Fuddland

I realise this isn’t going to be pleasant reading, but I do feel that some guidebooks lack certain details for people about to embark on a short holiday to China [hello Mum!], and this particular area is something everyone should be prepared for [yes, even Her Madge, the Queen of England]. So let’s get this over with as quickly as possible so we can all think about something much more pleasant.

Generally, the public toilet in China is nothing more sophisticated than a hole in the ground, requiring a decent sense of balance. Some are more private than others: you may be lucky enough to get a lockable stall — certainly this is true in the more modern building — but don’t be surprised if all that separates your squating self from your fellow toilet-goers is a low wall, requiring a very sudden and keen interest in whatever is on the floor directly ahead of you to avoid catching anyone’s eye, lest they decide to try to enter into a conversation with you. Toilet paper hardly ever seems to be provided, so carrying a packet of tissues is a must. The flush can be either a foot-operated pedal or a lever connected directly to the water pipe. Any paper you have used shouldn’t be disposed of down the toilet, but must instead be placed into the provided wastebin. Hand-washing facilities are usually available, although you might be asking rather too much if you expect to find soap along with running water, so a packet of handwipes comes in very, erm, handy.

Okay, that’s that out of the way. Next on Fuddland … Killing Chickens: The Movie. [You think I’m joking?]

The following is an entry which follows on from the above:

1. Fresh [Fuddland]. Excerpt: Anyone of a sensitive disposition, look away now. Seriously, I'm going to talk about buying live chickens and watching them being killed, and there is a video. You have been warned....

#1

Hannah | 2006 / 09 / 05 – 20:34

That explains a lot about the behaviour of chinese students who are new to the UK. Do you get a normal toilet in your flat, or just a more private hole?

#2

David | 2006 / 09 / 05 – 21:17

Re #1: Thankfully all the housing I’ve seen [lived-in and visited] has had the “normal” toilet.

#3

jen | 2006 / 09 / 17 – 02:59

ah… and then there’s the trough. no paper, no flush, no peekies!

and bus terminal toilets are a whole category unto themselves.

#4

Jess | 2006 / 09 / 30 – 15:31

Hm, actually I can’t understand it. Or is it typical for communist China the same as it was in old USSR? Unfortunately communist countries were striving for building communism and a bright future. But could not build tolerable toilets.

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