I had heard some stories of public restrooms in Europe and that it will cost you anywhere from 50 cents to 1 Euro, but nothing wil beat first hand experience! I have been fortunate to have timed nature's calls at the hotel or place where we're grabbing a bite to eat, but about the third day I had to use the bathroom before getting on the Metro. Located it easy enough. 50 cents Euro, exact change only. Since it was occupied, the gentleman waiting for his friend inside, spoke English so we chatted while we waited. A few seconds later a loud alarm, similar to one alerting us to a national disaster, sounded off! A large yellow light above the restroom door also starts flashing. The large, primitive looking steel door quickly opened. Let's just say, the guy inside was not quite done! His friend turned to me and said, "Oh, by the way, you are timed! It's five minutes." "Good Luck!" OMG! After all, how bad do I really need to go?!
I decided to bite the bullet and give this adventure a try. In went my 50 cents Euro and the large steel door slid open. OK, now I see how I will be spending most of my five minutes! The toilet paper is conveniently located above one's head (well mine anyway, being vertically challenged). To get some toilet paper you push a black button. Out comes about three inches at a time. So you need to push it again. And again, and again. . . Smart fore thought would be to accomplish all this before sitting down! I began to wonder who really designed these babies?! Fortunately for me my timer did not run out! Safe, and ready for the Metro ride home. I decided to pass it on and wished the person waiting good luck. Also gave a bit of advice on the paper strategy.
Since that day I have found better equipped facilities. But they're pricier: 1 Euro. But the beauty is that you can take your sweet time!!
Sometimes, new countries are such a learning curve! Just have to take it in stride!
Buona sera!
Map of Austria
Road Trip!!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
First Rome Experiences and Other Funny Stories!
I arrived safely in Rome and I was ready to soak it all in! As a lover of history, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some spectacular points of interest. And as an American I wanted to try to fit in with the locals, so I did lots of observation to make sure I got it down right!
One of the first things to learn was how to cross the street! Traffic in Rome makes downtown Chicago look like a lazy Sunday afternoon! Cars zipping along through winding roads. And there are usually several lanes of traffic each way. Now there are quite a few cross walks with traffic lights, but many times there is just a cross walk and one is suppose to just start walking across and hope for the best. Kind of daunting! I stood safely on the sidewalk and observed to make sure I got it down! I decided the first day to closely follow on the heels of any man in a business suit carrying a brief case. They looked important, and there are many of them going every which way. Seemed safer at the time!
On day two I decided to venture out to catch the main historical highlights of Central Rome. I even became familiar with the Metro system. (More on that later.) My adventure turned into a twelve hour walk throughout the city! I will post pictures to share with you. Much Advil and several glasses of wine were necessary for recovery afterward. But I had so much fun!
Day two also had some interaction with the Italian Police! Not only once, but twice! Boy, they are pretty strict by the book kind of guys! LOL! The first time was in the early afternoon. I was already at the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuel II, one of the most beautiful historic monuments erected for a king. My earlier plan to have lunch there was changed when I saw the signs for no eating, smoking, or sitting at the monument. At the top there is an eternal flame, and a memorial wreath. On each side of the memorial is an armed guard standing at his post. So I found a tiny bit of shade under one of the statues to figure out plan B. Maybe have lunch across the street at the park? Having the sandwich I packed and water may give me the energy I need to head to the Colosseo next. In the distance, I heard whistle blowing as I was checking my handy map. This sound became louder and the shrill soon was piercing my ears. The Italian policeman was right next to me yelling in broken English: "No leaning on the monument!" "Stand up straight!" Evidently I had rested back against the monument to take the pressure off my back. Did this guy know I had been walking for four hours and it was getting very hot out?! He left as quickly as he came. Now he was after someone who was sitting on the stairs! Scared me a little, since I am one that always follows the rules. Wow! Time for lunch.
After the Colosseo and Arco di Costatino, I took the Metro to the other side of town. I was headed to the Piazza del Popolo and eventually my first glimpse of the Tiber River! Check out those photos as well! In a very round about way of eventually getting back to the hotel I decided to cross the river at one of the bridges and check out the Castel Sant' Angelo. It was here were I had my second encounter with the Italian Police.
Photos are allowed in the outside areas of this beautiful Building. Definately the oldest structure I have been in since it was built in 25AD to be a final resting place for Roman Emperors. Later, after expansion, it was used by various Popes as housing. Currently there are some wonderful art exhibits in the very center of the Castel.
After checking those I was outside checking the etching above a doorway. It was a tomb entrance of one of the first Popes. The public may enter to check it out. (I am sure they have moved him somewhere else.) I stood at the entrance, trying to get the perfect shot of the interior of the tomb. It was quite dark, so I adjusted my camera. I took another look through the viewfinder before pushing the shutter. A hand came into my field of vision! Scared the daylights out of me! Another Italian Policeman quietly came up from behind me. "Madame, absolutely no photos allowed!" I apologized, and worked at breathing once again.
After eleven hours of walking the streets of Rome, I had dinner at a wonderful restaurant at the Piazza Risorimento. They have wonderful pizza made in a wood oven and the best Tuscan wine that I've had to date! I reflected on the day's experiences and relaxed in the shade. I treated myself to a wonderful Italian dessert which was more expensive than my entree! Picture of that as well!
Più tardi!!
One of the first things to learn was how to cross the street! Traffic in Rome makes downtown Chicago look like a lazy Sunday afternoon! Cars zipping along through winding roads. And there are usually several lanes of traffic each way. Now there are quite a few cross walks with traffic lights, but many times there is just a cross walk and one is suppose to just start walking across and hope for the best. Kind of daunting! I stood safely on the sidewalk and observed to make sure I got it down! I decided the first day to closely follow on the heels of any man in a business suit carrying a brief case. They looked important, and there are many of them going every which way. Seemed safer at the time!
On day two I decided to venture out to catch the main historical highlights of Central Rome. I even became familiar with the Metro system. (More on that later.) My adventure turned into a twelve hour walk throughout the city! I will post pictures to share with you. Much Advil and several glasses of wine were necessary for recovery afterward. But I had so much fun!
Day two also had some interaction with the Italian Police! Not only once, but twice! Boy, they are pretty strict by the book kind of guys! LOL! The first time was in the early afternoon. I was already at the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuel II, one of the most beautiful historic monuments erected for a king. My earlier plan to have lunch there was changed when I saw the signs for no eating, smoking, or sitting at the monument. At the top there is an eternal flame, and a memorial wreath. On each side of the memorial is an armed guard standing at his post. So I found a tiny bit of shade under one of the statues to figure out plan B. Maybe have lunch across the street at the park? Having the sandwich I packed and water may give me the energy I need to head to the Colosseo next. In the distance, I heard whistle blowing as I was checking my handy map. This sound became louder and the shrill soon was piercing my ears. The Italian policeman was right next to me yelling in broken English: "No leaning on the monument!" "Stand up straight!" Evidently I had rested back against the monument to take the pressure off my back. Did this guy know I had been walking for four hours and it was getting very hot out?! He left as quickly as he came. Now he was after someone who was sitting on the stairs! Scared me a little, since I am one that always follows the rules. Wow! Time for lunch.
After the Colosseo and Arco di Costatino, I took the Metro to the other side of town. I was headed to the Piazza del Popolo and eventually my first glimpse of the Tiber River! Check out those photos as well! In a very round about way of eventually getting back to the hotel I decided to cross the river at one of the bridges and check out the Castel Sant' Angelo. It was here were I had my second encounter with the Italian Police.
Photos are allowed in the outside areas of this beautiful Building. Definately the oldest structure I have been in since it was built in 25AD to be a final resting place for Roman Emperors. Later, after expansion, it was used by various Popes as housing. Currently there are some wonderful art exhibits in the very center of the Castel.
After checking those I was outside checking the etching above a doorway. It was a tomb entrance of one of the first Popes. The public may enter to check it out. (I am sure they have moved him somewhere else.) I stood at the entrance, trying to get the perfect shot of the interior of the tomb. It was quite dark, so I adjusted my camera. I took another look through the viewfinder before pushing the shutter. A hand came into my field of vision! Scared the daylights out of me! Another Italian Policeman quietly came up from behind me. "Madame, absolutely no photos allowed!" I apologized, and worked at breathing once again.
After eleven hours of walking the streets of Rome, I had dinner at a wonderful restaurant at the Piazza Risorimento. They have wonderful pizza made in a wood oven and the best Tuscan wine that I've had to date! I reflected on the day's experiences and relaxed in the shade. I treated myself to a wonderful Italian dessert which was more expensive than my entree! Picture of that as well!
Più tardi!!
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