Despite being a relatively western country there are a few throwbacks to older times to be found throughout Taiwan.

One of them is the squat toilet.

Perhaps more at place in Thailand or Vietnam I was surprised to see the squat toilet feature prominently in public toilets as you move out of Taiwan’s main cities.

Although appreciative of the body dynamics of using one I kinda always feel a bit uh, vulnerable the few times I’ve had to squat over and use one.

Something about having the boys just dangling there and me worrying about keeping my balance kind of detracts from the experience.

With the squat toilet being just a notch above a hole in the ground the next level up in toilet comfort is the traditional outdoor toilet. On a cycle ride the other week up into the remote mountains I happened upon what I thought was the penultimate in outdoor toiletry.

Usually fitted with optional extras such as four walls and toilet paper this was your basic flushless model. So basic that after one use you had to wait for the rain to come and wash it before you could go again.

Sure beats the good ol’ shovel and hole in the ground routine.

1. Taiwan toilets: The toilet paper problem
2. Forget public toilets, just do it anywhere in Taiwan
3. Outdoor Go-Karting at Ace Karts in Melbourne, Australia
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