Monday, February 9, 2009

Liquid brown stuff


This is what our water looked like on Saturday morning!


Not the best start to the weekend, I think you'll admit as it also cast doubt on the day's proceedings. Is it safe to shower? Wash vegetables? Brush our teeth? Drink tea?

As is the usual way of things, the Malteaser (I have yet to find a suitable pseudonym for my LTLP but this one is growing on me) erred on the side of caution, although he did have a shower and wash his hair. He tutted irritatingly as I foolishly boiled the kettle (the operative word being boiled. What's the problem?), and later absent-mindedly rinsed my toothbrush under the tap (it's fine, I have an iron stomach). To cap it all (in his eyes) I then headed to the swimming pool. He went to the park for a nap.

Out of the house, disagreements about water cleanliness subsided and we enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather. We sat together in the park, in bright sunshine and I marvelled at the fact I was in just a tee-shirt in February. The Malteaser and all the Romanians in the park were in hats scarves and duffle coats. Bunch of bloody pansies, these Latin types!


We had lunch out with another Malteaser (bet you're really confused now) and then took him to see some of the sights. Luckily the man outside the restaurant washed the car for us as it was filthy, but it was not much better having been driven through far-flung villagers (i.e. quagmires) and down various "interesting"-looking tracks, (again, quagmires). Undoubtedly, the highlight of any foray into the hills around Buzău is a visit to Volcanii Noroisii. Even if they do smell vaguely like a mechanic's fart (the area is still drilled for crude oil, and the bubbling effect is thought to be due to natural gases), the pleasing "plop" noise they make, as well as the fun that can be had sliding around on the mud flows makes this a fun excursion.

Unfortunately, when we got back home and I was brushing my teeth with cleaner water I noticed my smile was not as pearly white as I would like. I hope this is a temporary effect of water/mud contact and not the sign of a more serious problem!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

"Is it safe to shower? Wash vegetables? Brush our teeth? Drink tea?"

It's rust. You'll see it in the water every time they have to repair or replace a section of the pipe system, just let water flow (sorry, but I don't know the right word here) until it clears.

I always keep some mineral water in the house for just this kind of surprises (I live in Bucharest, and the city has more money to spend on repairs and replacements, therefore we get rust in the water more often).

englezoaica said...

Thanks for the tip Cornel!
I have invested in some bottled water for just such occasions.
This morning I had to have a "brown shower" again so I think keeping a stock in the cellar is a good idea.