** Title Quote from Leonardo da Vinci
"Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strain, Ch-ch-changes, don't want to be a richer man. Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strain, Ch-ch-changes, just gonna have to be a different man..." David Bowie
I recently read a (slightly) controversial article, written by an American man who had spent many years living in foreign countries. The gist of the article was a satirical account of how Americans have too much.
In-and-around the same time, my parents made the trek out to Azerbaijan to visit me. They said the majority of people back home, when told of their impending trip, responded in one of two ways. The first was amazement and disbelief at the craziness of such an adventure; the second was abject horror as to why they would do such a thing. It really got me thinking...
In America (and most 1st -world countries) we have luxuries that we take for granted everyday. In any average American home, there are machines enlisted to do every manner of household chore. I have heard from many people back home, comments such as "I can't believe you have to do this by hand" or "but what do you do without"... Only a generation or 2 ago, did our mothers and grandmothers do the exact same thing I'm doing now. It's not about doing without, if you've never had it to begin with.
My life now, in many ways, is "harder" but it is also simpler. I have to think 2 steps ahead now if I want clean clothes, because if the weather isn't sunny they won't dry. I have to make sure I boil water and filter and bottle it, or I have nothing to cook with or drink. I have to make sure to soak the beans I buy at the market 24-hours in advance and then cook them for several hours, if I want to enjoy them for dinner. While this all takes a little thought, sometimes it's more satisfying. It is the difference between want and need, and the willingness to make something happen if you really want it.
In no way is this blog meant to criticize people back home, it's only meant to be thought-provoking. It is meant to make you appreciate the things you have in the 1st world and not take for granted the ease of life we have. I know I will never think of things the same way.
This is a comparison to what my life was, and what it is now... (Please excuse the model in Azerbaijan, she was very difficult to work with :) )
Washing Machines
 |
| In the U.S. |
 |
Mine
Dryers
|
 |
| Typical American |
 |
Mine
Fridges |
 |
| Typical American |
 |
| Mine |
Ovens and a homecooked meal
Dishwashers
Totally the same thing, right??
Vacuums
Trips to Starbucks
|
|
And yes, for you careful observers, I am pouring water on my floor..
|
Grocery Stores
 |
| In the US |
 |
| In Azerbaijan |
 |
| The produce section in Azerbaijan |
The Pantry
 |
| American |
 |
| Mine |
Bathroom/Showers
 |
| State-of-the-Art toilet |
 |
| One of the nicest PC showers...honestly |
Anyway, I hope no one takes this blog offensively. I just got to thinking about how my daily life has changed so dramatically and yet I don't really feel as though I "do without". Just take a moment to look around and appreciate the things you've got, but don't think that you actually need them. Afterall, most of the world doesn't know what a microwave is...
