Comments on: Dining Tips

By: lisadijon

lisadijon — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 03:15:14 +0000

Excellent tips! Here’s a money tip - when I lived in France, I used my US-bank debit card to get local currency out of ATM’s instead of setting up a local account or dealing with traveler’s cheques. If you set up a daily limit with your bank before you leave, you can feel secure that even if your card is lost or stolen it won’t ruin your life. This worked for me for two years, plus the conversion rate was better. On a side note, I’ll never forget the word for band-aids in Dutch — “Pleisterstrips”. After developing a blister and hobbling about in a small fishing village somewhere outside Amsterdam, we almost missed our boat as I frantically pantomined “ow my foot hurts and I need a band-aid” to a store clerk!

By: Nat W.

Nat W. — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 01:36:40 +0000

I just wanted to echo the one about packing half the clothes you think you’ll need. I’m studying abroad in Spain for 6 months and just about died when the program directors told us to bring a week’s worth of clothes. Turns out that wasn’t a bad idea at all. I’m not sure about the rest of Europe, but in Spain people tend to wear the same clothes for two days before putting it in the dirty laundry. So suddenly one week of clothes is now two weeks of clothes. Plus, depending on for how long you’re travelling you’ll probably pick up a shirt here, a shirt there. Also, they’re not as fashion-conscious as the US–if they don’t have 20 different outfits, it’s okay. The family I’m staying with and all of my teachers seem fine with about 10 changes of outfits. Wearing the same thing you wore last Monday just isn’t a big deal. And as far as pants go, I think we all know that jeans can last more than two days without a wash.

(PS, So glad Chuck is safe at home!)

By: sravana

sravana — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 23:39:41 +0000

I never cry when reading blog postings, but reading about Chuck’s disappearance did it for me. I had to skip ahead to learn that he was okay…

I am *so* totally with you on spending whatever it would take to get back home, if it would mean the difference in getting the Senator back.

(she says, with a largish poodle in her lap while typing this…)

Perhaps it’s time to order that calendar with the dear dog’s pics…

By: Kristen from MA

Kristen from MA — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 19:22:23 +0000

“But I would have taken the first flight back if that was what was needed to salvage my heart, and I cannot see the difference.”

you guys, you’re good people.

By: Wicked H

Wicked H — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 19:07:31 +0000

Very relieved to hear Chuck is back home safely. Also being a dog owner, I can imagine every emotion you all were going through until you knew he was ok.

Happy homecoming to ALL the Armstrongs!

By: Teri

Teri — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 17:39:48 +0000

So glad that the Armstrongs are back in the states.

I have been a long time lurker, but I had to comment today because of the post on dooce. I can totally understand the flood of emotions that Heather felt after receiving the call about Chuck. I have 4 dogs(still have one puppy for sale…any takers)and I wouldn’t know what I would do without the 3 “permanant” residents in our home. They aren’t just pets…they are part of my family. I am actually even struggling with letting go of the puppy cause I have gotten so attached.

Anyway…I just wanted to say that I am thrilled that the nice young boy took good care of your Chuckster and you have him back safe and sound.

Let Heather know a couple things…I am sure Chuck loves her just as much as she loves him, whether he shows it or not, dogs have funny ways about them and that I would have had the same thoughts of jumping the next flight home had he not been located.

Welcome Home Armstrongs….enjoy Leta, Chuck and the dreaded laundry!

By: erin

erin — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 23:15:15 +0000

So glad to hear the blurbodoocery made it home safely. You’ll both be happy to hear I am going to FORCE my husband to go, now. Your posts from the trip (and the pictures!) sealed our fate. Thank you for sharing.
BTW, when I saw the “All your base are belong to us” pic I showed it to my husband, and we both DIED laughing. Thank you for that.

By: weaker vessel

weaker vessel — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:48:39 +0000

Whattis word (in either English or Dutch) that conveys simultaneous happiness for and jealousness of another individual? Or in this case, an unbearably adorable/globetrottin’ couple?

By: Wicked H

Wicked H — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 21:09:39 +0000

Welcome home! What you shared with us so far has been fantastic. Looking forward to the rest.

By: neomom

neomom — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 12:54:19 +0000

Oops, sorry if this was sent before! Sent a longer email to Heather, but in short, don’t leave the country without trying Indonesian rijsstaffel (our friends took us to Tempo Doeloe and Indrapura, but lots of inexpensive places too), vlaamse frites with mayonnaise or curry (best on Voetboogstraat near the Bloemenmarkt), dutch cheese fondue, and matje herring. Bring home chocolate and cheese.

You can’t get a bad meal in this city…Eet smakelijk!