Saturday, June 2, 2012

3 Flies Too Many?



Bejing Sets "Two Flies Only" Public Toilet Guidelines.

Whoa there partner!  We all know that where there are "cow pies" there are bound to be flies but what is the deal with the 2 fly limit imposed by the city administration of Bejing?  Is it more of a cosmetic concern or are 3 flies the magic number for the spread of disease?  

A few years ago, I spent a month working in a hospital in Hangzhou; a beautiful city west of Shanghai.  
There were many firsts for me on that trip not the least of which had to do with the restroom facilities in the hospital.  The restrooms consisted of stalls, a trough that ran the length of the restroom and a little old lady with mop in hand ready to clean up splatters.  I was sure glad I wore my best dress pants to work!  I quickly discovered a Starbucks down the road with the plumbing I have come to know and love.  As I was walking there one afternoon, I witnessed an older man drop his drawers and right in front of that Starbucks, and add a few logs to the parkway.  Two police officers watched chuckling among themselves.  As soon as the deed was done, the man was helped up and whisked away.  I didn't notice who cleaned up afterwards but this begs the question, how can the City government of Bejing expect to enforce the 2 fly rule?

For your reading pleasure:

BBC News - Beijing sets 'two flies only' public toilet guidelines






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