Mirror, mirror on the stall

Clearly the way to go

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I could be the victim of some prankster—I'll find out soon enough if I am—but a friend sent me these pictures of a public toilet in Switzerland. It is constructed of one-way glass. No one can see in (so it is said), but once you are inside, there is a 360 degree view of people going about their business outside as you are doing yours within.    

Now I'm as strong a believer in technology as anyone, but there is something about this facility that I find... well, kind of weird.  

I'm sure it is well lighted, suitably heated and sufficiently ventilated. And the hardware looks comfortable enough, considering. But what happens to the visibility at night when it's dark outside while you are tending to business under the lights?

Having the technology to send men into space and return them safely to earth is one thing, but relying on technology to provide a visual barrier while in the john requires a whole 'nother level of confidence that I can't muster.  

Other than to wash my hands and comb my... wait, where's the mirror on the inside? Anyway, you aren't likely to see me entering one of these compartments to carry out any kind of serious business.

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Related Err Travel columns

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Never shake hands with a traveling man -- You won't find this advice in any travel guide
Company expects to clean up with private lavatories -- The rich now have more places to "go"
Airports to remove most restroom sinks -- Measure to save $38 million a year in U.S. alone
Airplane lavatories to disappear -- Micturition prohibition

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