67. The Xi-Xi Bucket

Also known as the "Pequena Casa de Banho," or the Little Bathroom

This is our xi-xi (shee-shee) bucket.  Basically, it's a chamberpot.  

Between the hours of 8PM and 6AM, when the front door to our house is locked, we opt to use this "indoor toilet" rather than to make our way to the latrine at night.  It's easier, for one thing.  It's also a lot safer than walking around in the dark.  

Some guests are surprised to find that we pee in a bucket.  Other Peace Corps volunteers aren't, though.  In fact, they usually ask where it is before going to bed.

"You do have a xi-xi bucket, don't you?" They ask.  

"Of course we do!"  We respond.  "We're civilized, aren't we?  We aren't animals!"

So the pee bucket gets used every night, by all guests in the house, and then emptied every morning.  It's a good system, and we like it.  Simply put, it's nice to have a toilet in the house.