The new arrival

Yes, the day has finally come.

Russell and I are now the proud owners of a washing machine. Its gorgeous.

When we first arrived in Japan, there was a laundromat just around the corner. It was a bit sketchy and not so clean, but it was so darn close that we felt no reason to obtain yet another heavy, bulky appliance that we would have to find a home for someday when we returned States-side.

About two weeks after we arrived, the building that the laundromat was in was torn down. Now, we had to walk 10 minutes down a steep hill to a different laundromat. This one was cleaner, to be sure, but there were only three machines, so it was quite possible to find yourself waiting for other people to finish their laundry before you could do yours. Actually, considering there were only three machines, we had this problem surprisingly few times - but the threat was always hovering.

In addition, once the laundry was wet and HEAVY we had to haul it back up the steep hill. Because this process was so darn much fun, we often waited a little longer than we should have to actually do laundry. This didn't help the weight issue. Oh, and don't forget the heat and humidity. Laundry days rocked.

About two weeks into this new arrangement I decided I wanted a washing machine. Russell insisted that it would be too hard to get rid of. Then we discovered that Recycle shops will pick things up for you. Recycle shops are used goods shops. You can get all sorts of things there - often appliances, furniture and sometimes cloths. In fact, that was where we got our stove top and refrigerator. Every Friday and Saturday we hear trucks with loop tracks calling for refrigerators, computers, game consoles, motorcycles, etc. There are also businesses whose job it is to come pick up all your junk and find a home for it. Problem solved.

No, Russell worried that it would cost too much.

Then we saw brand new ones at a store for about $120. Considering a load cost $3, and we were doing 1-2 loads a week, that was starting to look like the more economical way to go.

After a while ,Russell agreed that we could get a machine, but he somehow never had time to go with me. I left for Oregon crossing my fingers there would be a washing machine when I returned.

No luck, there. However, whether because he finally had time to go shopping, or because I held his Oregon micro-brews hostage until he helped me, Russell scored a fine, fine washing machine which now lives on our back porch. In fact, once he found a recycle shop he figured the time from spotting the machine on the sidewalk to having it installed at home was no more than 15 minutes. We have done two loads of laundry so far and are looking forward to the third.

Oh, by the way. Yes, keeping your washing machine on the veranda is perfectly normal. Some apartments have special insets where you can put a washing machine inside, but in general the machines seem to be kept outside. My best guess for this is that it decreases the chance of water damage indoors - which I imagine is quite a headache when you live in a fifteen story condo high-rise. Its also handy to have the washing machine right next to where you hang your laundry.

And yes, Russell enjoyed his beer.