Using a Squatter Toilet in the Wintertime

This is a story that I'd like to tell even though not everyone wants to read about this.

Overall in Korea, in most buildings, there's no heat in the bathrooms. Often none in hallways either, storage rooms, closets. Well no one can avoid the bathroom forever. I guess that it's easier for Koreans who are accustomed to squatter toilets. I can't think of a time when I heard a Korean comment or complain about this.

I'm going to describe what it's like to use a squatter toilet right now during the cold Korean winter.

First of all not long ago I slipped and fell on a thin sheet of ice in front of my workplace which twisted one of my legs. After a day I felt okay but each time I squat I feel a little pain there.

Second, in the winter many people even at work keep their coats on during the day because so many rooms like the bathrooms are not heated as I said, and the rooms which are heated often have only a gas or electric heater.

Ok so the coat is on. My coat is longish. So, when I squat I have a little leg pain to deal with and then my long coat. I have to use one hand to lift the coat to prevent ....

Then, I need to use toilet paper, so what happens is I'm squatting and balancing without using my hands when normally I keep one hand on the wall to balance myself. I've got toilet paper in right hand, and coat in other. I'm balancing usually but once in a while I lose balance for just a second and go back or forward. I don't actually fall because I can catch myself.

The other day when I was in this position I thought that I just have to write about it. Using a squatter toilet is never fun for people not used to it. Even after some time in Korea I am used to it but still prefer normal toilets. On the floor where I work there isn't one. Rather than go two floors down and up again I usually choose the toilet on my floor.

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