Temperamental Shower

URGENT UPDATE: It’s remains very HOT!!

...and we did our first beach day yesterday...beeeeeeauty!

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So, I’m sure this comes as no surprise to any of you, but the daily routine here in The Gambia differs from that which we are used to back in Canada. “Well Duh! Thanks for the wonderful insight, Matt”...is what I’m sure you are all saying. Give me a minute to elaborate, please.

Most of us, back home, don’t put much thought into our morning routine; waking up, putting on a pot of coffee, and stepping into the shower. Now, yes...I knew that there wouldn’t be Sportscentre with Jay and Dan or the “Top 10” to start my day. And, yes...I knew that coffee would consist of boiling a pot of water and adding Nescafe (‘Gold’, mind you...it’s really not that bad). But, I have to admit, even I was startled as I awoke Wednesday morning—having not showered since leaving Fredericton at 6am Monday, to finally cleanse myself of all that film of travel that just sticks to you—to find only a tiny stream of water vacating the shower tap as I turned the knob.

You see, here, we are fortunate enough to be fully equipped with a well-sized bathroom, replete with toilet and sink that would be recognizable back home, as well as a stand shower (although just an open area in the corner of the bathroom). However, what we didn’t consider upon arrival is that the water pressure (while seemingly always present at least a little) fluctuates depending on the time of day. While we can always brush our teeth and wash dishes, the pressure is not strong enough to take a proper shower in the morning.

“Ah...M.C.” I said, “How did you get this thing to work last night?” (she having been smart enough to shower once we settled in, Tuesday night). After some jiggling (of the shower knobs) to no avail, off to work I went for the first day. Getting home at the end of the day, I was intent, once again, on a refresh and a de-stink. Again, to no avail. Ohhhhh, I thought, this is why we purchased these buckets.

THE BUCKET SHOWER PROCESS:

-          Turn shower knob on – Small stream of water exits bottom tap

-          Place Bucket the first under stream

-          Lather

-          Take Bucket the first (two inches full of water) and douse oneself

-          Meanwhile, Bucket the second is placed under water stream

-          Bend over to place head under bottom tap for extra dousing

-          When Bucket the second in two inches full, remove and douse

-          Meanwhile, Bucket the first is placed back under water stream

-          Continue until desired cleanliness is reached

And, so it was that we came to know that morning showers, and in all likelihood afternoon showers, are bucket showers. Since Wednesday, we have come to realize that after dark (past 7:30pm) we are able to shower as anyone back at home would. And the routine is set accordingly...exercise happens in the evenings. Showering happens before bed. Mornings are for teeth brushing, deodorant applying and cob-web shaking.

From The Smiling Coast...Until next time, Don’t Stop Believin

Matty

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CRIBBAGE UPDATE: 5-2 lead for yours truly