Paris is my most favorite city in Europe. Grand boulevards, boutiques and outdoor cafés, lavish monuments, essential museums and, of course, romance. The home of the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower, and Quasimodo’s cathedral, Paris is a destination in itself, giving the traveler weeks of tourist options.
I was in Paris in April 2019, just a few days after the fire that destroyed the Cathedral Notre Dame. Gone was the jovial mood that, at any other time, would be in the hearts and minds of locals and tourists. It was replaced by shock and a sense of dread. The entire east end of the Île de la Cité, the island upon which the Notre Dame sits, was barricaded and impossible to traverse. Any other time, I would be leading my tour group around the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, and the surrounding area showing and explaining the sites. But this day, I became a tourist too. Rounding the corner out of a narrow pedestrian lane onto Rue Saint-Jacques, I had an unobstructed view of the burnt-out cathedral. My heart sank as my jaw dropped in awe! And it wasn’t just me, this was the look and feel of everyone on the street.
Now its been almost a year since the fire, and although there is progress, it progresses painfully slow. Recently, I watched a France 24 video giving a rare look inside the cathedral. The nave has been cleared, the flying buttresses supported by scaffolding, old stones and artifacts collected and cataloged, and debris removed from the interior. There is still no roof, and the interior is left open to the elements of nature. However, I suspect this has become a part of the everyday life of Paris. There is no telling how many more years or decades it will take to bring the restoration along enough to allow worshippers and visitors back in the old building.
Even without the cathedral, Paris has a lot to offer in and around the Île del la Citè. Whether you’re heading here for the first time or the twentieth, you’ll always find something new and exciting. Dive into its ambiance and become an explorer! A visit to neighborhoods such as the Marais, Montparnasse, Rue Cler, St-Germain or Montmartre will give new insights to the cultural diversity as well as a peek into the everyday life of Parisians.
But you may ask why with all the destinations that I’ve been to in Europe, why I chose Paris as my favorite city. Well, it isn’t easy, but I guess the first thing that comes to mind is that Paris is composed of a bunch of neighborhoods where I can get out and get away from the tourist hubbub. Yes, you’ve got to see and experience the big sights and attractions I’ve mentioned above, but there is much more to experience than another museum or another church.
One such destination to get away from it all is the Canal Saint-Martin, a canal built in the early 1800s to help supply Paris with building materials, grain, and other essential items. It is one of several canals in Paris that, after meandering through the city, empties into the Seine. I spent a morning here a few years ago, just walking up one side and back down the other. On my walk, I saw kids enjoying floating boats, balls, and leaves in the water, moms pushing buggies with babies out for a stroll, charming canal-side cafes, and bistros, and nightclubs that, although dead at this time of day, were bound to bring in the crowds late in the evening. It was so peaceful… no honking horns, traffic jams, or tourist crowds.
I also enjoy walking the neighborhoods around the Eiffel Tower, Champ du Mars, and Pont de l’Alma. Here, sandwiched between Rue Saint Dominique and the Seine are cozy 18th-century neighborhoods that are loaded with the real people of Paris. Some years back, I read Julia Child’s biography, where she speaks affectionately about living in a small upper-story apartment on Rue de l’ Université. I’ve often walked this street honing in on the specific building and wonder what’s going on in that apartment now.
Finally, at least for this article, Paris is a wonderful destination for dining. It doesn’t matter if you want a picnic on the banks of the Seine, a quick coffee and croissant for breakfast, or a full-blown dinner, there is no better place than here. On a recent trip, I’ve enjoyed dining at Constant Café on Rue Saint-Dominique. Owned by a locally famous chef who has several high-end restaurants on the same street, Constant Café is approachable and unpretentious. There is a small bar and a few tables on the ground floor. A steep stairway leads to a 1st-floor dining area that is always loaded with people. The menu varies and is rather small, but the food is perfectly Parisian, affordable, and yummy.
So, go Climb the Eiffel Tower, stroll the Champs Élysées, marvel at the architecture, see the grand parks or sit and enjoy the ambiance from a café window. But, whatever you do, slow down and experience Paris! It is one of the most memorable destinations in the entire world. Dig in, become a part of it, and go with the flow!
Paris, Rome, Venice, Salzburg, and Tuscany are some of the most romantic destinations in Europe! What’s not to LOVE about these cities… good food, fine wine, enticing rivers, evocative museums, enchanting gardens, all laced in a rich history and dripping with decadent ambiance. Today is Valentine’s Day, and this morning I woke up thinking about these riverside destinations and how I always manage to find something I love about being there. Of course, it is much more fun if you are there with someone you love! Charlotte and I have many cherished memories in each of these cities. In the next few days, I am going to write a post about each of these destinations, so stay tuned. But for now, why not consider taking advantage of one of these discounted tours and experience them first-hand for yourself!
The Best of London and Paris tour provides an opportunity to settle in and experience two of Europe’s major capital cities. London presents a relatively stress-free introduction with non-stops flights from North America, almost no language barrier and easy transportation. All this coupled with our comprehensive itinerary and an opportunity to experience some of the best theatre in the world makes London a perfect beginning to this tour. The EuroStar high-speed train will zip you from London to Paris in less than three hours. In Paris, we’ve included all the major tourist sights and must-see attractions, but there is also plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the experience.
The Best of London, Paris and Rome tour provides an opportunity to settle in and experience three of Europe’s major capital cities. London presents a relatively stress-free introduction with non-stops flights from North America, almost no language barrier and easy transportation. All this coupled with our comprehensive itinerary and an opportunity to experience some of the best theatre in the world makes London a perfect beginning to this tour. The EuroStar high-speed train will zip you from London to Paris in less than three hours. In Paris, we’ve included all the major tourist sights and must-see attractions, but there is also plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the experience. A quick flight down to Rome provides another cultural layer to your tour experience along with historic and religious sights.
Join a small group of 8-15 people in Italy for a fantastic holiday in Tuscany. We will set up for seven nights at the modern 21st-century agriturismo resort near Volterra, Italy. This wonderful agriturismo “villa” comes complete with all the “perks” such as modern rooms, WIFI, air conditioning, plasma TV, and a private pool. This all sits smack-dab in the middle of a hilltop vineyard with broad sweeping vistas of the Tuscan countryside.
Each day we will head out to explore the sites and experiences within driving distance. Day trips include visits to Volterra, Siena, San Gimignano, and Lucca. But one of the joys of staying in a villa is to experience la dolce vita, the sweet life of doing nothing! So, we will have chunks of unstructured time to sit by the pool, relax, walk in the countryside vineyards and enjoy your vacation. We’ve also included a night in Florence, before and after your villa vacation, to help you ease in and out of your travels.
If you’ve been to Italy and seen the sights but were frazzled with a breakneck pace… this is the next vacation experience for you! You’ll feast on fine food, taste some wonderful wine, experience charming villages and treasure packed museums. My personal friends will serve as local guides welcoming you with open arms to their hometown. If you are looking for a real vacation… consider joining me in Tuscany for this vacation experience.
We kick off this tour in the grand imperial city of Vienna, famous for castles, kings, music and cuisine. Then, you’ll have two relaxing days in Salzburg’s famous city center. A visit to Neuschwanstein Castle and nearby Reutte rounds out the fifth day of the tour. We’ll head to Switzerland for my favorite alpine village experience in the beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley. Then we will take a turn to the north and follow the Rhine River valley through the Black Forest to the cute little town of Rothenburg. Finally, visit Hitler’s first concentration camp in Dachau before capping off your tour with two days in Munich, the capital city of Bavaria.
The Best of Italy Tour visits favorite destinations situated north of Rome. Beginning in Rome, you’ll visit the essential tourist sights and classic destinations. Then, travel to the delightful villages of the Cinque Terre where you’ll enjoy two days exploring this coastal region where the mountains literally fall into the sea. Volterra, my choice for the quintessential Tuscan hilltown, is sure to win you over to the “la dolce vita” lifestyle. Siena adds another layer to the complete Tuscan experience with its famous Il Campo and Duomo. Florence, the “cradle of the Renaissance,” will have you walking in the steps of Michelangelo, DaVinci, and the Medici’s. Venice, the romantic canal laced city, rounds out the big three tourist sites. Finally, we will cap off the tour relaxing on beautiful Lake Como in addition to taking a quick look at Milan’s bustling city center.
Rome – 2 nights, Cinque Terre – 2 nights, Volterra – 2 nights, Siena – 1 night, Florence – 2 nights, Venice – 2 nights, Lake Como – 2 nights, and Milan – 1 night
Sign up for any of these tours online and pay your $400 deposit. When we confirm your application, we’ll deduct the discount from your final invoice.
The Munich Airport’s (MUC) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are linked by a big outdoor covered square, which during December, is turned into a traditional Christmas Market. “Christmas” in German is Weihnachts and market is markt. This adds an extra layer of festive fun to the already customer-friendly airport center.
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Last night was Friday, and the market was filled! Travelers, pulling suitcases, mixed with hundreds of locals out for a night the town. A Christmas market brings everyone together for a common cause… bundle up, visit with friends, get some authentic German “carney” food, have a drink, and enjoy the festive evening.
There are many locations in Europe where I often say, “You can’t do this in Middleburg,” my little hometown in Florida. Especially during the holiday season, we at home tend to get caught up in the hustle and bustle about shopping for relatives, attending Christmas parties, and going through the motions of the holiday, without slowing down an enjoying the experience.
The folks I encountered last night in the market were there to relax, slow down, shop, and enjoy visiting with friends. Stopping for a snack, Charlotte and I were standing at an outdoor table with people we did not know, yet we all had a good experience there together. There were a couple of young ladies at the next table with two Yorkie dogs tethered to the wrists. The dogs loved it! Perfect beggers and fierce to bark when challenged!
We are traveling around several Austria and Bavaria town this coming week, and I hope you will check in here often to see what’s going on in my world.
Fröhliche Weihnachten!
If you found this article informative, please share it with your friends, family, coworkers, and associates. If you have something to add, just leave a comment in the box below.
Do you want to learn more about traveling to Europe? There is a wealth of information and special discount pricing on my tours at https://davidmcguffin.com/.
David McGuffin is Founder and CEO of David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe, Inc., based in Middleburg, Florida. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+,LinkedIn and YouTube. David spends his time in Europe organizing and leading small group and independent tours to European destinations. In business since 2001, David has provided exceptional travel opportunities to several thousand satisfied customers. You can find out more about David and his European tours at his website, https://davidmcguffin.com.
We arrived at the MUC Munich Airport this morning, and by 8:00, we were through passport contral and customs. Charlotte and I are here to lead tours visiting the Christmas Markets in Salzburg, Nürnberg, Rothenburg, and Munich.
After checking into the Hilton Hotel Munich Airport, we slept off the jet-lag, freshened up, and visited the airport Weihnachts (Christmas) Market.
This market is under the enormous glass-covered outdoor square located between Terminals 1 and 2. Known as the MAC (Munich Airport Centre), this square is always bustling with activity any time of year, but at Christmas, it is most delightful.
There are many wooden stalls staffed with vendors selling winter clothing, ornaments, hand-made wooden crafts, and all sorts of items perfect for gifting.
Here is our snack – flatbread with veg and salmon and hot mulled Glüwein.
On Monday evening, a major fire erupted in the attic of Notre Dame. It blazed for 10 hours, fueled by the Cathedral’s wooden frame. Tourists the world over have shared their memories of visiting Notre Dame and lamented the damage to this jewel at the heart of Paris. But the 800-year-old cathedral still stands, and there is much to be hopeful and thankful for. Find out more about the history of Notre Dame, Monday’s tragedy and the future of this iconic monument.
Un Peu d’Histoire
Notre Dame has dominated the banks of the Seine for over 850 years, standing on the Ile-de-la-Cité. The first stone was laid by Pope Alexander III in 1163, and it would take about 100 years before the Cathedral was complete. It is a textbook example of Gothic architectural style, decorated with numerous stained-glass windows, ornate statuary, flying buttresses, soaring spires and finely detailed carvings. It is no wonder that for many this is considered France’s most famous church.
A Previous Narrow Escape
It is only thanks to Victor Hugo that the Cathedral still stands today. He wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame in an effort to save the monument, which was in severe disrepair and falling apart. There were talks of demolishing it to build a mall, but the book was so popular that people began to call for its renovation instead, hoping to find traces of Quasimodo and Esmeralda within its walls. As a result, in the nineteenth century, the Cathedral underwent a massive restoration effort. A new spire was added (to replace the 13th-spire that had been destroyed during the French Revolution), and a number of statues were repaired (their heads had been removed by angry revolutionaries). New stained-glass windows were added and others were enlarged.
The Fire Rages
Shortly before the Cathedral closed on Monday, the fire alarm went off and worshipers were ushered out of the building, but no fire was detected. Twenty minutes later when a second alarm sounded, the fire was already spreading out of control. It was located in “the Forest”, the Cathedral’s wooden frame which separates the ceiling and the roof. Most of the beams dated back to the 12th century and provided dry kindling for the fire. In a matter of minutes, the entire frame inside the 750-ton spire had caught fire and could no longer hold the weight, sending it crashing into the Cathedral below. Within a few hours, the entire roof was ablaze. Nearly 500 firefighters worked tirelessly through the night and were finally able to fully extinguish the fire by 10 AM the next morning.
The fire spread incredibly quickly, fueled by a cross work of 1,300 wooden beams. The oak trees used in the construction of the Forest covered 21 hectares. Although firefighters arrived on site within 10 minutes, it took longer for some of the larger trucks and machinery to navigate the narrow Parisian streets, as Notre Dame sits in the oldest part of Paris. There were no modern firewalls or sprinkler systems in place so as not to alter the original frame, a controversial decision that will no doubt be reviewed in the wake of this tragedy. As a result, the fire spread throughout the 100-meter long attic unimpeded. It was also impossible to dump water from the sky because of the fragile nature of the stone structure below the roof.
A Race to Save Priceless Artifacts
The firefighters of Paris train for these situations. In fact, they had conducted two drills at Notre Dame just last year. So they were able to leap into action right away to save many of the precious artifacts within. They formed a chain of 100 people, led by the fire department’s chaplain, to recover as many pieces as they could. Thanks to their heroic efforts, many priceless items were saved from destruction, including the crown of thorns.
Inspectors have still not been able to enter the unstable building, but they suspect the fire was caused by an accident related to the restoration work that was being done on site. Experts are still working to secure the structural integrity of the building, and a number of statues have been removed to lessen the weight.
A Close Call
When it became clear that the fire might spread to the bell towers, firefighters entered the building at great personal risk to fight the fire from within. If the largest bell, Emmanuelle, had crashed through the stone of the bell tower, it would have had a domino effect on the entire Cathedral. According to the Deputy Minister of the Interior, firefighters had a window of only 30 minutes to prevent that catastrophe. They also fought to keep the flames away from the north rose window, which contains original stained-glass from the 13th century.
Damaged but Defiant
The fire on the roof looked horrific and many people feared the worst, but the ceiling remained mostly intact and the interior was protected from the worst of the blaze.
Many of the relics stored within the Cathedral were saved by firemen, including the crown of thorns and the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle.
Several paintings have been sent to the Louvre to be treated for smoke damage.
Just days before the fire, the 16 bronze statues on the spire had been removed as part of the restoration efforts.
All three rose windows survived, although the lead that holds the glass in place may need to be redone after suffering such intense heat.
The 15th-century organ was spared by the flames but may have taken some water damage.
The gold cross and statues surrounding the altar appear relatively untouched.
The bells and bell towers remain intact.
Three beehives sheltering 180,000 bees located on the roof survived. The bees were only put to sleep by the smoke!
Looking to the Future
President Macron has called for Notre Dame to be restored within five years, and approximately 1 billion euros have already been donated to that cause by large and small donors around the world. In the meantime, the Mayor of Paris has approved plans to build a temporary wooden cathedral on the esplanade in front of Notre Dame where its congregation can meet until it reopens.
When traveling for the first time, the cultural differences can catch you off guard. If you’ve done your research, you’ve probably heard of the big ones, like differences in tipping customs, for example. But the little things that you never expected to be different can really leave you at a loss. From sinks that are operated with foot pedals to toilets with fancy controls, a trip to the bathroom can be the most unexpected “tourist trap”. Here are some tips to navigating toilets, tubs and showers, and bidets abroad.
TOILETS
Public Toilets
For clarity’s sake let’s define a public toilet as any toilet outside a private home or your hotel room. Public toilets vary greatly from country to country in Europe. I’ll try to break it down by toilet type, starting with the best and moving to the worst.
Highway Rest Stops
These are usually the cleanest facilities you’ll find anywhere. Normally highway restaurants are spaced every 100 km or so along major four-laned limited-access highways. In France and Italy, you’ll be expected to give a tip or even pay an entrance fee to use these toilets. The usual cost is fifty euro-cents to one euro per person, so be prepared to have a few euro coins available. In Germany and Austria, you’ll be expected to pay an “admission” fee of a euro or so to enter the toilet area. Upon entering you’ll receive a ticket, be sure to keep it because it can be turned in at the cash register in the store or restaurant for a credit against items purchased.
Toilet facilities can vary widely in restaurants and my general rule is to stay out of them if you can. Most restaurants, especially in towns and cities, are located in century-old buildings which were not originally built with toilets in mind. Consequently, they have been retrofitted with bathrooms that range from disgusting to adequate. The toilets can be especially lousy in restaurants found in France and Italy where they are usually located in a basement or cellar. The worst toilets date from the early 20th century and are basically a simple hole in the floor with a foot rest on either side. Simply step up, aim, go, and drip dry. Others can be a bit more user friendly initially, but flushing can become a problem. The best solution is to look up for something to pull, look down for some to push, or look around for something to lift up or push down. Of course there are clean and modern toilets too, but you’ll need no help with those. Unless it is one of those fully automatic models, in which case you’ll need to move quickly!
Step right up and go!
Amsterdam
In Amsterdam there are public urinals unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Imagine a pristine canal-side scene: swans floating serenely, bikes cluttering bridges, little boats floating by with couples in love, pastel classical buildings lining the lovely canals, and you’ve got a front row view from the public “pissor”! These public urinals date back a hundred years to the age of art nouveau and the turn of the 20th century. I can’t imagine turn-of-the-century gentlemen needing to go so badly that these things just had to be out canal-side, but who knows? Keep in mind, this description is for real! In Amsterdam (and in Brussels too, I’ve been told) there are public urinals for men. These urinals, known as “pissors” are constructed of thin sheet metal, painted green in color, and divided from the ground up into thirds. The lower third is uncovered and exposes the subject’s (a.k.a. the pisser’s) legs up to the knee. The middle third is constructed of thin, but solid sheet metal covering the “pisser” from the knees to the waist. The final third of the “pissor” is made of sheet metal with small cut-outs in a “plus-sign” design to enable the “pisser” to look out (and the passersby to look in). What a concept! Now for you guys, let me explain what’s going on inside—other than peeing that is. Basically, you walk into this “nautilus” shaped contraption. Once to the center you encounter a flat piece of steel, on which you are to pee, and below is a simple hole in the ground. So while you are standing there doing your business, your pee is splashing all over you, but you’ve got a grand view of all of Amsterdam! There is nothing like it. Try it once just for the thrill!
Automated Toilets
These public toilets are usually found in big cities in France or Belgium and cost about a euro to use. The entire toilet complex is a kiosk which is normally clean and pretty sterile. Here’s how to use these toilets: look at the control panel beside the door; determine if the toilet is occupied or vacant; once vacant press the button and enter; do your business; exit the toilet kiosk. Once you exit, the kiosk will go into self-cleaning mode and spray water, cleaner, and disinfectant all over the interior. Then the entire interior is blown nice and dry. Once the cleaning cycle is completed, the outside door panel will display that the toilet is ready for another customer.
Tubs and Showers
Bathing is necessary and we tend to take it seriously. I mean, how many of you go more than a day without a bath or shower? Well that’s a whole different story in Europe, where daily bathing has just come into vogue in the past few decades. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood on crowded subways or buses and been stifled by body odor. So… it’s no wonder that not much thought goes into planning European bath and shower facilities. Today, most newly constructed two-star hotels in Europe have private baths locate en-suite. Most all three-star hotels (old and new) have private baths en-suite. This simply means that sometime in the past ten years, a hotel owner has taken an already small room with no bath or toilet facilities and added an even smaller room with a sink, toilet and tub or shower. But for American travelers, those en-suite facilities are essential. So, here is my “run down” on bathing in each country.
I travel in Europe over 100 days a year sleeping in a different hotel, guesthouse or B&B every other night. It is interesting to note that there is absolutely no standardization in shower and tub water controls. On a recent tour in Scotland and Wales, my travel partners and I had a laugh each morning when we discussed what type of water controls we encountered the night before. Twelve nights and twelve totally different faucets and controls!
Italy
Just last week I was checking out some hotels in Italy and ran across a bathroom that had a sink and toilet, then on the same level there was a curtain dividing the shower area. Now having the shower on the same level as the rest of the room is common for Italy. I often laugh because in an Italian bathroom, it is possible to use the toilet, brush your teeth, and take a shower all at the same time. Well this particular “shower area” had a bidet sticking precariously out from underneath the shower curtain too. Talk about multitasking!
France
Bathrooms are generally small in France. As with Italy, many of the hotels have retro-fitted bathrooms into already small bedrooms. Most often you’ll find a shower, sink, toilet and bidet. Newer hotels come equipped with modern showers and sometimes even tubs.
Spain
Think of Italy without bidets.
Germany and Austria
Bidets are not common here and you’ll also find a better selection of tubs. In many of the larger cities that were destroyed during WWII, you’ll find relatively new and modern hotels featuring bathrooms similar to those back home.
UK
Like France, many of the UK’s hotels are older properties dating from a time when en-suite baths were not common. You’ll find city center hotels similar to those in France. The UK is loaded with B&B’s. These are often private homes located in rural areas that the owners have opened to rent out a room and serve breakfast. These offer a great value and usually come with up-to-date bath facilities. Although it is still common to find “bathrooms-down-the-hall” in B&B’s, it is usually well publicized so you won’t be caught off guard.
Ireland
Here you’ll find mostly up-to-date hotels and B&B’s. Yes, there are exception, so be sure to look at the sales literature or website before booking.
Now certainly there are exceptions to every rule. Every country mentioned sports fancy four- and five-star hotels with huge rooms, marbled baths and air conditioning. You’ll pay extra for this style, but for some it is worth it.
BIDETS
Most of us Americans get a kick out of an encounter with a bidet. To many, it’s often intriguing, entertaining, funny, or even sexy in an odd sort of way. But in many parts of the world, it’s a normal fixture in the bathroom. In French, bidet comes from the word for “pony.” How appropriate, because you ride a bidet much like you would a pony. That is… straddling it.I take a lot of Americans around Europe and believe me, I’ve heard lots of “bidet” stories. Here are some ways in which my tour members have utilized the bidets in their hotel rooms:
a foot washer
a water fountain
a urinal
a place to shave one’s legs
an object for playing “Truth and Dare”
a replacement for bathing
a laundry
a dishwasher
a cooler for beer and wine
Bidets originated in France several centuries ago as a means to wash after using the toilet, after having sex, or even after a day at the office. In short, its purpose is to maintain clean personal hygiene without taking a full shower or bath. So, now you know why lots of Europeans think they are clean when their pits smell to high heaven!
How to use a Bidet
Test the water controls before getting on! Some bidets have high pressure jets that squirt up to the ceiling if turned fully on. Others have a faucet similar to a sink. Some have hot and cold water valves while others have just one water valve. The point here is to SLOWLY test out all the knobs, valves, and controls before getting on.
If you are wearing pants, you have got to take them off! Otherwise hike up your skirt or dress. Then straddle the bidet, facing the wall, so you’ll have full control of the knobs, controls, and valves. Then, by positioning yourself and the faucet, direct the water to the area you want to clean. It’s ok to use soap and your hands. Some people prefer to face away from the wall and manipulate the controls in a contorted manner. I ran across this hilarious video on YouTube that shows you how to do it from a Spaniard’s perspective. Check it out:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cunTYbi9yM
Once finished, use toilet paper to dry off. The towels hanging by the bidet are to dry off your hands after the whole procedure. Don’t stick the towels down there to dry off, or you’ll hear it from the maids the next morning!
My Toilet Story
I was at a restaurant along the Autostrade in Italy where we’d made a stop for lunch. These restaurants are located conveniently every fifty kilometers or so along the major highways in Europe. They have great food, either from a buffet or from a selection of fresh-made sandwiches, and they offer clean bathrooms. When making a tour bus stop, the first thing everyone does is rush off the bus and head to the bathroom. These restaurants (branded as Autogrill) usually have the bathrooms downstairs which are maintained by a female attendant who keeps the bathrooms sort of spotlessly clean. This “cleanliness” usually comes with a compulsory fee of fifty to eighty euro cents per visit to the toilet, but it’s a small price to pay for a clean toilet!
Well, this particular day, the restrooms were booming with business and the lady attendant was having a tough time keeping up with collecting her “tip” and keeping the bathrooms clean. So when I went downstairs and deposited my change in her dish, I noticed the ladies’ line for the toilet was about twenty deep. There was no wait for the men’s room, which I guess you ladies will say is typical.
I walked in the men’s room and headed for the urinal which was just a ceramic tiled trough against the wall. It was “backed up” with guys “going” so I did have to wait here! While waiting, there was a commotion in the hallway. Women were speaking loudly in rapid-fire Italian, only some of which I could understand. But the general tone and message was, “We’re not waiting out here any more, let’s overtake the men’s room!” Moments later, the men’s room was invaded by several Italian women looking for an open stall. Well I had to go, and now it was my turn! So up I stepped, down with the zipper, and …uhmm you get it, right? OK, now I was ready to go, but all the confusion behind me had caused a momentary “blockage.” So there I stood doing nothing! Concentrating real hard and focusing on the wall right in front of me, I began to go… relief! Then to my horror, I felt something hitting my shoes. Had I missed? Looking down I saw a grey mop being swished back and forth between my feet, and behind me holding the handle was the lady attendant going about her business of keeping the toilets tidy!
Summary
I hope this article has given you the confidence to boldly face the bathrooms in Europe. Just remember, public toilets vary in quality. Your best bet is a highway rest stop or a fully automated toilet on the street. The more modern your hotel, the more likely you will encounter the bathing facilities you are used to in the US. Be sure to check the website before booking to ensure your hotel or B&B has private bathrooms. In some countries, the bathroom will also have a bidet, which is meant for cleaning your nether regions.
If you found this article informative, please share it with your friends, family, coworkers and associates. If you have something to add, just leave a comment in the box below. Do you want to learn more about painted sheep and traveling to Europe? There is a wealth of information and special discount pricing on my tours at https://davidmcguffin.com/.
David McGuffin is Founder and CEO of David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe, Inc., based in Middleburg, Florida. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+,LinkedIn and YouTube. David spends his time in Europe organizing and leading small group and independent tours to European destinations. In business since 2001, David has provided exceptional travel opportunities to several thousand satisfied customers. You can find out more about David and his European tours at his website, https://davidmcguffin.com.
I was in Paris in April 2019, just a few days after the fire that destroyed the Cathedral Notre Dame. Gone was the jovial mood that, at any other time, would be in the hearts and minds of locals and tourists. It was replaced by shock and a sense of dread. The entire east end of the Île de la Cité, the island upon which the Notre Dame sits, was barricaded and impossible to traverse. Any other time, I would be leading my tour group around the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, and the surrounding area showing and explaining the sites. But this day, I became a tourist too. Rounding the corner out of a narrow pedestrian lane onto Rue Saint-Jacques, I had an unobstructed view of the burnt-out cathedral. My heart sank as my jaw dropped in awe! And it wasn’t just me, this was the look and feel of everyone on the street. 
One such destination to get away from it all is the Canal Saint-Martin, a canal built in the early 1800s to help supply Paris with building materials, grain, and other essential items. It is one of several canals in Paris that, after meandering through the city, empties into the Seine. I spent a morning here a few years ago, just walking up one side and back down the other. On my walk, I saw kids enjoying floating boats, balls, and leaves in the water, moms pushing buggies with babies out for a stroll, charming canal-side cafes, and bistros, and nightclubs that, although dead at this time of day, were bound to bring in the crowds late in the evening. It was so peaceful… no honking horns, traffic jams, or tourist crowds. 
Finally, at least for this article, Paris is a wonderful destination for dining. It doesn’t matter if you want a picnic on the banks of the Seine, a quick coffee and croissant for breakfast, or a full-blown dinner, there is no better place than here. On a recent trip, I’ve enjoyed dining at Constant Café on Rue Saint-Dominique. Owned by a locally famous chef who has several high-end restaurants on the same street, Constant Café is approachable and unpretentious. There is a small bar and a few tables on the ground floor. A steep stairway leads to a 1st-floor dining area that is always loaded with people. The menu varies and is rather small, but the food is perfectly Parisian, affordable, and yummy.
The Best of London and Paris tour provides an opportunity to settle in and experience two of Europe’s major capital cities. London presents a relatively stress-free introduction with non-stops flights from North America, almost no language barrier and easy transportation. All this coupled with our comprehensive itinerary and an opportunity to experience some of the best theatre in the world makes London a perfect beginning to this tour. The EuroStar high-speed train will zip you from London to Paris in less than three hours. In Paris, we’ve included all the major tourist sights and must-see attractions, but there is also plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the experience.
The folks I encountered last night in the market were there to relax, slow down, shop, and enjoy visiting with friends. Stopping for a snack, Charlotte and I were standing at an outdoor table with people we did not know, yet we all had a good experience there together. There were a couple of young ladies at the next table with two Yorkie dogs tethered to the wrists. The dogs loved it! Perfect beggers and fierce to bark when challenged!
