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Dollar Angst in Europe
With crude oil rising and the dollar falling, I knew my business trip to Europe would be expensive. I had no idea; however, that a few tourist items for the kids would total £49 at London Heathrow ($100), or that a glass of house white on the Nyhavn canal in Copenhagen would be 45 kr ($9.50). (That would be wine served on the sailors' "naughty side" to the north.)
Thank goodness both Britain and Denmark discourage gratuities. Apparently their service workers are paid better than their American counterparts at least that's what I was told and how I have now rationalized it.
Tomorrow we leave for a corporate training site in Margretetrop, Sweden, which is euphemistically described as a "sequestered venue in the Swedish countryside." I think I'll take advantage of the rural location to catch my own lutefisk for the week, if only to save enough American dollars for the taxi back to the airport, about 250 kr. ($42).
I'm not bumming yet, though. I have portioned off enough dollars in my socks for my return to Lawrence, where I am planning to celebrate solvency with an El Mezcal burrito and margarita for under $10.
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9 June 2008
at 2:33 a.m.
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beerdrinkingfool (Anonymous) says…
ok if you need help you can call us pirates . we will dress as vikings and raid the coast to help defer cost
9 June 2008
at 2:58 a.m.
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Daytrader23 (Anonymous) says…
Most service personnel in Europe earn around $20 dollars an hour so yes, they earn quite a bit more than their American counterparts. (Starting pay for McDonalds in Switzerland is $22 per hour)
9 June 2008
at 4:44 a.m.
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liggyon (David Lignell) says…
Hello Beerdrinkingfool…good idea on the raid. Unfortunately the Danish Museum is closed today, so I won't be able to disperse Viking garb for you.
Daytrader…had no idea they were earning that much more. No wonder they love (and laugh) at Americans who tip them 20%.
Just bought a Coke Zero (Cola Light) before leaving on the next leg of our trip. It cost about $2. Yikes!
9 June 2008
at 5:38 a.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Have a great day Dave!
9 June 2008
at 7:40 a.m.
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Bossa_Nova (Anonymous) says…
if i panhandled in europe would i make more money than my regular job here in the states?
9 June 2008
at 10:48 a.m.
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Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
Dave,
Enjoy your trip. It sounds like fun, but I experienced similar sticker shock in Europe two years ago. But, still grateful for a great experience. Traveling mercies to you.