Shall I or shant I......

I'm at the end of my morning classes, standing in my office, when the urge comes to visit the bathroom. There's a Western toilet in my apartment, but not in this building and I have to do more than relieve myself of some water. In this building, besides urinals, it's "squat" toilets (no seat). The only other time I used an Eastern toilet was on the train from Beijing to Xian 2 years ago, and then at least I had a grab bar. No such thing this time. OK, I'll brave it. After getting in there I realize the real challenge is not only to squat (I had to hold myself up with one hand on the floor, so as not to topple over), but also to arrange my clothing from the waist down so that no poop would accidently get on the wrong things. And guess what, I did it!

All fine and good. Then comes the afternoon, following classes taught. Before joining another colleague for supper in the dining hall the same urge comes, but this time more urgently. (I've been having a problem with constipation for a few days - probably all the excitement and stress - so this morning I took an AloeLax. My brothers know what those are.) Shall I try to make it back to the apartment for a more "comfortable" setting? I hesitate for a moment, but then realize "no". Off comes the coat and back into the bathroom. I figure the practice won't hurt! Another accomplishment for the day.

What I should also tell you is that there is no paper provided (you know the kind you use for these moments) . If you don't have any with you, well, let's just say you're caught with your pants down. Fortunately I know, so I always have some packed in my briefcase. Oh yes, make sure you also bring along your own soap and towel, too. That's something I still have to do. (Don't worry, if you come to visit and stay in a nice hotel, it's much better!)