Let's just face it: if we were to compare Portugal to France, you would say the latter is far more "civilised". We can simply think about what French people eat or drink and the demonstration would end here. But the result wouldn't be the same if we compared their bathrooms.
I remember a very controversial group talk about the once great French invention, the bidet, and its failure in its own birth country. The etymology of the word comes from what it used to mean "pony" in French, and this explains why the "bidet" is ridden just like a pony. Gradually, our conversation turned intercultural and even partially conflictual, since the Italians couldn't understand why French people gave up their precious and clever invention, while the French side was amazed that the "bidet" was still used in Italy, and even by young people! The worse part is that France not only eliminated the "bidet", but it also switched to what could be considered an enemy of human hygiene: W.C. in one room, washbasin in another one. Their explanation, as serious as it might be, cannot stand in front of the basic hygiene rule that tells you to always wash your hands after having gone to the toilet. If this is your situation and the bathroom is occupied, French people will tell you that you're supposed to wash your hands in the kitchen sink. Please tell me that all French houses have dish washers!
Here comes the end of my demonstration. Portugal's glorius historical past is reflected by the composition of their bathrooms, fully equipped with water closed, washbasin, bathtub and bidet, all in the same room. Of course, the amazingly-cheap and delicious coffee helps too.
Wow, I like the sound of a casa da banho! I wish bathtubs were common in India. Here in old-fashioned houses, you have to take baths with a bucket full of water, from which you splash the water over yourself with a mug. (Newer houses have showers. :D) This system is pretty water-efficient, but so much less luxurious than a bathtub bath!!!!
ReplyDeleteHere it used to be like this too...I guess soon it might be considered an advanced way of washing yourself, "the shower of the new century", cause it's way more eco-friendly! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a serious approach on such a subject! Besides being useful, this mostly old object creates the impression of a royal bathroom. I think I'd like to have a bidet in my own bathroom...
ReplyDeletePeople who don't know it tend to think it's for washing their feet...after all, it's a multi-use basin:)
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