I wanted to give you an idea about the shower situations because I think I have always taken for granted the shower when I lived in the US but found out a lot of other things about showering while traveling and living in China. So I decided to share the knowledge that I have found! Here is another top ten list of great alternatives to the traditional shower option.
9) Hose showers (This is a throwback to childhood times. Grab your trucks and get a hose, preferably one that has water running through it. Give the hose to a partner and then lather up. The key to this shower is choosing the partner, because a bad choice and the sprayer will spray you in your face or do the mega spray by putting his finger over the nozzle to direct all the water faster and harder at you. Not cool Chad.)
8) Fountain shower (This one can be tricky. Usually it is best not to use national landmarks as this attracts a LOT of attention and police. I like to find a smaller, lesser known one and use that instead. This one takes some creativity and I will tell you my personal favorite scenario. First take something that won´t be damaged by water yet you would need, like a sandal. Then accidentally throw it or have another throw it into the fountain, getting it pretty far. You, of course, must go after it. Give a sigh of exasperation then slowly get into the fountain pool area. While making your way to the object, convincingly slip and fall into the water. Jump up and look startled then kind of laugh after a moment. Retreive your object then have a friend toss you your bath stuff ¨since you are already in there.¨Try new ones and add variety.)
7) Bucket shower (Take a bucket of water and go outside if possible and take a cup and pour it over yourself. The key is lathering up before you pour the water. And start at the top and move downward obviously. Or take a bucket and pour it over yourself. Again not one of my favs but others like to use this one on me.)
6) Rio shower (This is pretty self explanatory. Get in the trunks and get in the river. Usually you should make sure you are not bathing in a stagnant part as mosquito eggs are laid there.)
5) Waterbottle shower (This is a quick shower. It all depends on the size of the water bottle as to whether it is a half body or full body shower. Take the water and after having put on soap if desired, wash taking care to notice the amount of water left. The better you get at this and soon you will be able to have some left over for a drink or two. Carbonated water is an alternative and adds a little zest to the mix if you want to feel a little tingle too.)
4) Baby wipe shower (This is quite refreshing and does not require the removal of the clothes. Simply take several wipes or if you are really good, one, and go over the dirty areas remembering the face before the pits and so forth.)
3) Sink showers (These are pretty common for travelers alike. Find a sink, preferably one away from traffic as it attracts quite a bit of attention, and take off your shirt. Usually this is a half shower unless you are real good and or bold. Take a paper towel if available and put some soap on it, then wipe over your body. Take some water and splash it over you then take another paper towel and dry yourself off. Put your shirt back on then walk past all the gawking onlookers, commenting about the warmth of the water.)
2) Waterfall shower (This is beautiful and fun, except possibly for those wanting a picture of the waterfall. Take your shower stuff with you to a tourist waterfall site and get in your bathing trunks. Get underneath the falls and lather up and wash off. Be careful of tremendously high waterfalls as they can possibly tear off skin if too powerful. Not good.)
1) Dishwater showers (This can be surprising fun and effective. Take the already soapy dishwater and continue like a bucket shower. This is a good one when water is in high demand and yet, your cleanliness is also demanded by others. The key to this one is what you had to eat. It requires some preparation and timing because enchilada night is not a good night for this shower. Possibly a fruit dinner or pasta is okay. Barbecue- not. Email me if you have any questions with this one.)
