electricland

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thebitterguy is right, that is one of the dumbest Writer's Block questions ever. Strangely, though, I do actually have a couple of lasting impressions, one of each. (I'm not going to talk about what the restroom means to me, though, because I think that ought to be fairly obvious.)

1. My cousin Jen's family -- the side opposite to mine, if that makes sense -- have a cottage near Sudbury. There is no electricity and no plumbing (although there is a propane-powered fridge) and you get to it by boat. Naturally, there is an outhouse on the property, and it is peculiar in that it has no door, so you can sit there and admire the view (it's secluded enough for that to not be totally weird). This also helps mitigate the traditional outhouse stench. It's a fine outhouse.

2. Although I think on the whole I prefer composting toilets.

3. There is a public washroom in the Roman Forum quite near the Cloaca Maxima. I have a couple of photos of this (sadly not on this computer) because I was so struck by the handmaiden of hygiene who was guarding the place; she wore a blue smock and yellow rubber gloves and bore aloft a giant roll of toilet paper. Must get around to posting the rest of my Rome photos.

I was not planning to go anywhere because I have very little spare cash at the moment. But my parents are renting a flat in Rome for a month, so how could I not descend on them? And what better use for all those Aeroplan points? (Don't worry, raithen, I still have enough to come visit you!) I thought I would probably end up kicking myself if I didn't do it. So I'm going.

I haven't been to Italy since Grade 12, which is officially more than half a lifetime ago (egads). And that was a guided tour. So any suggestions will be appreciated!