One of the most interesting things about traveling is getting to experience something a daily event, but in a different way. Going to the bathroom, for example, can lead to some surprising differences in different countries.
In Thailand, there are many places that have western style toilets, which is what are used in the United States. Many times, instead of toilet paper, you are expected to use a small spray device located on the side of the toilet to clean yourself off. If you want toilet paper, you should carry a small package just in case. In tourist areas, toilet paper is often available.
There are also many locations that, instead of western toilets, have traditional Thai toilets. These are ground level, requiring you to stand on the porcelain foot rests on the side of the bowl and squat. Then, you are to use the water available to clean yourself. When finished, you use a small bucket or bowl and fill it with water. A few containers full of water “flushes” the toilet.
As a camper, I am pretty good at the balance and strength, as well as the clothing maneuvering, necessary for the traditional style toilet. However, while at one Thai truckstop during a short restroom break I was struggling with some some major stomach issues, and, boy-oh-boy, I wished for a western style toilet. Overall, however, I don’t really mind either option—but I do much prefer the use of toilet paper as my means of clean-up. Enough said.
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