Power Outtages and Water Shortages

You know, normally in the US if the power went out, something would be seriously wrong. But really, it's not a big deal here. Actually, if you aren't used to it, it's really a bit of an adventure. We get out flashlights, a few people have headlamps (really cool, I know) and then there are of course candles. The batteries for my flashlight died after the shamba visit in Arusha, and I haven't gotten around to buying more, because they are expensive and the candles work just fine. The first time we had a power outtage at night I made this nifty little lantern out of two water bottles. When I get around to uploading my photos from my camera to the computer, you can see how nifty it is. basically you cut the top off of two bottles, discard one of the tops, then put the other upside down in the base of one bottle, put the candle in that, then cut the bottom off of the other bottle and it makes a shield for the candle so the wind doesn't blow it out. I was pretty impressed with myself.

Anyways. We do lots of exciting things by candle/flashlight. Like going to the bathroom. You haven't really gone to the bathroom until you need to take a candle in with you so you can see if there are bugs in the lid. We brush our teeth by candle light, study and do homework.

Eventually, the novelty does wear off. But I need to make another candle lantern because the other one I made was borrowed and never returned. So that will be fun.

Water shortages are also very common. Last week we went 8 days without water. It's not a problem, because there is a septic tank down in the laundry area of Hall III. And that's fun because we haul buckets of water up 129 steps to the 8th floor. Amanda and I are thinking of asking Luther to give us cardiovascular gym class credit, because we thinking it's probably more strenuous than a lot of Luther gym classes. We had water for about 3 days this week, but it's out again. We're hoping it comes back on again soon. If not, it's ok.

According to the newspapers, there are water and electricity shortages because of corruption in the companies, and because of illegal taping into the water and electricity networks. The corruption is that the meter readers will turn a blind eye when they see illegal connections to the water pipes or electrical lines. Supposedly the government has ordered a crackdown on the corruption in the companies, but there is speculation that it won't solve the crisis because there is just not enough water to go around, or enough energy generated to run the whole city constantly.

We will see what tomorrow brings. Who knows, maybe we will have water!