Don’t flush your paper. In many parts of the city you are apparently not supposed to flush your toilet paper, instead you dispose of it in a small, strategically placed trash container. This is the case in our hostel room (see the sign above.) But it’s not a case of bad building plumbing, since we’ve encountered it in at least two other locations elsewhere in the city. (But not everywhere, the first place we stayed had the “usual” paper-disposal approach). I learned my lesson at a subway station where I was thoroughly reprimanded and chastised by a mop-wielding bathroom attendant for having improperly disposed of my paper.
In my defense:
1. I’m an ignorant American. We do these things (and a lot worse). Sorry.
2. The bathroom stall was outfitted with the world’s smallest toilet, it was about ½ the size of the usual porcelain bathroom-stall accoutrement. I was so consumed by the contorted logistics of succesfully completing my transaction that I failed to comprehend the rationale for the large trash container further cramping the small stall. Sorry.
3. There was no signage indicating proper procedure. Am I just supposed to know when not to flush the paper, and when it’s ok? C’mon man, see #1 for why that’s a bad idea. But clearly regulars know. Chalk one up for local knowledge. Sorry.
Upon returning to my stall–somewhat humbled I might add– after my transgression was brought to light by the attendant, I did note that there was very little water pressure. Since we were underground, that makes sense.
Isaac, at 12 years old and on his first international trip, read the context clues perfectly. First, he investigated all available stalls until he located a full sized toilet, then he correctly surmmized the proper use of the in-stall trash receptacle. Next time I follow his lead.
Home on the Roam 
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