How has your European travel influenced you at home?

Nutella.
Cereal with yoghurt and berries instead of non-fat milk
walking more
more laid back and more flexible
reading is more varied (before you go to Europe or after you return, you should read Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett) -- cathedrals are not just cathedrals!
always planning for the next trip
Checking this Helpline 2+ x a day
Spending less money on frivilous items so I can travel more -- little more frugal than I had been in the past. Priorities change.
Etc etc etc . . . I'm not the same person I was!

Hey Adrian,
My habits I brought back from my Swiss relatives, using the fork with the left hand to eat, pray the meal prayer in German,appreciation of dry wines,and of course Nutella, but it was the Hero brand they mostly use. Swiss chocolate, just about the only kind of chocolate I eat. Using the proper grip to hold a Mass of beer, hand through the handle, that came from Munich.

We are trying to downsize and get rid of our extra clutter after seeing how well we did in smaller spaces over there (although compared to many, our house is pretty small. I laughed when I read someone complaining in an article that their 3200 sq foot house wasn't big enough for them and their 2 kids! We survive on not much more than half of that with 4 kids.)

I also wouldn't mind finding a smaller minivan. Our rental was a lot smaller than my current van, and it made for easier parking and manuevering. I also wish we could get more clean diesel vehicles over here.

I dress better.

I spend too much time posting and reading this site!

How I've been influenced at home:

1. My Christmas decorations reflect my German heritage (nutcrackers, candle pyramids, schwibbogen)

2. We like to eat 'abendbrot' when we can (open-faced sandwiches for dinner, with wurst, cheeses, sliced tomatoes, pickles, etc...), instead of the usual heavy dinner.

3. I will never again waste calories on a Milky Way or Almond Joy when there are so many better alternatives (Lindt, Ritter Sport). And Nutella is a staple at our house.

4. I've taken up baking German cakes and tortes.

5. When guests come over (even family), I like to serve dessert on my fine china and use my good silverware.

6. Although I don't subscribe to the PC 'Green' religion, I admire the way Europeans conserve their resources and that's inspired me to be more vigilant about our resources.

7. Having family (cousins, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins, great-aunts/uncles) in Europe has made me realize the importance of a heritage for my children. They've met distant relatives and learned about their ancestors. This, in turn, has sparked an interest in other cultures.

I sleep under a feather duvet that is the queen size version of the twin I slept under in Eningen u.a. for six months while I studied in Germany. I also am a bit fussy about the beer that I drink. I never put ice in my whisky. ; ) Pam

It really touches my heart to read some of your comments here :-))

While it is not my way to advertise for any company, I will post the following link. I often ordered from them for holidays and special occasions while I was living in the States. While their emphasis is on German products, they also carry some other European items.
Maybe some of you might want to check it out:

http://www.germandeli.com/index.html

I've become obsessed with learning all I can about French history, culture & style. My Netflix list is full of French films.

In my tiny town, all the sales clerks have me pegged as the lady who always brings her own bags for groceries/incidentals. Most of the younger clerks are my former students, and they are now commenting to me quite often about the environment; I like that. I find myself saying ciao, grazie, danke, merci, and bonjour to my students, and they enjoy that. I also enjoy an occasional framboise, as well as Nutella. I remember pleasant European meals as I leave my fork in my left hand after cutting my food. And like so many others, I find myself logging onto this site way too much. But I refuse to feel guilty about it. To all of you, merci and grazie!

Thanks to all of those who have responded. I wanted to add one other change for me. Since I stayed with family for a big chunk of my trip, I developed personal relationships with family members I had only heard about from my parents or seen in pictures. Particularly my Spanish relatives. They were so welcoming and kind to this American semi-stranger. Now I communicate with them via e-mail and feel like I know them on a personal level.

We like to have a boiled egg for breakfast a few times a week, so we've bought German egg cups and spoons. The spoons are smaller, but fit exactly into an egg, and the cups are flatter, with a shallow depression that fits the bottom of the egg. Every time we have breakfast, it transfers us back to our wonderful holidays in Germany and Austria.

We also use cloth bags alot -- although many of our grocery stores are promoting this practice too.

While there is no such thing as bad chocolate, there is definitely great chocolate -- and the best, for me, is anything that has greater than 50% cocoa. I've learned this from the fabulous selections in the countries we've traveled in.

Good quality bread is also a must. I stay away from the cheap sandwich breads that are on offer. I don't mind paying extra for hearty breads and brochen.

Everyone reminded me of more . . . Ritter Sports bar (and I can't find all of them here or online), Cotswold cheese is a staple in my house (and I just bought sticky toffee pudding cheese to try), cloth bags are always with me, and now I sleep with a down comforter and no top sheet and I fold the comforter at the foot of the bed each morning!

You can find some Ritter Sport bars at Target stores; they only carry 5 flavors and they're about $2 each, located in the 'fine chocolate' section. Cost Plus World Market carries more varieties.

Other posters reminded me of a few added things:

Eating 'European style' with fork in left hand, knife in right hand. My husband is always getting on my case, saying I'm not eating correctly. In my opinion, it's wasted time to have to put the knife down and change the fork to the other hand for every bite.

We all have down comforters and down pillows in our house. None of this 'quali-fill' lumpy stuff.

After having a Spanish exchange student, then traveling together with her family on 3 different vacations, plus numerous trips to Europe, we now eat much later. We used to have dinner at 5 or 6 PM. Over the past 7 years, since our first trip to Europe, we have gradualy moved our dinner time back to about 8 PM. Also, my cooking is much more international as a result of our travels. Every week, cooking Greek, Italian, French, Moroccan or Spanish cuisine brings back happy memories. The decor of our home is heavily influened by our travels. I am currently planning to paint Greek Island murals around my bathtub. Thinking about Europe, reading books and watching movies about places we/ve been or plan to go, and planning our next trip is my biggest hobby in life!

Since I got back from Scotland last year, I've had oatmeal every day for breakfast. Since I got back from Sweden, I've had granola with plain yogurt frequently for lunch or dinner. Unfortunately, the yogurt here is not nearly as good in the US as it is in Europe. I wish we had the stuff you can pour.

Eighteen years ago we were in Milan for a few day. Started each morning with an Americano coffee at a sidewalk cafe. After returning home we found our canned Folger's coffee to be so inferior that we almost gave up coffee. It took nearly a year to find a grinder, whole bean coffee (remember this was nearly 20 years ago so that there was NOT a Starbucks on every corner), an espresso machine, and the proper technique for making great espresso. Now the espresso machine sits on the counter and is used nearly daily. Some suggests that my lattes are better than Starbucks and I agree.

I noticed that many of the responses are about food choices. I too now eat granola and yogurt almost daily for breakfast.

We sleep with a duvet and no top sheet. I have a cuckoo clock that chimes on the hour and plays eidleweiss.

I also spend a lot of time reading posts on this board and dreaming about my next trip!

Frank, I am sure yours are better than Starbucks! I am not a fan! I would love to have a nice cappucino like made in Europe. They don't taste the same here, and I live in the coffee capital of the US, too.. : (

Cate, I am an old engineer by training so have fairly methodical approach to most of life. I think the key is portions and I did a little research. In Europe it is most 1 to 4 or 1 to 5. One ounce espresso and four ounces milk. Most of Starbucks in one shot of espresso for 10 oz and 2 shots for 16. I made it 1 to 4 in a 5 oz cup. I have a cousin that absolutely insists that when she hosts a dinner party or a family gather I have to bring all of my espresso equipment.

I am studying French (2nd semester) and for a grade, YIKES!

We recycle much more, and actually go to the recycling centre to deposit our stuff on a weekly basis. We used to recycle but a 1/4 of what we do now.

Have never liked Almond Joy or Milky Way, but my kids 'USED' to like these chocolates before they got into serious Euro chocs. Now that's all they'll eat.

Nutella addict here, and quite proud of this.

Been buying imported beers (hubby) for a long time, but he now looks for specific ones that he tried abroad.

We were always a more "dressy" type of family, but we have been focusing on quality a lot more and ignoring that American mania of QUANTITY. The shopkeepers are going to hate us, LOL

Saving for the next trip already. We are only buying what we need as opposed to want. Still in the starter home, and though it is considered small by American standards, it is huge compared to the places we have stayed. I see the need to use my space, and not have waste.

We also put in Dish network so now I have BBC America (wish I could get BBC/UK...sigh), French and Spanish channels. There is a huge desire to learn more languages, and even my children are dead keen.

Travelling to Europe has opened their eyes and hearts, and I am so glad I have always taken them on these trips.

Thanks to our Euro neighbours for letting us share your world for however long we can stay across the pond! :-)

I remember being 16 years old in a foreign county along. At the time, US was in conflict with Iran. I remember being some what uneasy, especially when a new student walked in to our Germany class with his parents from Iran! I remember seeing US military while riding on the U Baun, something at the moment changed me forever. Its hard to explain, but it was enormous feeling of patriotism. I knew even in Europe, these brave men and women would protect me. I even considered joining for a short while.

When I am in America I miss riding the buses and trains everywhere. I try and get my family to stop throwing batteries in the trash and to not throw old medicine in the toilet. I also try and get them to use dishtowels to dry their hands instead of a paper towel each time. I did miss the paper, the old glass and the packaging recycling bins. I also miss the taste of fruit juices without the preservatives. What DO they use in the states that leaves such an aftertaste? I am not that picky of an eater, but all the juices are plain yucky. Also, whatever hormones are in the milk made my daughters face break out something awful. As soon as she stopped drinking the milk, her face cleared up. She has no problems here. Odd. Having decent bread is important and I would probably bake my own. Also having friends from many different nationalities is important and I would seek that out.

Don't want to turn this into a totally negative post about the US. I DO like shopping 7 days a week and at any time of day or night, I like the friendliness and helpfulness of all the service employees. This is often lacking over here. I like being able to grill outside in the US any darn time I want without having to tell my neighbors 48 hours ahead of time and only being limited to 4 times a year. I know, you are amazed! It would be nice to live in a house that was bigger than 70 square meters and that had a yard.

It is fun to be able to speak a foreign language and I do try and learn the basics for every country I go to and that includes Turkey and Morocco. It works wonders. I also try and eat whatever the native dishes are and refuse to go to McDs. I like having open windows and not use air conditioning unless it is unbearably hot. It is great to walk everywhere and not drive and use the same bags over and over again.

After being at ITALY where they use olive oil like Americans use butter, I put olive oil on my bread. I stopped using butter. (I think the fat in olive oil does not do any harm to my body. I do not eat much fat : I do not eat any meat or dairy products). And I only buy good olive oil, made in ITALY ("Virgin olive oil", "First cold pressed". I know that French olive oil is very good, but olive oil from France is not imported into the United States of America.

JO, I think the experiences you have with your relatives are indicative of your relatives and not all of the U.S. In the last three places I've lived, we were required to recycle and have separate bins for trash, plastic, glass, newspapers, etc. The milk I buy is hormone free, the juice has no preservatives, And there are many bakeries that bake fresh bread daily--no preservatives or fake ingredients.

In America you have a choice..you can buy crap...or you can spend a few pennies more and get great quality food. (Sadly, most Americans buy the crap.)

And in my current housing complex, there are more non-Americans than Americans. (Most are adult students attending the local university.)

It's sad that the stereotype we give out is that all we do is shop at Wal-Mart and eat at McDonalds. Of course, this is the same country where one prominent school district labeled "Baked Cheetos" a health food because it was low in fat, and regular milk a junk food because of its saturated fat content. We still have a long way to go.

I've learned to appreciate quality over quantity. I'd rather have a small (by USA standards) serving of good food, rather than a heaping plate of mediocrity. Also, to just enjoy taking things slow. Every morning I take my espresso, (also infuenced by our recent trip) I imagine I'm somewhere in Italy sitting on an outdoor cafe, people-watching.

I keep thinking of other things.....

There are stores and sections of department stores devoted to 'basteln', making things with specialty papers, stationary, hand-crafts for children. On one trip I brought home several small books about 'Scherrenschnitten", the art of paper cutouts. Children are always learning something crafty. Not sure if it's true anymore, what with the electronic age (gameboys, nintendo, tv).

European toys are more durable and unique. When my kids were little I would shop at a local educational toy store (considered high end in my town). My kids had every imaginable Playmobil set, Brio train sets, Ravensburger puzzles. I never shopped at ToysRUs.

Knitting and crocheting has made a comeback in the US, but in Germany most every girl learns to knit. My cousins learned sewing and knitting in school, as a required subject.

I love the early childhood folk songs that have been sung for 100 years. All children know "Haenschen Klein", "Backe Backe Kuchen", and "Zumm, Zumm, Zumm". While there are of course, newer songs out there, the traditional ones are still taught. Children in the US aren't taught the old nursery rhyme songs (Baa Baa Black Sheep, Hickory Dickory). They might know 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'...

I agree with Linda. I now wear more scarves and leather gloves. It makes one look just a bit more refined. A simple outfit can look much more "smart" with these items.

Good one, Tami! :-))

As a financially challenged, single Mom of five (while in the USA), I cannot even count the occasions
(ranging from job interviews, being summoned to school because of my rebellious children, to concerts, etc), that I tackled with not much more than a good pair of gloves, a nice scarf and a groomed appearance, often wearing nothing but simple, often worn out, but good quality black pants, black top and clean shoes besides.

Reckless courage and desperation can add to the charm, while I don't openly endorse it :-))

Well, it is funny, but I have been working with Americans over here since years, and it is like pulling teeth to get them to re-cycle. One of my friends is in charge of the waste and re-cycle program on one of the large bases in Germany and it is an absolute headache. The military could save SO much money if the folks on base would re-cycle, but they just seem to have the attitude that they can't be bothered. The consulate folks are the same way. These are educated people too. (As are my relatives). Some cities do not have good re-cycling programs so many people do not want to do it. If it isn't easy, some people just won't do it and frankly others really just don't care.

As to drinking organic products, some folks cannot afford that. They stick with Welches, and Mussleman and Tropicana. Also, when I am a guest at someones house, I am not going to tell them what they purchased is crap and to please go out and buy organic. That will make me real welcome.

Now, that is the end of my re-cycling rant. I did not mean for this thread to get bogged down in this, so I apologize.

Don't apologize, Jo!!!!!!!!!

Even allowing for regional differences among US States/counties and personal heroics, we both know that recycling here and there are still galaxies apart.
I have hope in my heart that this will change slowly but surely, even though Germany is pretty darn STRICT about this! :-))

Keep talking from your heart, Jo!

People are actually creatures of habit. Where I shop, the hormone free milk, and the preservative free (not necessarily organic) juice is actually cheaper than the junk at the local big chain supermarkets. However, Americans like to buy "brands" and with "brands" you pay for the advertising.

As for recycling, yes, the U.S. still has a ways to go.....but it is getting better. More and more areas are making it mandatory. I think in the next 4 years you'll see a major push for it. (The previous administration couldn't have cared less.)

It's also personal choice. I decided a long time ago to live a more "european" style life--fresh foods, less stress, less stuff. It wasn't as difficult to find or do as I thought. In fact, it actually costs me less to live this way than before.

We watch more "international" news- we use BBC America on TV and on the web. We talk more about the world implications of "our" (USA) decisions and policies. We see to notice trends earlier- especially those that are already underway in Europe- then we notice early signs of them here (cell phones was one of the first).

Wow, these are fantastic responses! I hadn't thought about the recycling thing, but now that people have mentioned that, I have become more conscious of conserving and not wasting things. I think it might have been because I carried everything I would need on my back for 6 weeks and had to do without some creature comforts.

My tastes keep changing. It's reflected mostly in my home decorating and garden design.

I love the French country chateaus, the colors the materials, the gardens, everything. So I come home and begin changing the art, paint, gardens and exterior of our home.

Then I visit Tuscany and love the charming villas, the colors, materials, gardens, everything. You guessed it. I come home and start planning how to make my home look more like Tuscany.

Then England and the cottages, the colors, materials, gardens ... sigh.

and now I only seem to drink German wines plus ice wines. I really want a Ritter Blood Orange Yoghurt candy bar. I found one in Canada last fall and paid $5.00 for it. It was worth every cent!

We now have a glass bottle that we fill with water that sits on the table at every meal. Its just eau du robinet (tap water) but it was one of those ideas that we picked up in France and it stuck. I also notice that my daughters (13+14) will now try just about Any food thats put in front of them. Oh, and of course Nutella !

We are way behind Europe in recycling. I was telling some friends in NY about the recycling habits one has to get used to over there, even when renting, and they were surprised.

Even in Plougerneau, Bretagne, we were recycling. The dumpsters were a little ways off, but we drove to deposit our stuff. Actually, where we stayed in Rome had some recycling bins on the side of the Rome.

Nice to see you didn't leave us after all Frank :-)

Thank you for asking the question! The replies have plastered a smile on my face! Let's see: Nutella, of course. Crepes. Swiss chocolate. Raclette (we bought the unit AND use it). Excellent beer. Outstanding wines. And definitely starting to plan our return the minute we've returned to the U.S.

Oh, I quit biting my finger nails at age 60 in Germany two years ago.

This is an interesting thread, thanks for starting it Adrian. My tastes have changed a lot, also; I have to have bread from the bakery or homebaked, and after my first trip to Italy some years ago I went out and bought a good expresso maker. But, I think the major change is in my attitudes about life in general; since I adopted the travel low to the ground philosophy it has affected my everyday habits. I try to 'tread lightly upon the Earth' as much as possible without giving up all of the 21st Century amenities. To me it's criminal the amount of resources we Americans consume compared to other cultures. If Europe can plow money into mass transit, alternative energy and conservation then so can the US. We only need the political will. I hope our new administration will provide the leadership that has been lacking.

Okay, I apologise for getting on my soapbox; some things really get me fired up.

Within a week of our trip to Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, I had replaced our bedspread and top sheet with two individual down comforters with duvet covers. Heaven!!

I now enjoy a more European style breakfast - soft boiled eggs in egg cups, bread, yogurt, no more bacon or sausage. I'm even thing about making homemade jam.

I had so much fun driving around France for three weeks in a small car I now am looking for a smaller car to replace my SUV.

I've probably been influenced in many other smaller ways but these are the main changes. I love to experience the way other people live and I think there is a lot we could all learn from each other.

Ash--I am with you on the public transport issue.

As for recycling, my company has separate aluminum and paper bins throughout the building making it really easy to recycle these items. I wish my TOWN would get in on the act with curbside recycling...

As for ways in which I have changed:
--I make a point of trying different items on the menus of restaurants I frequent and not always ordering the same thing.

--If I am going somewhere that is in walking distance, I walk.

--I drink more red wine and have really started learning to appreciate Texas wines as they are local and we actually have a number of excellent vineyards and wine makers here now.

--I buy wines I have tasted which means I make a point of going to wine tastings at a local shop that hosts them on Saturday afternoons.

--I buy local artisan breads and drizzle slices with olive oil as an apetizer.

--If dogs are allowed, mine come with me--especially if the place is in walking distance from my house (unfortunately the German restaurant I frequented has closed, but there is still a wonderful Mexican restaurant with a patio where we can go).

--When I started renovations on my house and had to move everything into storage, I had no trouble paring my wardrobe down to essentials while I lived in an RV parked in my driveway.

--STINKY CHEESE!!! (and I sniff it before I buy it)

In addition to what has already been mentioned, I enjoy planting my window boxes in the summer with ivy geraniums in different shades of pinks and reds just like in Germany and Austria. Also I've gotten a bit hooked on researching my Burgenland ancestry. My 98 year old grandmother from Jabing, Austria in Burgenland has been an inspiration as well.

Yes, scarves. Low heeled stylish black boots. Usually worn with pants tucked in. Seems every gal in London and Amesterdam was sporting this look.

Probably #1 thing is a new appreciation for being happy with less. A lot less materialistic now. Before we buy anything we think twice, thrice. Don't care to 'keep up with the Jones'.
Eating at more leisurely pace. It can be difficult in States because restaurants want to 'turn over the table' to new customers.
Renewed interest in art. Having fun brushing up on French for upcoming trip. Just general interest in more world history and culture.
When we return from 18 days in France I am sure this list will be very long!