August 6, 2008 The Water Meter Saga

Daily living in Guatemala can sometimes be a challenge, to say the least. Ken has been busy the last several days trying to get our water meter changed (mandated by the water company). He first made a trip to the water company offices to find out exactly what was needed. They told him the water meter to buy. He then went to the plumbing supply house to put in his order, but the person who has to register the meter number on the receipt was in a meeting until 4:30 p.m. Ken returned after 4:30, but she was still in the meeting. Someone called her out of the meeting; Ken paid the $50 for the meter, then she registered the meter number. By this time, it was too late to return to the water company, so he had to wait until today to go back there. This morning he took his meter and the receipt and went to the water company again, but the parking spaces were filled, so he returned home. A few hours later he headed back. When he arrived, he was asked for the receipt so they could check the registration number – to make sure his new meter was not stolen. We are now waiting for the water company workmen to show up at our house to install the new meter. We hope they come today like Ken was told. Who would have thought it would take so long, and so many trips to get a meter installed? (Sometime ask us about the plate, pin and screws Ken had to buy when I broke my leg!) Here’s the infamous meter.