Uuugggh...that's nasty.

(originally written awhile ago...sorry.)

So imagine my surprise when I arrive in Costa Rica and learn that in the majority of the country (maybe the whole country?), from the beach to the city and in between, after using the bathroom you put your toilet paper not in the toilet, as the name would imply, but in the trash can. *record skip*

My roommate had told me this was the norm in Peru, and another woman I'd met here assured me that this was the case in many countries around the world, but I don't care.  In a country where the temperature is a steady hot as hell all year round and air conditioning is a luxury in many parts, you want me to put my toilet paper where?

They can't go for that.  And neither can I.

I was even more concerned because when I got to my first homestay, my familia tica took it a step further and put up this sign:

I don't know what "inodoro" means, but it kinda sounds like indoor.  For sure no one expects me to carry my used toilet paper outside?  That's the most.  The second I saw it, I made a conscious decision not to look up what this word meant, so at least I could blame my stubbornness on ignorance if necessary.

Never had I been so happy about my shitty digestion (no pun intended) until I arrived in Costa Rica.  It took me three days before I had to address my true concern (TMI, I know).  When the magic moment came, I became panicked and wondered if I could hold it until I got to school the next morning so at least no one would know it was me.  Yeah right.  "Well," I said to myself resignedly, "when in Rome..." Ugh.  I looked up at the sign in the bathroom and casually ignored it, dropping my TP in the trash can.  What do you want from me?

(Update:  I have since looked up the word out of guilt and in fact, "inodoro" means toilet. *wipes forehead*)

(Update 2:  Welp, it appears Mexico also throws TP in the trash can.  Damn you countries and your tiny pipes!)