Charles Ellson writes:

A random cyber-stroll around Europe suggests it might be more
universally understood than signing in FR/IT/DE (or Latin). ISTR my
French teacher warning that asking for the toilet in FR will often get
you directed to a bathroom with only washing facilities.

And do not then do as one friend of mine did when arriving in France on
an exchange visit and mistake the bidet for the toilet (having heard of
'strange' French toilets). Luckily she only needed to urinate

On Wed, 23 May 2007 21:28:32 +0100, Charles Ellson
wrote:

[---]

ISTR my
French teacher warning that asking for the toilet in FR will often get
you directed to a bathroom with only washing facilities.

In French, the question "où sont les toilettes ?" will get you
directed to where you need to go if you've had too much coffee.

Italians, on the other hand, euphemistically use the word "bagno",
(bathroom) to mean the same place.

On Thu, 24 May 2007 20:25:22 +0200, Andrew Price
wrote:

On Wed, 23 May 2007 21:28:32 +0100, Charles Ellson
wrote:

[---]

ISTR my
French teacher warning that asking for the toilet in FR will often get
you directed to a bathroom with only washing facilities.

In French, the question "où sont les toilettes ?" will get you
directed to where you need to go if you've had too much coffee.

They're probably used to tourists by now, it was some years ago when
she attempted to teach me the French language.

Italians, on the other hand, euphemistically use the word "bagno",
(bathroom) to mean the same place.