Normally talking about bathrooms is not the most pleasant of discussions but it can make for a laugh. Interestingly, it can also show you a whole bunch about a different culture as well.
When we were in Seoul we managed to get rooms at a pension (motel) for a decent price. We got a room for myself and Oli and one for Chrissie and Rob. The rooms were pretty much identical. We both had massive televisions, a small table, a double bed, a hairdryer, an air conditioner, a water machine, and a bathroom.
Our bathrooms, however, did have one unique difference. Mine and Oliver's bath was small, really small, but it was big enough for me to bath with my legs just a little above the taps. Chrissie and Rob's bath on the other hand was more like a basin in the floor. Chrissie thought the best way to demonstrate the size of the bath would be to give us a demonstration.
Oliver could not refuse the opportunity to test it for himself...
Rub a dub dub.......
Oh and our soap totally smelt like Sugus...Mmmmm (soap I might consider eating after saying a swear word or two)
While on the topic of bathrooms I thought I would discuss a few more of Korea's bathroom quirks.
I don't have the strongest bladder around so I tend to utilize public bathrooms quite regularly. However, I always feel a little apprehensive when I need to use a public loo. There are several reasons for this.
- You never know if you are going to get a western style loo or a squat loo (a whole in the floor).
- You never know if there will be toilet paper.
- They don't seem to flush their loo paper here. So often you come across bathrooms with dustbins full of used toilet paper.
So there is a glimpse of the toilet culture in Korea! And if ever you find yourself in Korea needing desperately to use the loo don't forget these words, 'Hwa-jang-shil' because as apprehensive as you may be about using the loo, when you need to go you need to go!
Post by Claudia
