Introduction to toilets - Asian version

[The_Traveler]

In all of Asia, you will find variations on what we are comfortable with as toilets.

There may be the conventional Western style. But note the spray head to the left. That spray is meant to perform the main cleaning action. (It is actually quite refreshing.) The drying is performed by patting the wet area with the supplied absorbent paper which is then deposited in a plastic-bag lined container (not seen in this shot) because the sewage systems cannot manage paper.

Not surprisingly, there is a variation on the paper also.
It is loosely wound and un-perforated, thus one must rip off the required, pat and deposit.

Once out of the big city - or where Western tourists are catered to - one will often find this kind of toilet. Note the dipper and the bucket of water. This is the substitute for the flush hose and takes some getting used to.
Often paper is not supplied and one learns to carry an emergency roll.
Between these squat toilets, that require faith, balance and a limberness often not found in Westerners, and the presence of rice at every meal, constipation is a real trial to beginner travelers.

 

[Ron Evers]

Thanks for the education. I better stay home.

 

[The_Traveler]

One could always fan the damp area with that hat.

 

[AlanKlein]

When I was stationed in the USAF in Japan in the 1960's, most off-base civilian stores, restaurants and bars had "Benjo" toilets which were pretty much like those outdoor toilets you see at construction sites. "Honey Bucket" trucks would travel around from store to store vacuuming out the remains. Fortunately on base we had regular American style toilets. It was always easier to read "Playboy" magazine on base!

 

[The_Traveler]

Yes, nothing like toilets to bring back memories.

 

[dennybeall]

My favorites are still the sidewalk urinals in France in the sixties. The urinal was on the wall of a building and there was a waist high wall a couple of feet out from it. Couples would continue conversations with him on the other side of the wall.....

 

[Ron Evers]

Here is one I took in the middle of the Baja peninsula, Mexico @ the mission of San Javier, many years ago. The mission is in the background.

 

[tirediron]

Looks like you'd have to be careful stepping off!

 

[DarkShadow]

I never thought I would say this but I am sure glad we have to up to date toilets and sewers.