Things Scott has Blown Up

Electricity here is 220 volts versus 110 in the U.S. - meaning that a power converter is needed on some appliances. It also means that Scott – who would never be confused with Captain Electricity has had some challenges in adapting to the new power scheme. Some examples of his electrical prowess are as follows:

The Computer – This is probably his highest level of his ineptitude thus far. After having incorrectly read the voltage requirements on our desktop computer, he plugged it directly into the surge protector without using a converter. The power supply in the computer immediately emitted a “cherry bomb”-like sound and smoked violently. Needless to say, Thomas (our landlord’s son-in-law who also happens to have a background in computer engineering) is coming over this week to replace the decimated part.

The Phone – We have a phone we use to call the U.S. that gives us very good monthly rates. Unfortunately we have to buy the phone in the U.S. We had a power outage two weeks ago that caused the base on the phone to fry because Scott had not used a good enough surge protector (a word to the wise – when we move back to the U.S., do not invite this man over to help install a ceiling fan or any device that requires “voltage”).

The Toaster Oven/Coffee Pot Combo – This was actually a locally made appliance and it lasted for a total of 8 minutes. We do not have any idea what Scott did to make this thing spark and smoke, but have deduced that it might be similar to powers possessed by the mythical god Midas. Everything Midas touched turned to gold – everything Scott seems to plug-in pops loudly and begins to smoke. The only other possible explanation is that a higher being was sending a message not to cross-pollinate two appliances that have absolutely no business being put together.