Sunburnt is the understatement of the century. The first day I went to the school, I wore a tank top and no sunscreen. Obviously, this is my own fault but I've learned my lesson and really don't see the need for further punishment. I've only burned this way one other time in my life: in Lima, which is equally as hot due to its proximity to the equator. The skin on my shoulders has blistered (gross) and I'll definitely peel like a snake soon.
Jua nikali (the sun is very hot) here in Kenya, obviously. Even on breezy days, the sun beats down on you in a most unforgiving manner. I have been wearing long sleeves because I would rather have a heat stroke than look like a leper. The kids do not seem to be affected by the heat as much since many of them wear sweaters and tights. Perhaps the most perplexing sight was the sale of peacoats at the market. Who in their right mind is sporting a peacoat here?! Insanity.
Clothes wear out fast here, especially the children's, due to the sun and dirt. The children's clothes are washed at Elshadai. There are no washing machines, and as I said before, no running water. Everything must be washed by hand, which is not the most appealing chore if you remember that diapers are too expensive for many families. There are definitely no drying machines, either. It is a process of soak, scrub, rinse, rinse, hang to dry. Kezia says it is the most laborious task to complete. Sometimes there are too many clothes to wash so she must call someone (read: a woman) to help, whom she will pay 500-1000ksh. Sometimes there isn't enough water to wash at all.
I have not washed any clothes yet, however, I did take my first "shower" by means of pouring buckets of cold water over my head. Once I poured the first one, it wasn't so bad. I'm not confident the soap completely washed off my body, but at least I have some form of getting clean other than baby wipes, which got old very quickly. The day after I showered, I looked as though I hadn't. The dirt is inescapable, BUT it's been giving me an amazing spray tan for the best price in town: free!
Wow. I can only imagine! We really do take so many things for granted in this country. Things like washing machines make life so much easier... I tried to use cloth diapers when my son, Julian, was a baby... then I got lazy and switched to disposable. I can't imagine life without a choice.
ReplyDeleteStay safe (and clean). I have caught up on reading about your adventure, so far. I am looking forward to your next post!
Are you able to post any pictures?
Hi Sandy! I'm so glad you've been enjoying the blog. I have posted some photos on my Tumblr account, which you can access through my blog. The link should be posted onthe right, under my name. This is definitely a great learning experience so far. Stay tuned! Love to all
ReplyDeleteomg ... and sometimes we complain for trivial things. Good luck on your first laundry day :) kupenda bebe, upendo wewe mtoto (learning swahili, haha)
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