Holiday Challenges

I holidayed in Florida this summer. There are so many things I like about America, but I have to say there is one area in which obese people are getting a very raw deal.

Toilets. Without a doubt toilet stall in USA are smaller than I have encountered anywhere else, and there is something WRONG; really wrong, with the design of the toilet seats used in public toilets.

I travel a lot in different parts of the world, and I have never encountered the issues I faced toileting in USA. Somehow because of the shape, or molding of the seat, I found that I could not reach the neccessary personal places to ensure that I was clean. This was so stressful, 16 days, theme parks, restaurants, hotels, always the same difficulty, despite all sort of effort and toilet gymnastics, I just couldn't reach. I felt disgusted, ashamed and totally confused as I have not encountered this issue in Europe, Asia, Central Asia, or in NZ.

I wondered if I had suddenly put on mega lbs in only a few days. No, not at all. Back at home again, and when business calls I find I can not only reach but have room to spare and can over-reach. (And that is before my recent weight loss So my heart really goes out to the "Great" American Public, who have to live with these toilet designs. Maybe it is only Florida toilets?

On an aside - an Aîr New Zealand plane I was on had a handicapped toilet in the economy section. It was big enough to dance in, and I couldn't resist a jig of joy.