After the market crash of 2000, Congress passed the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act. This law was intended to allow people who had previously retired and claimed their Social Security benefit to stop receiving their monthly check while they went back to work and continued to earn retirement credits. Doing so would allow the worker to earn more income while increasing their future Social Security benefit.

One unintended consequence of this adjustment was that it allowed US citizens to explore and take advantage of various strategies to maximize their Social Security benefits that were outside the intent of the law. These strategies became known as the “archive and suspend” strategy and the “restricted application” strategy.

As part of the 2016 budget, President Obama and Congress intend to ban people from using these strategies in the future. At the time of this publication, these proposed changes are not yet law. Although both the House of Representatives and the executive branch have passed these bills, they still need to be approved by the Senate before the laws take effect. However, this is expected to occur with minimal modifications within the first week of November.

Let’s dive into the differences between the “archive and suspend” and “restricted application” strategies, as well as the steps you should take if you currently use one of these strategies.

archive and suspend

The file and stop strategy is when Spouse 1 applies for Social Security and then immediately stops the benefit. This may be beneficial because it could potentially allow the person’s spouse to begin collecting a spousal benefit based on Spouse 1’s work history. Additionally, it would allow Spouse 1 to collect delayed retirement credits up to age 70, earning an annual increase of 8% in monthly Social Security payments.

The US government has concluded that this strategy is abusive of the Social Security system in that it is essentially double dipping, allowing a couple to begin collecting a benefit based on the employment history of one of spouses while at the same time collecting delayed retirement credits on the same work history.

At this time, it appears that this strategy will no longer be allowed after six months from the date of passage of the law. Furthermore, it is currently unclear what action will be taken against those who have already used this strategy. It currently seems possible that couples who have already started this strategy will be able to complete the process. Alternatively, couples who have started this process may no longer be entitled to the spousal benefit they currently receive until Spouse 1 begins claiming their Social Security benefit, at which time the spousal benefit for Spouse 2 would continue. In the worst case, the US government may try to collect benefits that are no longer allowed to couples who have already benefited from this strategy. (I think this is the least likely outcome, as it would be hard to take money from people who have already cashed it out.)

Steps to take if this is you

Assume that your spouse is currently collecting a spousal benefit based on your work history, even though you are not currently collecting your own Social Security benefit. This would be a scenario resulting from the use of the archive and suspend strategy.

If this reflects your situation, significant adjustments may be needed as this law becomes more concrete. You may need to start claiming your own benefit for your spouse to continue receiving your spousal benefit, or your spouse may need to stop collecting any benefits until you apply for your own benefit. Again, these types of adjustments will likely be implemented six months after the bill is finalized.

Alternatively, and depending on how the law is agreed upon, it is possible that some people who intend to take advantage of the “file and stay” approach will actually speed up their implementation of the strategy to start the process before the six month deadline. arrive.

restricted request

The restricted application strategy is slightly different from the file and stay strategy in that Spouse 1 files for their own benefits and never stops collecting that benefit. However, this can still be beneficial because it allows Spouse 2 the opportunity to start collecting a spousal benefit immediately while delaying their own benefit until their 70th birthday. Again, this can be beneficial because it allows Spouse 2 to collect a form of Social Security (the spousal benefit) as soon as Spouse 1 files, but it also allows the same spouse to continue collecting delayed retirement credits on their own. employment history. Upon reaching age 70, Spouse 2 can switch from collecting the spousal benefit, which was based on Spouse 1’s work history, to collecting their own Social Security benefit, which has been accruing delayed retirement credits even during the years in which a spousal benefit was collected. .

Again, using a file and stop strategy, Spouse 2 is collecting a spousal benefit even though Spouse 1 immediately stopped their benefit and is currently collecting delayed retirement credits. With the restricted claim strategy, Spouse 1 never needs to stop collecting their own benefit and Spouse 2 can still collect a spousal benefit while earning delayed retirement credits on their own work history. In the future, the US government would like to ensure that each spouse is collecting a benefit (either their own or spousal) gold earn deferred retirement credits, but not both.

However, the restricted request strategy is being phased out in a different time frame than the archive and suspend strategy. Simply put, as long as a person turns 62 before the end of 2015, they will be allowed to use the restricted application strategy. Conversely, people who will not turn 62 before the end of the year will not have the opportunity to take advantage of the restricted application strategy.

Steps to take if this is you

As long as both spouses are at least 62 by the end of the year, your strategy will likely not be interrupted. However, if one spouse is not 62 by the end of the year, he may need to reconsider his strategy.

Talk to your financial planner

If you have any questions about how these changes will affect your Social Security benefit, talk to your financial advisor.

Jamaica has always been a very popular destination for romantic travel, including honeymoons and getaways for couples of all ages looking for a place to sightsee and relax. In recent years, Jamaica has been gaining popularity with families and young people looking for a vacation spot that offers a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy.

Few vacation planners realize that Jamaica is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean. It stretches 145 miles from east to west with a range of mountains running almost the entire length of the island rising to over 7,400 feet. in the east, at its highest point.

But why has Jamaica remained such a popular destination and why does it continue to attract tourists in ever increasing numbers? Jamaica has become a tourist-driven destination, offering excellent hotels, inns, and guest houses. There are several airports, highways and ports from which travelers can have full access to all points of interest in Jamaica. Jamaica offers several all-inclusive resorts, such as the Sandals and Couples chains. The most popular destinations in Jamaica, where Sandals and Couples have resorts, are Port Antonio and Ocio Rios in the east and Montego Bay and Negril in the west. These resorts manage to capture the natural beauty and wonder of the island while also being some of the most luxurious accommodation on the island.

The independent hotels are equally spectacular, from old colonial classics, modern hideaways and grand villas. The local residents with their vibrant culture add even more flavor to the already rich experience that is Jamaica. The more the vacation industry develops, the more Jamaica is becoming a tourism-based economy. And that means that Jamaicans want tourists to come and have fun. Jamaica is also the largest English-speaking country in the Caribbean.

American Express Travel [http://content.onlineagency.com/c/5/5200/862091_5200.htm] He says the island’s laid-back pace of life adds to the sense of relaxation, which is key for most vacationers. Jamaica is also designated the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, offering visual appeal to all who visit. The island’s beaches are lined with secluded coves that many vacationers find interesting to explore.

The vegetation is a mix of lush tropical forest and lush coffee plantations, offering visitors the chance to see the production of one of the world’s most universally consumed beverages. Jamaica is lush with all aspects of a tropical paradise, including the weather. Jamaica has over 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, even during the wet seasons. Daytime temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year and are lower in mountainous areas. The heat and humidity can be felt throughout the year and the hottest months are from July to October, especially on the coast. The region is prone to hurricanes from July to October. Although a direct hit in Jamaica is rare, if you are unfortunate enough to be there when a hurricane passes within a few hundred miles, there can be a lot of rain.

Vacations in Jamaica are moderately priced. You can find extreme prices in both directions when it comes to travel and accommodation, although most airfares will be quite high. Prices tend to be higher in tourist areas like Negril and Ocho Rios. Shops in “tourist traps” tend to have higher prices than native shops, and you’ll usually see the same items in both places. There are accommodations and restaurants that are cheap, but you will get what you pay for. Luxury resorts are very good value for money because the rates are reasonable for the high-end accommodations you receive.

1. It’s made from pigments that are ground up and held together with a gummy binder which is of course water soluble. Pigments used in watercolor paint can be natural or synthetic.

2. Dries much lighter than when applied. In other words, the color you apply to the canvas will not be the same as the color you get after the paint has dried. The final dry color is approximately twice as light as the original color applied to the canvas.

3. It is very safe and practically non-toxic. However, you should still avoid getting your hands on it, just to be safe.

4. It has been used for many millennia: Cave paintings done in Paleolithic Europe were done in watercolor. It gained a surge of popularity during the Renaissance when it was appreciated as a suitable artistic medium.

5. It can be transparent or opaque. Transparent watercolors allow light to penetrate the canvas and reflect it, creating a sort of shimmering effect. Opaque watercolors, on the other hand, don’t let light in as much, instead causing it to bounce off the pigment, creating a sort of dull, worn effect.

6. It comes in tubes or pans. With tubes, you just spray the paint and go from there. Pans are basically square blocks of paint placed in a plastic or metal box. Generally speaking, tube paints are much easier to mix; they are also cheaper and are better for creating large washes. Most artists prefer to use tube paints.

7. Runaway watercolors fade very quickly. Most of the watercolor paints available now are non-fugitive, which means that the color will not fade as quickly and therefore last much longer.

8. The same color from different manufacturers may not look the same. If you want to use a particular color, be sure to buy your paints from only one manufacturer for a consistent color.

9. Since it’s water-based, watercolor paint can be quite unpredictable. When painting with watercolors, you have to learn to control the paint. You can of course let the paint do its thing and incorporate it into your painting.

10. Smearing refers to the ease with which watercolor paint is removed from a support once applied or completely dry. A staining paint is one that is difficult to remove, while a less staining paint can be easily moistened and lifted. Both the brand of the paint and the brand of the support can affect the staining of the paint.

Being a parent is a rewarding job, but it is not always considered easy or comfortable. Parents are responsible for so many things, from basic necessities to school, creating and planning amazing weekends and things to do. This is especially true when the person responsible for the weekend is a divorced parent. Most dads want to plan fun weekends every weekend, but some can be more memorable than others.

For many single parents, the idea of ​​a simple weekend is often preferred, but many times, the need to find new and exciting ways to bond with the children is at the top of the list. For many single parents, time is precious. Although the desire for spectacular weekends is there, the execution and planning can seem overwhelming. It’s no surprise then that many seek quiet weekends, not realizing that planning fun things to do can be as easy as finding dinner theater, historically themed events, and the like. For a parent stressed about time but not love or the desire to make every weekend with the kids wonderful, there are some great resources out there.

There are certain weekends and things to do that are timeless, from movie night to roller skating to painting to sleepovers. As fun as they are, sometimes you need a new and exciting event or a place to go. Many find a dinner show that focuses on the Middle Ages, with appropriate food and drink, jousting entertainment, and other timely features a hit. It’s hard to find a boy or girl who doesn’t enjoy horses, competition, costumes, drama, knights, and all things royal and romantic.

Such a choice is not the easy way out, as there are still many decisions to be made, from pre-planned package options to food and drink and, of course, the theme. Many look for gender-neutral themes for cousins, friends and siblings to enjoy and what’s a hit for the big brother can become a hit for the little sister. What is a success today will be a success tomorrow in the case of most weekends, whether there is nothing to celebrate or everything to celebrate.

Some may choose to make a group reservation and enjoy the night of jousting, pageantry, and drama that unfolds through horses, knights, and ladies. Others may find that their budget allows for a special package dedicated to family celebrations when children’s weekends occur. This may include preferred seating, pictures or a DVD, banners and other heraldry, and possibly other special treats.

Such a package may not add much to the total cost and is worth looking into. Knowing that the photos and possibly a DVD will be given after the pressure of being a photographer, as well as allowing the divorced father to enjoy the show as much as the children. This added bonus of one less task can add to the experience and excitement for everyone involved, from lord to lady to knight father.

Whether you’re on a tight budget or not, if you’re thinking of traveling to Cambridge, England anytime soon, you might want to read this Cambridge travel guide before you go.

I am living in Cambridge, UK as I write this and have been here for over a year; I’m leaving in a month and a half for my first solo trip. That’s why I thought of making this my first post.

What better place to start than the beautiful city you currently live in?

This guide is geared more for backpackers than vacationers, but Cambridge isn’t cheap. However, if you know where to look and go, you can have a great time visiting the museums, botanical gardens, universities and colleges, and much more!

How to get to Cambridge

Getting to Cambridge depends on where you come from and your budget.

stansted airport

If you are flying, Stansted Airport is the closest airport to Cambridge. There is a direct train which is very easy to find and runs regularly to Cambridge. Trains take 30-40 minutes and the price ranges from £9.50-£12.50 depending on what time of day you go. There is also a bus option which I will explain in the next section.

bus and coach

There are buses to Cambridge from Birmingham, London, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Stansted Airport. You need to decide what is the best form of transportation for you, but using the buses will be your cheapest option.

All buses arrive and depart from the Drummer Street and Emmanuel Street bus stop, which are next to each other and are in the center of the city. To check all the prices and schedules, the best place to go is the National Express website, which you can find here.

Train

Cambridge has a very good train service and is easy to find. With many connections to London, Stansted Airport and East Anglia, using trains is easily the fastest option if you’re in a hurry. There are three main railway lines;

Cross Country – This is a direct link between Stansted Airport and Birmingham, this is the fastest line for anyone traveling from Birmingham or Stansted or anywhere in between.

National Express East Anglia: This train goes to London Liverpool Street. They also have trains running in the Ely/Norwich direction.

First Capital Express: Trains to London Kings Cross (can also spell London Kings X), also trains to Ely and Kings Lynn. To be honest I never really paid much attention to which train line I was using and I have used the trains in Cambridge a lot! I tend to use the National Rail website to check live times and prices before I go.

Local transportation

If you need to use a bus to get around Cambridge, Stage Coach is your best option. You can get a day pass for £3.30 which is valid for the whole day and can be used as many times as needed on all Cambridge Stagecoach buses. The nozzles work every 10 – 20 minutes.

Accommodation

Staying in Cambridge can be expensive, the cheapest place I know is the YHA, it’s a hostel and it has very good reviews. Prices are around £20 per night. If you want a hotel they can cost at least £75 a night up to the £400 mark, yikes! So if you’re a backpacker on a budget, staying at YHA Cambridge Hostel is by far your best bet. It is only a 5-minute walk from the train station and a 15-minute walk from the city center.

Food and drink

There are plenty of places in Cambridge to have breakfast, lunch and dinner, with plenty of places to buy snacks, but it’s not cheap, except to pay at least £5 for a good meal. Visit this website for a great guide to the cheapest places to eat in Cambridge, England.

Things to do/see

This section could be quite long as there are many things to do, from visiting museums, galleries, universities and colleges to partying in some of the clubs. I have to admit that the nightlife in Cambridge is not the best, but most people visit Cambridge for the attractions rather than the party.

museums

The Fitzwilliam Museum – Free

If art and antiques are your thing, then the Fitz Museum is for you.

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences – Free

This is the Cambridge University Geology Museum.

Cambridge University Museum of Archeology and Anthropology – Free

Self explanatory!

Whipple Museum – Free

the history of science

County Folk Museum – Free

For folklore lovers

Museum of Classical Archeology – Free

Another CU Museum.

Scott Polar Museum – Free

History of science in Antarctic exploration

Zoology Museum – Closed until 2016

galleries

Kettles Patio – Free

One of the best art galleries in Cambridge.

New Hall Art Collection – Free

Close to the Fitz Museum

Pubs and Clubs

There are many beautiful pubs and a few clubs in Cambridge if you fancy a bit of nightlife.

fes club

Probably the most popular club for students, normally £3-£5 entry fee.

The fountain

This is a pub during the day and becomes a club at night, it’s one of the most popular places in Cambridge, and depending on what you’re into, this might be the best place to do it. I have to say, it’s my favorite place to go when there’s a decent night out.

The King Street Race

My favorite pub, not for everyone, but has a great atmosphere!

The Regal This is the cheapest place in Cambridge to have a drink, always with free admission and located on Regent Street.

For more information on Cambridge’s best pubs and clubs, check out the VisitCambridge website.

Punching

Most paddling places charge around £14.00 for adults and £7 for children. Here are some of the most popular places to go sailing in Cambridge.

The Cambridge Punting Company – Guided punting tours along the back of the historic University of Cambridge. Cambridge Chauffeur Punts – See the famous bridges and colleges along the River Cam.

Let’s Go Punting – Private and Shared Chauffeured Cambridge River Tours.

Scudamores Punting – University endorses punting.

Botanical Gardens

Opened in 1846, Cambridge Botanic Gardens are home to plants from around the world within 40 acres of gardens and greenhouses! It costs £4.50 for entry.

historical walks

If you are interested in the history of Cambridge and its walks I would recommend this website, it has detailed maps and lots of information!

Last in our series on the cold hardy palms is a discussion of 3 monotypic genera and one polytypic genus.

Jubaea Jubaea is another monotypic genus of palm, this one is native to a small area of ​​lowland forests and adjacent savannas in central Chile at the base of the Andes. Jubaea is like most Chilean plants in that it hates hot, humid weather.

Jubaea chilensis (Chilean Wine Palm) I admit I had no luck growing this wonderful giant palm, but I must mention the incredible specimen in Rock Hill, South Carolina, planted in 1993 by palm collector Tamar Myers. Although Jubaea chilensis can grow to 80′ tall, with 3′ wide trunks in more hospitable locations, don’t expect that size in a temperate climate…if you can keep it alive. (Hardiness zone 8-10)

Serenoa Serenoa is another monotypic palm genus native to the southeastern US, named for Serenoa Watson, a curator of the Harvard herbarium in the 19th century.

Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) This native to the Gulf Coast is a vigorously spreading, clumping palm, often with above-ground and underground trunks. Serenoa repens can be easily identified by its spiny leaf petioles. Leaf color is usually bright green, but silvery-gray forms can be found in certain populations. Serenoa repens is incredibly drought tolerant, but can tolerate flooded soils, can grow in sun or shade, and can thrive in sandy soils that are both acidic and alkaline… that’s one hardy palm. As hard as I try, I have never been able to get this to survive winters in our Raleigh yard (Hardiness Zone 8b-10)

Trithrinax (Spiny Fiber Palm) This genus of palms from South America encompasses only three species, Trithrinax brasiliensis, Trithrinax campestris, and Trithrinax schizophylla. These beautiful palms clustered in trunks are found in grasslands and savannahs in Argentina, Brazil and only in neighboring countries.

Trithrinax campestris (Argentine Silver Palm) I will never forget the day I first saw these palms growing in open savannas in northern Argentina in 2002…certainly the most beautiful palms I have ever seen. The slow growing trunks eventually reach 12 feet in height, covered in very stiff leaves that range from gray to the most beautiful silvery gray you can imagine. I expect them to show very good cold tolerance, but the key to winter survival in the coldest areas is to keep the plants dry, as they are native to arid desert regions. So far, I’ve killed my first two. (Resistance zone 8b-10, riddles)

Washingtonia (Washington Fan Palm) Washingtonia is a genus of only two very tall, trunky, fast-growing species, named after who else, George Washington. Washingtonia filifera is native to the southwestern US, and Washingtonia robusta is found just to the south across the Mexican border. While Washington will handle some cold, they do much better in dry cold than in wet winter climates.

Washingtonia filifera ‘Dallas’ (Dallas Desert Fan Palm) We are pleased to offer a limited quantity of the Southwestern native Washingtonia filifera that was grown from seed collected from a mature specimen in Zone 8, Dallas, Texas. The plant was “discovered” by Matthew Nichols of Dallas, who tells me that it has endured 11 degrees F without damage. Hopefully this can add a bit more hardiness as it has grown to fruit size in a Zone 8 climate. Mature size is 60′ tall. (Hardiness zone 8-10, riddles)

Washingtonia filifera ‘Truth or Consequences’ (Truth or Consequences Desert Fan Palm) The seed of this cold-hardy form of the Southwestern US (California, Arizona) native, Washingtonia filifera, comes from a planting at Truth or Consequences , New Mexico, where it has reportedly endured 0 degrees F on several occasions. The cold in New Mexico is obviously a dry cold, and the cold on the East Coast is much wetter, but the potential is exciting for gardeners who like to experiment. Mature plants reach 60′ tall with 8” wide fronds. (Resistance zone 8b-10, riddles)

Washingtonia robusta ‘Mariana’ (Mariana Mexican Fan Palm) This form was grown from seeds by palm guru Hayes Jackson of Anniston, Alabama. Hayes obtained these seeds from a Washingtonia robusta plant native to northern Mexico (usually the least hardy Washingtonia) that grows in the town of Mariana, Florida’s Zone 8a. (Hardness zone 9-10)

Washingtonia x filibusta (Cross-Border Fan Palm) These hybrids between the Mexican fan palm, Washingtonia robusta, and the US native Washingtonia filifera. These fast-growing hybrids are particularly happy in California and Texas, but have been cultivated with success in other temperate parts of the country. If you’re feeling particularly generous and want to adopt one of these offspring, don’t wait, as their number is limited due to the impending border fence. A splendid specimen of Washingtonia x filibusta had been in the Atlanta Botanical Garden for years until it died in a severe winter. Even the best cold hardy palms they have their limits.

Illinois is definitely not known for its excellent walleye fishing. Most anglers living in Illinois will plan their fishing trip to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Canada, or Lake Erie when they want to fill their coolers with walleye. There are a few places you can catch walleye and sausage constantly and if you are just a short drive from these waters you can catch some great fish for dinner.

When most people think of walleye, they usually think of fishing lakes and rivers farther north, but in Illinois, it seems that some of the best walleye waters are in the south. Some of the lakes in the southern part of the state that have a lot of walleye are Lake Carlton, Lake Clinton, Lake Kinkaid, and Lake Evergreen. Head to the western area of ​​Illinois and you’ll find Pittsfield City Lake, which is probably the best walleye lake in the state for big fish.

Once you head north there are a few lakes to focus on to accompany some rivers. Lake Shabbona is located a couple of hours west of Chicago and is known primarily for its state record musks. People would talk more about walleye fishing if you were allowed to fish after dark on this lake. There are plenty of walleye in the lake with many trophy sized fish, but the extremely heavy fishing pressure here makes it difficult to land more than a couple of fish per outing and some anglers who fish here never catch a walleye. It is a difficult lake to fish, but there are plenty of walleye in Lake Shabbona. Your best bet is to fish midweek in low light conditions.

Fox Chain of Lakes is a popular destination for boating and fishing. Walleye fishing can be very good here in the spring and fall. Summers can be rough because recreational boaters are all over the lake and seem to get up earlier and earlier each summer. It is not uncommon to see someone on a jet ski at 8am during the summer. There are many lakes to fish in this chain and many of them produce healthy populations of keeper sized walleye.

Another northern lake worth mentioning is Pierce Lake, which is located in the Rockford area. This lake is regularly stocked, making it a good lake for catching walleye.

As far as rivers go, experienced anglers can consistently catch walleye on the Fox River and Kankakee River, but they don’t even compare to walleye and sausage fishing on the Illinois River. Fishing tournaments begin in early spring, and many tournament boats reach their limit on the Illinois River. There are plenty of fish in the 3 to 5 pound range in the Illinois River and if you want to get in on the action head to Starved Rock State Park.

For more information on the lakes listed above along with some of the other places to fish in Illinois, take a look at our Illinois Fishing page.

Esmond G. Barnhill (1894-1959) specialized in hand-painted photography in Florida. Born March 4, 1894 in Saludi, South Carolina, Barnhill established his first photography business in St. Petersburg FL during 1913 at the age of 19. Specializing in postcards and greeting cards, his photography business remained relatively small and he basically photographed, published, hand-coloured, and distributed most of his work himself. The first postcards of him were printed in Germany, but in later years most postcards of him were printed by the Alberttype Co. of New York.

Barnhill expanded into selling hand-painted landscape photography taken in and around St. Petersburg eventually moving more into the Florida countryside. All of the Barnhill views we’ve seen are Florida landscapes, some are as small as 2×3″, others are 11×14″. Some of Barnhill’s photographs are mounted on a signed/titled mount board, much like the other major photographers. However, most of the Barnhill pictures we have seen were unframed or framed in newer frames. We assume that a lot of Barnhill’s unsold original inventory has turned up recently and is slowly being released to the current market. The price of Barnhill photography is usually higher in Florida than anywhere else in the country.

Apparently, Barnhill had always been interested in the culture of the American Indians. At some point he met Edward S. Curtis, the famous photographer of the American West as a teenager. While working with Curtis, Barnhill learned the delicate “gold tone” photographic process using uranium dyes and he experimented with this process from 1914 to the mid-1920s. It is quite evident in the color schemes used in a large number of his images.

During World War II, Barnhill established an Indian Trading Post in the Wisconsin Dells, which operated in the summer months until 1959. Several years later, he opened “The Indian Springs Museum“.

Esmund G. Barnhill died in 1987 at the age of 93.

recommended reading: You might want to try locating a book on the secondary market titled “The Golden Age of Florida Memories: 1890-1930″by Larry Roberts. This book includes a chapter on hand-colored photographs of Barnhill and Harris Florida.

The Netherlands is a beautiful country, bordered by the North Sea, Belgium and Germany, with a diverse culture that shows reflections of Dutch and foreign immigrants. The country, with many tourist attractions, is home to a variety of historical paintings and replicas of Dutch buildings with rich Dutch architecture. The country is often referred to as the home of some of the great philosophers and painters, whose famous works draw many tourists here.

Certain customs that are perfectly acceptable in one country may be totally prohibited in another. There are many different types of traditions that are very important to the Dutch cultural heritage. A few ideas about language etiquette, dress code, tipping and greeting behavior can make your trip and stay in the Netherlands etched in your memory. The Dutch are quite formal and etiquette is not a big problem, but here is a list of do’s and don’ts on a trip to Holland.

Dutch society is egalitarian and modern. People are modest, tolerant, independent, self-sufficient and enterprising. They value education, hard work, ambition, and ability. In accordance with Dutch culture, people in the Netherlands are very direct or frank with each other and with strangers. They just take this as a sign of honesty and trust. It’s good to go with your flow. But when it comes to behavior in public places or crowds, loud or proactive behavior is not appreciated. Shake hands when meeting someone. According to their culture, start a conversation only after introducing yourself. Kissing three times on alternate cheeks is a typical custom that is followed here when greeting or saying goodbye to a close friend. The Dutch give more importance to time and punctuality. Try to be on time for meetings and don’t try to cancel or reschedule meetings at the last minute. They also highly value cleanliness and neatness.

Tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands. Legally, the service charge is included in the cost of the meal, but if someone thinks the service is exceptionally good, a 10% tip can be given on top of the bill. They usually eat with a fork in their left hand and a knife in their right hand. Eating manners other than these are considered awkward here. The dress style of the Netherlands is similar to that of the United States. Business attire is quite conservative, but it depends on the profession. Casual clothing is preferred for sightseeing. Shorts, however, are only acceptable when jogging or walking. Smoking is prohibited in many areas of the Netherlands. Always ask before turning on.

It pays to know the basics about local laws and penalties while traveling to the Netherlands. Under Dutch law, everyone over the age of 14 must carry identification, such as a valid passport, driver’s license, ID card, or Dutch residence card, at all times. Arrange for a variety of ways to access your money abroad, such as credit cards, traveler’s checks, cash, debit cards, or cash cards. The Netherlands is a good destination for independent travel with good public transport.

When planning your trip to the Netherlands, be sure to check travel guides, best places to visit, and country etiquette for information on how to travel well and travel safely.

Fine dining refers to the cuisine and service provided in restaurants where food, drink, and service are expensive and generally leisurely. Turnover per table can be less than a year at night. Many of the clients are there for a special occasion, such as a wedding or birthday. Many clients bring business guests and write off the cost of the meal as a business expense. Guests are often invited because they can influence business and other decisions favorable to the host. Good food is generally found in enclaves of wealth and where business is conducted, cities like New York, San Francisco and Palm Beach.

Las Vegas has several fine-dining restaurants that cater to tourists and high-stakes gamblers. The restaurants are small, with less than 100 seats and owned by owner partners. The economics of fine dining differ from that of the average restaurant. Food prices, especially wine, are high. The average check costs $60 or more. Rents can be quite high. Large public relations budgets are common. Because of the expertise and time required for many dishes, and because highly-trained chefs are well paid, labor costs can be high. Much of the profit comes from wine sales. Style and panache in the service are part of the dining experience.

Tables, china, glassware, silverware, and linens are often expensive, and arrangements can be expensive, often including interesting paintings and architectural features. Menus often feature expensive, imported items such as foie gras, caviar, and truffles. Only the most tender vegetables are served. The colorful ornament is part of the presentation. Delicious and interesting flavors are incorporated into the food, and the entire dining event is calculated to excite the visual, auditory, and psychological experience of the guests. Expensive wines are always available, offered on an extensive wine list. Dining fashions change, and high-end restaurant operators need to keep up with the changes.

Heavy sauces have given way to light ones, large portions to small ones. The restaurant must be kept in public view without appearing so. Given a choice, the restaurant operator selects only those guests who are likely to be received by the other guests. Doing this helps create an air of exclusivity; One way to do this is to park the most expensive cars near the entrance for all to see (Rolls-Royce does this well). It also helps to have celebrities in prominent places at the table. Very expensive restaurants turn away many wealthy guests and make others uncomfortable when they feel they don’t fit in or don’t like the implied snobbery of guests or staff.

Luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton chains can be counted on to have restaurants staffed by a well-paid chef who understands French, Asian and American food, who likely attended an American culinary school or trained in a prestigious restaurant. and who has mastered French cuisine. Prospective restaurant operators should dine at some of these restaurants, however expensive, to learn the current meaning of elegance in decor, table setting, service, and food.

(To avoid paying the higher prices, go for lunch and don’t order wine.) Better yet, anyone planning a restaurant career should take a job at a fancy restaurant, at least for a while, to get a taste of high quality.

food service, even if you have no desire to emulate what you see.