The water saga...

Current Running Water Status: Negative
ETA: Unknown

So today our washing machine was installed.  I thought this was a humorous concept, considering we didn't have enough water to wash ourselves, much less our clothing.  But they just continued with "the plan." Before I went home I was contacted by Pee Mam who wanted to know if I was free to meet with her and the Vice-Director after school.  Sure thing, if it solves anything I am all in.  So they came over.  Turns out when they arrived there was no water.  FINALLY.  Every other time someone has been here there has been some flow, so they say that it is just fine and to use the bucket.  But now they were forced to admit that there was a problem.  As it turns out the water has been a problem for all of the teacher housing, including the Director's.  You would think that would make me feel better, but in a way it makes me feel worse...why would they build this place and have us move in if they already knew they had a problem with the water?  There just isn't the infrastructure necessary to support this many people in this area.

Well, we will be getting buckets and scoops for the time being, but the water company is being contacted.  They have said that for this week it will be bad, but after that it should be ok.  I hope that is correct.  I am ok with the bucket situation as a temporary thing--I totally understand that sometimes water is going to be a problem in a town like this.  However, I don't really accept that as a permanent solution to the current issue.  I know that bucket showers are normal in rural Thailand, but I don't think that this is normal.

Anyway, turns out that they are going to be contacting the water company to try to sort this out.  Which I think is a good idea, since it will be hard to fill my bucket with no running water.  And to do laundry.  And cook.  And any number of other things that I need to do on a daily basis.  But that will take a few days, so Pee Mam has said to call her when we want to shower.  <_<  Yeah.  Hope the water comes back so I can at least fill the bucket.

The Vice-Director did seem keen on helping though, and they do in general seem to want to make things work.  When he realized that only the bedrooms had A/C and that the main room was hot (his observation), a teacher showed up at my front door with a fan.  And he is finally getting someone to fix Rhea's leaky A/C, so that is a plus.  It feels like we finally have someone's attention.  Also Rhea told me that if we aren't happy with the internet, we can get our own put in for about $20 per month.  Seeing how the next few days go (they are adding a new hotspot near the house), I think this may be a very viable option.  So there are some things that are getting much better.  It really is just trying to get this one bit worked out.

On the lighter side of things, I will be making my first foray into solo Thai cooking in the next couple days.  I have begun to gather my ingredients, and all that remains is a time and coming to terms with the distinct possibility that my food will be inedible.  Ahh well, that is what the evening market is for.  See you later!