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Toilet keys spotted on a bar counter in Valle Gran Rey on an Irish beer mat: The screw is for the gents.
The beer mat of course is Irish as the local owner of this small cafe/bar is a collector of same. Return keys please ! |
In many bars and restaurants all over La Gomera the toilet doors are mostly locked and if you need to go, you need to go...up to the counter and ask politely for the key for los servicios in order to relieve yourself. Once you're finished, you'll be expected to switch off the lights again and after locking up to return the key.
The whole procedure is due to the fact that generally toilets in bars and restaurants are for customers only and often a sign is displayed pointing this out. However, due to the fact that public toilets are almost non-existent on La Gomera (except in the port terminal buildings of San Sebastian and Valle Gran Rey, the capital's municipal market, and the vistor's centre above Agulo - all during opening hours only), many bars and restaurants will oblige and let you use their facilities if asked politely, without you having to burden your digestive system further. Hence the toilets are locked to make sure that you take over responsibility for their condition once you've been given the keys. The lights are generally off to save energy, so you're expected to use the switch twice. It is a nice gesture to leave a small tip for the use of the toilets before leaving, as in some busy locations there's a steady stream of toilet users who're not customers and a lot of scarce water, as well as toilet paper and soap, can be used up in a day, and regular cleaning must be done by staff...
While I'm at it: Generally do not throw any paper or any other waste into the toilet bowl as this often leads to blockages in the system here. There is a bucket or bin provided where ALL associated waste should go. Only in a few newer toilets where no such container is provided can you flush down your used toilet paper.
And, unless you want to get angry looks or a straight refusal, please do not enter bars and restaurants bare-chested or in skimpy swimming gear. Cover up a bit. When coming from a beach, do remember to remove any sand and to dry yourself before entering.
Let's hope that public toilets will be provided in many locations on La Gomera someday soon. The situation during the many fiestas, during the upcoming carnival time, etc., can be quite disgusting when even entrances to shops and homes are sometimes used as toilets, not to mention walls and beaches. Many of the popular hiking routes do not need any more 'human fertilizer' and associated litter either...
Above is the entrance to the very informative visitors centre at the northern fringe of Garajonay national park. This recently refurbished interpretative centre boasts many exhibits besides explaining La Gomera’s flora, fauna, geology, history, culture, crafts, customs, etc. There are regular screenings of documentaries in the small theatre off the courtyard in the back of the main building, and the friendly helpful staff speak English. There's also a small museum cottage, craft shops, gardens with labelled plants and lots more. The centre is located at Juego de Bolas above the village of Las Rosas and is called Centro de Visitantes del Parque Nacional del Garajonay (click for more info), but is just outside of the park itself. A definite must-see for visitors and fortunately still free of charge. There is also a coffee shop and bakery offering delicious traditional Gomeran treats, which is easy to find as there’s always a delicious sweet scent of baking wafting through the clear mountain air, and lots of birdlife around the area waiting for crumbs.
