UK Summer 2008: Beware of the UK . July 27, 2008

If anyone has any doubts about our economy, just venture to England for a short stay. Make sure its very short because you will go bankrupt if you stay any longer. As you know we have traveled overseas at least twice a year for many years. And we’ve seen the decline of the dollar and increased value of the euro and the pound first hand. But this is all now magnified by the soaring prices – especially in England. Examples: round trip in a single zone on the underground (like bart) – $11 Int’l trib – $3 Hotel room about as luxurious as motel 6 but without AC and it was very hot. (Ok. This was London) – $250. (Even in NY this room would be $100 max, probably less; room in bath hotel – no lift, no AC — $300 per night) Dinner for 4 at nice (but not any big deal 4 star place) lebanese restaurant – 3 appetizers 3 main courses. 2 bottles of lower end Wine. 2 desserts. – $600!!! Gin and tonic – $18 Smoothie – $8 Gas to fill tank of small car – $100. ($10 per gallon) Rent paid by Mike’s nieces for flat – each of them have roommates, but their share equals 70 percent of their salaries. Need I say more? We’re at Heathrow Airport waiting for delayed flight to DC. Looking forward to being back in our little developing nation. By the way. Obama is big. No one even knows who McCain is.

Ciao Fern