So, today I thought I’d post about something most people don’t think about when considering life as a missionary or just traveling the world. Typically, we think about where we will stay, what we may have to eat, what ministry will look like, and sights to see before we leave. But if you have traveled very many places, and especially if you have gone on the World Race or a mission trip in the 3rd world, you now appreciate the amazing invention of a toliet.

Before we leave the States, we make sure we know how to say bathroom, toliet, cuarto de baño, salle de bain, etc. But have we ever questioned what type of ‘toliet’ we may have to use? I will bet that 99% of those reading this have not.

Well, you are in for a treat! I am about to share with you the toliets that I have experienced around the world! Now to justly warn you, there will be pictures, some description (although most need none), and maybe some commentary. This is not meant to gross you out, or disturb you in anyway, but I do feel it is my responsibilty to inform you of the possibilities so you can be prepared. And I can promise, it will make you rethink ever taking your toliet for granted again!

So here we go. .

In many places around the world, the use of the ‘squatty potty’ is very common.

I really hope the ‘squatty potty’ concept doesn’t take any explaining. Because well, I’d just  rather not even try! 🙂

This porcelain beauty was common in China and typically pretty clean.  Although, never and I repeat NEVER use or even enter the train station bathrooms.  Please. Do not be curious. You will regret it.  And maybe, I mean hopefully, my experience of wanting to lose my sense of smell was a one time only happening in these train stations.  But I will tell you, it was enough to avoid them at most any cost!

  The memories that these 2 pictures bring back, make me question my recent post about how much I LOVE Africa.

But no I still do, dirty squatty potty’s whose doors won’t shut or not, Africa is still my favorite travel/mission trip location!

And once again, I’m just not going to go into any details.

There were a few other intriguing squatty potty’s that I had the pleasure of meeting.  I’m not sure if intriguing is the right word, but anyways. I must not have felt the desire to capture those memories by camera so I apologize about that.  It could also be that I would of felt really awkward taking a camera into the bathroom with me.  . . in those locations.

So, my advice to you. . .

If at all possible, find a bush instead!

Before I let you go, I have one more honorable mention that isn’t too far from what use to be common in the States.

This was our bathroom while staying in the beautiful country of Romania.  Now this somewhat familiar outhouse has a few odd/strange/questionable features.

For one, the seat is very high.  Meaning there should of been a step stool!

For two, and no more details than, the height was to make it easy for cleaning out because I’m sad to say there was no hole in the ground.

Man, I really hope I didn’t scare you away with this one.  I really tried not to get graphic or gross, but I do feel its my duty to warn you.  So, when you get ready for that trip out in the bush or literally the middle of nowhere.  Be prepared, because there is a really good chance that you will prefer a bush over the local bathroom.

Was this too much information?  or have you ever had a similar experience?  Let us know in the comments below.