Updated July 2023.
Are you also always talking about equality and a just
world and be happy and kind and supportive et al? A good way to appreciate
other people’s services is to leave a tip. There is nothing worse than to have
deep pockets and short arms, don’t you think?
In an ideal world, waiters would get a secure income. If I have enough money to spend at a restaurant or hotel or taxi, I am pretty sure I can afford to tip accordingly.
Being out and about so often, I think it fair to give
back to the people I meet along the way. To all the cab drivers who point out
great restaurants and tell me about the history of a place. To the wait staff
helping me to create memorable memories, and to hotel maids who present lovely
made beds and leave chocolate on the pillow … We are all in this world together
and all these people we meet daily make life as pretty as it is. If I have
enough money to spend at a restaurant or hotel or taxi, I am pretty sure I can
afford to tip accordingly.
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| Stylish. A handwritten note in Prague |
When I see people who are too mean to leave a tip I get sad. The world might be a better place if they would stay at home and cook their own dinner. It breaks my heart really to see them behaving like a prince or princess, probably complaining and leaving without gratitude for the service received. Often these people say it wasn’t that good or they search for any other flaws. That is something I don’t get at all. Eating out a few times a week, I can hardly remember a time when I was treated badly at a restaurant or hotel.
Honour the service of the wait staff, cab drivers and maids
Waitstaff, cab drivers, or maids most certainly don’t
earn thousands per month, so a tip surely is a lovely contribution to
their income. Thinking of it, the same goes for street buskers, don’t listen or
look if you cannot afford or don’t want to pay for their performance. If you
like what others do for you, don't be too shy and show your love with a tip.
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| Thank you note |
In
the end, we all tip what we think is appropriate for the service received.
Please just don’t try to save money at the wrong end.
From Berlin with love