The simple life

Many of the YAVS in other placements around the world are practicing communal living.  While i'm very glad to be living with a family in Guatemala, there are some experiences that you just want to share with your friends.. if for no other reason than you know at least there is a chance that there will be someone looking more awkward than you, at whatever it is that you may be attempting.

And so it was with laundry day, Guatemalan style.

A pila is the equivalent of a sink, dishwasher, and washing machine in one.  In the middle there is clean water--do not contaminate the clean water!  On the left side, there is a basin with a beveled bottom, into which you scoop water from the center to wash and rinse your clothes.  Same goes for the right side, except it is for washing dishes...unless your host mom has graciously opened her pila to become the community washateria for the day, and then it magically converts into another clothes-washing side.

We discovered that pre-soaking is key.  Quick tip:  Smell the bucket into which you deposit your clothes BEFORE doing so. You could be choosing a bucket that has recently been used to clean fish.   I'm just sayin...

Feeling very accomplished.   And then it started to rain.  Ha!  

"Had a moment" as I was reflecting on my new 'life skill' read the back of our YAV shirts.