today,tomorrow,and yesterday

As you know,

there has been

a few things

I've had to get

accustomed to here in Germany. I can say that I have adapted to stores being closed on Sunday,drinking fizzy water without ice, no air-conditioning,and church bells that ring every hour on the hour. I now present to you my biggest challenge,our bathroom toilet, a.k.a. "The Poo-Poo Shelf" or in German the "Flachspueler"(flatflusher). As a people,the Germans are noted for their efficiency and order. This device contradicts any evidence of those traits. The shelf has no apparent function and requires a certain amount of skill to avoid it. Otherwise, one is expected to develop a close personal relationship with their own refuse. Flushing many times is the only way to end this partnership- very,very inefficient. Males must master the technique when peeing to avoid the splash-back effect, which would be similar to peeing on a flat rock, or sit to avoid it all together. Some toilets have a sticker under the lid reminding males to sit. This is called the Sitzpinkel Rule.

Around 1900 the shelf was the best defense against intestinal disease providing a perfect examining tray for the result of undercooked pork, meaning-WORMS! Since then meat inspection has improved dramatically and the shelf is no longer necessary. Now there are more modern toilets similar to the ones we use in America, but some of these torture devices still remain. Including the three we have in our house.

In Sigmund Freud's stages of development the second stage is the anal stage. It is characterized by the development of pleasure by controlling waste. This is the time that children begin to potty train. If some conflict arises during this phase (2-3yrs.), the child may exhibit anal personality traits including a strong desire for efficiency and order.

I would imagine a German toddler having quite a bit of conflict forced to confront the "Poo-Poo Shelf". Perhaps, this early training is why they grow up to be so efficient?