The Balcony

One time we went to visit a local couple in their village for some days. Life there was different and simpler than in the city where we lived. After dinner I wanted to do the dishes and was led to a little room at the back of the house. It was not really a room but more a sort of balcony with wooden planks on the floor and aluminium walls about 1.6m high. There was neither a sink nor a tap, only a tank full of rainwater. I was told to rinse the dishes over the planks with water from the tank. That way, the water could fall through the gaps between the planks onto the ground below. An interesting way of doing the dishes. But the story goes on.

The same "balcony" was used for taking a shower. Of course, this was very strategic as the water ran off and watered the trees around. And as if this wasn't enough use for one room, the balcony was the restroom for small business as well. I don't think I have to explain further how the whole procedure worked. If you are ever in a similar situation, don't forget to pour some water over the planks after you have finished your business!