Dirrty

Not like Christian Aguilera circa 2002. I mean like dusty, muddy, trash everywhere, no hot water to shower with dirty.

I thought I would be used to it by now. I was wrong. I miss feeling clean. And not being covered in dirt.

It is more the dust than anything. It barely rains here and the roads are not paved, and therefore dust and dirt is everywhere. And due to the means to which we move around the city and to my pale complexion (which everyone in Uganda likes to point out by pointing at me and shouting Muzungu!), the red dirt gets all over and shows up quite nicely on my skin. I think I have permanently turned a slight shade of orange.

And not having hot water doesn't exactly make the situation any better. Now, I am not complaining about my showering situation. I realize the fact that I have running water is a luzury in comparison to many of my classmates around the world and to most living in Kampala and in prisons across Uganda who lack access to clean water, let alone running water. On the same note, cold showers are not fun. Showering with cold water is not only not hot and not enjoyable, it does not get you clean. Trust me. The towel I use to dry off has turned a shade of brown due to the cold water's inability to thoroughly wash off the layer of dirt.

I have reverted to using lots of deodorant, Stridex face cleansing pads, and scarves to cover my not so clean hair. I may not look nice or smell great, but I think I am managing to make the most of it.