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Smelly bathrooms

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SpiralCee
  7/11/2014 12:57 EST

I've been doing research about Guatemala, especially Antigua, Xela, and Pana. Everywhere I see people talking about how you can't flush toilet paper.
Is this outdated information?
If not, and if the soiled paper goes in a bin, doesn't it really smell?
How do expats deal with this?
Thanks!

bajasur
  7/11/2014 15:32 EST

No you can't due to the antiquated sewer systems, etc. If you've ever been to Guatemala you will notice the strong perfume aroma emanating from the TP, never had a smelly bathroom.

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driftersinc
  7/11/2014 15:44 EST

Canada and the U.S. are among the extremely few countries on this planet that flush paper.

Consider yourself abnormal for asking and worrying about it, then enjoy your visit to a normal country where they don't understand why people would be prissy to flush garbage down the toilet and go through the metric ship ton of maintenance required to handle such a pointless creature comfort :)

Some bathrooms do smell, but not because of the paper bin, but because they haven't quite grasped craftsmanship here for the most part and the plumbing is usually sub par like most construction.

DRThomas
  7/11/2014 15:52 EST

The information is neither outdated nor restricted to Guatemala. Use a trashcan with a lid and empty it daily.

The only time I recall being grossed out was in a hotel in Bolivia where the staff was too lazy to pick up an ingot of gold. The owner had no idea of the situation. He was not reluctant to fire people. I complained and things got better.

julieakucera
  7/11/2014 18:26 EST

Are you kidding? I think we all can handle that. Most times you do not flush due to OLD systems. Have you traveled round this crazy world? It's common in underdeveloped countries.

SpiralCee
  7/12/2014 11:31 EST

Don't be so quick to assume I'm some diva!
I grew up in Northern Ontario and have used an outhouse most of my life. I've also traveled all over Europe and used some of their interesting facilities -- with varying success. :)

To be honest, I would rather use an outhouse. Everything gets tossed down the hole and you don't worry about it.

I've heard of some travelers saying that they've flushed the paper anyway and it was fine, but others have said their toilets have backed up.

Going to the toilet is not something people talk about much, for good reason! But I think it's valuable and interesting discussion for those who would be surprise by the difference from their home country.

Thanks for the info, guys. :)

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busman7
  7/13/2014 10:30 EST

Well if you flush paper down the toilet in my B&B you WILL PAY to have the pipes dug up and cleared. BTW the standard toilet pipe in CA is only 3 inch not the Canadian 4 inch, not designed for flushing paper plus there is the constant movement of the plumbing due to the frequent earthquakes in the area.

Perhaps it would be best if you stayed in the back woods of backward Canada where you can throw everything down a hole polluting the groundwater that flows into your well.

Personally I prefer SE Asia where they use bum-guns to clean yourself instead of just wiping your poo around with paper, have to admit though the squat toilets can be a challenge at first.

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