Embarrassing travel culture shocks

[WildBalonz]

Since it’s summer and holiday season I thought it might be fun to share some silly or funny or embarrassing cultural shocks we’ve all had when travelling!

I’ll start with an incident that is both funny and embarrassing depending how you look at it. A few years ago me, my brother, his wife and her brother (my brother and sister in law) went on a trip all through China. We were on a tour bus traveling through some rural areas outside Guangzhou. We had a pit stop to stretch our legs and use the toilet etc and our driver proudly told us that the public loos we had stopped at had western toilets which were very uncommon in these areas. Great we all thought, however what he didn’t mention is that instead of individual cubicals they had very small almost like shower screens separating each toilet. Not much privacy at all! It made for a very embarrassing poo for me my sister in law and two other ladies on our tour 😂. I laugh at it now but at the time it was probably the most awkward and embarrassing experience our lives. Luckily she’s a good sport and we joke about it these days!

For real yo. I actually avoid all food and have my anus temporarily stitched up before leaving the country as I will not drop anchor outside of my own private domicile.

Honestly! What do you do then, hold on forever?

First time I went Morocco and was in a clean wide bus station. I saw kittens everywhere running I was looking around and saying someone’s lost their cats. I didn’t realise that cats there roam free and come and go as they please.

😂😂

A quirky restaurant in Asia - food came served in an odd looking pan so I confidently poured it onto the odd looking plate in front of me. Except it was the table mat.

I once had a terrible stomach bug that meant I spent nearly more than a week living on water, fruit juice, and rehydration sachets. After the first 3-4 days no bowel movements were needed! Maybe really committed MNers just avoid all solid food the week before and during their holidays?!?!

Again in India - private coach pulled up on the parking area where we were and when they opened the door to the underneath baggage area about a dozen turkeys came out for some fresh air. We did wonder why they had positioned luggage around the door - made a turkey corral.

Too many people to reply too 🤣 I just genuinely cannot believe the amount of people who would use a public toilet to have a poo!

Why on earth not?

I will bite.
Do you not go to work? On holiday? Day trips?
What magical control of your bowels do you have you don't poo in public toilets?

The Gambia, my vegetarian sister told the staff she didn't eat meat, so they bought her chicken! Must have thought she meant only red meat. Same restaurant my meal came with hair in it, the waitress said sorry and picked it out. No offer of making something new. We also visited a home which had crocodiles in the gutter outside, massive shock!! The home had no running water but they did have electricity and a big flatscreen tv . No toilet just a hole in the concrete floor, no loo roll. This was The most shocking holiday we have ever had, but also one of the most memorable.

Yes I do all of the above but would never go for a poo in a public toilet

Let me guess, you’d burn your house down if the electrician used your loo for anything other than a wee?

Just as well I’ve never remotely fancied visiting China anyway!

I'm just here waiting for the German/Dutch/Polish shelf toilet confusion examples.....💩💩💩

Why?

🙄 It was tragic event that affected many people in many different ways.

you're so lucky, i would literally shit myself if i didnt use public loo's. If i have to go i HAVE to go.

I'm from the UK and thought that too.
People getting upset over a manufactured concept of a person they never even knew. 🫣

Reminded that I was in the USA just after Diana died and hearing my English accent I kept getting hugged. Very disconcerting. And in China long long ago the open cubicles in the loos. I went in with others in my party and the chatting inhabitants immediately vacated the unflushed loos for our benefit. It didn’t help it had floor to ceiling windows opposite although on the second floor. I could see DH outside from where I was squatting wondering what on earth I was up to.

@TwinklyRoseTurtle

what was she supposed to do?? Shit her pants??

I personally think it is disgusting- obviously if someone is unwell then that’s different but people actually choosing to have a poo in shared toilets such as work when there would be people waiting to go in after you is bad manners I think. Hope this explains my standpoint 🤣 won’t be replying to anymore as it’s derailing the OP’s thread 🤣

And mainland Greece too.

Have you never had to go while not at home?

Lucky you, if you have so much control, that’s all I can say.
Not long ago I actually bought a room spray in M&S, since I was a good hour from home when the urge hit, so I was heading up the escalator to their loos.

The thread is about culture shock. I genuinely experienced culture shock on seeing the national hysteria after Diana’s death as a new immigrant to the UK. Far more than toilet arrangements or how many people you can fit on a moped in other countries.