traveltales: BALKAN COFFEE CULTURE

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

BALKAN COFFEE CULTURE

Interesting Culture

Everywhere we visited throughout the Balkans we ran into the coffee culture which fascinated me. Coffee bars line the narrow streets and alleys in every town and village. They stand side by side and are interspersed among sidewalk cafés and restaurants. Strong Turkish coffee is the only coffee available, and it is served in tiny porcelain cups which contain about two swallows. Of course it is sipped in tiny amounts. Desserts are available it the coffee bars, but no other food. Desserts are sweet, but everyone loves them.

One can sit all day long with one cup of coffee if desired. No one ever tries to hurry or rush you away. And people do sit for hours visiting or just as often by themselves. People read, work on computers or visit with friends. The coffee bars open early in the morning and remain open late at night. No one ever seems to be in a rush.

I found it amazing that in spite of the really tough times these people have experienced and are still living that they never had their hand out. They always seemed surprised and delighted with a tip, but it was never expected and if it was not given there was no grumbling or nasty looks. They are a kind and gracious people.

We have our own coffee culture in the United States and it is called Starbucks. But it is quite different than that in the Balkans. First the coffee is different. And we mostly drive through or enter, get our fix and leave with disposable coffee cup in hand. In the Balkans there is no disposable coffee container and one does not walk about on the street drinking. We have a much more rush and move-on mentality where the Balkan people are relaxed. Both cultures are interesting---I am familiar with one and fascinated by the other.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.