h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Paper-in-the-bin is usually because of poor/narrow plumming - it'll just about manage the 'heavy' stuff, but nothing more than that...

That seems rather unsanitary. Putting the paper in a bin. And the squat and hover bit is terribly uncomfortable. I think I prefer teh way we do things here.

I possess a pink pass to the ladies loo at Harod's. It was bestowed upon me when I had tea in one of the restaurants there. As I recall, it was some sort of ice cream parlor/tea room. I kept it as a souvenir.

>>And the squat and hover bit is terribly uncomfortable.<<

I can remember walking the South Downs Way in a mixed sex group. Were all doing Duke of Edinburgh... However, it was spread over 14 days and one person was desperate for number twos, aka Richard the Thirds... Close viewing may have revealed the stinging nettles, rather than allowing tender flesh to reveal it...

My bowels suffered badly, due to 14 days of constipation, purely because of one person's discomfort!!!

14 days of constipation is very very painful... but what a relief on release!!!

MMF

o/`

*Am i opening myself to the ???*

I quite like the squatty loos. I am not one of those people who drapes tissue all over the toilet seat, you understand, but it is nice to be able to avoid contact with surfaces on occassion.

Been enjoying your travelogue very much, Teuchter.

I am glad to see that the toilet upgrade(a huge public campaign for 2008) in Beijing has worked and will spare you my experiences of previous years. Anything your imagination comes up with will not be as bad as the reality used to be.

It's funny where you find yourself on Hoo Too. I came across this having followed you from MMF's journal on your trip to Wisley.

Thank you for some very interesting insights in to China. Much more interesting than the TV coverage. I must read some more when I get time.

The has a special place in my heart being a WWF member and volunteer.

Thanks again,

Websailor

I'm fond of s too, Websailor. Such benign creatures.

I'm off to China again at the end of the month so there may be further postings ... possibly a trip to Xian to see the Terracotta Army in situ.

That's lovely. I shall look forward to reading about your impressions. I have watched and read a great deal about the 'real' China, but personal experience often throws a different light on things. Do you have a photo site you use? Piccies would be wonderful. I must catch up with all that you have written so far but I do not have enough hours in the day at the moment.

May I add you to my friends list so I don't lose track of you?

Websailor

I got quite used to the squat toilets in Japan, usually extremely clean. Wet floors are a problem with trousers flapping round your ankles...
The only oddity was that there was always a basin for hands washing but rarely soap and paper towels/air dryer - usually one or the other, if any at all.

Isn't there a theory that the no nappy method in China makes the child more aware of the process? Perhaps they sometimes see adults using the gutter too?

Of course, Websailor
I shall do likewise.
Still haven't done much with the photos. To be honest, they're not that good. I'll be taking a different camera with me next time so might be able to do better. No2 daughter's the photographer of the family. Perhaps I should ask for some tuition.

Japan's on my list of places to visit, Teasswill. Which part of the country have you visited?
I have limited experience of squat loos - mainly French.
With teenage boys in the house, that form of loo seems like quite a good idea. No seats to be left up or down - and easily cleaned with a pressure hose.

Squat loos aren't disabled friendly of course. With my arthritic Mum in tow, I had to assess the facilities before she ventured in!

Elder son has been living in Japan for 3 years now & we've made two visits. We've done the major sights - Tokyo, Kyoto, Himeji, Hiroshima, as well as some smaller tourist spots - Takayama, Kakunodate, Matsushima & Aomori. I imagine the architecture is similar to that in China, but perhaps the atmosphere in Japan is more comfortable? We loved Japan - I'm learning Japanese myself in anticipation of more visits!

Oh, Teuchter, how exciting that you'll go to China again.

I look forward to more of your wonderful journals. Did you find the message Rich left you?

Thank you Teuchter. Can I enquire how you are managing to go to China twice in such a short time - is it work related?

Good luck with photos.

Websailor

Are the Japanese people as polite as we're led to believe, Teasswill? I'd love to be in Japan when the cherry trees are flowering.

Mr T is working over there, Websailor. His contract allows me to have a few conjugal flights.

I didn't see Rich's message, B'el. Will have to go foraging

I've only been in the Summer - far too hot! Yes, everyone is very polite & there are lots of smiles/embarrassed giggles, although male officials look rather stern. Even in busy places I wasn't aware of the pushing & shoving you might experience here.

What a fantastic opportunity to visit China. I've enjoyed all your reports. How much longer is Mr T there?

Thank you for answering my rather nosy question. It must be difficult being so far apart. I wondered how long for as well.

Websailor

Old Grey Moonraker is based in Japan - I'm sure he has lots of helpful advice for anyone going there. U2052738