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Published: June 16th 2011
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What does this mean?!
Japanese washing machine error. Arrrrrrg!
Today I'm finding myself really frustrated with some of the limitations of my accommodation. Especially not having a sink. I don't like having to lean over past the toilet to spit into the drain in the far corner of the toilet/shower room. Even though the room is kept very clean. And I don't really like that I am almost standing on top of the toilet when I shower. I can't help but think about the fact that other people probably also use that toilet and that men do not always have the best aim! Wearing thongs in the shower makes me feel somewhat more comfortable with this. It's also a bit frustrating to find that the washing machine doesn't seem to work. I really don't want to have to hand wash my clothes! Its all in Japanese so I'm not sure what the error actually is, which is even more frustrating.
However, in the midst of all those frustrations, I am very aware that actually my living conditions are immeasurably better than many (perhaps most?) people living in Cambodia. From what I understand many of the women at my workplace for example would spend at least a day of
their weekend doing clothes washing by hand. And certainly there are an awful lot of people in this country who don't have access to a toilet or shower, who can't afford something like toothpaste, and who even if they could afford toothpaste would be using dirty to clean their teeth. So again, I stop being a spoiled westerner, quit complaining and try to be grateful for how easy I have it! No doubt I will get used to the differences soon enough! I think perhaps feeling a bit frustrated with language learning makes me feel more frustrated with other things too.
Having finished my minor tantrum over the small discomforts of my accommodation here compared to home, I set off to met Louise for a swim at the Phnom Penh sports club. A luxury only affordable for expats and the very rich Cambodians. The pool was lovely, until the rain began. It is monsoon season after all I guess. And then, a moment I would never have expected. I was cold! Really cold! Getting out of the pool and into a cold shower then standing in the slight breeze...BRRR! Though I think it was just me. Lou seemed to be quite happy with the temperature.
When the rain abated, Lou and I made our way via tuk tuk to Savanna shopping centre. A modern shopping mall with a supermarket, clothing shops, and most importantly Svenson's ice creamery (who do an awesome berry cheesecake ice cream). Amazingly, we also found a sports store and I was able to buy a genuine Reebok (really genuine this time) pilates mat. Though I have since noticed that it is a little bit shorter than the ones I've seen at home. I wonder if they are tailored to the average height of the country? Either way, being able to hang out and relax with someone who is so easy to get along with and without the language barrier has made all the difference and I'm in a much better mood already.
In the evening I also managed to catch up Kelly, a friend of a friend at home, for dinner and to hand over a delivery of Cadbury chocolates. It was dark by time we were leaving so following the advice I'd been given I needed to find a tuk tuk rather than walking home. This turned out to be one of the most exciting moments of the day. I managed to catch a tuk tuk on my own and give directions in good enough Khmer for the non English speaking driver to understand and get me to the correct destination. I am so excited. I feel like I am no longer trapped in my house after dark 😊
Awesome end to the day!
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