If you have done any extensive travelling you will have been introduced to various types of toilets (washrooms, etc.) around the world. Some not so nice, like those at some gas stations in North America to opulent bathrooms in higher end hotels. Access to these may be free, through a key on a peg or a swipe card, to a metered door lock but everyone needs a place to relieve themselves from time to time and the older you get the more frequently you need to use these facilities. I believe there is even an app now that tells you where a convenient location exists near you at anytime.
You cannot begin to understand my excitement and pleasure at coming across public toilets in New Zealand and Australia. They have taken mural art to the nth degree far from the boring half moon door in the outhouse behind a cottage in northern Ontario.
We have also come across some very inventive banos in Mexico on our travels. Sometimes just the markers that let you know whether they are male or female or unisex are pretty cool.
Some unique restrooms that we have heard of but not yet experienced are:
1. A toilet in Arosa, Switzerland that is made of glass and sits over an old elevator shaft, letting you look straight down while you do your business through clear glass.
2. A club in Frankfurt, Germany where men step inside a giant, glittering set of red lips to use the urinal.
3. Kawakawa, New Zealand features public toilets designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser using colorful tiles, stained glass, and a living tree growing right through the roof.
4. Tianmen Mountain in China features a clear glass restroom built onto the side of a sheer rock cliff, offering massive canyon views.
5. The Ice Igloo Restroom in Norway is built seasonally near famous hiking trails; these minimalist stalls freeze your surroundings into a stunning winter wonderland.
What are some of the best/worst public toilets you’ve experienced?
REFLECTIONS OF A SWAMPER 