Our bus to bamboo rafting

doubles as a delivery truck.

Sacks of rice, parcels

and packaged goods

Piled high in any open space.

Stepping off the bus,

our pre-arranged guide greets us.

I escape to the bathroom.

My time in Asia left me

acclimatized to squatters

These stalls had chest-high walls

no door.

Awkwardly finding an open spot,

I notice

the dreaded trough system.

General rule: stay uphill.

I can see the parking lot

as I go about my business.

It's strangely freeing.

No need to be ashamed

of why we're here.

We're all human.

Hope that truck is empty.