FIRST EUROPEAN TRIP SHOCKERS

When in Rome

      When I read through my diary of my first European trip over twenty years ago, looking for some tid bit, I started laughing at some of the things then that were shocking to me at the beginning of my travels.

       Before the Euro, different currency in each country at times was daunting to cope with. And to pay to pee---wow! But what a smart Idea England did by putting free-standing loos in the carparks. They were clean and convenient and what child doesn’t have to suddenly go to the toilet as soon as he exits a vehicle?

     I love my coffee in the morning, but just couldn’t deal with Europe’s strong variety. It was a few years before one could ask for American coffee. And then with the arrival of McDonalds, one could scoot in and order a fairly decent cup of coffee in a to go cup. At home I travel with a thermos mug to avoid disposable trash.

     And speaking of drinks where was the ice? One might be able to beg a couple of small cubes from a hotel bar— have done that more than once! Chilled soda just doesn’t cut it for one who likes her drinks really cold. Most often tea---of course hot---no iced tea in Europe---became my drink of choice.

      Public transportation was fast, efficient and easy to use. Subways, underground, the tube, uban, or whatever the name were clean, but oh the stairs to get to up and down to the system! Stairs, and lots of them, were everywhere. On the street it was wise to pay attention to traffic, especially in left side-of-the-road driving areas! Traffic circles, round-abouts, rings or circuses were numerous and can be confusing until one gets used to them.

     Hotel bathtubs were deep and hot water could be extremely hot, nearly scalding at times. A good soak at the end of a long and busy day sure was nice though!

       Experiencing the food, culture and language were major reasons for traveling. It was the simple things of everyday living that we took for granted that were the shockers.

     Today credit cards make traveling a lot easier. I accept using some terms like toilet and often having to pay to use one.

     Coffee has not changed but alternatives have been added. Now many coffee machines have a hot water button so the strength of one’s coffee can be controlled to his liking. Vending machines allow for colder sodas. Many in the service industry have learned and recognize what most American quirks are. Many hotel chains now have ice machines.

      I personally prefer small boutique hotels as I can go into any chain here at home. We still lack mass transit here in the US, so I love that part of traveling, and in less populated areas love the local transportation. Stairs still exist and that is just the way it is, so although limited I use stairs every opportunity I have at home.

      Dark colored clothes—navy, black, brown. No place to wear red, cranberry or any other bright color to the English theater!

      I love all that travel brings , of all that I learn and experience. I like trying and eating local foods, but most often after three weeks away the first thing I’ll eat is a peanut butter and jam sandwich. Not only do I love it but I then know I’m home!