This has definitely been the most “world race” bathroom that I have experienced so far. They say a picture says 1000 words so have a look at our Swazi Potty:
Our Bathroom
There are 3 toilets and 2 ‘showers.’ (I use the word showers loosely because they are essentially small rooms that you can bucket shower in.) The showers do have their perks though. For one, they are roofless so if you take a shower at the right time of day you can also work on your tan without worrying about tan lines. (But, lets be honest, it would take days to get rid of the awesome tan lines we’ve worked up this year.) The other benefit is that you really don’t have to clean the showers because your rinse water rinses the concrete floor too! The only problem comes when there isn’t enough water to shower at all because you have to wait on the water truck to come and fill the tanks. And the water truck, like everything else, runs on Africa time; meaning maybe in five minutes, maybe in 5 days.
Shower #1 Shower #2
The toilets are a different story. The good news is that there is more than one for the 14 of us to share! And that we have toilets at all. But let me give you a run down of our facilities:
1) The Green Rocket, as it has affectionately been named, is my least favorite option. (Although many of the others see it as choice number one.) The benefit is that there is a door to offer some privacy. The downside, which in my opinion far outweighs the benefit, is that it is a smelly furnace. I have attempted to use it twice and both times felt like I was going to pass out. Also, bees and flies like to swarm around and the plastic enclosure makes it louder than it really is, plus you can’t see anything after the door is shut.
The Green Rocket
2) Tin room number one is my second choice. This one’s down fall is that it faces up the road and since it has no door if anyone comes by they have a clear view. Also, even if you wanted to (which you don’t) you can’t sit down because the tin will cut into your thighs.
The Tin Twins
Tin Room #1
3) Tin room number two: This is the one I most frequent. While it still does not have a door, it does face a field with an excellent view! It also faces down the road but if you are back far enough people can’t really see in. And, there are two wooden planks there to keep you from cutting your legs, although you do have to be careful of splinters. (No worries, it hasn’t happened… yet.) Both the tin rooms also have bees and flies but they don’t sound like a swarm and you can see them, which for some reason is comforting.
Tin Room #2 The View!
Next time you use the bathroom think of this and be thankful!
Many Blessings,
Kim
