Okay, so we seem to have a leak in a water pipe or something outside. The plumbers arrived quickly. Yep, three of them to check things out. That was over an hour ago. Now there are only two of them. Guess one is the driver. English (which is Namibia's official language so I don't want anyone giving me a hard time about expecting people to speak English rather than learn the language of the country) is not their strong suit. Hopefully plumbing is because it appears that all the brick walk along side the house is now dug up. Great. Can you say loooooooooong project?
I hate having people come to repair, inspect, or do anything. It is so much work. I knew we were off to a typical start when I was asked if I had a mop. Evidently, they meant plunger. I gave them a plunger and they wanted to know if I had a better one. Hello?? Maybe you should bring some tools. (I know, what am I thinking? We have had people using rocks as hammers until we have lent a real hammer.) THEN I am asked for an adapter so they can charge the cell phone. It has a European plug not a funky Namibian/South African one. THEN they asked me to feed them. I don't mind providing drinks when people are working but (1) they are not working. The two of them are hanging out in the shade sitting on my chairs waiting (I am assuming) for guy #3 to come back with equipment. (2) This is not a luncheon. I did not plan on feeding you today. I give them bread and fruit along with some lemonade. This is done primarily because these guys are working on my water and I don't want to get them upset at me because heaven knows what they could do to mess things up or draw out the process forever. I TRY to assume that it is just cultural because I know that workers are usually provided meals or meal allowance as part of wages. They are already ticked that I don't have coffee for them. Sigh.
Meanwhile it seems that every time I try to do something they need to be let in or out or have the power turned off or something. I kind of need to be available to them and I don't all together trust them either so I have to keep an eye on them. I guess we really need to have the pipe fixed though, so what can I do?
