Think again before saying “I’m in deep shit.” It’s not something you want to say in Mongolia as it might come true. In the beginning, the thought of doing the Mambo no. 1 and 2. out in the open, semi-exposed to public view, made me feel unease, but after one week, I got used to this form of public indecency.
Mongolia’s shit-pit is a wooden structure enclosed from 3 sizes, leaving the roof and the door as optional. Most are high enough to cover a tall person but many are as high as the waist requiring extra skills and speed to ensure the smooth operation of pull-your-pant-sit-down-stand-up-pull-your-pant otherwise you risk exposing your buttock. Most are big that a big person can sit comfortably inside, but some are designed so you have a little something to sit next to when you do your deed. On the outside the toilets look the same; it’s the interior is what makes or breaks the sanctity of your performing life’s basic need unless you enjoy insect watching or can withhold the urge and curiosity to look down to see what lies beneath. I am obsessed with the thought that people can fall through the hole which are big in some pit.
On the other hand, these manure pool, if taken care properly, are much more hygienic than public flushing or Turkish toilets which usually don’t flush well. At one guesthouse I stayed, people were asked to put a few scoop of sand over our mess. Unlike western and Turkish toilet, Mongolian versions doesn’t require you to be precise; the hole is big enough that regardless of the relieving angle, you can not miss.
Last but not least, you have the best toilet view than most people in this world.
When the pits are full, Mongolians cover them up and dig a new one or don’t even bother as most Mongolians outside the big cities live a nomadic life, they will move to a new place.
When you are out in Mongolia’s wilderness, chance are you might have a meal, sit and sleep on top of the gateway to…
I'm a motivation explorer, personality type hacker, behavioral investigator and storyteller. I help startup founders, entrepreneurs, and corporate managers to understand themselves, the people they manage and how to get the best of their people. Specialty is in psychological personality types and brain-based methods. When I don't do the above, I hop around planet Earth with TravelJo.com to learn the Art and Science of people from everywhere and to give you all the free travel and tips and advice in many cool destinations.
My name is Cindy, also rhymes with travel junkie. A friend said I was probably a gipsy in my previous life. One of my many secret missions in life is to convert you to run off every once in awhile.
