November 18, 2006 - Toilets
It's pretty safe to say that everything is different in China. And the toilets are no exception. Here is the standard type of toilet used here.
If you aren't sure why, I'll give you some instructions: But your feet on the diagonal lines to the side of the basin, squat down, and relieve yourself! But paper goes in the trashcan, not into the toilet.
By the way, this toilet pictured is fairly clean. I took another photo of a really gross toilet to post here, and when I added it in, I realized that it was really TOO bad to post. It hadn't been flushed in quite a few heavy uses. To be honest, when I snapped the photo, I didn't realize it was quite so bad because it was so dim in the bathroom. Chinese bathrooms are often dim, and there's good reason -- you can't see ALL the filth. (But you can smell it, of course!)
How to flush? For the toilet above, you turn the red knob until the basin is clear. For many toilets, there is a button to push or a foot pedal to press. But for some, you do it by simply pouring water down the toilet. Thus the big buckets outside the toilet below. The water had be temporarily turned off, so water was provided to use for flushing. The red dipper is how you scoop it out.
There are people who come to China for a few weeks' visit and pride themselves on avoiding ever using the squatty potty. I really don't know what the problem is. I actually prefer them if I'm in public -- there is nothing to touch, so it's much cleaner than a western "sitting" toilet (which are also common in China, by the way).
There are other types of toilets. One kind is a long trough which people straddle. For that kind, ususally there are no stalls; people just go in front of others. Sometimes there are very short dividers (maybe 2 feet tall) but again, no doors on them. So there's really no privacy. But Chinese people are very matter of fact about going to the bathroom. It's no big deal to them.
Of course, there are latrines and outhouses in rural areas.
Okay, I'm expecting LOTS of comments and questions on this entry! :-)
Comments
November 18, 2006 - **Grin**
Posted by DreweLlyn
I not only know what a squatty potty is, not only did I know how to use one before your instructions, I've actually used one before! (And I've even used ones too nasty to post their pictures on the internet!) It's an experience everyone should have. Now, in the States, any time I go into a not so clean public bathroom, I can honestly say I've been in worse. LOL!
November 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by thewestiecrew
Ok, the squatty potty thing, I could deal with...you made a good point about the not touching anything, but the never flushing....yuck! I have the weakest stomach on the planet, I'm convinced, and that would send me overboard.
I seriously don't think I could deal with "doing the deed" in the trough set-up while others are hanging around...LOL! I guess it's my American heritage or something, but that is a pretty private thing for me. :D
Gayle :)
November 18, 2006 - *Grin*
Posted by Devonbunny
I remember using very similar pieces of equipment whilst holidaying in France. I also remember that there you had to flush and run or your feet got soaked in the process....
Thanks for the memories!
Love and Blessings
Jules x (UK)
November 19, 2006 - Wow!
Posted by deedeeuk
It never ceases to amaze me what people find to blog about!!!! :-)Though in fact this really was educational since I had never heard of a squatty potty before, you learn something new everyday!
November 19, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by mom2chris
Wow....that is so different! I am like you, though. I would much rather not touch anything. My first thought was, how many people miss the hole and also that it leaves the potential open for some huge messes, which I am sure you have seen, right?!
November 19, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by ccmmum
Looks very familiar-we have the same type in Pakistan!
Although I have to ask-where did you ever find such a clean one?!
November 19, 2006 - great topic!
Posted by luvmy2mks
in the balkans we call them "turkish toilets". hmmm, i wonder what that says about what they think of the turks? jk. i must admit a strong dislike for most public restrooms anywhere on the planet, however, i do have a particular problem with squatties. they are fairly easy for men to use, but for women, well, i have to practically undress not to wet myself. maybe you've found the secret, but i've asked other women about it and they don't like it, either. here the "western" toilet has come to represent western europe, so most people prefer it and a nicer private home would almost assuredly have one--the turkish toilets are in public places or poor homes.
many times we've had to keep buckets in our own home for our turkish or western toilets because there was no running water, or not all the time. the kind of toilet didn't matter, the water situation was the determining factor. i don't know if you've seen them, but i've seen many squatty-potties with a normal water tank built with them, often extra high on the wall to not get in the way of where you stand.
you know what muslims often say about christians, right? they say muslims are "cleaner" because they don't use toilet paper, they use water. the squatty-potty is all part of that perception of cleaner, because, as you said, you don't have to touch anything. for me, toilet paper and western toilets are all about convenience. if it's clean, it's easier for a woman to use a western toilet, hands down.
here, because of the public restroom cleaning problem (often the cleaning is done with a high pressure water hose and no cleaning products, so that the cleaner doesn't actually have to do much), toilets are often the toilet bowl with the seat removed so that no one will sit on them. ha, ha--best of both worlds???? or worst of both worlds???? i'm not quite sure which. blessings, mary
November 19, 2006 - Well, what's worse
Posted by Junosmom
We have to often use porta potties here at horse events. There, you can see everything lying there in a pit. Really disgusting. Perhaps your squatty potties aren't so bad. I've heard of these before. Okay by me, but not in front of others.
November 23, 2006 - We have them here in Germany,
Posted by AmaniS
But they are very, very clean. That's just German. I have seen them, but never knew how to use them. Maybe next time I will give it a try.
November 26, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Prncsstefy
LOL I saw these kind of toilets at Tokyo disney. I freaked out. I still can't figure out how you could use it without falling in. Especially if you're wearing pants. Luckily I find some regular american toilets in the park too.
