HOW DO YOU BATHE?

A makeshift, sprinkler method way of bathing in South Korea.

It has come to my attention that not everyone showers the same way I do. It’s also interesting to note how differently people bathe depending on country location, cultural norms and/or resources available. Where in the world do you bathe? How?

For two years I mostly took a bucket bath in Guyana, using a plastic dish to pour freezing water all over my body. It was a refreshing reprieve from scorching tropical heat. That’s for sure.

Standing under a steady stream of glorious, hot water, for long periods of time—wasting away gallons of what’s necessary for life—seems the common way to scrub-a-dub-dub in the United States.

In Korea, many bathrooms are small, and have a handheld hose device to use for cleansing the body. There’s not really a dedicated space to shower. No curtain. No tub. You just kind of stand over (or sit on) the toilet to bathe. At least this has been the case in my Korean bathing experience.

I came up with a way to perch the hose thingy in my sink. This way my hands are free to wash, and I get sprayed with water at the same time. It’s kind of like I’m playing in a sprinkler. Only it’s in my bathroom.

When I voiced my technique to friends, I found out I was the only one who does such a thing. And I assumed everyone was doing it!

Where in the world do you bathe? How? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Random, awkward and/or funny stories are welcome. Please feel free to share some techniques as well. Fellow foreigners in Korea, do you use the makeshift sprinkler method as well?

Comments

  1. Anonymous9:57 PM

    I tried the sprinkler method once, but I found that the shower head would change its orientation suddenly and on a whim, soaking my ceiling, cupboards, toilet paper and other bits that don't need to be soaked. I've also forgotten to switch the pump from shower to tap and had accidental fully-clothed showers before. Annoying!

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    Replies
    1. HAHA! You described the scene perfectly. Happens to me all the time too. I have to hide my towels and toilet paper when I take a shower.

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  2. Bucket bath for me, you know that! But I boil my water first since it's like 45 degrees in my apartment.

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    Replies
    1. Rachel, I bet you kind of sort of miss taking a bucket bath. Don't you? ;)

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  3. Anonymous11:44 PM

    I asked my land-lady to fit a holster for my shower head. Now when I want a "conventional" shower I simply slide it in the holster as normal or if I want to rinse off my shower floor I take it out and point and shoot.

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    Replies
    1. Delon, thankfully I got it all figured out shortly after this post. Hope you're well wherever you are!

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