A conversation that needs to be had

I know I've just come back from a different surf trip, but I want to touch on something that bothered me on the last surf trip I was on...

In fact, I've been simmering on this subject since I went on my 2008 surf trip to Peru.

Peru satellite photo

And, as I've mentioned, after my recent surf trip to Cactus Beach, it's time to speak up.

Cactus Beach satellite photo

It's time for me to let go...

Today, I'm quite seriously talking about remote toilet toilet etiquette.

The scene of the latest rudeness.

Photo: Willy

What triggered this post was an attempted toilet entry while I was using it.

I don't know where to start with this lesson / tirade, as I find is so baffling that this topic even needs to be addressed.

Whenever there is a one-room toilet, that is one without a lobby / receiving area, I always find it fair to assume that, if the door is closed, there quite maybe might be someone inside. As a starting point, I think that's a totally fair assumption - especially if the door's also locked!

So, why do all these people feel the need to just try to open the door and barge in?! This time I was lucky that the door at least had a lock on the inside. My Peruvian experience didn't leave my dignity in tact as much! During my visit to Peru, with nothing but a hanging hessian cloth separating me from the outside world, two people just popped their heads in for an unexpected view of me in a vulnerable position. My question is, how on earth were they so surprised to find someone within?!

At least recently, I only had to deal with violent rattling on the door. The poor chap on the outside must have been scratching his head wondering how an 'empty' toilet could be locked.

Seriously?

Then, after I had to tell him 'taken', I left the facility a few minutes later only to find him waiting for me merely inches from the door - like a love-sick puppy dog.

Again: Seriously?

Buddy, give me some privacy. If you want to listen to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra recite their latest interpretation of a Beethoven symphony, please get a Lufthansa ticket to Germany and hear them live!

Here, let me help you:

Link to Lufthansa home page

Link to Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra home page

A photo of a nice pit for those uninterested in the content of this post.

Source: www.waterwaystravel.com/news/mizata-surf-lodge-is-back/

So my advice to people such as this, is this:

In these situations, I'd like to strongly suggest an audible testing of the water like: 'Is anybody in there?'

If you get no response, I'd like to recommend a second back-up test: Maybe knock on the door patiently to see if anybody's inside?

Then, after no response, I feel it's safe to assume the cubicle is empty. You may try to enter.

And please, if the toilet is occupied, stand back and give the poor person their space, privacy and dignity.

Another photo to lighten today's mood.

Source: www.surfresortfinder.com/features/uncrowded-perfection-shoulder-season-mentawais/

So, following this personal experience, for parts of that remaining surf trip I decided to keep an eye on how people handled themselves when the toilet was already occupied. Unfortunate disappointment.

Some people just still couldn't understand why the toilet door wouldn't open when it was locked and they'd rattle at it impatiently! Honestly, please!

Grumble, grumble.


          Yours in pits,

Got something to share or some feedback? Leave a comment below or email me at: l.gorajek@gmail.com