The Bucket Shower: New and Improved

Part of the purpose of this blog site is to reveal some of the things from our lives that may seem strange to you, but have become simply normal for us. Today’s entry is such a blog, in which we are glad to introduce you to our bucket shower. The photo above is actually the new and improved edition, the result of a hard working crew of visitors last summer! Why did it take so long for us to write about such a significant upgrade? Because we wanted to make sure the new edition would stand the test of time before giving credit to its creators. Yes, mom and dad, it has served us well.

For months leading up to my parents visit from the states, we started making a list of chores that could be done for us if they felt the urge to do something other than play with their grandson.  One of those chores read as follows, “Create for us a new bucket shower, one that we can turn on and off, and can be hung over the bathtub in such a way that I can fit my 6’ 2’’ frame under without kneeling or ducking down.” You see the first edition of the bucket shower was simply a bucket with three small holes drilled in the bottom. Turning it on and off was done by sticking one’s finger over the holes. And, the way that first bucket was hung made either for angry knees or awkward positions on the slippery enamel surface.

So, my parents took on that project in classic trial and error fashion, of course with my taunting after each mediocre attempt, “If it doesn’t meet the criteria, I’m getting out my drill again and drilling three new holes.”

It was a typical junk yard type of job as we don’t have a Home Depot nearby for finding the necessary parts and tools. They had to make do with what we could find around the house. My three holes were patched up with epoxy.  Two old solar showers were sacrificed for their different pieces: a spout and tube from one and a 90 degree angle and clamp from the other. A little bit of silicone, zip tie, twisty tie and the master piece was completed. Ingeniously bending the handle not only added to the stylistic value, but it also helped raise it the final two inches needed. Hung on a homemade “S” hook, it was good to go!

And still is, after eight months of service. It is perfect for our lives out here at Gesas. Heat water on the stove and combine it with cold water to reach the desired temperature (which amazingly stays constant regardless of whether someone flushes the toilet). Then hang it up, release the clamp and enjoy the warm trickle. But don’t enjoy it too much, for when the water’s gone, it’s gone, and the shampoo better be out of your hair. Our memories of the States tell us that there is such a thing as showers with hot water, high pressure, coming from a virtually unlimited water supply. Warning to our next visitors, such a shower just got added to our updated “visitor chore list.”