Realized my now 6 page planning sheet needs a couple more topics. Tipping and Etiquette. Other than business in Asia, I've never been outside of the Americas. I'm clueless!
I know Americans tip well, and I also know tipping in some places is quite rude. I know nothing about Europe and tipping in restaurants and bars. Well, that turned out to be easy enough. Generally, the service charge is included, and if you get exceptional service you can leave something more, usually rounding up the bill. There some other intricacies, like buying one for the bartender in UK. They'll either have a drink (wish they could do that here...) or take a small amount out of your tab.
Etiquette wise, I know being loud is extremely rude. Fortunately, I'm quite quiet, much to my wife's chagrin. I get accused of mumbling a lot. I'm actually quite clear, just that I have a low frequency voice, and a low volume. I'm not mumbling, I'm just inaudible (sorry, hon). :D There are however, unintended gestures one might use. Also it's good to know that Norweigians and the Dutch are pretty direct. This can be seen as rudeness, but it's really just openness and honesty. Knowing what to expect of people will keep me from worrying I offended someone.
Just realized another page is needed. Beer. I love beer. I love trying out new beers. I really love finding a great beer. Need to research on what brands to watch for. This is supposed to be a cultural experience, after all. :D I suppose wines would be a good idea, too. We can bring wine and champagne on the ship for use in the room, but not beer (that makes a lot of sense...). So I'd like to pick up a bottle at each port for relax time in the room. I don't know a lot about wines, but I do like it before or during dinner at times.
My notes are up to 8 pages now, but if it's not 20 by the time I'm done, I'll be shocked. I'm a meticulous planner, and like to have lots of information available. I don't even want to think about the packing list...
Mike's meticulous planning is awesome when it comes to traveling. It is so relaxing because I know he has thought of everything. Now if I can just remember to pack my underwear. Don't laugh, I did that once. I am going to have a real hard time packing for this cruise,because I assume that I will have to pack for both hot and cold weather. Does anybody have any weather info that would help me? On the PPMS front, I am having a lot of trouble knocking my pain level down. It is the kind of pain that sends you into your own world, where nobody else can follow. Hopefully it will be a simple med adjustment when I next see my neurologist.
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