European Travel Tips for Young Military Members and Couples

European Shopping Tips - I love chocolates

2008-11-18T16:42:00.000-08:00

Aloha! As I have promised, let’s explore the fun in shopping! Hmm…where do we start? Do we begin with grocery, crystals, chandeliers, Lladros, Hummels, porcelains, Nao’s, Swarovski or flea markets shopping? I know, my passion in grocery shopping is chocolate! Europe offers the best of the best. I thought Cadbury is the creamiest and my favorite in the good ol' USA but when I went to Europe, I can’t make up my mind which one is the best. Once you open a box of raffaelo confectioner and ferrero, there is no stopping. You won’t want to share a giotto since one pack is not enough for you. How about Lindt? Ooh la la Nirvana.... just melts in your mouth. The Belgian truffles are sweet but so creamy so you will save the rest of the box next time. French truffles that come only before Christmas are so creamy but not sweet and melt in your mouth too! The Austrian Mozart chocolate comes with marzipan inside and lasts longer in your mouth. Merci offers variety of flavor so there is one for everybody. But if you want to taste different kinds, get the 7lander box of chocolate because it represents the 7 European countries (Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria). There are a lot more, so what I do if I still don’t know how it taste is to grab one, pay for it then come back for more if I like it. Sometimes, it looks so scrumptious but when you open it, hmm, might as well save it and offer it to someone else (not to waste it). Different people have different taste. My kids love kinder eggs, you know the one with a toy inside and Hanuta, it’s a wafer with hazelnuts and chocolate. In Germany, they have big store brand bars of chocolate that taste like Cadbury but very cheap, so they are good to bring home for presents. Enough of these, since now I’m craving for these chocolates. They’re expensive in the US and anywhere else so might as well bring a lot.

More Beginners' Tips--Adjusting to European Culture

2008-11-15T11:58:00.000-08:00

By: Yollie and Dan Bunag

ProfitsandProsperityPartners.com

Hello! I’m writing this blog to share my personal experiences during our stay in Europe. As most of the women or wives, our passion lies on shopping and sightseeing. But before I’ll embark on that the first and foremost tip is to learn basic conversational words or sentences from whichever country you’ll plan to visit. Ask around or buy a dictionary or search the web, because not all Europeans speak English or let’s say, they don’t want to answer you except from their own languages. Saying simple words or phrases mostly delights them and they’ll try to communicate with you in their own ways. Learning good morning, noon, and night or simply hello or good day would suffice for greetings. Do you speak English; please excuse me; I’m sorry; how much; yes and no; thank you so much (usually they have informal or formal words but I prefer the latter) and goodbye. If it’s hard for you to say the words, simply write them down and show it to whomever you need to talk to. I find a lot of them courteous and will try to accommodate or help you but bear in mind you’ll find some not friendly, rude and snobs.

The first time I went grocery shopping in a German store, I was buying pork chops or schnitzel and wanted it cut thinner. The butcher did not understand a word so I simply try to gesture, even chopping with my hands. It’s just like we’re playing until the gentleman behind me was really having fun with my actions and offered to translate for me. I was so grateful and he told me that younger generations usually speak English because the butcher was an old man. In Paris, you’ll get ignored if you don’t speak their language. A friend of mine visited me and I got her a tour in Paris (driving makes you crazy since parking is so impossible and the gasoline so expensive) I packed some fried chicken, frozen drinks, sandwiches and snacks but did not want to bring them since she wants to experience dining in Paris. I insisted and told her that if you don’t speak French, you’ll get hungry. She laughed at me but still brought the food. Guess what, she was so thankful that I packed her the food because the people she was on the tour with went to an outdoor café but were ignored because nobody speak French. So she placed her food on the table and started eating. When the waiter asked her that she shouldn’t eat outside food she told him “now, you can speak English”! So the best way to eat is through McDonald's (I’m kidding!). Anyway there are some nice restaurants that really cater to tourists.

You and I know that after traveling or walking about for a while, sooner or later we’ll need a rest room. Well, in Europe restrooms (WC-water closet) are not everywhere. If you see this sign, make sure to go otherwise look for McDonald or Burger King because you can use their WC even you won’t eat or order from them. Hotels are also nice place to go but some have dress code in order for you to get in even just by using their WC. In Monte Carlo, very casual attire is a not recommended to most of the hotels. I had a funny experience in one of the 5 star hotels there, where royalties, ambassadors, shrieks, rich people and very common people like me (of course) stays (I was only there for the restroom – the room rates equals to many months of paycheck). Oh well, the WC is bigger than my living and dining room combine and it’s all in marble but the funny part is I was in the ladies room and the seat was up (weird!), so I tried pulling it down but to no avail. I pulled it harder and to my surprised, it already had a seat cover! Then the next problem was, I can’t find the flush handle but saw 3 dots with different colors on the top. I pressed all three, no success in there until my hand passed the dot to flush. So it was a sensory toilet! The first dot is for putting down the seat cover, the second to flush and the third is to put up the seat. So for giving me such hardship, I was kind a playing magic wherein I wave my hand over the dots and miracle--it moves by itself! Then my friend was also doing the same thing like me (ha-ha-ha). Another tip is to always bring coins because most of the outdoor or public restrooms have coin operated doors. You want to read another funny experience (I have a lot of toilet jokes-on me). We were in Luxembourg and it was snowing and I have to go. I saw a WC and pulled over. I rushed inside, unfortunately there was no attendant. I don’t have their coins and looked around if I could ask someone for help since I left my bag in the car. I saw a basket with coins so I borrowed one to open a stall and I hope the attendant did not notice and would forgive me because I rushed back in the car since it was snowing so hard. It’s either I peed in my pants or borrowed the coin – let’s see which one was right? Now it’s easier because a lot of European countries have Euro currencies. I still missed using their currencies like deutschemarks, French francs, Italian lire, Austrians shillings, Belgian francs, Czechs koruna, Luxembourg francs but I was able to collect them before they change to euros. If you go to Czech Republic (Prague) always carry with you a roll of toilet tissue or packs of tissue. You pay the attendant first then she/he will give you two single ply tissues before you go in the stall, hello- how can you possibly clean up with that! Next time I went shopping for chandeliers in Czech, I was carrying a roll but did not have their coins, so my friend gave the attendant one Deutschemark (DM) and we were surprised that she let us go in first despite the very long line. Then we realized that 1DM is equivalent to about 10-11 koruna at that time. Some countries esp. public ones don’t usually stock toilet tissues and no attendants so be prepared! In Austria, they have outside stalls with coin operated. I remember at one time, I left my toddler son with my husband in the park while I went to check the Swarovski shops with my eldest son. It just happened that as soon as we left, my toddler wanted to go badly and I forgot to leave shillings to my husband. Luckily, the space between the floor and the door would fit a small kid, which my son did crawl in and out the door otherwise he would have stunk the whole place!

Those were my first adventures and I learned my lessons the next time we traveled. Well, this is just the start of my blog. Be sure to check my site next time (even though you only wish to see Europe) because I can show or guide you in my journey the way I saw, felt and enjoyed my travels. If you want to ask me for information, I’ll be more than happy to help as much as I can because my experiences are still vivid in my heart and mind. Let’s explore the fun of shopping next time. Auf Wiedersehen, Ciao, au revoir, Mahalo, paalam!

If you found some of the tips and information on this blog useful, please visit our websites at: www.ProfitsandProsperityPartners.com and http://www.profitsandprosperitypartners.com/ipcinstantcash/

European Adventure Tips for Young Military Members and Couples

2008-11-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

By Dan and Yollie Bunag

ProfitsandProsperityPartners.com

We were fortunate to have had spent years in Europe while on various military assignments in Germany spanning over 13 years. We visited most German towns and cities and travelled to France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, London, U.K., and the Czech Republic. We enjoyed the opportunity to travel, sightsee, experience different cultures, go shopping, and raise our children along the way. We decided to write this blog to share our experiences and offer some tips and information to young military members and couples on their way to their first assignments in Europe. Our aim is to help you manage your expectations so that your tour of duty will be more enjoyable. Some of the tips may save you from unnecessary trouble, inconvenience, or flat out embarrassment if only you had known or someone has shared you the information.

One of the first things you’ll need to start your own adventure is an U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) driver’s license. Once you complete your host base or installation local conditions/orientation course and meet the license requirements, you have to take a 100-question written and European road sign tests. The tests are quite challenging compared to what we know in the states, so seriously studying and reviewing the USAREUR Driver’s Manual is a must. Many people have flunked the tests and had to be rescheduled. After passing the tests and paying the minimal fee, you’re set with your USAREUR driver’s license, which is valid for 10 years. The vehicle registration process is pretty simple and similar to the stateside process. A vehicle safety inspection is required. You will also need to purchase a first aid kit and safety warning triangle available to your local base or post exchange and AutoZone/Car Care stores. Now that you’re licensed to drive and have your vehicle, Europe is now your oyster!

Since your still fairly new, there are several things you should know about European driving and travel. With the exceptions of the Autobahns (freeways or Autostrada in Italy), most roads and streets are narrower than what we’re used to in the states. Some of the towns and cities have been in existence for hundreds or thousand of years and those roads and streets were carried over to the present before urban planning has been developed. For example, you may be driving on one city street then realized that the street name has changed. Or you decide to stay on one lane and be forced to make a mandatory right or left turn. The key is to be familiar with road signs and memorizing the general directions of the places you’re heading to in relation to your present location. In Germany and Austria, be careful when you see the word “Einbahnstrasse”; although “strasse” means street, Einbahnstrasse means “one-way street.” Otherwise you may find yourself making an abrupt U-turn. When you’re new, it’s pretty easy to get lost and make mistakes. We strongly advise observing the speed limits and obeying traffic rules. Speed traps, mobile speed cameras, and stop light cameras are fairly common in Europe. Police normally won’t chase drivers for speeding or running a red light. They use enforcement cameras and you can expect a traffic ticket with the accompanying traffic fine through your unit (First Sergeant or Supervisor) if you’re ever flashed with one of these cameras. Fighting these tickets are a big hassle depending or your location and how much time and effort you’re willing to put up with. Be aware of stop light cameras; they’re normally mounted fixed on specific locations. Do a California roll and you’ll get flashed. There goes another ticker, fine, and traffic points. We don’t mean to make you paranoid while driving, but if you make a habit of observing the traffic rules, you’ll do OK.

Driving on the famous Autobahns is blast and down right exhilarating. There are some stretches where there are no speed limits. At one time, we were able to test our Volvo’s top speed. In general, the speed limit out of the city is 130 kph; within city limits 100-120 kph. Speed limit or no limit signs are posted. One thing to note while driving on the Autobahns or secondary roads, you need to know and remember the direction of the major towns or cities in relation to where you are. In the states, freeway signs will say East, West, North, South (e.g. 10E, 10W, 25N, 25S). In Europe, the signs will normally not show East, West, North or South. The signs will show the major towns or cities. For example, if you’re starting out at Frankfurt International Airport and you need to go to Kaiserslautern (K’town), Germany, you need to take the Autobahn 5 heading to Basel/Heidelberg. If you take A5 Kassel/Friedberg, you will end up north in the wrong direction. A5 splits past Darmstadt to A5 Basel/Heidelberg and to A6 heading to Mannheim and Saarbrucken. You then take A6 and follow the Autobahn to K’town. Unless you have a GPS, memorizing or writing down the names of the major towns and cities is necessary to guide you to your destination. Another thing you need to aware of is the Autobahn exit (aka Ausfart or Sortie). If you’re not sure of your exit, slow down and read the signs. Make sure you’re in the proper lane ahead of time. Missing your exit may take another 5 to 10 miles before you can go back and head to the correct direction. Cloverleafs on the Autobahns or European highways are quite uncommon. Generally, there are no toll roads in Germany whereas toll roads are common in France, Italy, Spain, and the U.K. In Switzerland and Austria, they use toll stickers or Vignette (road tax) available at Autobahn’s entrances or for purchase at nearest ADAC (like AAA in U.S.) offices. The sticker is normally good for the year or remainder of the year.

If you ever found yourself parking in a Park House (parking garage) at an airport or in a town or city, you get a ticket/stub when you go in. You need to pay for the parking fee by inserting it in a machine (parking vending machine) or at a cash counter near one of the building main exits. If you forget to do this thinking that there will be a cash counter at the vehicle exit, you may end up mistaken. You may found yourself embarrassed when there’s a long line of vehicles behind you, honking their horns, and throwing the “what’s up” sign. Hmm, this brings back some memories, wished someone told us ahead of time.

Additional Tips:

Get an International Driver’s License if traveling outside the country you’re assigned to. This is available at your nearest town/city Issuing Office. Bring two identical ID size pictures and money for the fee—normally good for 3 years. Depending on the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), some countries may not recognized your USAREUR driver’s license.

In Germany, buy AAFES gas coupons through your base or post exchange, Shoppette, or Gas Station before heading out. Gasoline costs 4 to 5 times more on the local economy. You can use these coupons at most Esso, Aral, or BP gas stations in Germany and the Netherlands. Before pumping gas, check first with the Store Clerk to make sure they accept the gas coupons. Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands have similar gas coupons.

Bring loose change or small currencies (Euro or local currency) and sufficient spending money for the trip you’re planning.

Join an automobile club like ADAC or AVD (provides vehicle and emergency services similar to AAA). The annual membership fee more than pays for itself with one service call or vehicle towing. You don’t want to get stuck in a foreign country and unable to find help. We suggest buying the Euro Plus version if you plan on doing serious traveling in Europe. This plan provides additional towing, medical, emergency, hotel, and trip continuation benefits should you need them.

Make sure you have your military or dependent ID card, passport with the SOFA stamp, and leave documents when traveling out of the country you’re assigned to. There is now an open border, but you’ll never know when you may be asked to produce these documents. If you can’t produce said documents, you may be detained or stuck at the border.

If you found some of the tips and information on this blog useful, please visit our website at:
www.ProfitsandProsperityPartners.com.

In our future blogs, we plan to discuss dining, travel and tours tips and destinations, shopping tips and destinations, recommended theme parks, lakes, and accommodations.

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