2024-11-19 12:25:00
And for those who take their smartphone to the bathroom, those nineteen minutes can quickly become 30 (or 60). But it remains child’s play compared to the feat of Raphaël Laurent, the Belgian influencer who, in 2022, broke the world record for time spent on a toilet: 138 hours and 30 minutes, or almost six consecutive days , sitting on a throne… in a bar in Ath. Hopefully the Wi-Fi was there…
Here are five even more surprising facts related to toilets and their distant cousins.
1. “Traces” on the Moon
Yes, literally. Twelve men set foot on the lunar surface during the six missions of the Apollo program, carried out between 1969 and 1972. During these trips, the astronauts left behind no less than 96 bags of waste… containing their excrement. These “memories” now rest peacefully not far from the famous American flag. Who knows, maybe the next trip to the Moon will finally bring them back?
2. The most expensive bathroom in the world
Want a little luxury? Head to Hong Kong, where jeweler Lam Sai-wing has built a bathroom made entirely of 24-carat gold and adorned with precious stones. Estimated value: 27 million Hong Kong dollars (or approximately three million euros). Sinks, toilet bowls, toilet paper holders, mirror frames…, everything shines. And if that’s not enough, the ceiling is encrusted with rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Enough to think twice before setting foot there.
3. The most expensive toilet in the universe
When NASA goes to the toilet, it doesn’t do things by halves. After six years of research and an estimated budget of some $23 million, she unveiled the Universal Waste Management System. This little marvel, designed for astronauts, promises ultra-efficient waste management, even in weightlessness.
4. The largest “poop” in the world
In 1972, in York, England, coprolite (fossilized fecal matter) was discovered beneath a future Lloyds Bank office. Measuring twenty centimeters long and five centimeters wide, and named the “Lloyds Bank Coprolite”, it could well be the largest specimen of “human poop” ever found. Exhibited at the Jorvik Viking Center in York, it is also the most expensive! In fact, it is estimated at 39,000 dollars!
5. Mount Everest… and its more or less hidden setting
Want to do like YouTube star Inoxtag and climb Everest? If we were able to see magnificent images in his documentary, be careful however behind the scenes… According to Chhiring Sherpa, director of the SPCC (Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee), around three tonnes of human excrement litter the slopes between the camp 1 and camp 4. Excrement visible to all… It’s sure, it’s not exactly what we imagine when thinking of the roof of the world.
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#Present #Moon #record #held #Belgian #craziest #anecdotes #toilets
**Interview with Interior Design Expert on Luxurious Bathrooms and Toilet History**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, everyone! Today we are discussing a rather unique topic—luxurious bathrooms and toilet history. Joining us is Sarah Kingston, an interior design expert who specializes in luxury interiors. Sarah, thank you for being here!
**Sarah Kingston:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this intriguing subject.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in! First, I recently came across the world’s most expensive bathroom in Hong Kong, created by jeweler Lam Sai-wing. A bathroom made entirely of 24-carat gold and embellished with precious stones—what’s your take on that?
**Sarah Kingston:** It’s absolutely captivating! The idea of creating a bathroom that resembles a piece of art is something that transcends functionality. While many may see it as excessive, luxury spaces often aim to evoke emotions. It’s about creating an experience; every detail matters, even in a bathroom.
**Interviewer:** With an estimated value of around three million euros, do you think there’s a market for such extravagance, or is it purely a novelty?
**Sarah Kingston:** There definitely is a market for luxury. High-net-worth individuals often look for unique and exclusive experiences in their homes. A bathroom like this offers an element of exclusivity and personal expression. While it may not appeal to everyone, it certainly captures attention.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of toilets, I read about the fascinating history of waste left on the moon by Apollo astronauts. Twelve men left behind 96 bags of waste during their missions. What does this say about the relationship we have with toilets and waste in general?
**Sarah Kingston:** It’s a reminder of how our relationship with waste is often ignored in both design and in life. The moon waste highlights a basic human need—whether on Earth or beyond—and how we sometimes overlook it. Design should incorporate all aspects of our living environments, including the necessary but often unglamorous aspects, such as waste management.
**Interviewer:** Very true! Shifting gears, the infamous record for the longest time spent on a toilet was set at 138 hours! From an interior design perspective, how can we make bathrooms more comfortable and inviting?
**Sarah Kingston:** Comfort is key! A well-designed bathroom can include features like a heated floor, luxurious materials, and thoughtful lighting. It’s all about creating a soothing environment, which can also encourage those long moments of relaxation—hopefully not as extreme as the record, though!
**Interviewer:** with your expertise in luxury designs, where do you see the future of bathroom design heading?
**Sarah Kingston:** I believe we’re going to see an increase in smart technology integration, eco-friendly materials, and wellness-focused features such as spa-like amenities. The bathroom is becoming more about rejuvenation and self-care, reflecting our desire for tranquility and luxury in our daily lives.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights on this fascinating blend of luxury and necessity in bathroom design and history!
**Sarah Kingston:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an engaging topic.
