The all-encompasing bathrooms... where the budays second as wash brooms.

WARNING: This blog may been deemed by some as fitting into the too-much-information-category. Turn back from this site now if you are at all hesitant as I'm sure some posts will only get more "uncomfortable" in time.

There are a lot of adjustments to make in regards to living in Thailand. Some of the obvious ones are the climate, the food and the "wildlife". One of the strangest things, that I truly wonder if I'll ever get used to, are the washrooms. First of all, as a warning, pack your own toilet paper when traveling through Thailand. This simple act can save many an awkward moment. Second bit of advice, work the thigh muscles as squatting may in fact become a regular occurrence. Third bit, invest in rubber boots.

Now, some of the things I have come across in regards to the washroom situation include signs saying "please do not stand on seat". This, in my little bubble of a world, is simply strange and random. I still do not comprehend the request. The next odd bit is the shower. In most bathrooms that have a shower, there is no separation between washing and "unloading". There is simply a room with a mirror, sink, toilet, shower head and drain. The drain is often in the center of this little room, meaning that all water will somehow, and in its own time, make its way out of the room. Seeing as how this is a one room one deal type of thing, when showering, all becomes very wet. Another bit of advice, allow the person you are traveling with, or rooming with to use the facilities before showering.

Now, the oddest thing for me (and don't blame the western up-bringing) is the no flush policy. Let me explain. You can flush your "business" but you can't flush paper. Therefore, there is a little hose beside each toilet which is used to "wipe" and "clean". There is also a little pail beside each toilet to collect the paper. Paper is either decoration (oh, and must be collected before entry into a stall) or simply for drying. When using public washrooms, you may here sudden bursts of rushing water, which might just catch you off guard, but no worries... this is the norm.

Us Westerners are having difficulties adjusting to the idea of utilizing the "buday". We also have problems not flushing the paper, sometimes not collecting paper before entry, and have in result caused problems for the plumbing as well. There are few who have ventured into the territory of the mysterious hoses, but not for the purpose which they have been created for. Apparently, the buday is a great source for hosing down the all-inclusive bathroom. This idea may also take a while for me to agree with...

Note little hose by toilet. This is in my apartment.