Only in India

February 27, 2024

It was the end of a wonderful day at the beach. I enjoyed a delicious plate of Momo’s, at my favourite restaurant along the cliff, Cafe Del Mar.

After a beautiful sunset walk, along the cliff and the beach.

Back to my room, completely satisified with my enriching day. Time for a quick bucket bath, wash a few clothes and get cozy under by wonderfully silent fan. Not always the case here! The bucket of water cooled me down.

I felt refreshed:)

Then I step out dripping we to grab a few items of clothing to “stomp” wash in the bucket. As the bucket is filling up with soapy water I start the stomping, tap was running. There are two seperate taps on the wall, one for hot and one for cold, the latter of which I am using. In a flash my knee bumps the tap. It snaps off! I bumped it ever so lightly, it’s not like I am a big brute. I try to attach it, not happening. Water shooting out full force across the bathroom to the opposite wall. Here I stand naked, water quickly filling up the bathroom. Indian bathrooms are designed for water, the whole bathroom is the shower, with a drain of the floor. Thank god for the ledge at the entrance that was containing the quiclkly raising water!

I grab a towel, wrap myself up, step outside and call out the owner. Trying not to sound TOO panicked. “Help water coming fast”, as I plunk myself down on my porch wrapped in a towel, sarong around my slumped shoulders. Feeling a bit guilty about the whole thing. I sit there, humbly, listening to water gushing out the tap. My level of guilt raising along with the water. I can just see the water tank on the rooftop emptying…with a full guest house!!! This is a first. I am apologizing profusely, as any good Canadian would, the owners lovely wife gesturing with her hands (no english) “it’s ok, it’s ok” but looking rather concerned.

Finally, they locate their son. To the rescue he comes, assuring me “it’s ok” like mother, like son. I sit on my porch in the dark air drying in my towel, it’s after 10 pm and I wait…for instruction.

At last, the water was turned off. My shoulders relaxed. It’s 10:30 pm and I now must shift rooms as the plumbing has to be fixed first thing in the morning, before the arrival of the next guest.

I gather up all my things, at 11 pm. Crawled under my mosquito net, turned on the fan for a restful sleep….and was presented with my penance, a clanging fan.

What to Do?