I would just like to extend a grateful thank you to all of the international posters on this forum that give of their time to share important information on the status of current events in their respective cities/countries in Europe. From transportation woes (rail strikes, station closings, etc) to potential political situations or protests, their 'on the ground' knowledge has been extremely helpful. I know that I myself have relied on their helpful information and suggestions when planning my trips and I'm sure others have as well. Whether they are natives of said countries, expats, or temporary residents they have been more than helpful to those of us not as familiar with their individual locations. I won't name names as I will most surely forget someone but I consider them all my personal country/city 'experts'. Keep up the good work guys/gals, we appreciate you!
Posted by
franktown, colorado
2252 posts
Adding my thanks as well. You all are very much appreciated.
Posted by
Seattle
908 posts
Absolutely! Many, many thanks to our international friends. :)
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
N.B. They are not all guys.
Posted by
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
3208 posts
@Norma, In my neck of the woods, 'guys' have been both genders since the 1960's sometime. I guess the gender neutral use has not made it to Canada.
Posted by
America's Vancouver and the First
94 posts
Another NW gal chiming in to express my gratitude. The London/England friends have been worth more than the Qween's crown...which we were able to see on the first day the Tower was eligible for the 2-4-1 paper rail ticket (as originally planned). We followed lots of great tips for getting to and from the airports. Big smiley face!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Guy is gender neutral? O, dearie me, we are soooo behind the times here in Canada. Is "gal" still gender specific?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Yes, "gals" is still gender specific. Years ago (early 90s) when I had a Girl Scout troop, I called my girls "you guys" all the time. In the midwest, "you guys" is the equivalent of "y'all". :)
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
When I was a teen a few decades ago (ahem) and actually had friends of either gender, I'd just say...'come on you guys'...and I'm in Nova Scotia - maybe it's a Quebec thing (but then again, I say y'all all the time too).
Posted by
Atlanta
4881 posts
Yes!! Thanks to all the guys, gals, y'alls, and others who are "on the ground" and very giving with the local information. You may not be thanked very often, but be assured your efforts and help are very much appreciated. Thank You, Thank You!!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6544 posts
Hear hear! Just today, Nigel in England and Kim in Paris have set posters straight after bad advice from me. And diplomatically too -- thank you. And hats off to honorary Hungarian James who, even though he technically lives in Texas or someplace, keeps up with Budapest as though he were there all the time. And Tom, formerly of Germany but now of Lewiston, NY (wherever that is), whose expertise still reflects his long residence in Europe. And those and others who share current info for real-time travelers.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14018 posts
Another big thanks from me too! Heading out Saturday to UK and then France, so having up to date and reliable information on strikes/chances of strikes/stoppages is so very helpful!
Posted by
Seattle, Washington
681 posts
Many thanks from another member who has benefited greatly from your generous sharing!
Posted by
Van Buren, AR, US
9 posts
Agree. Thanks from someone who has used & enjoyed very much the information.
Posted by
OP
Corvallis OR
7042 posts
Norma, I have updated my post to reflect both guys & gals, although I'm one of those Mid-westerners to whom 'guys' means everyone and not gender specific, so I had not intended to leave the gals out.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
Yes, thanks to all who take time out of their day to post information and updates!
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2195 posts
And, because of the time difference, they can help posters at different times of the day. On more than one occasion, we've waited in anticipation for them to wake up and provide the correct information. Thank you all - the ones how have helped us recently and the ones who will help in the future.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Thanks to them as well.... and I'll probably be reporting from Germany again as of 2017, if everything goes smoothly.
Posted by
California USA
3963 posts
Great news Tom, fingers crossed!
Posted by
Paris
9651 posts
Thanks to Ms. Jo as well and good luck to you Tom on getting back.
And to Bets, who might not be a "local" at the very moment, but who certainly counts as one from her long experience here and her frequent returns.
And Dick you're far too kind, I felt that in fact I didn't take the time to be particularly gracious, but I'm glad you could see what was on my mind instead of only what I put on the page. : )
I'm always amazed at the visitors who know way more of the ins and outs on various things than I do. I can't remember half the stuff and I've lived here nearly 10 years!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32867 posts
I appreciate all our local knowledge folk - Tom, Jo, Marco, Kim, Philip, Keith, Mincepie, and several others who we hear from a little less frequently, and especially those who have joined this happy little party fairly recently and contribute so much.
It is nice to be able to make this Helpline more or less 24/7 by contributions here in Europe, the North American crowd, and some contributions from down under.
I'm glad that the local colour helps.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9422 posts
Thank you!!