A Tip or Two

Over the 165-odd posts i've made on here, I really can't remember if i've addressed the issue of tipping (even if i have, this is my blog so nah!!!). I'm sure it's something that a lot of non-Americans are aware of (certainly in the UK) - the fact that tipping is somewhat de rigeur over here rather than just for particuarly good service as it is in the UK (I'm not wholly sure what it's like in other European countries). Anyway, in some cases this is fair enough. I have no objection to leaving a dollar tip for a drink at a bar (especially when the drinks are particularly cheap!), especially if it's a busy night. Having worked in a bar, i know how hard it can be from the other side (except, of course, i didn't make half as many tips). Same goes for a restaurant - i don't mind leaving a standard tip (i use 10% as a benchmark although i believe it's usually 15%) if the service has been fine - the waiter/waitress is friendly etc. Hell, i don't mind if the service isn't brilliant so long as the food is excellent. I'm not disappointed much these days.

There are some things that i object to tipping too - i think taxi fares are pretty ridiculous and so feel rather put out having to leave a tip - unless they actually gauge your mood enough to strike up a conversation or know when to leave well alone. Oh, and provided they get you their in a reasonable time - i had one taxi driver a few years back when i was going to Dulles airport near Washington DC whose taxi actually broke down - and it took him 20 minutes longer to get to the airport. He didn't even apologise - and looked rather sour when i only gave him a couple of dollars tip - what the hell did he want? Blood? There are also places like newsagents where they have a tip tray on the counter. I mean, for what? You get what you want, take it to the counter and they take your money and give you change. If they did the maths themselves, i'd maybe consider it but otherwise they can go jump. Of course, all this means that when i come back to the UK either visiting or in the end, i'm either going to rejoice at the chance to be stingy again - or not be able to get out of the habit of tipping. Being a Yorkshireman, what do you think it's gonna be???