The man of gas

I realize how I take utilities for granted in the States. For example, the default setting is not to have a choice between cold or hot potable water any hour of the day. For most people here, the water is not safe to drink fresh from the tap. You either have to boil it or purchase water. (Not very sustainable, eh?)

In order to have hot water (to wash dishes, take a shower, etc) you must consult “el hombre del gas” (the gas man). El hombre del gas drives around every morning, starting at 6:00 AM, tooting his horn. Beep-BEEP-BEEP: The man of gas is here! You wave him down, and you trade in the old tank to get a new full gas tank.




Before taking a (warm) shower, you must light the pilot light on the Califon (hot water heater). Just remember to turn off the pilot light after your shower, or you’ll have to wave down the man of gas again tomorrow.

The plus side is that I now take shorter, less frequent showers.