Job Discussion Forums

tin man · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 137

I recently received pictures of an apartment with an Asian Loo (I am from the USA but speak some British English and understand that is UK speak for commode). A teacher also sent me pics of his apartment which proudly displayed the Asian version.

I for one am not about to start learning this Asian method but was wondering what the general consensus is on this matter. I am aware that some or many schools have western toilets but have many teachers gotten accustomed to the Asian method?

I am still in the USA. Not sure if/when I will return to teaching but it is good to have a backup plan if all hell breaks loose after the fiscal cliff Smile

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

Mr. Leafy · Joined: 24 Apr 2012 Posts: 246 Location: North of the Wall

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

most apartments provided by unis will have western loos. you might
unluck out and get a squattie if you take a job in a small town. if you
have to find your own apartment, chances are you'll get a squatter.

don't worry....you'll get used to it. restaurants and schools and many
hotels will have squatters, too. unless you can time your 'business' to
only occur while in your own apartment, you'll need to learn the skill.

just remember to remove your wallet and cellphone and keys from
your pants before engaging. be aware of where your waistband is
in relation to planned (and unplanned) trajectories. carry a packet of
loo paper always.

you don't want to use a sittie outside of your apartment. local yokels
don't know the procedures, and usually squat on the seat, leaving
filthy footprints.

if you can't deal with squatting at home, you can buy a squattie-seat
at many department stores or pharmacies.

welcome to china! Wink

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

You'll find many old posts on this topic especially in the off-topic forum. The technology hasn't changed since then and neither has the technique. I've always been provided with a sit down throne-type toilet in school-provided apartments. They're becoming more popular in homes, judging by the porcelain fixtures shops in the cities I've been in. At home, I like having the throne. Outside, I prefer the squatties most of the time. Also many restaurants have them too, although they are outnumbered by squatties. They're cleaner to use, assuming you don't touch anything. (There are nightmare toilets in some areas, and in those cases, you would appreciate the less contact.)

If you don't have issues with your knees or ankles, it isn't hard to get used to. Don't bring the Sunday papers in with you unless you are an in-shape skiier or used to squatting otherwise. The only trouble is that the squatties usually lack some kind of (clean) handle for if you lose your balance. That's not a problem for those who are used to it or have good squatting balance anyway. Don't sweat it: billions served everyday. Literally.

tin man · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 137

This somewhat inspires me to make a real go of things in the USA. However, I suppose I could deal with it as long as my apartment had the Sunday paper version. Out of curiosity, when I was in Thailand I believe they used the hose method to wash up instead of TP. Is that generally the case in China? Is there soap in the public loo?

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

wonderingjoesmith · Joined: 19 Aug 2012 Posts: 910 Location: Guangzhou

Toilets a popular debate Smile

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

unless he speakses scottish english!

"Lou' seems to be a variation of 'loo,' which is the Scottish word for love."

Skip, skip, skip to my Lou,
Skip to my Lou, my darlin'.

http://makingmusicfun.net/htm/f_mmf_music_library_songbook/skip-to-my-lou-history-and-lyrics.htm"

Shelby · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 66 Location: Russia

How is this job-related?

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

I never really skip to the loo, but I have had to run to the loo in this country on more than one occasion.

To paraphrase Paul Theroux, why do the Chinese insist on serving up bowel-shattering meals?

Very Happy

Warm regards,
fat_chris

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

twilothunder · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 442

How ridiculous.

You're not about to start learning this 'Asian method' when around 95% of the toilets here are squats, even in big cities like Beijing?

Have you never been for one in the woods?

Man up! (but just make sure you carry wet tissues with you every day)

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I've had several on-campus apartments over the years, and all were throne type toilets.
In the teaching blocks all squat type. The last school's admin block had one throne type for visiting Western dignitaries.
Those small packs of tissues are a must as it can be a long clenched thigh run back to your apartment.
Trustmart and Carrefour outlets have seats to fit above the squats. Imagine carrying one home on the bus!!
BTW 'Loo' is probably a transliteration of 'L'eau' ie French for water.