Smoke on the Water (Without the Smoke)

Water.  What could there be to write about this essential component of life?  There are at least a few points that can be made.

Norway has the best drinking water in the world!  Water from any faucet or tap is perfect for drinking.  The only reason to buy bottled water is that you have a container to put your tap water into.  The Norwegians claim that you can drink the water from any lake, stream or river; a claim that I have not tested but am inclined to believe.

 Carbonation or ice?  Americans love ice in their water whilst carbonated water is a rare request.   Europeans do not care for ice water but do like "fizzy" water.  In many European restaurants carbonated water is the default when asking for water; should you want normal water you would have to request "still" water.  European travelers to North American are bewildered by ice in water and sodas.

Speaking of water bottles, the Norwegians have extra thick plastic bottles for water and sodas.  Plastic bottles may be returned to the store (you do get your bottle deposit back) where they are collected, cleaned, sterilized and reused.  It is not uncommon to get a soda or water bottle that is scuffed up from repeated use.  In contrast, the plastic bottles in North America are intended for single use after which they may be recycled.

There you go, just enough about water to wet your whistle.