You haven’t traveled very much, have you. Very common in Asia. Not unknown in a few older places in Europe. Used for public toilets. No seat so it’s more hygenic.
Originally Posted by TexTushHog
They're everywhere in Asia.
I used one at an airport in Japan. The urge came, I looked in the stall, and was aghast at the flushable porcelain hole in the floor. There was no putting off this urge, either. It was an urgent urge. After trying to figure out what to do with my pants, I ended up taking them completely off and hanging them on a hook. I normally take 20-30 minute craps. I get a lot of reading and thinking done on the shitter. Try squatting for 5 minutes straight. My thighs were burning, and then I started to get a cramp in my leg. I nearly fell. Wiping was an odd balancing act. I don't know how I didn't make a mess, but I didn't.
After I was done, as I was washing my hands while my legs still trembled, I noticed an odd sign on the last toilet stall. I walked down there to find a western style toilet. I slapped my forehead. Literally.
Hopefully this will help one of you on an international trip some day. Check all the stalls before squatting!