Other than being familiar with squatting flat footed over a hole in the floor that is called a toilet and bringing your own paper.
Most places at least have western toilet options. Itās very rare I come across a place that only has the old hole in the ground (maybe once a month). Itās fine to piss into the hole, but if I had to take a dump Iād hold it (even though pooping in that way is supposed to be healthier for the colon than sitting on a toilet, which scrunches up your abdomen). But I digressā¦
Taiwan hasnāt really changed me on a mental or spiritual level, since Iāve previously lived and worked in Japan and South Korea. Not the same, but they have enough in common that the adjustment isnāt too severe. I guess itās just made me more aware of my surroundings when crossing the street, since itās the wild west out here with scooters zipping around in all directions and a general lack of sidewalks to find refuge on. The air pollution is also an adjustment for my body in general. Feel like I lose my breath a lot these days. Finally started wearing a mask. Besides that, usual stuff like new language, food, etc., but nothing too life changing tbh.
This x 1000.
Never ever once used one of those toilets. No need
Born and raised here+have difficulties with the squatting shitholes. Itās not nearly as much a sanitary/cultural concern as an anatomical one. I just canāt squat properly like my friends canā¦how do they do that thing with their legs??? Unfathomable.
I just donāt see squat toilets as commonly as you guys. Even places that have them usually have a western option. Do you live in the countryside?
On the positive side, Taiwan has taught me to save and invest for the future and place emphasis on family. On the negative side, Taiwan has taught me to drive like a crazy Italian and burp loudly in public.
Still adjusting after all these years, every day when walking on the street or watching the Taiwan āNewsā accidentally I know there is still a need for adjusting.
My biggest change and also my biggest worry is that I no longer have my guard up for crazy people or people with guns or knives or meth heads or insensitive police sneaking up behind me.
I am happier. 1000Xhappier.
I donāt think you really have to worry about losing that once youāve developed itā¦kind of like learning how to ride a bike. Whenever I visit the U.S., my ātweaker radarā just automatically turns on.
Ive found the joy of picking my nose without worrying what people think since they are all doing it too.
I was gonna mention that, but felt slightly sheepish about it. At least I havenāt reached the āroll it around between finger and thumb while examining it closely from various anglesā stageā¦something I see with shocking frequency on public transportation.
Sheepish? Youāre* a cow!
Iām pretty crass so I lay it out here gladly
*Edited
You got me
Went from skeptic about national health care to believer. Went from gun toter to gun controller. Accepted fact finally that I am racist due to my belief that Chinese people canāt operate motorized vehicles.
. . . Also became much better engineer because of so much exposure to wide range of manufacturing technologies.
Iām not a grammar nazi. Just alt-write.
His belly-button
My belly-button