This was posted originally on Healthkicker It was a growing concern even before I departed. With all the crazy foods I'm going to eat, what was I going to use to wipe my tushy if they didn’t have toilet paper?
That’s all I could think of as my plane was descending into a country I hadn’t stepped foot on for over 10 years.
I was told my home country doesn’t use the conventional toilet paper ( I figured I would find some somewhere) I’m so used to in America (spoiled by toilet paper, I know right?).
The first question I had for my cousin after landing, “what do you use instead of toilet paper?” The answer left me stunned and wondering how I would use it.
The safest bet was banana leaves. They were big, thick and safe for my behind.
I thought I heard wrong because he said banana leaves.
I asked him again if that was my only option for the next few days. He looked at me and pointed at the other trees and said, “Unless you want to use the leaves of those tress." The other leaves looked very painful.
For the first time in my life I missed toilet paper, even the cheap grainy kind you find in your college dorm rooms.
The one time I tried to use the banana leaf (before I could go into town and get toilet paper), it was very frustrating. It wasn’t thick or manageable, kept ripping into pieces and required me to ask for more.
I was so frustrated and disgusted, I refused to use number two for the next few days even though my stomach was killing me because of the "exotic" food. When I finally bought the toilet paper, it was like finding solid gold.
What would you use if a country didn't have toilet paper? Have you ever been to a country where toilet paper is not prevalent?
Comments (26)
Yes... my home country too! Even if places have toilet paper, the quality of it is really bad. So everything when I travel back home, I would bring tons of kleenex, toilet paper, and napkins with me.
we carry around small packs of napkins and we keep napkins from fast food restaurants when we're in china
@black_lie@xanga - We would do the same in the Philippines.
when i was in hk too...
When I went to China, I took my own toilet paper. I don't think I ever had to use it... but as a former girl scout... I am always prepared! ;)
We always take a couple of toilet rolls with us to keep going for the first couple of days when we get the resort, the quality has been pretty varied (but have to be grateful whatever the quality that this is toilet paper)
We can easier find toilet paper in the supermarket in the resort
When we go out for the day on holiday (we always make sure we can some toilet paper with us, since we dont always know what to expect)
In the Philippines, they CHARGE people for it. Good thing we packed tons of toilet paper before going lol. =]
Well I never been to a country where toilet paper was not prevalent, but I have been in situations where I could not find toilet paper. When that happens, I either find a piece of loose leaf or newspaper to wipe my tushy. Of course, by the time I get home I'll have to wash it because of the ink residue from the newspaper.
where were you?
Banana leaves sound okay to me if push came to shove... there are some places where they jut use their hand still aren't there? Hmmm that might be something to look into, it's definitely a place I would want to avoid in my travels.
@stoopidxemilie@xanga - LMAO they do the same in some parts of Mexico! my friends made fun of me for complaining about how expensive it was. 12 pesos (about a $1.20 USD) for one roll. I think I was justified. xD
that's sad
ever since i was young i grew a fear of using public bathroom
especially number 2,
there is no way in hell i will go number 2 in a public bathroom unless it is one of those fancy and full of toilet seat covers and toilet papers...
so back then, i would ALWAYS bring toilet seat covers, and some papers tissues with me
EVERYWHERE I GO
one time i used one of my socks and threw it away.
i've learned from past mistakes so i never go on a trip without at least two rolls in my bag.
was this in the Philippines? =)
it's a good idea
i think thats hilarous. truly truly hilarous.
been out of the country?
imagine being a 15 year old with a group of 15 year olds in the woods for a week, oh and the boys in that group decide i wanna bonfire, USE ALLL OF THE TOILET PAPER! except a little tiny travel pack A was carrying. i didnt even have to leave the us to experiance no toilet paper.
Baby wipes. Leaves, dirt and snow work too.
Yup! Guatemala and El Salvador. Everyone on the team packed two rolls and we were set for the two weeks.
You didn't say what country you had visited. I'm going to guess that it was somewhere in Central America as I have been to Guatemala and know that banannas are grown across the gulf in Beliz.
The closest incident I had to this was being charged for toilet paper at a public bathroom in Cuba. 10 cents for 2 sheets. It was horrible.
I went to Nepal. They don't use toilet paper, or leaves. Their plumbing system is... nothing like america.
You use your hand. Literally.
They have water, you just wet your hand (left hand, never right hand.) and well... clean up. Rinsing w/ water as you go. I don't even think they provide soap. Some places do. But... yeah
I was prepared. If you ever want conserve space, but still pack your toilet paper, you pull out the cardboard roll, and it minimizes the size pretty well.
oh my dude Im sorry lol yea Im just gonna opt out foreign travel. toilet paper should be a worldwide necessity sheesh
I've never had that misfortune. If I have to do a number 2, I wait till I get back to the hotel. In any case, I always make sure there is a box of tissue or a toilet roll on hand.
Wow.. banana leaves. It stinks, but it must have been quite an experience.
yes in the Marines you learn to use baby wipes for everything hygiene related ;)
I know how you feel...I would have to carry kleenex packets when i go to the philipines to visit family...cuz what they do there is...*Shudders* bleh. but yah, its frustrating.