Strong Thighs

This post is not for those who are faint of heart. I’m just sayin’

We spent time in the Le Vieux Village (old village) of Mougins yesterday. I’ll post a blog and photos of our time there. It’s quaint in an old-French-village sort of way. GREAT views of the Loup Valley and Grasse, a town known for its perfumeries. And you could see the Mediterranean sea in the distance.

At the entrance to the old village are public toilets. They call them “Toilettes Publique” Do you think that makes them sound fancier? Cleaner?

After a glass of wine and wandering the maze-like streets of Mougins, I decided to use these public facilities. Whoa.

There were two stalls for the ladies. They were what is known as “squat toilets.” Simply a porcelain hole in the ground with—get this!—raised areas to show you where to place your feet!

What the...?

Prior to this, I’d only experienced toilets with no seats in France. (See: McDonald’s).  I can handle that. This? Was something different.

I couldn’t even figure out how to use this toilette without first removing articles of clothing. Or knowing which way to face. Seriously. I had seen other women enter the facility when I was walking around Mougins…did they all turn and leave as I did?

So when I got back to the hotel, I looked it up on the Internet. And even watched a YouTube video. You know you’re having a GREAT time in France when you spend your time in the guest lounge of the hotel watching a video of how to use a squat toilet.

It isn’t easy, it turns out. It takes strong thighs. REALLY strong thighs. I wish I’d been more consistent with going to yoga. ‘Cause as is? I wouldn’t trust my thighs. I would hate to be using the facility and not be able to get up! Or even worse, fall in! More information than you needed to know, I’m sure.

From now on, I’m going to stick with toilets in restaurants and cafes. Because even if they don’t have seats or toilet paper, I can deal. My thighs are already thanking me.