-kst1sumo- Your upcoming meeting with Dr.

[Guest guest]

Just curious, who is the doctor you are consulting on Thursday? I am asking because you made the statement that his cost was "similar" to Dr. Baltasar in Spain. It is difficult to believe that anyone can deliver comparable services at the same price; I would be very wary. There are some real kooks out there who seem to think major medical procedures can be done on a practically drive-thru schedule.

Also, a few comments on Spain: I have been there twice, based both times in Madrid. The first trip was excellent except for one taxi driver who attempted to rip us off by going way out of the way to add to the fare. The second trip was equally excellent except for the hotel which was a dump. In both cases I had gone through a travel agent who used a group of "authorized", supposedly monitored hotels. You just can't tell what is what in a foreign country. Unless you can afford to stay in 5-star hotels, the standard of living in foreign countries - even Western, developed ones like France or Great Britian - is not nearly advanced as in the US. When I visited China, it was as though we had gone back in time to the 1920's or 30's; Scotland reminded me of the 1940's over here, and England was, at best, in the late 50's or early '60's. I spent several weeks in Singapore, at company expense, and the hotel was absolutely top notch. When you sent your laundry out, it was returned with each item (including panties, etc) folded separately, wrapped in a tissue paper packet with an impressed gold seal to hold it together. Those little packets were then stacked into a tray.

Your best defense to being ripped off is to learn a little of the language. I have found this to be true all over the world, and I have traveled extensively in Europe, South America, and Asia. You will be resented if you assume and demand everyone speak English. The truth is, most of them DO speak English, but they expect you to show the courtesy of being at least passing familiar with the native tongue. Once you show respect for their language and their culture, they will bend over backwards to be helpful to you. Furthermore, if you are not an experienced traveler and somewhat familiar with the language, you should not travel alone. The best protection you can have (anywhere in the world, including the US) is a positive, in-control attitude.

Well, enough of my soapbox!

Hugs to all,

B