Betsy - that Whizzy thing is a hoot! Let's say that it will NOT be one of my top 100 accessories to take to Europe!

cigale - thanks for the file (good info) but the photo link didn't work, probably because the site isn't active.

adrienne

Actually, squatting is more natural and hygenic. Plus evacuation of the solid materials is easier, faster, and more complete when squatting than when sitting--one result is a reduction in the incidence of hemorrhoid flare-up for those so inflicted.

>"Actually, squatting is more natural and hygenic."

Unless, of course, you're wearing tight jeans and high-heels :o

The first time I saw one, I didn't use it. The second time, I ran for the nearest restaurant. But, the last time I saw one, it was at a highway rest stop a little west of Cannes(to my great surprise) and I had to go. So, I use what I call my back packing stance and manage. But, I was surprised when my friend told me there was hanging handles.I didn't notice any, but I wasn't looking up there, just down. Another funny story is about those enclosed street toilets in Paris. My daughter had just use one (and we had no more coins between us). So, I decided to double use it. Well, my two daughters were laughing hysterically and I didn't know why. So, I carefully left the door sightly open thinking they were laughing that I was going to be locked. I used the facility and left. As I shut the door behind me, I could hear the toilet being washed inside. My kids thought I was going to get washed and didn't tell me!

Are these things part of that "local culture" so many people here rave about wanting to "experience"????????

Second advice re not having anything in pockets. But, hey, none of you seems to have experienced a real "long drop". You should; you haven't lived if you haven't. A hole in the floor, sans flush, sans porcelain. Watch out for the flies.

I had an experience in a Rome train station with a squat toilet several years ago that was also (unknown to me) a shower.

After I was "done" I pulled a cord to flush, which was really the shower cord. Soaking wet and embarrased I also found that the door was jammed and I couldn't get out. I started asking for help from the outside and nobody came to my rescue. Then I put my eye on the lock to figure out what the problem was.

At that moment someone kicked in the door which landed me on the porcelain squat toilet. Everyone in the WC was laughing at the wet tourist laying on the squatter with a bloody nose! I took it all in stride and still think it is funny.

Gosh, Jor! I'd say that could be chalked up to one's worst travel experiences. Glad to hear you have a sense of humor about it.

BTW - I try to avoid the Turkish toilets, as well, but sometimes have no choice but to use them.

RufusTFirefly, TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!:-d

For those of you guidebook-oriented types, you can research this subject further with the book: "Going Abroad... the bathroom survival guide" by Eva Newman.

Someone gave it to me for Christmas, it's pretty funny and extremely informative! All toilet types and situations neatly sorted out, with illustrations!!

While I much prefer throne-type toilets, when you've backpacked up in the mountains where your only toilet is somewhere behind a tree and flies are swarming all around you, a hole-in-ground-toilet with no flies doesn't seem all that horrible. :)

During my first trip abroad I encountered a WC that I couldn't figure out. After that trip I bought that "Going Abroad" book...my husband laughed at me for it, but it definitely helped on our next trip. I have had friends ask to borrow it and its always a conversation piece:)

In the late 60's I was installing state of the art computer controls in a brand new power plant in northern Italy. Construction was in its final stages & the toilet facilities were not yet operational. One morning I heard load hammering in the the rest room adjacent to the control room which was for use by engineers & technicians. Much to my surprise the plumbers were removing the standard sit-on toilet to be replaced with the porcelain square with the hole.
Why, I asked? I was told that way being uncomfortable, personnel will spend less time in the toilet facility!!!

travelerone, I know what you mean. It's hard to take a nap when there's no place to sit.

Forget the WHIZZY!

As the old saying goes "necessity it the mother of invention" so -

Think Melita Coffee Filters - 1-cup or 2-cup size, snip the bottom corner and you've got your own WHIZZY - cheap, biodegradeable, easily packed.

Your own La Funnel!!!

now that was off the wall....lol

I think it was somewhere in Hanoi where I used a 'western' style toilet and noticed a sign above the door in several languages that stated "Do not stand on the toilet."

On my first time to Europe trip as my above post, I was young and dumb and traveling with a friend.

We got a hotel room in Switzerland that had a baddet (spelling?) After much discussion we determined that it was for washing your feet. So that's what we did!