I am sitting in a beauty salon in Piacenza Italy waiting for Beth to get her hair styled. Now this may not seem so bad but let me tell you it is something I would never have done at home. Travel reconfigures your priorities and preferences. Like using toilets with no seats. At first I was a bit put off by this but when nature calls I answer. Actually I have had several really nice moments, or should I say movements. The cool porcelain is quite nice. When I get home I am removing all  the toilet seats.

Speaking of clean that is one of the other things that marks the passage of time when on the road. That's the clean and grungy cycle. It is amazing how dirty things are out here in the world. Sticky banisters, just about every surface in the Metros grimy, quaint cobbled alley-like streets in ancient cities punctuated with puke and smelling of pee.  On top of that wearing the same clothes for 3 or 4 days running all makes the allure of a good shower right up there with sex.

It is amazing how many permutations and combinations of shower hardware there are in the world. That coupled with varying water quality, volume and heat can make for some interesting experiences. Last night for instance we had had a shitty day of travel filled with stress and sweat. Finally reaching our apartment (in a brothel) I immediately stripped down and jumped in the shower. Zero hot water. At the end of my rope I bit the bullet and embraced the bracing experience. Actually when it was over I felt quite a lot better, all tingly and alive. When I get home I'm disconnecting the hot water tank.