Saturday, July 25, 2009

European Sophistication

One note from my trip to Europe. I found it interesting that behavior that here is taken as evidence of European sophistication are, there, simple nessecity.

For example, bottled water. In America, where running water is mostly drinkable, drinking European bottled water is a sign of sophistication. In Europe, where the running water is generally not drinkable, it is a practical necessity.

Similarly, transport via small cars and bicycles. Here, where streets have been built for cars, they are a symbol of energy-, or environmental-, consciousness. In Europe, the streets, often built hundreds of years ago for narrower transport, ill fit cars, driving small cars or bicycles is a practical necessity.

2 comments:

  1. Are you kidding? Running water is drinkable in every place here in Europe.

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  2. "Every place" appears an over-statement. We were told by italian waiters that tap water was unsafe and we best order bottled water. Serves us right for trusting them!

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