I’m an avid traveler and a recent article in the travel section of the New Zealand Herald caught my attention. It spoke to me. It made me laugh.
In some countries, you still have travel with a father or a husband before being allowed to enter i.e. Saudi Arabia. In other countries I’ve visited, such as Iran, women have to wear head scarves, covered shoes and a long sleeved coat. I have a photo somewhere of me and two girlfriends in the back of a cab in Esfahan, Iran. We’re dressed in black from head to foot and wearing huge grins. We wore a black chador during our visit plus headscarves. I remember being uncomfortable and hot for the full seven days it took us to drive through the country. That said, it was a wonderful experience and we met some lovely people.
In other countries such as Pakistan, India and Turkey, a woman needs to dress with care to prevent giving local males the wrong idea, i.e. that’s she’s available and ready for sex.
But there’s one other thing about travel that’s an even bigger problem for women, and that’s going to the loo. (Restroom for those of you in the US) Sometimes it’s hard to find one and at other times, they’re plain disgusting. A man can go anywhere – choose a spot, take aim and go. For a woman it’s not that easy. Take it from me, I have firsthand experience with this dilemma!
When we traveled overland in India, we’d pull up in the middle of nowhere for lunch. The first thing all the girls did was dive off the truck and find a tree to squat behind because within minutes the locals would appear. Many a time, we’d turn around and find a stranger getting a good view from behind. We learned to be quick.
That’s why this article fascinated me. It was about a new product called the Shewee that allows women to relieve themselves while standing up. To pee with a Shewee you unzip your trousers and push your underwear to the side. The Shewee is placed against your body and the spout angled toward the toilet or ground. A quick shake of the liquid resistant plastic and it’s dry and ready to store for the next time. At 17cm long and being very light, it can be stowed easily.
Here’s the link to the New Zealand website where it sells for NZ$19.90. (there’s also a US website – follow the links from the NZ one)
What do you think?
It’s brilliant and gutsy. I hope whoever came up with the idea has great success with it.
I can’t honestly say I’d actually use one myself while tromping in the woods. But if I were a world traveler like Shell, going places where the locals crowded in for a good look during bathroom breaks, I’d give it serious consideration.
Now that’ll make you feel more like a man. LOL
Deidre
Hmm… I can definitely see times when that would be pretty useful! (I don’t know that I’d use it all the time, but when it’s inconvenient or yucky otherwise, it seems like a good option to have!)
I’ve seen similar things in camping gear catalogs and websites. I think it’s a great idea — if you are brave enough to use it.
I often think how we in America take for granted our easy access to restroom services whether on a cold night at home or while traveling. Very interesting blog, Shelley, with a most appropriate title! Julie
I think they’re such a great idea, especially for traveling. I found the US restrooms really good on our recent trip, but there are some in other countries that are truly scary. :eek:
Well, if it’s a choice between using it or giving everyone a show, I’d definitely use Shewee. (Isn’t that a name for it?)
I think it’s a GREAT idea!
I’m sure it may have uses even in the military….I’ve heard women have to go in cups. This makes MUCH more sense. And wet resistant? Even better.
I don’t think I’d have a chance to use it but you never know. I’m the lone female in my family and they can pull over in wooded areas and spray the poison ivy from a distance. I’d have to get IN the poison ivy. ::shudder::
So this little device is actually more than tweaking my interest.
I wonder if they ship it to the USA?
Will have to investigage.
This would make a Christmas present from me that EVERYONE would remember…forever.
Tee Hee
Thanks for the heads-up! :wink:
This really does sound like an interesting item with some great uses. I know I probably would use it in certain circumstances.
Michele – You can definitely buy them in the US. Check out the website.
Karin – they look rather nifty to me. I haven’t purchased one yet, but I’m going to.