Squatty Potty 101

If you have no idea what a squatty potty is when I talk about them, let me explain it to you. Actually just see the above photo. I had to go back to our last trip for a picture because this time I only get to enter a bathroom with Mavery and I can't balance her and the camera in there. There are no hooks to hang your things on, as if that would surprise you since there is no seat to even sit on!

Now I am in no way making fun of chinese culture here, I am serious about that. But I just can't get into this potty thing. Call me spoiled or whatever you wish, I don't like it. They are in stalls, or at least all of them I have used. They do not have toilet paper, so that to me is just "different". They come in many shapes and sizes, but all similar to above, meaning they are on the ground and you squat over them to use it. Some have "foot rests" on the side, not sure what is the fancier version!

Let me go back to the first day I met Mavery and I had to take her to the bathroom. Here I am holding her over the pot, squatting in front of her, our foreheads touching, and me staring into her beautiful brown eyes, while she is giving me the look, like, so you are who I get stuck with huh? All the while I am praying I do not fall over into the mess that is the floor and then thinking what am I going to use for Toilet Paper because there is none?

Next day we go to a bathroom on the way to Jinhua, we walk into the bathroom and Emma walks in the stall and squats.

FACING THE WALL.

WHICH IS NOT THE WAY I WAS HOLDING MAVERY!

No wonder the child was hysterical with me!

Maybe I am the only dummy who does not know you don't face the way you would on a toilet, you face the wall. But at least I know that Leigh did not know this either, we were both clueless. (and I am sure she is going to love that I shared this on my blog! hehe!)

And what I don't get about this is that you face the toilet, towards the trash can right at your face, which is gross.

Have I mentioned that Mavery find it great fun to visit EVERY single bathroom we can, and I always pray it will be a "western toilet" and sometimes I get lucky, most times I don't.

So, if you are coming to China, I suggest you practice your squatting, and be certain to pack toilet paper because you will need it! Or if you are like me, just practice stretching your bladder as much as possible so you can stick to your hotel toilet only! ;0)