These oddly shaped jugs on a cart are known here as "ola" and are used to store water. A stand is made with a circular cut out at the bottom to fit the bottom of the pot and as the water soaks the pots it evaporates from the clay cooling the water. Any sediments go down to the pointed end of the pot. Usually an ola has a wooden lid and a cup attached to it so that passersby can take a drink.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Water Cooler
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10 comments:
Thanks for the explanation! I've been wondering for ages why they were shaped that way!
Do you know who fills them? Silly question I guess, but I always saw these jars beside the road, all over the place, and wondered who took care of them.
They are usually placed in front of businesses and homes and are filled by the owners.
That makes sense. A simple way to do a good deed. But I also wondered if the city/town might send a truck around.
Another excellent informative post, Maryanne.
Come on, Connie! You lived here. You should know better than that. LOL
Well, I was in Maadi. They might have put on more of a show there. A lot of the water pots, and the fancier metal dispensers, were near the police too. but yea... :D
interesting...,would be great for us here in Kingston. instead of the plastic bottled water sold at every street corner which eventally clogs the environment.
Some how it doesn't seem very sanitary.
Hi Maryanne
I am a big fan of your blogs. I travel to Egypt quite a lot and definitely understand your love for it.
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