Spoiled By Smoking

My sister and her husband recently traveled to Rome with their daughter’s family, which includes two bright elementary school-aged children; and I followed their family blog. The first posting about this terrific adventure reported that the kids enjoyed everything,  but complained about all the smoking they encountered in public spaces.

That is precisely my singular criticism of the eight European nations my wife and I visited a few months earlier.  Lovely countries, too often spoiled by smoking.

Smoking is not allowed indoors at most eating establishments in Europe.  But neither codes of conduct nor common courtesy seems to apply on the sidewalks of Europe or to customers dining al fresco, at the best tables, really, for what would otherwise provide the most pleasant ambience.  It was not unusual for us to find a story-book sidewalk or riverside cafe for drinks or dinner, but before long be surrounded by smokers who fouled the air.

Smoking among adults in the USA declined from about 21% in 2005 to as low as 15%, depending on the statistical source, a decade later, and is now well below the worldwide average of approximately 20%.  The smoking rate in Scandinavian countries we have visited tends to be lower than average.  Baltic nations and other countries behind or near the old “Iron Curtain” are disproportionately represented on various lists identifying where the adult smoking rate is highest.  You’re welcome to jump to any conclusion you’d like to explain the reason why this might be so.

In Italy where my young relatives were bothered by so much smoking in public, the adult smoking rate is 21 to 24%, depending on the survey…..not too far above the worldwide average, but still nasty to the noses of two American kids.

JER