PINs that begin with 4, 5, or 6, and so we simply proceeded from there, with muscle memory driving our fingers, assuming that the familiar-looking interface was identical.

While confusing payment interactions can be socially daunting if other people are waiting for us to conclude, more private experiences can be just as surprising, if not outright bewildering. I first encountered the dual-flush toilet in Banff. In this case, the flush control was placed in the center of the tank lid. What at first appears to be a large oval button is actually two different buttons, where one is twice the size of the other: No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Previously unfamiliar with the concept, I was able to quickly figure out that the amount of water in the flush corresponded to the size of the button, and of course, to the volume of waste that one was dealing with.

Dual flush is now a common feature in Japan. The flush lever is mounted on the side of the tank, with the handle vertical and below ( 6 o’clock). Japanese text and an arrow indicate which direction to move the lever (push or pull) to obtain the desired result. If you don’t read Japanese, you’re out of luck. Which way for No. 1? Trial and error didn’t pro-

 

Paying for a ride along the Chao Phraya River.