LADIES AND GENTLEMEN... WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

摘要

Asked to describe the essential components of a toilet facility, I wonder what most westerners would say. Running water? A raised bowl? A wash basin with soap? The more cosseted among us might expect hand-dryers and lotion to smooth our chafed skin, but most savvy travellers appreciate that there are many countries where the priorities are somewhat different In Peru, for example, a theme of disinterest at preserving one's modesty seems to run deep. Within hours of arriving, I had experienced the informal hospitality of the Colca Canyon, paying 50p to relieve myself into a boarded hole in the ground while the man who took the money stood guard - with a fine view over the waist-level door should he fancy a look.