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You’re flying down the Autobahn at thrilling speeds, jetting off on another European adventure (or on your way home from one). Suddenly, a sea of red fills the windshield — brake lights as far as the eye can see. As you cautiously slow to a stop, you notice that a group of travelers a few vehicles ahead are busy setting up a grill on the side of the road (yes, I have actually seen this happen). Others have cracked open a cooler, and they’re leisurely sipping beverages from their perch on the hood of their parked car. Stau is one of the first words we learned when we moved to Germany: the dreaded European traffic jam that leaves you stranded in your vehicle for hours on end.
You sigh and settle in for the long haul, knowing you’re going to be here for a while. Luckily, you’ve got plenty of road trip snacks and a good book to read to pass the time … but then it happens. Nature comes calling; you’ve gotta go.
Believe it or not, there is a product out there that can save you from this potentially humiliating situation. Ever heard of a female urinating device?
Companies like Shewee (Google it, or copy and paste shewee.com in your browser) and GoGirl have developed a small, funnel-like apparatus that allows women to inconspicuously relieve themselves on the side of the road or in the privacy of their own car. Additionally, Shewee offers a selection of colorful carrying cases and special packs for festivals, military personnel and camping trips. There is a rumor these devices might even become standard issue for female servicemembers.
Okay, okay. The idea of carrying around a female urination device in your purse or glove compartment may feel a little silly at first, but if you think about it — it’s a brilliant idea. I think every woman needs one for her auto emergency kit in Germany. GoGirl’s motto is: “Life’s greatest adventure shouldn’t be finding a bathroom.” Wiser words were never spoken.
