Soviet Showers
I was a representative to a Soviet Summer Camp back in 1979. The camp was an international camp of the "Soviet" type. It was called Artec on the Black Sea.
We were given uniforms to wear, one per week. We got a new uniform when we were allowed to take a shower at the main camp entrance. The showers were once a week. Otherwise we had cold running water in a trough-like sink for all of us girls. The toilets were functional at best. The only toilet paper we had, after your one roll you brought from home was gone, was Pravda. I'm not kidding. It was really slick too. Enough said on the Pravda!
In the morning, we went to morning exercises in our uniforms. Before exercises I would wash my hair in the cold water and shake it dry. No plugs for blow dryers. I was a vain 15 year old who was not going to go without washing my hair. I did learn to make it without a shower because there was no privacy in the bathrooms and a cold shower just didn't cut it!
It was a great experience and definitely one I will never forget.
I was part of a 12-person US delegation and we lived with 12 Soviet girls who thought the camp's standards were just wonderful. We sure did see the differences in cultures during our four week stay.
I now take showers every day and have a great appreciation for soft toilet paper and privacy!!
Thanks for asking about hygiene, it brought back some great memories.
-Terri
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