What’s up with peeing in public in Asian countries? Is there something I’m missing? Is it OK to do this?

In Asia, it seems to be common practice. Perhaps peeing in public is preferable to public restrooms. I don’t know. Over here no one seems to bat an eye when someone decides to relieve themselves in full view of everyone.

On occasion, I’ve noticed people doing this in North America, but not very often and usually at night or behind the protection of a tree or car. Never right out in the open. Can you imagine seeing someone take a pee in downtown Ottawa, Canada? That’s what this man helped his son do in front of some food stalls at a local market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

You’re probably wondering what prompted this post. It is, after all, a strange thing to write about. What’s even stranger is running into a grown man standing on a main street in front of a 7-11 with everything, and I mean, EVERYTHING out. That’s what happened today. Even worse, he knew he’d been spotted and he didn’t care. He just kept on doing his business and then he sauntered into 7-11 to make a purchase. Disgusting.

Not only do I get to watch humans relieve themselves in public, I also get the pleasure of watching people deal with their pets in the strangest manner. A few weeks ago, I saw a woman sitting at a bus stop with her pet dog. The dog took a shit. After it was finished, she picked the dog up, wiped its ass right at the bus stop and then casually lobbed the tissue into the bushes. I couldn’t believe it. I almost choked.

I know I’m supposed to be open-minded and objective about different cultures, but this is something I just can’t get used to seeing. I’ve seen this happen in very public places in almost every country I’ve been to in Asia.

Why? Why? Why?

Day Signs, originally uploaded by globetrotterI.  A quiet back street in Kowloon is virtually unheard of.

Kowloon hosts several famous day and night markets that draw people in, but we decided to spend our time in the Mongkok District, which is frentic at any time of day. It’s one of the busiest shopping districts in Kowloon. It has everything from clothes and shoes to kitchen supplies and jewelry boxes. We thought it was great. This is where you want to come if you’re looking for fake designer watches and handbags.

Vendors attract customers by posting currect magazines featuring the latest accessories. No dealing occurs on the street. If buyers are interested, they’re asked to go to an upstairs apartment to inspect the goods closely before bargaining and making a purchase.

I can’t say I was entirely comfortable about being led into filthy stairwells, down dimly lit corridors and into private rooms that function as a showroom by day and bedroom by night.  Then again, I’ve got a six foot nine giant to protect me.  In reality though, we were perfectly safe.  We were asked to have tea with one elderly man while we salivated through Dior handbags, Chanel sunglasses, Louis luggage and Bvlgari watches.  We bargained hard and left with far more than we had promised ourselves.  By the end of the day, we had gone though all of our money, had treated ourselves royally and were feeling awfully proud of our new acquisitions.   Shopping in Hong Kong is totally out of this world. 

Today was another day for exploring the city of Taipei on the bike. We are quickly coming to appreciate the advantages of this kind of travel. We’ve explored most of Asia by motorbike. Time and time again, we are treated to fascinating and tantalising aspects of culture we might otherwise miss in the confines of a car. A motorized bicycle of any kind is definitely an asset to the wandering traveler, especially if you like to make a lot of stops.

This afternoon, we set off for Caves Bookstore and the Grand Hotel. Once again, the chaotic and bustling streets of Taipei caused our spontaneous natures to be sidetracked. This time, we found ourselves stopping at a traditional Chinese medicine market at DiHua Street in Section 8. Perhaps the best part of traveling for us is stumbling upon these small little worlds that we don’t even know exist. We always eagerly grab these opportunities when they present themselves and are never ever disappointed. This market proved no exception to the rule and we were instantly lured in by the plethora of strange and exotic goods.

We saw giant plastic bags full of all sorts of mushroom, fungi and, my personal favorite, the ever-enchanting elephant ear fungi.  The gorgeous assortment of tea in color was a pleasure to the eyes. Plastic bins played host to an eye catching assortment of traditional health and body teas. Shark cartilage, dried sea cucumbers, dried whole squid, pickled ginger root, abalone and other delightful natural fish products assaulted the senses.

We are astounded at the number of natural remedies that are instantly available here for a mighty high price tag. Nonetheless, it was a fascinating glimpse into daily life and I was instantly reminded of the old street markets in China. We never did make it to the Grand Hotel, but we weren’t too disappointed as the day proved to hold other treasures for us. And, after all, tomorrow is another day.