Yes, I had mastered the art of patting the tap—or so I had generously conferred this title upon myself. But when I reached the USA, it felt like a powerful slap on my face, waking me up from my dreamy assumptions. I knew nothing about these tricky taps.

Back home in India, it was relatively simple. To be honest, I haven’t stayed much in fancy five-star hotels to gain any definitive knowledge about how taps can cause nuisances in different places. But at least at home, if I turned the right side of the tap, it would give the unwanted hot water—imagine that in Chennai’s climate—and the left would give sprinkles of soothing cold water. So easy to use and enjoy.

Armed with this “sound knowledge,” I confidently opened the left side of the tap in Seattle, eagerly anticipating the comforting cold of fresh water. To my shock, I almost burnt my fingers. The hottest water possible was pouring out, unlike the gentle trickle in Chennai. In a swift and hasty move, I closed it and tentatively opened the other side. Who knows? In a cold climate, maybe it’s programmed to give hot water on both sides. But no, a refreshing cold stream flowed—yes, it really flowed. Another important lesson registered: in the USA, it’s the opposite. Just like the cars, vehicles, and traffic that go on the right side, which in India is the wrong side. Hmm…

Vancouver in Canada is around a two to two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle, and merrily, we set off at the prospect of visiting another country.

Having been accustomed to the "Rest Room" concept in the USA, I searched in vain for a “Rest Room.” As usual, the realization dawned late that the nomenclature in Canada was “Wash Room.” In India, it’s just a plain and honest “toilet.” Another piece of the never-to-be-completed puzzle fitted into place. If it’s kmph in India and Canada, in the USA it’s mph. My memory bank has no more space.

Why can’t these things be standardized? Why are taps shaped and sized differently? Why do they operate differently? Why not have the same name everywhere?

Innately, we crave variety. Choices impress us. Be it cars, soaps, perfumes, clothes, food, footwear, furniture, and of course, taps—we cherish the availability of choices. So, let’s learn how to navigate the diverse world of taps.

To be continued... 58. Food Fad - The World of Pizzas, Pastas