more ground than walking, but allowed me to stop and chat with people along the road. I learned all about dairy farming in the fens from an elderly gentleman and the most charming dog I ever met.
13mlfhlibrarian
1. Leave your own country behind i.e don’t expect to find the same home comforts you are used to.
2. Don’t be like the English woman reported in the press last year who went to Spain and was bitterly disappointed that it was full of Spanish people speaking Spanish…I kid you not!
3. Do some research on customs and taboos in the country you are visiting - in some countries a nod of the head means no
4. Try to learn a little of the language, if only yes/no please/thanks hello/goodbye
2. Don’t be like the English woman reported in the press last year who went to Spain and was bitterly disappointed that it was full of Spanish people speaking Spanish…I kid you not!
3. Do some research on customs and taboos in the country you are visiting - in some countries a nod of the head means no
4. Try to learn a little of the language, if only yes/no please/thanks hello/goodbye
14lilithcat
>13 mlfhlibrarian:
Re: 2. - I'll top that. Americans in England on July 4, 1968, wondering why there were no parades and fireworks.
Re: 2. - I'll top that. Americans in England on July 4, 1968, wondering why there were no parades and fireworks.
15perennialreader
A few years back my husband and I went to Italy. We had pre-booked a tour of the Colosseum in Rome and the plan was to take the subway to a stop as close as possible to the meeting place. The afternoon before, we did a trial run on the subway to make sure we were familiar with the stops we needed.
Worked so well that we did a similar thing with the train station in Rome to make sure we knew how and where to go at the station so we made it to Florence. Where we live there are no subways or trains so we wanted to make sure there were no problems. We were amazed that it all went so smoothly.
My plan from now on is to build in trial runs if we are not sure about how and where to be. Especially, in countries where English is not the official language. Irons out stress and helps us to feel more confidant about our ability to get where we want to go.
Just my 2 cents worth. :)
Worked so well that we did a similar thing with the train station in Rome to make sure we knew how and where to go at the station so we made it to Florence. Where we live there are no subways or trains so we wanted to make sure there were no problems. We were amazed that it all went so smoothly.
My plan from now on is to build in trial runs if we are not sure about how and where to be. Especially, in countries where English is not the official language. Irons out stress and helps us to feel more confidant about our ability to get where we want to go.
Just my 2 cents worth. :)
16booksaplenty1949
>14 lilithcat: Yes, British friends had a similar July 4 inquiry from American visitors to their local pub. Their response was “We Brits are known for being good sports, but that’s asking a bit much.”
17John5918
>13 mlfhlibrarian:
Reminds me very much of this humorous piece which came out a few years ago.
South African Tourism
These questions about South Africa were posted on a South African Tourism Website and were answered by the website owner.
Q: Does it ever get windy in South Africa? I have never seen it rain on TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.
Q: Will I be able to see elephants in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.
Q: I want to walk from Durban to Cape Town - can I follow the railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only two thousand kilometres take lots of water...
Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in South Africa? (Sweden)
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.
Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in South Africa? Can you send me a list of them in JHB, Cape Town, Knysna and Jeffrey's Bay? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?
Q: Can you give me some information about Koala Bear racing in South Africa? (USA)
A: Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the pacific. A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe which does not... oh forget it. Sure, the Koala Bear racing is every Tuesday night in Hillbrow. » Come naked.
Q: Which direction is north in South Africa? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 90 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.
Q: Can I bring cutlery into South Africa? (UK)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.
Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Hillbrow, straight after the Koala Bear races. Come naked.
Q: Do you have perfume in South Africa? (France)
A: No, WE don't stink.
Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in South Africa? (USA)
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.
Q: Can you tell me the regions in South Africa where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.
Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in South Africa? (France)
A: Only at Christmas.
Q: Are there killer bees in South Africa? (Germany)
A: Not yet, but for you, we'll import them.
Q: Are there supermarkets in Cape Town and is milk available all year round? (Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilisation of vegan hunter-gatherers. Milk is illegal.
Q: Please send a list of all doctors in South Africa who can dispense rattlesnake serum. (USA)
A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca, which is where YOU come from. All South African snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets.
Q: I was in South Africa in 1969, and I want to contact the girl I dated while I was staying in Hillbrow. Can you help? (USA)
A: Yes, and you will still have to pay her by the hour.
Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first.
Reminds me very much of this humorous piece which came out a few years ago.
South African Tourism
These questions about South Africa were posted on a South African Tourism Website and were answered by the website owner.
Q: Does it ever get windy in South Africa? I have never seen it rain on TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.
Q: Will I be able to see elephants in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.
Q: I want to walk from Durban to Cape Town - can I follow the railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only two thousand kilometres take lots of water...
Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in South Africa? (Sweden)
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.
Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in South Africa? Can you send me a list of them in JHB, Cape Town, Knysna and Jeffrey's Bay? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?
Q: Can you give me some information about Koala Bear racing in South Africa? (USA)
A: Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the pacific. A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe which does not... oh forget it. Sure, the Koala Bear racing is every Tuesday night in Hillbrow. » Come naked.
Q: Which direction is north in South Africa? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 90 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.
Q: Can I bring cutlery into South Africa? (UK)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.
Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Hillbrow, straight after the Koala Bear races. Come naked.
Q: Do you have perfume in South Africa? (France)
A: No, WE don't stink.
Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in South Africa? (USA)
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.
Q: Can you tell me the regions in South Africa where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.
Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in South Africa? (France)
A: Only at Christmas.
Q: Are there killer bees in South Africa? (Germany)
A: Not yet, but for you, we'll import them.
Q: Are there supermarkets in Cape Town and is milk available all year round? (Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilisation of vegan hunter-gatherers. Milk is illegal.
Q: Please send a list of all doctors in South Africa who can dispense rattlesnake serum. (USA)
A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca, which is where YOU come from. All South African snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets.
Q: I was in South Africa in 1969, and I want to contact the girl I dated while I was staying in Hillbrow. Can you help? (USA)
A: Yes, and you will still have to pay her by the hour.
Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first.
18mlfhlibrarian
>17 John5918: John, I’ve just snorted coffee over the keyboard!
19mlfhlibrarian
>14 lilithcat:, >16 booksaplenty1949:
Actually in London these days people do celebrate July 4th and it’s not just Americans. I had a colleague who was having a July 4th party, I asked her why she was celebrating the loss of one of our colonies. She was somewhat confused. History teaching isn’t what it was :)
Actually in London these days people do celebrate July 4th and it’s not just Americans. I had a colleague who was having a July 4th party, I asked her why she was celebrating the loss of one of our colonies. She was somewhat confused. History teaching isn’t what it was :)
20Supprimé
>17 John5918: Hillbrow sounds like a hoppin' place! Thanks for posting this!
22mclewe
>5 Tess_W:
'3rd piece of advice: don't expect a lot of ice or ice cubes, even when you ask for it.'
I’ve often wondered what do Americans do with all that ice?🙂
'3rd piece of advice: don't expect a lot of ice or ice cubes, even when you ask for it.'
I’ve often wondered what do Americans do with all that ice?🙂
23booksaplenty1949
>22 mclewe: In Britain, they put it in the beer.
24Tess_W
>14 lilithcat: LOL!
25Tess_W
>22 mclewe: Well it is much hotter in most of the US than in the UK, so we need it to cool down our drinks to cool us down! At a 4 star hotel in London I asked for ice in a glass of "iced tea" and they gave me 2 cubes, which melted in 5 mins. I asked for 2 more and they told me there were no more set enough to serve!
26John5918
And the other side of the ice story is that when I'm in the USA I have to ask them not to put so much ice in my drinks. You order a cold drink and you get a glass full of ice with just a dribble of the actual drink in it!
>25 Tess_W: there were no more set enough to serve
I had never seen nor heard of an ice making machine until I went to the USA. In UK we used to just put water into little plastic trays and stick them in the freezer section of the fridge which, incidentally, was a very small compartment. So you'd often find the water in the tray had not yet frozen properly into ice cubes, or that the person who used the last ice cube hadn't bothered to refill the tray. That reminds me, when I go downstairs, I must check whether our ice cube tray has been refilled...
>25 Tess_W: there were no more set enough to serve
I had never seen nor heard of an ice making machine until I went to the USA. In UK we used to just put water into little plastic trays and stick them in the freezer section of the fridge which, incidentally, was a very small compartment. So you'd often find the water in the tray had not yet frozen properly into ice cubes, or that the person who used the last ice cube hadn't bothered to refill the tray. That reminds me, when I go downstairs, I must check whether our ice cube tray has been refilled...
27Tess_W
>26 John5918: The ice cube tray was what they used at a 4 star hotel in London in 2005 and I was just surprised! I guess I am "spoiled" as I've had a refrigerator who makes ice cubes for the last 20+ years. And I specifically let my ice melt in tea or soda just to water down my drink!
28lilithcat
>26 John5918:
In UK we used to just put water into little plastic trays and stick them in the freezer section of the fridge
I still do that. I dislike those automatic ice cube makers; they're just another thing to go wrong.
In UK we used to just put water into little plastic trays and stick them in the freezer section of the fridge
I still do that. I dislike those automatic ice cube makers; they're just another thing to go wrong.
29John5918
>28 lilithcat:
Yes, we bought a new fridge in Kenya a few years ago and we intentionally chose one without an ice maker for the same reason - just another thing to go wrong.
Yes, we bought a new fridge in Kenya a few years ago and we intentionally chose one without an ice maker for the same reason - just another thing to go wrong.
302wonderY
>28 lilithcat: Plus they steal so much space in the freezer compartment. I still do trays and recently found the cutest ones ever, with silicone bottoms and you just poke them out from below. No wrestling the tray.
31Tess_W
>28 lilithcat:
>29 John5918:
>30 2wonderY:
Married to appliance repairman! But that being said, have never had trouble with one in 20 years. Fingers crossed!
>29 John5918:
>30 2wonderY:
Married to appliance repairman! But that being said, have never had trouble with one in 20 years. Fingers crossed!
32scunliffe
>1 Tess_W: Avoid Rick Steves, whose mission is to make Europe predictable, bland and safe for Americans. Do not plan your trips down the last detail, leave room for spontaneity. And above all, take time in any one place rather than rushing on to the next.
33John5918
>32 scunliffe: take time in any one place rather than rushing on to the next
Good advice. I remember when I was in university in the north of England nearly 50 years ago watching a tour guide showing US tourists around Durham Castle which was part of our college and hearing one of the tourists proudly proclaim, "We did York this morning, Durham this afternoon, and tomorrow we're doing Scotland!"
Good advice. I remember when I was in university in the north of England nearly 50 years ago watching a tour guide showing US tourists around Durham Castle which was part of our college and hearing one of the tourists proudly proclaim, "We did York this morning, Durham this afternoon, and tomorrow we're doing Scotland!"
34Supprimé
>26 John5918: Yes, it was pretty clear to me that the waiters in the UK were siimply trying not to cheat you out of your full glass of beverage by putting it in too much ice. Some of them would bring you a glass of ice and a glass of beverage so you knew you were getting what you paid for, which i thought was very nice.
One time in Dallas, I ran into some German visitors who were rubbing cans from the pop machine in a towel in an attempt to warm them up to what they considered a drinkable temperature. They said that very cold drinks would give you stomach cramps. They also disliked the air conditioning, though it was above 100 every single day that week, and wanted to know how to open the windows. I told them the windows were sealed, but they could shut the dampers in their rooms to avoid an arctic blast. When I explained that my husband was German, they wanted to tell me how awful American processed sliced cheese was and to explain how hideous movie popcorn was. And American beer. Mein Gott! I half expected them to put me in their luggage and take me back to Bremen for my own sanity and health. They were clearly disappointed with their visit.
One time in Dallas, I ran into some German visitors who were rubbing cans from the pop machine in a towel in an attempt to warm them up to what they considered a drinkable temperature. They said that very cold drinks would give you stomach cramps. They also disliked the air conditioning, though it was above 100 every single day that week, and wanted to know how to open the windows. I told them the windows were sealed, but they could shut the dampers in their rooms to avoid an arctic blast. When I explained that my husband was German, they wanted to tell me how awful American processed sliced cheese was and to explain how hideous movie popcorn was. And American beer. Mein Gott! I half expected them to put me in their luggage and take me back to Bremen for my own sanity and health. They were clearly disappointed with their visit.
35John5918
>34 nohrt4me2: waiters in the UK were siimply trying not to cheat you out of your full glass of beverage
Reminds me of when I used to run the bar in a college in London which had a lot of Dutch students. British people would insist that their glass of draught beer from the tap was filled right to the top with liquid beer, not froth, and felt cheated if they didn't get their full pint. Dutch people insisted on an inch of white froth on top of the beer and felt cheated if they didn't get it. Hence we made a small extra profit every time we served a glass of beer to a Dutch person!
Reminds me of when I used to run the bar in a college in London which had a lot of Dutch students. British people would insist that their glass of draught beer from the tap was filled right to the top with liquid beer, not froth, and felt cheated if they didn't get their full pint. Dutch people insisted on an inch of white froth on top of the beer and felt cheated if they didn't get it. Hence we made a small extra profit every time we served a glass of beer to a Dutch person!
36scunliffe
>35 John5918: A propos of filled beer glasses. Back in the 60's my first job out of school was as a barman (bartender) in England. Drinking age was 17 so I was young. We had a regular Scotsman who was called, of course, 'Jock'. One day I poured Jock his regular pint out of the tap. He looked at it, then asked me "could you fit a wee drop of whisky in here." "Of course" I said, eager to please. To which he replied, "then fill it up with f.....g beer!" A lesson I will never forget.
37John5918
>36 scunliffe:
That made me smile! Aye, it's a brave or foolish person who would try to do a Scotsman out of his full pint!
That made me smile! Aye, it's a brave or foolish person who would try to do a Scotsman out of his full pint!
38WholeHouseLibrary
That reminds me of a joke about an Irishman, an Englishman, and a Scotsman walking into a bar ... I had the good fortune of being in the company of three gentlemen, each of whom was born in one of these fine places. The first two enjoyed the joke very much. The Scotsman hasn't spoken to me since.
40WholeHouseLibrary
Well, I'll get it started, but I won't finish it until someone of Scottish ancestry give me an okey dokey to deliver the last line.
So, an Irishman, an Englishman, and a Scotsman walk into a bar and order a beer -- Guinness, no doubt. And after the requisite two-minute wait, the barkeep brings them their pints, and steps away. By odd coincidence, a fly lands in each of the beers.
The Irishman sees the wee beastie, flicks it away and begins to drink.
The Englishman, upon espying the insect, calls the barman back to the table, and complains about the lack of sanitation he's witnessing and demands a replacement pint.
The Scotsman ...
We pause here, awaiting an affirmative response from someone in the highlands. A patent of nobility would convince me.
So, an Irishman, an Englishman, and a Scotsman walk into a bar and order a beer -- Guinness, no doubt. And after the requisite two-minute wait, the barkeep brings them their pints, and steps away. By odd coincidence, a fly lands in each of the beers.
The Irishman sees the wee beastie, flicks it away and begins to drink.
The Englishman, upon espying the insect, calls the barman back to the table, and complains about the lack of sanitation he's witnessing and demands a replacement pint.
The Scotsman ...
We pause here, awaiting an affirmative response from someone in the highlands. A patent of nobility would convince me.
41scunliffe
>40 WholeHouseLibrary: I have a tartan tie, is that enough?
42John5918
>40 WholeHouseLibrary:
Sounds to me like the old story we tell in Africa about how you can tell how long a European has been in the bush when a fly lands in their whisky. A newcomer throws the whole drink away, someone who has been around a while throws the fly away and drinks the whisky, while an old hand takes the fly out, sucks it dry, and then drinks the rest of the whisky. I have to confess there have been times in the last 45 years when I've been tempted towards the latter...
Edited to add: As I get older, one thing reminds me of another... I recall being on home leave from Sudan thirty-odd years ago and going to visit my old parish priest in London. He offered me tea and cake, but when he opened the cake tin, he was horrified to find an ant on the cake - a single, small ant - and he wanted to throw away the whole cake. It took all my powers of persuasion to get my slice of cake that day. In fact we do eat ants - they're very nice fried, but ours are much bigger and tastier than the ones you find in cake tins in London.
Sounds to me like the old story we tell in Africa about how you can tell how long a European has been in the bush when a fly lands in their whisky. A newcomer throws the whole drink away, someone who has been around a while throws the fly away and drinks the whisky, while an old hand takes the fly out, sucks it dry, and then drinks the rest of the whisky. I have to confess there have been times in the last 45 years when I've been tempted towards the latter...
Edited to add: As I get older, one thing reminds me of another... I recall being on home leave from Sudan thirty-odd years ago and going to visit my old parish priest in London. He offered me tea and cake, but when he opened the cake tin, he was horrified to find an ant on the cake - a single, small ant - and he wanted to throw away the whole cake. It took all my powers of persuasion to get my slice of cake that day. In fact we do eat ants - they're very nice fried, but ours are much bigger and tastier than the ones you find in cake tins in London.
43WholeHouseLibrary
>41 scunliffe:, that depends. How did you score in the caber toss?
44booksaplenty1949
>42 John5918: I heard a very interesting lecture recently about people’s ideas on whether something potentially edible from a nutritional standpoint was appetising or disgusting. Turns out that although many people are put off by the idea of eating insects, the fact that they are crispy when they are cooked seems to help people get past their reluctance and give them a try. Have not tested this hypothesis personally, I must admit.
45John5918
>44 booksaplenty1949:
I've eaten ants regularly, and once in Thailand I tried several types of insect, and to be honest they all just have a sort of generic fried taste. In South Africa I've eaten mopani worms, a type of caterpillar, and they taste like burnt sausages. But to get back to the thread topic, Travel Recommendations, I would certainly advise trying as much local food as one can, even if it seems strange.
I've eaten ants regularly, and once in Thailand I tried several types of insect, and to be honest they all just have a sort of generic fried taste. In South Africa I've eaten mopani worms, a type of caterpillar, and they taste like burnt sausages. But to get back to the thread topic, Travel Recommendations, I would certainly advise trying as much local food as one can, even if it seems strange.
46scunliffe
>43 WholeHouseLibrary: I am sure I could have tossed it a long way, if only I could have picked it up
47WholeHouseLibrary
>46 scunliffe: Clearly, you've never attended the Highland games! It's not a consideration of distance; it's a matter of flipping it end over end, plus its resting angle, consistantly. Don't mean to brag, but this pasty Irishman did it twice; 12 o'clock both times, end over end.
Regardless, I shall hold you all in suspense no longer.
Where was I? Ah yes, ti continue from where I left off in #40 ...
The Scotsman grabbed the fly by its wings, shook it violently, and screamed in its face, "Spit it out! Spit it out!"
Regardless, I shall hold you all in suspense no longer.
Where was I? Ah yes, ti continue from where I left off in #40 ...
The Scotsman grabbed the fly by its wings, shook it violently, and screamed in its face, "Spit it out! Spit it out!"
48booksaplenty1949
>45 John5918: Was reminiscing recently about eating a “Martinsgans”—-a St Martin’s Day goose—-in Germany once. St Martin’s Day is November 11, so presume a special dinner is a welcome distraction for them. Main course is of course roast goose, with baked apples, but first course was great gobs of Gansschmalz—-goose grease—-on toast. Possibly not the heart healthy appetiser I might have selected, given a choice, but a lasting memory. French fries topped with mayonnaise another local reminder that not everyone is afraid of cholesterol.
49John5918
>48 booksaplenty1949: Sounds delicious! I love goose and I love greasy things! We used to eat pig fat on toast as kids, the toast made in front of the coal fire.
50booksaplenty1949
>49 John5918: Toasting things over the fire makes me think of Heidi’s grandfather holding a piece of cheese to the fire on a stick. In one of her cookbooks Miriam Unger recalls as a child wondering why the cheese didn’t just melt and run down his arm. Then she found out about “Rösti” and the special kind of cheese involved. Apparently the linguistic barrier between French and German-speaking Switzerland is the Röstigraben https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Röstigraben. Local cuisine certainly an important window into the culture when you are travelling.
51Tess_W
>48 booksaplenty1949:
>49 John5918:
My father grew up in the Great Depression and they used to eat lard sandwiches once the meat was gone. They used lard (pig fat) as butter. My grandmother also made lard gravy over bread for dinner. And in the summer she made pie crusts using lard. Both she and my grandfather lived well into their 80's and had no significant health problems.
>49 John5918:
My father grew up in the Great Depression and they used to eat lard sandwiches once the meat was gone. They used lard (pig fat) as butter. My grandmother also made lard gravy over bread for dinner. And in the summer she made pie crusts using lard. Both she and my grandfather lived well into their 80's and had no significant health problems.
53Supprimé
You cannot make a decent pie crust without lard.
54perennialreader
Didn't McDonalds used to fry their fries in lard? They used to be better than they are now. :)
55Tess_W
>53 nohrt4me2: so my mother and grandmother say. However, can't even find lard in most groceries these days. I did find a tub of it, but it was over $15 for an 8lb. bucket, which I wouldn't use before I die and I'm only 65! Somebody told me that you can go to butcher and they will sell it to you by the pound. Might try that, although I much prefer cakes to pies.
56Crypto-Willobie
>47 WholeHouseLibrary:
I assume you culd hear me braying with laughter and clapping my hands all the way to where you are. Scared my cats...
I assume you culd hear me braying with laughter and clapping my hands all the way to where you are. Scared my cats...
57Supprimé
>55 Tess_W: I don't like dessert pie, but I used lard for crust when I made pasties. Verboten now on my husband's heart-healthy diet.
58Tess_W
A small trip....today I visited the Zane Grey Museum and Route 40 (National Road) Museum. They are house in the same building. Zane Grey grew up in what is now Zanesville, Ohio, which is on Route 40. It was a delightful museum. It is stuck out in the middle of nowhere, only about 40 miles from my house, and I never knew it was there! I came upon it by accident when my friend and I toured another author's home (Louis Bromfield) in June and they handed out a guide to a "literary trail" in Ohio. From the Zane Grey Museum we traveled to the home of Dr. Increase Matthews, the first physician in Muskingum County, Ohio. It was fabulous! I had never read anything written by Zane Grey (western genre). The museum had reprints for $5 and older books published in the 30's for $10-20. Both my friend and I chose the $5 book and we are going to trade with each other when we are done. The picture below is one of a conestoga wagon, meant for freight and not people. The wheel (which was wooden) was taller than myself (5'3"). There is actually an old leather shoe attached to a lever which acted as a break. Hence, the modern term, brake shoes. I just love a day like this (except the 100 degree temp!).
59Tess_W
Back after a few days of R&R at Lake Erie. It had been about 10 years since we've gone to the lake and thought it was time we returned. It was tranquil because we went the week before Labor Day. So peaceful to just sit in the sun and listen to the waves hit the rocks. It was 70-75 degrees each day and sunny-the perfect weather! Besides lighthouses, the most interesting place we visited was The Confederate Stockade/Cemetery....literally hundreds of miles from any battles or action. Come to find out that Confederate officers were moved here because it was on an island--they couldn't escape easily and there were fewer guards needed. These officers were treated very well UNTIL--the Union learned about Andersonville, and then the officers' rations were cut in half and all medical care ceased. Many died. There are many more tales about this place! So interesting. Lived in Ohio all my life and never knew this place existed or its history.
61nrmay
Just got home from a week at North Litchfield Beach in South Carolina.
I especially enjoyed Brookgreen Gardens
https://www.brookgreen.org/
and Huntington Beach State Park.
https://southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach
Great seafood at Graham's Landing in Murrells Inlet.
http://grahams-landing.com/
Fantastic pies at the Kudzu Bakery!
https://www.kudzubakery.com/
I'm wondering when I can go back. :)
I especially enjoyed Brookgreen Gardens
https://www.brookgreen.org/
and Huntington Beach State Park.
https://southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach
Great seafood at Graham's Landing in Murrells Inlet.
http://grahams-landing.com/
Fantastic pies at the Kudzu Bakery!
https://www.kudzubakery.com/
I'm wondering when I can go back. :)
62Tess_W
>61 nrmay: taking notes.....we plan to go to the Carolinas in 2022!
63booksaplenty1949
Asheville, NC highly recommended. Downtown a well-preserved Art Deco gem owing to 30s economic bust which nipped redevelopment of ex-boomtown. Tom Wolfe’s boyhood home, to which he couldn’t go again but you can. Storefront museum of former Black Mountain College. Biltmore—-Loire chateau on steroids. Former “chapel” for staff now cathedral of local Episcopalian diocese. Grove Park Inn—stunning Arts and Crafts building decorated by Roycrofters.
64nrmay
Don't miss the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville. https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/poi/folk-art-center/
Mast General Store https://www.mastgeneralstore.com/asheville
Notable bookstores!
Malaprop's Bookstore https://www.malaprops.com/
Downtown Books & News
secondhand & hard-to-find books, unique magazines; roomy, relaxed setting.
And my personal favorite -
Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar http://batteryparkbookexchange.com/
I love Asheville!
Mast General Store https://www.mastgeneralstore.com/asheville
Notable bookstores!
Malaprop's Bookstore https://www.malaprops.com/
Downtown Books & News
secondhand & hard-to-find books, unique magazines; roomy, relaxed setting.
And my personal favorite -
Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar http://batteryparkbookexchange.com/
I love Asheville!
65haydninvienna
>64 nrmay: Bookstore and champagne bar!? Where do I sign?
67Tess_W
Since I am a history professor, my car often goes off course when there is a museum, battlefield, or monument within 50 miles! Last month I visited Ligonier, Pennsylvania (on my way to the Flight 93 Memorial). All of the sudden I came upon an out of the way, little known "museum," Bushy Run Battlefield. How serendipitous! The Battle of Bushy Run was between primarily the Delaware Indians (Ohio) and the British. It would seem the British were victorious if you count that they still held the location and lost less men; however there are conflicting accounts. This battle is considered part of the greater Pontiac's War. https://bushyrunbattlefield.com/
Where did you find unexpected "gems"?
Where did you find unexpected "gems"?
68Tess_W
Pittsburgh is always fun! Next weekend with my sister to Ringo Starr in his retirement tour!
69booksaplenty1949
>68 Tess_W: While you’re enjoying musical blast from the 60s you may wish to add the Andy Warhol Museum, the largest museum in North America devoted to a single artist. He had a hand in so many aspects of those times. Great fun.
70Tess_W
>69 booksaplenty1949: Thanks! This has long been on my radar, usually losing to the likes of something Heinz.
72Tess_W
>71 lilithcat: Been to both. Been meeting my friend from DC in Pittsburgh for about 15 years...it's the halfway point between DC and Columbus, Ohio!
732wonderY
>72 Tess_W: My friend in NE Pennsylvania and I have done the same thing. Last time, she was attending the PA Librarians Association meeting, and they gathered in Carnegie, just west of Pittsburgh. Carnegie was a community for families whose men worked in the steel mills and rail yards. I had always passed it by on the Parkway West, but we moseyed about the surprisingly charming and vigorous small downtown.
There’s even a bookish cafe in the old Post Office building:
https://www.librarything.com/venue/110693/Carnegie-Coffee-Company
There’s even a bookish cafe in the old Post Office building:
https://www.librarything.com/venue/110693/Carnegie-Coffee-Company
74Tess_W
>73 2wonderY: I've always meant to stop in Carnegie on my way to Pittsburgh! I teach about Carnegie and the Homestead (Carnegie) Steel strike in my industrialization unit.
75booksaplenty1949
>74 Tess_W: Have you seen the “ethnic” classrooms at the University of Pittsburgh?
76Tess_W
>75 booksaplenty1949: Yes, I have, a couple of times!
