Public Convenience

With 2 months behind me, and about 3 more months to go, I’ve got a tagboard!!! ;)

It seems like many Singaporeans return home from China with vivid memories of the toilets here. Having travelled a significant number of times around this country, I am proud to say that I have accumulated sufficient “knowledge” to grant you a general awareness of the Places for Public Convenience here.

The spectrum is huge, from the wild outdoors to the posh hotels.

Up in the snowy mountains in 九寨沟, I remember being ushered into a wooden hut. There, a hole through the wooden planks, onto the ground beneath. I was so thankful it was winter… That reminded me of a night’s stay in Pulau Ubin. Such similar settings, except the hole led right into the ocean.

Then of course, you have the infamous no-door-toilets. But I have learnt to be very thankful as long as there are partitions. These no-door-toilets can just be a “long gang” like thing, with no flush nothing, or there can be proper swatting toilets. Why isn’t privacy ever an issue here?!

Do not think that China’s toilets are totally cmi (cannot make it). I was very impressed by the ones in 神仙池 Scenic Area. The toilet seats are wrapped with a plastic covering, and automatic detectors ensure that the sheets are changed with each use. Last December, I came across such toilets again, right in the middle of the train stations. The only problem was, the cubicle had a translucent door. Crap.

In PKU, there are toilets that one ought to avoid. For example, the stench from 第三教学楼’s toilet at one end of the building has the amazing power to flood the entire corridor. To be very honest, I have yet to visit any of those in the canteens. The one in my hostel is okkkk, just don’t stay there for long. My heart went out to the girl who had to cry in the toilet when I first moved in. It must have been a cry of desperation.

Finally, some differences that we may overlook. I am, of course, writing from a female’s perspective.

1) Correct me if I'm wrong, but tt seems to be the case in Malaysia as well. People do not queue in a line. Instead, one person waits outside one cubicle. So it doesn’t matter if you entered the restroom first, cos your turn is dependent on the person inside that cubicle you are waiting for. 2) The door swings outwards! Be very careful if you’re waiting outside.
3) It seems also that the Chinese have been taught from young to call the restroom/ladies/gents – “WC”. Hmm.
4) This, I never understand…














To whoever who is coming to China, toilet paper is precious.

I miss NTU’s toilets. Sobz…

gRacE