I was in a dreamlike daze as we arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Sydney, Australia after a 15 hour flight. However, it was very similar to Sydney. There wasn’t that much difference. It wasn’t until we hopped into our shuttle and headed off to Anaheim that the differences became apparent. Although they quickly became the norm for T and I, the kids continued to marvel at the things that make America and Australia different.
American toilets became a talking point throughout our month long visit. Both kids were intrigued by the water level and the shape of the bowl itself which is a little different from those in Australia. We were also very impressed to note that EVERY public toilet we went to whether in a gas station, a hotel, a restaurant or an amusement park was clean and had disposable seat covers.
In America the water level inside the toilet is a lot higher than Australian toilets. On our first bathroom/restroom visit, Miss N and I were worried that the toilet was blocked with such a high level, but we quickly realised it was normal.
Flushing an American toilet is interesting too. Usually we pulled down a small handle which started the process. The flush is loud and creates a vortex which drains the toilet completely before filling it again. In Australia, most toilets these days offer a half flush and a full flush. Even the full flush is not has loud as the American flush.
The disposable seat covers were interesting. We were never truly confident that we were using them correctly. Each cover has the centre part almost cut out. Do we pull it down as we put the cover on, or do we sit on it and hope our output pushes it down? We decided that we were supposed to break it ourselves. Do you know?
USA Flushing Toilet from Kid Bucket List on Vimeo.
They do have those here Kid’s Bucket List. Instructions are to tear and place on the seat with the flap hanging into the bowl from the front (i.e. the reverse of what you have in your photo!). I must admit having recent experience of US toilets the water level was disturbing!!
Ive never seen instructions! I tore to start off with but i was unsure if you were supposed to. The water level was disturbing!
With that high water level … do you get splash back?
Ha!!! Affirmative at times 😉
So funny! It’s the little things 🙂 #aussieparentingbloggers
LOL This had me so giggling out family has travelled to the US several times and our family has the same fascination with the toilets, I remember my kids screaming at me the first time they did a poop! “Its going round and round MUMMMMMMY” LOL……so funny. thanks for the laugh, cool post
I grew up in America and I can tell you that my first visit to Australia and the toilets here was much the same. I can say that if you went to less touristy spots you would have found the nasty toilets just like here. It is funny though to read a different perspective. 🙂
We ventured to a few non touristy spots and the toulets were pretty gross BUT still had disposable covers. Theyre rare here in Australia.
Lol. There is something very wrong with a toilet shaped bubbler! Love our post.
Isnt there just! We found it at the Exploritorium in San Francisco. Most adults find it hard to use dedpite knowing its never been used as a toilet. The concrpt was created to illustrate how preconceived notions are difficult to overcome.
Oh wow, this is crazy! I would be freaked out I think Leah!
#teamwanderlust
I wish disposable seat covers were a thing in Europe!!
I wish they were common here in Australia too!
I can’t believe i just read a whole post on this lol!
How funny …. and no i dont think i could drink out of that lol
Thanks for contributing this post to The Sunday Brunch Magazine!
All the best,
Bel
Hilarious! Toilet ettiquette across the world is so different. Those seat thingies, you tear the middle so the flap of it hangs in the toilet, that way when you flush it takes it with it without having to touch it. And yes, I haven;t been to USA but I have had super suction loud toilet flushes – wouldnt want to drop anything in by accident or it would be pulverised.
Yeah we figured out you rip the middle. It’s actually a concept I wish we saw more of in Australian public toilets
I have got to say i am a little confused.Is the kid drinking out of one of those bidet things or is it a bubbler.It seems too low to the ground to drink out of,unless it is for kids.I am an Aussie and have never come across one of those paper seat covers.Ok,i don’t get out much…lol…I would have though,wow that’s one big piece of dunny paper.I suppose i would have torn it into strips to wipe my butt.I admit i have never seen a bidet either but when croc Dundee went to America that was the first bubbler /dunny i had seen and was just as confused as he was.I thought holy crap,one dunny for the missus and one for me and i can leave the lid up anytime i like…What the hell am i here talking about dunnies for.Goodbye and goodluck to you all.
Hi Richy, Striker is drinking from a bubbler in the San Francisco Exploratorium Museum which has been created to challenge our perceptions of toilets as a dirty thing. The paper seat covers are everywhere in the USA. Here in Australia I have noted the dispenser for them in some toilets but they are always empty!