Global Plumbing

In my travels I have learned that plumbing, primarily bathroom facilities, come in different variations around the world. Sometimes language is a problem. When I was with a group of Americans at a Korean place of business there came a time when we had to ask where the “Facilities” were. So, what English word would you use to ask some Koreans with limited English language skills, "Where is the (fill in the blank)?" I’ll give you a hint “rest room” does not work. As a matter of fact I was visiting their onsite medical facility, basically a small hospital, and I saw a room with the words Rest Room on the door. So I stuck my head in and what did I see, a small room with a bed in it. That makes sense to me. So what English word do Koreans use to describe a small room with a toilet in it? I’m not telling, you will have to find out your self when you come to Korea.

Back at the hotel, it is always a challenge to try and figure out the shower controls without scalding yourself. Whatever you know about hot on the left, cold on the right, right is off, left is on, forget it. It may not be true. I just get in the shower, with my glasses on, and figure it out.

I’ve always been fortunate to visit countries with modern infrastructures; you know the basics, water, electricity, flush toilets etc. But my room in Korea had something I had not seen before. It had a toilet that had a control panel that looked like it belonged on a Maytag washing machine. I’ve seen toilets with a “washing system” but never one with an electronic control panel. Did I mention I was staying at the Samsung Hotel? It had buttons, lights and controls like “Water Temp”, “Wash”, and “Dry”. I can tell you that it is a nice alternative for "John Wayne" toilet paper. (Ruff, Tough, and doesn’t take nothing off anybody.)

I think my bathroom at home is due a remodel.