Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
(vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.

On October 23 we arrive in New York. We've already pre-booked our
tickets to the Empire State Building. We will look at the Twin Towers
memorial. Five years ago this year, and etched on my memory, as it is
for many of us. Have in mind doing two Broadway musicals. I have a
couple in mind. Any recommendations?

On November 4 we arrive in Los Angeles. If only I hadn't mixed up San
Francisco and Los Angeles in my head -- I know you wouldn't, but never
having been to either, I did. However, we'll do the obligatory
Disneyland.

The itinerary is:
Hong Kong
London
Ireland
Paris
Provence
New York
Barbados
Los Angeles
home (New Zealand).

Any advice? Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough. We don't tip in NZ,
hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.

Kathy in NZ

"Kathy-in-NZ" > wrote in message
s.com...
> Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
> (vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.
>
> On October 23 we arrive in New York. We've already pre-booked our
> tickets to the Empire State Building. We will look at the Twin Towers
> memorial. Five years ago this year, and etched on my memory, as it is
> for many of us. Have in mind doing two Broadway musicals. I have a
> couple in mind. Any recommendations?
>
> On November 4 we arrive in Los Angeles. If only I hadn't mixed up San
> Francisco and Los Angeles in my head -- I know you wouldn't, but never
> having been to either, I did. However, we'll do the obligatory
> Disneyland.
>
> The itinerary is:
> Hong Kong
> London
> Ireland
> Paris
> Provence
> New York
> Barbados
> Los Angeles
> home (New Zealand).
>
> Any advice? Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
> sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough. We don't tip in NZ,
> hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.
>

I have some advice. Don't announce that you do not tip where ever you
happen to be staying.



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

In article m>,
"Kathy-in-NZ" > wrote:

> Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
> (vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.
>
> On October 23 we arrive in New York. We've already pre-booked our
> tickets to the Empire State Building. We will look at the Twin Towers
> memorial. Five years ago this year, and etched on my memory, as it is
> for many of us. Have in mind doing two Broadway musicals. I have a
> couple in mind. Any recommendations?
>
> On November 4 we arrive in Los Angeles. If only I hadn't mixed up San
> Francisco and Los Angeles in my head -- I know you wouldn't, but never
> having been to either, I did. However, we'll do the obligatory
> Disneyland.

Rent a car in LA and take the coast highway to San Francisco.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1> The shortest
route is 383 miles according to MapQuest. The link I gave is not even
close to the shortest route. I doubt you'd regret the trip, but I've
never done it.

leo

--
<http://web0.greatbasin.net/~leo/>

cybercat wrote:
> I have some advice. Don't announce that you do not tip where ever you
> happen to be staying.

Better advice: Tip 15-20% in restaurants unless the service sucks
badly. Always leave a tip for the maids in the hotel rooms.

"If you can't afford to tip, don't make the trip."

-L.

Leonard Blaisdell wrote:
>
> Rent a car in LA and take the coast highway to San Francisco.
> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1> The shortest
> route is 383 miles according to MapQuest. The link I gave is not even
> close to the shortest route. I doubt you'd regret the trip, but I've
> never done it.

That was going to be my suggestion as well. At least go as far as
Monterey and visit the aquarium. The further North you go, the better
the traffic is - less congestion. My favorite area is the Pescadero
area and the San Mateo county beaches, on up to Half Moon Bay. There
are many places along the way where you can stop and hike among the
redwoods. Stay on the trails.

-L.

"-L." > wrote in message
ups.com...
>
> cybercat wrote:
> > I have some advice. Don't announce that you do not tip where ever you
> > happen to be staying.
>
> Better advice: Tip 15-20% in restaurants unless the service sucks
> badly. Always leave a tip for the maids in the hotel rooms.
>
> "If you can't afford to tip, don't make the trip."
>

Honestly. How can anyone announce that they do not tip? Proudly,
even? Just because this is not the practice in NZ does not mean that
many people worldwide do not make their living this way. They get
paid next to nothing LEGALLY by the hotels/restaurants BECAUSE
tips are supposed to make up for it. And this is the server's fault?

cybercat wrote:
> Honestly. How can anyone announce that they do not tip? Proudly,
> even? Just because this is not the practice in NZ does not mean that
> many people worldwide do not make their living this way. They get
> paid next to nothing LEGALLY by the hotels/restaurants BECAUSE
> tips are supposed to make up for it. And this is the server's fault?

I took it to mean that she doesn't really understand how much and when
to do so, not that she wouldn't do it at all.

-L.

"Kathy-in-NZ" > wrote

> Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
> (vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.

Wow, a world tour!!!

> On October 23 we arrive in New York. We've already pre-booked our
> tickets to the Empire State Building. We will look at the Twin Towers
> memorial. Five years ago this year, and etched on my memory, as it is
> for many of us.

I don't even look at the skyline when I drive by, I sure haven't
visited the site.

I'd be interested what plays you're thinking of seeing.

> On November 4 we arrive in Los Angeles. If only I hadn't mixed up San
> Francisco and Los Angeles in my head -- I know you wouldn't, but never
> having been to either, I did.

Completely understandable.

> However, we'll do the obligatory Disneyland.
>
> The itinerary is:
> Hong Kong
> London
> Ireland
> Paris
> Provence
> New York
> Barbados
> Los Angeles
> home (New Zealand).

That's a whirlwind! Glad you have 7 weeks.

> Any advice? Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
> sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough.

It's 15%. Say your meal is $50 (harr), it's $7.50. My method
is figure 10% and (well, I double it) add half as much again.
$5 + $2.50.

> We don't tip in NZ,
> hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.

You mean we've beaten it into your head often enough? (laugh)

Have a blast, Kathy-soon-to-leave-NZ.

nancy

Leonard Blaisdell wrote:
> "Kathy-in-NZ" > wrote:
>
> > Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
> > (vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.
> >
> > On October 23 we arrive in New York. We've already pre-booked our
> > tickets to the Empire State Building. We will look at the Twin Towers
> > memorial. Five years ago this year, and etched on my memory, as it is
> > for many of us. Have in mind doing two Broadway musicals. I have a
> > couple in mind. Any recommendations?
> >
> > On November 4 we arrive in Los Angeles. If only I hadn't mixed up San
> > Francisco and Los Angeles in my head -- I know you wouldn't, but never
> > having been to either, I did. However, we'll do the obligatory
> > Disneyland.

Disneyland is over rated, it's really just another crowded theme park.
LA is not a worthwhile vacation venture on limited time... you'd do
much better spending twice as much of your valuable touring time and
money in and about SF.

> Rent a car in LA and take the coast highway to San Francisco.
> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1> The shortest
> route is 383 miles according to MapQuest. The link I gave is not even
> close to the shortest route. I doubt you'd regret the trip, but I've
> never done it.

Recommending a trip you've never taken... MORON!

Sheldon

Kathy-in-NZ said...

> Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
> (vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.


At the Empire State Building, be sure to rent the audio tour. It's SO
worth it, imho! While you're on 34th street be sure to stop and kiss!
"Miracles on 34th Street" don't happen often enough.

The fastest way to get around NYC is the subway system. An unlimited one
day pass is $4 per person, good for subway trains. Best familiarize
yourself with the routes.

http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/maps/subwaymap.pdf

From the Empire state building, take the #1 subway train south (at
Madison Square Garden's underground) to Chambers St and walk a couple
blocks south to the World Trade Center. Stop in at St. Paul's Cathedral
(where George Washington went to pray after he was sworn in as our first
President). Then walk south a few blocks to Wall Street/NY Stock Exchange
then and take the #5 express subway up to 86th st. and walk to the
Guggenheim Museum (89th and 5th Ave.) for an exhibit. I'd recommend
taking the elevator to the top and then walk down the exhibit. Your feet
will thank you. Then bus or walk down to 66st or there abouts and walk
through Central Park (to leave the city for awhile) then walk over to
Lincoln Center and have cocktails at the fountain surrounded by one of
the greatest music centers in the world. Then take the 1, 2 or 3 subway
south to Times Square and do your broadway show.

Or not.

Andy

"Andy" <q> wrote in message ...
> Kathy-in-NZ said...
>
>> Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
>> (vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.

> At the Empire State Building, be sure to rent the audio tour. It's SO
> worth it, imho!

Make sure you check out the beauty of the building, they don't
make them like that anymore. Art Deco style.

> then and take the #5 express subway up to 86th st. and walk to the
> Guggenheim Museum (89th and 5th Ave.) for an exhibit.

My choice would be the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

>I'd recommend
> taking the elevator to the top and then walk down the exhibit. Your feet
> will thank you. Then bus or walk down to 66st or there abouts and walk
> through Central Park (to leave the city for awhile)

Central Park is spectacular, I just love it. The Met Mus Art
is on one side. So is the Museum of Natural History, another
incredible place, but how much can you do???

> then walk over to
> Lincoln Center and have cocktails at the fountain surrounded by one of
> the greatest music centers in the world. Then take the 1, 2 or 3 subway
> south to Times Square and do your broadway show.
>
> Or not.

Good job, Andy.

nancy

Nancy Young said...

> Good job, Andy.
>
> nancy


[bow] Thanks.

Andy

Nancy Young said...

>
> "Andy" <q> wrote in message ...
>> Kathy-in-NZ said...
>>
>>> Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
>>> (vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.
>
>> At the Empire State Building, be sure to rent the audio tour. It's SO
>> worth it, imho!
>
> Make sure you check out the beauty of the building, they don't
> make them like that anymore. Art Deco style.
>
>> then and take the #5 express subway up to 86th st. and walk to the
>> Guggenheim Museum (89th and 5th Ave.) for an exhibit.
>
> My choice would be the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
>
>>I'd recommend
>> taking the elevator to the top and then walk down the exhibit. Your
feet
>> will thank you. Then bus or walk down to 66st or there abouts and walk
>> through Central Park (to leave the city for awhile)
>
> Central Park is spectacular, I just love it. The Met Mus Art
> is on one side. So is the Museum of Natural History, another
> incredible place, but how much can you do???
>
>> then walk over to
>> Lincoln Center and have cocktails at the fountain surrounded by one of
>> the greatest music centers in the world. Then take the 1, 2 or 3
subway
>> south to Times Square and do your broadway show.
>>
>> Or not.
>
> Good job, Andy.
>
> nancy


Do you s'pose we right-coast folks (rcf@rfc) gather up and meet Cathy and
her entourage, in mid-travel in NYC? It'd be the neighborly thing to do!

All we need is a confirmed date.

?

Andy

Kathy asked...

> Any advice? Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
> sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough. We don't tip in NZ,
> hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.
>
> Kathy in NZ

Be forewarned. Tipping in NYC is thought to be a law by those expecting the
tip. Everyone; cab drives, door men, bag boys, bell hops, wait people, hotel
chamber maids.... you name it. If it's in the service industry, you will be
expected to give a tip. I once gave, what the man felt, was too small of a
tip to the guy the took my bags out of the cab at Newark Airport, and he
proudly announce that I might not see my bags at my destination.

Larry T

LT said...

> Be forewarned. Tipping in NYC is thought to be a law by those
> expecting the tip. Everyone; cab drives, door men, bag boys, bell
> hops, wait people, hotel chamber maids.... you name it. If it's in the
> service industry, you will be expected to give a tip. I once gave,
> what the man felt, was too small of a tip to the guy the took my bags
> out of the cab at Newark Airport, and he proudly announce that I might
> not see my bags at my destination.
>
> Larry T


Larry,

Who in their right mind would tip a cabbie?

Rule of thumb is to take care of the staff members who made your stay
pleasurable, at checkout.

At hotels, I'll leave an envelope on the pillow amounting to a dollar a
day, (regardless of the room rate) the day I check out, for the house
maids, with "Thanks, Andy" on it.

I won't delve into tipping for meals. It's been covered at length here
before.

Andy

> On November 4 we arrive in Los Angeles. If only I hadn't mixed up San
> Francisco and Los Angeles in my head -- I know you wouldn't, but never
> having been to either, I did. However, we'll do the obligatory
> Disneyland.
>
> The itinerary is:
> Hong Kong
> London
> Ireland
> Paris
> Provence
> New York
> Barbados
> Los Angeles
> home (New Zealand).
>
> Any advice? Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
> sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough. We don't tip in NZ,
> hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.
>
> Kathy in NZ

Kathy,

You gave no clues as to what you like to do, or how long you'll be
where, so it's hard to make recommendations. But if you like nature,
just about in the middle of California are Yosemite and Sequoia
National Parks. They both have some of the most beautiful views in the
world. And since summer's over, the crowds are down. Yosemite does
have amazing waterfalls in the spring (Remember, we're north of the
equator, so it's the end of summer here.), but Yosemite Valley is an
amazing place no matter the time of year. There are amazing natural
wonders throughout California. Deserts in the south, including Death
Valley National Park, coniferous forests in the north, and great
beaches everywhere in-between. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
is a long day's drive from L.A. I think you get the idea.

If you do want to see some amazing nature here in California, feel free
to let me know and I'll dig up some info.

I'll leave the city stuff to others.

Ken

LT wrote:
> Kathy asked...
>
> > Any advice? Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
> > sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough. We don't tip in NZ,
> > hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.
>
> Be forewarned. Tipping in NYC is thought to be a law by those expecting the
> tip. Everyone; cab drives, door men, bag boys, bell hops, wait people, hotel
> chamber maids.... you name it. If it's in the service industry, you will be
> expected to give a tip. I once gave, what the man felt, was too small of a
> tip to the guy the took my bags out of the cab at Newark Airport, and he
> proudly announce that I might not see my bags at my destination.

Bags, schmags... yer lucky to still have knee caps.

Sheldon

cybercat wrote:
> Honestly. How can anyone announce that they do not tip? Proudly,
> even? Just because this is not the practice in NZ does not mean that
> many people worldwide do not make their living this way. They get
> paid next to nothing LEGALLY by the hotels/restaurants BECAUSE
> tips are supposed to make up for it. And this is the server's fault?

Actually, Cybercat, if you read my post properly you'd see I wrote:
"Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough. We don't tip in NZ,
hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US."

By "not great on tipping" I meant I am unsure when to tip and how much.
I concede that was open to another interpretation. However, I did go on
to say I understood the necessity of tipping in the US.

Kathy in NZ

Nancy Young wrote:
> I'd be interested what plays you're thinking of seeing.


We love musicals, and since we also plan to see a couple in London
(possibly Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables) I have chosen The
Producers as my first pick for Broadway, and possibly Avenue Q or
Wicked. The latter hasn't had good reviews but I have just ploughed my
way through the book, on my daughter's recommendation. It was a bit
preachy at times.

> > Any advice? Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
> > sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough.
>
> It's 15%. Say your meal is $50 (harr), it's $7.50. My method
> is figure 10% and (well, I double it) add half as much again.
> $5 + $2.50.
>
> > We don't tip in NZ,
> > hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.
>
> You mean we've beaten it into your head often enough? (laugh)
>
> Have a blast, Kathy-soon-to-leave-NZ.
>
> nancy

Thanks Nancy, and yes, you lot have beaten tipping into my head! Thanks
for updating me on how much to give.

Kathy in NZ

Sheldon wrote:

> Disneyland is over rated, it's really just another crowded theme park.
> LA is not a worthwhile vacation venture on limited time... you'd do
> much better spending twice as much of your valuable touring time and
> money in and about SF.
>
> Sheldon

We're actually not going to SF at all. We only have four nights in Los
Angeles, staying in Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, before flying
home. Personally, I'm not interested in Disneyland but my husband wants
to go and I want to please him! If there's a next time we'll go to SF.

Thanks anyway,
Kathy in NZ

Gosh Thanks Andy

I've printed this off. How great to get the inside scoop on what trains
to catch. It sounds a good scheme.

Kathy in NZ



Andy wrote:
> Kathy-in-NZ said...
>
> > Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
> > (vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.
>
>
> At the Empire State Building, be sure to rent the audio tour. It's SO
> worth it, imho! While you're on 34th street be sure to stop and kiss!
> "Miracles on 34th Street" don't happen often enough.
>
> The fastest way to get around NYC is the subway system. An unlimited one
> day pass is $4 per person, good for subway trains. Best familiarize
> yourself with the routes.
>
> http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/maps/subwaymap.pdf
>
> From the Empire state building, take the #1 subway train south (at
> Madison Square Garden's underground) to Chambers St and walk a couple
> blocks south to the World Trade Center. Stop in at St. Paul's Cathedral
> (where George Washington went to pray after he was sworn in as our first
> President). Then walk south a few blocks to Wall Street/NY Stock Exchange
> then and take the #5 express subway up to 86th st. and walk to the
> Guggenheim Museum (89th and 5th Ave.) for an exhibit. I'd recommend
> taking the elevator to the top and then walk down the exhibit. Your feet
> will thank you. Then bus or walk down to 66st or there abouts and walk
> through Central Park (to leave the city for awhile) then walk over to
> Lincoln Center and have cocktails at the fountain surrounded by one of
> the greatest music centers in the world. Then take the 1, 2 or 3 subway
> south to Times Square and do your broadway show.
>
> Or not.
>
> Andy

Nancy Young wrote:

> My choice would be the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

> Central Park is spectacular, I just love it. The Met Mus Art
> is on one side. So is the Museum of Natural History, another
> incredible place, but how much can you do???

Exactly, Nancy. We don't want to get art galleried or museumed out. We
plan to do the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay in Paris; British Museum, Tate
Modern and National Gallery in London; MoMA and Met in New York, and if
we're not too overwhelmed, anything else that we've time for.

Kathy in NZ

In article . com>,
"Sheldon" > wrote:

> > Rent a car in LA and take the coast highway to San Francisco.
> > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1> The shortest
> > route is 383 miles according to MapQuest. The link I gave is not even
> > close to the shortest route. I doubt you'd regret the trip, but I've
> > never done it.
>
> Recommending a trip you've never taken... MORON!

I've taken it to Monterey from the north and seen quite a bit of the
rest in the movies. Would you recommend the interstate instead? I've
never taken that either. I've never been to LA.

leo

--
<http://web0.greatbasin.net/~leo/>

Leonard Blaisdell said...

> In article . com>,
> "Sheldon" > wrote:
>
>> > Rent a car in LA and take the coast highway to San Francisco.
>> > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1> The shortest
>> > route is 383 miles according to MapQuest. The link I gave is not
even
>> > close to the shortest route. I doubt you'd regret the trip, but I've
>> > never done it.
>>
>> Recommending a trip you've never taken... MORON!
>
> I've taken it to Monterey from the north and seen quite a bit of the
> rest in the movies. Would you recommend the interstate instead? I've
> never taken that either. I've never been to LA.
>
> leo


Before you leave L.A. on a road trip, be sure to visit Philippe's for the
best/ORIGINAL french dipped sandwiches! On Alameda Ave. in downtown L.A.
across from Union Station (train station).

http://www.philippes.com/


Then north of Santa Barbara, on the 101 freeway, pull off at Buellton and
stop in at Andersen's Pea Soup for a "bottomless" bowl of wonderful split
pea soup and a tri-tip sirloin steak sandwich. Tell 'em Andy sent ya.
They'll charge you double.

http://www.peasoupandersens.net/


Then get back on Rte 1 and definitely stop in San Simeon at Hearst
Castle! Be sure to sample the flank steak sandwiches before you leave!!!

http://www.hearstcastle.com/


Andy

On 15 Sep 2006 23:49:42 -0700, "Kathy-in-NZ" >
wrote:

>Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
>(vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.

7 weeks! Wow! Enjoy!
>
>On October 23 we arrive in New York. We've already pre-booked our
>tickets to the Empire State Building. We will look at the Twin Towers
>memorial. Five years ago this year, and etched on my memory, as it is
>for many of us. Have in mind doing two Broadway musicals. I have a
>couple in mind. Any recommendations?
>
>On November 4 we arrive in Los Angeles. If only I hadn't mixed up San
>Francisco and Los Angeles in my head -- I know you wouldn't, but never
>having been to either, I did. However, we'll do the obligatory
>Disneyland.
>
Yeah, yeah, yeah.... you wanted to go to Disneyland/universal studios
and didn't know how to break it to us.

>The itinerary is:
>London
Lots of free museums no reason to pay admission unless it's something
your life won't be complete without seeing. Take public
transportation if you don't walk, it's very reliable. Eat at that
Greek place I fell in love with... it's in the Victoria station area
(on Warwick a couple of blocks from St. George's), unfortunately I
can't remember the name. If you're interested, I'll root around and
see if I have anything with the name on it.
>Ireland
Which part?
>Paris
Get a museum pass, you'll be glad you did!
http://www.museums-of-paris.com/
http://www.discoverfrance.net/Boutique/Travel/Passes/
It even gives you free admission *with no standing in line* to the
bell tower at Notre Dame and St. Chappelle (a definite must see).
>Provence
slobber!
>New York
another big museum town... go to the metropolitan (great armor
collection) and The Cloisters - another "must see"
>Barbados
>Los Angeles
Nose in air.... well, I "guess" you'll enjoy it. Go to the La Brea
Tar Pits and the Museum of Tolerance
>home (New Zealand).
>
>Any advice?

>Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
>sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough. We don't tip in NZ,
>hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.
>
Look carefully at your restaurant bills. Some include the service
charge, others don't - but there is no law against tipping over and
above the service charge.

said...

> Nose in air.... well, I "guess" you'll enjoy it. Go to the La Brea
> Tar Pits and the Museum of Tolerance


La Brea tar pits!!! Look south from Wilshire and Curson Ave. one block,
there's my old house!!!

Oh, the good old days! The oil company would stop in front of the house
once a month and vaccum the oil out from under the street to keep it from
bowing too much.

Deep below ground, an oil river ran from Melrose Ave. down to Peco Blvd.
For the "right of passage," the oil company paid every household in it's
path a couple hundred dollars annually. The oil dericks were housed in a
cement block building on Peco. No telling from the outside what it was
there for.

Once, the sidewalks at Fairfax and Beverly Blvds, caught fire from the
underground oil surfacing. It burned for days!

Anyway, I worked right across the street from "the PITS" and walked to
work.

Andy

On 15 Sep 2006 23:49:42 -0700, "Kathy-in-NZ" >
wrote:


>Any advice? Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
>sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough. We don't tip in NZ,
>hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.
>
>Kathy in NZ

I hope you have a great time Kathy. I lost the response from someone
about tipping cabbies or I'd tack this on there. This months issue of
Chicago magazine had a short tipping refresher in it. It's certainly
not complete, but here's a summary;

Restroom attendant handing you a towel- $1.

Coat check- $1 For additional items double it.

Doorman hailing a cab- $1. If it's raining $2 If he holds am umbrella
over you $3.

Valet parking- $1 as you usually pay for the parking.

Bartender- $1 per drink.

Entertainer singing requested song- $2 per selection

Taxi Drivers-20%

Wine Steward- 15% of wine price if they've helped pick it out and
poured it. Deduct this from the servers tip.

In Chicago the tax rate is 8.75%. If service is acceptable it's
easiest to just double that. If service sucks it's very important to
tell the waiter of a manager why you're not tipping or you'll look
like an ass.

Lou

On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:55:51 -0700, sf wrote:

>Look carefully at your restaurant bills. Some include the service
>charge, others don't - but there is no law against tipping over and
>above the service charge.

That must be a West Coast thing. Here I've never seen it added unless
it's a party of 8 or more. And it always states so on the menu.

Lou

Kathy-in-NZ > wrote:

>Just seven more sleeps till we head off on a seven-week holiday
>(vacation) and we're eventually heading your way.

>On October 23 we arrive in New York. We've already pre-booked our
>tickets to the Empire State Building. We will look at the Twin Towers
>memorial. Five years ago this year, and etched on my memory, as it is
>for many of us. Have in mind doing two Broadway musicals. I have a
>couple in mind. Any recommendations?
>
>On November 4 we arrive in Los Angeles. If only I hadn't mixed up San
>Francisco and Los Angeles in my head -- I know you wouldn't, but never
>having been to either, I did. However, we'll do the obligatory
>Disneyland.

>The itinerary is:
>Hong Kong
>London
>Ireland
>Paris
>Provence
>New York
>Barbados
>Los Angeles
>home (New Zealand).

>Any advice?

Try the Turkish food in London. Tal's, on the south bank is
a good choice if you don't want to go up to North London where
there are dozens of Turkish places past Seven Sisters. Also
if you're on the South Bank, hit up Borough Market for
fresh food, including Neal's Yard cheeses (a second outlet
to their original location in Covent Garden), produce, smoked
salmon, etc.

If you like beer, obtain the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)
guide upon landing in the U.K., which will list the good pubs
including notes on which ones have good food.

In New York City, I like Kiev on 2nd Avenue (Ukrainian)... they have
gone upscale since they closed/reopened a couple years back.
For pizza you may have to get local recommendations although
both Patsy's and John's are iconical. My favorite Italian-American
place is Spaghetto, in the Village. Another one is Three of Cups,
in the East Village. Food shopping possibilities are immense
in New York City; for outstanding caviar, go to Russ and Daughters.
Their American sturgeon caviar is top-rate. The list goes on and
on, I'm sure you'll get more suggestions. Have a blast.

Steve

On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:36:17 -0500, Lou Decruss >
wrote:

>On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:55:51 -0700, sf wrote:
>
>>Look carefully at your restaurant bills. Some include the service
>>charge, others don't - but there is no law against tipping over and
>>above the service charge.
>
>That must be a West Coast thing. Here I've never seen it added unless
>it's a party of 8 or more. And it always states so on the menu.
>

She's going to be in Europe, Lou.

On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 23:20:38 -0700, sf
> wrote:

>On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:36:17 -0500, Lou Decruss >
>wrote:
>
>>On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:55:51 -0700, sf wrote:
>>
>>>Look carefully at your restaurant bills. Some include the service
>>>charge, others don't - but there is no law against tipping over and
>>>above the service charge.
>>
>>That must be a West Coast thing. Here I've never seen it added unless
>>it's a party of 8 or more. And it always states so on the menu.
>>
>
>She's going to be in Europe, Lou.

New York and Los Angeles are on her list. Here's what you responded
to. After googling I don't understand how I'm misinterpreting it.
Apologies if I did.

>We don't tip in NZ,
>hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.

>Kathy in NZ

Lou

On Fri, 22 Sep 2006 11:10:15 -0500, Lou Decruss >
wrote:

>On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 23:20:38 -0700, sf
> wrote:
>
>>On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:36:17 -0500, Lou Decruss >
>>wrote:
>>
>>>On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:55:51 -0700, sf wrote:
>>>
>>>>Look carefully at your restaurant bills. Some include the service
>>>>charge, others don't - but there is no law against tipping over and
>>>>above the service charge.
>>>
>>>That must be a West Coast thing. Here I've never seen it added unless
>>>it's a party of 8 or more. And it always states so on the menu.
>>>
>>
>>She's going to be in Europe, Lou.
>
>New York and Los Angeles are on her list. Here's what you responded
>to. After googling I don't understand how I'm misinterpreting it.
>Apologies if I did.
>
No problem. The response you saw above was me telling her to look at
her bills carefully in Europe (which she understood). Not every
restaurant includes a "service charge" these days. Service charges are
noted at the bottom of the bill saying " complete/not complete or
complet/non complet", depending on if you're in England or France.

>>We don't tip in NZ,
>>hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.
>
She'll tip in the US.... maybe at a lower rate than the norm is for
the cities she plans to visit, but she *will* tip.