Recent posts regarding how mundane some of the questions/posts have become led me to wonder "well, what's new in Europe?" Of course, one reason we travel to Europe is because of the history and the fact that some areas haven't changed much in centuries. Nevertheless, there are changes, even if subtle. I started another thread a week or so back about the Oliviers & Co. I observed on the Rue Cler. Not earth-shattering news, but something that had changed since my previous visit. What changes have you observed?

More and more fast food places! (<BR><BR>It's a pitty. A lot of truly nice and typical restaurants seem to be turned into self-service/fast food places.

Many villages in remote places are abandoned now, schools are closed and churches and chappels once full of life are turning into ruins...<BR><BR>it is hard living middle of nowhere without facilities everyone has in urban areas, governments don't do much about it.<BR><BR>Tourism is seen by many people as the answer, I think it will be only a (very) small part of the answer...<BR><BR>We all need to look back at our origins.

The rue de Seine between Blvd St. Germain and rue de Buci. The cheese market, the wine market, some of the outdoor food stands--gone! Replaced by upscale dress shop, Italian restaurant, a jewelry shop, and Paul's. For me, this change is not welcome.

Parisienne: Just hope they will leave "La Palette".

<BR>I fear that in twenty years a lot of the charm will be Americanized. Fast food will be the norm and you will notice many more obese people throughout Europe. Walmart may take hold and destroy once charming high streests (isn't it happening in England now?). Go now while you can!

I'd say visit Fodors Europe now, before Eddie and Voyeur demolish it with their home grown logic. If they're going to say so little, they ought to find a briefer way to do it. Just too, too boring, tedioso.