 You’ve booked your trip to Europe, made sure your passport is in order, packed your bags, and now you’re off on that trip of a lifetime.
What you might not have thought about is what to expect at your hotel. In the USA., hotel standards are pretty consistent. You know what to anticipate at a Motel 6 and what to look forward to at the Four Seasons. In Europe, the lines are not so clearly drawn. In order to avoid disappointment and frustration, it’s helpful to know what to expect during your European hotel stay.
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 (Note: you'll find a quick coffee tutorial below)
This author didn't drink coffee until a few years ago. Yes, when I was a very little girl, I stole sips from my father's cup, back before he started drinking it black and sugarless. I've always found the aroma of coffee comforting. But once my palate developed, and I got past the age where even finger scoops of butter sounded like a treat, I flat out didn't like the taste of coffee, no matter how divine it smelled. Until I let my guard down and tried it in Italy. Oh. My.  The Slow Food movement is nothing new. Originating in 1986 when Italian Carlo Petrini protested the opening of a McDonald’s restaurant near the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Slow Food movement represents a response to the fast food lifestyle. With an emphasis on locally-grown ingredients and traditional, regional cuisine, the movement is responsible for some of the best dining experiences around the world.
Yes, the movement has a website and is well-organized, but in truth the Slow Food movement is less an association and more a philosophy. Eat simple. Eat authentic products. Eat traditional. Slow down. Enjoy. Promote local cuisine, small farms. So, how can travelers explore and enjoy slow food?  When it comes to food, Europe does it right. Whether a hearty shepherd’s pie in the U.K., a flaky croissant in France, or a divine risotto in Italy, travelers to Europe are in for a treat.
Yes, it’s true that sometimes budget limitations, fatigue, or lack of know-how means visitors to Europe may feel frustrated or that they’ve wasted their precious travel dollars on a less-than-satisfying dining experience, but it doesn’t have to happen. Keep these dining tips in mind, and you’re likely to find eating in Europe one of the highlights of your trip. |