If you want a rough idea of how much water you consume in a day then come to India. Water, or lack there off seems to be a theme around here. The ground is always dusty and the only grass I've seen is in the parks and private houses. A simple stroll anywhere will leave your feet covered and even leave a fine layer on your skin and hair. I wash my hands about a million times a day not because of fear of germs but because I can literally see the layer of dirt on my hands. After I brush my teeth the last thing I do is wash my feet before climbing into bed. I can't even imagine not having running water.
I can practically tell you the time of the day depending on when I need to refill my water bottle.
I usually refill my bottle just after brushing my before bed because first thing in the morning I grab my bottle to brush my teeth. Since there's no water pressure I use about 1/4 of my 24oz rinsing my mouth out and brush. After I brush my teeth I shower the traditional Indian way by using a large 5 gallon bucket and mug. I sit down on a very small stool and I fill up the bucket with warm water and wet my skin and hair. I then use the soap and shampoo to lather up and use the mug to rinse. Due to the lack of water pressure this seemingly simple procedure takes almost double the time to complete it takes many more douses of water from the mug to rise off soap from your skin not to mention hair.. Even if you just take a large measuring cup into the bathroom the next time you shower; try to rinse your hair (ladies!) without any water pressure it can be a bit cumbersome. The plus to all of this is that I use exactly one bucket of water for each shower, since I've become more aware I can't even imagine how much water one uses in a regular shower. The mornings here have been cool but by after lunch around 2pm I'm hot and sweaty and usually cool off with a quick rinse.
After my shower I refill my bottle and head off to breakfast, I make sure I'm topped off before I leave for school because I'll be out until lunch. I will consume a full 24oz bottle between 9-1230, I became light headed open day after school because I had only finished half. Being outside makes you incredibly thirsty and going to the market sans bottle can leave you parched. I refill again after lunch which will usually tide me over until 5pm where I refill after completing errands, Hindi lessons, or day trips. This lasts me until 7pm for dinner where I top off and then one more refill before I go sleep. Hydration is the key!
I can practically tell you the time of the day depending on when I need to refill my water bottle.
I usually refill my bottle just after brushing my before bed because first thing in the morning I grab my bottle to brush my teeth. Since there's no water pressure I use about 1/4 of my 24oz rinsing my mouth out and brush. After I brush my teeth I shower the traditional Indian way by using a large 5 gallon bucket and mug. I sit down on a very small stool and I fill up the bucket with warm water and wet my skin and hair. I then use the soap and shampoo to lather up and use the mug to rinse. Due to the lack of water pressure this seemingly simple procedure takes almost double the time to complete it takes many more douses of water from the mug to rise off soap from your skin not to mention hair.. Even if you just take a large measuring cup into the bathroom the next time you shower; try to rinse your hair (ladies!) without any water pressure it can be a bit cumbersome. The plus to all of this is that I use exactly one bucket of water for each shower, since I've become more aware I can't even imagine how much water one uses in a regular shower. The mornings here have been cool but by after lunch around 2pm I'm hot and sweaty and usually cool off with a quick rinse.
After my shower I refill my bottle and head off to breakfast, I make sure I'm topped off before I leave for school because I'll be out until lunch. I will consume a full 24oz bottle between 9-1230, I became light headed open day after school because I had only finished half. Being outside makes you incredibly thirsty and going to the market sans bottle can leave you parched. I refill again after lunch which will usually tide me over until 5pm where I refill after completing errands, Hindi lessons, or day trips. This lasts me until 7pm for dinner where I top off and then one more refill before I go sleep. Hydration is the key!
Paani! Paani! Hey Gori Mami.. Experiencing the other side of the world aah! Paani- the precious :)
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