Tales of Europe #1

As someone who has to plan even the shortest outing around the ease of access to a toilet, I can quite safely say that I have no qualms about a short trip into the bushes at the roadside and the call of nature can be answered by a brief scan of the environment for snakes, scorpions or ants' nests. However, the densely crowded cities of Europe provide sparse access to suitable vegetation and you are forced to use public facilities.  Being used to the freely available toilets at every garage, shopping mall and restaurant in South Africa, it was surprising to find that you had to pay for using public conveniences in Europe. How can they be convenient if you don't have 1 euro on you?
    Suddenly there is nothing more important to you than getting into that toilet. As you dig frantically in every pocket for coins, you break out in a light sweat. Perhaps you can get rid of it that way?  No. The deepest recesses of that huge tote bag you thought would be so useful could hold the kitchen sink, but no small change. Suddenly the rose bushes outside the toilets seem quite enticing. But no again. Too many people around.
    The lady taking the money seems unmoved by your agitation or attempts to ask for change as you hand over 2 euros. A R25 piddle. It costs more to get rid of it than to drink the water in the first place.
    So if you see people lurking in rose bushes and behind tree trunks in Europe, don't be alarmed.  They aren't about to mug you. They're tourists carrying Cash Passports and credit cards, not loose change.