I had just left a coffee-guzzling date with a girlfriend and was strolling towards the Central Station. Then I paused and cursed myself for my stupidity. Caught up in an affectionate goodbye, I had forgotten to use the toilet at the delightful venue we had just exited. I now found myself stuck between two miserable choices: Either use the disgusting, smelly (but free) toilet on the train, or pay 50 Euro cents for the most-likely-just-as-crappy WC in the station.

I opted for the second option, as I was a bit ahead of schedule for my appointed train. I searched for the appropriate coin, paid and entered through a turnstile, already holding my breath in anticipation of the filth that was sure to follow.

But to my great surprise, the facility was clean, bright, even…pleasing to the eye. How was it possible? Earth-toned tiled walls and light wooden doors gave the room an almost spa-like atmosphere. The stall itself boasted a tiled shelf perfect for a mid-sized bag and even two coat hangers. From the door, a male attendant cheerfully announced the tariff to inquiring tourists and even provided change to a desperate client.

Well, that settles it. From now on, when I’m in the vicinity of the Central Station, I know where to stop in my hour of need.