First, this post is dedicated to Fred and Elena Kyle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They both enthusiastically responded to my recent surge in posting and in the case of Fred, implied doubt that this trend would continue. Grandma and Grandpa, this one's for you.
Oh, and I should also probably dedicate this post to those who originally taught me how to take a bath. Mom and Dad, this one is also for you.
Really, learning to bathe oneself in an entirely new way at
any age after 15 is quite an accomplishment.
And now, a year and a few months into practicing the new art of
initially changing my bathing technique at age 22, I am ready to report.
Step 1: Heat up water (if it’s cold outside). If you are already dripping in sweat, skip
this step. You may also skip this step
if you are one of the people who subscribe to the “banho frio faz bem” theory.
Step 2: Carefully
mix hot water (if applicable) and cold water in the big plastic bucket to make
the perfect body washing temperature.
This “perfect temperature” is completely subjective and what is your
perfect body washing temperature is not necessarily someone else’s. Be careful not to spill the boiling water on
you before mixing. This is said from
personal experience.
Step 3: Place the plastic bucket in the designated “shower
area.” Follow said bucket so you are also standing in the designated area.
Step 4: Take a smaller container (Plastic butter containers,
for example) and start scooping water from the bigger bucket and pouring it on
yourself.
*This is where it gets very personal and individual. Although a few of the host families in the
very beginning tried to bathe the volunteer, I have decided that because I am
writing this guide for those who have already mastered one bathing technique, I
will leave the rest up to the reader. I
will say: although soap is used in Mozambique if the family has it (most of the
time), I highly recommend that you have soap on hand.
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