From Boisterous Budapest to Beautiful Barcelona
Some astute readers may have noticed a few references to an impending trip to Europe, specifically Budapest and Barcelona. In two weeks, I will be on my way to Europe on the company dime. My boss and I are going over there for some Investigator's Meetings at which I will give a half-hour talk in each city. Also, there will be face time with people
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Yeah, if I used my credit card, it's 3% every time. But if I use an ATM, it's only a 1% fee plus five dollars. So that's the better option.
Your bank may also change money for you, which is really useful for avoiding exchange fees. I would suggest getting some Budapest dollars (or whatever they're called *g*) from your bank before you go.
Forints! Which are really weak right now, so that's awesome.
Chances you won't want to mess with local bus schedules
I don't even want to mess with bus schedules in San Francisco, let alone other countries!
You can't bring Spanish hams back into this country.
This sounds like something you learned the hard way.
Barcelona does not really want to be part of Spain and resents tourists who try to speak Spanish.
Ooooh dear. Thanks. I will not attempt to ¿Cómo se dice? anything.
If you'd rather not try to speak the language, I find that quietly saying "Hi" with a sort of embarrassed look upon greeting the shop or hotel clerk at least conveys that you're sorry you can't speak it. *g*
Ha! That will be fun.
Spanish women you meet socially will greet you with a kiss on either cheek, and sometimes 3 kisses, right-left-right!!...This isn't everyone in the street or a shop, btw; just people you're likely to encounter in your professional meetings, when you're being introduced.
I seeeee. Thanks for the heads-up!
Also, watch out for siesta. Everything will be closed from about 2-5 in the afternoon, including banks.
Damn. I guess that's when I will sit there and read? Maybe I should bring more books.
It's very common to eat dinner past 9 o'clock, and also for them to take an hour at the restaurant to get your dinner to you.
Damn! Maybe...I should bring more books? I thought I'd be okay.
You'll have lots of opportunities to try exciting new fish, like tiny whole anchovies that have been deep-fried, or my favorite, tiny mussels.
I don't really like anchovies or mussels!
Shrimp will be head-on; just pull it off.
...Ergh.
Fish will also be head-on; cover it up with some other food if the eye freaks you out.
GODDAMMIT.
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