A common belief in the States is: Tan is Beautiful. People
will lay out in the sun for hours to become darker or spend money on one of
many alternative methods to achieve darker skin. There are even special swim suits that allow
the sun to darken the skin it covers. This
is not the case here. Almost every
beauty product, lotion, make-up, and even deoderant, advertises ‘whitening
properties.’ People here cover up under
the sun; carrying umbrellas or putting on jackets when going out into the 90
degree weather. We have yet to see any
locals laying out on the beach, yet we live in a coastal city. As most locals desire lighter skin, like
ours, I (Erin) find myself still desiring darker skin like theirs.
In another area of life: the traditional style toilet here
is a ‘squat toilet.’ These are common in
homes and many public places. ‘Sit’
toilets have become common now a days too, but the ‘squat toilet’ is the most
familiar and often more comfortable for locals.
In public restrooms are often accompanied by signs clearifying how they should be used. 
A tutor of ours moved rental homes because her first rental place didn’t
have a ‘squat toilet,’ which was preferred by her parents when they
visited. I recently came across an
aritcle about a new product out in the States, a special stool that fits
tightly around the toilet replicating the squating position used with a ‘squat
toilet.’ Apparently people don’t know
there are plenty of ‘squat toilets’ still in production and for sale here. It sounds like a new wave in the States;
people choosing the squating position instead of sitting. I wish I could jump on that band wagon
as I have more then enough opportunities here. I
find my cultural upbringing is still too strong within me as I still like a
nice tan and choose a ‘sit toilet’ over any other.
