Monday, February 28, 2011

International Hygiene Tips: How Four Billion People Poop

Okay, so you've newly arrived in your host country and you're looking forward to all the new experiences and insights that will be a part of that. But as is usually the case, one of the first orders of business is to find a way to truly leave the last vestiges of your big modern country behind.Yeah you gotta go to the bathroom. Airline food isn't really known for its staying power, and that cold French onion soup and hot pocket are no exception. So don't really give it too much thought, and head straight for your gender's bathroom in the airport. Well unbeknownst to you you're about to step into your first episode of true culture shock when you walk through the bathroom door and THIS is what welcomes you...



Oh no...

If you are from the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, or Latin America you have probably not seen a toilet like this. This is called a squat toilet in their very common in Asian, Middle Eastern, in some Eastern European countries. Do not try to sit on this as your day will go from confusing to disgusted in just a few seconds. A squat toilet works exactly the same way its name implies, you place your feet on the nonskid sides (some may need more traction than others... eat your fiber kids), squat down and do your business the same way everybody else did until some European got the idea of putting a hole in a chair. There might be paper and there might not be, most places in the world usually keep a bucket of water close by for cleaning and flushing purposes. If there is paper, it most likely goes in the wastebasket and not the toilet itself as clogging one of these things could potentially be the most horrifying experience of your life.

Every doctor will tell you that this is the best way to do your business as it is more natural and allows for a more complete job. Will I be replacing my toilet with one of these? Not bloody likely. But at the same time, if you are gonna take it upon yourself to become a citizen of the world, it's best to know how things work. It's good to know that this blog is providing some good for some folks. But don't worry, you'll get the hang of it if little kids can learn how to use one of these things, then so can an intrepid world traveler. 


Being the author of this particular niche of blog isn't always glamorous, but this is information you will need one day. I just saved you the odious embarrassment of having to ask approximately 2/3 of the world's population how they welcome their morning... 
You are welcome

27 comments:

Siphil said...

Oh wow. I'm not sure what to say. It can't be that bad, that kid is having a blast.

Astronomy Pirate said...

Good to know, I'm packing a roll of toilet paper if I ever go to those places.

T. Banacek said...

I've used a squat toilet before. It's not so bad.

Charles said...

pretty strange

rinns said...

I read about these while I was taking a japanese class in highschool. The catch was; that every picture of these poop holes was SO clean and they made it look hygienic..

I'm horrified.

ebm93 said...

Yeah, I've never seen that toilet! Thanks for your information

Meghan Moran said...

honestly, i wish there more of these in the states

AWLBlogs said...

Thats bad, you cant really ehh... give it a push if you are balacing like that ;P

Rachel Neilson said...

@ siphil - im sure he is having a blast, LOL

d0t said...

I thought these were strictly a Japanese thing, didn't know it was spread throughout Asia and some of Europe.

Scott said...

Wow, I've never seen that before. That certainly would be my first big shock!

Jok3r said...

realy bad

Spongeworthy said...

I can barely squat for 15 seconds, how the hell am I going to squat during an entire shit :P

Patti D. said...

that's very cheap, digging a hole on the ground and calling it a toilet?

baxxman said...

Welcome to France, haha
http://baxxmans.blogspot.com/

l33 v4n cl33f said...

this reminded me of my trips through asia, good and gross memories :)

Igneel21 said...

i always found this quite weird, i mean, sitting on the toilet and reading the newspaper is awesome isnt it?

Patwa said...

nice post ^^

Disser2 said...

I think that everyone should test it out, its a great experience

jopjopjop said...

@disser2: lol, true that :D

husar said...

horrible, nice post

+ followed:)

The_illustrative_Mind said...

Lol, heard about these bad boys before but haven't seen one yet. I might in my future though.

Moobeat said...

oh god that second image made me burst out in laughter.

Unknown said...

Ugh that's weird. I wouldn't want to use one of these.. I remember I visited a country where they had these it was awful I refused to go.

Gloria Baker said...

HI Aaron I saw your comment in Sweet and Savory about Ice Cream. I dont have and Ice Maker and always make Icea Cream. Im from Chile. I have a blog recipe (in english and spanish) if you want see some Icvea Cremas recipes, my kids love Ice Cream. I hope to buy and Ice cream maker in the future but for now Imade them to antique style.
My blog is http://canelakitchen.blogspot.com

I have a friend in Costa Rica, gloria

Shutterbug said...

I've used one before. Not fun, but it's functional! :)

pizzafuckyes said...

I saw this type of bathroom in an anime lol, it was hilarious