The Water Nazi

 

The first night we arrived in Baku, amidst a swirl of confusion, darkness, and greedy cabbies, we arrived at our hotel and were promptly jacked for an extra 3 manats per person for the rate on our room. The lady who orchestrated the ripoff is a friendly looking sort who speaks just enough English to ask annoying questions like, "Where are you going? What are you doing now? Why are you going there? How much money does that cost? Give me some money?." Because she is one of the babushkas in charge of watching the floor we stay on, she rotates in and out on semi-regular shifts. During her last shift, the water was not flowing again. This has happened several times during our stay at this particular hostel, so it is no big deal. We store water in our portable battles to ensure we have enough for our uses, and also fill up while out and about on the town. During this last water shortage we noticed the babushka offering water to other guests for a price, and repeatedly asking us if we needed any. Putting two and two together, we began to think about when the water shortages occur. Amazingly, it seems the water stoppages only occur during her shift on the floor. Other places in this building have water since we have been able to go to a different floor and find it. So, we have discovered her little game, telling us we have probably just been staying here a bit too long. There is really nothing to do about it except making sure our supply is maintained. It is enough that she knows that we know. We have that look of knowing in our eye as we pass and refuse water once again. It says, "play your game babushka...play your game."