Summers in (Burma)

Summers here in Yangon are somewhat bearable thanks to the ice-cold water seller, and the kindness of people who set up urns with water for us to drink.

This is also nostalgic for me. Reminds me of some childhood years I spent in Rajasthan, where summers are hot. Neighbourhood wealthy folks used to set up water huts made of thatched straw. A woman would serve cold water via a metal kettle with a long spout. Interesting thing was often the women fully or partially veiled their face but they wore low cut blouses. I was a kid then, it didn’t appear naughty, more of a curious observation.

This was like a community service - cold relief for people and seasonal employment for a local woman.

Water was served from a cold earthen pot. It was cold and had an earthy taste. These days the water comes from a metal or plastic pot, a bit dull but still refreshing.