Yesterday evening after work, my family and I went swimming at our nearest beach. Our nearest beach is Nasholim beach. One of the most amazing beaches in the world, it has everything a sea-lover might wish for. Small and large sea coves to explore, baby fish that you can either chase between the rocks or allow to nibble on your dead skin, a huge collection of sea shells and waves that are often large enough for surfing. You can look for the hidden mermaid's chair to make a sitting wish, catch some fish or sift for ancient archeological treasure. Our favourite bay at Nasholim is just big enough for a tiring swim from to one side to the other and back again. If you'd rather do beach instead of sea - the sand is white and soft and made for lazing. I usually stay in the water as much as possible. Life in Israel can be tense, so it is nice to float aimlessly without any thoughts in the Mediterranean sea. The summer is slowly coming to an end which means that the water is finally coo...
The Blasting Taps by Marina ShemesH
Israel is a hot country (except for ten days in the winter!) and children from kinder garden age are taught: If you go out, bring a hat and a water bottle. All the parks and public spaces have a water cooler. You will even find a water cooler, with disposable cups, in banks, medical centers and libraries for the use of the patrons.
And on hiking trails you will often a tap such as the one in the photo. These taps have the sweetest, coolest water and hikers will drink their fill and then fill up their water bottles before they continue with their hike.
That is all wonderful, isn't it? The only problem is that these taps point upwards! As soon as you open the tap, you are blasted (NOT merely sprayed) with a shot of ice cold water right in the face or chest! Much to the amusement of onlookers. And believe me, there is always somebody watching when they should not. If you wear a white T-shirt, be extra wary! :)
Opening the tap just a little bit does not help. The tap is either closed or open 100%. And good luck trying to fill your water bottle, you have the catch the water on it's downwards arch - but only after you figured out the general direction of the spray, the upwards and downwards trajectory arch AND water velocity. In some cases a physics degree may be needed!
If you ever come across one of these taps, feel free to drink the water (it is safe) but be warned: These taps BLAST!
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| Water tap on the Ya'ala Mountain |
Israel is a hot country (except for ten days in the winter!) and children from kinder garden age are taught: If you go out, bring a hat and a water bottle. All the parks and public spaces have a water cooler. You will even find a water cooler, with disposable cups, in banks, medical centers and libraries for the use of the patrons.
And on hiking trails you will often a tap such as the one in the photo. These taps have the sweetest, coolest water and hikers will drink their fill and then fill up their water bottles before they continue with their hike.
That is all wonderful, isn't it? The only problem is that these taps point upwards! As soon as you open the tap, you are blasted (NOT merely sprayed) with a shot of ice cold water right in the face or chest! Much to the amusement of onlookers. And believe me, there is always somebody watching when they should not. If you wear a white T-shirt, be extra wary! :)
Opening the tap just a little bit does not help. The tap is either closed or open 100%. And good luck trying to fill your water bottle, you have the catch the water on it's downwards arch - but only after you figured out the general direction of the spray, the upwards and downwards trajectory arch AND water velocity. In some cases a physics degree may be needed!
If you ever come across one of these taps, feel free to drink the water (it is safe) but be warned: These taps BLAST!
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