A toilet is a toilet is a toilet, right? Wrong!

Toilets are a hugely cultural experience and I was reminded, yet again, of this when I landed at New York's JFK airport. I have experienced my different toilets - the long drop; the dig-your-own-hole-in-the-ground type and even a throne on a hill with a view! But being from Africa I am more accustomed to the rustic variety than anything else - the old-fashioned-flush-it-yourself variety being the most common.

When I arrived at JFK I trundled off to find a bathroom. Naturally, being a traveler I was loaded like a pack-horse. I had a green pull-along, my jacket and scarf, my passport and of course many other miscellaneous items.I am bursting! The first thing that I notice is that the cubicle looks a lot smaller than the ones in South Africa. "Uh-oh, how am I going to do this? How am I going to fit all of these things in this cubicle with me?!"

Eventually, after much frantic struggling I have squeezed myself and all my stuff into the tiny space - and closed and locked the door. Everything is now precariously balanced and all seems to be going well so far. That is, until I lean forward.

As I do this the toilet spontaneously flushes - how did that happen?! - I jump out of my skin with fright, upsetting all my luggage and passport and tickets! As I scramble to catch everything the toilet flushes again! By now I've realized that there is a sensor behind me. If I move it will make the toilet flush! Now I'm frozen in place and afraid to move in case the toilet flushes again and I can't imagine what the people outside must be thinking!

As I finally walk out of the bathroom I am left me feeling displaced and far away from home, but I breathed a sigh of relief when I arrived at Emily and Andy's home and found that they have a toilet that looks like my South African one. These next six months will be great! I have arrived home.