Once I left England, I never could find a single drinking fountain where I could get a drink of cold water. In restaurants they still try to give diners that ancient con job of bottled water at about $2 for a pint bottle. Nowhere was a glass of cold water placed before me when I sat down to eat. Now I can understand why water in Europe was a luxury during and after the war when municipal water systems had been damaged or destroyed. Bottled water then was a must. But today? Hardly.

Pepto Bismol.

Al: <BR> <BR>The bottled water schtick is a cultural thing, not particularly founded on 'logic' at this time in history. And it goes back much, much further than WW II. (Probably to early unsafe water supplies ... but who knows and who cares?) <BR> <BR>It's no different from Americans' obsession with ice, LOTS of ice, in all that we drink. Europeans are greatly amused by our willingness to shell out a couple of dollars for a giant-sized glass of cola that is 90% ice. And many, rightfully one would argue, feel they've been ripped off for such a high price for ice they don't want. <BR> <BR>There's not necessarily any rhyme or reason to either; they just are, <BR> <BR>Ed

I had planned on buying my hair curling iron in Spain rather than take one from home - wouldn't have to worry about voltage and adaptor etc. Well...Spain has never heard of curling iron...not one in tha whole country I don't think.

Inky please don't think I am an ugly american but I really miss my skim milk. I just got back from spain and only 1 of the 4 hotels had skim milk, I was so excited (i love milk!)But alas, the story isn't over, I pour it into my glass, it was in a pitcher, drink it and it was at room temperature, I need my milk COLD! And please don't tell me to pop into a grocery store to buy milk,I know I could but I think the hotels should have it.

hi x-- some of you might find this post ridiculous but if anyone cares the vaseline in the tube was in France/the jar (looks similar to the ones in the US) was in England.

Hello to KK, <BR> <BR>Vic Vaporup is one of the most shown products in commercials here in Germany since years. You must have looked at the wrong places. <BR> <BR>Miriam

Pepto Bismal. Love to know if you have a European substitute (liquid is preferable) <BR>

Adina (and x), <BR>I bought vaseline in a tube when I lived in Portugal. It DOES exist!

In UK, soya milk is available in health food stores only.Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion is sold in most chemists' (eg Boots)

Lori <BR>For your upset tummy...we do have Pepto Bismol in the UK. Otherwise try "Gaviscon Advance" this comes as a thick liquid. Or "Asilone" also comes in liquid form. Many others but these two normally work well for people. Anything stronger is prescription only. <BR>Angela

ICE ICE ICE ICE and more ICE <BR> <BR>I can't help it. I like my beverages cold! <BR> <BR>I didn't complain about it while I was there, or try to buck the system, and I knew to expect it. But man, oh, man did that (American)Diet Coke on ice taste great on the flight back to Atlanta!