Forewarned is Forearmed

Picture this... a lovely fall day, spent wondering thru villas in the Venetian countryside. The astonishing grandeur of the homes, gorgeous art, beautiful gardens, a fun hedge maze to wander through. Add to that, good food and a handsome Italian acting as your personal tour guide; sharing the history of the area, speaking in that sexy accented English... sounds like a perfect day no?

Oh yes, it was... until "It" happened. On the way to visit the villa pictured above, all my water, espresso and wine caught up with me. Still a ways from the villa, driving the winding hilly roads of the countryside, my endurance was pushed to the limit, but FINALLY we arrived at our location. Much to my delight, the first thing I spotted was a few buildings not far from the house. And look - there is a BAR! Bar=ladies room. I am saved! And so, while my Italian purchased the requisite espresso enabling me to use the facilities (tip for traveling in Italy - you ALWAYS have to buy something to use the bathroom) - I hurriedly, yet gracefully (ahem, cough-sputter) ran, I mean walked to the restroom.

I entered. then promptly, with a speed that defied my condition, turned around and walked right back out. grabbing my Italian on the way while he was trying to gulp down the hot espresso. all the while asking me, rather loudly I might add, "what is wrong? what are you doing? why are we leaving?"

Those of you that have spent time in Europe, may have already guessed the horror I happened to see when entering the bathroom. This naive little Texan who was not, I might add, warned beforehand of the sight I might see in the public restrooms. And so, I feel it is my responsibility to warn women around the world that there is always a possibility in Italy you might come across one of these. A "Turkish toilet". Or more aptly, a porcelain hole in the floor, with treads on either side of that hole for your feet.

I dragged my husband as far as that villa, and proceeded to hunt down, in a feverish pitch, the facilities in the building. Thankfully, I lucked out. I found a regular toilet, though lower than what I was accustomed to, one I knew how to use. My husband patiently explained to me (when he got through laughing) that these types of toilets are supposed to be more "hygenic" - a word I would come to hear alot of when dealing with an Italian - though he didn't really go into detail on how one utilized such a thing. To this day, I still don't fully comprehend how to go about using one of these. I understand in theory, but what do you do? completely undress from the waist down? Do you just pull things to the side and hope you have something to hold onto? what if you are wearing pants - I mean EWWWW, I don't want to take my shoes off! More hygenic or not, no thank you.

I have successfully avoided using those in all of my subsequent trips to Italy. I have also, in the telling of the tale, scarred my sister into thinking that ALL toilets in Italy are of that type. (though I have tried and tried to "un-convince" her of that) I feel that while this is not a pretty subject, and I refuse to post a picture (hence the pretty villa pics), travellers should be warned. Be prepared. Either learn their correct usage or when you see one, know you will have to hold it a little longer. Don't be shocked as I was. Knowledge is power. hehe

more later...