Laundry...

So today, instead of going to the clinic, I stayed back and transcribed all of my interviews. Whew! That definitely takes longer than I thought – I spent the whole day doing it and I’m not finished yet. I got a late start on the day because I spent the first hour traipsing around Mbita trying to find a bank that would accept my MasterCard debit – which none did. I had, literally, 30 shillings left. So I had to exchange money, which, when you exchange cash, always has a horrible exchange rate – 75 shillings to the dollar instead of 95 (I know, still pretty crazy how much the dollar is worth – for 75 shillings, I can get a dozen eggs, some vegetables and a loaf of bread!). BUT, I also needed to get cash out to pay a deposit on a safari (yes, I decided to go! Seemed a little selfish at first because I’m here to work, but everyone kept saying “if you are in Kenya, you have to go on Safari!” so I decided to go, right at the end of my time here.). Anyway, I called Marcus, the coordinator of the safari and said I couldn’t pay him until Friday when Soti goes to Kisumu and can get cash for me then. He says “Oh yes, I am from Mbita. No one takes MasterCard there! So nasty sometimes. No worries, dear.” So, no problem. Sawa, sawa, as they say here.

Last night I did my first batch of laundry. Basically, I have one wash basin and one rinse basin, except, I’ve never really done laundry that way, so I asked Soti how he does it. He goes “Oh, you just do whatever is comfortable.” “Well, I’ve never actually done laundry this way, so I don’t know what is best.” “Really? How do you do laundry?” “Ummm, I use a laundry machine…” “Ohhhh.” Somehow, it surprised me that he didn’t know that, which really, why would he? Except that he watches television all the time, so I know he’s seen them before – he probably just never thought about it. Anyway, it was pretty funny!

I went to ICIPE (everyone says “ee-seep-ay”) to work on my transcriptions – it is the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology – basically, they study things like malaria and other tropical, insect born diseases. It was built in the 70’s and I guess used to be much busier and nicer, but it’s still pretty nice. It’s right on the water and has a GREAT breeze. There is a little dining area that I can sit in, right at the window, and feel the breeze, as well as a bunch of little gazebo-type seating areas outside. The grounds are beautiful, with flowers all over – there is even a guest lodging area with running water!!! I might cave and stay there a night or two (it’s pretty cheap), although I’m getting pretty used to it here, as long as I remember to go to the bathroom BEFORE it gets dark. I am seriously NOT getting in there with all the cockroaches again. J

Oh, and remember all those horrible little bugs?? Walked into my room today and they were covering my wall. Grrrr. I am just going to have to get over it! Good news though – Soti got me mosquito repellent soap with DEET in it – I am putting it all over my legs and hopefully will stop getting bit so much! Glad no one cares about smell here... :)