...most of the world does it. Women, that is. Most of the world's women. It takes lots of time in the week depending on your family size. It can be a social event, if everyone goes out to wash at once in the river or at the communal tap. It can be a pain in the...back - your back can get sore from the act.
For me, handwashing my clothes is like handwashing the dishes, lame. In fact, I have been heard to say, on occasion, that I hate it. True, I could pay someone to do this for me, but often it is just easier to do it myself. In this decision, I am trying to enjoy the process more. Lately, like today, the temperature is hot and climate sunny in Addis, so being elbow-deep in cool refreshing water is quite nice. Hanging my drawers to dry in the sunshine and cool African breeze is almost romantic.
Here is a blog post my housemate put up about washing machines.
http://catherinepfeifer.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-magics-of-washing-machine.html
She shares a TED talk and another video about a simple machine for washing. Who knew washing clothes could carry such gender and political weight? Enjoy.
For me, handwashing my clothes is like handwashing the dishes, lame. In fact, I have been heard to say, on occasion, that I hate it. True, I could pay someone to do this for me, but often it is just easier to do it myself. In this decision, I am trying to enjoy the process more. Lately, like today, the temperature is hot and climate sunny in Addis, so being elbow-deep in cool refreshing water is quite nice. Hanging my drawers to dry in the sunshine and cool African breeze is almost romantic.
Here is a blog post my housemate put up about washing machines.
http://catherinepfeifer.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-magics-of-washing-machine.html
She shares a TED talk and another video about a simple machine for washing. Who knew washing clothes could carry such gender and political weight? Enjoy.
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