On Sat, 06 Dec 2003 08:08:21 -0500, Harry Krause wrote:

...seem to be becoming the "lingua franca" of currency for purchases in
Europe? US dollars used to speak mightily, but more and more I'm coming
across vendors abroad who have dropped their references to dollars and
want payment in Euros. This isn't inconvenient when paying with
plastique, but there sure seems to be a downward shift in the intrinsic
value and usefulness of the dollar. And, not necessarily connected, I've
noticed increasing interest in gold as a hedge. I haven't followed the
precious metals markets for 25 years, but I have seen more references to
gold recently than I have in a long, long time. Now where is that roll
of kruggerands?

The dollar has not been the currency of choice in Europe for many years. Even in
the late '80's, in every country I visited during a four and a half year stay,
the dollar was not welcome. It was acceptable in hotels and banks, but the
average retail store or restaurant wasn't interested. The people much preferred
thier own currency, be it the mark, lira, kronen, or what have you.

Sorry Harry, this is not something you can blame on Bush - either one.

John
On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD