I needed to pick up a few things at the hardware store and while there I remembered my bathroom sink wasn't draining very well. Quickly I racked my brain trying to think of how to explain this so I could get something similar to draino. I thought I explained my situation and she came back with a sack of something and said what I thought was "mix this with water...." or something like that. I looked at the sack on the way home and it read, "massa para vidros." Hmmmm mass of glass? But then it appeared as though there was an ingredient list for various uses so I figured maybe it was what they call a "falso amigo," a word that doesn't mean what it says?
Perhaps this isn't really glass then, but chemical crystals? Ill mix it with a little water and see what happens. Nothing. Well maybe it is glass, but since it is only tiny chards then it could have chemicals on it to break up whatever is clogging the sink? Ok lets pour some down the drain then. Ran the water, poured a little more, ran the water... nothing changed. So if that wasn't stupid already I poured more. Waited. Nothing.
This morning Rose, my maid was here and I was having portuguese class. I asked my teacher, its strange they give chemical glass to break up a clogged drain eh? She looked a bit perplexed. I explained while her face changed from puzzled to straight up laughing. At the same time Rose walked in with a sack full of glass and hair. She had taken apart the entire drain because she noticed things sparkling below in the sink hole and water was at a stand still. She was completely confused. I don't blame her, who in their right mind would pour glass pieces down a drain when it was clogged?
I totally lost any credibility I might have gained over the past 18 months. The adventure continues.
15 comments:
wait so what is that?? and what is it for?? (and i would have no idea either how to ask for drain-o if i needed it!)
Haahah this is hilarious !
I don't know if it is considered the best one nowadays, but you can look for one called "Diabo verde" :)
What. A. Riot. I cannot believe this happened... what the heck is it?!
Hahaha. I'm curious what you said and what the hell the woman in the hardware store was thinking, since I can't think of how any description of a clogged drain, no matter the level of Portuguese, would relate to installing windows! :)
From the product's website: A MASSA PARA VIDRACEIRO JARAGUÁ é um produto especialmente preparado para a fixação de vidros em geral (product to fix glass in general, onto windows, for example). Produzida com matérias-primas de primeira qualidade e sob rigoroso Controle de Qualidade, apresenta-se como a melhor alternativa existente no mercado. Após a aplicação da mesma, a massa seca sozinha em contato com o ar (after application, the product hardens in contact with the air).
Ha yes, so I was trying to figure out the same thing, what the heck did I say to receive this?? Thanks Jenner for the clarification, I did look it up as well but of course after the fact (reason #1234234 why I always do stupid things) but thanks for the tip on Diabo Verde... apparently salt mixed in water can do the trick as well. Next time Ill have to do a little more research before just going for it! But going for it makes for better stories =)
Oh that's awesome, and quite interesting that I've never ever come across massa para vidraceiro in the US right?
Hello there!
My name is Malte Zeeck, and I am with InterNations.org. I really enjoyed reading your fantastic blog! I think expats in Brazil and around the world could really gain some great insights [and have a few good laughs] on this page. The quality of the blog in general is very convincing, which is why I would love to feature you and your writing on the Recommended Blog on Brazil section on InterNations.org
Not only do we feature and link to your blog prominently; we also would like to hear from you directly in our questionnaire! We have also designed a link badge for your blog.
If you are interested, please feel free to contact me via email: maltezeeck@internations.org
Best,
Malte Zeeck
HA! Oh my goodness. I often come home with the wrong thing because my Portuguese is so bad... don't feel bad!
After years reading expat blogs, I've started my own. My idea is to provide a Brazilian perspective on daily events related to the expat life. This is my way of being helpful. So, I put a link to this post in my most recent one. I hope you don't mind!
http://mybrazilianeye.blogspot.it/2012/05/common-sense.html
By the way, my name is Jenner...
Broken glass cuts down on grease. I'm sure of it.
Dear Jana,
I am sorry to hear that, but I am sure you will be able to have good laughs telling this precious story to your grandchildren... ;)
PS: By the way, I am just now having a chance to catch up with your blog. Have been traveling like crazy.
Forte abraco
Ray
Just read this and it is hilarious. I'm so glad you shared this. I can only hope for the day when this is considered a step backwards. :)
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