Intro to Beijing Hutong Toilet

The first thing that hits the moment I stood outside was the smell of all things unwanted. Even though I had a mental picture of what the inside would look like, I braved myself for the worst when I stepped in. Yes, this is the female toilet located in a Hutong.

The moment I touched down Beijing airport at 3pm, the weather was grey and there were mobs of people everywhere, picking people up, offering to send foreign tourists like me to wherever I wanted to go, waiting for one another...you get the idea.

It must have been fate for I got into a queue and hopped into one of the better cabs in Beijing -- a black Hyundai Sonata. My luggage was huge, so that went into the backseat along with my backpack, and I had to plonk myself next to the driver. He was a tall man, probably about 40 or early 50s. Has a very round face with a shiny bald head and generally a look of "good fortune". He initiated conversation, asking me where I was from, what I was doing there and I took the opportunity to tell him about my purpose of visit which was to understand more about Old Beijing and all things related to Hutongs. He happened to live in a Hutong so he was all the more glad to share his knowledge with me. My topic fascinated him and made him very pleased because at least someone is interested in what seems to be neglected in the country. So anyway, as he got more excited than I was about my FYP topic, he asked if I wanted to visit this Hutong where they were rebuilding the toilets. Being completely ignorant, I enthusiastically agreed and he took me to see one revamped toilet, one that was in the process of being built and the old one, all located within walking distance from one another.

In the Hutongs, there are no toilets within the living area. I call them living area because for some, it's merely a roof over their heads and a small bedroom. I hardly call that a house. Anyway, there are a few such toilets being located around the Hutongs, but the idea is, everyone heads to one of these when they needed to rid the toxins, and mind you, there are no flushes or water pails as you can see from the picture. Everything just goes into the hole and stays there. Imagine the houseflies buzzing around, kissing your ass while you go about with your business. Not to mention the thought of them landing on your face...eww...




I sneaked this picture of the old lady as she was coming out. Just to prove that it is actually being used.

Anyway, enough of toilets. Of course eventually I ended up at the youth hostel, but this toilet expedition sure was a way to start my journey on discovering Hutongs and the way of life. There's too much to say and I shall leave it for some other time.

A bit about the journey home before I forget. Spent Mid Autumn Festival on the plane. Ok, it was the day after considerng it past midnight, but admiring the moon from the plane window is romantic in some drowsy way. Landed at Changi Airport at 5.35am, got out at about 6.05am, went to class at 9am (was actually on time considering I left home at 8.20 am and did not speed), had an exam at 3pm, went for a manicure at 5pm, fell asleep for 20 mins and headed home. Spent 2 hours unpacking, clearing mail and sorting myself out.

Phew, what a long day. I think I'm ready to knock out.