Inspired by a few comments about WCs on another thread ...
What are the toliers like in your SO's country? Turkish style squat toliets or the English style sit down toliet? Do they use bidets for cleaning up only or do they offer a roll of paper too? Running water or buckets of water? Just curious ...
Here in Algeria ... there are both types of toliets. But generally still most homes and everywhere out in public are the Turkish style toliets.
Water has been a problem in Algeria, so of course the city water system and indoor plumbing has not reached all areas.
Generally toliets in the homes are clean, very fragantly smelling of hard chemicals like bleach. A bucket of water and a cup is there for cleaning up. I have yet to see in an Algerian home toliet paper. Only found in the home's of foreigners and Algerians who have lived aboard.
But the toliets outside ... are the nastiest thing you could ever see! I try to not drink too much when I am out. But in the emergency cases, I go to the bus station where I can pay 10dinars (nothing in American money) but here same as loaf of bread for that quick release. Toliets are generally not seperated. But the doorman is generally nice enough to exit it out all the men ... Except no toliet paper, even soap ... and many times no water. I usually have something with me.
Toliet paper is sold in the markets, buuut only in the larger superettes. Rolls are expensive! (Baby wipes outrageously priced! BTW) But I see Algerians, the few that do buy it, use it for cleaning the nose!
And now you!
Full Version: MENA WCs
my in laws have two bathrooms in their home in jordan....one was an arabian style toilet with walk in shower, the other was an american style toilet, a bidet, and a full bath and shower...
funny story, sofyan has a handicap brother who cannot get into the tub which is why they built him the walk in shower, so he always used that one...and me, i always used the american toilet and tub obviously...so all the nieces and nephews referred to the bathrooms as
"hamam Kelly" and "hamam Adnan"
funny story, sofyan has a handicap brother who cannot get into the tub which is why they built him the walk in shower, so he always used that one...and me, i always used the american toilet and tub obviously...so all the nieces and nephews referred to the bathrooms as
"hamam Kelly" and "hamam Adnan"
Inside: Squat type in the little shower room under the stairs, bucket of water, toilet paper (very soft, thin, and pink), and something resembling a ski rope for -- um -- foreign visitors. 
Extremely clean, even with 11 people staying over one night and using just the one. I still don't know how they managed that. I got used to it quickly.
Outside, well, I tried to time things so that I wouldn't have to do that, but I carried baby wipes everywhere. There were some nice ones out and about, often Western style, usually with an attendant.
Extremely clean, even with 11 people staying over one night and using just the one. I still don't know how they managed that. I got used to it quickly.Outside, well, I tried to time things so that I wouldn't have to do that, but I carried baby wipes everywhere. There were some nice ones out and about, often Western style, usually with an attendant.
I hate Algerian toilets or squat toilets. I don't like using them at all I'm grateful to enjoy this now luxury American Toilet 
I remember vaguely my parents every year before visiting Algeria they'd teach me how to use the squat toilet I was just like uhh
no paper? Here in America our family uses paper AND water.
My dad eventually imported/exported things from France to build a French style home there over the years and we have American toilet there. My spouse bought and installed an american toilet in his mothers house because he knows I won't be able to use. Going out to the salon, shopping, etc anywhere basically I just have to deal with using the squat toilets. My aunts or husband keep a toilet paper roll there for me in the car for when we go out. That's one thing I never miss.
I remember vaguely my parents every year before visiting Algeria they'd teach me how to use the squat toilet I was just like uhh
no paper? Here in America our family uses paper AND water.My dad eventually imported/exported things from France to build a French style home there over the years and we have American toilet there. My spouse bought and installed an american toilet in his mothers house because he knows I won't be able to use. Going out to the salon, shopping, etc anywhere basically I just have to deal with using the squat toilets. My aunts or husband keep a toilet paper roll there for me in the car for when we go out. That's one thing I never miss.
Squat style in family's home in Morocco. I remember the pink TP too! There was a hose thingie there for cleaning as well.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
Like Kelly's description, there was two bathrooms -- one modern style, next to a bidet. Of course, TP don't go down the plumbing. Which is something I got weirded out about at first, but got used to. My honey did not explain that part -- but I quickly caught on.
The other bathroom, which I never went into except for one occasion (doing laundry), has the hole in ground thing, with a shower. When my honey brought us home, he showed me the "modern" bathroom, and other rooms. I pointed out the 2nd bathroom, he said "oh, you won't use it" "Why?" oooh..
Outside, I realized that it is a good idea to bring own wipes.... only very seldom are TP offered. Most had the American style TP. One time, I had to pee.... but didn't because I looked into every stall, and NO American style toilets! Um, there is actually a picture of me going into that WC specifically.... I did not know my picture was being taken! So here's the WC that wasn't so..... (for me):
hmmm, sorry if it appears side ways.
The other bathroom, which I never went into except for one occasion (doing laundry), has the hole in ground thing, with a shower. When my honey brought us home, he showed me the "modern" bathroom, and other rooms. I pointed out the 2nd bathroom, he said "oh, you won't use it" "Why?" oooh..
Outside, I realized that it is a good idea to bring own wipes.... only very seldom are TP offered. Most had the American style TP. One time, I had to pee.... but didn't because I looked into every stall, and NO American style toilets! Um, there is actually a picture of me going into that WC specifically.... I did not know my picture was being taken! So here's the WC that wasn't so..... (for me):
hmmm, sorry if it appears side ways.
At my hubby's home in Libya, he just redid his bathroom before coming here. It's still the traditional all in one room with the Arab toilet and shower together and completely tiled in a gorgeous green tile but he updated it by adding an American style toilet beside the Arab toilet. I understand no one has used the American toilet to this day 
I have used the Arab toilet once in my life, here in the US! Because I went to a masjid in LA and that was all they had that worked that day
I didn't care for it but managed without falling in lol
I don't know how anyone uses tissue paper with a bidet as I've found that just makes a nasty mess so I don't even bother buying TP anymore. My hubby installed spray hoses on both toilets when he got here and we use water. My mom brings a roll with her when she visits
I have used the Arab toilet once in my life, here in the US! Because I went to a masjid in LA and that was all they had that worked that day
I didn't care for it but managed without falling in lolI don't know how anyone uses tissue paper with a bidet as I've found that just makes a nasty mess so I don't even bother buying TP anymore. My hubby installed spray hoses on both toilets when he got here and we use water. My mom brings a roll with her when she visits
ahmeds family home had two (squat style) but the sisters house where we stayed had one small old squat on the 3rd floor off the balcony but a very nice large american style with tile shower next to the bedroom on second floor
QUOTE(k & o @ Jun 13 2008, 12:01 PM) 
Like Kelly's description, there was two bathrooms -- one modern style, next to a bidet. Of course, TP don't go down the plumbing. Which is something I got weirded out about at first, but got used to. My honey did not explain that part -- but I quickly caught on.
The other bathroom, which I never went into except for one occasion (doing laundry), has the hole in ground thing, with a shower. When my honey brought us home, he showed me the "modern" bathroom, and other rooms. I pointed out the 2nd bathroom, he said "oh, you won't use it" "Why?" oooh..
Outside, I realized that it is a good idea to bring own wipes.... only very seldom are TP offered. Most had the American style TP. One time, I had to pee.... but didn't because I looked into every stall, and NO American style toilets! Um, there is actually a picture of me going into that WC specifically.... I did not know my picture was being taken! So here's the WC that wasn't so..... (for me):
hmmm, sorry if it appears side ways.
The other bathroom, which I never went into except for one occasion (doing laundry), has the hole in ground thing, with a shower. When my honey brought us home, he showed me the "modern" bathroom, and other rooms. I pointed out the 2nd bathroom, he said "oh, you won't use it" "Why?" oooh..
Outside, I realized that it is a good idea to bring own wipes.... only very seldom are TP offered. Most had the American style TP. One time, I had to pee.... but didn't because I looked into every stall, and NO American style toilets! Um, there is actually a picture of me going into that WC specifically.... I did not know my picture was being taken! So here's the WC that wasn't so..... (for me):
hmmm, sorry if it appears side ways.
BTW, Jordan looks very beautiful from whatever little I can see in the photo. My friend is Jordanian but went on a study program to finish an Arabic language course in Jordan and wow through the web cam Amman was sooooooooooooo beautiful!!!
My husband's family's home in Algiera had two bathrooms, both american style sit-down toilets and both had toilet paper and also a faucet and bucket. NOT a very strong flusher though.... Everything needed a little help to get down, apparently what they would do is use the water an dbucket to push everythign down the pipes.. I caught on eventually...
and both had toilet paper and also a faucet and bucket. NOT a very strong flusher though.... Everything needed a little help to get down, apparently what they would do is use the water an dbucket to push everythign down the pipes.. I caught on eventually...
QUOTE(sarahaziz @ Jun 13 2008, 11:26 AM)
I hate Algerian toilets or squat toilets. I don't like using them at all I'm grateful to enjoy this now luxury American Toilet
I remember vaguely my parents every year before visiting Algeria they'd teach me how to use the squat toilet I was just like uhh no paper? Here in America our family uses paper AND water.
My dad eventually imported/exported things from France to build a French style home there over the years and we have American toilet there. My spouse bought and installed an american toilet in his mothers house because he knows I won't be able to use. Going out to the salon, shopping, etc anywhere basically I just have to deal with using the squat toilets. My aunts or husband keep a toilet paper roll there for me in the car for when we go out. That's one thing I never miss.
I remember vaguely my parents every year before visiting Algeria they'd teach me how to use the squat toilet I was just like uhh
no paper? Here in America our family uses paper AND water.My dad eventually imported/exported things from France to build a French style home there over the years and we have American toilet there. My spouse bought and installed an american toilet in his mothers house because he knows I won't be able to use. Going out to the salon, shopping, etc anywhere basically I just have to deal with using the squat toilets. My aunts or husband keep a toilet paper roll there for me in the car for when we go out. That's one thing I never miss.
That is why I try to avoid the public toliets .... imagine the smell in that small cramped cubicle ... then imagine slipping on God knows what weird stuff on the floor. OMG NASTY!
And the public baths are not much better either ... funny since you pay in my opionion alot of money to go there, but there is an attendant.
Also imagine being pregnant trying to use asquat toliet ... Urrrgggh ...but when I was in the hospital ... there was 2 toliets (squat and sit down) .. guess which one I picked?
I never imagined women could be nasty!
what does "WC" stand for?
The one in their appt was sit down type but you had to fill a bucket of water and pour it in the thing in order to flush, and no tp at all. The whole bathroom is always soaking wet because basically the shower is in the same spot as the toilet. The bidet is a metal pipe that shoots out from the toilet so basically you're sitting on the toilet and this small thin metal pipe is aimed at your azz ready to shoot water when you're all done.
I always got the portable Charmin before I flew there for both inside the house and for when I went outside at a store or restaurant. Had to be real discreet though and make sure the tp was buried in the trash since you couldn't flush it.
Our bidet here is a hose but unfortunately it broke last week and there was water coming into the basement from it. THAT was fun. LOL
The one in their appt was sit down type but you had to fill a bucket of water and pour it in the thing in order to flush, and no tp at all. The whole bathroom is always soaking wet because basically the shower is in the same spot as the toilet. The bidet is a metal pipe that shoots out from the toilet so basically you're sitting on the toilet and this small thin metal pipe is aimed at your azz ready to shoot water when you're all done.
I always got the portable Charmin before I flew there for both inside the house and for when I went outside at a store or restaurant. Had to be real discreet though and make sure the tp was buried in the trash since you couldn't flush it.
Our bidet here is a hose but unfortunately it broke last week and there was water coming into the basement from it. THAT was fun. LOL
QUOTE(bridget @ Jun 13 2008, 02:36 PM)
what does "WC" stand for?
Water Closet
QUOTE(bridget @ Jun 13 2008, 01:36 PM)
what does "WC" stand for?
women and children first.
QUOTE(Henia @ Jun 13 2008, 01:38 PM)
QUOTE(sarahaziz @ Jun 13 2008, 11:26 AM)
I hate Algerian toilets or squat toilets. I don't like using them at all I'm grateful to enjoy this now luxury American Toilet
I remember vaguely my parents every year before visiting Algeria they'd teach me how to use the squat toilet I was just like uhh no paper? Here in America our family uses paper AND water.
My dad eventually imported/exported things from France to build a French style home there over the years and we have American toilet there. My spouse bought and installed an american toilet in his mothers house because he knows I won't be able to use. Going out to the salon, shopping, etc anywhere basically I just have to deal with using the squat toilets. My aunts or husband keep a toilet paper roll there for me in the car for when we go out. That's one thing I never miss.
I remember vaguely my parents every year before visiting Algeria they'd teach me how to use the squat toilet I was just like uhh
no paper? Here in America our family uses paper AND water.My dad eventually imported/exported things from France to build a French style home there over the years and we have American toilet there. My spouse bought and installed an american toilet in his mothers house because he knows I won't be able to use. Going out to the salon, shopping, etc anywhere basically I just have to deal with using the squat toilets. My aunts or husband keep a toilet paper roll there for me in the car for when we go out. That's one thing I never miss.
That is why I try to avoid the public toliets .... imagine the smell in that small cramped cubicle ... then imagine slipping on God knows what weird stuff on the floor. OMG NASTY!
And the public baths are not much better either ... funny since you pay in my opionion alot of money to go there, but there is an attendant.
Also imagine being pregnant trying to use asquat toliet ... Urrrgggh ...but when I was in the hospital ... there was 2 toliets (squat and sit down) .. guess which one I picked?
I never imagined women could be nasty!small CRAPPED on cubicle
Hachemi's family had a nice big bathroom with a very large tub, and hand held shower head. It had an American style toilet in a seperate little room. It had a faucet next to the toilet to get water for cleaning. They only had running water from about 7am to around 1pm. So water was stored in a big blue container. After the water was shut off you would have to fill a bucket to pour in the toilet to flush it. No TP, but I sent Hachemi to the store to buy some just for me. His grandfathers house had the Turkish style toilet.
Meriem
Meriem
Toilets were the most intriguing part of my adventure. I found western toilets in western restaurants like KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut and would stop in there. They always had TP. In the flat in Cairo there was a Western style toilet with that little metal fountain thing to the side in the bowl. I don't know what good that did but I learned you could turn a knob and it worked. The idea of using it though grossed me out because obviously your waste fell on it. I brought my own TP and thankfully had enough for the entire trip. The toilets at the 6th of October theme park were like the ones in the flat. They were western style but you had to use the metal fountain. Lucky I brought my TP.
The toilets on the train were a seat with an open hole in the bottom of the train. I was so grossed out! People are peeing and crapping all over the tracks all across Egypt! There was pee all over the bathroom on the floor on the seat on the walls and it was the smell of putrid urine. As soon as I stepped in and examined the facility I stepped out refusing to go and rather hold it like a camel.
That was a ten hour train ride. 
So u can imagine.
The toilet at his Grandma's house in Luxor was an even greater surprise. It was indoors at least and you go into the shower area and there at the bottom is this porcelain squat area with a hole to the ground. It had a red hose to the right of it that turned on just like a garden hose. I took one look at it and refused to use this toilet as well. We went into Luxor thankfully and I used a western toilet there. Later that night though it was maybe 3 am and I had to go so bad I finally gave in and used the squat toilet. I brought my TP with me and tried with all my might to be comfortable. It was a very humbling experience to say the least. When I saw they had the same toilet upstairs I stood in wonder on how that must work with no flushing. Why on earth have one on the second, third, and fourth floors. Waleed and his doctor friends told me that these squat toilets were very good for your lower abdomen and they've even done studies on them.
Luckily the toilets in Hurghada were like the western style with a metal shower head and metal cord looking thing to the right hand side on the wall. I again had my own TP. We got into a discussion about it and Waleed said he didn't feel that you could ever get fully clean with just TP. I said at least I'm not getting my hands dirty with wiping with nothing and using only water. He said he washes his hands but I said you still touch sh1t.
The last night before I left we went to the large theater in Cairo and the water wasn't working in the bathroom. The toilets were western style again so I got some TP from the lady attendent in the bathroom and a bottled water from the concessions and I went to the bathroom even though I couldn't flush. Then I washed my hands with their soap and my bottled water. What was left of the bottled water I gave to Waleed to use.
Oh and in the hotel we stayed the last night at it was western style toilet as well but I can't remember if there was a hose or TP.
The toilets on the train were a seat with an open hole in the bottom of the train. I was so grossed out! People are peeing and crapping all over the tracks all across Egypt! There was pee all over the bathroom on the floor on the seat on the walls and it was the smell of putrid urine. As soon as I stepped in and examined the facility I stepped out refusing to go and rather hold it like a camel.
That was a ten hour train ride. So u can imagine.The toilet at his Grandma's house in Luxor was an even greater surprise. It was indoors at least and you go into the shower area and there at the bottom is this porcelain squat area with a hole to the ground. It had a red hose to the right of it that turned on just like a garden hose. I took one look at it and refused to use this toilet as well. We went into Luxor thankfully and I used a western toilet there. Later that night though it was maybe 3 am and I had to go so bad I finally gave in and used the squat toilet. I brought my TP with me and tried with all my might to be comfortable. It was a very humbling experience to say the least. When I saw they had the same toilet upstairs I stood in wonder on how that must work with no flushing. Why on earth have one on the second, third, and fourth floors. Waleed and his doctor friends told me that these squat toilets were very good for your lower abdomen and they've even done studies on them.
Luckily the toilets in Hurghada were like the western style with a metal shower head and metal cord looking thing to the right hand side on the wall. I again had my own TP. We got into a discussion about it and Waleed said he didn't feel that you could ever get fully clean with just TP. I said at least I'm not getting my hands dirty with wiping with nothing and using only water. He said he washes his hands but I said you still touch sh1t.
The last night before I left we went to the large theater in Cairo and the water wasn't working in the bathroom. The toilets were western style again so I got some TP from the lady attendent in the bathroom and a bottled water from the concessions and I went to the bathroom even though I couldn't flush. Then I washed my hands with their soap and my bottled water. What was left of the bottled water I gave to Waleed to use.
Oh and in the hotel we stayed the last night at it was western style toilet as well but I can't remember if there was a hose or TP.
QUOTE(Olivia* @ Jun 13 2008, 10:20 PM)
Toilets were the most intriguing part of my adventure. I found western toilets in western restaurants like KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut and would stop in there. They always had TP. In the flat in Cairo there was a Western style toilet with that little metal fountain thing to the side in the bowl. I don't know what good that did but I learned you could turn a knob and it worked. The idea of using it though grossed me out because obviously your waste fell on it. I brought my own TP and thankfully had enough for the entire trip. The toilets at the 6th of October theme park were like the ones in the flat. They were western style but you had to use the metal fountain. Lucky I brought my TP.
The toilets on the train were a seat with an open hole in the bottom of the train. I was so grossed out! People are peeing and crapping all over the tracks all across Egypt! There was pee all over the bathroom on the floor on the seat on the walls and it was the smell of putrid urine. As soon as I stepped in and examined the facility I stepped out refusing to go and rather hold it like a camel. That was a ten hour train ride. So u can imagine.
The toilet at his Grandma's house in Luxor was an even greater surprise. It was indoors at least and you go into the shower area and there at the bottom is this porcelain squat area with a hole to the ground. It had a red hose to the right of it that turned on just like a garden hose. I took one look at it and refused to use this toilet as well. We went into Luxor thankfully and I used a western toilet there. Later that night though it was maybe 3 am and I had to go so bad I finally gave in and used the squat toilet. I brought my TP with me and tried with all my might to be comfortable. It was a very humbling experience to say the least. When I saw they had the same toilet upstairs I stood in wonder on how that must work with no flushing. Why on earth have one on the second, third, and fourth floors. Waleed and his doctor friends told me that these squat toilets were very good for your lower abdomen and they've even done studies on them.
Luckily the toilets in Hurghada were like the western style with a metal shower head and metal cord looking thing to the right hand side on the wall. I again had my own TP. We got into a discussion about it and Waleed said he didn't feel that you could ever get fully clean with just TP. I said at least I'm not getting my hands dirty with wiping with nothing and using only water. He said he washes his hands but I said you still touch sh1t.
The last night before I left we went to the large theater in Cairo and the water wasn't working in the bathroom. The toilets were western style again so I got some TP from the lady attendent in the bathroom and a bottled water from the concessions and I went to the bathroom even though I couldn't flush. Then I washed my hands with their soap and my bottled water. What was left of the bottled water I gave to Waleed to use.
Oh and in the hotel we stayed the last night at it was western style toilet as well but I can't remember if there was a hose or TP.
The toilets on the train were a seat with an open hole in the bottom of the train. I was so grossed out! People are peeing and crapping all over the tracks all across Egypt! There was pee all over the bathroom on the floor on the seat on the walls and it was the smell of putrid urine. As soon as I stepped in and examined the facility I stepped out refusing to go and rather hold it like a camel.
That was a ten hour train ride. So u can imagine.The toilet at his Grandma's house in Luxor was an even greater surprise. It was indoors at least and you go into the shower area and there at the bottom is this porcelain squat area with a hole to the ground. It had a red hose to the right of it that turned on just like a garden hose. I took one look at it and refused to use this toilet as well. We went into Luxor thankfully and I used a western toilet there. Later that night though it was maybe 3 am and I had to go so bad I finally gave in and used the squat toilet. I brought my TP with me and tried with all my might to be comfortable. It was a very humbling experience to say the least. When I saw they had the same toilet upstairs I stood in wonder on how that must work with no flushing. Why on earth have one on the second, third, and fourth floors. Waleed and his doctor friends told me that these squat toilets were very good for your lower abdomen and they've even done studies on them.
Luckily the toilets in Hurghada were like the western style with a metal shower head and metal cord looking thing to the right hand side on the wall. I again had my own TP. We got into a discussion about it and Waleed said he didn't feel that you could ever get fully clean with just TP. I said at least I'm not getting my hands dirty with wiping with nothing and using only water. He said he washes his hands but I said you still touch sh1t.
The last night before I left we went to the large theater in Cairo and the water wasn't working in the bathroom. The toilets were western style again so I got some TP from the lady attendent in the bathroom and a bottled water from the concessions and I went to the bathroom even though I couldn't flush. Then I washed my hands with their soap and my bottled water. What was left of the bottled water I gave to Waleed to use.
Oh and in the hotel we stayed the last night at it was western style toilet as well but I can't remember if there was a hose or TP.
I've heard the same thing about the squat toilets being healthier, something about being a more natural position for the intestines but I won't go into more detail than that. Hubby also feels like the TP alone doesn't always get things clean enough, and I tend to agree. We have a handheld shower, and we both shower at least a couple times a day, but I've been thinking about getting one of those sprayers, just wonder if water would end up going everywhere.
I wonder how elderly people deal with the squat toilets.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:09 PM)
I wonder how elderly people deal with the squat toilets.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I've wondered the same thing about the elderly or infirm. I'm overweight, so it wasn't terribly easy for me, but I could feel what a good workout it was. Not sure we could market that here though.
QUOTE(caybee @ Jun 13 2008, 11:16 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:09 PM)
I wonder how elderly people deal with the squat toilets.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I've wondered the same thing about the elderly or infirm. I'm overweight, so it wasn't terribly easy for me, but I could feel what a good workout it was. Not sure we could market that here though.
Ok, maybe TMI, but when I was in Morocco I had some digestive issues. There were times when I just said, "fukc it" and i just sat myself right down on the hole. Of course, I made sure to wash myself accordingly. Maybe that's what the elderly and handicapped do.
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 09:23 PM)
QUOTE(caybee @ Jun 13 2008, 11:16 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:09 PM)
I wonder how elderly people deal with the squat toilets.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I've wondered the same thing about the elderly or infirm. I'm overweight, so it wasn't terribly easy for me, but I could feel what a good workout it was. Not sure we could market that here though.
Ok, maybe TMI, but when I was in Morocco I had some digestive issues. There were times when I just said, "fukc it" and i just sat myself right down on the hole. Of course, I made sure to wash myself accordingly. Maybe that's what the elderly and handicapped do.
Well I know Waleed's Grandma had to have been in her 70's or 80's and she was as strong as an ox and prefered sitting on the floor to the couchs. I imagine she is much healthier then the 70-80 yr olds here and being squatting all her life it wasn't much more of an effort.
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:23 PM)
QUOTE(caybee @ Jun 13 2008, 11:16 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:09 PM)
I wonder how elderly people deal with the squat toilets.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I've wondered the same thing about the elderly or infirm. I'm overweight, so it wasn't terribly easy for me, but I could feel what a good workout it was. Not sure we could market that here though.
Ok, maybe TMI, but when I was in Morocco I had some digestive issues. There were times when I just said, "fukc it" and i just sat myself right down on the hole. Of course, I made sure to wash myself accordingly. Maybe that's what the elderly and handicapped do.
Oh, yeah, been there too!
QUOTE(Olivia* @ Jun 13 2008, 09:20 PM)
People are peeing and crapping all over the tracks all across Egypt!
i bet workers who repair those tracks have the crappiest job in egypt!
Cleanest place I have ever lived, Germany, dirtiest Egypt, hands down. I have had the pleasure of using toilets all over the world, I know, please no hatters. Traveling on a train during the night in the Pyrenees Mountains was the first time I too experience the whole in the floor and tracks speeding by at an alarming rate. Now the difference between the Egyptian train and the Spanish trains is the charming people, the Spanish love to drink and party, so you can imagine that adds a nice touch to the horrific bathroom. In the rural parts of Egypt, omg, the poor people are so damn dirty, their clothes are washed in the dirty water, where the animals element their wastes, it was like stepping back in a different times, all I could think was, omg I hope I don’t get some kind of parasite.
Wasn't there a news story a couple months back about a woman who didn't realize she was in labor giving birth in a train's WC (that was in India, I believe) and the baby falling through the hole onto the tracks? They found the baby alive but injured. I've wondered what the outcome was.
QUOTE(Ganja_Girl @ Jun 14 2008, 08:15 AM)
Cleanest place I have ever lived, Germany, dirtiest Egypt, hands down. I have had the pleasure of using toilets all over the world, I know, please no hatters. Traveling on a train during the night in the Pyrenees Mountains was the first time I too experience the whole in the floor and tracks speeding by at an alarming rate. Now the difference between the Egyptian train and the Spanish trains is the charming people, the Spanish love to drink and party, so you can imagine that adds a nice touch to the horrific bathroom. In the rural parts of Egypt, omg, the poor people are so damn dirty, their clothes are washed in the dirty water, where the animals element their wastes, it was like stepping back in a different times, all I could think was, omg I hope I don’t get some kind of parasite.
been there lately? when i first went there in 1984, it was really nice. then in the 90's there was graffiti everywhere, trash everywhere. and watch out for the lunatics hanging around the hauptbahnhof.
eta: left there in 2002.
QUOTE(charlesandnessa @ Jun 14 2008, 05:51 AM)
QUOTE(Olivia* @ Jun 13 2008, 09:20 PM)
People are peeing and crapping all over the tracks all across Egypt!
i bet workers who repair those tracks have the crappiest job in egypt!Yep.
QUOTE(caybee @ Jun 14 2008, 10:26 AM)
Wasn't there a news story a couple months back about a woman who didn't realize she was in labor giving birth in a train's WC (that was in India, I believe) and the baby falling through the hole onto the tracks? They found the baby alive but injured. I've wondered what the outcome was.
Baby and mom are fine. They both spent a day in the hospital and then were released.
QUOTE(caybee @ Jun 13 2008, 11:38 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:23 PM)
QUOTE(caybee @ Jun 13 2008, 11:16 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:09 PM)
I wonder how elderly people deal with the squat toilets.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I've wondered the same thing about the elderly or infirm. I'm overweight, so it wasn't terribly easy for me, but I could feel what a good workout it was. Not sure we could market that here though.
Ok, maybe TMI, but when I was in Morocco I had some digestive issues. There were times when I just said, "fukc it" and i just sat myself right down on the hole. Of course, I made sure to wash myself accordingly. Maybe that's what the elderly and handicapped do.
Oh, yeah, been there too!
And me too! Uggggggggg
Here's ONE of the many WC stories I have: The first trip to Morocco I got the nastiest cold. I asked my husband if there was some cold medicine we could get. We stopped at a pharmacy and the all-knowing pharmacist gives me these huge amoxicillin horse pills. I was so miserable I proceeded to take them against better judgement. Fast forward about 8 hours later as we are coming home to my husband's friend's house. I am DYING to use a bathroom after a 2 hour car trip. My husband says go ahead with his friend to get into the house so I can go quickly while he gets the bags from the car.
As humbly and calmly as I can be I patiently wait for him to show me the WC. As soon as the door closes, I scope out the situation. Porcelain square with hole (and the ever so convenient foot placement rectangles with the slanted raised lines to prevent slippage-whatever), water bucket under faucet. Turn on faucet to mask any embarassing 'sounds'. Assume the position and I think my husband was able to hear me by the car let alone his friend who was standing on the other side of the 1/4" door with big cracks all around it. Add to that the acoustically sound design of the WC. The running water in the bucket did nothing for me sound wise.
Did I mention I was in high heels, still had on my long winter coat (where to hang it in the WC?)? After fishing out of my pockets what I had left of a packet of kleenexes, I was left wondering what to do. Do I walk out and pretend that nothing happened? Or do I walk out and say Please excuse me, I'm so sorry? Or more to my liking, run screaming as far from his friend as I could? And what to tell my husband? What will his friend say to him (such as I think you should think twice about marrying this one?)?
I decided to walk out as if nothing happened while thinking to myself he should be thankful that I made it to the bathroom.
Thanks to the horse pills, I spent the next 2 weeks of my trip with constant bathroom escapades just like the one above, an 8 hour plane ride on my way home, and several trips to the doctor for my digestive extremes who thought I must have contracted some kind of god-awful parasite or disease from going to such a country as Morocco.
It turned out that I was given too strong an antibiotic and hadn't contracted any exotic diseases. Thanks God.
QUOTE(nu7015 @ Jun 14 2008, 06:29 PM)
And me too! Uggggggggg
Here's ONE of the many WC stories I have: The first trip to Morocco I got the nastiest cold. I asked my husband if there was some cold medicine we could get. We stopped at a pharmacy and the all-knowing pharmacist gives me these huge amoxicillin horse pills. I was so miserable I proceeded to take them against better judgement. Fast forward about 8 hours later as we are coming home to my husband's friend's house. I am DYING to use a bathroom after a 2 hour car trip. My husband says go ahead with his friend to get into the house so I can go quickly while he gets the bags from the car.
As humbly and calmly as I can be I patiently wait for him to show me the WC. As soon as the door closes, I scope out the situation. Porcelain square with hole (and the ever so convenient foot placement rectangles with the slanted raised lines to prevent slippage-whatever), water bucket under faucet. Turn on faucet to mask any embarassing 'sounds'. Assume the position and I think my husband was able to hear me by the car let alone his friend who was standing on the other side of the 1/4" door with big cracks all around it. Add to that the acoustically sound design of the WC. The running water in the bucket did nothing for me sound wise.
Did I mention I was in high heels, still had on my long winter coat (where to hang it in the WC?)? After fishing out of my pockets what I had left of a packet of kleenexes, I was left wondering what to do. Do I walk out and pretend that nothing happened? Or do I walk out and say Please excuse me, I'm so sorry? Or more to my liking, run screaming as far from his friend as I could? And what to tell my husband? What will his friend say to him (such as I think you should think twice about marrying this one?)?
I decided to walk out as if nothing happened while thinking to myself he should be thankful that I made it to the bathroom.
Thanks to the horse pills, I spent the next 2 weeks of my trip with constant bathroom escapades just like the one above, an 8 hour plane ride on my way home, and several trips to the doctor for my digestive extremes who thought I must have contracted some kind of god-awful parasite or disease from going to such a country as Morocco.
It turned out that I was given too strong an antibiotic and hadn't contracted any exotic diseases. Thanks God.
Here's ONE of the many WC stories I have: The first trip to Morocco I got the nastiest cold. I asked my husband if there was some cold medicine we could get. We stopped at a pharmacy and the all-knowing pharmacist gives me these huge amoxicillin horse pills. I was so miserable I proceeded to take them against better judgement. Fast forward about 8 hours later as we are coming home to my husband's friend's house. I am DYING to use a bathroom after a 2 hour car trip. My husband says go ahead with his friend to get into the house so I can go quickly while he gets the bags from the car.
As humbly and calmly as I can be I patiently wait for him to show me the WC. As soon as the door closes, I scope out the situation. Porcelain square with hole (and the ever so convenient foot placement rectangles with the slanted raised lines to prevent slippage-whatever), water bucket under faucet. Turn on faucet to mask any embarassing 'sounds'. Assume the position and I think my husband was able to hear me by the car let alone his friend who was standing on the other side of the 1/4" door with big cracks all around it. Add to that the acoustically sound design of the WC. The running water in the bucket did nothing for me sound wise.
Did I mention I was in high heels, still had on my long winter coat (where to hang it in the WC?)? After fishing out of my pockets what I had left of a packet of kleenexes, I was left wondering what to do. Do I walk out and pretend that nothing happened? Or do I walk out and say Please excuse me, I'm so sorry? Or more to my liking, run screaming as far from his friend as I could? And what to tell my husband? What will his friend say to him (such as I think you should think twice about marrying this one?)?
I decided to walk out as if nothing happened while thinking to myself he should be thankful that I made it to the bathroom.
Thanks to the horse pills, I spent the next 2 weeks of my trip with constant bathroom escapades just like the one above, an 8 hour plane ride on my way home, and several trips to the doctor for my digestive extremes who thought I must have contracted some kind of god-awful parasite or disease from going to such a country as Morocco.
It turned out that I was given too strong an antibiotic and hadn't contracted any exotic diseases. Thanks God.
Thanks for the great laugh. And thanks god.
I have some stories, but I rather not share
QUOTE(nu7015 @ Jun 14 2008, 07:29 PM)
QUOTE(caybee @ Jun 13 2008, 11:38 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:23 PM)
QUOTE(caybee @ Jun 13 2008, 11:16 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:09 PM)
I wonder how elderly people deal with the squat toilets.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I've wondered the same thing about the elderly or infirm. I'm overweight, so it wasn't terribly easy for me, but I could feel what a good workout it was. Not sure we could market that here though.
Ok, maybe TMI, but when I was in Morocco I had some digestive issues. There were times when I just said, "fukc it" and i just sat myself right down on the hole. Of course, I made sure to wash myself accordingly. Maybe that's what the elderly and handicapped do.
Oh, yeah, been there too!
And me too! Uggggggggg
Here's ONE of the many WC stories I have: The first trip to Morocco I got the nastiest cold. I asked my husband if there was some cold medicine we could get. We stopped at a pharmacy and the all-knowing pharmacist gives me these huge amoxicillin horse pills. I was so miserable I proceeded to take them against better judgement. Fast forward about 8 hours later as we are coming home to my husband's friend's house. I am DYING to use a bathroom after a 2 hour car trip. My husband says go ahead with his friend to get into the house so I can go quickly while he gets the bags from the car.
As humbly and calmly as I can be I patiently wait for him to show me the WC. As soon as the door closes, I scope out the situation. Porcelain square with hole (and the ever so convenient foot placement rectangles with the slanted raised lines to prevent slippage-whatever), water bucket under faucet. Turn on faucet to mask any embarassing 'sounds'. Assume the position and I think my husband was able to hear me by the car let alone his friend who was standing on the other side of the 1/4" door with big cracks all around it. Add to that the acoustically sound design of the WC. The running water in the bucket did nothing for me sound wise.
Did I mention I was in high heels, still had on my long winter coat (where to hang it in the WC?)? After fishing out of my pockets what I had left of a packet of kleenexes, I was left wondering what to do. Do I walk out and pretend that nothing happened? Or do I walk out and say Please excuse me, I'm so sorry? Or more to my liking, run screaming as far from his friend as I could? And what to tell my husband? What will his friend say to him (such as I think you should think twice about marrying this one?)?
I decided to walk out as if nothing happened while thinking to myself he should be thankful that I made it to the bathroom.
Thanks to the horse pills, I spent the next 2 weeks of my trip with constant bathroom escapades just like the one above, an 8 hour plane ride on my way home, and several trips to the doctor for my digestive extremes who thought I must have contracted some kind of god-awful parasite or disease from going to such a country as Morocco.
It turned out that I was given too strong an antibiotic and hadn't contracted any exotic diseases. Thanks God.
I'm sorry you had an awful experience but your story is hillarious!
Sorry if that was TMI. As I was writing it felt as if I was reliving it all over again. Must be some unresolved trauma I still carry.
I did tell my husband and he proceeded to console me by saying, Honey, it's a normal tings (tings=things). I knew for sure he hadn't heard me. Again, thanks God.
I did tell my husband and he proceeded to console me by saying, Honey, it's a normal tings (tings=things). I knew for sure he hadn't heard me. Again, thanks God.
in syria one of the apts we had only had a american toilet plus a butt wash station or whatever its called sitting next to the toilet but the other one we stayed at had one bathroom for the squatter which smelled so bad i hated walking past it and had a regular toilet in the other. his parents houses i think only had the american toilet but no seat on it. it seamed like every place else we went had squatters with a hose to wash up with. i know i had to take the box of tissues from the resturants in with me. i just couldnt imagine using a hose and walking out dry. i would have had to strip down to keep from getting my clothes wet.
Hubsters house had the turkish toilet in 1 room and a western toilet /shower in the other room. They neglected to tell me that the western toilet didn't flush without special magic tricks being performed on it woopsie
the bathroom in our flat had a western toilet and it wasn't till like the 3rd day that I realized the knob on the top of the back part was the flusher and u had to pull it up for it to work.... The rest of the bathroom is what I like to call "the shower story"
and for your entertainment..... here it is...
The Shower Story
I get to Jordan and reeeeally want to take a shower ASAP. We get up
to our flat and of course get a grand tour. Hallway, living room,
bedroom. Kitchen is off the hallway and what seems to be a closet is
just off the kitchen. NO, it's not a closet..that 5X5 room is the bathroom.
Western toilet (no flush handle- properly learned how to work the dang
thing on my 3rd day there) against the back wall, Water heater directly
to the left, funky 1ft X 1ft square on the floor (with drain) in front of
the water heater, sink which extends to the edge of strange 1ft X 1ft
square on the floor, strangely placed hole on the floor beneath the sink,
squeegee(u know, one of those car window washing squeegees with the long
handles). I notice there are no windows in this bathroom and find it odd
that they would have a squeegee in there. I put the squeegee in a cabinet
in the kitchen and decide to ask him about that later.
I do, however, ask about strange square thing on the floor and find out that
this is the shower. ahaaa.. That metal thing sticking out from the wall
about 4 feet up must be the shower head.... Seriously, Where's the shower....
I'm 5'7 and fairly sure I'm a little bigger than 1ft X 1ft and it doesn't
take quantum physics to figure out that a 4ft shower head vs 5'7" woman = problems.
Ok, take my clothes, big fluffy beach towel, and showering supplies
to the bathroom. No cabinets... OK so I can put the clothes on the
toilet...No problem. I hang the beach towel on the door handle
making sure to be extra careful that it doesn't fall off.
OOOOOk.. Now realizing that the time has come for the 1 on 1 match
with the shower head for dwarfs, I notice that there is no shower curtain.
How is this going to work? I'll be extra still and everything should be ok.
I turn the water on and it trickles out with slightly more pressure than you
would wash a newborn baby with. This must be why it is safe not to
have a shower curtain. Ok, I can do this.
I work up a decent lather to my hair and suddenly the water turns to
ice. I begin to panic and quickly start scrubbing as fast as my arms
can scrub. My teeth are chattering and I have a massive case of goosebumps
but somehow manage to get all the suds off before becoming a solid ice
cube. I turn the water off and stand there for a moment like a deer in
headlights wondering just what the heck happened and thanking God that
it was finally over. I regain my composure and decide it is time to attempt
to dry off. I take 1 step to my right and realize that the shower was very
warm compared to the lake of frosty water that accumulated on the floor.
Apparently when u take an ice shower and there is no shower curtain, it is
not really possible stand still and keep things dry outside the boundaries
of the shower square.
At this point I have decided to stand on the edge of the tiny shower square,
grab my towel and dry off. I reach behind me at the doorknob and grab a bare
handle. I close my eyes and grab again .. still bare. I do a balancing act and
turn around to find that my towel has fallen to the floor and is officially
soaked. I decide that I can just put my clothes on over my wet self (since any
form of warmth is better than standing naked on an ice lake) and what do I see?
My clothes somehow jumped off of the toilet seat and were soaked clear through.
Here I am, in all my nekkedness, ice soaked clothes AND towel, an inch of ice water
on the floor and no idea what to do next. Then I remember that odd hole in the floor
under the sink. I have no idea what it is for (to them) but for Amal it is gonna be
a water drain. I use my soaked towel and start pushing the water towards the hole.
It seems to drain just fine and I finally get enough of the floor dried off that my
feet can handle stepping on it without sending cold pricklies thru my feet and up
my spine. I call for hubster to get me some dry clothes (no need for a towel since
I air dried while cleaning the bathroom floor).
Later that night I told him about what exactly happened and we were having a good
laugh about it. I mentioned that they need a device to make the job of cleaning-up
the floor easier. Hubsterleaves the room and comes back with the window squeegee.
He says "habeebti". I look at him. He holds the squeegee like a broom and pushes
it and says"use it as this". I was mortified! That would explain why it was in the
bathroom to begin with!
We still laugh about the squeegee incident to this day. Sometimes he even calls me Mrs.Squeegee.
amal
woopsiethe bathroom in our flat had a western toilet and it wasn't till like the 3rd day that I realized the knob on the top of the back part was the flusher and u had to pull it up for it to work....
The rest of the bathroom is what I like to call "the shower story"and for your entertainment..... here it is...
The Shower Story
I get to Jordan and reeeeally want to take a shower ASAP. We get up
to our flat and of course get a grand tour. Hallway, living room,
bedroom. Kitchen is off the hallway and what seems to be a closet is
just off the kitchen. NO, it's not a closet..that 5X5 room is the bathroom.
Western toilet (no flush handle- properly learned how to work the dang
thing on my 3rd day there) against the back wall, Water heater directly
to the left, funky 1ft X 1ft square on the floor (with drain) in front of
the water heater, sink which extends to the edge of strange 1ft X 1ft
square on the floor, strangely placed hole on the floor beneath the sink,
squeegee(u know, one of those car window washing squeegees with the long
handles). I notice there are no windows in this bathroom and find it odd
that they would have a squeegee in there. I put the squeegee in a cabinet
in the kitchen and decide to ask him about that later.
I do, however, ask about strange square thing on the floor and find out that
this is the shower. ahaaa.. That metal thing sticking out from the wall
about 4 feet up must be the shower head.... Seriously, Where's the shower....
I'm 5'7 and fairly sure I'm a little bigger than 1ft X 1ft and it doesn't
take quantum physics to figure out that a 4ft shower head vs 5'7" woman = problems.
Ok, take my clothes, big fluffy beach towel, and showering supplies
to the bathroom. No cabinets... OK so I can put the clothes on the
toilet...No problem. I hang the beach towel on the door handle
making sure to be extra careful that it doesn't fall off.
OOOOOk.. Now realizing that the time has come for the 1 on 1 match
with the shower head for dwarfs, I notice that there is no shower curtain.
How is this going to work? I'll be extra still and everything should be ok.
I turn the water on and it trickles out with slightly more pressure than you
would wash a newborn baby with. This must be why it is safe not to
have a shower curtain. Ok, I can do this.
I work up a decent lather to my hair and suddenly the water turns to
ice. I begin to panic and quickly start scrubbing as fast as my arms
can scrub. My teeth are chattering and I have a massive case of goosebumps
but somehow manage to get all the suds off before becoming a solid ice
cube. I turn the water off and stand there for a moment like a deer in
headlights wondering just what the heck happened and thanking God that
it was finally over. I regain my composure and decide it is time to attempt
to dry off. I take 1 step to my right and realize that the shower was very
warm compared to the lake of frosty water that accumulated on the floor.
Apparently when u take an ice shower and there is no shower curtain, it is
not really possible stand still and keep things dry outside the boundaries
of the shower square.
At this point I have decided to stand on the edge of the tiny shower square,
grab my towel and dry off. I reach behind me at the doorknob and grab a bare
handle. I close my eyes and grab again .. still bare. I do a balancing act and
turn around to find that my towel has fallen to the floor and is officially
soaked. I decide that I can just put my clothes on over my wet self (since any
form of warmth is better than standing naked on an ice lake) and what do I see?
My clothes somehow jumped off of the toilet seat and were soaked clear through.
Here I am, in all my nekkedness, ice soaked clothes AND towel, an inch of ice water
on the floor and no idea what to do next. Then I remember that odd hole in the floor
under the sink. I have no idea what it is for (to them) but for Amal it is gonna be
a water drain. I use my soaked towel and start pushing the water towards the hole.
It seems to drain just fine and I finally get enough of the floor dried off that my
feet can handle stepping on it without sending cold pricklies thru my feet and up
my spine. I call for hubster to get me some dry clothes (no need for a towel since
I air dried while cleaning the bathroom floor).
Later that night I told him about what exactly happened and we were having a good
laugh about it. I mentioned that they need a device to make the job of cleaning-up
the floor easier. Hubsterleaves the room and comes back with the window squeegee.
He says "habeebti". I look at him. He holds the squeegee like a broom and pushes
it and says"use it as this". I was mortified! That would explain why it was in the
bathroom to begin with!
We still laugh about the squeegee incident to this day. Sometimes he even calls me Mrs.Squeegee.
amal
QUOTE(amal @ Jun 15 2008, 02:16 AM)
We still laugh about the squeegee incident to this day. Sometimes he even calls me Mrs.Squeegee.
amal
amal The bathroom in our apt in egypt was a normal bathroom but we got the same tiny hot water heater as you and I NEVER had a proper shower the entire three weeks I was there. Also, even though it was a normal bathtub/shower, it apparently wasn't all that important for them to have a full shower curtain so it only came about half way over and half way down and everything would get soaked in there when we'd shower. We learned to just leave our stuff outside of the door lol.
QUOTE(Alhamdulillah @ Jun 15 2008, 12:42 PM)
QUOTE(amal @ Jun 15 2008, 02:16 AM)
We still laugh about the squeegee incident to this day. Sometimes he even calls me Mrs.Squeegee.
amal
amal The bathroom in our apt in egypt was a normal bathroom but we got the same tiny hot water heater as you and I NEVER had a proper shower the entire three weeks I was there. Also, even though it was a normal bathtub/shower, it apparently wasn't all that important for them to have a full shower curtain so it only came about half way over and half way down and everything would get soaked in there when we'd shower. We learned to just leave our stuff outside of the door lol.
I have been in Algeria for 2 years. I have not had a proper bathing experience in 2 years!
Still waiting for our bathroom is be ready!But I do love it how small rats and huge cockroaches can easily come up from the Turkish style toliets
... I never use our downstairs WC (Turkish style) to the WC at night ... actually I never go to any one of our WCs at night alone!
QUOTE(Henia @ Jun 15 2008, 12:56 PM)
small rats and huge cockroaches can easily come up from the Turkish style toliets
OMG I would NEVER go again! I'd have to hold it for the rest of my time there!!!
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 08:26 AM)
Squat style in family's home in Morocco. I remember the pink TP too! There was a hose thingie there for cleaning as well.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
This is such a funny thread... no joKe my husband thinks i am weird for having a bathroom obsession... I learned quickly to carry wipes with me everywhere and hand sanitizer and tissues. That pink toilet paper awww what a memory. All sit down toilets in Casablanca but who would want to sit on some of those... i'll show you a pic of a toilet on the train to marakesh if interested.... horrible. Found the best public toilet at ...of all places..... McDonalds. I was so happy i came out excited and had to tell my husband... his reply? Hamdolah she found her toilet. lol.
The family all have the sit down kind and a hose for washing or I requested a bowl and tp was dispensed in a garbage can next to the toilet.
oooohhh gotta run all this talking nature is calling lol
QUOTE(Olivia* @ Jun 14 2008, 06:34 PM)
QUOTE(nu7015 @ Jun 14 2008, 07:29 PM)
QUOTE(caybee @ Jun 13 2008, 11:38 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:23 PM)
QUOTE(caybee @ Jun 13 2008, 11:16 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 11:09 PM)
I wonder how elderly people deal with the squat toilets.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I swear I got such a great gluts workout while I was over there.
I've wondered the same thing about the elderly or infirm. I'm overweight, so it wasn't terribly easy for me, but I could feel what a good workout it was. Not sure we could market that here though.
Ok, maybe TMI, but when I was in Morocco I had some digestive issues. There were times when I just said, "fukc it" and i just sat myself right down on the hole. Of course, I made sure to wash myself accordingly. Maybe that's what the elderly and handicapped do.
Oh, yeah, been there too!
And me too! Uggggggggg
Here's ONE of the many WC stories I have: The first trip to Morocco I got the nastiest cold. I asked my husband if there was some cold medicine we could get. We stopped at a pharmacy and the all-knowing pharmacist gives me these huge amoxicillin horse pills. I was so miserable I proceeded to take them against better judgement. Fast forward about 8 hours later as we are coming home to my husband's friend's house. I am DYING to use a bathroom after a 2 hour car trip. My husband says go ahead with his friend to get into the house so I can go quickly while he gets the bags from the car.
As humbly and calmly as I can be I patiently wait for him to show me the WC. As soon as the door closes, I scope out the situation. Porcelain square with hole (and the ever so convenient foot placement rectangles with the slanted raised lines to prevent slippage-whatever), water bucket under faucet. Turn on faucet to mask any embarassing 'sounds'. Assume the position and I think my husband was able to hear me by the car let alone his friend who was standing on the other side of the 1/4" door with big cracks all around it. Add to that the acoustically sound design of the WC. The running water in the bucket did nothing for me sound wise.
Did I mention I was in high heels, still had on my long winter coat (where to hang it in the WC?)? After fishing out of my pockets what I had left of a packet of kleenexes, I was left wondering what to do. Do I walk out and pretend that nothing happened? Or do I walk out and say Please excuse me, I'm so sorry? Or more to my liking, run screaming as far from his friend as I could? And what to tell my husband? What will his friend say to him (such as I think you should think twice about marrying this one?)?
I decided to walk out as if nothing happened while thinking to myself he should be thankful that I made it to the bathroom.
Thanks to the horse pills, I spent the next 2 weeks of my trip with constant bathroom escapades just like the one above, an 8 hour plane ride on my way home, and several trips to the doctor for my digestive extremes who thought I must have contracted some kind of god-awful parasite or disease from going to such a country as Morocco.
It turned out that I was given too strong an antibiotic and hadn't contracted any exotic diseases. Thanks God.
I'm sorry you had an awful experience but your story is hillarious!That story was awesome!!!! sorry it happend to you but i so could understand what you were experiencing...
QUOTE(Rajaa @ Jun 15 2008, 02:18 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 08:26 AM)
Squat style in family's home in Morocco. I remember the pink TP too! There was a hose thingie there for cleaning as well.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
This is such a funny thread... no joKe my husband thinks i am weird for having a bathroom obsession... I learned quickly to carry wipes with me everywhere and hand sanitizer and tissues. That pink toilet paper awww what a memory. All sit down toilets in Casablanca but who would want to sit on some of those... i'll show you a pic of a toilet on the train to marakesh if interested.... horrible. Found the best public toilet at ...of all places..... McDonalds. I was so happy i came out excited and had to tell my husband... his reply? Hamdolah she found her toilet. lol.
The family all have the sit down kind and a hose for washing or I requested a bowl and tp was dispensed in a garbage can next to the toilet.
oooohhh gotta run all this talking nature is calling lol
Actually, only time I ever go into McDonald's is when I am traveling ... as I know for sure, no matter where I am ... Europe, MENA, Asia ... the WC will be clean and operating!
I have seen some very nasty WCs ... in the hospitals here ... ironicaly funny since in a hospital you would except cleaniness! Nope not here!
Also I just 'loved' it when I see little boys and grown men pissing out, visible to all in public here!
QUOTE(Henia @ Jun 16 2008, 08:59 AM)
QUOTE(Rajaa @ Jun 15 2008, 02:18 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 08:26 AM)
Squat style in family's home in Morocco. I remember the pink TP too! There was a hose thingie there for cleaning as well.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
This is such a funny thread... no joKe my husband thinks i am weird for having a bathroom obsession... I learned quickly to carry wipes with me everywhere and hand sanitizer and tissues. That pink toilet paper awww what a memory. All sit down toilets in Casablanca but who would want to sit on some of those... i'll show you a pic of a toilet on the train to marakesh if interested.... horrible. Found the best public toilet at ...of all places..... McDonalds. I was so happy i came out excited and had to tell my husband... his reply? Hamdolah she found her toilet. lol.
The family all have the sit down kind and a hose for washing or I requested a bowl and tp was dispensed in a garbage can next to the toilet.
oooohhh gotta run all this talking nature is calling lol
Actually, only time I ever go into McDonald's is when I am traveling ... as I know for sure, no matter where I am ... Europe, MENA, Asia ... the WC will be clean and operating!
I have seen some very nasty WCs ... in the hospitals here ... ironicaly funny since in a hospital you would except cleaniness! Nope not here!
Also I just 'loved' it when I see little boys and grown men pissing out, visible to all in public here! :wacko:
this is everywhere in Morocco, i guess they think they are invisiable with backs turned like your not seeing the spot of the wall and i saw this near the courts everywhere and i did see a few women, with the women being more between towns and not right in town. The first time i went to see Ahmed we left casa airport hadnt gone far and this was my first HELLO, he pulled to the side of the road then slighlty away from the car and......... i always tell him my first memories of morocco were all the rocks and him on the side of the road
QUOTE(brnidokiegurl @ Jun 16 2008, 11:12 AM)
QUOTE(Henia @ Jun 16 2008, 08:59 AM)
QUOTE(Rajaa @ Jun 15 2008, 02:18 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 08:26 AM)
Squat style in family's home in Morocco. I remember the pink TP too! There was a hose thingie there for cleaning as well.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
This is such a funny thread... no joKe my husband thinks i am weird for having a bathroom obsession... I learned quickly to carry wipes with me everywhere and hand sanitizer and tissues. That pink toilet paper awww what a memory. All sit down toilets in Casablanca but who would want to sit on some of those... i'll show you a pic of a toilet on the train to marakesh if interested.... horrible. Found the best public toilet at ...of all places..... McDonalds. I was so happy i came out excited and had to tell my husband... his reply? Hamdolah she found her toilet. lol.
The family all have the sit down kind and a hose for washing or I requested a bowl and tp was dispensed in a garbage can next to the toilet.
oooohhh gotta run all this talking nature is calling lol
Actually, only time I ever go into McDonald's is when I am traveling ... as I know for sure, no matter where I am ... Europe, MENA, Asia ... the WC will be clean and operating!
I have seen some very nasty WCs ... in the hospitals here ... ironicaly funny since in a hospital you would except cleaniness! Nope not here!
Also I just 'loved' it when I see little boys and grown men pissing out, visible to all in public here! :wacko:
this is everywhere in Morocco, i guess they think they are invisiable with backs turned like your not seeing the spot of the wall and i saw this near the courts everywhere and i did see a few women, with the women being more between towns and not right in town. The first time i went to see Ahmed we left casa airport hadnt gone far and this was my first HELLO, he pulled to the side of the road then slighlty away from the car and......... i always tell him my first memories of morocco were all the rocks and him on the side of the road
QUOTE(brnidokiegurl @ Jun 16 2008, 10:12 AM)
QUOTE(Henia @ Jun 16 2008, 08:59 AM)
QUOTE(Rajaa @ Jun 15 2008, 02:18 PM)
QUOTE(Jenn! @ Jun 13 2008, 08:26 AM)
Squat style in family's home in Morocco. I remember the pink TP too! There was a hose thingie there for cleaning as well.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
His aunt and uncle had a regular toilet bowl. I much prefer that on, well you know, certain bathroom occasions.
This is such a funny thread... no joKe my husband thinks i am weird for having a bathroom obsession... I learned quickly to carry wipes with me everywhere and hand sanitizer and tissues. That pink toilet paper awww what a memory. All sit down toilets in Casablanca but who would want to sit on some of those... i'll show you a pic of a toilet on the train to marakesh if interested.... horrible. Found the best public toilet at ...of all places..... McDonalds. I was so happy i came out excited and had to tell my husband... his reply? Hamdolah she found her toilet. lol.
The family all have the sit down kind and a hose for washing or I requested a bowl and tp was dispensed in a garbage can next to the toilet.
oooohhh gotta run all this talking nature is calling lol
Actually, only time I ever go into McDonald's is when I am traveling ... as I know for sure, no matter where I am ... Europe, MENA, Asia ... the WC will be clean and operating!
I have seen some very nasty WCs ... in the hospitals here ... ironicaly funny since in a hospital you would except cleaniness! Nope not here!
Also I just 'loved' it when I see little boys and grown men pissing out, visible to all in public here! :wacko:
this is everywhere in Morocco, i guess they think they are invisiable with backs turned like your not seeing the spot of the wall and i saw this near the courts everywhere and i did see a few women, with the women being more between towns and not right in town. The first time i went to see Ahmed we left casa airport hadnt gone far and this was my first HELLO, he pulled to the side of the road then slighlty away from the car and......... i always tell him my first memories of morocco were all the rocks and him on the side of the road
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