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Ok...strange topic of conversation but a question i feel i must ask. What are Egyptian toilets like, do I need to prepare my self for something horrifying as my friends make out...or are they alright? Apparently I should take my own toilet paper. lol this whole topic makes me laugh, I have a toilet sense of humor, so excuse any unpleasant things I may post, please!
Posts: 293 | From: UK | Registered: Mar 2004
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ok,,,you should be well prepared lady we do have very unique toilets ONLY for tourists like you ,,,and mostly they are taking the shape of the pyramids and when the tourist is so important for us ,,he can use the one that designed only for our our favorite dearest guests and that one is taking the cairo tower shape ,,
by the way no need to get a toilet papers all along from UK ,,there is a milions of stones close to the toilets ,,,hey becarfull ,pick the soft ones .
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Tourists like me? What are they? I seriously hope you are joking about the stones!!!
Posts: 293 | From: UK | Registered: Mar 2004
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GG there are no posts anyone on here could write to prepare you for THE TOILETS!!! you can buy a few sheets of paper of the attendant on your way a for a bit of baksheesh , so no need to buy your own hehe . dont forget though that most egyptians use a hose to clean themselves with afterwards. much cleaner like that apparently.so not a lot of call for bog roll................on 2nd thoughts...bring your own or make sure you go in the hotels toilets every morning before you go out . has anyone had the pleasure of the toilets at hatshepsut ??
Posts: 130 | From: torquay . uk | Registered: Feb 2004
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A hose!!!!? Oh my gosh!! lol I'm sorry, like a diy version of colonic irrigation? lol I think I'll stick with the paper!
Posts: 293 | From: UK | Registered: Mar 2004
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Please, please tell me you are joking!!! There is no way I am wiping my bum with a stone!!
Posts: 293 | From: UK | Registered: Mar 2004
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If you travel from Luxor to Hurghada and stop at the halfway stop, there is a cafe that has cubicles with just a hole in the ground! No toilet paper or hose in there. Just hope you get the civilised cafe a bit further on.
Posts: 88 | From: egypt | Registered: Nov 2003
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quote:Originally posted by redsea: If you travel from Luxor to Hurghada and stop at the halfway stop, there is a cafe that has cubicles with just a hole in the ground! No toilet paper or hose in there. Just hope you get the civilised cafe a bit further on.
lol! maybe I should just take a potty for myself!!
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Mother egypt i think you must of used the posh toilets ? i heard a lot of toilets in cairo you only get stones if your lucky ! but grit is readily available !!!! lol Posts: 130 | From: torquay . uk | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Originally posted by redsea: If you travel from Luxor to Hurghada and stop at the halfway stop, there is a cafe that has cubicles with just a hole in the ground! No toilet paper or hose in there. Just hope you get the civilised cafe a bit further on.
Lol, arent they just the worst toilets ever? You cant call them a toilet can you? Did you ever get the one with the huge hole in the wall at the back? The one where you are so busy doing the business and holding your nose, you dont notice the gaping hole until you are on your way out!
Actually, I think the worst I have ever encountered were at Aswan train station. So bad I just held my nose, swallowed hard to prevent the vomit escaping and crossed my legs until I could walk back to the hotel we had just checked out of.
[This message has been edited by Shareen (edited 27 March 2004).]
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another crazy girl here, with an insane question. by the way are there toilets on mars, prepare ur papers for the next trip....hehe
Posts: 97 | From: Alexandria, Egypt | Registered: Nov 2003
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Maybe best , just bring your own spray bottle with water, to wash. Or with Vodka, to wash and sanitize.
Posts: 53 | From: cape may, NJ, USA | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Originally posted by MotherEgypt: ok,,,you should be well prepared lady we do have very unique toilets ONLY for tourists like you ,,,and mostly they are taking the shape of the pyramids and when the tourist is so important for us ,,he can use the one that designed only for our our favorite dearest guests and that one is taking the cairo tower shape ,,
by the way no need to get a toilet papers all along from UK ,,there is a milions of stones close to the toilets ,,,hey becarfull ,pick the soft ones .
Thanks motheregypt, now mama thinks i'm insane, staring at a screen with only words on it and laughing that hard......
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At last some proper advice!! Thank you Penny. I already have the perfect bag as well...it is HUGE!! I could carry an elephant in it! That story, made me laugh, but it must have been awful for you! I really pity you! It is bad enough having an ill stomach when there is a toilet available!!! Posts: 293 | From: UK | Registered: Mar 2004
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Gigglegirl, this is for toilettes everywhere, not only in Egypt, try NOT TO touch anything with your hands or other body parts, get disinfectant spray (for the seat), and disinfectant gel (for your hands), and of course toilet paper, i carry these all the time (you never know)I can actually fit them in my evening purse ( i can use the hand disinfectant for the seat). You'll find all three in egypt too. mmmm what else... diarrhoea if you happen to get one is pretty bad, a broad spectrum anti-microbial would be quite helpful and of course a pain killer (for the colics).....Ecoli is ugly, ......not to worry, you'll live to tell......
Here is an interesting link i found, about toilettes, it features "Stationary toilettes) and "Non- Stationary toilettes" (would that one get up and leave when you're done?)... biblical toilette, revolutionary toilettes...... http://www.cromwell-intl.com/toilet/
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Aaargh! lol I never knew I would need so much for a toilet. Does this apply in the 5* hotels as well??
Posts: 293 | From: UK | Registered: Mar 2004
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quote:Originally posted by GiggleGirl: Aaargh! lol I never knew I would need so much for a toilet. Does this apply in the 5* hotels as well??
you didn't quote so i don't know if you're talkin' to me but anyway I was refferening to ANY toilet that is not at home. Think of it like that, your behind is where someone else's behind was...!!!!!!!. Not in 5* hotels, they clean that before you check in,you can actually disinfect it yourself but what about restaurants? coffee shops? come'on.... not after that queue? here is another idea, try the disposable toilet seats , you can stuff ten of them in your pocket, but i don't usually find these ones easily. Do you think i'm goin' too far? I'd rather be safe than sorry.........
[This message has been edited by Rimo (edited 29 March 2004).]
quote:Originally posted by Rimo: you didn't quote so i don't know if you're talkin' to me but anyway I was refferening to ANY toilet that is not at home. Think of it like that, your behind is where someone else's behind was...!!!!!!!. Not in 5* hotels, they clean that before you check in,you can actually disinfect it yourself but what about restaurants? coffee shops? come'on.... not after that queue? here is another idea, try the disposable toilet seats , you can stuff ten of them in your pocket, but i don't usually find these ones easily. Do you think i'm goin' too far? I'd rather be safe than sorry.........
[This message has been edited by Rimo (edited 29 March 2004).]
lol...too far? You're going to give me a phobia!! I'll be too scared about what I may find on or in the toilets to go in them!!! No, all the info is great....if a little scary!! Cheers!!!
quote:Originally posted by GiggleGirl: I'll be too scared about what I may find on or in the toilets to go in them!!!
Well , here's a tip, whatever comes walking/ crawlin out of the toilet while u're in, just Ignore It.... may be "it" had to go to the toilet too.... it usually minds it's own bussiness if you mind yours .... tell me again why i'm givin' you a phobia?
[This message has been edited by Rimo (edited 29 March 2004).]
I've seen many dirty toilets outside Egypt as well ....... I really try to avoid public toilets f. e. in train stations, on the airplane etc.
Well, that's what i was talkin' about, once (in Birmingham, i think or was it Stratford, dunno, that was 11 years ago ) anywayI had to use the bathroonm, i generally try to avoid public toilets but if i'd have waited a minute longer that day well, let's just say what could've happened would've been very unbecoming on an 18 year old miss,anyway I found a torn page of a porn magazine in there!!!!!, That's when my disinfectant came in handy, i'd really would've hated to touch anything in there. It can happen anywhere.............
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Those loos at Abu Simbel looked quite new but the smell was something else....! Also the ones at the back of Karnak temple were quite something, up some little stairs into a portacabin......Boots here in the UK sell small square boxes of loo paper which are easier to pack.... and our tour guide made an extra special stop for us...at a Chemists shop in Luxor so we could all stock up on the old tummy tablets.. much cheaper and better than the UK Ones! Good Luck!
Posts: 85 | From: London England | Registered: Mar 2004
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got to agree with linnet , the tummy tablets you should for sure buy in egypt if you need them) just dont drink the water and you will be fine though. been twice now with no injections or tablets and been fine both times ! from what i can figure its the water that gives you THE REVENGE !!!!
[This message has been edited by gary (edited 29 March 2004).]
Posts: 130 | From: torquay . uk | Registered: Feb 2004
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GiggleGirl, c. I think you'll find the hose a good choice c I met several foreigners in the streets of Cairo asking me "where can I find the nearest toilet please." Usually I have no answer. You should do it before leaving everyday, and if you have to during your daily activities, search for the nearest hotel.
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But.....isn't the hose water polluted, too. If water is not safe to drink, I wish not to use it for washing my.....
Posts: 53 | From: cape may, NJ, USA | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Originally posted by Raymon: I met several foreigners in the streets of Cairo asking me "where can I find the nearest toilet please." Usually I have no answer. You should do it before leaving everyday, and if you have to during your daily activities, search for the nearest hotel.
This was definitely not me. I am actually very much scared of any public toilet (kind of phobia?!) and I am trying to hold it until I am back home......
Oh, and I never used the hose, always toilet paper.
Good, I guess I provided enough for this topic.
Posts: 30135 | From: The owner of this website killed ES....... | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Originally posted by sybyrite: But.....isn't the hose water polluted, too. If water is not safe to drink, I wish not to use it for washing my.....
The tap water in Cairo is not polluted. The USA has spent many millions of dollars to make sure the tap water in Cairo is not polluted. The problem with it is that it tastes and smells just like a swimming pool. If you will let your girl-bits swim in any clorinated swimming pool, then there is nothing more dangerous about the tap water in Egypt.
quote:Originally posted by Debbie: The tap water in Cairo is not polluted. The USA has spent many [b]millions of dollars to make sure the tap water in Cairo is not polluted. The problem with it is that it tastes and smells just like a swimming pool. If you will let your girl-bits swim in any clorinated swimming pool, then there is nothing more dangerous about the tap water in Egypt.
[/B]
Using water to clean up is actually more hygeinic than using toilet paper alone, using both is the best, that is what we do to babies right? Actually when i go to Europe using only toilet paper is my worst nightmare!!!! Problem with using a hose in a public toilet is not about water, it's about "THE HOSE" itself 1- you have to hold it with your hand, you don't always (never) have the option of soap and water in public toilet 2-Sometimes that hose can accidentally touch someone else's bum whatever......you wouldn't want to use it afterwards do you?
I just found out some weeks ago that in Egypt most people use a hose instead of toilet paper. I read somewhere the hose is called Shataf? (shitoff)
I think a better option for those that wonder what that hose has touched is to take baby wipes... maybe a good invention would be an automatic hypersplash that is activated at a touch of a button instead of a manual hose. Just kidding.
[This message has been edited by esposible (edited 31 March 2004).]
quote:Originally posted by Rimo: Using water to clean up is actually more hygeinic than using toilet paper alone, using both is the best, that is what we do to babies right? Actually when i go to Europe using only toilet paper is my worst nightmare!!!! Problem with using a hose in a public toilet is not about water, it's about "THE HOSE" itself 1- you have to hold it with your hand, you don't always (never) have the option of soap and water in public toilet 2-Sometimes that hose can accidentally touch someone else's bum whatever......you wouldn't want to use it afterwards do you?
Gotta run, Have a lovely day everyone
Oh no!! Yuk!! I don't even want to imagine!!! I think maybe baby wipes are a good idea. I'll be carrying a suitcase full of cleaning stuff with me at the rate this is going!!!
quote:Originally posted by GiggleGirl: Oh no!! Yuk!! I don't even want to imagine!!! I think maybe baby wipes are a good idea. I'll be carrying a suitcase full of cleaning stuff with me at the rate this is going!!!
yukkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Posts: 62 | From: Sweden | Registered: Mar 2004
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Before flying to Egypt, I go to Superdrug or Boots and buy a wee box of scented nappy sacks (80 pence) and small bottle of handwash gel (£1.20).
When out and about in Egypt, doing excursions or just going for a stroll, I carry a few loose nappy sacks, small packet of tissues and the handwash gel. Also, these days you can buy mini handbag size deodorant or body spray, which is great for spraying down a public toilet as you enter.
I carry small but trendy rucksack around with me or wear a bum bag (I know it looks so touristy but it keeps your essentials).
As you know, Egyptians/tourists are encouraged to dispose of soiled toilet paper into small bin in toilet and not flush, I think it's more polite to dispose it into nappy sack, tie it and then put that in bin. Washing your hands with the handwash gel before and afterwards.
If you can get to a hotel, their toilets should be of a good flushing standard.
I've never used the hose. Don't like to think about such things.
hmmmmm not a very nice subject indeed but one we all have in common, even the Queen and I bet she doesn't smell like a rose (hehe) One friend I chat with was really worried about coming to Canada and there being no hose for him to clean up with. My curiosity is this, women here use toilet paper when they pee, if there is none there what do you all do walk around wet all day and the same for after using the hose do you bring a towel with you to dry off or is there a lot of wet bums around. I am curious and I do believe it would be much more sanitary to use water and something to dry off. And what about days when girls are on their period? We have what I call bum wipes here they are the same as baby wipes ...but I prefer to do this business at home ....cannot believe I am commenting in this thread ...Peace out ...Julia
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Hmmm toilets, hose, disinfectant,period, bum........keywords.....did i miss any important ones?.....well, actually with all the arguments going on in other threads staying here in the "Toilets" thread sounds superb.......Gigglegirl holler please when it's safe to come out....... Posts: 314 | Registered: Feb 2004
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What! Are we still on the toilets topic? Thought you'd be over there by now, Giggles. I've already returned, and find that the toilets were not a fraction as bad as the comments. Don't know where you guys have been hanging out. But the worst I saw was at the stables in Giza and that still was an improvement over some holes in the floor I've had to deal with in other countries. As for diareaa, we realized the bottled water causes it: Mineral water, loaded with Magnesium, that's what they use in hospitals to clean you out ! The tap water is much better to drink. Just start on it gradually. Had a fantastic time, everyone was wonderful.
Posts: 53 | From: cape may, NJ, USA | Registered: Feb 2004
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this thread is very funny a few things to add that may help:
On my last trip to Cairo I discovered "laban rayeb" which is fermented milk, and it's great to drink when you think you might have eaten something that will "cause trouble later". It has a texture half way between milk and yogurt, and is quite tasty (IMHO).
Also, filtered tap water or tetra-paked fruit juices are good alternatives to bottled water
Drinking laban rayeb meant I never needed to use the public bathrooms except to wash my hands before a meal. In 4*+ hotels you should find loo rolls In 3*, you may get lucky :P
some loos don't have a separate hose, they have a small tap in the bowl itself, that can be activated by a tap on the side.
Wet wipes can be bought in most shops in Cairo, Sharm as well.
quote:Originally posted by GiggleGirl: Ok...strange topic of conversation but a question i feel i must ask. What are Egyptian toilets like, do I need to prepare my self for something horrifying as my friends make out...or are they alright? Apparently I should take my own toilet paper. lol this whole topic makes me laugh, I have a toilet sense of humor, so excuse any unpleasant things I may post, please!
[This message has been edited by wedi (edited 21 October 2004).]
quote:Originally posted by Tigerlily: I've seen many dirty toilets outside Egypt as well ....... I really try to avoid public toilets f. e. in train stations, on the airplane etc.
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
What are Egyptian toilets like, do I need to prepare my self for something horrifying as my friends make out...or are they alright? Apparently I should take my own toilet paper. lol this whole topic makes me laugh, I have a toilet sense of humor, so excuse any unpleasant things I may post, please!
you didn't quote so i don't know if you're talkin' to me but anyway I was refferening to ANY toilet that is not at home. Think of it like that, your behind is where someone else's behind was...!!!!!!!. Not in 5* hotels, they clean that before you check in,you can actually disinfect it yourself but what about restaurants? coffee shops? come'on.... not after that queue? here is another idea, try the disposable toilet seats , you can stuff ten of them in your pocket, but i don't usually find these ones easily. Do you think i'm goin' too far? I'd rather be safe than sorry......... 
) anywayI had to use the bathroonm, i generally try to avoid public toilets but if i'd have waited a minute longer that day well, let's just say what could've happened would've been very unbecoming on an 18 year old miss,anyway I found a torn page of a porn magazine in there!!!!!, That's when my disinfectant came in handy, i'd really would've hated to touch anything in there. It can happen anywhere.............
she had to know
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