[pct-l] Tipping [was: Whores and the TahquitzInn]

[S Daru]

Hi,

When I first came to the US I thought I would know what to expect. I  
had seen the movies, right? The thing is, I didn't. Like you, Craig,  
we only tip for outstanding service and it is not necessary.

When discussing this with a friend we decided to always ask if people  
would accept a contribution to the price of gas when hitchhiking, or  
for staying at their house. Or we'd invite them for a drink, or  
dinner. We'd send a picture, or something like that if they did not  
accept money.

I think making your rules clear from the start is not always fun, but  
it helps us foreigners a lot. We don't have 'Leave No Trace' policies  
either, so I liked the fact that they were listed on permits and very  
specific. Of course you can say things like a drill sergeant, or just  
state them as fact and as normal fact.

Like my friend did, when we came to her house. She gently told us  
that they don't wear shoes in the house and would I care for some  
slippers.

Saskia / Sauce

On 25-dec-2006, at 0:56, Craig Stanton wrote:

> In the two countries where I have lived most of my life tipping is
> not common. The price you see on the menu is the price you pay,
> exactly. The tax is included and the waiter/waitress is paid in full
> by their employer. But I know this is not the case in America. I know
> it is expected to add a service charge onto food bills, and to add
> about 8% onto the price on the sticker depending on what state you're
> in. But Andrea mentioned tipping here in the context of Trail Angels
> and that wasn't something I had though about. What is the proper
> etiquette? I'd fully expected for places like the Dinsmore's,
> Saufley's and Pooh corner, who are set up as full accommodation
> places that there would be a specific fee or donation from hikers, I
> only just heard that they don't ask. What about people who give you a
> lift, or extra food from day hikers? I've picked up hitch hikers here
> and there has never been a hint about money. Do average Americans
> expect a little tip for such a thing? In an effort to aid my karma
> I'd like to find out this sort of stuff first before pissing off too
> many locals and stopping them from picking up anymore hiker trash
> because they think we're all too cheap to pay for a ride.
>
> ~Craig