One noticeable difference between the two sides of Berlin is that the institution of Madame Pipi is still thriving in the East. It is rather rare, but not unknown, in the West. The future of the institution is uncertain, though. Considering the former Democratic Republic of Germany alone, the pool of cheap female labor will gradually diminish; however, the picture is different when the remainder of Central and Eastern Europe is brought into the picture. Madame Pipi may turn out to be one of the more stubborn vestiges of socialism.

Addendum (October 24, 1999)

Eight years hence, the institution is still thriving. Moreover, it has spread from the East to the West Berlin. In every public toilet, including those in cafés and restaurants, there ticks a lonely heart.