water heaters

In block apartments each person has their own water heater.

Usually a tall white barrel inhabiting a corner of your bathroom, hanging from the wall.

You are very aware of it.  It squeals as it pulls water into its tubes, heating it, and filling its big belly.

You are even more aware of it making sure his belly is full before you even think of taking off your clothes for a shower.   The little red arrow indicator is flimsy and plastic, it goes from blue on the left to bright red on the right, it also has a considerable lag.

I have taken far too many cold showers in this country.

My daily ritual with my water heater looks something like this: I turn him on through the night, after 10pm, when the electricity is cheaper, and allow his squeal to lull me to sleep.  In the morning I wake up and brush my teeth, being sure he is full I go the kitchen and do dishes with glorious hot water.  I then drink coffee and check emails while he tops himself off again.  Then, and only when he is full and I hear him click off, do I indulge in a long hot shower, draining the barrel and switching him off so he does not unnecessarily overexert himself, at least until night time comes again.

In this Kitchen in the picture you will note the baby water heater above the faucet.  In this apartment the pipes for the kitchen and the bathroom are at opposite ends, separating the daily rituals (and strategies) of dishes and showers.