GMC in Europe 2008

Hello everyone! Boy was that hard staying by last night knowing I would be missing SOooooooooo much fun with you wonderful people. Then all that Cake and wonderful bread and rolls you will be eating without me! 

I just wanted to chat about a few things that I thought could be useful when out and about. We are amid a bunch of savy experienced travelers so some of  you may know this already. 

There are some big differences with eating out in the States and in Europe. Firstly (and I am mostly speaking from what I remember from living in Germany- and being on tour), the service is slow—waiters and waitresses do not work for tips. So when tipping, you round off to the nearest Euro or giving a Euro is acceptable. Or, two or more if you feel like it was exceptional service.

All beverages—coffee, soda etc.—are paid per glass or cup and that can add up, believe me.  I do not know about tours but make sure you guys are clear if beverages are included. It could be just one drink is included and then you need to pay for each after. Also know that when you order water you are paying for it (mineral wasser mit bubbles/stilles wasser without) unless you ask for tap water (leitungs wasser). Even then, they will say it “is not good,” “it is impossible,” even “we do not have any,” but you need to push a bit and say “Danke, Ich weiss aber Ich moeschte es trotzdem” … “I know but I would like it anyway.” 

I am thinking I would want to save all my Euros for some Linzer Torte or Austrian Apfel Strudel mit sahne, or better yet VANILLE SAUCE! You can always get bottled water from a regular grocery store.

Bathrooms!! public bathrooms require coins! About 10 years ago, it was 50 cents.

When picking a place to go for a snack etc., do not get caught in tourist places that list angebote (offers) for tourists particularly. Follow the native old ladies, they usually know the best places. Sometimes the best food can be found in some older place hidden away somewhere off the main drag.

That is all I can think of in the moment. I will be touring daily in my mind and reading regularly…if anyone will have time or energy to write anything.

All my best!! EAT CAKE, Patricia

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 at 8:51 am and is filed under Tour, Tourist Information, Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.