Wednesday March 04, 2009

On the continent...

I thought after several years observations having had holidays on the continent I would discuss the differences between Europe and blighty (The UK). First of all the bad stuff....

Cars. Because of the narrow streets and shall we say erratic driving most cars have accident signature(s) on them. Except Police cars for some reason...

Horns. European driving requires ample use of the cars horn. So much so that car makers when they hand out guarantees for new cars exclude the cars horn in any warranty

Two stroke engine fumes. These come from the scooters and other two wheeled vehicles that wizz around the streets causing ear splitting noise pollution as well.

Toilets. The ones in the UK are not brilliant but it has to be said my experience of toilets in Europe is worse. When in Italy recently no public toilet had a seat at all. Is someone a toilet seat maniac and is stealing them all ? How could you smuggle out a toilet seat from a bar ? Also what is with that toilet looking other porcelain bowl in the bathroom - what is that used for ?

Now we have got the bad stuff out of the way lets discuss the good things..

Street squares or Piazza's. These are wonderful places. They provide a rest for weary walkers with cafes where you can sit down and take a break and people watch. In the evening very often they are places where people gather and meet and talk to each other. Kids play in safety.

Paying the bill. Often when you go to a bar you pay when you are ready to go. You can often be sat outside and the proprietor will trust you to pay before you go. Amazing.

Sunglasses. I think it is so cool as soon as the sun appears even in winter our European cousins don their sunglasses. They also manage to wear them on the tops of their heads and they never fall off. I am also sure Europeans are cold blooded. As soon as the sun shines very often they will stretch out in the sun soaking up its rays - again even in winter.

Cobbled streets. Very often old towns will still have their cobbles showing. In the UK most have been tarmaced over. They add character to the place and slow cars down as they are like a medieval rumble strip.

Rustic buildings. Very often the old buildings will have chips out of them, cracks, peeling exteriors. Like the cobbles they make the place seem lived in and full of character.

No sink taps. In public toilets the sink will have a foot pedal. Two good things about this. One it is hygenically a good idea. Second you don't end up with taps being left on wasting water.

Food. The tomatoes and other fruit and vegetables are fresh. They have not been transported miles and or were taken from the farm when they were green and ripened over a prolonged journey across continents. It means food like pizzas and salads are divine.

Language. It seems amazing that so many languages sprung up on the continent. Countries that butt up to each other created their own language. Some like Belgium chose to use one or more existing language. It is so nice to hear different languages even if you can't understand a word that is being said.

Driving on the right side of the road. I hate to admit it but once you get used to it driving on the right hand side of the road seems better - I can't explain why but I am sure there has been studies on this and those studies indicated it was better to do so. Also the UK are in the minority driving on the left.

The Euro. Ok it was a joke when it came out but who is laughing now with the pound almost at equality with the Euro.

Siestas. Great idea. When it is boiling hot who wants to be working? Have a midday sleep and come back when it is cooler. I often have a nap during the weekends and feel rested afterwards.

Shops. It is great to see on the continent they have managed to keep the local shops and have the large supermarkets alongside. Both seem to be doing well. It keeps the centre of towns vibrant and alive with activity.