What's that smell? Oh, it's me...

My 7 months in South America have marked an all-time low for personal hygiene. Because of the shower situation, I would rather stink. Yes, I remember a time when bathing was a pleasant, relaxing experience. When it was over, I felt warm and clean and refreshed. Now, when I emerge from the shower, I'm frustrated, freezing, and slightly singed. Let me explain how the showers work.

There are no such thing as hot and cold water taps. You get hot water by turning on an electric heater that is attached to a shower head. Because handling electricity while you're in the shower is brilliant. In order to have hot water, you have to keep the water pressure low, so the water has time to heat up before it hits you. Therefore, it's impossible to have both good water pressure and hot water at the same time.

This in itself isn't too horrible, but my current shower makes my previous shower look like a luxury bath. I turn the water on, then my electricity and wait for the water to get hot. By the time I step into the shower, it's usually so hot it's scalding. I try to adjust the water pressure, but when I touch the metal knob, it gives me an electrical shock. I grab a towel to turn the knob, which works until the towel gets wet. I turn the water pressure up. Within a few seconds, the water's too cold. I grab the towel to try to adjust it again. Occasionally, I can get it just right. However, the whole thing is wacky, and the water pressure, and thus the temperature, will fluxuate without me touching anything. Half the time, I just give up and get out before I'm finished.

One of the first things I noticed about the hotel room where the rest of my family is staying is the shower. It actually has a hot and cold tap. No electricity necessary. When they return from Machu Picchu tonight, I plan on heading over there for a nice, long, stress-free shower. I hope. (Now if only I were able to flush toilet paper down the toilet, I'd be living the life.)