While on the subject of all things Turkey, Muscati & wife posted a picture of this toilet they found in a newly remodeled building in Muscat.
For those that are not from this part of the world, this is what we commonly refer to as a "Turkish toilet" and it can still be found in a number of public bathrooms across the Middle East. And yes, it can be still found in Turkey. I came across one in Istanbul nearly two years ago.
I’m one of those who is totally grossed by this "hole" and wish they would stop making this monstrosity. Read the comments as well, they are eye-opening and very detailed 😉 I hope this didn’t
gross you out 😉 I just thought that this "hole" was worth highlighting. Enjoy!
Via: [Chan’ad]
Speaking of toilets, here is an interesting-related story I read lately:
“Ever been to this situation before?”
I was barley sitting down when I heard a voice from the other stall saying:”Hi, How are you?”
I am not the type to start a conversation in the restroom, but I don’t know what got into me, so I answer, somewhat embarrassed” Doing just fine!”
And the other guy says” So, what are you up to?” What kind of question is that? At that point, I am thinking this is too bizarre so I say”Uhh-, I am like you, just traveling!” At this point, I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question: “Can I come over?” Ok, this question is just too weird for me, but I figured I could just be polite and end the conversation. I tell him “No, I am a little busy right now!!” Then I hear the guy say” Listen, I’ll have to call you back. There is an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering my questions”.
Errmmm…I never thought I’d say this, but I agree with metalordie here 🙂 The thing can be used as an ad for Mr Clean.
On the other hand, it only reminds me of UJ days…and camping in Wadi Rum.
Trust hubby to write so much about a hole in the ground. Hahahaha…
Actually, the picture Natasha posted is a FAKE. A FRAUD. A RUSE. A FEINT. Wait I dropped my thesaurus.
WHY? Because it is almost spotlessly clean. I have never, ever seen a Turkish toilet look like that and having driven through Turkey three times, I had to stop off at the odd place.
And then some.
Shivers down my … spine.
Hehehe, Natasha! I’m cracking up at this post…
Like Jareer, I always thought they were called “3arabi”. Personally, I think they’re more hygienic in certain public places(like restrooms in the middle of the desert in Saudi Arabia). Otherwise, they’re just simply pointless.
Haven’t seen more “disgusting” than those called “Honey Buckets”; widely used in the US.
The funny thing though ; you have no other options sometimes. Back to Turkish, I thought those were called “Arabic toilets”, while the currently used ones are called “Ifranji toilets”; ifranji means, Franks or something related to Franks. When I was in the army, I have seen even worse; again, I will not share more of it unless you ask me to. What an interesting subject this morning; while I was waiting for my coffee to warm up in the microwave, I came to look at the latest post here; to those who been to US, and maybe European facilities; I am still confused and could not get an answer to my old, and new question. Why do public restrooms in US have half doors, and gaps that the person inside would not feel comfortable !
Actually, it is a curious subject. My mother, who just made her first appearance on this blog, once remarked she’d like to pen a book “Toilets I have known.” She’s been a few spots and is one who always likes to note “the facilities.” I’m sure it’s no big deal to the guys, generally. But the ladies are in a constant search for clean facilities.
And she told me one important note about eating in restaurants. If the bathrooms aren’t clean, it says a whole lot about the kitchen.
My mom’s worst was a ‘facility’ somewhere in S. America that required tip toeing through a chicken yard. I understand she believes the best are in Spain, some kinda toilet culture over there. Perhaps she’ll share more on this ;P
My worst was in Ciudad Juarez Mexico; must be something magical south of the border. It looked much akin to the situation Quentin Tarantino found himself in during a cameo in “Desperado.” It was scary. But then, as a guy, I just worked it out. But I never forgot it (it was 15 years ago). Prostitutes took my money for its use.
Others of note: I always liked the one at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC for the stand up procedure (males only). It was basically a narrow, long metal sink with one side higher than the other and a stream of water constantly running down the back wall. The guy on the low end had the best or worst view, depending on your perspective. Apparently, I was told, the beer situation during Washington Redskin games made for frequent visits so this was a “money saver,” somehow using less water.
Can’t say I like the Turkish variety. I’ve used them but only in a pinch. I’ve heard the “more hygienic” thing and can’t quite work it out. Seems like they would be hard to break though. Working at Ad Dustour newspaper in Amman, my little paper, The Star had the sit-down facility, which couldn’t be found anywhere else in the building. We had the ladies lining up for usage. They’d pop in our offices looking around expectantly. We’d just point. Those were some of our proudest moments.
Natasha,
I don’t exactly know what you mean by saying you know me well; believe it or not, we once met !
Speaking of Turkish stuff, Turkish coffee is the best !
Jareer,
Since I know you too well, I’m assuming you are being sarcastic;-)
What an interesting subject!
Thanks for sharing.