Choodom or Kingdom of the Choo

The choo (pronounced Ch-oh) or as it is more universally know; the pit latrine, is a mixed bag of interesting that is a regular part of one’s life in rural Kenya. If you are unfamiliar as to the visual marvel that is the pit latrine here you go:

Now there are many benefits and disadvantages to the choo that are both humorous and an disasterous to one’s dignity. Let’s run through a cavalcade of pros and cons.

Pro: Squatting - it is said that squatting is the best position for eliminating waste, as it aligns in inner canal for effortless disposal and gravitational assistance.

Con: Squatting - while it is good for a thigh workout, after a long day of walking the last thing you need is
your legs giving out on you and having to put your hand down to prevent yourself from falling over…eww

Pro: Time saving - for many reasons (a.k.a. a need to inhale a non-choo breath of air, leg exhaustion, or
multiple spiders looking on and debating if you are indeed a tasty snack) it is in, out, and on with life.

Con: Choo Draft - that uncouth gust of cold air that rushes out of the hole in the floor to your multisensory
displeasure.

Pro: It’s green (in the ecologically beneficial for the environment) - No water, no fowl, right?

Con: Misses - Dear Kenyan who egregiously covered the floor with your waste, HOW!? I’ve only been
doing this for 5 months and haven’t missed yet… you’ve been doing this your entire life! WHY!?

Con: Choo sniffles - when you have a runny nose and accidentally sniff a huge intake of choo air. Bleh!