Toilet Culture

When I visited Russia back in 1989 someone joked that if you were to determine the degree of civilisation of a nation on the standard of their urinating facilities, Russia would find itself on the Neanderthal stage.

In oppose to what many might think urinating facilities in northern Uganda or Southern Sudan can be no worse or better than the ones in Russia or Southern Europe. However, a few things are good to know regarding this when visiting Africa:

• In rural Africa we don't use the word toilet. You will discover this (maybe too late) when you find yourself in an African village asking for one. Flushing toilets are simply not very frequent when you go to the rural areas, for obvious reasons. In stead we have the pit latrines.
• You don't ask for the toilet, and you don't need a place to shit. You go for long or short calls.
• Some people start eating imodium the minute they know that they might have to take a long call on an African pit latrine. Trying to postpone the unavoidable.
• A pit latrine is basically a hole in the ground. The top floor, if not stamped mud, consists of either cement or ceramics. On top there a 'shed' which can also vary. If you are lucky a jerrycan is provided. Depending on the users and their habits it goes from relatively clean - to dirty, stinking, shitty, smelling like a pig stable. For the same reason the pit latrine is often secured with a padlock.
• Women face a bigger challenge when they have to squat over the pit - long or short call. It is recommendable to wear a skirt and flip flops, (the kikoy comes in handy, too) and to empty your pockets for mobile phone and car keys. Not to forget that you should bring toiletpaper and water to wash your hands (and feet). Long, flary trousers are a real bad idea. Also be prepared for visiting it in the dark; bring a torch!

On the other hand - people who are used to the bush, the pit latrines or flying toilets don't always seem to appriciate a flushing toilet. More than once I have noticed foot prints on a toilet seat...

Comments

[Marko]

There is a famous book by Erica Jung “Fear of Flying”. She tries to explain differences between European nations by analyzing their toilets. So you can make update on African nations. Me personally, after your vivid description would chose the bush :)

By the way I had a great time in Brussels. Only thing I was surprised is they behave in public transport same as Belgrade :)

Hope to see you soon…