Potty Talk

Yeah, you read right.  We're going to talk about potties.  Specifically potties on trains in Europe (and in many other places).  I realize this may seem like a strange topic, but I can't help but feel like it's useful information that should be passed along.  After all, I'm here to help.

So, potty talk.  Let's do it.  Trains are everywhere in Europe and likely the way that you will get from place to place.  During longer trips, you may find yourself in need of the facilities, so to speak.  I'm going to explain the facilities to you today.

What can I say? I think I'm dedicated...

So, here's the deal.  Much like airlines, there are usually lights to show you when the toilet is occupied and when it is free on a train.  Typically, red means occupied and green means available.  Standing in the aisleway, waiting on the toilet is not too terribly uncouth, just know that there are easier ways to tell if it's free.

"WC" stands for "Water Closet", a common name for a restroom, bathroom, toilet, lou

The toilet on the left here (green) is free and the one on the right (red) is occupied.  Nicer trains have these kinds of indicators to show passengers whether the toilet is free.

Let's start with the basics.  Standing.  Make sure that you have your "sea legs" about you before you try to negotiate your pants.  Instability can be your enemy in this situation.  

Lock the door

Once you know you can stand on a moving train car, you should know how to lock the door.  This is critical (for obvious reasons).  I have pushed in a door onto an innocent bystander several times and I'm here to tell you that it is embarrassing.  Usually, people are ok with it, it is an honest mistake, after all.  Lock the door, idiot.  But some trains aren't that nice and the locks don't always function.  But, I digress, lock the damn door.

Locks are typically labeled with what direction means locked and what direction means not.

There are usually stickers or labels that indicate which direction is locked and which is not, but I still strongly recommend you test it.  Lock the door, then try to open it on yourself.  This is a solid test.  If you can't get the door open on yourself, it is likely locked and you're safe.

How to Flush

Flushing is simple, right?  Not so much, not if you've never seen these buttons before!  Much like a plane, there are usually little buttons that control flushing.  Sometimes there are pedals on the floor or levers on the back.  Know that before you do anything, learn how to flush!  It's not elementary school, guys, work it out.

Look for the button that looks like it might have something to do with a flush

Find the Toilet Paper

If you're a dude, (and it's only #1), skip this section.  For the ladies (and the #2's), find the toilet paper before you begin.  Some restrooms on trains are out of some commodities.  Take note before you start. (obviously)

Once you have established where the flush button is, where the toilet paper is and that the door is locked, feel free to do what you must to ensure your trip is comfortable before returning to your seat.  It seems a strange topic, I know.  But, with any luck, there is at least one person out there who could use this advice and benefit from the awkward feeling of carrying my camera into the bathroom.

Thanks, y'all!