You won't believe what this Aussie tourist asked for in a Chinese toilet
- Replies 13
Embarking on an international adventure often comes with its fair share of cultural surprises, from unfamiliar traditions to eating unusual and exotic foods.
But for one Australian tourist, the challenge wasn't in the language or the cuisine—it was an unexpected struggle that captured the hearts and laughter of millions online.
For one Australian tourist, Samantha Harrison, her recent trip to Beijing, China, turned into a comical journey as she attempted to master the art of using a squat toilet.
Unfamiliar with the proper technique and keen to avoid messy mishaps, Samantha and her friend sought assistance.
The duo's quest for toilet training turned into a sensation when they enlisted the help of a local woman, who happened to be cleaning the facilities at the restaurant where they were dining.
Language barriers can often be a hurdle while travelling, but in this case, it only added to the hilarity.
With words failing them, they resorted to a universal form of communication—demonstration and laughter.
Harrison said, ‘We were trying to ask by using actions how she uses the toilet.’
‘And so we brought her into the toilet cubicle with us and were showing her how we could hold a squat, and asked if we were doing it right.'
'She was like, “No, no” and was [showing us how to] squat but with her knees together. It was so funny because I can't squat like she can, apparently, the way we were squatting was wrong.’
Harrison's video shows the three women in fits of laughter as the local cleaner attempts to instruct them on the correct squatting posture, knees together, to avoid the dreaded ‘backsplash.’
‘We couldn't figure out how to squat without getting it all over the floor.’
The video, showcasing this impromptu ‘tutorial’, has since amassed over five million views, turning a simple toilet trip into an international comedy hit.
Harrison expressed her surprise at the video's success, noting the power of laughter as a universal language that transcends cultural differences.
She said, ‘I feel like laughter is the universal language. Everyone's laughing and can relate.’
‘You can really hear the happiness and the laughter from [the local woman]. It feels like a wholesome video.’
The video's comments section became a confessional of sorts, with many travellers sharing their struggles with adapting to squat toilets.
One commenter said, ‘[Oh my God], this was SO HARD when I was in China.’
Another shared, ‘I stopped wearing pants altogether because I couldn't understand how they peed with their pants down and it not going all over their jeans.’
Source: TikTok / @samharrisonnnnn
Most commenters, however, simply noted the genuine laughter in the video.
One user said, ‘The way they laugh at each other is like they have known each other a long time.’
Another user added, ‘My new goal in life is to make someone laugh this hard when we don't even speak the same language.’
This light-hearted encounter serves as a reminder of the joy and connection that can be found in the most unexpected places, even in the confines of a toilet cubicle.
It's a testament to the fact that, sometimes, the most memorable travel experiences come from the simplest human interactions.
For seasoned travellers, this story might bring back memories of their travel escapades and the challenges of navigating new customs.
It's a humorous nod to the adaptability and open-mindedness required when stepping out of our comfort zones and into the wider world.
Are you curious about what foreigners find to be new and exciting experiences in Land Down Under? An American tourist shared their Australian adventure here.
We'd love to hear about your travel tales and the funny, perplexing, or endearing cultural lessons you've learned. Have you ever faced a similar situation while abroad? Tell your stories in the comments below!
But for one Australian tourist, the challenge wasn't in the language or the cuisine—it was an unexpected struggle that captured the hearts and laughter of millions online.
For one Australian tourist, Samantha Harrison, her recent trip to Beijing, China, turned into a comical journey as she attempted to master the art of using a squat toilet.
Unfamiliar with the proper technique and keen to avoid messy mishaps, Samantha and her friend sought assistance.
The duo's quest for toilet training turned into a sensation when they enlisted the help of a local woman, who happened to be cleaning the facilities at the restaurant where they were dining.
Squat toilets are a common sight in many parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Image Source: Shutterstock / SutidaS
Language barriers can often be a hurdle while travelling, but in this case, it only added to the hilarity.
With words failing them, they resorted to a universal form of communication—demonstration and laughter.
Harrison said, ‘We were trying to ask by using actions how she uses the toilet.’
‘And so we brought her into the toilet cubicle with us and were showing her how we could hold a squat, and asked if we were doing it right.'
'She was like, “No, no” and was [showing us how to] squat but with her knees together. It was so funny because I can't squat like she can, apparently, the way we were squatting was wrong.’
Harrison's video shows the three women in fits of laughter as the local cleaner attempts to instruct them on the correct squatting posture, knees together, to avoid the dreaded ‘backsplash.’
‘We couldn't figure out how to squat without getting it all over the floor.’
The video, showcasing this impromptu ‘tutorial’, has since amassed over five million views, turning a simple toilet trip into an international comedy hit.
Harrison expressed her surprise at the video's success, noting the power of laughter as a universal language that transcends cultural differences.
She said, ‘I feel like laughter is the universal language. Everyone's laughing and can relate.’
‘You can really hear the happiness and the laughter from [the local woman]. It feels like a wholesome video.’
The video's comments section became a confessional of sorts, with many travellers sharing their struggles with adapting to squat toilets.
One commenter said, ‘[Oh my God], this was SO HARD when I was in China.’
Another shared, ‘I stopped wearing pants altogether because I couldn't understand how they peed with their pants down and it not going all over their jeans.’
Source: TikTok / @samharrisonnnnn
Most commenters, however, simply noted the genuine laughter in the video.
One user said, ‘The way they laugh at each other is like they have known each other a long time.’
Another user added, ‘My new goal in life is to make someone laugh this hard when we don't even speak the same language.’
This light-hearted encounter serves as a reminder of the joy and connection that can be found in the most unexpected places, even in the confines of a toilet cubicle.
It's a testament to the fact that, sometimes, the most memorable travel experiences come from the simplest human interactions.
For seasoned travellers, this story might bring back memories of their travel escapades and the challenges of navigating new customs.
It's a humorous nod to the adaptability and open-mindedness required when stepping out of our comfort zones and into the wider world.
Are you curious about what foreigners find to be new and exciting experiences in Land Down Under? An American tourist shared their Australian adventure here.
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