-In China, most homes contain a Western style toilet. Almost every toilet in public restrooms is a squat toilet, meaning you must squat to use them. The alternative is usually a hole in the ground. I will not describe the view below. However, there are 2 related stories (not gross ones, I promise).

-Toilet-related Story #1: In the small town, I was given directions by my friend’s father to the restroom. He pointed across the street. So I crossed the street and walked around a building which I assumed was the restroom from the smell. I entered and saw the usual holes in the ground, with small dividers between them (short enough that people can converse with each other). There were 2 women. At first, I turned and left. But I couldn’t see another door outside, so I thought, “It’s a small town, men and women probably share the restroom…there’s a small wall, and I have to go…so I don’t care.” The second time I entered, I was given a quick scolding in Chinese, “You can’t come in here!” Even if they had said, “Welcome! Come squat next to me and let’s have a friendly conversation” the harsh sounds of their dialect would have convinced me to leave. But I remained calm and asked the important question: “Where is the men’s toilet?” The one replied, “On THAT side,” and pointed to the wall. I discovered the men’s room after circling the building once more.

-Toilet-related Story #2: I just discovered the first Western Style toilet I have seen since arriving in China, and ironically, it is the place where I am staying, in the room next to the shower & squat toilet room. It took me 6 days to find it.

-Bonus Toilet-related Story: In South Korea, you can also see squat toilets. But in addition to them, they have extremely high tech toilets. When you sit down, they automatically begin heating the seat. You can change the temperature, squirt water upwards to wash yourself, and other functions a simple country boy like me cannot even comprehend. The most important thing to note for travelers is that those buttons are not important. The flush handle is still in the same place, on the side and towards the back of the toilet. This will save you the embarrassment of having to bring in the waitress with you to ask how to flush the toilet. She might also not understand English, and wonder why you are sharing this with her. You might even be kicked out of the restaurant.

This entry was posted by Andy on Tuesday June 30, 2009 at 6:28 am, under travel.  
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