Poolside Sanity

The lovely American Ambassador has this fantastic pool at his residence. He and his wife let all the American expats swim in the pool from 2 - 5:30 each day. I have come to truly believe there is healing power in water. Well, I don't really know if there is healing power but there is something about water that is quite therapeutic.

The days here are hot. I never stay in the sun for any amount of time if I can help it and I do my best to sit in front of a fan constantly. Unfortunately, everyday the electricity goes out. Usually from 6:30 to 9:00 each night...which means that lovely fan also goes out. I sit inside a room with little air movement other than that fan all day. Needless to say when the afternoon hits...I am usually quite sticky. Most likely rather foul smelling also.

I have also found myself going back and forth between I want to be home and I want to stay here. I don't mind the work but I really wish at the end of the day...I could go home. I do my best to keep busy or around people...but still I just want my bed at night and I want the drama of my friends life again.

To give me a place to rejuvienate, I have decided that every day at 2:30 or 3:00 I will go to the pool. It is simply a small walk up the street. The water is beautiful. I swim laps (having actually remembered my googles) while the older ladies swim laps doggie style without there heads ever going under the water. Ah the sweet water...it refreshes my soul. I know that sounds cheesy but truly something in me relaxes as I swim in water. Afterwards, I sit poolside and read a book. There are lovely flowers around and I am sitting in shaded area so it feels very cool.

Without this lovely pool, I think I would have fewer moments of I enjoy this place and be despirately desiring my airconditioned home and familar faces and drama. I think there is a ton of truth to the statement that it is better to take moments to recharge than to constantly be discharging.