On 24/10/14 13:58, Jerry Stuckle wrote:
On 10/24/2014 8:48 AM, Lostgallifreyan wrote:
AndyW wrote in
. com:

was distribution of lactose-based products germane to the conversation?


I have it on (possibly dubious) authority that the Germans love milk.


No, there are only two drinks. Coffee and beer. One you drink before
noon, the other, after noon.


Actually, I was surprised how fond some of them were of tea. When I was
work on some joint European projects and often worked with a group of
Germans, they greatly appreciated gifts of Earl Grey and other such
teas. Being a tea drinker myself, mainly Earl Grey but others
occasionally, it was a trivial matter to take a few packets of various
teas for them and to arrange for them to be served when they came here
for meetings etc. They reciprocated with various things, wine, a rather
nice plum based brandy, ... (all declared to my Company, as required of
course). The French and Italians were much the same. The Italians also
liked Shortbread, something I don't care for so had to hunt out to buy.

The Americans (or some of them) had to declare almost any gift over a
fairly modest value.(Following the 'Admiral's pearls incident I
believe.) They also liked tea and also biscuits- Rich Tea and Hob Nobs.
In variably they reciprocated with pens, mugs, and the like. At one
stage I could have opened a china shop and a pen shop. The Fisher Space
pens where most popular, I passed on loads to colleagues who didn't get
to travel. I later regretted that, a stock of pens is an essential tool
for a teacher for forgetful pupils.