I apologize in advance for the Potty Pic
One of the things I didn't really consider the first time I came here was the lack of toilet paper. As you can see in the picture, I've come to understand that the women generally use that little hose attached to the wall to spray themselves, and that's about it. Luckily I always carry tissues in my purse, but it would've led to quite the awkward situation were that not the case.
I should clarify here that most of the touristy places, hotels, etc are equipped with TP, so it's not anything to be worried about if you travel here. And one of the employees invited us over to his house last night and he was very proud to show us the special bathroom he'd had built just for his Western guests. But all of the country-side places we've been - like at my client's, local restaurants... definitely do not. So unless you're into the whole "When in Rome" thing, it pays to come prepared in this country.
This may be TMI, but what I'm still wondering is how they do it - it'd be like showering part of yourself several times a day and not drying off afterwards!
Also, another question for anyone familiar with the Tunisian culture - I've noticed a lot of the men use the masculin form with me. As in "vous etes americain ?" or 'vous etes chanceux". And I'm curious as to why - is it a sign of respect ? As in I'm a position of power and it'd be derogatory to use the feminine? Or is it something much simpler (like them just maybe not speaking French that well)? I really have no clue!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile