Wednesday, May 23, 2007

The Italian Myth of the Public Restroom

There is no such thing as a public restroom here. However, there are excellent clear, free flowing water fountains that give crystal clear drinking water all over town. It is ironic that these two things can combine to make a nice situation - of me really needing to use the bathroom in a city of none. I did find a bathroom in a metro stop - but it was a pay restroom. Not only that, but it was an automatic one, that cleaned itself after every 4-5 people by closing the coor and washing down everything inside with water and cleaner. The walls were metal, and the floor was a black plastic - a very interesting experience. Especially since it cost me 50 Eurocents to use it.
We went out to the Hard Rock Cafe, Rome tonight. It was an excellent little island of American culture - Hinds ketchup, Rock Music, and Hamburgers. It was a bit pricey, but the short exposure to American culture really helped, and I'm good to go for another week at least. Its suprising how hearing English spoken around you and the welcome taste of the food can make a difference.
Every church that we go to is insanely decorated on the inside. Ms. Golden said there is a term for the italian 'fear of free space', that I can't remember. The churches are awe inspiring - but it makes me appreciate the Protestant(sp?) belief in a lack of images and decoration.
Thats all for now, its time for some much needed sleep. And oh ya, I got a Google Picasa account with 1G of photo storage, so all of my pictures will be there from now on. There is a link on the right side of the page and here.
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2 comments:

TransAmFan said...

Fabulous photos - thanks for posting your link.

Jimi Hendrix and Elvis stained glass in ROME???? How bizarre.

Nancy Smith

TransAmFan said...

Of course, the Jimi/Elvis stained glass is not nearly as bizarre as your story about the self-cleaning restroom. That's a new one. Ya'll better learn to pace yourself on the wine and water, huh? :)