I'm sure many of you who have lived or visited Germany in the past have been wondering, and the answer is yes, we do. Our house is only 15 years olds, so I expected that modern fixtures would now be the norm and was actually surprised to discover we indeed do have them. However, apparently, my definition of modern may not be the German definition. Actually, we have four, and three of them have it, the master bath does not, thank goodness. I'm talking about toilet shelves.
Other than this shelf, German toilets pretty much look like anything you'd find in the U.S. or other western countries. One other little difference though is their two flush capability. Whether it's a handle, chain or push pad, it's short push/pull for a short flush, long push/pull for a long flush. When you're moving a heavy duck it requires a long push/pull.
Back to the shelf. The intended purpose, after long inebriated discussions and a bit of research, is indeed a place to display a person's duck. I've heard it called "lay and display." The desire to examine your duck comes from a time when poorly prepared food could result in worms or parasites. A duck exam could reveal either. Plus, other types of intestinal disorders may reveal themselves with an examination of your duck. It would seem that modern food preparation would pretty much eliminate this need but there I go again using my definition of modern.
I said that, luckily, our master bathroom does not have a shelf because there are a few issues that go along with the shelf. If the shelf has dried off, when your duck hits that dry porcelain it's going to stick and stick good. That means even one long flush might not move your duck. It may take three or four long flushes.
If you're someone that likes to sit and contemplate while on the toilet, maybe do a little reading, the shelf will greatly impact the length of your stay. That duck, sitting on the shelf, and all the aromas associated with it very quickly drifts into the open air and assaults your nasal sensors. Yeah, you know what I mean.
Finally, when it's time to do the paperwork. It can be a bit disconcerting to reach back there and feel the wafting warmth of your 98.6° duck.
One last interesting observation. The Germans actually make two types of shelved toilets. You'll see in the photo here that the shelf is in the back, hole in the front. They also make one in reverse, shelf front, hole back. Not sure what's the driving factor there but that's got to be an interesting conversation when you're out purchasing bathroom fixtures for your new home. "Well sir, let's talk toilets. You want it with or without a shelf?" "With? OK, front shelf or back shelf? Personally, I like the front shelf. Easier access should any alarming issues be observed."
OK, that wasn't too bad, was it? We're looking forward to your visit. All our guest toilets have the shelf so you'll get a chance to "lay and display." QUACK!!!!
OMG that is hilarious and so gross. I had no idea about this. haha. Can't wait to see the shelf.
ReplyDeleteyou can see it and expierence it, I think there is one in the guest apartment where you will stay, LOL
ReplyDeleteI don't remember seeing one when we stayed but I'm not a bird watcher so I can't be sure
ReplyDeleteOk, I went down and checked there is one in the apartment, I thought so but I have only cleaned that toliet twice once before your visit and once after, LOL. There is a shelf, guess you must not have had to use it Jim!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you're like most people, chances are you don't really know what a best composting toilet is or how it works. If your initial reaction to the idea is one of disgust, then read on, because we're about to shed some light on the subject
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI was reading some of your content on this website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up. best self cleaning toilet
ReplyDeleteI learn some new stuff from it too, thanks for sharing your information. oil rubbed bronze shower head
ReplyDeleteIn keeping with our car analogy if a less expensive toilet suite is like a Mazda you will know that it still works well and serves its purpose but it may not have the brand and features that an 'upmarket Mercedes' model might include. best toilet
ReplyDeleteI just got to this amazing site not long ago. I was actually captured with the piece of resources you have got here. Big thumbs up for making such wonderful blog page! how to train a german sheperd
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete