So... I wasn't going to post about any of these, er... events individually, but now that they have all happened within about a week, I think it's a sign...
STORY 1: It's no secret that a lot of public urination goes on in Rio. During Carnaval it takes place even more. You know, it's normal - the drinking, the outdoors-ness. No, sorry I don't understand it. Oh you really really just "had to go"? Yes, I am familiar with the concept being that I am now more than 30 weeks pregnant... trust me if I can hold it, so can you. Yes, I realize that there are a lack of public washrooms, but frankly, no one wants to see or smell you do it... Can you tell I saw a few too many people partaking in this over Carnavale? According to this little piece in OGlobo, the city of Rio is using 120 thousand litres of disinfectant to combat this... situation.
STORY 2: Continuing on the topic... then, at Carnaval, I was handed a little envelope as I entered the premises. After we got settled in, I checked it out. See the photos below:
Understand the directions? It's a device for women to direct their urine (so they can pee standing up). How nice for the Sambodromo to provide us with this technology!
Back home, thanks to a girlfriend's stagette (bachelorette party) ... I am familiar with such devices. The brand of choice is called the "Freshette" and at my friend's last celebration of singledom, which had an out in the bush theme since we were in rural BC, a freshette was purchased for her as a gift/dare.
After reviewing the Freshette website I see there are many benefits to using such devices... check it out here.
STORY 3: This surely falls in the TMI (Too Much Information!) category and also in the completely mortifying and pretty disgusting categories... but like I said - I didn't intend to post about any of these incidents individually but now that they've all come together it does make for an interesting blog post... and also a head's up to anyone who's pregnant in Brazil. And posts like this also make me happy that this blog is fairly anonymous ;) Okay, so consider yourself warned.
Being pregnant, I frequently go for blood and urine testing. I noticed that the directions for the urine testing are much more "thorough" (meaning diagrams and everything) when it comes to the pre-urine cleansing or wipe-down that is to take place, as opposed to back home where they sometimes just give you a wet nap type thing or something to use beforehand. Ok, so no big deal. However, last time I went for testing, when it came time for the urine test, the nurse had me lay down on the table, get into the stirrups (so that she could ensure the "pre-urine cleansing" was done properly - yikes!) and then after that MADE me pee in a cup she was holding WHILE I was still in the stirrups at the lab. I was SURE that it was a language barrier issue at first until she showed me some MORE detailed instructions with drawings and everything. Yes, I had some major stage fright.
It should be noted that I have talked to a few people about this and NO ONE back home has ever heard of anything like this, and people here who have been pregnant in Brazil have not necessarily gone through this either, depending on which lab they used. So I'm not saying this is a procedure that is followed in every Brazilian lab, I'm just stating the facts of what happened to me!
'OH my GOD' this has become my favorite saying as I pass through life here in Brasil.... You are right TMI - about the lab test thing. I see people letting there male children pee standing next to buildings.... to lazy to find them a bathroom or preparing them for cultural-male-adulthood in Brasil
Posted by: GingerV | February 28, 2009 at 04:22 PM
sorry that is 'THEIR male children'...
Posted by: GingerV | February 28, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Yes, well I tried to provide a disclaimer as best I could to warn everyone! haha
It's not just limited to boys. I once watched a little girl relieve herself by squatting IN THE MIDDLE OF A RESTAURANT on Ilha Grande. Just because it's on the sand does not make it okay!!!! The mother stood over here and told her to do so. I mean, there were washrooms nearby, not to mention the ocean or bushes not far away.... come on people!!
Posted by: Daily Rio Life | February 28, 2009 at 04:36 PM
I never had a urine test like that while pregnant. I always just got the cup and all the complicated pre-washing instructions. I totally would not have been able to go in that position and with someone standing over me!!
Posted by: Corinne | March 02, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Yeah it was strange for sure. It took me a few minutes to get "ready" haha!!! And to stop laughing...
Posted by: Daily Rio Life | March 02, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Ohmygosh! Thanks for the warning! We are meeting OBGYNs next week, so among my list of questions, I'll definitely be asking about how they do their labs! Funny, yes, but probably falls in the "laugh later" category if it happens to you! So sorry!
Posted by: An American Girl | March 02, 2009 at 07:57 PM
You're welcome. Yes it's funny to me now for sure. After talking to people I don't think it is very common!
Posted by: Daily Rio Life | March 03, 2009 at 08:45 AM
AHAAHAHAHAAHAHAHAA!
I love your blogs. Sometimes I feel like you complain too much but you were pregnant the entire time. You remind me of my aunt who always complains. Every word that comes out of her mouth is a compliant but we still love her. Anyway that's besides the point, I enjoy your writing because you're straight up, you don't sugar coat anything.
Thanks for your posts. My boyfriend & I are planning on living there for 2 years or so. Now I know what to expect!
Posted by: Lela | July 10, 2009 at 12:54 AM
I try really hard to just state the facts on what I see and experience and not pass judgement/complain. I realize I am an incredibly fortunate person and should have very little to complain about, so it is a good reality check to hear that I am a whiner. It's certainly not something I strive to be in life.
That said, there are many things I have become accustomed to since moving to Brazil, but the public peeing thing is just not one of them!
Keep me posted on how your time in Brazil goes...
Posted by: Daily Rio Life | July 10, 2009 at 08:07 PM
Male usually do a pee standing on the walls of the buildings or anywhere else if they will undergo urination. And these scenes are improper for the males; because the bacteria of the urine and the bad smell are improper to the human health. I found your blog a funny one, and I was informed that women can now do a pee standing.
Posted by: frequent urination in women | February 17, 2011 at 11:29 PM
It's really disgusting to see a man pee standing on the walls. Those men don't have a good manner at all. Your blog is really interesting. Looking forward for more great results.
Posted by: Corvette Seats | February 25, 2011 at 02:08 AM
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Posted by: Key Hook | April 01, 2011 at 03:12 AM