4 ms·

haha, I been watching travel videos and was thinking about toilets in different countries. Was thinking of making a site like this, as kinda more of a joke but

by Keverw 7y ago

haha, I been watching travel videos and was thinking about toilets in different countries. Was thinking of making a site like this, as kinda more of a joke but also interesting. I think squatting down to potty just seems different and nasty. Plus elder people and people with disabilities a challenge too probably for them. Seen something that somewhere in China some place have like stalls with a trough running though you squat over. So you are squatting to take a poop while someone else's waste is going under you. Better not fall! Didn't know some places had porcelain toilets with the seats removed. Then some places in the world don't use toilet paper, but their left hand and water. Didn't know Japan had squat toilets too, I always envisioned the high tech ones being everywhere. I think Japan has the coolest toilets though out of any place, seems like a product Apple would of designed. Also something that surprised me in Europe they have toilets you pay to use, which I guess encourages them to be cleaner... but someone from the US used to free bathrooms at pretty much any retail store. I want to travel the world someday when the money is there, and one of the things that is discouraging. Plus being a super picky eater. But want to go see the pyramids, great wall of China and stuff you've always seen on TV. I know there's some world cruises, even some advertising as a circumnavigation cruise of the earth so probably be more of my style of travel. Board a huge boat somewhere in the US, and spend half a year non stop seeing things and then back. No long flights, delays, limited new food choices, etc.

asark 7y ago
> Plus being a super picky eater Took deliberate effort (training, even) but I got over this. I can't eat just anything (nothing with bones I'm expected to crunch on, or a clear face, please—I can do [love, even!] fish skin-on and could probably manage with the head on too but I won't eat the head, ya know?) but I can eat all kinds of "weird crap" that sure, lots of Americans will eat, but many (most in some cases?) think is super-gross. Calamari, those little whole octopi, all kinds of sushi including some of the weirder ones, most any stinky cheese, beef marrow. Just about whatever. Haven't done bugs yet but could probably manage. And that's just the notable stuff I'm up to, go back far enough and I wouldn't eat most "normal" food either! What I basically do is just shut off the part of my brain that was judging stuff as it went in my mouth. Probably people are picky for all kinds of reasons, but in my case, it was that. I was really picky. Now, I'm fine, but I still have to consciously repress it when trying some new things (if it's good, and most things are, it's much easier to have it again). Possibly some time working on Stoic non-judging helped make this easier, dunno. It seems to be much easier when I'm out of my ordinary surroundings. With one or more other people, out at a restaurant, while traveling is ideal, though any of those helps. I don't prepare "weird" food myself for a first try, though I will prepare most "normal" things that I used to not be able to eat—was very picky, I'm telling you. Still not sold on Mexican food of the smothered-in-melty-cheese variety, or pretty much any casserole, but I reckon I've earned a couple quirks so I'm not worried about getting over those. I'm never gonna be a big-hunk-of-oven-roast-or-crockpotted-meat fan like big hams or thanksgiving turkey, I've decided, though I can make myself eat it to be polite (couldn't before).
- Keverw 7y ago
  yeah, I'm not a fan of seafood. Was watching some travel videos, not sure if what's available or just their tastes. I know some people love to try tons of new foods too as part of the experience. Knowing me I'd probably go halfway around the globe and visit McDonald's for some McNuggets. I know Egypt has them. but I wonder about the language barrier when ordering too... I think in some touristy areas though at least one worker would know some English as a pretty common language. But I guess at the end of the day get back to your ship with your room, same toilet, etc. However, I wonder if world cruises change up their menu as they sail or if the buffet would always have similar food... I'd think a cruise leaving America and returning for half a year would probably still serve up some American styled food while in China for example... but I think they might also offer some more local styled dishes. Maybe someday if I get lucky in tech as those types of cruises cost about the price of a new luxury car. I know through a half a year cruise, probably a lot of Visas and I think you need a yellow fever vaccine depending on the ports. but I guess if you have that kind of money to go on one, probably someone to advice you. But I've never been a cruise anyways, so probably go on a few ones around the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico as that is pretty common from the US. Also interested in an Alaska, Canadian New England ones first to see how I like them... and then if going on a world cruise check out the same line on a shorter cruise once or twice before committing to something that huge. Be like a once in a lifetime experience though. There's even some that go to Antarctica. Mediterranean ones in Europe. Also seen some that go around Washington State, Oregon and California too. Always been interested in cruises and traveling more though, but feel like it'd be the perfect style of travel. I think if I hit it big I'd probably just sail full time for a few years, then RV across the US. Be an interesting alternative lifestyle. I know my family is against this idea though, but I think it's because people judge small little snippets of what they see on TV. Sure bad parts of Mexico and crime, but I think if you stick to touristy areas and be careful you'd be alright. So much fear mongering on television. Speaking of television. I remember when the travel channel used to actually be about travel. Now it's just back to back marathons of ghost hunting shows it seems.
  - rawrfml 7y ago
    I did a lot of travelling in Europe earlier in the year, and had McDonald's in a lot of different cities in different countries. What really helped were the automatic digital kiosks that you can just order from (without talking to a cashier). They had the official languages of the country, plus always English as an option so you'd always be able to use the machine. You get assigned a number and then just wait for your number to pop up - no conversation at all except a little thank you when you pick up your food. I'm also really interested in renting an RV and just driving across the US. Seems like a relaxed way to travel.
Ayesh 7y ago
Not every toilet in Europe charges money. For example, France has some of the best public toilets I have ever seen. Go in, do your job, and press the button. 30 seconds later, everything is flushed and cleaned automatically, and the toilet automatically opens for the next person. In some of the long term hikes, there are pedal toilets. Do your thing, and "flush" it down by doing a small cycle movement. There is a mechanism to move your gift down the toilet without using any water. If you are worried about left hand and water, you will be pleasantly surprised when you see butt guns. It's a bidet shower that sprays water and you don't have to use your hands. I grew up in Sri Lanka, where we have them everywhere (in addition to toilet papers), and I personally got them fixed in the bathroom when I moved.
- deleted 7y ago
  [deleted]
viraptor 7y ago
> Didn't know Japan had squat toilets too, I always envisioned the high tech ones being everywhere. It's a really bizarre mix in my experience. You get the high end with a heated seat, even in a random road-side shop. Unless you don't, and then there's no seat at all. There are some "standard" toilets as well, but I've mostly seen either one of the extremes.
Obsnold 7y ago
When I was in China it took a bit of getting used to but I actually quite liked the squat toilets. They just seemed much more hygienic and easier to clean. For a squat toilet you limit the amount you have to touch anything as you just hover over a hole in the floor and because there is a hole in the floor the whole room can be sprayed down and flushed away. The worst thing to get used to is putting all the used toilet paper in the bin.
bluGill 7y ago
The US used to have pay toilets - 1970s or so. There were taken out because they were not popular for several reasons. Men's urinals were free, which meant women were discriminated against. People did crawl under the door to avoid the cost. People didn't always have the correct cash with them. Turns out the cost of buying and servicing the pay box used up most of the money collected. People didn't like them and wrote letters to their congressman about it. People changed their habits to find free toilets. People "wet their pants" elsewhere causing a larger cleanup problem. All in all they didn't last long.
eeZah7Ux 7y ago
> I think squatting down to potty just seems different and nasty On the contrary, is much healthier. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/09/20/161501413/for-best-toilet-health-squat-or-sit https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/09/20/1615014...
bregma 7y ago
> I think squatting down to potty just seems different and nasty. Until you're in a place where you want ot be aware of where all the spider, snakes, or bitey insects are before you expose your software bits to them.

by Keverw 7y ago

asark 7y ago

> Plus being a super picky eater Took deliberate effort (training, even) but I got over this. I can't eat just anything (nothing with bones I'm expected to crunch on, or a clear face, please—I can do [love, even!] fish skin-on and could probably manage with the head on too but I won't eat the head, ya know?) but I can eat all kinds of "weird crap" that sure, lots of Americans will eat, but many (most in some cases?) think is super-gross. Calamari, those little whole octopi, all kinds of sushi including some of the weirder ones, most any stinky cheese, beef marrow. Just about whatever. Haven't done bugs yet but could probably manage. And that's just the notable stuff I'm up to, go back far enough and I wouldn't eat most "normal" food either! What I basically do is just shut off the part of my brain that was judging stuff as it went in my mouth. Probably people are picky for all kinds of reasons, but in my case, it was that. I was really picky. Now, I'm fine, but I still have to consciously repress it when trying some new things (if it's good, and most things are, it's much easier to have it again). Possibly some time working on Stoic non-judging helped make this easier, dunno. It seems to be much easier when I'm out of my ordinary surroundings. With one or more other people, out at a restaurant, while traveling is ideal, though any of those helps. I don't prepare "weird" food myself for a first try, though I will prepare most "normal" things that I used to not be able to eat—was very picky, I'm telling you. Still not sold on Mexican food of the smothered-in-melty-cheese variety, or pretty much any casserole, but I reckon I've earned a couple quirks so I'm not worried about getting over those. I'm never gonna be a big-hunk-of-oven-roast-or-crockpotted-meat fan like big hams or thanksgiving turkey, I've decided, though I can make myself eat it to be polite (couldn't before).

Keverw 7y ago
yeah, I'm not a fan of seafood. Was watching some travel videos, not sure if what's available or just their tastes. I know some people love to try tons of new foods too as part of the experience. Knowing me I'd probably go halfway around the globe and visit McDonald's for some McNuggets. I know Egypt has them. but I wonder about the language barrier when ordering too... I think in some touristy areas though at least one worker would know some English as a pretty common language. But I guess at the end of the day get back to your ship with your room, same toilet, etc. However, I wonder if world cruises change up their menu as they sail or if the buffet would always have similar food... I'd think a cruise leaving America and returning for half a year would probably still serve up some American styled food while in China for example... but I think they might also offer some more local styled dishes. Maybe someday if I get lucky in tech as those types of cruises cost about the price of a new luxury car. I know through a half a year cruise, probably a lot of Visas and I think you need a yellow fever vaccine depending on the ports. but I guess if you have that kind of money to go on one, probably someone to advice you. But I've never been a cruise anyways, so probably go on a few ones around the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico as that is pretty common from the US. Also interested in an Alaska, Canadian New England ones first to see how I like them... and then if going on a world cruise check out the same line on a shorter cruise once or twice before committing to something that huge. Be like a once in a lifetime experience though. There's even some that go to Antarctica. Mediterranean ones in Europe. Also seen some that go around Washington State, Oregon and California too. Always been interested in cruises and traveling more though, but feel like it'd be the perfect style of travel. I think if I hit it big I'd probably just sail full time for a few years, then RV across the US. Be an interesting alternative lifestyle. I know my family is against this idea though, but I think it's because people judge small little snippets of what they see on TV. Sure bad parts of Mexico and crime, but I think if you stick to touristy areas and be careful you'd be alright. So much fear mongering on television. Speaking of television. I remember when the travel channel used to actually be about travel. Now it's just back to back marathons of ghost hunting shows it seems.
- rawrfml 7y ago
  I did a lot of travelling in Europe earlier in the year, and had McDonald's in a lot of different cities in different countries. What really helped were the automatic digital kiosks that you can just order from (without talking to a cashier). They had the official languages of the country, plus always English as an option so you'd always be able to use the machine. You get assigned a number and then just wait for your number to pop up - no conversation at all except a little thank you when you pick up your food. I'm also really interested in renting an RV and just driving across the US. Seems like a relaxed way to travel.

Ayesh 7y ago

Not every toilet in Europe charges money. For example, France has some of the best public toilets I have ever seen. Go in, do your job, and press the button. 30 seconds later, everything is flushed and cleaned automatically, and the toilet automatically opens for the next person. In some of the long term hikes, there are pedal toilets. Do your thing, and "flush" it down by doing a small cycle movement. There is a mechanism to move your gift down the toilet without using any water. If you are worried about left hand and water, you will be pleasantly surprised when you see butt guns. It's a bidet shower that sprays water and you don't have to use your hands. I grew up in Sri Lanka, where we have them everywhere (in addition to toilet papers), and I personally got them fixed in the bathroom when I moved.

deleted 7y ago
[deleted]

viraptor 7y ago

> Didn't know Japan had squat toilets too, I always envisioned the high tech ones being everywhere. It's a really bizarre mix in my experience. You get the high end with a heated seat, even in a random road-side shop. Unless you don't, and then there's no seat at all. There are some "standard" toilets as well, but I've mostly seen either one of the extremes.

Obsnold 7y ago

When I was in China it took a bit of getting used to but I actually quite liked the squat toilets. They just seemed much more hygienic and easier to clean. For a squat toilet you limit the amount you have to touch anything as you just hover over a hole in the floor and because there is a hole in the floor the whole room can be sprayed down and flushed away. The worst thing to get used to is putting all the used toilet paper in the bin.

bluGill 7y ago

The US used to have pay toilets - 1970s or so. There were taken out because they were not popular for several reasons. Men's urinals were free, which meant women were discriminated against. People did crawl under the door to avoid the cost. People didn't always have the correct cash with them. Turns out the cost of buying and servicing the pay box used up most of the money collected. People didn't like them and wrote letters to their congressman about it. People changed their habits to find free toilets. People "wet their pants" elsewhere causing a larger cleanup problem. All in all they didn't last long.

eeZah7Ux 7y ago

> I think squatting down to potty just seems different and nasty On the contrary, is much healthier. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/09/20/161501413/for-best-toilet-health-squat-or-sit https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/09/20/1615014...

bregma 7y ago

> I think squatting down to potty just seems different and nasty. Until you're in a place where you want ot be aware of where all the spider, snakes, or bitey insects are before you expose your software bits to them.