Are you serious?

The other day I payed to use the toliet.

Yes. A natural...an inevitible... body function I paid to perform in a civilized manner. In Europe, especially in Prague, using the toliet or washclosets on the streets in touristy areas will often cost you. Even if you think you are safe in the corporate haven of McDonalds---"Urination, miss? That will be 5 Kc. Would you like to supersize that?"

I mean, if you think about it, it is genius economically. It is a surefire way to make money, and the most obvious way to take advantage of the simple concept of supply and demand. Everybody and their mother excretes, there are only a limited number of nearby restrooms (the free ones are hidden or come with dinner), so just put a price tag on it. Though only 5 Kc, which is roughly a quarter--I was livid. And they were rolling in it. Money and...well, you get it.

However, me. I had to pay. Crossing my legs was losing its effectiveness. Getting mad, I gave in. I, who pees freely wherever she goes, including nature, just gave someone money to urinate.

This is outrageous.


(By the way, if you are in Prague, be careful of the restrooms in the large train stations. They are also for money and you rip your toliet paper before you enter (heaven help you if you...ahem...underestimate yourself). This is typical, but they tend to be dark and dirty--so, grab a little extra or streghten those quads squatting. I don't want to know what kind of diseases those have.)

Hey America? Be thankful for free restrooms and free water.