Bathrooms

Besides the kitchen the bathroom is one of the most sacred places in the home. You use the toilet at least 3 times a day. You primp and beautify yourself each morning in front of the bathroom mirror. You bathe daily to cleanse and purify your body. This room (the bathroom) is essential to your daily life.

Living in Asia can throw your whole morning schedule out of whack if your not prepared.

I am blessed to have a bathroom with a Western Style Toilet, Sink and Mirror, even a Shower. This is convenient, but sometimes I've had problems. China is the worlds biggest consumer of solar energy.  Solar energy is great as long as it works. If you end up with a broken collector you may have to suffer through an ice cold morning shower. 

Photo by me: Showing the wrong way to use a sqatty potty

My apartment has spoiled me, because as I quickly found out, not everyone in Asia is a blessed as me.

I've stay in places that have no indoor bathroom. You much use an outhouse. No problem, until I realize that it's a squatty potty (whole in the ground) and -35 C outside daytime temperature. Every morning you must heat water that will be used to your wash your face and wash your hair and brush your teeth and much more. There is no mirror  you must rely on the visual expertise of the people around you. If you want to shower you must go to a public bath house. The showers are hot and worth the money, but I find it awkward. People gawk at you. In Asia no matter if your white or black you will standout in a crowd on the streets, but in the bath house you will standout 500 times more. Be prepared to have everyone gawk  at every inch of your body. 

Life in the rural areas must be tough. So, what about the cities? They should be better. Not exactly.

I was told that the only place to find a public Western Style Toilet was at KFC. Not exactly true. I've been in many KFC restrooms across Asia and most, if not all, are squatty potties. However, I found luck at Starbucks. After living in Asia I have come to accept squatty potties for it helps strengthen my leg muscles. 

Bathrooms are something I took for granted until my move to Asia. Living or Traveling in Asia you must prepare yourself and be ready to use a bathroom that may not meet up to your high standards. My best advise is suck it up and live with it.

Before I forget: The most important thing I've learn is: Always carry tissues in your pocket or purses. Toilet paper is NOT provided in any bathroom across Asia.