On Paper

On Toilet Paper specifically.

Again, I wonder why I think about these things. Maybe it is because I do not have the occasion to back home and have not really ever thought of it apart from Asian and South American travel.

This post is a long time in coming. My first experience with toilet paper not being for the toilet came in China. That was just odd and gross in my estimation but I dealt with it. Now there are better experiences then others when it comes to not flushing the T.P. 

First, there is the handedness issue. Which side of the toilet is the receptacle?  On the right if you are a righty is preferred, otherwise a midflight hand switch must take place which is always risky.

Second, what type of lid is on the receptacle?  Open or none is preferred for placement but then you have open container issues to deal with until the next time your waste basket is emptied. Lifting the lid off might be the next best, although it involves touching the lid handle, gross anyone? Another lid I have encountered is the swinging lid that is activated by pushing your hand, or what might be in your hand, into the lid. I have seen that one in a state of total grossness. Last and probably best is the foot lever activated lid. That is, unless the receptacle is not in a place where you can easily position your foot to depress the lever. At this point a kind of squat dance is required to get from the seated position to the dispose of T.P. position and then back again.

Finally, is the dreaded oops. Not that oops, but the 'oops I put the toilet paper in the toilet like I have done for the last 40+ years' oops. This oops is compounded when the toilet refuses to dispose of this crime. It just sits there and mocks you flush after weak flush. Until, at last, the evidence is gone and you will not have to call the management to further heap the scorn due your mistake upon you.

That is one aspect of travel I will not miss. Here is to Western Plumbing!

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