As a teacher, I’ve been lucky enough to go on dozens of school trips to amazing places. The aquarium, the city library, the law chambers … It’s a lot of fun, and it breaks up the monotony of the school day. One time, I was even able to go on a study tour to Europe with a group of Year 10 students. Since I was a chaperone, everything was free. I couldn’t believe it.
It’s hard for a day out in the city to compete with an international study trip, but I think today’s activity comes pretty close. Our local museum has recently opened a new ancient history exhibition with real Roman architecture. To celebrate the profits that are expected from the new exhibition, the government has funded a complete bathroom design and installation of thirty new bathrooms around the museum building. Apparently, the old bathrooms were severely outdated and inaccessible to disabled museum-goers. The science teachers seemed really excited about the new bathrooms. Apparently, the toilets feature a modern, state-of-the-art plumbing and electrical system. The science teachers aren’t able to go on the trip today (it’s just the English and history departments) but they made me promise to check it out while I’m there.
Luckily, one of the students asks to use the restroom almost as soon as we arrive. I lead them to the room and open the door to find one of the most beautiful bathroom renovations Melbourne has ever seen. From all angles, there’s diffused, LED and natural lighting that combines to illuminate the space perfectly. The mirrors are new and shiny and cut in the shape of animals. I bet I could take a selfie and get thousands of likes – all from people simply admiring the mirror. The sinks are huge, and the plumbing and dryers are all automated so we don’t have to push a single button. This is more luxurious than anything I’ve ever seen. Do I have to leave?