April 02, 2006
The Art of the Flush
My traveling companion and good friend Christina (CJ) is a very observant traveler. She is an expert with the weather and continues to get better at guaging what the temp will be both inside and outside of the trains we travel on. She has also begun a short scientific study of the plethora of toliet flushing options that exist here in Europe. There are small buttons and big buttons to push, there are levers to lift, chains to pull down and even brake-like pumps to press with your foot, which, CJ notes, is an excellent germ-free alternative. It seems that each and every toliet we use has its own unique flushing system -- on the trains, in the hostels and at restaurants -- and we are becoming increasingly entertained and amused by the creativity of the European toliet manufacturing industry. Why all this variety? The small and large flush option is obviously smart, economical and great for conserving water. But why so many ways to do it? And why don't we have these flushing options in the States? Come to think of it, I have a cousin who is an engineer in the toliet bowl business, I'll have to see if he has any insight to share. Anyone else?
Posted by Kelly Amabile at 10:39 AM
Related: Kel's 06 Trip
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Comments
Comment by Catherine on April 2, 2006 01:54 PM
I thought that you were going to mention how the water (at least in Italy) in the john swirls the opposite way of how it does here. Any Italian who has come to my house in the States notices that (though I must admit I personally never have). I want you girls to check that out too!
Also, have you used any "turkish" style toilets yet? Difficult to maneuver but again as CJ said about the foot pedals, they are quite sanitary! As long as the people before you have good aims.Did you bring any of those "no rinse" antibacterial hand washes with you?? They are very effective.Let me know.
And what do you girls think of the European bidets??? Where there any in Spain? Amsterdam?
I am expecting a full report upon our meeting in Venice.
By the way, will I get to meet CJ in Venice? Hope so. Stay well, be careful and have a ball. Can't say that Berlin attracts me so I am anxious to hear what you have to say about it.Ciao! Love ya!
Comment by Kelly on April 6, 2006 09:09 PM
Nope, no Turkish toliets just yet...buy yes, I have the Purell liquid and CJ has the handwipes, so we are well geared for all the toliet usage :) I don#t think I have seen a bidet since Spain...must be more popular there? Or may be just because we are staying in hostels.