19 August, Erzurum to Aşkale, 55km
Öğretmenevi 40TL

A word on bathrooms and toilets... For two main reasons millions of people around the world use water rather than toilet paper after using the loo. Firstly, they believe it to be cleaner and secondly, the sewage systems in developing countries cannot process paper. I have come over many years to agree with the former. On our travels we have encountered various mechanisms for delivering the water to the required arena, my least favourite being by hand over a squat loo. In Egypt, for example, a nozzle in the base of the loo will release a stream of water when you turn on a small tap beside the loo. I hated the placement of these as often the previous occupant will have pooped on the end of the nozzle completely negating the “cleaner” raison d’être. (On reflection, this is my least favourite!) In Southeast Asia, a small shower nozzle on a flexible tube hangs beside the loo. On the nozzle is a lever which releases the water flow. You can use the shower head as and where you like. This is my favourite mechanism now also installed in our home. In Turkey, traditionally, squat loos were the norm with nether regions being washed by hand after use. Nowadays, western loos predominate. Inside the loo, beneath the rim, is a nozzle. A small tap beside the loo releases a stream of water for washing. Toilet paper is provided for drying, but this is to be deposited in a nearby bin after use and not in the loo. This system is considerably better than that used in Egypt, but not as flexible as the Southeast Asian option. A short, super ride today, much of it on a gentle decline under cloud cover with a brief splattering of rain. 

Between Erzurum and Aşkale

Aşkale