The European Restroom Experience: Anxiety Unleashed!
There is one part traveling abroad that snaps me out of my reverie whenever it crosses my mind...
Hey there, fellow adventurers! Are you ready to embark on the anxiety-producing side of the European travel thrill ride? Today, we're daring to dive into the mesmerizing world of European restrooms. If you are planning a European trip and have never had the pleasure before, get prepared to experience a strange travel memory journey like no other!
If you like to be prepared for things on your trip, this is one aspect that you’ll want to discover ahead of time and accept. Brace yourself for an adventure that will undoubtedly make your heart race faster than ever before.
Unmasking the European Restroom Experience:
Functionality is Relative:
In certain European cultures, there is a strong emphasis on maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, especially in public spaces like bathrooms. This can sometimes result in a cultural preference for not touching any surfaces in the bathroom, driven by the desire to minimize contact with potential sources of germs. This value for hygiene might lead to designs and practices that prioritize touchless technologies - or ancient touchless designs - even if it means sacrificing a certain level of comfort for the sake of maintaining a clean and germ-free environment.
Be Wary of the Gender Signs:
Forget the universally recognized "Men" and "Women" signs. European restrooms are known for their creative, abstract symbols. Get ready to question reality as you navigate these gender identity puzzles.
The Alluring Mystery of Pay-To-Pee:
Unravel the phenomenon of having to pay for using the restroom. If you’re not ready for it, this unexpected twist can induce anxiety and become an unforgettable memory of your European travels.
Intimate Encounters:
The No-Lock Dilemma - Prepare to feel your heartbeat rise as you stumble upon one of the notoriously non-locking European restrooms. An encounter with this unnerving reality leaves many feeling both vulnerable and anxious.
Coping Strategies and Tips:
Work the quads before you leave for your trip - seriously
Always bring your own TP
Keep Euro coins in your pockets at all times, in denominations of 50 cents and 1 Euro
Give yourself plenty of time to figure it out everywhere you go - leave time to find it, leave time to get into it, leave time to figure out how to use it, and leave enough time to get yourself back together afterward.
Disclaimer: The aim of this post is to entertain and share experiences. Everyone's viewpoints and reactions may vary when it comes to restroom-related anxiety.
