Originally Posted By davewasbaloo In the UK, it is 18, and until recently children could enjoy with parental supervision. In France and Spain I believe it is 16. In Germany you can drink beer or wine from 15. Everything else is older.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Wish I had someone to give this Cabernet Sauvignon to. I took about 3 sips last night and threw the rest of the glass away. Nasty.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Dave, I've always heard that Europeans of all ages drink wine because the water is so bad. Is this propaganda or true?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo About 500 years ago you would have been correct. Maybe even 100. But with the exception of the remote parts of Greece and Spain, the water is fine. It is funny, in some ways, some parts of Europe are more modern and advanced than the US (not all of course). But I find most American's views of Europe are either based on WWII tales, cons people were subjected to as tourists, or if Rick Steves hasn't said it, it can't be so ;-) To be honest, when I moved here in 1986, it was like a whole different world. But globalisation has meant there are not as many differences between the US and the UK. The reality is, the Roman Empire (and several monasteries) have given Europe alcohol. One of the vice the puritans escaped from in the New World. And many of America's views are based on the seeds of the pilgrims and puritans (not all, I am slightly over generalising). But moving half way across the world and continual traveling is a real eye opener.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris "I've always heard that Europeans of all ages drink wine because the water is so bad. Is this propaganda or true?" Yes, it's true. And there are kangaroos waiting at the airport in Australia to carry your luggage in their pouches
Originally Posted By SuperDry It is interesting how alcohol laws vary so much, even among US states. I remember meeting this girl from Sweden in college that told me that there, you could drink in bars younger than you could buy 'to go.'. Interesting idea. Mr X, regarding 2 drinks being ok to drive on, I don't think that's true in Japan. IIRC the limit in Japan is 0.015% BAC which even a single drink wound put you over.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Some people I know went to Italy late 1990's and then again 2002. They said Italy really cleaned up for the millenium. My sister was in Venice in the 50's, and said it was the most disgusting dirty place. She went back about 10-15 years ago and said it was absolutely beautiful.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Mr X, regarding 2 drinks being ok to drive on, I don't think that's true in Japan. IIRC the limit in Japan is 0.015% BAC which even a single drink wound put you over.*** Thanks for the warning. No worries on that one though, as I do not drive in Japan (never bothered getting a Japanese license even..I've heard horror stories).
Originally Posted By SuperDry In 1984 I went to about 8 countries in Europe and Italy by far was the most filthy. If it's improved since then then that's good news.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Italy used to be filthy (personally I think Malta gets that title) or Greece. It is cleaning up. But like all things, it depends where. Venice used to a sewer, and it still is, but they are cleaning up.
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt <<Wish I had someone to give this Cabernet Sauvignon to. I took about 3 sips last night and threw the rest of the glass away. Nasty>> I'll get this week!!
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt <<Italy used to be filthy >> My Great Grand Parents came to the US from Rome..they said it was a dump!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo How long ago? My great great grandparents came from Sicily in the 19th Century. Sicily has totally changed since then.
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt I would guess less than 100 years ago. My grandmother would be about 90 now & I know she was born in the US.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 My mother in law's mother was on welfare here after her husband died leaving her with 6 young kids. But she said she'd never go back to Italy because she was poor there. Even on welfare she was better off here. My husband's a history buff, all his grandparents were born in Italy, and he never wants to go there. Happy's grandfather's family came from Corfinio.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 All this talk is ... is ... really putting me in the mood for some spirits! What happened to all the talk of slashing and burning? Or is that what you do when you're finished the drinking?
Originally Posted By plpeters70 Did anyone else notice that EPCOT is closing at 8pm on all Fridays this month? Have they done this before? Seems like an odd night to be closing the park early. Is this another example of a cut-back?
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 I so want to say Disney must know what they're doing,...but.... Close early on a Friday night??? Wouldn't the locals be more likely to go on Fri/Sat?
