Avoiding American Embarrassments in Europe
Americans have many admirable qualities: honesty and openness, enthusiasm and optimism, warmth and friendliness, kindness and generosity, to name a few. They do however sometimes lack a certain sensitivity and appreciation of other cultures, conduct and customs. Even in Europe, from where much American heritage derives, this lack of awareness is often strikingly apparent.
To raise awareness and to help our North American visitors avoid the worst faux pas, we have written a short guide based on the observation of the many delightful and charming guests we have had the pleasure of receiving at The Coach House over the last 7 years, many of whom - even the most educated and upscale, are quite unaware of many of the points mentioned. We hope this guide, which is clearly needed but which many would probably not publish for fear of causing offence, will indeed help to avoid American embarrassments in Europe. Here is a selection:
General conduct and behaviour, respect and modesty are the watchwords here. Dress modestly, in cities and towns try to blend in with the local population. Don't wear shorts, sandals, or clothes more suited to the beach. For visits to churches and places of worship wear long trousers or a modest skirt and a top that covers your shoulders and midriff.
Don't talk too loudly and beware of linguistic differences, when Americans innocently speak of their "fanny" meaning their bottom they are blissfully unaware that in English this word is slag for the female genitalia.
Don't leave your hotel room or apartment in a mess - this is considered disrespectful to the person whose duty it is to make the room up and looking good for your return. Tidy your belongings, and hang your clothes in the closets. Don't leave towels on beds and furniture - especially when wet, hang them in the bathroom. Be aware that in Europe towels may not be changed daily, Europeans tend to be environmentally conscious.
In Europe table manners are universally important, irrespective of social class, and in a restaurant your actions are on view to the world. Things to watch out for:
If you are helping yourself, do use the serving utensils - not your own cutlery. Use the spoon and fork together, not the fork alone as a spear.
Try to use knife (in your right hand) and fork (in your left) together, cutting (not tearing) only what you need for the next mouthful, and lifting it up to your mouth with the fork (still in the left hand) prongs down rather than up. Europeans regard the practice of cutting up everything before laying the knife down and transferring the fork to the right hand to ferry food to the mouth at best as uncouth and at worst barbaric!
Don't expect the bill in a restaurant to come automatically, you need to ask for it when you are ready to pay and leave.
The full guide can be found at: www.chsrentals.com/embarrassments.htm.
New Properties On Our Books
London. Ref: PCT. Palace Court. This comfortable, spacious, apartment is two minutes walk from Kensington Gardens, three minutes from 3 tube stations - Notting Hill and Queensway (Central lines) and Bayswater (District and Circle lines) - and ten minutes from Portobello Road and its famous market. The flat was fully renovated in 2000 and sleeps 4 people in 2 double bedrooms. There are two bathrooms, one of which is en-suite. Full details at: www.rentals.chslondon.com
Paris. Ref: PLSB. rue Lisbonne. A well designed 2 bedroom apartment, located within the "Triangle d'Or" (Golden Triangle) - one the most upscale areas of Paris. Despite its central location, the area around the rue du Lisbonne has kept its village atmosphere and remains peaceful and quiet. The nearest métros are St Augustin, Villiers and Miromesnil, all within five minutes walk. The apartment sleeps 6 people in 2 double bedrooms and a large fold out sofa bed in the living area. It has been recently renovated to a high standard and boasts high ceilings and floods of light.
Full details at: www.rentals.chsparis.com
New York Representative
We are looking to extend our operation into New York! (same concept, same market - yes, Americans visiting New York on holiday) and are looking for someone to run all aspects of the operational side of the business there.
They will work from home on a "self-employed" basis and the job will initially be part time - estimate 15/20 hours per week, however this will vary depending on the season and level of business. In time it is very likely to expand to a full time occupation.
Full details are at www.chsnyc.com. If you know of someone who might be interested do please tell them about this. Thanks!
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