
Their
average income, he said was 500 Euros a month, but groceries, he said, are as
expensive in Portugal as anyplace else in Europe. As members of the European
Union should there not be a minimum wage for work done, the same in Portugal as
in Germany or France? The Portuguese do not eat less, they need money for food
and books... education... as much as the Germans or French... so why, he
argued, should the Portuguese be expected to live on 500 Euros a month!
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Current Member Countries of the European Union |
Why
indeed? As an outsider, I assumed that when a country joined the EU there would
be some leveling of the playing field. Apparently not.
As
people who travel widely, J and I have noticed the vast disparity among EU
members in standards of living. It is possible for a traveler to stay and eat
exceptionally well in Greece, for instance, for very little money, but to have
the same standard of accommodation and meals in Italy costs precisely twice as
much. And if it’s Scotland, the traveler can expect it to cost double the cost
of Italy for accommodation and meals at the same level. And I won’t even
mention the cost of traveling in Austria and Germany.
And
these costs to travelers reflect the states of the economies in those
countries.
As
to how I happened upon this interesting and very vocal driver, that’s another
story. See my next blog.
.........................................................................
Coming Soon!
The Re-Launch of One of Blair's most popular books with more storyline and additional characters.
Blair's latest thriller, Fatal Charm
The Re-Launch of One of Blair's most popular books with more storyline and additional characters.
My Guilty Obsession - 4 Stars
This truly was a great fun read that I had a hard time putting down. I almost read it in one sitting.
....More
....More
Click here for more information and reviews from the original book.
..................................................................
Blair's latest thriller, Fatal Charm
A perilous scheme to thwart ruthless adversaries hurtles successful jewelry designer Caitlin Abernathy from her comfortable California studio to the streets of Paris and the beaches of Brittany as she attempts to return a priceless stolen heirloom to the Louvre.
Colin Stryker, the devastatingly handsome history professor from Ireland who has appointed himself her protector, fights to rescue her before her captors add murder to their crimes, while at the same time unraveling the torturous train of events that led to the original theft.
With every moment fraught with danger, can the chemistry already between the two ignite into passion?
Praise for Fatal Charm:
"If you love well-crafted romantic suspense where the mystery is every bit as mysterious as the romance is romantic, check out Blair McDowell's work. I found her through a book tour 5 years ago, and she is one of my happiest discoveries."
- Marlene Harris, ReadingReality.net
"The elegance and beauty of Paris as the central backdrop for the intrigue, adds color and movement to the drama.... I particularly liked the attention to food as a gathering point and motif throughout. I was drawn back to my memories of Paris -- the sights, sounds and aromas. It's these small touches that inject an extra dimension, a 'je ne sais quoi' into the mix."
- Heather B, Eyes2creviews.blogspot.ca
"Fatal Charm is well-written and engaging. The book has a fast pace which makes it easy to read and enjoy. Blair McDowell is an illustrative writer which allows readers to visualize the scenes in their head. This brings the characters and story to life for me. I thought the mystery was complex and intriguing. I enjoyed the many twists and turns."
- Kristina Anderson, Doodlesinkspot.blogspot.ca
Click here to view and purchase Blair's books.
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Blair McDowell