Les chiens

One very noteworthy thing about France and Italy is the presence of dogs. They are everywhere - a good thing in a way if you consider that most of them live in apartments and would need regular exercise. However they are not only on the streets but also in restaurants, museums (in Italy) and on the trains.

There appear to be no rules about picking up after your dog, so consequently there is dog poo all over the place. I note in Avignon and Dijon the local councils do suggest you might clean up after Fido and give plastic bags but it is only a suggestion, and frequently not acted upon by local residents.

I am, as most of you know a dog lover, but being in a small railway carriage with someones dog or with their furry friend sitting next to you at a restaurant has its limits. But I would rather sit next to a dog than a smoker!

We did note at the Archaeological Museum in Naples that whilst we had to go through security and leave back packs, umbrellas etc in the cloak room that dogs were allowed in. I am not sure what happens, if anything, if Rover lifts his leg on a artifact from Pompeii.