A lone laundromat.

Hard to believe it. But there’s only one laundromat in the town I’m living in. In Sardinia/Italy. Yes, the city of Carbonia has 30,000 inhabitants.  And a single laundromat. Which opened not long ago. With four coin-operated washing machines and three dryers. My Italian true love and I went to the laudromat the other day. To take care of a 16 kilogram load of wash. Our washing machine at home is out of service.  For about a month. Because our ‘laundry room’ on the east balcony has been temporarily closed off  while the building’s façade gets a remake. Of course, we could have  taken our laundry to a nearby stream. And washed it all by hand. On the rocks.  But that seemed a little too 18th-century-like. The laundromat tucked away in a tiny back alley proved to be the better alternative.  We found one empty washing machine waiting for us. Which cost  5 euros to operate.  But we had to wait a while to use a dryer. Which required another stipend. Anyway, it was well-worth the investment. Gave us clean sheets and clean towels.  I liked the atmosphere.  The patrons were all cordial. Though they spoke in Italian. Which I didn’t understand.  Until they said ‘arrividerci’ upon departure.  I suspect there’s a business opportunity. For anyone interested in opening more laundromats. But can’t be sure about that. Most Italians appear to have their own washing machines. But one doesn’t see many dryers. Instead, Italians generally hang out their clothes to dry. Often from clotheslines extended from balconies or windows. Makes for colorful displays. –Jim Broede