I was cleaning out photo files and found this picture of a typical public Chinese toilet that Sarah took when she and Brad were visiting last fall. Note the lack of a door on the stall. If you've been to China before, perhaps this will remind you of your trip with fondness! If you haven't, I'm sure it will make you want speed your coming.
I will note that there are many, many western style public toilets in China, for the faint of heart. But you've got to try this kind at least once, for the mind broadening experience that it is!
9 comments:
The chinese are so good about sharing space. We all have the same basic needs.... who needs privacy?! As an added bonus, squatting is good for the thighs!
~ Tracy
Lynne, I miss being in China but I would do fine if I don't have to use those potty anytime soon. I sure did not enjoy the lack of privacy but was very fascinated with how the Chinese women didn't even think of it as an issue.
Andrea was so scared of them.
Flashback to 12/05! boy was I relieved to see western-style toilets in our hotels at the end of the day :-)
I love the ones where there is no squatty, barriers, or flush. I feel like a cow in those. Squatting over a rectangular strip from wall to wall. Even my dear local friends come out of those gagging. They actually think our seats are worse, when you think of having to share a seat with so many people it does seem pretty gross.
Lisa
I've been to China three times and been forced at least once each trip to use one of these. I have to confess that I had NO idea how to use one. I thought you just, you know, squat. But I couldn't have been more wrong! You have to gather up all of your lower garments and stuff them behind your knees while you squat so low that you're practically sitting on your own ankles.
I strongly recommend that you try this once or twice in the privacy and comfort of your own home shower before you attempt it in a filthy public bathroom in China. Otherwise, you better you bring a change of clothes!
Final note: If you need to help your young child use one of these, I recommend that you carry a paper cup and have her pee it that while standing then dump the contents of the cup into the toilet. Every single time I held either of my daughters over the squatty potty, they peed on me. E.V.E.R.Y. T.I.M.E.
:)
Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!
The Chinese actually began using those "Squatty Potties" during the last "Year of the Dog". Those 12 year zodiacs related to the chinese calendar.
Andrew
It is possible (just not easy or convenient!) to help a small child use a squatty potty... but you have to just hold her over it, one hand under her calves and one around her back. And I also have been peed on several times! Madelyn pretty much boycotted the squatty potties for the whole first year we were here. She would rather hold it than use them.
Gwen now says, "It's your favorite kind of potty, Mom!" because she's heard me say that sarcastically more than a few times.
Ah, yes. So Familiar. The one in my Japanese kindergarten was like this, except for the deep dark hole underneath-- the one I kicked my tights and underwear into by accident one day. Which is why, of course, I never finished kindergarten.
Wow - this one looks really clean! I haven't seen any without a door - interested to know - where was this one? Do you remember?
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