Lessons from a Water Jug

Living in a new culture is a little like being on a treasure hunt except that you don't know what the treasure is or how to recognize your clues. I'm still mulling over the latest cultural "treasure" and its implications. The tap water here is not safe to drink, so everyone buys big jugs of water for drinking. Whenever we run out of water, we call or text the water store, and someone delivers a new jug straight to our door on a motorcycle. It's a pretty nifty system.

Well, the first few times we texted for water, it was promptly delivered. But then the delivery guys really started slacking. One day it took about 4 hours and multiple texts/calls before we finally got our water! I kept thinking about it and wondering if there was some reason behind the delay. Suddenly, it dawned on me: I wonder if we should be tipping them? And sure enough, that was it. As we talked with people, we learned that tipping is expected for delivery service. A few days later, Jonathan met up with one of our water delivery guys, gave him a belated tip, and explained that we hadn't known we were expected to tip them. And this morning our water was delivered within 45 minutes of our call. :-)

You may wonder why the delivery guys didn't simply ask for a tip. I don't understand all the "why's" myself, but I am learning that this culture values relationship and good manners. Instead of rudely demanding a tip, the delivery guys gave us poor service, expecting that this would clue us in to our mistake. This way they don't have to confront us directly or witness our embarrassment at making such an obvious (to them) blunder. It makes sense...and scares me a bit because I tend to rush along in life, not taking time to notice subtle signs of problems. Guess I'd better start paying more attention....


Here are some (unrelated) pictures for your enjoyment.

Abbie has started laughing now. She's got the dearest little ticklish spot up near her neck. I love hearing her bursts of explosive giggles.

Yes, that's a Lego in his mouth. He got great amusement out of doing that one day.

Abbie loves to have her blanket nearby when she sleeps.

Toby still loves to line things up. I often find Abbie watching him these days; he is good entertainment for her.