Food Etiquette Rules When You Travel

(photo credit: lifehacker.com)

We should always display our best table manners no matter where we are. But many would be surprised at the table etiquette observed around the world. Budget Travel details some of these rules to keep in mind.

• In Thailand, don't put food in your mouth with a fork. A fork is used to only to push food onto your spoon.
• In Japan, never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice. Chopsticks should be placed together on the right in front of you parallel to the edge of the table. During funerals the rice of bowl of the deceased is placed before their coffin with their chopsticks upright in the rice.
• In the Middle East, India and parts of Africa, don't eat with your left hand. The left hand is associated with bodily functions and therefore considered dirty.
• At a traditional feast in the Republic of Georgia, it's rude to sip your wine. Glasses tend to be small so down the whole glass at once.
• In Mexico, never eat tacos with a fork and a knife. Mexicans think it looks silly and snobby to do so.
• In Italy, drink a cappuccino only before noon. Order it afterwards and you'll be branded a tourist. Order an espresso instead. Italians feel that a late-day cappuccino upsets the stomach.

(photo credit: dairygoodness)

• In Britain, always pass the port to the left (and remember the Bishop of Norwich). The origins of why this tradition is important are unclear. If you're at a meal and the decanter stalls, then ask the person with it, "Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?" If they say they don't know him reply, "He's a very good chap, but he always forgets to pass the port." Passing the decanter to the right is a big gaffe.
• In France, don't eat your bread as an appetizer before a meal. Eat it as an accompaniment to your food, especially to the cheese course at the end of the meal. Placing bread directly on the table is acceptable and preferred in France.
• In China, don't flip your fish. It's bad luck to flip your fish after finishing one side. The most superstitious Chinese will leave the bottom part untouched, while others will pull off the bone to get to the bottom.
• In Italy, don't ask for parmesan for your pizza. Putting parmesan on pizza is seen as a sin and many dishes in Italy aren't meant for parmesan. It they don't offer it, don't ask.

(photo credit: cellartours.com)

• Don't eat anything, even fries, with your hands at a meal in Chile. Manners are more formal in this country than in other South American counties. So while it may be practical to eat with your fingers, don't do it.
• In Korea, if an older person offers you a drink, lift your glass to receive it with both hands. Doing so is a sign of respect for elders, an important tenet of Korean culture. After accepting the pour, you should turn your head and take a discreet sip. Also don't start eating until the eldest male has done so and don't' leave the table until that person has finished.
• Never mix (or turn down) vodka in Russia. The beverage is always drunk neat not even with ice. Adding anything is seen as polluting the drink's purity. Also offering a drink is a sign of friendship. If offered one it's a good idea to take it.
• When drinking coffee with Bedouins in the Middle East, shake the cup at the end. Unless you shake the cup, anyone Bedouin will continually pour you more coffee. Shaking the cup is done by tilting the cup two or three times when you hand it back.
• In Brazil, play your tokens wisely. At a Brazilian steakhouse servers circle with cuts of meat and diners use tokens to place an order. Use your token for something you want by placing it on the table with the green side up. If you don't want anymore, flip with the red side up.

Click HERE to read the full article on budgettravel.com.

American Airlines Announces Main Cabin Extra

In 2000, American Airlines implemented "more room throughout coach" that the airline heavily advertised which added extra leg room on several of their aircrafts by removing at least two rows of seats. By 2004 and with the difficult economy, American replaced the removed seats to squeeze in more passengers to generate more revenue.

This month the airline announced that select rows in the front of the coach cabin in their aircrafts will include extra legroom (approximately four to six inches) classified as Main Cabin Extra. The changes in American Airlines cabins will begin later this year. Those seated in these rows will also enjoy priority boarding privileges.

The first jets that will include Main Cabin Extra is the airline's new Boeing 777-300ER which will fly select international routes starting in December.

Main Cabin Extra will be complimentary to elite mileage members who hold Aadvantage Executive Platinum and Aadvantage Platinum status as well as those holding a full-fare economy ticket. Until December 2013, Aadvantage Gold members will be able to gain complimentary access to the cabin as well. After that date, Gold members and other passengers interested in Main Cabin Extra will be able to purchase the privilege when booking a flight or up until airport check-in cut-off time. Prices will range between $8 and $108 per segment. The longer the airline flight, the longer the segment and the higher cost for Main Cabin Extra.

As an elite member I'm looking forward to this change. Up to now the only way to get the extra leg room in coach on American was to reserve a seat in the exit row located mid-way in the coach cabin where some of the seats did not recline. This feature will allow extra leg room but access to the front of the coach cabin and allow not only early boarding but also allow these passengers to be among the first to deplane.

Visit aa.com for more information and FAQ about Main Cabin Extra.

Times Square in New York City Transformed to Cherry Blossom Square For One Day

(photos credit: Japan Culture NYC)

It's been 100 years since the cherry blossom was brought from Japan to the United States and Japan is celebrating the centennial in New York City.

The special event of turning Times Square cherry blossom pink was a kick-off to a week of celebrations. The display which officially launched on March 1st will repeat a few times each hour during the month.

Other events include Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall transformed on March 3rd into a showcase for Japanese food and merchandise and will include performances (think drums and harps) and cooking demonstrations. A Japan Booth at the New York Times Travel Booth at the Javits Convention Center on March 2nd-4th welcomed visitors to explore their dream Japan vacation.

Visit japantravelinfo.com for more information on the week of special events.

Las Vegas Basics: Strategies for a Winning Stay

(photo credit: DouglasCole/flickr)

USA Today's Kitty Bean Yancey may not offer tips to hit that million-dollar jackpot but she does offers some basic information for anyone wanting to get the best out of their Las Vegas Vacation. Below are highlighted versions of these great tips.

• Know When to Go
• Rates are generally lowest Sunday to Thursday when big conventions aren't in town. July and mid-December often are slow.
• Deal Yourself the Right Resort
• Strip hotels tend to be pricier than those downtown. Consider what hotels charge for internet and if rates include resort fees. It all depends where you want to spend your money: Do you want to save money on a room and go to great shows and restaurants, or have a five-star (resort) experience? (or possibly both).
• Get a Deal On Wheels
• Taxis aren't cheap when the Strip is gridlocked. Remember this phrase when traveling between the airport and the strip "don't take the tunnel" to avoid running up the fare. Rental car rates can be as low as $10 a day and self-parking at casinos is free.
• Be a Player
• Always join the players club at the casino or resort where you'll spend most of your time. Membership is free and bonuses include free gaming and buffet and lodging discounts.
• Slurp at Happy Hours, Shovel in Restaurant Deals
• Eat cheap...find where the locals eat which means finding restaurants off the Strip. But the strip can offer meal deals (pre-fixe meals) or all-day buffet passes.
• See a Show Below the Going Rate
• Tix4Tonight outlets (tix4tonight.com) is one such service which offers heavily discounted tickets.
• Don't forget Vegas' Free Attractions
• Bellagio fountains; the Sirens of TI; the Bellagio conservatory; The Mirage volcano; "Show in the Sky" at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino; and Freemont Street Experience are among some of the free stuff to see and do.
• Skip the Velvet Rope
• Call clubs and pools to avoid a wait and see if you can get on "the list".
• Pack Like a Vegas Pro
• You can get away with most anything in Vegas. Looking for better treatment? Dress the part.
• Don't Be Late at the Gate
• Be at the airport at least two hours early especially on busy Sundays as security lines can at McCarran Airport can get unwieldily long and move slow.

Click HERE to view the full description of these Vegas 101 Tips on USAToday.com.

'Love Never Dies': Production Photos from the Australian Production Presented in Movie Theaters

Ben Lewis (Phantom) and Anna O'Byrne (Christine) star in 'Love Never Dies'
(all production photos: John Tsiavis)

This post includes additional production photos from the filmed presentation of the Australian (Melbourne and Sydney) production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Love Never Dies' that was presented in movie theaters earlier this week that I was not able to include with the review of the show. The musical is a sequel to 'The Phantom of the Opera' which shifts the action to New York's Coney Island and reveals the lives of the beloved characters ten years later.

Click HERE for a review of the filmed presentation and more production photos.

Anna O'Byrne (Christine) and Simon Gleeson (Raoul)

Simon Gleeson (Raoul)

Maria Mercedes (Madame Giry)

Ben Lewis (Phantom)

Left to right: Dean Vince (Gangle), Jack Lyall (Gustave), Emma J.
Hawkins (Fleck) and Paul Tabone (Squelch).

Center: Sharon Millerchip (Meg Giry)

Anna O'Byrne (Christine)

Ben Lewis (Phantom)

Anna O'Byrne (Christine) and Ben Lewis (Phantom)

Center: Sharon Millerchip (Meg Giry) and the company of 'Love Never Dies.' 

Left to right: Paul Tabone (Squelch), Emma J. Hawkins (Fleck) and
Den Vince (Gangle).

Ben Lewis (Phantom)

Ben Lewis (Phantom) and Jack Lyall (Gustave)

Left to right: Emma J. Hawkins (Fleck), Dean Vince (Gangle) and
Paul Tabone (Squelch).

Ben Lewis (Phantom) and Anna O'Byrne (Christine)

Center: Sharon Millerchip (Meg Giry)

Anna O'Byne (Christine) and Ben Lewis (Phantom)

Anna O'Byrne (Christine) and Ben Lewis (Phantom)

Simon Gleeson (Raoul)

Paul Tabone (Squelch)

Dean Vince (Gangle)

Review: The Taming of 'Love Never Dies' for Cinemas

The company of 'Love Never Dies.'

Anna O'Byrne and Ben Lewis.
(production photos: John Tsiavis)

Many will argue that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Love Never Dies,’ the sequel to his phenomenally successful musical ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ was unnecessary and a fool’s errand to begin with. But for whatever reasons, Mr Lloyd Webber as composer has created a follow-up piece and in its latest incarnation is a far better if somewhat still imperfect beast than what premiered two years ago in London.

Much of the blame to the failure of ‘Love Never Dies’ in London was placed in the hands at Lloyd Webber but director Jack O’Brien, choreographer Jerry Mitchell and lyricist Glenn Slater also appeared out of their ‘musical comedy’ element. Their talents appeared untrained to handle the serious dramatic material that is Lloyd Webber’s primary musical domain.

The big screen version of ‘Love Never Dies’ presented in movie theatres around the world and premiering last night in the United States, could be called LND V.3 (‘Love Never Dies Version Three). The London production opened in February 2010 and shut down in December of the same year for a few days to institute changes. Though the creative credits remained unchanged it is reported that choreographer Bill Deamer and producer Bill Kenwright were responsible for the creative changes. More obvious are the contributions by original ‘Phantom’ lyricist Charles Hart. Their changes included moving musical numbers and tightening the storyline’s focus on the Phantom and Christine Daae. Though the changes were applauded the production closed in August 2011.

Center: The Phantom's Trio (Paul Tabone, Emma J. Hawkins, Dean Vince)

Simon Gleeson, Jack Lyall and Anna O'Byrne.

The Melbourne production opened in May 2011 with a completely new design team, director (Simon Phillips) and choreographer embracing the changes of the revised London production. Without a rewrite of the score they have delivered a version that could be the template for successive versions of the musical. In fact by the date of this cinema presentation, the Melbourne production would have packed it up and be in the midst of a limited run in Sydney.

‘Love Never Dies’ takes place ten years after the events of ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’ Madame Giry and her daughter Meg have helped the Phantom to escape to New York’s Coney Island where the Phantom presents a spectacular called ‘Phantasma’ at where Meg appears on stage while Mme Giry works behind the scenes.

Chrisine and Roaoul with their son Gustave are called to the New York at the invitation of Oscar Hammerstein to help open his new theatre. The Phantom still longing for Chrisine persuades her to sing for him one last song in his Coney Island show much to the chagrin of Madame Giry and Meg. Meg and Madame Giry now struggle for the attention of the Phantom while the gambler/alcoholic Raoul battles to regain the affection for Christine that he has lost some time ago. Christine is torn between these Raoul and the Phantom.

Ben Lewis

Sharon Millerchip (center)

Gone from the show is the time-slip device which saw Madame Giry recalling the glory days of Coney Island. Also changed is a greatly reduced role for the ‘trio’, the Phantom’s three assistants. The Phantom (Ben Lewis) now opens the show with “Till I Hear You Sing,” a song that originally appeared in the middle of act one. Unfortunately the problem remains that Christine (Anna O’Byrne) does not make an appearance until 20 minutes into the show and almost 30 minutes before she utters more than one word that waters down her first appearance in the musical. This moment calls for some dialogue or at least a song for Christine.

One of the welcomed bonuses in the show is Maria Mercedes as Madame Giry and Sharon Millerchip as Meg. Mercedes’ singing is far more melodic that Liz Robertson in the London production. Millerchip is now the fragile star of the Phantom’s Coney Island show is in stark contrast to the brash characterization in the London production.

Simon Gleeson becomes a more sympathetic Raoul and the character is given a solo number “Why Does She Love Me” that the character lacked in the original ‘Phantom.’ The song however is a pale number to open the second act lacking drama and excitement until the Phantom appears and they go mano-a-mano in “Devil Takes the Hindmost”. Though lyricist Slater thought he may be clever in using that title, it will more than likely bewilder most audience members.

Ben Lewis and Jack Lyall

The company of 'Love Never Dies'

It should be noted that this presentation of ‘Love Never Dies’ is meant to resemble a movie rather than a taping of a live production. Though filmed at Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre, the live audience is not addressed other than at the end of the show and the intermission removed. This technique is used to great affect later in the second act when the characters desperately rush through the Coney Island crowds.

How does this Phantom and Christine fare. Lewis and O’Byrne deliver praise-worthy performances that are strong vocally and memorable. The porcelain-skin O’Byrne reveals maturity as she is caught in the role of wife, mother and lover to the three men in her life. It’s quite a loss that her spectacular rendition of the title song is not preserved on CD but thank goodness news reports indicate that this production will be available on DVD and Blu-ray in the coming months.

Lewis harnesses the vocal demands of his first number and shows his versatility when he rocks the house in “The Beauty Underneath” all the while still offering an expressive performance despite his face hidden behind the requisite Phantom half-mask.

Ben Lewis and Anna O'Byrne

Jack Lyall and Anna O'Byrne

If the score lacks the lushness that permeated every note of ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘Love Never Dies’ does have several admirable numbers. Besides the previously mentioned title song, “Til I Hear You Sing,” and “The Beauty Underneath” are the lullaby-like duet “Look to Your Heart” for Christine and her son Gustave; Meg’s amusing Coney Island show songs “Only For You” and “Bathing Beauty”; and the glorious quartet “Dear Old Friend” which is a fine example of excellent music composition, exposition and performance.

One improvement that this viewer would have liked to see is the treatment of songs “Look With Your Heart,” “Beneath A Moonless Sky” and “One Upon Another Time.”  The latter two tend to meld as one number and seems like an elongated scene. An editing or removal (and replacement) of one of these two numbers would help to move the action.

Jack Lyall as Christine and Raoul’s son was well chosen to be the onscreen Gustave (more than one child actor plays the role in the stage production). He lacks the distractive precociousness that often mars these child actor roles. He sings well in his songs with the Phantom and Christine and looks the part.

The company of 'Love Never Dies'

Center: Sharon Millerchip

In reality the production design by Bob Crowley in London was quite fascinating especially with the screen projections that showed the expanse of Coney Island and the Phantom’s tower lair. But the sets and costumes by Gabriela Tylesova for this version are a marvel in their own right. Generous curves meant to resemble an amusement park roller coaster surround the stage and provide ramps that the director uses to keep the stage action flowing to above the stage floor.

The dark and macabre nature of Coney’s Island is played up in the design and lighting shortly after the start of act one and during “The Beauty Underneath” where in both scenes an array of circus show freaks are paraded about.

News reports indicate Lloyd Webber feels this is a definitive version of the show than the original incarnation and he would be happy to see the production produced one day in New York. Until then this Australian version provides glimpses of a workable musical that could have a life beyond down under.

Click HERE to view more production photos from 'Love Never Dies'.

This review is based on viewing the filmed presentation at the Regal Cinemas Dole Connery in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 28, 2012 and presented by in movie theaters by Fathom Events.

Left to right: Dean Vince, Jack Lyall, Anna O'Byrne, Emma J. Hawkins,
Paul Tabone and Simon Gleeson.

Ben Lewis and Jack Lyall

Limiting Weight of Carry-On Bags for Safety

(photo credit: USA Today)

One of the effects of the common practice of charging for checked-bags by the airlines are heavier and an increased number of carry-on bags. These bags can be dangerous if they fall out of bins and most passengers are unaware that these bins have specific weight limits. If you damage the overhead bin, you'll receive the ire other passengers who can no longer use the bin either.

So far Hawaiian Airlines is the first among domestic carriers in enforcing a 25-pound weight limit for carry-on bags. Among other airlines, US Airways personnel may insist a bag be checked if it exceeds 40 pounds. Don't be surprised if Hawaiian personnel asks you to weigh carry-on bags at check-in or ask you to use the the luggage sizer (or portable luggage scales, if available) at the gate. One time on flight from Hilo, Hawaii to Honolulu, I noticed gate agents walking around the waiting area looking at passenger carry-on bags. They did have the courtesy to announce they would be doing so. However I have not seen this practice recently.

Foreign airlines are not immune either to the practice of limiting the weight of bags brought into the cabin. Some in fact have even more stricter carry-on limits:

• Emirates, 15 pounds
• Lufthansa, 17.5 pounds
• Qantas, 15 pounds
• Virgin Atlantic, 13 pounds

Click HERE to view each airline's carry-on weight limit from AirfareWatchDog.

Heavy carry-on bags presents a liability for the airline, the owner of the bag or the passenger who opens a bin should they be at fault for causing injury to another passenger. Also remember the flight crew is there for your safety and many flight attendants will not stow your bags for you. But on one American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Philadelphia, the flight attendants played what I would call the carry-on bag shuffle as they walked up and down the cabin trying to fit bags or moving them from bin to bin to accommodate the abundance of carry-on bags. Finally for your well-being, no passenger should attempt to bring a bag on board they cannot lift themselves and risk getting injured.

For myself, I try to pack light for short trips so I don't have to check any bags. For longer trips, my carry-on will hold only the valuables and some basic necessities just in case (such as an extra change of clothes) and travel size of some toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush) for long layovers. But with the rising cost of checked-bag fees I don't blame passengers trying to save money especially in these days of rising airfares, fees and fuel.

Buy Hawaii Macadmia Nuts and More in Bulk at Costco

Macadamia Nut Almond Roca (left) stacked beside a display of
Mauna Loa Macadamia Tetra Pack Assortment (36 count, favor size, $15.99)

More selections of macadamia nut selections at Costco.

Island Princes Mele Macs (36 oz, $15.69)

If you're a visitor to Hawaii or a resident meeting friends or family overseas or on the mainland, you can't go wrong by picking up macadamia nuts and chocolates from any island Longs Drugs or Walmart. Each store has an aisle or section devoted to these goods including Kona coffee and other local specialties and souvenirs. Important note: A membership is required at Costco; payment for purchases is via cash or American Express credit and charge cards.

But if you need to purchase these products in bulk because you have a long gift list, then head over to one of Hawaii's seven Costco locations. They are still packaged conveniently for carry-on or to place in checked bags. During the holidays and usually sold from October to December these items are specially packaged for gift giving and in past years have included locally produced shoyu (soy sauce), oils and cookies.

I was at the Costco located in Kona on the Big Island while visiting for business and here are some pictures of the products this store offers and some of the prices. Some Costco stores will carry specialities only manufactured on that island such as Kauai Coffee at the Lihue Costco and during the holidays, the Kona location carried Kona Gold Rum Co's Macadamia Nut Rum Cakes. It should be repeated again that these items are bulk or large size. So it may be to your benefit to shop at other Hawaii retailers if you would like to buy these products in smaller sizes. Look for bulk packaging of Kona coffee in the Costco coffee aisle.

These are the Costco locations in Hawaii (click on the location name for more info, maps and hours):
Iwilei (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Lihue (Kauai) and Kona (Big Island) are conveniently located near their island's airports. The Kapolei (Oahu) Costco is located near the resort town of Ko Olina. Other Costco locations on the island of Oahu are in Hawaii Kai and Waipio.

Hershey's Kisses with Macadamia Nuts available only in Hawaii.

Mauna Loa Coconut Macadamias ($12.99)

Mac Farms of Hawaii Kona Coffee Mac Nuts (28 oz, $11.59)

Mauna Loa Macadamia Dry Roasted & Salted (six 4.5 oz cans, 18.99) 

Mauna Loa Macadamias Island Classic Assortment 

Two-pack Hawaiian Sun Guava Jelly. If you purchase these, place them
in checked bags only. Do not carry-on or risk of them being confiscated by
airport security.