squatty potty

Blog readers, meet the squatty potty. I had read about them on the internet before our trip, but I hadn't seen a picture of one. Some restrooms have both western style toilets and squatty potties, so you could choose. I only had to use a squatty potty a few times, because there was no western style toilet, or because everyone in my group was wanting to use the western style toilet, and I had to go.

The first time I used mastered the squatty potty was at the school we visited. I had to go, I knew it was clean, and I didn't know when we'd get to go again, so I went. I had read about standing urination devices for women {Google it. They're quite hilarious.}, and one woman had one in our group, but I really didn't see the need. Plus, how would you clean it after using it? Gross. The squatty potty wasn't that hard to use. You need some good quad muscles. Not to get too graphic, but at first, I just didn't want to pee down my leg or on my pants. But the perfectionist that I am really tried to get the aim thing down. And I succeeded.

I think toilet paper is optional in China. Most restrooms did not supply it, so I always took a roll from the hotel and kept it in my purse, along with hand sanitizer. The soap in China does not lather the same, and I need a good lather to feel clean. I used the worst toilet in China and the best. At the Shanghai World Financial Center, the toilets were amazing. First, they had heated seats. Once you sat down and did your business, there were buttons to the right. It was sort of like a bidet. You could choose warm water in the front or back. After it sprayed you, you could then press a button, which dried you off, sort of like a blow dryer. Crazy! I couldn't stop giggling in the stall, and I really want one at home.