Nota bene

"Excuse me" is right. Rex was the first to bring up the issue of buying in Europe vs. taking from home (sarcastically). Rex, be nice. Isn't being intelligent and knowledgeable enough? Must you make others look small?

Rex

You ARE right! and I indeed WAS wrong. I found the original question such a hoot that I mixed multiple metaphors and "piled on" more than one lampoon. <BR> <BR>I still think the original question represents trolling. <BR> <BR>Or such a terribly neurotic person that we have probably sent her, tears into her pillow, deeply over the edge. <BR>

xxx

...But isn't Rex's last name Bickers?

xxx

Her neurosis, if any, is nicer than yours.

wendy

Geez Rex, chill out. The woman is excited about her trip, is concerned over every little detail because she's probably saved her money for a long time to be able to go, and wants to know what other travellers have done. If you don't have anything useful to contribute, then please don't post. <BR> <BR>

xxxx

Hi Lydia. To answer your question, we usually take liquid soap as it is more convenient. It is difficult to buy some items when you first arrive. As to the JERK who suggested she take botle water to shower with LISTEN UP wiseguy, I caught Legionaires Disease in a shower in Slovakia 3 yrs ago. Spent 2 weeks on a vent in ICU and a coma for a week. It doesn't stop me from traveling but I am more cautious now. I suspect that the JERK has not ben to eastern europe.

Al

Lydia, <BR> More important than soap, take a washcloth or two in ziplock bags. Have yet to find a hotel in Europe that furnishes them. (Including one in London at $320 per night!) <BR> Do not know why, but after one day at a hotel in Copenhagen, my hands started to crack and bleed from using their soap. Having my own soap along saved the day. <BR> Have a wonderful trip. <BR> <BR>Al from Iowa <BR>

Please

Lydia: bring whichever you like best! please don't fret over stuff like this! Soap is the least of your worries- just...just... ENJOY!!!

Art

Hi Lydia, I take a bar of soap in its travel case or in a ziplock bag. If you have bottle of soap and it is checkd the pressure may make it leak and as mentioned before it takes more space. By all means take a washcloth, you'll not find them any where in Europe.

Beth Anderson

HI, <BR> <BR>Something I just discovered, for you face at least (I have to AT LEAST have a washcloth for my face) <BR> <BR>Dove now makes a facial cleanser in a soft disposable "washcloth". It is oh so soft and smells good too - and you can put maybe enough for 1-2 per day in a little ziplock baggy. just add water - voila! you can suds away to your hearts content, and drop it in the bin once you've rinsed. no leaking! <BR> <BR>WONDERFUL.

no name

Rex sez: <BR> <BR>"...Or such a terribly neurotic person that we have probably sent her, tears into her pillow, deeply over the edge..." <BR> <BR>my quiet observation, noted after being on this board for maybe 9 months or so, is that Rex is just about the most neurotic person on this board. (if not THE most) <BR> <BR>He is certainly the most pedantic, and probably the one with the smallest charm/helpfulness ratio. <BR> <BR>just my $.02 <BR> <BR>I doubt many would disagree. <BR>

Shanna

Well, this is a fun little chat, the cranky remarks not withstanding. And it doesn't always have to be profound conversation, does it? In any event, I've used the little soap leaf packages. A thin slice at a time slides out and can be used anywhere with or without a washcloth and no wet bar or bulky liquid jar. I don't carry a lot - just a small pack to tide (no pun intended) me over in case the hotel has no soap. Then I can duck into a shop and buy soap if I run out of my leafs. I've found them at those body/bath shops in the mall, various colors and fragrances - not always useful if you're highly allergic. But Beth's Dove washcloths sound interesting. I'll look for those and give them a try.

SharonM

Oh my, Oh my. <BR>What does one say when one rather agrees with ALL the above posts? <BR> <BR>I must say though. This thread HAS inspired me to go wash my face...with, lets see here...a BAR of soap!

Beth Anderson

<BR>whoops, my bad. <BR> <BR>I just took a peek at the 'cleansing cloths' I have - they are Olay, not Dove. although for some reason I think I saw Dove ones too... <BR> <BR>They come in a 30 pack, for oh, I don't know, 6 bucks maybe? A 30 pack should last you two weeks on the road - and nothing to pack home! <BR> <BR>my experience with washcloths - take 'em, but they may end up smelling funny if you just let them air dry. (but what are your choices, you know?) <BR> <BR <BR>

Donna

I take my own, too, due to fragrance sensitivities. Either one is just fine. I prefer liquid. Philosophy has a terrific new offering called "Amazing Grace" that doubles as shampoo. Great for laundering lingerie as well. If you do take liquid, be sure it's only about 2/3 full and packed in two zip lock freezer bags to avoid leakage and spilling. Nothing worse than shampoo, shaving cream, etc., spread all over your clothing when you unpack. I take only as much as I'll need. Fill a two ounce travel-size bottle and see how long that lasts you at home.

sudsie

Isn't it amazing that we had this much to say about SOAP in a little over one day? If this is a silly thing to think or talk about, I guess there are a lot of us sillies here.

Lydia

Well folks, it is me again. I thank each and every one of you that took me seriously. I was very serious about this question. I guess I must be overexcited about my first trip to Europe in over 20 years. I went when I was in High school for 10 days. I am going over this time to see my high school son who is an exchange student. I have not seen him since last July. <BR> <BR>As for Rexs reply. This was not a troll posting. I was sincere. Maybe I am a little neurotic, but at least I will be clean and spending my time seeing the sights and not the inside of a drugstore. I wasnt to get the most out of my money while I am overseas and not spend it on things that can be bought at Wal MArt at home. See what I mean. <BR> <BR>I came to Fodors because the people seem genuinely helpful. Sorry to have asked such a stupid question. I will be more careful next time so I don't offend anyone.

lydia

Just want to let everyone know you were helpful. Well, most of you were. My question was a very serious one, not a troll as Rex claimed. <BR>Maybe I am a little neurotic. This is my first time to Europe in over 20 years . I went when I was in High school for 10 days. Now I am going back to see my high school son who is an exchange student. I have not seen him since last July. Yes, I am excited. It will be 21 days that will rejuvinate both a son and a mom,tiding us over until this coming July. <BR>As to the posts that suggest I buy toiletries over there, I am planning on spending my time seeing the sights, not the inside of a drugstore, not that I don't like drug stores. We have them here in Ohio (yes, that state). We also have Wal Mart, which is where I like to shop for toiletries. I would rather buy my things here, than have to go shopping when I first arrive someplace new. <BR> <BR>I came to the Fodors site for help. This is a wonderful site, and most have been very helpful. Sorry to have burdend the other posters who thought I was not being serious. I will keep my questions to myself and look for others to ask the questions I want answered. (Maybe I should have been a coward and used an alias, or better yet, no name, when posting such a stupid question) Thanks <BR> <BR>Ps, I think I will go with the bar soap. The poster who pointed out the dwindling soap had a good point

Gloria

Hi, Lydia. <BR>I don't think there is a question too trivial. If it is of concern to you, it probably is to others as well. <BR>I've been blasted a couple of times, not for asking a question, but, rather for the answer I've given. <BR>You have to put it in the proper perspective, however, Lydia. <BR>I hope you will continue to ask any and all questions at this forum. I learned a great deal about soaps, and I thank you personally for that! <BR>I hope you have a wonderful time with you Son! <BR>Gloria