Ready, Aim....

When I returned from my afternoon with Madame F, I was really proud of myself. I had been warned that French women are notoriously unfriendly and cold but I had spent an afternoon getting to know Madame F- in French! She was incredibly friendly and I had such a great time. We both talked about our lives, and understood each other! Amazing! What did I have to worry about?

I headed back to my room to make myself some dinner. First I needed to use the restroom. A downside of my room is that the toilet is shared by many of the other students on my floor and is across the hall. It really didn't bother me, though. When I opened the door, however, I think I actually gasped out loud.

I had been fortunate when I was in India and hardly ever had to use a squat toilet. Now I was faced with using one all the time. I'm sure my parents are still laughing at the panicked e-mail I immediately sent to them. In my defense, it's a little awkward. There's a sloping wall at the back making it difficult to balance and you have to be careful when you stand up because you can hit your head or back on the window handle.

The sign on top says, "These toilets were cleaned some time in August 2007-thank you for keeping them clean for the well being of all and use the new brushes without moderation!" And the second says, "aim at the hole--- clean toilets, it's better."

Uhhhhh......