Do you mind?

Since we moved, we have noticed a difference in how Europeans and Americans view the body in it's natural state. A few examples might be insightful.

1. In the US, I'm sure a kid at school would be reprimanded for exposing his underwear to his fellow classmates. However, I can remember the day Alex came home from school here and announced, "When we went to gym today, we all changed our clothes in the same room--boys and girls!" Ruby has made similar comments since she started school.

2. In the States, women are criticized for nursing in public--even when they are covered. (Nevermind the fact that women can appear at the beach half naked and that's fine!) In Switzerland, it is not at all uncommon to see women nursing in public and nobody seems to mind(as it should be)--even when they are not covered.

3. We were enjoying a nice day at the beach, when Alex and Ruby observed that some ladies near us were not wearing any swimming suit tops. This made for interesting coversation on the drive home.

Although it has taken some getting used to, I think things went a little far on a trip Pete took to Coppenhagen, Denmark.


After a long morning of meetings, he proceeded to the restrooms during a break. As he was using the facilities, a cleaning lady came into the bathroom and started cleaning the urinals. As if this wasn't strange enough, she worked her way over and started cleaning the urinal he was using! You gotta love it here.