Let Me Tell You A Loo Loo Story

Have you ever tried one of these?

In Abu Dhabi (at least, not sure about other cities) there are public paid toilets that are scattered around the city. I am most thankful about them when we are at public parks especially on holidays when there are just too many people and toilets could be ahmmm... never mind.

They are not only in parks, but they can also be in the midst of the busy city centre with lots of people buzzing by. Really, I cannot imagine myself using one with the thought of other people walking by literally less than a meter away from the "throne".

Anyway, they are there in times of emergencies when nature calls and we need a refuge no matter how odd they could be.

The story?! Ah, yes...

So last week, the kids and I went to the park. There were not a lot of people because it was a week day which was good because we got to enjoy the place and had our breakfast under the shade of the trees while listening to the chorale of different birds.

Of course, I did not forget to bring my dose of coffee (which is a lot!) and not long after, I felt that I needed to yeah, relieve my full bladder. I was not worried because I knew that there were two toilets just nearby.

All I needed was two dirhams (AED 2)!

Self Cleaning Toilet. AED 2 charge.

Once inside, one has 20 minutes to go by their business. Nope, I don't need that much time. We're here for number 1. LOL.

I don't want to test the limit and be in a very undesirable situation when the door automatically opens after 20 minutes. Hahaha.

After each "session" the toilet is automatically shut for a 5-minute "self-cleaning" time. You know, to make sure that it is ready for the next user.

There is a mirror and a wash basin with soap.

If you need to change your baby's diaper, there is also a changing table that you can use.

So there, I was already inside, which I forgot to say was very spacious (baby strollers, even wheelchairs would fit comfortably). My back was still on the toilet.

Then it came to me, that dreaded smell.

I gave it the benefit of the doubt. "Maybe it's just how it really smells in here," I thought.

Besides, there is an automatic cleaning system. It couldn't be what I am thinking it is!

Like a horror movie...

The suspense was building up. Confusion clouded my brain.

Then I did what I shouldn't have done.

I CANNOT UN-SEE IT ANYMORE.

I cannot "un-smell" it either.

Very unfortunate. For your sake, I will not describe the experience further. LOL.

Maybe someone forgot to "touch for extra flush".

I quickly turned away and somehow forgot that my bladder was still complaining.

I pressed the open door button and did not bother looking back. I ran away like there was a plague haunting me.

Can I say I was traumatized? "Traumatized" is a very strong word, but I really think I am. LOL. I don't think I'll ever want to use one of these anymore.

But never say "never". Let's see. :D

_{Note: photos of the inside of the loo on this blog were taken from a different toilet, in a different location.}