Morocco: Culture & Ecology, Fall 2007

So this is a tale I have been meaning to write for quite some time now. It is about my search for a viable bathroom on the train from Fes to Marrakesh. And thus I will commence.

1. So, I am in desperate need of a toilet, having been holding my full bladder for quite some time out of sheer laziness. I go to the bathroom nearest to me, look into the toilet, and see, to my near-gagging disgust, that the contents of the toilet are green and brown sludge--completely opaque. I could choose to add my urine to this mess, but I am physically unable. I control myself enough to not sprint out of there.
2. The next toilet requires me to walk the length of the car. So I do so. My immediate feeling among entering the bathroom is relief: the toilet is, happily, devoid of nasty substances. But then I look at the floor. YES. HUMAN POOP! Seems that someone missed the toilet. I cannot bring myself to use that toilet. And so I exit mournfully and resume my quest.
3. The next car features a door that seems to open into a bathroom. Unfortunately, however, the door opens to an empty room. No toilet or sink visible anywhere. I sigh and move on.
4. The door is there, but it will not open. While I stand there considering whether to wait to see if someone comes out or give up and move on, a man appears. He asks something about a telephone--either to borrow one (unlikely) or for my number. I say no and scurry away, to...
5. I say a quick prayer before trying the handle. And--VICTORY!! My savior comes in the form of a clean-enough toilet. So the sink does not work...there is such thing as hand sanitizer!!! I was FINALLY able to relieve the pressure on my bladder, and it was wonderful.

On another note, I, like Kempie, am growing to enjoy the squat!!!

Love, Alexis