Note to Tammy Louky: You mentioned Brazil -- I posted a question on the Latin American forum to no avail. Could you do me a favor and read my post there and see if you have any suggestions for me? Thanks. <BR> <BR>Sorry for the off-subject interruption. Everyone can now return to ridiculing Julie for her well-intentioned but admittedly somewhat amusing post.

OK Martha Python -you asked for it: <BR> <BR>A "hardened" tourist named Julie <BR>Warned of things that repulsed her unduly. <BR>Including banks that close, <BR>Toilets where you hold your nose, <BR>And bragging of America "out of schooley." <BR>

Thanks guys! Had a lotg of fun with that!!

Honestly, guys, we have travelled in some places where the rules I posted (tongue in cheek) might definitely apply--i.e., the outback of Saudi Arabia where if you discuss politics or religion, (they have definite ideas about women too, and keeping a low profile if preferable to any other value)you are likely to get arrested, there are no toilets of any kind, not even a sage brush, maps are nonexistant, etc. Now, if you are talking about London, France, or Scandanavia, just disregard the rules, with the exception of Ireland, where I stayed once with a friend in a B&B. She insisted on holding a conversation with our hosts on the merits of birth control and we almost got thrown out. Glad we all had fun with that topic.

I found it slightly interesting to use the WC's in Italy as often as I saw one. It was always a challenge to figure out how to flush them. I only came across 1 really bad one. As far as the map thing goes, I'd rather look like a tourist than get lost in the maze of streets those ancient cities! <BR> <BR>-sandi

You know if you collected enough washcloths, you could probably even squeeze them out and get a new tub of water. Do this over and over to really save water. You will occasionally need to use new water, however, to start the process over. <BR> <BR>Don't walk in the way of bikes in Germany. I was almost hit by one, and another rider or two gave me angry looks and wrang a bell at me. It was my fault, but I could have been kilt (sorry, actually, that would be if I was run over by either a Scottish biker or anything at all here in the southern U.S.). I could have been "getoetet" in Germany, I guess.

And here I was planning on having a heated argument with a foreiner over how superior my country is because of it's size on the map we are using while sharing a bath in a room with a disgusting or non existant toilet. Did that cover it? <BR>By the way, is it ok to recline my seat on the crying baby with the cat carrier behind me? oops wrong thread.

I leave the forum for one day <BR>And see this post causing such a fray. <BR>But come on guys, <BR>26 replies? <BR>Guess no one works on Friday anyway. <BR>

Lola, where you'd been? <BR> <BR>Julie, do you think I can learn someting new if I share a bath? (#4 + #10!) <BR> <BR>All tongue in cheek, I hope you know.

Number one is contradictory, and number two would just make it worse. <BR> <BR>And Julie forgot number eleven: don't expect letters on the ATM machines, europeans could care less that your PIN is BOSCO. <BR> <BR>C'mon Elvira, I don't think you would say those things if you had ever really been to europe. I think you must sit around the Port Authority all day with a laptop. <BR> <BR>BTW -- on your FIRST trip to Italy, be sure to take a scale with you on your climb up Vesuvius and tell us about the weight thingy. <BR>

P.S. - all you wise guys! They don't have wash cloths in most european hotels either - so #11 would be: carry your own.

No washcloths???? You've got to be kidding. Those Europeans really are barbarians.

Juie--- you think it'll be proper is I share a bath with my girlfriend while staying in a convent in England?

I think you people are all being too hard on Julie. I'm sure what she was trying to do was give first time travelers (as we all were at one time) some advice/suggestions as to what one MIGHT encounter when traveling abroad. I don't know about anyone else, but I was surprised to find out one must pay for the use of "public" toilets, that it wasn't unusual for there to be no washclothes (not that that is a big deal), and the gypsy problem, to name a few. <BR> <BR>I'm sure, Julie, there are plenty of people who are new to this forum who will read your post with interest, and do with it what they choose. <BR> <BR>BTW, Julie, thank you for your many other posts re places to stay, things to do and see, restaurants, etc. <BR> <BR>Elsa

I feel obligated to speak of a very pleasant visit to the Vatican bathroom after enjoying a cup of the Pope's own chocolate macadamia nut roast. Julie was right about the coffee, it is excellent and not to be missed. But seriously, the Vatican offers some of the finest facilities in all of Europe, boasting marble stall dividers, tile floors, and back-up toilet paper rolls. The only drawback is either there are no toilet seats or Roman youth steal them and wear them as necklaces similar to their domestic counterparts with Mercedes Benz hood ornaments. Tectured floors do offer superior footing and the door handle does act as a well placed counterbalance to allow one to remain crouched only inches from the bowl for extended periods, perhaps the best quad workout I've had in years. The whole experience was a bit awkward, but I recommend experiencing life every once in a while, even if it makes your legs burn. By the way, I believe Rick Steves has added the Vatican Men's Room to his Europe 'Through the Back Door' top 10 list.

Some of you people either never travel, or just don't have enough to do, and live to be contrary! Anyone who has travelled much recognizes the wisdom of trying not to be conspicous and "going with the flow" If you don't, you surely court trouble. Toilets, washclothes, good street signs, are not necessarily going to be where you need and want them, if you do get off the beaten track. Any believe me, one of the things people complain most about when discussing "ugly Americans" is our pompousity and arrogance, and Know it all attitude. To get the most of every experience, one might possibly learn from other's experience--I thought that this is what this forum was all about--not dissing anyone who tries to share advice--many of you should stay home and not embarrass the rest of us. And find something worthy to do.

Regarding Sandi's posting, I don't think we're dissing Julie, just Julie's advice. And if you'll look at Julie's original posting she notes "FEEL FREE TO ADD OR SUBTRACT." Many of us also have a sense of humor....if you haven't figured that out yet. <BR>

After reading your pathetic posting, Bob, all I can say is, "Don't give up your day job!" (Additional note: You could learn a from Rick Steves.)

Julie, did you spend your entire European vacation in Kosovo?

D.B yah dun found me out; next time any of you are in Port Authority, do stop by the washcloth-wearing woman in a crispy pink running suit with a fanny pack; that will be I. More than likely, I'll be trying to enter my 4-letter ATM code into the machine - just guess what that code might be. If not, I'll be trying to get directions to "le station" by yelling REALLY LOUD in English. I'm just as pompous, obnoxious and arrogant as the restuh youze guys; I just choose to do it in the U.S. since all our stuff is better than anywhere else. <BR>Anyway, I will head for Texas for the museums... <BR>