One Less Bell to Answer - The Etiquette Bell

Have you ever encountered odd devices stuck on a public comfort room before? Well, this is the first time I have seen an Etiquette Bell. I was really baffled when I saw an electronic device stuck in the comfort room cubicles of Incheon Airport. The device which looked more like a door bell gadget was placed strategically (and within arm's reach when seated) on the wall inside the cubicle.

So, I thought of taking a picture of the device and research about it upon my return to Dubai. I was a bit surprised to find out that it was actually NOT a bell which would ring when the button was pressed. It is a device to cover unwanted sounds made when you do your thing in the rest room. Some devices play fake flushing sounds, violins and soft music for 20-30 seconds. 

I didn't press the one inside my cubicle for fear of an army brigade rushing to my cubicle and tearing my door down or some siren-sound to come out of the device and call every one's attention. I wouldn't like to be caught dead seated there while the weird device makes funny sound. No way!

Well, I think this device is kind of cool. I hope they install them here in Dubai too so I don't hear weird noises from the nearby cubicle. 

Writing Etiquette

I cannot just write anything I want while I am in this country. It is like living in the Marcos regime where everything is censored. Although, not 100% is the case similar of a dictatorship rule but writers here follow strict rules. We cannot just write something bad or defaming of this place's culture, beliefs and the people in it.

However, the people who live here must also understand that they cannot write anything they feel like it just because this is their country. It has to be a two-way street, right? Write something factual and respectful. Be mindful of what you write. If you have nothing good to say, drop that pen or leave the keyboard alone!

Being a Good House Guest

I know my manners and I keep them checked at all times. Whenever we visit other people's house, we behave properly and respect the other members of the household.

I am a good house guest, that I can vouch for. However, I seem to be a magnet of people who are inconsiderate or simply ignorant. I don't know why other people in my household bring guests who think they own my place, do not know they are guests, bangs door, noisy kids and parents do not reprimand them, do not know when to tone down their voices and just don't care about the time of the day. I don't mind if it happens at 7 p.m. or even up to midnight, but at freaking 3:45 a.m.??? Common on! I have work in the morning for crying out loud!

That is my house too but as the ever-gracious hostess (actually, they are NOT my guests but someone in the house's), do I just shrug my shoulders and suffer in silence or do I firmly remind them to pipe it down?

If you are in my place, what will you do?