Essential Oils Can Be All-Purpose Camping Equipment
New for travelers and nature buffs is an Outdoor Survival Kit that uses essential oils, such as lavendin, cedar and eucalyptus, to ward off insects and mosquitoes.
Other plant extracts that people like, but insects hate, that come in the kit include citronella, lemongrass, peppermint and rosemary, plus tea tree, an herb used by Australian aborigines as an antiseptic for cuts.
A 24-page Survival Guide Handbook tells you how to use the oils to rinse your hair, launder outdoor clothing (put some on cotton balls and toss in the dryer), on tents and sleeping bags, make an outdoor body spray, use with body lotions, and debug pets.
The handbook features some travel tips, such as that a whiff of peppermint often dispels motion sickness.
The kit also comes with a laminated quick-reference chart and costs $24.95 plus $4.50 for shipping and handling. Refills available. (800) 845-0008.
Mais oui
Parisians don’t hate Americans, it’s just that the French don’t like to smile without a good reason, says expatriate Polly Platt in her book unraveling the mysteries of the Gallic personality called “French or Foe?”
Platt, who has lived in Paris since 1967 and works as a cultural consultant trying to explain the French to American business executives, offers an in-depth analysis on how to cope with all strata and situations: from shopkeepers and bureaucrats to dinner parties and schools and even a French mother-in-law.
Some general rules besides “don’t smile” (people who smile too much at nothing are considered hypocritical or stupid): flirt with a member of the opposite sex (it’s expected); always add “monsieur” or “madame” to any greeting or parting; and shake hands hello and goodbye, with the person of higher rank extending the hand first.
The book, from Distribooks Inc. in Chicago, costs $14.95 in bookstores or call (708) 676-1596.
Pay attention
The State Department is ordering its personnel to avoid travel into or through the Karachi region of Pakistan because of continued violence in the southern port city.
Dependents of personnel in Karachi were evacuated after an attack on a consulate vehicle March 8 killed two Foreign Service employees. The State Department recommends travelers stay out of the area although no warning has been issued.
Party time
For a free guide to Italian-American festivals in 32 cities in 15 states, send a self-addressed business-size envelope stamped with 55 cents postage to: FESTE/NIAF, 1860 19th St. Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
Rest up
Super Sleeper train-hotels will soon be available on European routes. Already in service between Berlin and Munich, new overnight trains will also operate between major British and continental cities via the Chunnel European Night Service.
German-Swiss-Austrian overnight City Night Service will also be available. Call 800-4-EURAIL or 800-EUROSTAR.
Working overseas
To get a job abroad, consider the International Employment Hotline, a monthly newsletter with overseas job opportunities.
Listed are jobs with international and private voluntary organizations such as CARE and the World Wildlife Fund; government jobs and contractors’ positions; and gigs with private companies - for engineers, teachers, administrators and health professionals - in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Also included are professional conferences, summer volunteer stints and helpful hints on how to apply.
Subscriptions are $39 per year, from P.O. Box 3030, Oakton, Va. 22124.