Traveling to Europe with IC

[Charisse]

I wasn't sure where else to post this. I'm going to Europe in 2 weeks. I planned this trip before I had IC and now I'm quite nervous for various reasons. Were going to Amsterdam and Belgium. We'll be eating out and I think deciphering menus may be difficult. The IC diet helps me so much but who knows what I'll get in a restaurant over there right? I am thinking they drink a lot of milk and eat meat, bread and cheese?? More importantly, there is the frequency issue. I've been told they don't have many public bathrooms. Should I get one of those "pee passes"? Anyone have any other tips for me? The plane ride from SFO is 10 hours direct.

[charmedx3]

Hey Charisse I hope you hear from someone on this! you will have a great vacation!

[kadi]

Hi Charisse,
I don't know if this might help, but here's a service that makes cards in various languages to give to waiters re: food allergies. A special order card might cover your food sensitivities if you don't have too many. There are other companies out there for this if you google it. This is the first company I found.

http://www.selectwisely.com/index.htm

I have too many allergies & food sensitivities to put on a card (I'd need the card to be a poster! & the restaurant would probably just turn me away...), but this might help you if you just have some main foods to avoid.

(I've not been to Europe since I got IC, but am hoping to go again in the next few years. Because of my food allergies & sensitivities, I'm planning to go with a "self-catering" studio or flat & just buy groceries & cook.)

I'm trying to think what I ate in Holland when I was there last time. I mostly ate at my friends' homes, but I do remember ordering a steak dinner at one restaurant, buying bread at the bakery, fruits at the grocery, & paté at a deli.. Fortunately, many people spoke English when I was there. I also learned how to say in dutch, "Good morning, I'm very sorry I don't speak more Dutch, does someone here speak English?" And I think since I didn't act "entitled" to people speaking English, someone always stepped up to translate or speak English with me, especially in Amsterdam (very large international city) & Utrecht (university town).

I hope you have a wonderful trip, and for those of us wanting to travel overseas in the future, would you mind posting hints & suggestions for us when you get back? Thanks & Bon Voyage!

[dg2901]

There's always someone willing to help out when traveling so dont let the possible 'what-ifs' stress you out.
I know a lady from Amsterdam who is nothing but a warm, caring individual; if she's the norm I guarantee you'll have no worries while traveling and visiting that counrty.

Wishing you a safe trip!!
Diana

[Charisse]

Thank you ladies. I'll definitely let you know how it goes! I have heard most people in Amsterdam speak English but not many do in Belgium. I am not as sensitive to foods as I am beverages so hopefully this will make things easier. It seems like the more processed a food is, the more problems I have with it so I'll just try to stick to basic stuff. And I'll bring back lots of tips for you all! I'm going to check out the website that makes those cards. Thank you so much :)

[jenrobhen]

I visited Belgium and the Netherlands last year. Everyone in Belgium I encountered spoke English. They were very friendly and helpful.

As for the bathrooms, we used McDonald's as our bathroom stop quite often. We didn't have to buy anything either. Just walk in as if you own the place and go straight to the bathroom. :)

Have a wonderful time!

[IC SARAH-CPP]

I have been to Europe a couple times since I had IC. First off- NO they do not have as many public restrooms as we do in the US. It was so bad that a couple times I had to pee on the street b/c i couldnt hold it and there was no restrooms.
Try to go every time you eat somewhere or go to a museum, etc. The food should be fine, there is lots to choose from and plenty of bread, cheese, soup.
I LOVED Amsterdam, my total favorite place. The people are SOOO nice and the city is spotless. I know you will love it. Get a toasty for me. It is this toasted cheese sandwich they sell all over for around 1$. They are SO good. I ate like 5 a day!
Have Fun
Sarah