Toilets!!

Sorry to anyone who receives this one twice. My blog had a little attitude problem, but I think I have it all straightened out!

Ahh, the long-awaited blog about toilets!! I've had several requests, and it's finally time to share!

First a pic of the toilets at Mitsui. This thing has all of the bells and whistles, and I simply love it!! Features include: heated seat, gurgling sound, fake flushing noise, bidet, shower, and automatic flusher!

Here's the control that's on the wall. In some offices (or hotels), this thing is attached to the side of the toilet. I've tested all of the buttons. From the left... red square = stop, spray thing = shower, spray thing w/person = bidet, air waves = blow dry. Then of course, the big round knob is to adjust the pressure of any of these features. The first time I tried out a toilet like this was in a hotel, and I was standing next to the toilet. Water started shooting every where!! And I didn't know how to stop it yet!! So now I've tried out all of the features in the sitting position, too!!!

Here's another controller you can put your hand in front of if you desire a little more privacy and some louder gurgling noises. Plus, push the button for a flushing sound!! Here's the first Asian-style "squatter" toilet I experienced on the 2nd day in Tokyo. As you can see the top has a small "hood" and that is the side you part you face. It helps prevent peeing on yourself. I took a pic while it was flushing so you can see the water running through it from back to front.

Here is the special "VIP restroom" I was escorted to at the Transystem Office in India. Many of the locations in India didn't even have women's restrooms (since none worked there) so I was thankful to find a toilet at all!

Curiosity got me, so I had to go find the other women's restroom and take a pic of what I was upgraded from...

Here's a repeat. This is the toilet at my apartment. No heated seat or fancy gurgling noises! but I do have that faucet on top that automatically runs when you flush it. You're supposed to wash your hands immediately, but I don't like the cold water, lack of soap, and splashing water everywhere!

Uhhh, yeah... I walked in this bathroom (in a Nagoya subway station) and walked right back out to check the sign to make sure it was Women. The toilet is on the right, it's out in the open behind no door, and I have no idea how you would use it. Maybe it's okay if you are wearing a skirt or a dress with no tights, but otherwise... seriously?! The item on the left is the sink. No soap, no warm water, and no way to dry your hands. (This is very common in subway stations or other public restrooms.) I now carry a handkerchief to dry my hands on and also some antibacterial wet wipes in case there's no soap. (FYI - the hankie is also handy at restaurants because many places don't have napkins. They give you a warm, wet towelette to clean up with prior to the meal, but nothing for your lap or to wipe your face.)

Here's an Asian toilet that I've mastered. The handle bar is super helpful for balancing. Just as I've gotten used to the squatter toilets (they're really not as bad as you would expect), I've also realized that the last stall in the bathroom usually is handicapped and has a Western-style toilet. As long as there is no line or other people waiting, I will (of course) go for the Western toilet!!