Fish bones are just often much smaller and sharper than other animal bones. They also snap more easily, and I've choked on one or two.

My family's Chinese, and we eat whole fish frequently -- several times a week. But my mom never fails to warn us all about bones.

I think part of the problem here is that it's expected for the fish to be boneless so people don't look out for them. I feel it's a different ballgame if people are eating whole fish.

"National Post" = "Nazi Paper."

Ok, not super creative. But I remember being totally awed when my high school English teacher rattled that out in class.

Having once been the source of greatest emotional intimacy for him can totally make you feel responsible for giving support now. Understandable. In this case, it's even more important since your ex isn't very social.

But it's not your responsibility anymore, not even as a friend. You are not in the ideal position, either for your own sake or for his, to play that role, because:

1) you might have your own subconscious selfish agenda
2) HE might think you have an agenda, which would just insult/upset him
3) he might accept for the wrong reasons, like just holding onto you longer

Etc. Think of it as a conflict of interest. Wanting to help is commendable, but I don't think you should follow through.

You will probably feel guilty for a while for "abandoning" him, catching yourself wondering how he's doing and wanting to reach out, etc. That's normal. But don't give in. Your ex is an adult, loner or not, and is responsible for himself.

When you're interacting, don't run away if you're supposed to be in the same space, but stay away. Give him a nod, *maybe* with a very small, very brief smile to indicate you think of him positively, but don't hold eye contact for too long. Try not to stare at him, etc. He might interpret that as you still being in love, etc.

Since he'll see you a lot, he'll have the opportunity to approach you and ask for a friendship if he decides that's what he wants. That's kind of a whole other can o' worms though.

I've had fewer relationships than you can count on one hand (can't imagine why...). The break-up I can talk about ended on similarly civil "not working" terms. Interacting with him NEVER helped. I was struck with a morbid curiosity to know what he was doing, etc., but it never made me feel better.

I was in Italy for two weeks, just in the urban centres -- Rome, Venice, Florence. The only time I ran into someone who didn't speak ANY English was a very nice lady in Siena. Most major tourist sites also offer English tours, either guided or audio.

I learned a few basic phrases -- good morning/day, thank you, please, and numbers. I started every conversation with "buongirrrrrrrno!" Or, "buona sera", as appropriate, and ended every one with "grazie!"

Pretty much everyone I spoke to recognized my mangled Italian and responded in English, which was half really nice and half really embarrassing.

My boyfriend's parents did a different tour -- Amalfi Coast. His mom is an enthusiast for languages, but they both did fine.

Try AirBnB. It's generally residents offering rooms, homes, flats, etc. Sort by distance, price, etc., and there's something of a review system so hopefully your experience can be reliable.

When I went to Italy and looked for places, TripAdvisor helped out a lot too, with some cross-referencing. I ended up staying at relatively affordable places (not dirt cheap) but very safe and clean.

My go-to "weird but probably fascinating places" look-up is Atlas Obscura. It has extensive results for Paris, and one or two is bound to catch your eye.

We ended up visiting La Specola in Florence because of it and had a great and slightly morbid time (weird wax anatomical models).

I just think it's antiquated ... one of those terms that make zero sense. I have wondered the same thing ... equated with a "false" summer (one that is unusually long)?

Anyway, I don't really use most of those phrases that rely on some kind of quasi-stereotypical cultural shorthand.

It's not strictly a conscious thing ... many of them just aren't useful. Many of my friends are bilingual (as am I) by upbringing and have studied French, Japanese, Spanish ... things like "It's all Greek to me!" don't have the same semantic currency they used to. It's not necessarily offensive -- just not as culturally meaningful.

This is all pretty much advice I'd give anyone going to Europe (who isn't planning to live in the lap of luxury). Comfortable shoes, pack light (unless you're moving, a carry-on bag on wheels is all you need, for any period of time), passport photocopies, back-up money sources.

Specifically for 22-year-olds ... hm. You don't specify how long he's going for, so I'd aim for something general:

See the history. It's a cliche, but it's just serious, amazing, fabulous stuff. I haven't been to Amsterdam, but I personally would not miss the Rijksmuseum. If you're not a museum type, pick one in Paris and one in Amsterdam. If you're not a phD in art, ALWAYS take/pay for the audio tour. A little background adds so much to the experience.

*Take the time* to eat well, at least a few times.

Of course, your time is limited, and food is fuel, but the cuisine is so wonderful in Europe, and sitting down for a leisurely meal streetside immerses you like nothing else.

If you really can't spend much on eating in restaurants, go to grocery stores. Go to open air markets. Buy staggeringly fresh and lovely fruit to munch on. Cram your face full of charcuterie and cheese in France. Eat chocolate. Etc. If you're not an adventurous eater, now is the time to be. I'd probably avoid mussels, if just for the smallest risk of something going horribly awry.

I'd say this to anyone: You'll have downtime. My God, I always have delusions about how much fun I'll be having and how packed my day will be. You'll have nights. You'll be tired. Definitely pack reading, or plan to stock up at the airports and train stations (where it's easiest to find English language books).

And know where your local embassy is, in case you lose your passport or need help.

In 99% of cases, I can't decide, and it seems unfair to award a mushroom to an answer just because I have to.

Most often, it's because I feel each answer had something to contribute, and all equally.

When I answer a question, I try not to repeat what others have said and find a new angle to add. I think it's efficient, and it also means I don't really "poach" someone else's content for my own answer and win by default of comprehensiveness.

I just try my best to give a thumbs to anyone I do like.