[nanetteclaret]

Speaking of ugly in Europe, I was appalled at the graffiti when Mr. Claret and I visited about 10 years ago. I was shocked that just about every square inch 6’ from the ground was covered with it. Historic buildings, businesses, apartments, everything. The only country that was clean was Monaco. So it can be done. They just don’t want to.

[dfwgator]

If only taggers put as much effort into being a benefit to society as the do spreading their graffiti everywhere, it would be a much better world. I mean, I don’t even know how they can get into some of those places.

[ponygirl]

I was in Prague in 1991 and saw it transforming from communism to capitalism over a summer. I saw the Soviet soldiers patrolling the train coming in from Berlin, and I saw them leave the country a month later. I saw new shops and bars start popping up, and failing just as quickly. But mostly I remember the most beautiful, historic gem of a city I had ever seen.

Recently, I was looking at Google Street view images of the Prague I remember. The entire city is covered in graffiti. The medieval stone wall around the castle, known as the "Hunger Wall," which was one of the first things I saw in the city as I had arrived in the dark of night, is now covered with territorial pissings. It makes me absolutely sick.

[bitt]

SO WAS THE OLD TOWN IN LISBON. As was all parts of Lisbon..