Some common comments over these months were: "My God have they not heard of liquid soap before?" "Jeez this is the stupidest set up I have ever seen" I remember how smart we felt when we would add water to the tub, let it sink in and soften the slab so we could easily scoop the softened paste into the sink with just our fingers. Upon moving to each new rental unit, it was one of the first things we would do as part of settling in! Near the end of our trip, I was explaining my frustration with the soap to a lady we had met. I explained our initial chipping process and then our brilliant solution of softening the substance with water before using. A world traveler and now friend Dawn B overheard me and after she stopped laughing; she explained the sponge, rub the tub and cold water rinse method. Doing dishes has never been the same since! Numerous guests that have come to visit us, often return home with a tub or two. It is truly ingenious and I have no idea why this didn't catch on 'back home'. If I can add a bit of constructive criticism, it would have been helpful had it come with instructions...... just sayin'