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South Korea Works Overtime to Tackle Vacation Shortage - Wall Street Journal

SEOUL—The government here is cracking down on vacations: Workers, it seems, aren't taking enough of them. South Koreans were told for decades to sacrifice everything to build the country's economy. Now South Koreans are world-champion workaholics ...

Marketing the 2010 census with a conservative-friendly face - Washington Post

Most recent challenges to the U.S. Census have come from the left, with claims of undercounts of blacks, Hispanics and the homeless . But what's striking about the 2010 Census is the emerging strength of challenges from the political right. Census ...

A Not-Lost Generation - City Journal

The current downturn won’t spell doom for America’s young workers. Brian Snyder/Reuters/Corbis Recent U.S. grads are entering a tough job market, but history shows that most will achieve long-term success. A s economic doldrums drift into a ...

More than a rival - NBC Olympics

It wasn't always that way, though. Vonn began skiing at tiny Buck Hill in Minnesota before she and her family moved to Vail, Colo. Riesch grew up with the Alps right outside her door in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany -- a stop on the World Cup ...

Cold, snow mean fewer tourists for SC - The Sun News

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Colder than normal temperatures and rare snow has kept some of the Grand Strand's tourists away this year. Hotel occupancy rates were off about 7 percent from Jan. 10 through Feb. 20 compared with the same period last year ...

2010 Olympics: Day Three - Danbury News-Times

John Shuster of Chisholm, Minn., center, releases the rock as his teammates Jeff Isaacson of Gilbert, Minn., left, and John Benton of St. Michael, Minn., prepare to sweep during a practice session at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British ...

Odds & Ends: Weekly News/Humor Roundup - DAILY KOS

I post a weekly diary of the historical notes, arts & science items, foreign news (often receiving little notice in the US) and whimsical pieces from the outside world that I feature weekdays in "Cheers & Jeers". For example ..... WEDNESDAY's CHILD ...

In Israel, A Realtor Rescue s Refugees - Israel News Agency

Once inside Yahoo groups, perform a search for "Israel Homes", "Israel Rent", Israel Rental" or Israel Houses for Sale." Israel Anglo Homes ... House swapping has become a popular way for travelers to vacation inexpensively, meet new people, and get ...

BBC Blog Network - BBC

The Winter Games are an entirely different matter, particularly in Canada, because the games are naturally focused around the marquee sport, hockey, but also Canada genuinely LIKES just about every sport involved in the Olympics. To us, there's very ...

Make Your Beer and Drink It, Too - New York Times

BY 8:30 a.m., Glen Nile was elbow-deep in a bucket of Cascade hops, pulling apart the dry pods and releasing the lupulin, a resinous substance that plays a crucial role in the creation of beer. Meanwhile, Errol Chase, who goes by “Butch,” was ...

Open Question: Where can I find an easy to understand run down on passport info?

I am wanting to know where I may find a run down on the rules such as this country can visit this long on visa or passport, or you need this information before you can be a citizen of X for example, if you want to travel abroad info on bringing your pets like for vacation OR requirements for moving with a pet, and info like what medications can you bring with to other countries or are available in an emergency from a foreign dr, and how does one pay for it... I am on about 23 meds a day from trransplant issues so need to know.... Also is there a country by country list I can find all this kind of information out as well as people wanting to come here to the US where can I find info about how long they can visit, how many times a yr or what they need to become a citizen etc And where can I find info on dual citizenship.... my fams all deceased now but my mother and her family were all from australie se didnt even come here till her 2Os, my dads side ALL were from germany he was the first and only one born in the US except for me i was 2nd would I qualify for dual citizenship? I hope someone has a blonde friendly link or two bonde friendly meaning HELP lol thank you all in advance!I forgot to menton in the pet sction about traveling my dog is a 5 lb chihuahua so was curious if I do go abroad how would I flyhim, he would get killed being under with the luggage hes a chihuahua and he cant stay in a bag for a long trip like that I wouldnt think... Ive never traveled that far with him beforeI forgot to menton in the pet sction about traveling my dog is a 5 lb chihuahua so was curious if I do go abroad how would I flyhim, he would get killed being under with the luggage hes a chihuahua and he cant stay in a bag for a long trip like that I wouldnt think... Ive never traveled that far with him before more

Open Question: Where should we go on vacation?

See, me and my cousins (Tay, Jessi and Jillian) want to go on a trip, just the 4 of us, before we go to college. Our options are: Los Angeles, France, or a Cruise in the Caribbean we will be 17, 18 and 19 when we go. We will be going just the 4 of us. Tay wants to take the cruise, and doesnt want to go to France Jillian is fine with anything, but prefers France and wants to spend a day or two in Germany I am fine with anything We have yet to talk to Jessi Do we have any restrictions regarding our ages? We all reside in the USA and we are planning this trip about 4-5 years in advance. If you have any comments/questions or anything please let me know xoThankYouxo more

Resolved Question: Anybody ever try immersion language schools?

There are a lot of language schools that offer you a half-day or full-day of intensive training while you're on vacation in a country. I'm thinking of going to Germany and enrolling in a half-day language school (so I get a chance to see the city I'm in), perhaps two weeks, perhaps only one. Has anyone ever tried to learn language this way? How far can you get in a week or two if you really make an effort not to use your native language during that period? My German right now is pretty basic: I keep forgetting genders, I can never remember which preposition to use, which takes dative and accusative, when to use dem/den/der, and I probably only really know a handful of basic verbs in present and perfect tense. Should I make an effort to study beforehand with Rosetta Stone or something to get the most out of it? more

Resolved Question: When Obama returns from his planned vacation in Indonesia, will he decide we should all live like Indonesians?

Will Obama return filled with admiration for the "grit and determination, and pure resourcefulness" of the people who live in grinding poverty in Indonesia, where the president lived from age 6 to age 10? Will he decide that if people can survive like that in Indonesia, then the people in the USA should be willing to live under the same conditions? Will he say it would make us more competitive in the global economy, and it will build solidarity with the workers in the rest of the world? Will the Obamanuts say this would reduce the resentment against Americans, because they feel entitled to live so much better than the workers in the developing nations? Will Obama announce that we should all give up our comfortable homes, with insulated walls and glass windows, and live in grass huts like the people do in other parts of the world? Will he say that wall insulation and glass windows are "too materialistic," and that American workers are out of step with the rest of the world? Will anybody notice that the people in Canada, Germany, and Sweden are not living in grass huts, and they're whupping our keesters in the global economy......? more

Resolved Question: im 27 and my wife is 19... she loves to argue and fight. should i stay or go find happiness?

basically... i am a very relaxed person who does not like to argue and fight. She is the complete opposite... from sun up to sun down she finds minor details to turn into major problems. literally, from the time i wake up to the time i go to sleep, its constsnt arguing and me having to apologize for things she believes i have done wrong. for example, i am a soldier in the army, stationed in germany. She has been complaining that she is bored so i take it upon myself to buy her and my daughter a plane ticket to miami so that she can go visit her family. a vacation basically. IN REALITY, i sent her there because i could not take the arguing any more so i needed a break! i thought maybe she would be home and not be able to find little things to argue about, BUT of course, she has not changed one bit! AND she has the audacity to blame her hardships on me from 6000 miles away!!! i just cant take it anymore... i love my daughter to death but i cant keep living like this. PLEEEEASE HELP! WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?! Leave her and find a woman my age, or stay with her and try to work it out for the millionth time? Thank you. more

Resolved Question: HISTORY HELP!!!!!! PLEASE!!!?

40.) In the fall of 1929, a wave of panic selling gripped the stock market as a result of A. a sudden fall in stock prices B. corruption among stockbrokers C. business failures D. government limits on speculation 41.) Not long after Black Tuesday, the stock market crash was affecting A.only those who had invested heavily in stocks B.wealthy industrialists almost exculsively C.millions of Americans, many of whom had never owned stocks D.mainly stockbrokers and banks 42.) Why did FDR declare a "bank holiday" early in his administration? A.to cut of the use of cash B. to weaken the banking industry C.to inspect the financial health of the banks D.to give people in the banking industry a well-earned vacation 43.) Which New Deal agency was created to help businesses? A.Federal Reserve Board B.National Recovery Administration C.Civilian Conservation Corps D.Home Owner's Loan Corporation 44.) Which of the following did New Deal programs fail to address? A.protection of domestic workers B.low prices for agricultural products C.the decline of industrial prices D.Native Americans' need for schools, hospitals, and irrigation systems 45.) All of the following New Deal agencies still endure today except the A.Tennessee Valley Authority B.Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation C.Civilian Conservation Corps D.Securities and Exchange Commission 46.) What did Italy, Germany, and Japan have in common in the 1930s? A.They overturned traditional governments and established democracies. B.They were economic giants and together controlled world trade. C.They sought to solve their nations' problems through conquest D.They angered other nations by their persecution of the Jews 47.) Although Communists and Fascists have traditionally been enemies, in 1939 which Fascist made a pact with which Communist? A.Hitler with Chamberlain B.Hitler with Stalin C.Hitler with Franco D.Stalin with Franco 48.) Nazism was an extreme form of A.communism B.fascism C.nationalism D.none of the above 49.) During the 1930s, the United States focused largely on A.preparing for war B.domestic affairs C.international affairs D.international and domestic affairs 50.) Congress passed Neutrality Acts that were designed to A.support other neutral states around the world B.support other nations in the Western Hemisphere C.limit international involvement D.allow nations to purchase weapons on credit Im sorry I know youll give comments on "do ur own homework" and stuff but I havent slepet in 3 nights...my dog died..but my dad said I need it done...but Im suprised Im focused enough to even type this....I never do this but Im DESPERATE..please....help...............… more

Resolved Question: have a question on vacation days in the army?

i just graduated basic and im going to germany when is the soonest time i can take leave while im there? more

Resolved Question: is the ps3 multilangual?

i live in greece . My aunts are on vacation in germany and they told me through msn that they have found an increadibly cheap ps3 and if i wanted them to buy it for me .I was like HOLY MACARONI. But now i am afraid that if the menus and everything are in german it will be very hard for me to use it. Can someone tell me if i can change the language of the menus to english.And if that is not possible can you tell me if its going to be a pain in the ass navigating in german menus or is it easy to find the 'play the freaking game' button.what does microshocky means when he says that the movies are region blocked?I wont be able to watch blu-rays and dvd's brought here in greece???????????? more

Resolved Question: My parents are disappointed in me. What can I do to have them smile when they see me?

I'm seventeen. I live mostly with my father, and I see my mother once every two weeks or so. My father earns about one-twenty on average, minus what he gives to my mother every month. The point behind stating that is to give an idea of my family background. My mother has always wanted me to do everything, go to a fantastic college, get straight A's, marry the 'proper' woman, and give back to society. My father has always wanted me (although he never admits in words), to have a salary equivalent or better than his when I am in my late twenties, and go into the world, travel, and just enjoy nature/humanity. My parent's views never really clicked. I've had a problem of being a slacker for as long as I remember. I miss homework assignments, etc, etc. What is more disappointing to them, is knowing my sister and I both have the mental capacity to score well on tests, pull great Grade Point Averages, yet we don't. Worse yet, after my parents divorced, my sister took off while I was 'studying' (slacking off in another country (my mother's family is all around Portugal), many teenager's dream). She's come back home as of last month, has gained a lot of weight, and has brought back a heavy boyfriend. Together they sit around in their room (they share a room, to my father's disappointment (she's nineteen, and he's twenty-six)) playing World of Warcraft all day. Anyway, she finished high school with a GPA of 2.3, and dropped out of college before she turned eighteen (she was quite the intelligent kid (skipped two grades)). So...I was never her mental equal. In recent years, by reading more, growing my general knowledge pool, and learning four languages, I've come close. But I still see the disappoint (that I'm slouching through High School with a 3.0, still missing assignments, etc.). I can't tell if it's all because of how unmotivated I appear to them, or if it's because the lesser of the two is still somewhat 'making' it. My father didn't get a degree 'till he was thirty-six. I was accepted to a local California State University (guess what?) I rejected. I found a career with PG&E (Pacific Gas an Electric), that will bring me to about one-fifteen a year by the time I'm twenty-five (first year is about sixty-five). Well...my father supports me, and seems real enthusiastic about it, but I don't think because he's truly happy about it. I think it's because he ready to accept I will never be the master's degree entrepreneur making the quarter of a million plus he was in his early forties. My mother is almost in tears I'm not going to college. I had a heart to heart with my dad tonight. We talked about my sister, what he thought caused her to go from bright student to defensive and unsocial. We also talked about me. He always says, your not a bad kid, in fact your a better kid than most parents get (well, I'm sure they all that). Okay, so I never did drugs, or got an STD, or etc. There are plenty out there like me. He says, I just wish you would take advantage of all the things I have to offer you. You can do so much more with your life, go sky-diving, visit the corners of the world, meet new people, etc. I'm really excited to do all this, I really am. And getting six weeks paid vacation at age twenty (I have some license requirements and whatnot to get into PG&E), I most definitely will. It's true, if I sold some of the stuff we have in our garage...if I kept the house sparkling, and lawn green and trim as ever, the backyard ripe with different trees, I probably would get to do more these outdoor activities I do love. I'm fit, (I ride my bicycle twenty miles a day to my two schools and back (a year and half ago when my parents weren't divorced, I was in the district, but my father lives out of the district now)). I also went to Germany a month this year, it was great fun. Some of the reasons I'm not as excited to do all this now, and he doesn't understand and tells me is stupidity to think that they aren't good reasons: I look like I'm fifteen or sixteen. Why is that negative? For one, I'm definitely not as attractive to older gals. Oh guess what? I attract girls who are in their early twenties. I've been told so! But, I look to young. I'm really not sure at age eighteen I want to go to another country, and be treated as a child by everyone. I don't think that makes for a pleasant experience. (In Germany, I did go alone, but met up with a girl whom I'd met in Portugal, and lived at her place during my stay of a month).Second, the money is still limited. I can sell two of his motorcycles, keep about a grand, then get about a grand from him to take a trip. Two grand is a lot, but when your in another country for a month, well, it's limiting. If I simply wait until I'm twenty-one, look at least eighteen or nineteen, or who knows, maybe my physical features will do me justice by then, and have about fifteen grand the first year (I've done spreadsheets (I'll still be living with my father, and I don't pay for car insurance or gas, nor do I spend a lot of money)), I will have more to spend (about five-seven grand for a month), and I won't feel as if I'm using someone Else's earned pay. (On a spreadsheet, I cost my father about four-five hundred a month, shelter, food, and gas). I'm not cheap, nor expensive.I'm ranting...I somewhat see that. I'm frustrated by my lack of ability. What can I do to make up for my sister's 'failure', and make both my parents happy with me. I'd like them see me and say, hey kid, I love ya', your such a great kid. Instead, I get, your a good kid, but you could be better. I disappoint them. How can I not disappoint them? How can I be better, now that you sort of a get a scratch-on-the-surface view point of me, without completely changing myself? I just don't feel it's worth it sometimes, to do what they see as the best way. I agree my spending hours on the computer doesn't help. So I've quit my games. But what can I do in place? I get so bored by myself, mowing the lawn, posting on Craigslist, riding my bike for hours, that I end up slipping back into gaming and being a nonproductive person.I love socializing - so if your thinking that might be my problem, I don't think so, nor am I necessarily depressed? Well, yeah I guess I kinda' am. I'd love to spend time with people, but a lot of people my age tell me I intimidate them, and the people I could enjoy spending time with, are too embarrassed of how young I appear. What can I do? more

Resolved Question: 2 weeks to spend in Germany on vacation...what to see, where to go?

My husband and I are going to Germany in August. We know what cities we want to go to...we are flying into Frankfurt, then taking the train to Cologne, Berlin, Nuremburg, Munich, Oberammergau, Neuswanstein, then back to Frankfurt. We aren't into museums, opera houses, or shopping (save for perhaps hunting for a Black Forest cuckoo clock!) We do like architecture, historical sites, and local culture. What are some recommendations for "must see or do" in any or all of the cities listed? We have 13 days, how would you break down the amount of time spent in each city? Would you add or subtract any city from the destination list? I know it's a lot of questions in one, please feel free to answer any or all :) Thanks! more

Resolved Question: help with a bet between me and this girl.?

there is this girl i like and she knows it to. well me are both going to germany over school vacation. she made a bet that i cant get as much german girls as she can get german guys. i said deal. we cant figure out what we get if we win. i said if i win she has to go to the movies or something with me. she said she doesnt know what she wants to win. she said ask yahoo answers. so here i am asking what should she get if she gets more german guys then i get girls? more

Resolved Question: Why is America so uptight about almost everything?

I mean, the US government has all these laws on drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex, useless business license fees just to milk money out of hard working people. Heck in Oregon I got a $240 ticket for not having a life jacket while I was in an inflatable raft in waist deep slow moving river water. We're supposed to be free, yet we've voted for all these laws that dictate every aspect of our lives. We keep electing people that just make it worse and worse. Isn't anybody tired of how then Government we vote for micro-manages almost every aspect of our lives? This is what we do with freedom? Is the whole world this uptight? Supposedly communist countries are even worse, but I know people who vacation to Cuba because they actually have more freedom there (as long as they're not gay and don't criticize the government of course). It can't just be the religious nuts, I've been to Belize which has more religious people, but they just didn't seem so uptight. It's a small tropical country though, very different. I know Germany isn't so uptight about alcohol, they supposedly let teens drink there, and don't have as many problems with drunk driving accidents as we do. How is Europe in other ways? Do the micro-manage everything there too? I know about the healthcare and high taxes, but I mean more just day to day life? Do they have curfews and crap like that in Europe?Thanks, so far the answers are more intelligent than I expected. This was obviously a bit of a rant after all. I certainly don't mind some laws like against drinking and driving, that protect safety, it just all seems so excessive, even at the state and city level.And no "it's all then liberals fault" or "it's all the conservatives fault", I'm proud of you guys! lol more

Resolved Question: Planning a Vacation to Germany For my deployed husband and myself and need to know the best place to stay.?

I need a place where I can find a reasonable, yet nice hotel. It's important to me that it's kind of centered between several places tourist would like to see on their first visit to Germany. I also need to know what someone going for the first time might want to see. Any and All Suggestions are welcome. A little background.. I am a English Lit Major and love anything book related. I am also a lover of art. My husband is currently deployed in Afghanistan and this trip will be on his R&R and it will be our first time seeing one another in 8 months. It's also going to be our Anniversary. I suffer from lupus.. so we can;t do any hiking or nature-related things. I look forward to suggestions... both on where to visit and which city to stay in... I don't mind a city that is a smaller town and therefore cheaper to stay in... and taking a ride to destinations... Thanks againI forgot to add, my husband is a huge history buff.. and anything history related he will adore.. He is also of German decent. We also are both huge indie music fans... if that helps. more

Resolved Question: How does living in the U.S. today compare to living in Germany today?

Work hours, vacation, pay, retirement age, longevity, infant mortality, health, and so on. Do you know? more

Resolved Question: Does anyone know where i could find a game where you can go in buildings and resteraunts? Help!!?

Does anyone one out there know a game where you can go in buildings. Perhaphs go in a store and buy stuff. I'll name some stores that would make more sense. Like clothing stores, eating places, hotels, houses. Things liek you would find in real life. I have been thinking about this for a long time. I was actually trying to find a perfessional game creater that could help me out here and create my dream game. If you could please either give me a way to contact a game creater or find a game that would relate to the following things i said above. Thanks and i know this is a weird question but this would be a cool and fun addicting game everybody would love to play. Here are some of the things that you could do on here. Make a family. Then pick a city and state to live in. Then pick a house to live in and decorate with all these cool funky furniture. Then you can go like say the grocery store to feed your family to keep alive. Plus you can have a job and make alot of money. You can also take a vacation to anywhere icluding all 50 states, France, Germany, Paris (Anywhere in Europe). And just keep playing forever. I think this would be an amazing game. Please help me out! Thanks and have a great day (: more

Resolved Question: Where is the best place in Germany to live?

I would really love to move there after i graduate. My granmother is from there and iv always wanted to move there since she passed away. Im learning the language and im planning on taking it when im in college to become fluent. But iv never been there sadly :( But i still would like to go i know it will be a major change for me. But i would like to live in a small nice town.?? from anyone who lives/ or has been there whats a nice town to be in? Or should i take a vacation over there for a few weeks to see? Im from the U.S. thanks ( sorry if it was a little confusing) more

Resolved Question: Any Suggestions for my holiday in Garmisch-Partenkirchen this Feb?

Staying for 5 nights in Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany this Feb for a ski vacation with my lady-friend. Neither of us speak German. Any suggestions for must-see's in the area? We will have a rental car. Thanks- DBD more

Resolved Question: How do i overcome being kidnapped and betrayed by this person i thought i could trust (please read.)?

i have not told anyone what happened because i cant. i will tell my cousin when i next see him though. its complicated because not many people here will understand this lifestyle. also...theres a lot of un-normalcy in this situation amongst the family, thats too much to get into right now. let me begin.... my 24 year old rich cousin lives in germany and nyc off and on; the rest of my family lives in germany; but hes not talking to the family at all, hes only in contact with me and they think he is in college in norway somewhere, because thats where he told them he was leaving to a few years back before he cut contact with them. anyway whenever my cousin comes to nyc, where i live, he will get a room in a hotel for us and when im supposed to be in school, i skip in the morning for the rest of the day and go to see him and we are together for at least 6 hours...usually no longer because my mother will be home by then and i have to get there before her to avoid questions "where where you/who where you with"). when we are together we will usually talk, about philosophy because we both enjoy that, and then we will have sex and because we're both switches we sometimes hes abusing me, and other times i abuse him. so for the previous 5 months, he was/is my Master and of course i trust him completely with my life, and the last time we were together he told me there was someone he wanted me to meet and he took me to this quiet place downtown and past st. marks to the man's apartment which was exceptionally spacious, for a building in the village. when he greeted me at the door he just ripped my pants off (i wasnt wearing underwear) and of course that made me feel very scared/uncomfortable because i have no idea who he was (i say "have" because Master does not allow me to look any man in the eye without his permission and i really dont know what this man's face looks like exactly)....and then he sorta pulled me by my wrist to go with him somewhere and i fell down because he jerked me very hard and i didnt expect it, he let go of me and flogged me right there in front of Master with a bullwhip and i was really scared and wanted to cry but i felt like that would disappoint Master so i held it in. he hit me really hard and for at least 10 minutes. Master went to the living room to sit by then and the man picked me up and put me to lay in a pet bed and put a collar on me right above Master's collar, he even made me gag a few times when he was putting it on as if he as trying to choke me and i was too embarrassed to look at Master i didint know what he would think about someone else treating me like that. i wont go into any more detail i realize im ranting by now..sorry.. so when Master left he told me to stay with this man for a few more hours and kissed me bye. i assumed he was gonna pick me up soon but he did not. 2 days went by, or so i think..im really not sure but i know the sun rose at least 2 times at the apartment.. and then the man let me leave his place by giving me a bunch of red roses (idk why?) and he just felt me over and then mad eme put my clothes on and grabbed me by the wrist to the door but not so harshly as the first time and he put me outside his door and said he will miss me and made kissing sounds to me..then i went to the hotel but Master had checked out and i felt very lost even though i know everything in this part of the city. but anyway i got a cab and went to my home and thankfully my mom was not there yet (she went on christmas vacation to germany a week before)..and here i am, this is much later and i still havent gotten an email from Master i emailed him 5 times so far wondering where he is if he is ok and when he will come see me again. but he has not responded, and that makes me very uneasy as if he doesnt love me any longer or care about how i feel and i have no idea what to do!!!! maybe he disappeard? i dont know! what do i do, with Master leaving and this man who i was with for those days, it all traumatized me and i feel very paranoid for no reason...how do i deal with this, im only sixteen?? more

Resolved Question: My cousin and I want to go on vacation in Germany, where can we find travel tours for guys like us?

We are 20 year old guys looking for hot spots in Germany, maybe some cool festivals like Oktoberfest. We don't want something boring like a a quick trip just loaded with history stuff, we want to explore modern Germany with bars and clubs and young people, although sightseeing (knowing what Germany actually looks like) is a must too. Maybe you know some ones that are cheap too. Ive been looking, but haven't found anything. Thanks yall! Excited to go. more

Resolved Question: It's 2010, why are some Europeaners still so focused on skin color?

I know what you're thinking, not another "is Europe racist" question on YA. I apologize in advance, but I feel my question is coming from a rather unique viewpoint. I'm a member of the US military currently stationed in Southern Italy far away from any major US military installations which means I've had to integrate somewhat into my surroundings. As a 6'2, dark skinned black American this has not been easy. A few of my friends here are into Western culture and instantly recognized I wasn't African and were really friendly and helpful in showing me around and welcoming me into their social circles despite the language barrier. Others I assume see black skin and either become fearful or enraged for some odd reason. Women grip their purses despite me having thousands of Euros on my person at any given time due to a problem with my bank. Men puff out their chest and attempt to stare me down with no provocation whatsoever on my part. Children point and stare...I've even had vacationing couples in Amalfi come up and ask to take a picture with me like I was a circus attraction! I'm a strong person, mentally and physically but some days you're just not mentally prepared to be stared down by everyone you encounter. I've done some traveling and the only countries I wasn't really payed any attention to were Belgium and Germany which I think might have to do with BE's EU capital status and DE's large US presence. Every elsee else I felt myself coming close to shouting to everyone to stop f*****g staring at me! The only thing that keeps me sane is knowing that I'm somewhat of a diplomat for other Black Americans and that my actions will be what these people base their thoughs around concering all of us. I can't let them down. At the end of the day, this is all lightweight racism compared to what Black Americans experience back home. I guess I just had higher hopes for Europe. With all their history and with such a young and fresh Union, I thought trivial things such as race would be a thing of the past or an American thing. My question, why are so many Europeans still so fixated on skin color? I've always dreamed of one day retiring in some far away country and living out my last days in peace, speaking one of the romance languages and just living life. My time here is showing me that my dream is probably going to only remain a dream. Lastly, the most heartbreaking thing for me is when I go somewhere and I'm ignored or I'm stared at strangely until I say something in English or broken Italian and they realize I'm American. Their response is always "Oh, I thought you were an African". What if I was from Africa? I wouldn't be able to eat here? I understand the immigration woes but this is despicable behavior in my opinion. We're all human, we have to get over this racial divide. Sincerely, YNS more

Resolved Question: Yesterday I was walking on an alley and I think Hitler was stalking me?

I was in Germany for vacation and I didnt have a bit beer. more

Resolved Question: Find anyone in Germany... Any search engines?

My niece Mia met a boy at a camp who lives in Germany. He was on vacation, and she never his phone number and really REALLY misses him and is crying next to me! *tells her to "calm down"* ANYWAY, we know has a facebook and/or myspace. We have his picture, and his first name. Any suggestions? more

Resolved Question: I am from the US. I am in Germany on vacation and set up my account from here. How do I call home to the USA?

That's it! more

Resolved Question: Is this going to end quickly or last awhile?

One of my guy friends Jake, likes two girls Anna and Chelsea. Chelsea has a son who is a year and a half and she has been friends with Jake for about 4 months. Jake started to hang out with Anna and really liked her. Well Jake says he is in love with Chelsea, even though they have NEVER dated. Chelsea went on a vacation to Germany and while she was there she called Jake to tell him that she has feelings for him and would like him to move in with her once she gets back. Jake told Chelsea that he would move in with her. Jake explained the situation to Anna and told her that he would love to remain friends with her. Anna tries to talk to him every now and than but he just ignores her for no reason. Why is he ignoring her? Will him and Chelsea last long if they are moving in together and than plan on dating after they move in? Or will they fail? Also, will he talk to Anna after him and Chelsea fail, or once he gets things figured out, or will he never talk to her? I am friends with all three of them and I just want an idea of how this situation sounds like it is going to pan out. Thanks. more

Voting Question: What are the odds of this lasting?

One of my guy friends Jake, likes two girls Anna and Chelsea. Chelsea has a son and she has been friends with Jake for about 4 months. Jake started to hang out with Anna and really liked her. Well Jake says he is in love with Chelsea, even though they have NEVER dated. Chelsea went on a vacation to Germany and while she was there she called Jake to tell him that she has feelings for him and would like him to move in with her once she gets back. Jake told Chelsea that he would move in with her. Jake explained the situation to Anna and told her that he would love to remain friends with her. Anna tries to talk to him every now and than but he just ignores her for no reason. Why is he ignoring her? Will him and Chelsea last long if they are moving in together and than plan on dating after they move in? Or will they fail? Also, will he talk to Anna after him and Chelsea fail, or once he gets things figured out, or will he never talk to her? I am friends with all three of them and I just want an idea of how this situation sounds like it is going to pan out. Thanks. more

Resolved Question: what are the odds of this lasting?

Resolved Question: Where are all the racetracks in the US that I can take my vehicle to speed on?

I asked a question earlier here asking about where I can go to max out the performance of my vehicle, and someone said there's something called "Auto-bahn", whereever that is. Are they numerous places all over, and not just Germany? Having to vacation to Germany and have your vehicle transported there would be extremely expensive, so I hope there's Auto-bahns or racetracks here. WHERE? And in what states? And how much?And don't resport to insults like when that one user told me to stop acting like a child, because you look very immature. I was not acting like a child. I was simply asking WHERE I can speed my vehicle. I asked it in a mature, adult-like matter. more

Voting Question: How do I know If this girl is into me or not?

Ok here is the story: I met this girl online. We met on a date which went well. I already had plans to go on a three week vacation before I met her. I still had a few days before I left so I asked her out again the day before I left to go on vacation. We went out and everything seemed to go well, in fact I kissed her and she liked it. So our last meeting was Dec 19th I left on the 20th. We have been emailing a few times, like to say happy new year and merry christmas etc. Just after the new year she did not respond to my email until a few days later. she said she was sorry etc, she asked me how I was doing etc. She does not really flirt etc. But she also did not want to cut our dates short etc. I will be back on the 10th. I am not sure If I should just forget her or try to flirt with her via email and see if she is interested or not. Before anyone asks, there was no way and is no way to cut vacation short: because she is in Germany and I am in the USA. I live and work in Germany more

Resolved Question: Teens: What would you do if?

What would you do if you won the lottery? What would you do with the money? I would rent an apartment and move out of my families house, gotta start being more independent. I would pay for all of my university payments. I would probably fly to Germany to visit my boyfriend for a week and take me and some friends on a vacation. Then I would save all the rest. more

Resolved Question: What do you think of my story?

I am going to tell you the summary, then, if your interested, read the first chapter. If not, just leave. I don't mind. Just tell me at the bottom. Thank you. :) An average teenager named May moves from New York City to Tennessee, because her parents divorced and after that her father left, and her big brother went to the Navy, so the mother can't pay rent. So they move FAA-AAR away, and May is trying to get through living on a farm. To make things worse, her mother promised a good friend she would take care of her teenage daughter for a while until she got back from a vacation. She acts very strange. Then May finds out she is from Germany, and was supposed to be named princess, but she wanted to be a normal american girl. But when her castle gets taken over, she goes back. Sneakily, May follows. Then they are both in trouble. ~1~ I hummed a cheerful tune as I carried in the groceries. I didn't know why I was so happy. I was still steamed with my mom for taking me from my home in New York to live on a stinky farm. I tried to act my best, but I wasn't a very good liar. "Hey, May." My mother called from her bedroom. "Hi." I snapped, trying to sound grumpy. "What did you buy?" She asked, coming into the kitchen. I shut the door with my foot. "Everything that was on the list." I replied, simply. "Oh." Was all my mother said. Then there was an awkward silence. "I also bought two gallons of milk." I piped up. My mother frowned at me. "What?" I asked, softly. "We can get our own milk from the cows." She growled. "It's gross!" I protested. She rolled her eyes. "Put the food away." She snapped. I could tell she wasn't lying. I obeyed. After that, I was completely out of things to do. I finished packing my things, but there was still a lot of time left until the party. All the neighbors are coming to a party my mom convinced me to host, so I could make new friends. I tried playing with some string, but that was totally boring. Then I tried E-mailing my dad, but my Laptop was dead. I even tried calling my old best friend in New York, Vanessa, but no one answered. "May." My mom called, after an hour of watching reruns of some random shows. "Yes,mom?" I called, annoyingly from the couch. "Time to come cook for the party!" She cheered. I jumped up, and started sprinting for the kitchen. I stopped when I saw my mom standing there. She had put her hair up, and was wearing overalls. "You should put your hair up, too." She said, noticing my stares. I put up my thick brown hair in a bun, and we began cooking. First we made a cake, which we gradually set up on the table. Then, we made cookies, which were chocolate chip, my favorite. After that, we made pin wheels,chicken, and fancy tea. Finally, we made deviled eggs. Then the food process was done. "Time to decorate." I announced, washing my hands. We put streamers and balloons up, and moved some furniture for dancing. I had to lug my heavy radio into the living room, and then we finally sat down on the couch. "Thanks for helping me." My mother breathed. All I could do was smile. ******* That's all I have so far.:) more

Voting Question: Should I go on vacation by myself or go on one with my family?

Recently I got a great job. I am 24 and I have been working for minimum wage and now I will earn between $50,000 and $70,000 a year. I was considering going to Europe to see England, France, Germany, etc. but by myself. Or should I take my mom and grandmother on a nice vacation but stay in the States? I am conflicted because one day I will have children and a husband so now is MY time but my mother and grandmother have done so much for me. more

Resolved Question: My military friend on vacation in germany texted me with her u.s cell. if i text her back will she recieve it?

the cell phone she texted me on was the same one she calls me with normally here in the u.s. i know she gets charged extra to text me here since shes in germany however if i text her back would she recieve my text since she is overseas>? more

Resolved Question: My friend on vacation in germany texted me with her u.s cell phone. if i text her back will she recieve it?

Voting Question: What do I do about these horrible feelings?

My girlfriend dated a guy a year before I came to the university. He wasn't a good person nor was he caring or kind. I knew him for a while as I roomed with him, but I have since changed rooms. However, I still have these horrible feelings of insecurity and inferiority. I find it worth mentioning that he broke up with her over the phone while he was in Germany and she was in vacation in Hawaii. They had also planned to spend their lives together. With that said I still feel horrible. I feel like I need her to tel me that she loves me more than she ever loved him, I want her to question why she loved him (almost regret it), and I want to be told that I'm better in every way (though I have somewhat been told this already). I feel helpless. I feel like I can never escape that they were together. We are very deeply, deeply emotionally involved and I don't know what I would do without her but I am having nightmares and trouble even getting to sleep. I constantly slash at my mind with painful thoughts. I am really at a loss here. I feel like I'm going to cough up my heart.So, should I talk to her about it?To holeemel: Great, but brutal, advice.I guess I am competing with him... more

Resolved Question: Chemistry homework question? Ibuprofen composition...?

The ibuprofen C13H18O2, that is manufactured in Michigan contains 75.69% carbon, 8.80% hydrogen, and 15.51% oxygen. If you buy some ibuprofen for a headache while you are on vacation in Germany, how do you know that the ibuprofen you buy at a pharmacy overseas has the same percentage composition as the one you buy at home? more

Voting Question: What is the best decision to make?

So there is this girl who I met her name is Kristen she is really nice. I fell for her and think I might be in love with her but I am not sure about that. She has a 1.5 year old boy named David, but she is married to a man in Germany. Kristen and I have become really good friends and I have had feelings for her for about 4 months now. Just recently I met another girl named Brittany, I am really attracted to her and I have started to develop feelings for her. Kristen WAS planning on moving back to Germany to be with her husband. She went there for a vacation and is still over there. She is supposed to be there for 2.5 weeks. Last week she called me and told me she had feelings for me to and asked if I would like to live with her. I told her yes. I just don't know if this is the best thing for our relationship. We have not gone out before. I do believe I am in love with her and although I know it will not work in the long run I am going to do everything I can to try and make it work. I get really confused though because I like Brittany and I am highly attracted to her but I can't be around her to much or I get really confused about the two girls and my feelings for each of them. Am I making a mistake in moving in with Kristen? She does plan on divorcing her husband so, if I date her... she will no longer be married. Should I date her before moving in? Will me moving in before dating her set up a framework for failure? Or is it just probably going to end our relationship sooner? And, what do I do about Brittany? I don't want to blow her off but I also don't want to develop more feelings for her and than have those confuse me about what I want with Kristen. Is there much hope for Kristen and I? Or is it already pretty much a failed attempt? What would you do? Who would you choose and why? Am I making the wrong decision? [[if you can please address each question...]] -----------REMEMBER------------------- I love David, Kristen's kid. There is no question about that. For the past few months while she is at work I watch him. He is my little buddy. I do not know if this helps or not. But remember, Kristen IS getting a divorce with her husband who lives in Germany. more

Resolved Question: Who do I choose, please help me decide what is the best choice?

Voting Question: Such a disaster, need some serious help with girl issues.?

Resolved Question: Two girls + Me = I need some SERIOUS help?

So there is this girl who I met her name is Kristen she is really nice. I fell for her and think I might be in love with her but I am not sure about that. She has a 1.5 year old boy named David, but she is married to a man in Germany. Kristen and I have become really good friends and I have had feelings for her for about 4 months now. Just recently I met another girl named Brittany, I am really attracted to her and I have started to develop feelings for her. Kristen WAS planning on moving back to Germany to be with her husband. She went there for a vacation and is still over there. She is supposed to be there for 2.5 weeks. Last week she called me and told me she had feelings for me to and asked if I would like to live with her. I told her yes. I just don't know if this is the best thing for our relationship. We have not gone out before. I do believe I am in love with her and although I know it will not work in the long run I am going to do everything I can to try and make it work. I get really confused though because I like Brittany but I can't be around her to much or I get really confused about the two girls. Am I making a mistake in moving in with Kristen? She does plan on divorcing her husband so, if I date her... she will no longer be married. Should I date her before moving in? Will me moving in before dating her set up a framework for failure? Or is it just probably going to end our relationship sooner? And, what do I do about Brittany? I don't want to blow her off but I also don't want to develop more feelings for her and than have those confuse me about what I want with Kristen. Is there much hope for Kristen and I? Or is it already pretty much a failed attempt? What would you do? Who would you choose and why? Am I making the wrong decision? [[if you can please address each question...]]I love her kid. There is no question about that. For the past few months while she is at work I watch him. He is my little buddy. I do not know if this helps or not. But remember, she IS getting a divorce with her husband. more

Resolved Question: What do I do about these two girls and me feelings?

So there is this girl who I met her name is Kristen she is really nice. I fell for her and think I might be in love with her but I am not sure about that. She has a 1.5 year old boy named David, but she is married to a man in Germany. Kristen and I have become really good friends and I have had feelings for her for about 4 months now. Just recently I met another girl named Brittany, I am really attracted to her and I have started to develop feelings for her. Kristen WAS planning on moving back to Germany to be with her husband. She went there for a vacation and is still over there. She is supposed to be there for 2.5 weeks. Last week she called me and told me she had feelings for me to and asked if I would like to live with her. I told her yes. I just don't know if this is the best thing for our relationship. We have not gone out before. I do believe I am in love with her and although I know it will not work in the long run I am going to do everything I can to try and make it work. I get really confused though because I like Brittany but I can't be around her to much or I get really confused about the two girls. Am I making a mistake in moving in with Kristen? She does plan on divorcing her husband so, if I date her... she will no longer be married. Should I date her before moving in? Will me moving in before dating her set up a framework for failure? Or is it just probably going to end our relationship sooner? And, what do I do about Brittany? I don't want to blow her off but I also don't want to develop more feelings for her and than have those confuse me about what I want with Kristen. more

Resolved Question: Where To Take my Cousin for Christmas Vacation?

She's coming home Christmas eve from Germany for 2 weeks. Her mom has designated me the "event" planner. She's from here, probably going to spend most of the time with her friends, so NO touristy stuff. I was thinking of taking her to the Crystal Cathedral if they still have that Christmas story thingy. Money is no object, cus her dad is paying. But my older cousin ( her mom) wants to do something as a family before she goes back to hamburg.Happy holidays to all the regulars :)btw shes 23-- if she were a he.. easy - plenty of strip, err "gentleman's clubs around to wet ones paletteshe's not off kilter but she does have a black belt in karate and full contact kick boxing -- which means she can probably kick the crap out of anybody here :-/nice try obama but tryi being original :-)) more

Voting Question: What should I pack for Germany?

I'm leaving for Germany tomorrow as a vacation. And I'm going to a region where it's pretty rainy and cold! I've pretty much got the essentials down, but I'm 16 and this will be my first adventure abroad! Any suggestions for what else I should bring? more

Voting Question: Have you ever run into people with this illogical insinuation regarding language?

I always find this amusing. Granted I am a monolingual Anglophone American telling you this. I am actively learning French though. I just don't understand how one can be so narrow-headed. Surely, there is a way to ''survive'' which varies from working and living alright. I'm sure there is a way to do okay on vacation anywhere. I've spoken to at least a few Americans who've insisted they could live in France knowing little to no French. Or in Germany on little to no German. I always tell them not quite. These individuals have never lived there and admit they don't know anyone who have. I ask them their logic. They say it is because ''everyone knows English.'' I tell them this actually is no where near the case. Maybe 20% in France and 30% in Germany. Even if you're lucky enough to live around more people who do, I ask what makes them think they'd be willing to cater to them in a work environment. They usually don't know how to respond to that. more

Resolved Question: pen friend anybody? I'd like one to chat with, maybe from the states?

I'm very interested in what it's like to live in such a big country, and really think about moving there sometime! but I'm a girl, I'm 18, and I'm originally form Denmark in Europe.. (You can find it on a map above Germany, next to Britain, and underneath Sweden and Norway... I'm very easy going, nice and a bit witty at times too! we can write about anything, friends family, vacations, and if you feel like talking to someone who won't judge, I'm here. (I study psychology, so you can ask anything..!) I don't care whether you're a guy, girl, gay or straight, I don't mind. contact me on dmadsen33@yahoo.com (No rude mails, please..) thanks for your time...! :D more

Voting Question: Do I have any chances??? answer please?

so I met this woman in August/2005, when she came to an international catholic meeting in Köln, Germany...and I wasnt there for the meeting, only on vacations... Shes amazgnly beautiful and her character is precious...and since that day, we became friends.... like talk amost everyday... During these years, I know she got into a long relationship in 2006, and lasted until few months ago, became lawyer..I think shes more matture now... She didnt tell me, but I noticed shes a little down because of that guy, thats why (I think), shes gonna travel on vacations with her friends in janurary, to nyc... The problem is that she lives in Brazil, we r so far away from each other, and she knows I live in nyc... How come she didnt even mentioned that she wants to see me? Friends during all these years, so far, now I can see her again, I wouldnt waste the oportunity...So, I asked to see her, she said: "ok". Nothing more... Into the conversation she is adorable and polite...In fact, I never told her about my real feelings, but Im sure she knows, she problaby already realized it! To be franck, I like her since we met in 2005, but I moved on: many gf, working a lot, focused in my career, my life is pretty good, but I kinda expected to the day that she would brake up... Is this insane? there r plenty of girls that I could be with, I know, but shes special..I was hopeful we could have an relationship now shes single again, but I think maybe shes not interested? What do u think? Please, I need honest answers more

Resolved Question: I want everything connecting my girlfriend to her ex to disappear. Justified?

They have some kind of contact since we are college students. He is an ass to her and they are no longer even friends, however they were planning on getting married. Every time I see a past thing where she was happy with him, be it a picture or a video, it eats me up on the inside. She admits he was a bad choice and that I am better in every possible way it just bothers me so much that she could have ever loved someone like him. Ever since we started dating he has treated her like shit at every opportunity. Even though all her friends like me more, her parents like me more, and we are just as serious as they were it still eats me up on the inside. I'm mentally cutting myself by thinking about all the stuff they "did" if you know what I mean. We fool around a million times more, no exaggeration since they fooled around once a month or so. I just find myself so angry, but not at her mostly at him. I'm mostly angry at their relationship if that makes any sense. I've gone to counseling to help me talk about my feelings about stuff like this with her, but if I constantly bring it up it will do nothing but hurt us and her and I cannot stand to see her sad. I'm very protective of her. I mean she said he used to make her cry and say "I can't deal with this, it drains me.". I've told her I can't blame her for anything she did when I wasn't here (they are a year ahead of me), but it still bothers me that she loved this douche. Trust me I know he is a douche and a bad person who uses women, as I WAS HIS ROOMMATE! He screws around with one girl and then dropped her for herr suite-mate all the while waiting for this girl to come back to school from military training so they can be together. The girl in military training is the girl he dumped my girlfriend for. He broke up with my girlfriend over the phone while he was studying abroad in Germany and she was on Vacation in Hawaii. I feel like I'm ranting it just so hard. I love her so much, but these things eat at me. I recently went through a Q and A about her and his relationship so I wouldn't be able to speculate. I mean my brain bled for a while, figuratively of course, but I feel better. I know I am a better lover, though we don't have sex (neither of us have and are waiting till marriage for this) I am better at "the other stuff"...much better. But little stuff hurts like was his dick bigger than mine (even though it shouldn't matter), did she drink his cum (she tell me she can't do that, is it from experience or she just won't), and other petty things. It also bothers me because you could consider he and I somewhat similar in our sense of humor and part of our personality. That's what hurts the most. I am much much kinder and more loving than he is, but it still stings. He's also going to be a doctor, while I am following my interests and becoming a researcher. My girlfriend also wants to become a doctor. Maybe I have inferiority issues, but I've already talked to her about that and that's when she told me I am better in every way. Then we get the "your better for me" line which stings because spinach is better for you but you WANT cake. I know its different, but it still hurts. She is afrad to lose me and afraid of scaring me off by sharing her problems with me and when I share my feeling she thinks I'm going to leave her. I constantly tell her I'm not going anywhere and that I love her. That's why its hard to bring up my negative feelings/fears. She thinks she pushed away her ex by being a human being and having problems. They did not have a good relationship, but she was still going to marry this jerk. She also says she doesn't know what she would do if he and I had come along at the same time a year ago(when they met). It just hurts. She says she didn't know a person like me existed, in other words a person you would consider human. She loves me and I know its for the right reasons. When she has inadvertently upset/hurt me she apologizes like a frightened child. Is she afrad of being alone...whether or not she is she is with me for the right reason, love. I still feel...bad though. Please let me apologize for the off-topic rant, I just wanted to paint a picture of the situation. Forgive me. more

Resolved Question: Will I be harassed for being an American in Germany?

I always hear and read about Europeans hating Americans or thinking they are stupid or any number of things. I want to go to Germany for a concert in June and I am afraid If I speak English or if someone asks me if I'm American I'll be harassed/insulted or something because I am American. I don't want to be treated like crap just because of where I am from. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a vacation just to be hated. I can understand not liking some of the things the American government has done but the citizens haven't done anything. I don't want to lie and say I am Canadian or something, because I'm not a liar and I have nothing to be ashamed of. Will I be harassed? Of course I am going to learn some German before I go, and I'm not some arrogant, ignorant tourist. I took two years of German in school and I have a German pen pal. more

Voting Question: Please help me with translating this from english to asl. thanks?

If I won a million dollars I would be so very happy. The veery first thing I would do would be to buy a house for my mom... cash. no mortgage. It would'nt have to be a very big house, but it would have to have a lot of storgage for my mom and I have a lot of "stuff". There would be money left over. So I would buy a car for me. Not an expensive one but one that was in good shape. Maybe a VW convertible. The third thing would be to set money aside to pay the tuition so my mom could get her masters degree. i would want to also put money away in savings. I would have to bufget the money very carefull but I gurure I couold save at least half for a rainy day. The balance of the money would go to charity, perferable to a family with kids who need it. -------------------- I have had many perfect vacations and I would love to repeat them. I have eben to Hawaii, alaska, nw york, pennsylvania, the grand canyon, mexicon, sedona, florida and china. My next "perfect" vacation would be one of two places. Manhatton (new York) to see more broadway plays, and vistit the museums ( i was young when i was last there ) I love the city and would consider living there when I am older. and because I was born in germany, I ould like very much to spend a few week there. i would see the german hospital where I was born, visit the barn were my moms horse lived and dies, vista all teh places I visited when i was very little ( and now cant remeber). I would tour bamberg where my mom dad and I lived. I would also want to drive to prague since I was 2 the last time I was there and all i have are the pictures. I would like to also rent a car and drive on the autobahn, while visiting bambergs castles and churches. Thanks so much for your help. I will award 10 points for best answer. Please help me thanks!I dont need to signs. I need the word ordering. more

Resolved Question: The guy who copies me.Does he like me?

There is this Guy in my class who copies me! First he copied my idea for writing about Germany,Berlin for a "Where is your Dream Vacation at" Project Second he copied how i write my first name and last name. (ex. Grace B.) No one else write their last name's first letter but me until he somehow discovered that I write my name that way. even tough we barely talk...E-V-E-R! Also....he's mean... but we're not enemies He stole my pen once when i was taking a nap at the schoolyard (and yes....i don't get enough sleep) good thing i was half-awake lol .......... Or is it just a coincidence that we have something in common? more

Resolved Question: First trip to Europe--which of these places should I go and when? Website and hotel suggestions welcome too!?

I'm planning my first trip to Europe sometime next year with my husband. We can probably spend only about a week there, but I have lots I would like to do, so I need some help to narrow it down. Since it's my first trip, we'll probably want to do a lot of the typical tourist sight-seeing like Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, etc. Here's my list of places I'm most interested in going: Italy--this is a MUST, but I can't decide if I should do one city and then go to another country or just stay within Italy Great Britain France Spain/Portugal I would love to do Greece, but I think that would be a trip we could take later because there'd be so much to do Germany and Austria are also possibilities but not likely. I have found a couple websites (virgin-vacations.com and europeandestinations.com) that offer some pretty cheap packages, but if you've found another website or agency that has good packages, let me know! Since I've never been anywhere close to Europe I really don't know what's amazing to see. What's the best time of the year to go there? Where should I stay (neighborhood or specific hotel)? What should I visit? Where has the best food (besides Italy)? Are there areas I should avoid? Any cool tours or sightseeing I should do? Any suggestions are much appreciated! Thanks! more