Just a few things I've noticed on this trip.
I knew this from before of course, but it hit me again that nothing is free over here. Or maybe more accurately, "included in the price." You want ketchup or dipping sauce? That'll be anywhere from 10 to 40 cents (per packet), please. Free refills? Nope. I know this cuts down on waste, but it takes some getting used to. It happened in all four countries.
As many of you know, I am a sloppy eater. All the places we ate--whether fancy or not--had napkins that were more like a folded-over Kleenex. It wasn't a pretty sight, as Fe can tell you.
On past vacations I usually drove, but I could easily be a convert to train travel. The rail networks go everywhere and even though we were dealing with some unfamiliar languages, there was a certain logic to it all. There are various historic, economic, and cultural reasons that Amtrak will never be like its European counterparts, but it sure would be nice.
What do you do when you don't speak the language? You smile, use some sign language, and at least learn to say "thank you" in the country you're visiting. People are people, and (and least I've found) if you put forth an effort, it will be repaid and then some.
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