Everyone knows how seriously the Germans take their beer. Each brew has its own distinctive taste and its own specially shaped glass. But it wasn’t until this last trip to Europe that I realized how much respect the Germans have for the complete beer drinking experience. I mean, what goes in must come out, and they obviously intend the exit to be pleasant, too.

In a country where 16th-century buildings are commonplace, I never saw an old bathroom. Each one looked as sleek and new as if it had been installed yesterday. And the toiletten looked so designed.

I could have taken more photos but had to pick my shots carefully. There as here, pulling out a camera in a public restroom can be misunderstood.