The Loo

This post is for the sole delight of my mother

- because she asked. :)

Toilets. Toilets here really aren't that different. It's not like mainland China where one needs to perfect their squatting technique.

Besides none being porcelain, what's it like?

First, the NAME
They are "toilets" here, not "bathrooms". As in... ask where the bathroom is, and sometimes you'll get a blank stare. Asking "where's the toilet" feels a bit private and embarrassing to us Americans. However, when in Rome....

CLEANLINESS
Bathrooms Toilets everywhere have assigned cleaners. Sometimes the cleaner's photo and name are posted up near the sink. A not-so-subtle reminder that a human being is cleaning up after you and maybe you should thank them if you see them. Toilets are cleaned often here - not just twice a day like in many American bathrooms. The walls, floorboards, tile, and corners seem much dingier and dirtier than would be acceptable in most American bathrooms - but the floor, sinks, and seats are cleaned far more frequently.

FLUSH
The flush is different everywhere. Sometimes a handle, sometimes a button (often with smaller/bigger options depending on the need... you know what I mean).  My favorite? The pull-chain. I stifle a delighted giggle every time I get to yank on one of these.

PAPER
I've visited enough public toilets now to know that I need to check the wall at the entrance FIRST before heading to the stall because that is where a communal toilet roll hangs.

 

HEIGHT
The toilets are often lower. So, if you prefer to squat and hover - you can do it very easily! It also means the toddler-set is fascinated.

our master bath - toilet

THE WORKS
Fancy restaurants often have Japanese toilets. That means they have heated seats, play music or cover-up sounds, and have bidets built into the seat at the touch of a button. We aren't that fancy at our flat.

kid / guest toilet