Guilt

Last week I singed up for a swimming pool and a gym in a fancy hotel. Many VSO’s joined as a group, so we had a discount. When I jumped in the pool, I finally felt clean.

I certainly do have shower at home, but the water has iron odor and yellowish-brownish color to it. You are not supposed to drink it, but it is not dirty water. It just does not feel clean.

It is such a nice place, and it almost made me forget that I was in Guyana. Then again, I felt guilty. I felt like I am such a hypocritical and arrogant expat, who is enjoying, to a local standard, an expensive and luxurious thing. You are here to assist the local people and live among them, and you are enjoying something that most local people wouldn’t afford. But, this has been one of the best treats (besides ordering pizza from Pizza Hat!) for me, and I think I can allow myself to have this pleasure..

I will try to maximize the membership, at least. I went to swim both Saturday and Sunday. It’s a kidney shape pool, but I can still so dome laps. My routine is that I swim a bit, sit to do some reading and swim some more. I am hoping that I will be in a good shape if I swim three times a week.


***Thank you very much for those who have donated to VSO on my behalf. I will be sending you postcards shortly as I promised. However, the mailing system is not as reliable here, so it may get lost on the way to you. I have not reached the amount ($500) yet, and am still accepting donations. If you would like to help, please visit http://www.vsocan.org and remember to put my name. (also drop me a line saying that you donated, so that I can send you a postcard) Sorry, my frineds in Japan who offered, but paying by a credit card is the only way.***