It was only a month ago that showers were an everyday occurance for me. I didn't really think about having hot water available to shower at the perfect temperature. And there were days when I saw showering more as an added hassle to my day. Standing under that hot shower taking in the sweet aroma of body wash from Bath and Body Works can take so much time and effort, right?
Here in Moldova, taking a shower is quite the weekly event.
First, you have to find a buddy to walk to the well with you and carry back buckets of freezing cold water. My first few days in Moldova I thought all the wells throughout town were quaint little things to pose next to for a photo. I didn't expect I'd actually be using them.
So once you've hauled the water back, you and your chosen buddy then stand in a tub and take turns pouring the freezing cold water over each other, taking breaks to apply soap, shampoo, etc. I'm not exaggerating at all when I say freezing cold. This water leaves you with a brain freeze, numb extremities, and gasps that were meant to be screams. My beloved teammate, Carly, likes to add to the whole experience by tossing the water on you unexpectedly while laughing hysterically.
The final step is to towel off with a small, quick dry towel that is in no way comfortable or luxurious and pat yourself on the back for surviving another shower.
Thankfully this only has to be endured about once a week. On the other days, "showering" involves using wet wipes, finding creative ways to style greasy hair, and spraying yourself with something yummy smelling to mask any sort of foul smell. I didn't think that body spray would be necessary on this trip, so I've found that using hairspray is a great substitute.
I've gotten more and more used to this showering style and am looking foward to other unique showering methods on this trip. It has definitely given me a greater appreciation for the showers I once enjoyed back home.
