We were hiking with a group of expats and locals to a couchsurfing camping weekend in Honduras when we saw these guys washing their truck in the river. The first time I saw a river car wash I thought the car had gotten stuck crossing the river, at least until the buckets of water started flying at the windshield.
It’s not exactly an uncommon occurrence in around the world, but we certainly saw it the most in Central America. In Africa, we saw huge 18 wheel trucks lined up along the sandy river banks, in what sometimes appeared to be an official commercial car wash operation. Sometimes we’d see families settled in the shade with newly washed cars parked on the riverbank and kids splashing in the river. A day out and a car wash. Cheaper and easier than the neighborhood gas station! I only wonder how many cars get stuck in the river… can’t remember seeing a single one, but it must happen.
This photo was taken near Comayagua, Honduras.
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Cathy Sweeney says
They’re not using soap, are they? Sorry, probably a stupid question! I like the idea of a day out with the family and a car wash — turning car wash time into family time. Nice.
Grace says
Ahahaha this is very resourceful. I should google maps the nearest river or stream to save some money!
Roy | cruisesurfingz says
That’s one way to do it!
Norbert says
OMG, the random things you see on the road! You have to give it to them, they saved on the water bill! 😉
Jillian says
They certainly did. I guess it’s more eco-friendly in that sense!
Christy @ Technosyncratic says
Hahah, this is so awesome. Yay for resourcefulness! Although… I do wonder what kind of chemicals from the soap is getting washed into the river…. :-/
Jillian says
You know, I don’t remember seeing any soap, but you bring up a good point. There’s so much environmental damage going on in Central America, a lack of education.