Oh my gosh, this made me so nervous...only because I can relate to the terror of not knowing where the nearest bathroom might be. In fact, I have a recurring nightmare that I am in search of a public restroom and one stall is grosser than the next. Not sure about that possible dream interpretation, but I did get a chuckle out of your story. Glad everything came out ok in the end (ha ha).
The bathroom "situation", as you so eloquently reported on in this article, also has a history of happening in North America. I certainly have left souvenirs of used underwear in a variety of places throughout the US. Lately, I've taken to carrying an extra ensemble with me, in addition to anti-diarrheal medication, just in case I need it. Isn't life grand at times?
Thank you for sharing this unfortunate event. We appreciate your candor. So often travel stories are beautiful and glamorous... but those of us who travel a lot and to locations off the beaten path, know there can be unfortunate events too. Food poisoning and diarrhea are the most common problems. Once you leave your hotel and are out and about, trouble can start at any time and with little warning. Lessons learned should include ALWAYS carry wet wipes, sanitizer, and if possible, an extra pair of underpants. I’ve seen some very filthy public toilets in my travel… some with little more than a hole in the floor, no water hose, no toilet paper, no soap, no hand towels. Hygiene practices are very different throughout the world and if this bothers you, stick with big cities in Europe. Lastly, this whole story could have been much worse if you had been hiking in a rural area or jungle.
I grew up with brothers and raised two boys, and bathroom comedy is sometimes the best! I would have certainly wrangled the underwear off (probably by ripping them at the seam so no touching the disgusting floor) and wiped away. This reminds me why I should switch to cotton...
I grew up in Singapore and back in the day, TP was usually not available in public loos. Thanks to learning from my parents, I carry TP wherever I travel. Because you never know!
Anyone who has traveled to Asia can share a story comparable to yours. We can truly sympathize! I carry at least 6 little kleenex packages in my suitcase and normally forget to put one in my backpack! Safe travels!
If you write a book about your travels, this story HAS to be in it!
Last vacation my husband and I took together, as we were packing, I offered him some of the "just-in-case" Imodium I always bring, to stow in his bags too. He declined, which to me is just living far more dangerously than necessary. (We didn't need it that trip, but luck runs out eventually ...)
Oh my gosh, this made me so nervous...only because I can relate to the terror of not knowing where the nearest bathroom might be. In fact, I have a recurring nightmare that I am in search of a public restroom and one stall is grosser than the next. Not sure about that possible dream interpretation, but I did get a chuckle out of your story. Glad everything came out ok in the end (ha ha).
Dear Michael:
The bathroom "situation", as you so eloquently reported on in this article, also has a history of happening in North America. I certainly have left souvenirs of used underwear in a variety of places throughout the US. Lately, I've taken to carrying an extra ensemble with me, in addition to anti-diarrheal medication, just in case I need it. Isn't life grand at times?
I could feel your pain! Pale, sweating.....oh yes. I have sacrificed the underwear.......thanks for the humanity!
I never thought I'd read a story all the way through about someone needing to go to the bathroom, but I did it!
My first thought was 'use your shorts!' so apparently we're on the same wavelength.
That should be comforting, right? 😂
YES - call me gross or just plan weird, I love bathroom stories.
This bit made me laugh out loud at my desk: “Hello!” I’d casually say. “Are you enjoying Malaysia as much as I am?”
Thank you for sharing this unfortunate event. We appreciate your candor. So often travel stories are beautiful and glamorous... but those of us who travel a lot and to locations off the beaten path, know there can be unfortunate events too. Food poisoning and diarrhea are the most common problems. Once you leave your hotel and are out and about, trouble can start at any time and with little warning. Lessons learned should include ALWAYS carry wet wipes, sanitizer, and if possible, an extra pair of underpants. I’ve seen some very filthy public toilets in my travel… some with little more than a hole in the floor, no water hose, no toilet paper, no soap, no hand towels. Hygiene practices are very different throughout the world and if this bothers you, stick with big cities in Europe. Lastly, this whole story could have been much worse if you had been hiking in a rural area or jungle.
Both horrifying and hilarious 😂
I grew up with brothers and raised two boys, and bathroom comedy is sometimes the best! I would have certainly wrangled the underwear off (probably by ripping them at the seam so no touching the disgusting floor) and wiped away. This reminds me why I should switch to cotton...
Every good story relies on escalating tension. I'm sweating after reading this, but glad you came out (mostly) unsoiled.
Oh gosh, this is both awful and hilariously written. Thanks for sharing!
I grew up in Singapore and back in the day, TP was usually not available in public loos. Thanks to learning from my parents, I carry TP wherever I travel. Because you never know!
I laughed out loud, thank you.
Anyone who has traveled to Asia can share a story comparable to yours. We can truly sympathize! I carry at least 6 little kleenex packages in my suitcase and normally forget to put one in my backpack! Safe travels!
As someone with IBS, I promise you “Things could have been a whole lot worse.” I felt this story in my intestines.
If you write a book about your travels, this story HAS to be in it!
Last vacation my husband and I took together, as we were packing, I offered him some of the "just-in-case" Imodium I always bring, to stow in his bags too. He declined, which to me is just living far more dangerously than necessary. (We didn't need it that trip, but luck runs out eventually ...)
Needing the bathroom and having zero time to find one is a struggle i endure with age :)