Germans at the poolside

One of these little European traditions that has become legend is the practise of Germans reserving the poolside chairs and loungers at the vacation resorts by placing their towels upon them. There seems to be some sort of race for them: up early, get the towel onto the prime real estate and then go back to bed.

It's all rather weird really and it's regularly mocked. However, no longer:

German tourists can now reserve their poolside recliners before they have even left home.

The German arm of Thomas Cook, Europe's second largest travel company, has been deluged with inquiries since announcing that holidaymakers at nine hotels in Turkey, Egypt and the Canary Islands can book recliners in advance for a fee.

Germans are famous around Europe for rising early to reserve recliners near the pool with their towels, and then going back to bed or eating a lengthy breakfast.

Whatever will people think of next?