Stardate: November 5 2007 Washing Machine Woes

Our washing machine and landlady are still on the fritz. The mechanic finally brought the parts back, but then said the electricity in the apartment was the problem. So, the landlady brought in electrical specialists to make sure that the electric wasn't being siphoned off by someone (yep, you read that correctly).

Unfortunately, it wasn't. The landlady tried the machine and with a terrible shock for us—it worked. She explained to me, like I am stupid or something, how the machine works. I kept telling her in French (she doesn’t speak English/I don’t speak enough Russian. Her male friend spoke French, so that became our mode of communication) that I knew how to work it and that it will not work the next time. That was the last time it did, too. She refuses to consider paying to have it fixed or purchasing a new one. She thinks we are incompetent. Anyway, in Dec, when we get our next Fulbright paycheck, we will purchase a 2^nd hand washing machine to use for the duration until May. We’ll have the last laugh though. We’ve had to purchase all kinds of supplies (pots, pans, glassware, utensils, cutting board, vacuum, etc) for the apartment none of which we will leave behind for her. (smiley face) I’d rather give them away to strangers on the street than give them to the tight-fisted wench. We will actually give them to A since she has been so kind to us.