LONDON -- In the past few months, Seattle has implemented a citywide smoking ban, something I have started taking for granted.

While in Europe, it has become painstakingly apparent that no such thing exists, especially the way Europeans choose to smoke.

One bathroom was filled to capacity, with smoke to the point where inhaling was not optional. At 3GSM, the fresh air you expect when leaving a hall was filled with smoke.

At Heathrow airport in London, a recording on the "lift" asks you to extinguish your buds. And the most ridiculous thing I heard was on a flight to Madrid in which the safety video recommended putting out your cigarette if the oxygen bags became necessary.

Makes my head foggy just thinking about it.