Here in South Africa, almost anyone who makes any decent amount of money has a maid. Hiring a maid is not expensive because there are so many people who need a job and are willing to work as a maid. Some people have someone who comes to their house every day of the week and cleans, does laundry, etc. Some have a live-in maid who is literally there all the time; some may even have their maid cook or take car of young kids.
When I first moved to South Africa, I lived with a family who had a live-in maid. I don't think I ever publicly said this but: I NEVER did laundry. It was a dream come true. I helped out around the house where I could, so I was a good house guest, but actually, most of the time, I couldn't find anything to do (cleaning wise).
Well, I figured that once I got married those days were over. My husband is busy finishing his law degree and although we both have jobs, we decided that we didn't need to spend our small income on someone cleaning our little one bedroom place. But through a series of very fortuitous events, we have a maid who comes every Friday!
She cleans the house (I purposely plan my cooking so that major cooking is done on Thursday nights...tonight's menu: Badia-seasoned and lime chicken, brown rice and black beans, garden salad, and garlic bread) and does the laundry (which is an extra big deal here in SA since people don't use tumble dryers...they hang dry everything and then iron it all! Seriously, ironing is the worst.). Not to brag or anything, but it is glorious! So, Thursday are my favorite day because I can let all cleanliness and order go to...what's the phrase?...well, they just don't happen in our house. :)
Have you ever had a maid? What would you most like a maid for, if you could have one?
(If it'll make all you maid-less people out there feel better, if and when we move back to the US, I am going to cry the first time I have to pick up a mop.)
Love,
EF
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