Winter challenges in Tbilisi. Shower.

You would think that the worst winter can bring is cold and darkness. Yet if you can escape from it - say, to relaxing hot bath, everything becomes much easier. In Georgia, luckily, there is plenty of sun even in the winter; coldness is mild; and snow/rain - pretty rare as well. However. Recently one of my biggest challenges every morning/evening has become... taking shower. Fellow 'Tbilisians' will know what I mean: during "rush hours" water can be simply too cold even on maximum, it can be turning off all the time; water temperature changing up and down is not unusual either. As I was explained, this is because water is heated with gas, and in winter everyone is using much more gas - to heat the rooms, to cook, etc. Looking on the bright side, contrast shower is considered a healthy thing - and really I haven't been ill this year!
Still, it is also stressful when hot water disappears just after you have got all soapy (been there.....). So we have worked some strategies how to avoid it and enjoy water procedures without big interruptions. Effective 75%.

• To start with, turn on the water and leave it for a while. Temperature will get steady and you will know if it is worth to get under water - or to wait for the better times.
• Ask for help. If someone will be nearby to check if the gas works properly, in case it turns off you at least won't need to get out of the bathroom to turn it on again.
• At least in our home water temperature can be regulated both by the tap, and at the gas heater - one can put the flames higher or lower. Therefore, everyone regulates it only at the gas heater and DOES NOT TOUCH the tap. Keep it on maximum and hope for the best. 
• The taps in the bathroom and in the kitchen are somehow connected. Nobody should open water tap in the kitchen while you're showering - it will reduce pressure in the bathroom, and temperature might drop as well. 
• Consider taking shower when people do not use much gas - early in the morning or late at night (after 11pm). It's just safer.
• And finally, our latest discovery - if you leave the window in the kitchen (where the gas heater is) open, there is less chance that gas will turn off.

Sounds ridiculous? oh well...some time ago I wouldn't have thought I would ever need such strategies. But if you are there...you just live and learn, and be creative.