To Bidet or not to Bidet

Written by Bessie about Argentina. Feelin' confused

Yes, we're talking bathrooms here. Here in our apartment we have a bidet. Wanna picture?

bidet is pronounced like bee-day or sort of like an Aussie saying "g'day mate!"

Basically, it's a shower specially madefor your pooper & under-parts. You do your business in the toilet, then rinsey-rinsey. Our bidet's features include cold & hot water tap, and a nob to choose between basin rinse and "summer sprinkler."

Here's an action shot:

that water can really shoot!

So, they're not uncommon in parts of Europe, Asia, and South America, but for us Americans the contraptions can be confusing. We've been seeing them for a while in random places, like this Italian restaurant in Chile, and I always think to myself, how would I dry off? At home is one thing, but in a restaurant?!? From what I hear they're fairly common in Argentina, and they're in many bathrooms I enter.

I hear reports from other worldly travelers that sometimes the toilets have the bidet feature built in so that you do your business then get the rinsey-rinsey all in one stop. That option concerns me a little. I wont elaborate. Sometimes those fancy toilets also have music, air-freshener, and emergency call button on a button display - what will the Japenese think of next!

A fellow traveler saw the "action shot" above on our Flickr page and commented: "Ha. Wonderful shot. I usually fill mine with ice and beer." Innovative to say the least.

To be honest, our bidet doesn't get too much use. It takes some effort to get the water temp just right, burning or freezing your hands at the sink is one thing, but, well, you can imagine. For now, I'm contect with the bidet just being a source of conversation.

For details about the appropriate squat and more, here's how to use a bidet.

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February 17, 2009 Dan and Susan (aka susandan): hilarious ... and practical!!! once you've enjoyed the luxury of becoming accustomed to a bidet, it's hard to return to the uncivilized world!

February 18, 2009 Bessie: of course you two would be the only ones that could make me consider this bidet having any sort of place in my heart. I'll give 'er a try.....

February 17, 2009 selena: eeehhh...no lol

February 17, 2009 RachelZ: When I was traveling in Europe, I used them to soak my weary feet. I hear it's also good for leg shaving when you don't have time for a whole shower. It's pretty fun to brainstorm other uses ...

February 18, 2009 Kyle: I've heard that some kids use it as a drinking fountain...

February 18, 2009 Bessie: leg shaving?! Brilliant!!!!!

February 19, 2009 Linda: This post gave me a smile. We saw them in every hotel, restaurant, and some public facilities while traveling in Europe. Loved the link to "how to use a bidet" and your live action photo! I've never seen one with a built-in dryer feature! That would make sense! I cannot imagine how they became popular and seemingly a European "necessity." The temperature adjustment, essential clothing removal, and required "post-use drying off period" makes a quick stop in the "john" unrealistic!